Appendix February 1945

The period began with this unit in position in the vicinity of Camp Elsenborn and Nidrum, Belgium, in general support of the 2nd Infantry Division. The Battalion was assigned to First Army, attached to V Corps and to 187th Field Artillery Group. The batteries were well-separated, with a battalion front of some 3000 yards, Battery "A" at Nidrum, Battery "B" just south of Camp Elsenborn and Battery "C" immediately north of the camp.

On 5 February the Battalion was assigned to Ninth Army and attached to XIX Corps and the 30th Division. It went into position on 6 February at Lohn, Germany, with the mission of general support of the 30th Division in the planned crossing of the Roer River. The unit moved with all identifying marks removed or concealed, and complete secrecy was preserved as to its identity. A silent period was ordered and only necessary registrations were fired, including check rounds in assigned concentrations. On 16 February this silent policy was modified by the assignment of certain counter-battery missions. On 23 February the attack opened and the Battalion supported the Division in the crossing, moving to Pier, just short of the River, on 23 February and across the River to Daubenrath on 25 February. On 26 February it moved forward to Gusten and, on 27 February, to Grottenherden, where it was at the close of the period.

Only one battle casualty was incurred during the month: Tec 5 Arthur R. Aarne, Battery "B", wounded by shell fragment.

Missions fired totalled 198, divided as follows:

Harassing 101

Neutralization 38

Preparation 24

Registrations 14

Counter-Battery 12

Destruction 5

Defensive 3

Interdiction 1

Total rounds fired during period: 7399 rounds.