1939, Sgt. Robert Coxon

Sgt. Robert Coxon

El Alamein to D-Day to VE-Day

Early Life

Robert Coxon (born 1918) was the eldest son of John William and Margaret Ann Coxon. His father was the subject of our story from World War 1.

The family of five, lived in a one bedroom terraced house in Backworth, Northumberland. These small linked houses were built by the pit owner for mineworkers. Robert was a bright boy who passed the entrance examination to his local grammar school but his family couldn't afford to send him. He became an apprentice bricklayer with John Bertram, a local building company. Active in the local Methodist Church he taught at the children's Sunday School.

Robert, known to everyone as Bob, joined the Army on 20th October 1939 and was posted to the 126 (H) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery with training near Arbroath, Scotland. He was 20 years old. During the war years he was promoted to Sergeant in 1941 and Warrant Officer II in 1945.

Sgt. Coxon's Bible and Diary

This article is written in two parts.

The first part describes the time from joining the Royal Artillery and the 51st Highland Division and then to fighting at El Alamein (Libya), Tunisia and Sicily.

The second part is more detailed and based on the first hand account by Sgt. Coxon from D-Day to the final battle in Europe and Victory in Europe. In his Bible he records his locations from 6th June 1945 (D-Day) until the 8th March 1945. In his diary he wrote daily notes from January 1st 1945 until April 7th 1945.

They provide a personal picture of life in the front line at the final stages of World War 2. Keeping notes was probably a breach of the rules. Written during the most stressful times the neatness and day-by-day consistency of recording events is admirable.

51st Highland Division

Royal Artillery

126th Field Regiment

The 51st Highland Division was officially formed in 1908 as a collation of all the kilted Highland regiments. Their exploits in the Second Word War earned them their legendary status, but the Highland Division had been renowned since the First World War for their bravery and ability in combat.

The 51st Highland Division was mobilised in 1939 for deployment to France in January 1940 as part of the British Expeditionary Force (BEF). When the BEF were forced to withdraw at Dunkirk the Highland Division formed a defensive perimeter around St Valéry, France. In what would be its darkest chapter, the Division was isolated, abandoned and forced to surrender.

Fortunately, one of its brigades, 154 Brigade – which had been detached – was able to escape through Le Havre. This Brigade formed the basis of a reborn 51st Highland Division by gathering new Brigades and Artillery. Sgt. Robert Coxon was one of those who joined the re-formed 51st Highland Division as a soldier of the Royal Artillery.

Three regiments of the Royal Artillery including the 126th Field Regiment were part of the 51st Highland Division. The Field Regiment was organised as the 297, 298 and 490 Battery each with eight 25-pounder guns. Sgt. Robert Coxon was in charge of 25-pounders in the 490 Battery.

25-pounder Field Gun

The 25-pounder was the primary British field gun and howitzer during the Second World War. It combined the ability to provide both high-angle and direct-fire with quick firing rates on a mobile platform. It was a 3.45 inches calibre weapon firing a shell weighing 25 pounds hence the name. It was mounted on a 2 wheeled carriage utilising a circular firing platform. The firing platform was attached to the gun and when lowered it transferred most of the recoil forces to the ground thereby providing a very stable firing base. It also provided the gun with the ability to traverse rapidly using the road wheels. The 25 Pdr used variable charge ammunition, with the shell being loaded first followed by the cartridge in its brass shell. It was fitted with both direct and indirect sights to provide accurate, rapid fire for both the howitzer and direct fire role with a maximum range of 12,253 m.

[The photo shows a 25 pounder in the elevated position for use as a howitzer to increase the range]

The Eighth Army

The Second Battle of El Alamein

After two years training in Scotland the 126 (H) Field Regiment sailed with the 51st Highland Division on 16th June 1942, arriving in Egypt on 12th August 1942.

They formed part of the 8th Army led by General Bernard Montgomery that went into action against Rommel’s Panzer Africa Korps in the Second Battle of El Alamein (23 October-11 November 1942).

For the first time the 8th Army had enough 25-pounders to allow them to be concentrated and switched from one set-piece target to another. Almost every gun was used to neutralise enemy batteries.

From the 23 October 1942 and for the next nineteen days the 25-pounders moved up during the preceding night, occupying gun positions and dumping ammunition then remaining concealed during daylight.

