This document was kindly shared by Marc Shafer (whose father was a 298th member).

Transcribed by Bob Kipke (March 2013) – Attempts have been made to maintain the original formatting, within my limited HTML capabilities, and the differences between a 1940’s typewriter and a modern computer keyboard. Formatting (inconsistent in original) such as capitalization, underlining, punctuation, use of quotes, etc. have been maintained. A typo is noted by the use of [sic] other errors are probably my own.  For ease of recognition, names are in a bold red font.

 

 

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

THE ADJUTANT GENERAL’S OFFICE

WASHINGTON

 

 

 

 

 

DEPARTMENTAL RECORDS BRANCH, A.G.O.

HISTORICAL RECORDS SECTION

ROOM MB-858 PENTAGON

 

ENBN-298-0.7 (26637) Master Jul – 298th Engr C Bn


JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 1/45

To: 2400 Apr 1/45

Place: Herborn, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

368

0800

Apr

1/45

Co A: Attached to 4th Cavalry Group

Co B: 82 squads road and bridge maintenance and sweeping for mines and posting signs on roads in assigned area; one squad on water point security.

Co C: eight squads maintenance of roads and sweeping for mines in asgd area; one squad operating quarry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

369

0800

Apr

1/45

Chaplain Kremer held Catholic Easter Service at the Bn CP for members of the BN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

370

1100

Apr

1/45

Chaplain Shea held protestant Easter services in the church at Herborn, Germany, for members of the battalion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

371

2000

Apr

1/45

Company commanders and Bn staff meeting at the Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

372

2100

Apr

1/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G 423335

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 2/45

To: 2400 Apr 2/45

Place: Herborn, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

373

0800

Apr

2/45

Battalion attached to XVIII Corps (ABN) and 1163rd Engineer Combat Group for forthcoming operation of mopping up the Ruhr valley after the encirclement by the First and Ninth U.S. Armies

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

374

0800

Apr

2/45

Co A: Attached to 4th Cavalry Group.

Co B: 8 ½ squads road and bridge maintenance and sweeping for mines and posting signs on roads in assigned area; one squad on water point security

Co C: Eight squads maintenance of roads and sweeping for mines in assigned area; one squad operating quarry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

375

1000

2/45

Maj Forsythe, 1163rd GP S-2 visited the Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

376

1200

Apr

2/45

H&S Co closed the water point at Coord G 423335

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 3/45

To: 2400 Apr 3/45

Place: Herborn, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Spring Showers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

377

0800

Apr

3/45

Co A: Relieved from attachment to 4th Cavalry Group and enroute to Bn area

Co B: Nine squads cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Eight squads cleaning equipment in Co area; one squad security of Bailey Bridge at Coord G 382389

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

378

0900

Apr

3/45

Co B moved to Herborn to join the battalion

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

379

1400

Apr

3/45

A fire developed in the attic of the house occupied by the Med Det and H&S Co but the firehose of a nearby firehouse was quickly turned on the roof and no damage resulted

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 4/45

To: 2400 Apr 4/45

Place: Herborn, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Cool and overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

380

0800

Apr

4/45

Co A: Eight squads cleaning equipment in Co area. 1 squad enroute to bivouac area

Co B: Nine squads cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Eight squads cleaning equipment Co area; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord G 382389

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

381

1200

Apr

4/45

On 30 March 45 Capt Sewell located a pioneer squad box in a German truck in Altenkirchen marked with the shipment numbers of his Co and “1st squad, 3rd pltn”. This box was lost by Capt Sewell’s company near Milley [sic], France on 7 Aug 44 and evidently the Germans have been carrying it ever since. When found by Capt Sewell it contained a generator

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 5/45

To: 2400 Apr 5/45

Place: Herborn, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Rain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

382

0800

Apr

5/45

Co A: Eight squads road sweeping and maintenance of roads in assigned area; one squad enroute to billeting area; Co Hq moved from Herborn to Nord Erbach, two miles north of Altenkirchen

