Fighting in the Alphen area

The town itself was taken fairly quickly. However, in an arc from west to north and east, the Germans put up extremely strong resistance.
The Polish division, which had penetrated too deeply into enemy territory, had to halt its advance for fear of exposing its flanks¹.
On our rear guard the British were advancing slowly. They are called 'The Bears' because they wear a bear symbol on their vehicles and uniform sleeves²; they move very slowly and we are constantly in front.
On 5 October we went on the defensive. The front line forms an arc to the north of the city. From the west it leans on the town itself and the orchards of the town.
The enemy is using their mortars and artillery in large numbers. They also have machine guns. The tanks do not show themselves, but from their camouflaged shelters they fire mortars with their guns.
6 October was a day of engagement for the squadron. By morning tragic reports had arrived. The 1st Platoon was almost destroyed.

Kazimierz Duda - War Chronicles - 4 to 6 October 1944 - Page 82