Unit help. 2nd Bn South Wales Borderers

[Mikal]

The first day of Op Astonia started late afternoon and out of the 30 flails sent in of A & B Sqns 22 Dragoons only 10 remained in Operation for support the next day.

SWB followed through the work of B Sqn (OC Maj. Dan Ackroyd) 22 Dragoons reinforced with Capt. Roy Gebbie (Sqn 3iC) and 1st Tp C Sqn (commanded by Lt. Alan Thwaites) 22 Dragoons supported by 7RTR. A Sqn 141 RAC supplied the Crocodiles. Some of B Sqn's activity is best read in Ian Hammerton's Achtung! Minen!

Well two of the fortifications were known as Oscar and Oswald which were attacked the second day of Op Astonia. Clearing lanes to them were the task of C Sqn, 22nd Dragoons which was reduced to 2 gun tanks (OC & 2iC) and 2 flails. According to the regiment's book, the diary of Maj H.F. Wheway MC (then C Sqn 2iC) this was support by 9RTR & KOYLI.

[Owen]

THE CAPTURE OF LE HAVRE The capture of Le Havre was a classic example of a successful set-piece battle. After the German defences had been 'softened up' by colossal aerial, and naval bombardment and artillery shelling, a 'seige-train' of specialised armour broke through the outer crust of the German defensive perimeter and allowed two British infantry divisions to push through the gap and methodically reduce the enemy strongholds before driving into the heart of the city. Karel Margry tells this fascinating story.

ATB Contents