While our operation caught the allied forces on the hop, local troops proved somewhat more troublesome than expected. That coupled with poor weather conditions and a road/bridge network incapable of taking the huge amount of vehicles we were loading it with (and ground conditions unsuitable to bypass roads) our lines of supply became over extended. Forward units have been able to push hard, nearly reaching the Meuse in the West at one point, but without supplies and support are doomed to flounder.
Our ultimate aim to cross the Meuse is still possible but it will require a herculean effort. We have lost the initiative - Allied troops have had many days to plan a reinforcement and counter-offensive. Fresh troops with seemingly limitless supplies are being brought up. The Allies have reorganised command structures and Field Marshal Montgomery now has control of the entire Allied forces in our area. British forces have moved from their holding positions on the river crossings and are now moving south towards us. The US 82nd Airborne fighting as infantry have been been moved twice and are now digging in, supported by armoured troops.
With our tanks and trucks pressing up behind us we have been sent forward on foot to find fuel as tanks are running dry. Without fuel there is no hope of reaching the river bridge at Huy. Therefore, the primary mission is to locate fuel dumps (which we know are plentiful) and remove fuel to a staging area where it can be recovered by trucks and the secondary aim is to locate and destroy enemy ammunition dumps to prevent retaliation. We are travelling armed with just light arms except for one last mortar.
We are moving into heavily defended enemy territory whose troops are well supplied, well armed and well prepared. Initial assaults must be focused and aggressive, command posts must be secure and robust, reconnoitre must be light and swift. This is not a defensive battle!