Co B: Nine squads sweeping for mines and maintenance of roads in assigned area; Co Hq moved to Bachenburg [sic], two miles north of Altenkirchen

Co C: Eight squads sweeping for mines and maintaining roads in assigned work area; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord G 382389; Co Hq moved to Nister, one mile north of Hackenburg [sic], Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

383

0800

Apr

5/45

Bn reconnaissance officer making billet recon for Bn Hq & H&S Co

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

384

1430

Apr

5/45

Bn Hq and H&S Co began move to new location in Kroppach, Germany, three and one-half miles east of Altenkirchen, and placed in support of the 78th Infantry Div

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

385

1800

Apr

5/45

Bn CP opened in Kroppach, Germany

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 6/45

To: 2400 Apr 6/45

Place: Kroppach, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Rain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

386

0800

Apr

6/45

Co A: Eight squads maintaining and sweeping roads in asgd area; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area.

Co B: Standing by to construct fixed steel treadway bridge.

Co C: Eight squads maintaining and sweeping roads in asgd area; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Kirchen, Germany.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

387

1200

Apr

6/45

Six squads Co A alerted for construction of Infantry Support Bridge at Coord F 925424

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

388

1520

Apr

6/45

Co B began construction of steel treadway at Coord F 888443

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

389

1900

Apr

6/45

Six squads Co A began construction of the Infantry Support Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

390

2230

Apr

6/45

Co B completed steel treadway bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

391

2300

Apr

6/45

Co A completed Infantry Support bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

392

2400

Apr

6/45

Casualties: Pfc Kudlaty Co C slightly wounded in action – hospitalization not required

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 7/45

To: 2400 Apr 7/45

Place: Kroppach, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

393

0600

Apr

7/45

Eight squads Co C began construction of 80’ Double Single Bailey Bridge at Coord G 084593

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

394

0800

Apr

7/45

Co A: Six squads alerted for construction of Triple Double Bailey Bridge at Coord F 998429; three squads unloading bridging equipment at Kroppach

Co B: Six squads maintenance and guard of steel treadway bridge constructed 6 Apr 45; three squads cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Kirchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

395

1030

Apr

7/45

H&S Co opened water point at Coord F 893362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

396

1500

Apr

7/45

Co C completed 80’ D.S. Bailey Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

397

1600

Apr

7/45

Co A began construction of TD Bailey Bridge at Coord F 998429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

398

2400

Apr

7/45

Casualties: Five EM Co A slightly wounded in action (enemy mine); T/5 Otenbaker Co A killed in action (enemy mine); Two EM Co A seriously wounded in action (enemy mine).

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 8/45

To: 2400 Apr 8/45

Place: Kroppach, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

399

0800

Apr

8/45

Co A: Eight and one-half squads constructing TD Bailey Bridge at Coord F 988429; one-half squad guarding bridge equipment at Kroppach.

Co B: Two squads security and maintenance of Infantry Support Bridge at Coord F 925424; two squads security and maintenance of steel treadway bridge at F 888443; five squads maintaining roads in asgd area

Co C: One squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Kirchen; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord G 086492; seven squads alerted for construction of 80’ DS Bailey Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

400

1800

Apr

8/45

H&S Co operating Water Point at Coord F 893362

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

401

1800

Apr

8/45

Co Comdrs meeting at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

402

2015

Apr

8/45

Triple Double Bailey Bridge opened to traffic by Co A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

403

2025

Apr

8/45

Existing far shore abutment of the TD Bailey Bridge constructed by Co A failed due to previous enemy demolition and the weight of a Sherman tank passing over the bridge. Lt Lekberg and twelve men were injured in the accident

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

404

2020

Apr

8/45

Co C picked up 4 PWs and they were processed by S-2 and sent to PW cage

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 9/45

To: 2400 Apr 9/45

Place: Kroppach, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

405

0700

Apr

9/45

Co C began conversion of RR bridge to highway bridge at Wissen, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

406

0800

Apr

9/45

Co A: eight and one-half squads resting in Co area; one-half squad security for bridge equipment at Kroppach