The initial bombardment began at 21.40 on 23 October for 15 minutes; then after 5 minutes silence they opened again on the enemy’s forward positions and the infantry began to advance. After a further 7 minutes the guns began firing concentrations at a succession of specific locations. The whole artillery programme lasted 5 hours 30 minutes.

Map: 51st Highland Division in the front line.

Photo: Opening shot of the Second Battle of El Alamein.

Tunisia and Victory

14 May 1943

Montgomery commanded the British Eighth Army during the invasion of Sicily and was in command of all Allied ground forces during the Battle of Normandy from D-Day on 6 June 1944 until 1 September 1944.

Start of the Italy Campaign

10 July 1943

Sicily

After the battles in Libya and Tunisia the 126th Field Regiment rested for about six weeks while preparing for the Allied landings in Sicily.

They landed in Sicily shortly after the assault infantry on 10 July 1942. The division moved forward by nightfall, with the objectives of taking Palazzolo Acreide and Vizzini which it reached by the night of 14-15 July. Despite fierce fighting the division continued with scarcely a pause towards the Dittaino River. The 126 Field Regiment were part of the artillery preparation for operations against Adrano (the battles around Mount Etna). This began on 31 July and the 51st (H) Division took bridgeheads over the Dittaino. Paternò fell on 4 August and Biancavilla on 6 August. The division began a 50 miles 'sidestep' on 12 August and the guns came into action north of Zafferano the following night. The enemy evacuated Sicily by 17 August.

The 51st (H) Division did not take part in the subsequent Italian campaign having been earmarked for the Allied invasion of Normandy. However, its guns did assist in the massive bombardment for the assault crossing of the Strait of Messina on 3 September 1943.

Back home to prepare for D-Day

7 Nov 1943

The Highland Division embarked for the UK on 7 November arriving at Liverpool on 26 November 1943. From December 1943 to May 1944 they went into training for the Normandy landings.

The photo shows Sgt. Coxon during his time in the Middle East. For service in Libya and Tunisia with the 8th Army he was awarded the Africa Star. For service in Sicily he was awarded the Italy Star.

During his period of training and leave, Sgt Robert Coxon married Dorothy Patricia Wardle at Earsdon Parish Church, Northumberland on 18 Dec 1943.

The D-Day Landings

6 June 1944

9 June – Hermanville
15 July – Bénouville
18 July – Longouville
24 July – Ranville
5 August – Eagry
8 August – Tilly la Campagne
10 August – Bretteville
13 August – St. Pierre
14 August – St. Julien

23 August – Liscaux
27 August – Rouen
1 September – St. Valéry *
4 September – Le Havre
13 September – Boulogne
23 September – Calais
29 September – Lille
29 September – Armentières *

St. Valéry, France

1 September 1944

The liberation of St. Valéry was a poignant moment for the 51st Highland Division. Addressing the Division on 3 September 1944 the HD Commander, Major-General Rennie reflected on the emotions of the entire Highland Division.

Major-General Tom Rennie was killed later in the war on 25 March 1945. Bob recorded the news in his diary and attended a Memorial Service. (see later in the story).

Photo: 51st Highland Division entering St. Valéry on 1st September 1944.

“This is a very great occasion in the history of our famous division. Here at St Valéry on the 12th June 1940, a portion of the Highland Division, including its Headquarters, 152 and 153 Brigades, was captured by a large German force. That magnificent Division was sacrificed in a last effort to keep the French in the war, True to Highland tradition the Division remained to the last with the remnants of our French Allies, although it was within its capacity to withdraw on Le Havre. The Division drew on St Valéry the German 4th Corps, a Panzer and a Motor Division – in all six Divisions – and thereby diverted this force from harassing the withdrawal of other British troops on Le Havre and Cherbourg. General Victor Fortune ordered the surrender of the division when it had run out of ammunition and food and all prospects of evacuation, which had been carefully planned by him, had failed.”

Armentiéres, France

29 September 1944

Liberating Belgium and Holland

October - December 1944

Belgium
1 October – Yypres
1 October – Brussels
3 October – Berlaar

Holland
4 October – Eindhoven
5 October – St Oedenrode
24 October – s’Hertogenbosch
25 October – Tilburg
26 October – Hermaten
28 October – Vught
29 October – Loon-oop-Zand
30 October – Reqtvoort

Holland

1 November – Uderhout

4 November – R. Maas
9 November – Nederweert
16 November – Miaxet
17 November – Roggel

Bob recorded: ‘12.00 noon on 19 November troop fired its first shell into Germany’

20 November – Kuif
28 November – Nijmegen
29 November – Helvert
2 December – Weurt

Photo: A 25-pounder of the 51st Highland Division during the advance on s’Hertogenbosch, Holland on 23 October 1944.

