"Two English scouting parties, numbers 2 and 6a, had crossed unnoticed through the thin security line of Panzeraufklärungsabeitlung 12 on the left flank of the division. They were part of the C-squadron of the Inns of Court Regiment....1 km south of Cristot, the two scouting parties encountered a group of members of the staff of the Panzer-Artillerie-Regiment 130 of the Panzer-Lehr-Division. This group was made up of the regimental commander, Oberst Luxenburger, the Abeitlung commander, Major Zeissler, the Regiment adjutant, Hauptmann Graf Clary-Aldringen and some six NCO's and men.....According to a report by Graf Clary, these German soldiers were completely surprised by the English scouting parties and taken prisoner. After the German officers refused to ride voluntarily on the English reconnaissance vehicles as shields against bullets, the badly disabled Oberst Luxenburger (he had lost an arm in the first world war) was bound by two English officers, beaten unconscious and tied to an English ARV, covered with blood. After respective orders had been recieved by radio, Major Zeissler, Graf Clary and the NCO's and men of the group were shot to pieces by the retreating British ARV's. Except for Graf Clary, who was saved from further bullets, after having recieved a number of wounds, by a dead comrade who had fallen on him, all German soldiers were killed. When the British reconnaissance vehicles crossed the German lines from the rear they were knocked out by a German anti tank gun. Oberst Luxenburger, tied to one of the vehicles, was wounded. He was taken to a German hospital where he died soon after. Graf Clary regained consciounsness after some time and crawled, badly wounded, in the direction of the village of le Mesnil-Patry. Members of II./SS-Pz.Gren.Rgt 26 found him and took him to the command post where he was given first aid...."

"2 and 6a captured three German oficers, among them a colonel and 3 (other ranks). Upon withdrawing they were knocked out and lost all vehicles. Lieutenant Yodaiken and Lieutenant Wigram were killed, two other ranks missings. Four other ranks, led by Coporal Fowler, returned on foot, using the compass as guidance."

Main Page