Co B: One squad on water point security; six squads security and maintenance of bridges; two squads road maintenance in asgd area

Co C: Seven squads converting RR bridge to highway bridge; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord G 006425; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord G 086492

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

407

1200

Apr

9/45

H&S Co opened water point at Coord F 953337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

408

1230

Apr

9/45

Co A and Bn Hq moved to Wissen, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

409

1330

Apr

9/45

Bn CP opened in Wissen, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

410

1500

Apr

9/45

Co B captured 13 prisoners who were processed by S-2 and sent to PW enclosure

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 9/45

To: 2400 Apr 9/45

Place: Kroppach, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Contd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

411

1800

Apr

9/45

H&S Co operating water pints at Coords F 893362 and F 953337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

412

2000

Apr

9/45

Co Comdrs meeting at Bn CP. Each company setting up road blocks near bridges over Sieg River and preparing bridges for demolition in anticipation of enemy armor attack

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

413

2100

Apr

9/45

Co C completed conversion of RR bridge to highway bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

414

2400

Apr

9/45

Casualties: T/5 Schwanter Co C injured when motorcycle skidded under 2 ½ ton truck. Sgt Kucharzyk injured while working on bridge

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 10/45

To: 2400 Apr 10/45

Place: Wissen, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

415

0700

Apr

10/45

All companies relieved of road blocks and demolitions removed from bridges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

416

0800

Apr

10/45

Co A: One-half squad guarding bridge equipment; one-half squad on water point security; eight squads alerted to build Bailey Bridge

Co B: One squad on water point security; one squad improving approach to Steel Treadway Bridge at Wissen; one-half squad security and maintenance of Infantry Support Bridge at Coord F 925424; six and one-half squads removing Steel Treadway Bridge at F 888443 and moving it to Wissen, Germany

Co C: Two squads security and maintenance of Bailey Bridges at Kirchen and G 086492; six and on-half squads cleaning equipment in Co area; one-half squad security and maintenance of converted RR bridge at Wissen; company moved across Sieg River north of Wissen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

417

1400

Apr

10/45

H&S Co opened water point at Coord F 995425

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

418

1800

Apr

10/45

H&S Co operating water points at Coords F 995425, F 893362, and F 953337

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

419

1830

Apr

10/45

Co B began construction of Steel Treadway Bridge at Wissen

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 10/45

To: 2400 Apr 10/45

Place: Wissen, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Contd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

420

1900

Apr

10/45

Chaplain Berning conducted Protestant services at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

421

1930

Apr

10/45

Co C captured three prisoners who were processed by S-2 and taken to PW enclosure

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 11/45

To: 2400 Apr 11/45

Place: Wissen, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

422

0530

Apr

11/45

Co B completed Steel Treadway Bridge at Coord F 999429

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

423

0800

Apr

11/45

Maj Foster and seven EM depart for seven day leave and furlough in England

Co A: Three squads constructing box culvert at Coord G095508; five squads road maintenance in assigned area; one squad cleaning equipment in company area

Co B: Five squads maintaining roads in asgd area; four squads cleaning equipment in company area

Co C: Four squads security and maintenance of bridges at G 100457, G 086492, F 999429 and G 006425; one squad on water point security at F 953337 and F 893362; one-half squad guarding shovel at G 033435; three squads removing Infantry Support Bridge at F 925424; one-half squad alerted for water point security

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

424

1200

Apr

11/45

Co’s A, B and Bn Hq move to new area; Bn Hq & Co B to Morsbach, Germany; Co A to Freudenberg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

425

1330

Apr

11/45

Bn CP opened in Morsbach, Germany

 

OVER

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 11/45

To: 2400 Apr 11/45

Place: Wissen, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Contd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

426

1345

Apr

11/45

Water Point at F 893362 closed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

427

1500

Apr

11/45

Six squads Co B began construction of 80’s DS Bailey Bridge at F 881609

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

428

1600

Apr

11/45

Water Point at G 103559 opened

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

429

1900

Apr

11/45

Water Point at F 995518 opened

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 12/45

To: 2400 Apr 12/45

Place: Morsbach, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

430

0800

Apr

12/45

Lt Scott and 6 EM depart for 3 day pass in Paris, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

431

0800

Apr

12/45

Three squads constructing box culvert at Coord G 098509; one squad repairing culvert at G 097531; two squads removing road block at G 093538; three squads road maintenance in asgd area.

