30 March 1945

The big day on Saturday (31 March 1945), we have been transferred to Sølskot.

The Soviets are closing in on Berlin.  The Allied have crossed the Rhine.  Whilst we have been sent back to the fighting front.  We travelled to Schleswig, Denmark where we stayed until the last few days of April.

 We journey back to Sølskot on 1st May.   I have been billeted in Sølskot Park, there are around 400 of us in one tavern.

26 March 1945

To Denmark

The fighting is very unpredictable over the Rhine as German forces continue to put up resistance in the battle for western Germany. 

 “With cohesion rapidly disintegrating, the Germans were organised into battle groups of anything from platoon to battalion strength: adhoc formations ranging from pathetic Volksturm (Home Guard) to experienced SS and parachute detachments and even an officer cadet training school. Some put up token resistance before running away. The bravest, including the officer cadets, fought with skill and ferocity.”  http://ww2today.com/26-march-1945-the-forward-platoon-makes-contact-as-they-enter-germany

Command is resolute; the Allied must not reach the Fatherland’s heart.  We are to stop the advance from Denmark.