260334 Pte. Matthew Hanley British Army 5th Btn. Royal Berkshire Regiment from:Durham (d.24th Mar 1945) Matthew Hanley served with 5th Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment I have found the following war diary entry concerning the action (Operation Plunder, crossing of the Rhine near Rees) on 24th of March 1945 that took the life of Matthew Hanley.
"D Day. 0200hrs. H Hour 15th (S) Division. Storm boats take over assault wave of two Brigades. 0230hrs. 44th Brigade report all LVTs over the River. 227th Brigade report opposition. LVTs held up by heavy machine gun fire. A Coy forward elements unable to land at first attempt. The positions were held by the enemy, Arty was called for. A Coy landed, but had to clear bund of enemy before communications were established. 0830hrs. All Bank wireless communication established at crossing points, dispersal and concentration areas. Casualties: A Coy sector Killed: 5345451 Pte Handley [sic] M, 14800992 Pte Garnett P, Wounded: 60896941 L/Cpl Lacey J, 5780007 Pte Breeze E (Signaller), 6089705 Pte Penney R (Stretcher Bearer), 5115115 Pte Vann R, 1449547 Pte Dubitt D. 1000hrs. Forward Control established. Airbourne forces passing over to Dropping Zones. Ferries operating normally. Some shelling, and at night low level machine gunning attacks were made."
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