Co B: Six squads constructing 80’ DS Bailey Bridge at Coord F 881609; three squads road maintenance in asgd area;

Co C: Seven squads guarding bridges at F 984468, F 982473, G 086493, G 104456, F 986418, F 999429 and G 005426; one and one-half squads guarding water points; one-half squad guarding quarry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

432

0845

Apr

12/45

Co B opened 80’s DS Bailey Bridge to traffic

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

433

1800

Apr

12/45

H&S Co operating water points at Coords F 893362, F 995518 and G 108559

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 13/45

To: 2400 Apr 13/45

Place: Derschlag, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

434

0600

Apr

13/45

4 EM departed for furlough to the Riviera, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

435

0800

Apr

14/45

Co A: Constructing 5 10’ box culvert [sic] at Coord G 096508

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

436

0800

Apr

13/45

Co A: 6 squads alerted for mission of constructing Bailey Bridges at Coords F 828785 and F 823795; 2 squads road maintenance in assigned area; 1 squad filling bomb crater at Hackenburg [sic];

Co B: 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 881609; 8 squads constructing 100’ TS Bailey Bridge at Coord F 837662

Co C: 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at F 894468; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at F 982473; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at G 086493; 1 squad and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at G 104456; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at G 986418; 1 squad security and maintenance of Steel Treadway Bridge at F 994429; 1 squad security and maintenance of Converted RR Bridge at G 005426; ½ squad water point security at F 995425; ½ squad water point security at G 103559; ½ squad water point security at F 995518; ½ squad quarry guard

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 14/45

To: 2400 Apr 14/45

Place: Derschlag, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

437

0800

Apr

14/45

H&S Co closed water points at Coords F 995425, F 995518 and G 103559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

438

0800

Apr

14/45

Co A: 3 squads road maintenance and patrol; 1  squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 825796; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 828796; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F  828785; 4 squads cleaning equipment in Co area; C1 40 40’ w/10’ ramps Bailey Bridge constructed at F 823795

Co B: C1 40 80’ DS Bailey Bridge constructed at Coord F 772804; 4 squads alerted to construct Bailey Bridge at F 771805; 2 squads road patrol and maintenance; 1 squad maintenance and security of Bailey Bridge at F 836663; 1 squad maintenance and security of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 881609; 1 squad maintenance and security of converted RR Bridge at F 802663

Co C: 1 squad, each, security and maintenance of Bailey Bridges at Coords F 881609, F 825796, F 828785, G 086493, G 104456; 1 squad security and maintenance of converted RR Bridge at G 005426; 1 squad security and maintenance of Steel Treadway Bridge at F 999429; 1 squad alerted for guard of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 761800 to be constructed this date; 2 squad water point security at Coord F 902672; ½ squad cleaning equipment in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OVER

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 14/45

To: 2400 Apr 14/45

Place: Derschlag, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Contd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

439

1300

Apr

14/45

Lt Sitterding and 10 EM lv on 3-day pass to Brussels, Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

440

1800

Apr

14/45

8 PWs taken and sent to Discus [sic] PW cage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

441

1930

Apr

14/45

Staff 0’s & Co Comdrs meeting at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 15/45

To: 2400 Apr 15/45

Place: Wipperfurth, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

442

0800

Apr

15/45

Co A: 9 squads on road maintenance in assigned area

Co B: 7 squads maintaining roads in assigned area; 1 squad security & maintenance of Converted RR Bridge at Coord F 802653; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 836663

Co C: 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 772804; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 828485; 1 squad security and maintenance of Steel Treadway Bridge at Coord F 999429; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 825795; ½ squad F 902672; 4 ½ squads cleaning equipment in co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

