It was around 1300 hours when we arrived at Camden. Antwärter Fritz Holtzer was there ahead of us and greeted us as we entered the grounds. We then proceeded to look for a suitable area to set camp. With the tent up and our gear laid out, our camp was coming together. We gathered firewood for the night and settled in. Elements of 5th SS, LAH, and Hohenstaufen began to arrive along with a few members of an Heer unit. After several hours, the German camp was growing. At 1800 hours, we checked in with command to receive our papers and then returned to camp. Oberschütze Benjamin Steinbrecher wasn't feeling well and we suspected that he may have eaten something that didn't agree with him. Iron Rations sometimes has that effect on a Soldat. His combat effectiveness was in question and was sent to the field hospital. We said our farewells and hope that he would return someday. Fritz and I then returned to camp to catch some much needed sleep.

The next morning was uneventful. We could hear sporadic gunfire off in the distance but it was too far away to be concerned. We ate our morning rations and had a cup of ersatz coffee to ward off the chill. It had rained for several hours during the night but we were dry and that was all that mattered. We collected our gear and rifles and proceeded to the collection point where we were to head off to the front.

Once we received our orders we proceeded down a road and it wasn't long before we made contact with the enemy. The enemy had positioned an MG at a cross road that we had to secure. A brief skirmish unfolded and a few of our Soldaten were wounded. Fritz and I flanked one side while another group of Soldaten flanked the other. The MG and it's crew were silenced and we proceeded down the road. Our objective was to clear the enemy from the road that lead to a Dam where we were to hold. We encountered several enemy squads during the day and were able to push through them on our way to the Dam. As we were nearing our objective, we found ourselves along the road where ambush by the enemy was a very possible threat. The road was leading us into a valley where there was high ground on both sides. Fritz and I was sent to reconnoiter our right flank and to gain some high ground. We found a creek about 100 meters from the road and decided to use it to our advantage. The water wasn't deep and it hid our movement well. We were able to gain the high ground but soon encountered Partisans working with British Commandos. We observed that they were setting up positions to cover the road. Our Gruppe would soon walk into this onslaught so Fritz and I quickly took up positions on the enemy's left flank. We chose our targets carefully and then opened fire. We dropped one Partisan and one Commando. The enemy shifted their front to confront us which allowed our Soldaten to move into their flank. The firefight lasted for about an hour. Our casualties were few and we were able to regroup and proceed on to the Dam.

We arrived at the Dam and set up defensive positions. Fritz and I set up at the top of the Dam where my Sniper rifle could be more effective. The rest of our Gruppe had dug in at the bottom approaches. We had an excellent view and could cover a large area. It wasn't soon after, that we spotted a 4 man enemy patrol at the other end of the Dam attempting to gain the high ground and to cross over and flank us. I carefully took aim through my optic and fired. Fritz secured my flanks and called out distance to each target. When it was over, 3 shots were fired and 3 enemy dead were on the ground. The forth Ami took flight back to the wooded area from which they came. Our Gruppe also came under fire but it didn't last long before we heard the call to regroup. We were then ordered to clear the road below the Dam. We encountered another British patrol and more rifle fire was exchanged. The British didn't stay long and were last seen falling back.

For the remainder of the day, it was quiet. We had suffered some casualties and when we formed up, we noticed that our numbers were growing fewer and fewer.

- Hauptsturmführer Reinhard Koenig