Extract from 5/7th Gordons' War Diary
23 August. During the night the Commanding Officer was ordered to clear the town the next day,. He pointed out that this was not a Battalion task and required at least a Brigade. The acting Brigadier compromised by saying that the 1st Gordons (now very depleted) would be held in reserve. The battle which took place was very hard fought and eventually not only 1st Gordons but also 5 Black Watch had to be used. The enemy fought fanatically and many casualties were caused on both sides. The fact that only one prisoner was taken showed that the enemy were determined to fight to the very last. By the end of the day the town was taken. Casualties:- Killed - 3 O.Rs. wounded - Captain Henderson and 7 O.Rs.
24 August. Very wet day. Patrols were sent out to mop up resistance in the outskirts of the town, but only a few prisoners (mostly Poles, who were lost in the retreat further north) were brought in. The Battalion then moved East of the town and had the first real nights sleep that they had had for some time.
History Section Reference :
Subsequent Operations, Breakout
Museum Reference :
Gordon Highlanders - The Breakout
Documents - The Breakout