443

0930

Apr

14/45

H&S & C Co’s close in at new billeting area in Wipperfurth, Germany; Co B moved to Frielingsdorf, Germany and Co A to Ronsahl, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

444

1030

Apr

15/45

H&S Co opens water point at F 906673

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

445

1500

Apr

15/45

Sgt Slack, T/5 Albiero & Pvt Patterson while on a road & bridge recon forward of our work area, encountered a group of German soldiers who fired on them. Sgt Slack & T/5 Albiero were wounded and evacuated to hospital; Pvt Patterson received minor bruises

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OVER

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 15/45

To: 2400 Apr 15/45

Place: Wipperfurth, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Continued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

446

1800

Apr

15/45

12 PWs taken during the day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

447

1900

Apr

15/45

Chaplain Berning conducted Protestant services at Bn CP

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 16/45

To: 2400 Apr 16/45

Place: Wipperfurth, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

448

0800

Apr

16/45

Co A: ½ squad water point security at Coord F 761801; 1 squad, each, security & maintenance of Bailey Bridges at Coord F 772804, F 828785, F 825796; 5 ½ squads maintaining roads in assigned area

Co B: 1 squad security & maintenance of Converted RR Bridge at F 802653; 1 squad security & maintenance of Bailey bridge s at F 836663; 7 squads maintaining roads in assigned area

Co C: ½ squad water point security and maintenance of steel treadway bridge; 5 ½ squads maintaining roads in assigned area; 2 squads cleaning equipment in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

449

1330 [sic]

Lt Manspeaker, Lt Koehler & 11 EM lv on 3-day pass to Brussels, Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

450

1645

Apr

16/45

H&S and C Co’s move to Lennep, Germany; Co A moved to Hucheswagen [sic], Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

451

1700

Apr

16/45

H&S Co opened water point at G 761801

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 17/45

To: 2400 Apr 17/45

Place: Lennep, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

452

0800

Apr

17/45

Co A: 1 squad, each, security & maintenance of Bailey Bridges at Coords F 772804, F 828485, F 825796; ½ squad water point security at F 761801, 5 ½ squads maintaining roads in assigned area

Co B: 7 squads maintaining roads in assigned area; 1 squad security and maintenance of Converted RR Bridge at Coord F 802653; 1 squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Coord F 836663

Co C: 7 ½ squads maintaining roads in assigned area; ½ squad water point security at Coord F 902672; 1 squad returning from being relieved of mission of guarding steel treadway bridge at Wissen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

453

1030

Apr

17/45

2 PWs taken by Co C, sent to Pw cage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

454

1030

Apr

17/45

Co B moved to Wermerskirchen [sic], Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

455

1300

Apr

17/45

4 EM lv on furlough to the Rivera, France

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

456

1315

Apr

17/45

H&S Co opens water point at F 625923

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

457

1500

Apr

17/45

This unit no longer in support of 78th Inf Div

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 17/45

To: 2400 Apr 17/45

Place: Lennep, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Contd

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

458

1800

Apr

17/45

10 PWs taken and sent to PW cage

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 18/45

To: 2400 Apr 18/45

Place: ????

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[sic - DAY 18, Serial No.s 459-462, MISSING]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 19/45

To: 2400 Apr 19/45

Place: Lennep, Belgium [sic]

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

463

0800

Apr

19/45

Co A: Three squads guarding and maintaining Bailey Bridges at Coord F 772804, F 828785 and 825796. One-half squad guarding water point at Coord F 761801; five squads maintaining road in assigned area; one-half squad operating shovel at Coord F 673842

Co B: Three squads guarding and maintaining bridges at Coords F 612462, F 639503 and F 836663; three squads maintaining roads in assigned area; three squads preparing site for timber trestle bridge with I Beams

Co C: Six and one-half squads maintaining roads in asgd area; one-half squad water point security; one squad security and maintenance of treadway bridge at Wissen; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

464

1700

Apr

1945

Lt Sitterding and 10 EM returned from Brussels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

