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Paul Reed · 25-01-2008, 11:15 PM

More info on 4 RDP:

On 17th May 1940, the platoon of lieutenant André De Conigliano from the 3rd Squadron of the 4e RC meets elements of the the 4e RDP (Régiment de Dragons Portés - infantry) in Englefontaine (also on the map) and at 18h00 the platoon received the order to establish a bridgehead at Landrecies. Arriving next to a level/grade crossing in Landrecies the Somua S35 of lieutnant De Conigliano is under intense fire from German AT weapons ambushed at point blank range. His tank is knocked out. The driver, brigadier-chef Fresnais, is killed and the lieutenant is killed too only the radio/loader is rescued. The 4 other tanks of the platoon, under the command of maréchal des logis-chef Léger, break the engagement around 19h15 and pull back towards Englefontaine. They establish a defensive position on the Englefontaine-Landrecies road.

On 18th May, 12 Somua S35 tanks of the squadron of captain De Segonzac from the 4e RC are holding the town of Jolimetz along with one company of Moroccan tirailleurs in support. During all the day they faced half of the 5.PzD (about 120 tanks and massive infantry, field artillery, AT guns and aviation support) on the move in this area. 1 Somua S35 tank (Maréchal des logis Enfroy) is damaged during a reconnaissance and sent back to Quesnoy. Only 11 French tanks are then controlling the town. The German attack is launched and after a few losses the Germans sent preferentially the heavier Panzer IVs in the town itself. At the end of the day the town was completely surrounded. In 10 vs 1 odd, the French have lost 10 tanks (destroyed or abandoned) and the Germans 26 tanks, mostly Panzer IVs. That is a perfect example of what well-trained French crews were able to do.

On 22nd May... General Prioux decides to regroup the cavalry corps in the Area of Arras. The I/4e RDP supported byt the 18e RD (1e DLM) leads a brilliant counter-attack which allows to take Mont-Saint-Eloi (see the map). During this attack, the 2e DLM and 3e DLM covered the flanks of the attack.

Source: The French cavalry corps in 1940 - Military Photos

25-01-2008, 11:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
Paul Reed Ubique Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Kent/France Posts: 3,457	More info on 4 RDP: On 17th May 1940, the platoon of lieutenant André De Conigliano from the 3rd Squadron of the 4e RC meets elements of the the 4e RDP (Régiment de Dragons Portés - infantry) in Englefontaine (also on the map) and at 18h00 the platoon received the order to establish a bridgehead at Landrecies. Arriving next to a level/grade crossing in Landrecies the Somua S35 of lieutnant De Conigliano is under intense fire from German AT weapons ambushed at point blank range. His tank is knocked out. The driver, brigadier-chef Fresnais, is killed and the lieutenant is killed too only the radio/loader is rescued. The 4 other tanks of the platoon, under the command of maréchal des logis-chef Léger, break the engagement around 19h15 and pull back towards Englefontaine. They establish a defensive position on the Englefontaine-Landrecies road. On 18th May, 12 Somua S35 tanks of the squadron of captain De Segonzac from the 4e RC are holding the town of Jolimetz along with one company of Moroccan tirailleurs in support. During all the day they faced half of the 5.PzD (about 120 tanks and massive infantry, field artillery, AT guns and aviation support) on the move in this area. 1 Somua S35 tank (Maréchal des logis Enfroy) is damaged during a reconnaissance and sent back to Quesnoy. Only 11 French tanks are then controlling the town. The German attack is launched and after a few losses the Germans sent preferentially the heavier Panzer IVs in the town itself. At the end of the day the town was completely surrounded. In 10 vs 1 odd, the French have lost 10 tanks (destroyed or abandoned) and the Germans 26 tanks, mostly Panzer IVs. That is a perfect example of what well-trained French crews were able to do. On 22nd May... General Prioux decides to regroup the cavalry corps in the Area of Arras. The I/4e RDP supported byt the 18e RD (1e DLM) leads a brilliant counter-attack which allows to take Mont-Saint-Eloi (see the map). During this attack, the 2e DLM and 3e DLM covered the flanks of the attack. Source: The French cavalry corps in 1940 - Military Photos __________________ The WW2 Society: Remembering those from Britain & The Commonwealth who served 1939-45 - http://www.battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/ww2_society.htm