The Battle of the Bulge

16 December 1944

Between the 10-15 December 1944, Bob noted in his diary that he is on leave in Antwerp, Belgium. The calm before the storm.

One day later, on 16 December 1944, Hitler launched an offensive through the Ardennes aimed at driving a wedge between the allies, securing Antwerp and the important fuel supplies, cutting off the forces in the north and reversing the tide of the war in Germany’s favour. The attack came as a complete surprise to the Allies. For this offensive, which became known as the ‘Battle of the Bulge’, Hitler assigned three armies.

The 51st Highland Division was ordered to move South. Bob noted that from 20-21 December they were in Belgium (Mol then Louvain), 22 December Holland (Velkenburg) and 23 December Germany (Gelsenchirchen).

21 December 1944 ‘Came from Nijmegen to assist Yanks in strong Jerry counterattack.’

23 December 1944 ‘Occupied first position in Germany. American 9th Army.’

Between 63,222 and 98,000 Germans were killed, missing, wounded in action or captured. For the Allies the American casualties were the highest with 89,000 casualties of which 19,000 were killed.

The counter offensive began on the 3 January 1945 but for the 51st Highland Division operations commenced on the 9 January.

6 January 1945 – ‘Parades as usual. A lot of Flying Bombs V1. Half Day.‘

7 January ‘Court Sgt at Court Martial. Regt going into action. Moved. People very upset. R.V. at Havalange – Civvie Billet. We are here to repel Jerry counter attack of Ardesal Salient – very cold.‘

8 January ‘Moved into action Verdenne. Sleeping in shell riven house. No grub from b’fast (7) until dinner (10). Very cold.‘

9 January ‘No rations up so no grub. Div. attack this morning. Firing from 10am until midnight. Rations up at 5 o’clock (Cheers).‘

12 January ‘154 Bde attack today. Fired all day. La Roche and Hives taken. Feeling lousy have ‘flu. Firing late at night. Capt Waterhouse killed.’

16 January ‘Feeling much better thank God. Jerry out of range. Battle over.’

The Big Push into Germany

7-8 February 1945

The final preparations are being made. All ranks are put in the picture for the battle which it is hoped will start the last phase of the War against Germany.

30 Corps will advance S.E. between the Maas and the Rhine with 5 Divisions forward – 51 (H) Div, 53 (W) Div, 15 (S) Div, 2 Cdn Div and Cdn Div. 43 Div and the Guards Armoured Div will pass through the above later in the battle. 1,000 Guns and 1,500 Tanks are taking part.

Bob commented:

3 February ‘Pack up ready for action. On Recce Party. Move at 14.30 hrs. Crossed Maas. Moved forward to Mook.

5 February ‘Went to forward position to dump ammo – Jerry agent suspected in area. Stood by for Jerry raid.’

6 February ‘Went forward to finish ammunition dumping – Everything ready – Occupy position tonight – Jerry shells 19.00.’

Memo: ‘Things are starting to move. Looks like the big push is starting.‘

7 February ‘B.C’s conference – Big offensive starts at dawn tomorrow. Guns in action at 4 o’clock. R.A.F. bombers in from 10 till 1.’

8 February ‘Offensive starts. Barrage from 5 until 1. Object to cross Rhine. 1st B.W. (Black Watch) entered Germany at 12.30. Fired all night.’

Crossing the German Border

10 February 1945

Photo: Taken on 10 February 1945 showing the 51st Highland Division entering the Reichswald Forest. After the war the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery was created. It is the largest Commonwealth cemetery in Germany.

Two Lucky Escapes

12 February and 19 February

12 February “Still attacking. Fired all day – Raining. ‘6’ Sub had a premature above my gun – lucky to come out uninjured.’

Memo: ‘The Gods certainly smiled on me on Mon. Thought it was my lot. Very little sleep these days. Plenty of firing.”

19 February ‘Haven’t washed or shaved for 3 days. Moved fwd – mortared on arrival. One of my gun crew wounded in arm – Gnr Spiesman. Got a piece of shrapnel through my hat!!!’