465

1800

Apr

19/45

H&S Co operating water points at Coords F 906673, G 761801 and F 625923

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 20/45

To: 2400 Apr 20/45

Place: Lennep, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

466

0800

Apr

20/45

Bn preparing to move to new work area between Limburg and Giessen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

467

1130

Apr

20/45

Bn Staff and Co Comdrs meeting to receive movement orders

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

468

1200

Apr

20/45

Bn crossed IP in movement to new area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

469

1830

Apr

20/45

Bn CP opened in Braunfels, Germany; Co A opened in Burgsolm; Co B opened in Weilburg; Co C opened in Wetzlar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

470

1900

Apr

20/45

H&S Co closed water points at F 906673, G 761801, and 625923 during the day

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 21/45

To: 2400 Apr 21/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

471

0800

Apr

21/45

Co A: Road maintenance and sweeping road for mines in asgd area on Limburg-Giessen highway

Co B: Six squads road maintenance and sweeping road for mines in asgd area on Limburg-Giessen highway; three squads enroute from other bivouac area

Co C: Road maintenance and sweeping road for mines in asgd area on Limburg-Giessen highway

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

472

1600

Apr

21/45

Lt Scott and 6 EM returned from Paris pass; two EM returned from furlough to U.K.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

473

1800

Apr

21/45

H&S Co operating water point at G 478235 (opened at 1100).

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 22/45

To: 2400 Apr 22/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast, Rain

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

474

0800

Apr

22/45

Co A: 7 ½ squads maintaining and repairing their sector of Limbourg-Giessen highway; one-half squad water point security; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co B: 8 squads maintaining their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; one squad cleaning equipment

Co C: Seven and on-half squads maintaining their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; one half squad security of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad cleaning equipment in company area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

475

1000

Apr

22/45

Catholic services held in the church at Braunfels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

476

1400

Apr

22/45

Protestant services held in the chapel at the castle near Bn CP in Braunfels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

477

1900

Apr

22/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G478136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

478

1900

Apr

22/45

Co Comdrs meeting at Bn CP

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 23/45

To: 2400 Apr 23/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

479

0600

Apr

23/45

Capt Sewell and 5 EM depart for furlough at French Riviera

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

480

0800

Apr

23/45

Four EM depart for First Army Rest Center at Spa, Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

481

0800

Apr

23/45

Co A: 7 ½ squads maintaining and repairing their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; one-half squad water point security; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co B: 8 squads maintaining their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; one squad cleaning equipment

Co C: Seven and on-half squads maintaining their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; one-half squad security of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad cleaning equipment in company area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

482

1000

Apr

23/45

Capt Elden and 10 EM returned from Paris pass

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

483

1800

Apr

23/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G 478135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

484

1900

Apr

23/45

Co Comdrs meeting at Bn CP

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 24/45

To: 2400 Apr 24/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

485

0800

Apr

24/45

Lt Chiles and 10 EM depart for Paris passes. Four EM depart for French Riviera by plane. Five EM depart for seven day furloughs in UK

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

486

0800

Apr

24/45

Co A: 7 ½ squads maintaining and repairing their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; one-half squad water point security; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co B: 8 squads maintaining their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; one squad cleaning equipment

Co C: 6 ½ squads maintaining their sector of Limburg-Giessen highway; ½ squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

487

1500

Apr

24/45

Lt Koehler & Lt Manspeaker with 10 EM returned from Brussels

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

488

1800

Apr

24/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G 478135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

489

1900

Apr

24/45

Co Comdrs meeting at Bn CP

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 25/45

To: 2400 Apr 25/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Fair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

490

0800

Apr

25/45

Co A: Seven and one-half squads maintaining roads in asgd area; one-half squad on water point security and one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co B: Eight squads maintaining roads in asgd area and one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Six squads maintaining roads in asgd area; one squad guarding Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad operating and guarding mixing plant at Wetzlar; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

491

1900

Apr

25/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G 478135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