24 February “4.30 in the morning supported 53rd Welsh Div. Bombed by R.A.F. – 4 Spitfires. Fired all afternoon and evening.”

Memo – ‘Very lucky again last Mon. Haven’t bathed for 3 weeks. Dead tired. Have fired over 4.000 rounds since 8th.‘

Crossing the Rhine by Raft

19-31 March 1945

The Operation to cross the Rhine was called Operation Plunder. The Plan was to cross on a two corps front with 51st Highland division on the left leading 30 Corps. The Divisional objectives on the other side of the Rhine were Honnepel and Rees.

The photo taken on the 24 March 1945 shows 153 Brigade of the 51st Highland Division preparing to cross the Rhine. They actually crossed on the 25-26 March after one failed attempt.

19 March ‘Practised loading guns and vehicles on to rafts. We all got innoculated. Recce parties tomorrow.’

22 March “Moving forward to battle position today – In action 330yds from Rhine. Heavily shelled and mortared.‘

23 March ‘ Assault tonight 21.00 hrs. Shelling continues – 3 wounded, 1 killed – Gnr Paris wounded. Started barrage at 19.00 hrs.’

25 March ‘Firing all night. Jerry counterattacked at dawn. Div Commander Maj-Gen Rennie killed. Supported B.W (Black Watch) up till 3.30.’

Memo – ‘This is the last do. Definitely the stickiest position we have had – very lucky casualties so light.‘

26 March ‘CROSSED RHINE AT 12.00 hrs. Had 1 hrs sleep last night. Went fwd 100 yds and dug in. Up all night in support of 154 Bde.’

29 March ” Moved fwd this morning – things going well. Supported 153 Bde attack – Jerry mortar and shells on position.‘

1 April, Easter Sunday ‘Very quiet today – Div stops to re-form and re-inforce. Memorial Service for Maj. Gen. Rennie.‘

Memo – ‘Not sorry I am safely across the Rhine. Must admit it was a bit dodgy.‘

Final clean up

6 April 1945 - 1 May 1945

153 Brigade met some resistance as they crossed over the river to Emsburen, occupying the town on the 7th and resting there for several days before continuing their advance on the 12th April.

154 Brigade relieved the 5th Guards Brigade at Fürstenau and continued the advance to Vechta.

152 Brigade were at Lingen on the 10th April and advanced from there, moving through Vechta to Goldenstedt.

153 Brigade met determined resistance on the 14th April but cleared the villages of Hockensburg and Brettorf.

A stiff battle involving 5th Camerons in a night attack was made on Adelheide, after which it was possible to press on to Delmenhorst which had been abandoned,

152 Brigade had fought a hard engagement at Ganderkese on the 20th and 21st April before moving up to Selsingen at the end of the month.

153 Brigade moved up at the end of the month to Horstedt.

1st May, began the assault on Bremervorde, which was to be the last battle for the Division.

Following the crossing of the Rhine there was a limited role for the Artillery as clearly shown in the diary entries.

2 April ‘Nothing doing. Had a bath and cleaned up. Can’t keep up with tanks. Prepare to move tomorrow.‘

3 April ‘Move cancelled. Weather very bad. Went to forward area for a look around. In bed fairly early.‘

4 April ‘Gun went to workshops. Prepared for next push forward maintained guns and vehicles.‘

5 April ‘Everything ready for move. Had a days rest. Did nothing all day.‘

6 April ‘Went forward with Recce party moved just short of Osnabruck. Prepared to go on leave.‘

7 April ‘Left at 8 o’clock. Arrived Gennup at 3 o’clock. Got on train at 5.30 and left at 7. Very hard seats.

Last day in action - Bremervorde

6 May 1945

Victory in Europe

7 May 1945

Robert Coxon 1918-1999

Robert (Bob) Coxon left the Army after World War 2 and returned home. Bob and Pat Coxon had a son, Robert born 1947 and they celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary in 1993 with friends and all their family including three grandchildren.

Acknowledgements and thanks

COXON CLUB is grateful for the information and images from the following: www.51HD.co.uk; Wikipedia; ‘Field of Fire. Diaries of a Gunner Officer’ by Jack Swaab; Encyclopaedia Britannica; www.royalartilleryunitsnetherlands1944-1945.com; The family of Sergeant Robert Coxon.