492

1900

Apr

25/45

Staff officers and company comdrs meeting at Bn CP

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 26/45

To: 2400 Apr 26/45

Place: xxx

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

493

0800

Apr

26/45

Co A: Six and one-half squads maintaining roads in asgd area; one half squad on water point security; one squad cleaning equipment in company area; one squad security of Group Headquarters

Co B: Eight squads maintaining roads in asgd area and one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Seven squads road maintenance in asgd area; one squad guard and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad operating and guarding mixing plant at Wetzlar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

494

1800

Apr

26/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G 478135

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 27/45

To: 2400 Apr 27/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

495

0800

Apr

27/45

Co A: Six squads road construction and repair in assigned area; one half squad water point security; one squad security detail at Group Headquarters; one-half squad operating shovel and one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co B: Eight squads maintaining roads in sgd [sic] area and one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Six squads road construction and repair in asgd area; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad operating and guarding mixing plant at Wetzlar; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

496

1800

Apr

27/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G 478135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

497

1830

Apr

27/45

Chaplain Berning held protestant services at Co B

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

498

1900

Apr

27/45

Four (4) EM returned from furlough to French Riviera

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 28/45

To: 2400 Apr 28/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

499

0800

Apr

28/45

Co A: Six squads road construction and repair in assigned area; one-half squad water point security; one squad security detail at Group Headquarters; one-half squad operating shovel and one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co B: Seven squads road construction and repair in asgd area; one squad maintaining by-pass at Coord G 055055; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Six squads road construction and repair in asgd area; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad operating and guarding mixing plant at Wetzlar; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

500

1300

Apr

28/45

Co  B CP moved from Weilberg to Giessen with a change in their work area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

501

1800

Apr

28/45

H&S Co operating water point at Coord G 478135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

502

1900

Apr

28/45

Company commanders meeting at Bn CP

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 29/45

To: 2400 Apr 29/45

Place: Braunfels, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

503

0800

Apr

29/45

Co A: Seven squads construction and repair of roads in their asgd area; one-half squad quarry guard; one squad security at Group Headquarters

Co B: Eight squad road construction and repair in asgd area; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: Five squad road construction and repair in asgd area; one squad operating quarry; one squad security and maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad operating and guarding mixing plant at Wetzlar; one squad security detail in Co area.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1050 displaced persons (Italians) from Displaced Persons Collecting Point at Wetzlar assisting unit in present program of road construction and repair

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

504

1300

Apr

29/45

H&S Co and Bn Hq began move to Wetzlar, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

505

1430

Apr

29/45

Bn CP opened at Wetzlar, Germany

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

506

1800

Apr

29/45

H&S Co operating water point at G 478135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

507

1900

Ten reinforcements received from 3d Reinforcement Depot

 

 

S E C R E T


 

JOURNAL

 

298 Journal

Organization 298th Engr C Bn

From: 0001 Apr 30/45

To: 2400 Apr 30/45

Place: Wetzlar, Germany

Time

In      Out

Serial

No.

Time

Date

Incidents, Messages, Orders, etc

Action Taken

 

 

 

Weather: Overcast, snow squalls.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

508

0800

Apr

30/45

Seven squads construction & repair of roads in their asgd area; one-half squad water point security; one-half squad quarry guard; one squad security at Group Headquarters

Co B: Eight squads road construction and repair in asgd area; one squad cleaning equipment in Co area

Co C: 6 squads road construction and repair in asgd area; 1 squad security & maintenance of Bailey Bridge at Giessen; one squad operating and guarding mixing plant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

509

1800

Apr

30/45

H&S Co operating water point at G 478135

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

510

1830

Apr

30/45

Chaplain Berning held Protestant services at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

511

1900

Apr

30/45

Co Comdrs and staff meeting at Bn CP

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

512

1900

Apr

30/45

Major Foster and 6 EM returned from furloughs in UK; Mr Bielewicz and 10 EM returned from pass in Paris; Eight EM returned from Spa, First Army Rest Center

 

 

S E C R E T

 

Transcribed by Bob Kipke – April 2013

 


C O N T I N U E - Part II