CANADIAN FORCES The Canadian Army followed British organisation very closely. Canadian War Establishments varied from those of the British Army only in minor ways, mainly as a result of the different vehicles available. This page gives the Order of Battle for 1 Canadian Army plus sample War Establishments for an Armoured Regiment and a Field Company RCE. CANADIAN ARMY The Canadian soldiers in 21 Army Group were very largely volunteers. The Canadian Army had two categories of soldier, the General Service Volunteer who could serve anywhere, and the conscript who could only serve overseas if he volunteered to do so. This situation changed in late 1944 when it was decided to send conscripts overseas. In January 1945 nearly 13,000 conscripts were sent to the UK and nearly 10,000 of these went to the Continent in late February. Canada had a sizeable French speaking population. The official language of the army was English but there were four French speaking regiments in NW Europe. Officers of these regiments were bilingual but platoons used only French for orders. Some manuals and instructions were published in French or in bilingual form. The Canadian Army followed British organisation and equipment very closely. The Canadian Army however purchased its own equipment and most of this was produced in Canada. Canadian Army uniforms were to the same designs as the British but were generally of better quality. The colour was different being a green shade of khaki instead of a brown shade. In late 1944 shirts with collars were issued so that a tie could be worn for walking out. Canadian wireless sets were to the same general design and specification as the British but again were generally of better quality. Canadian Army vehicles were very largely standardised CMP types which were produced by Ford and Chevrolet in Canada. Some were militarised civilian types from Canadian factories but again with US names like Ford, Chevrolet and Dodge. What Canada could not produce was largely purchased from the USA, and smaller quantities were purchased from Britain. Vehicle types and classifications were as for the British Army with vehicles in the 8cwt, 15cwt, 30cwt and 3ton classes. Although 4 X 2 vehicles were produced the Canadian Army in the field used 4 X 4 vehicles almost exclusively. War Establishments follow the British pattern very closely. The only differences are in the vehicles being used and in the drivers required. For example 8cwt HUP’s are often used instead of 15cwts and since more are required the number of drivers is increased. The Canadian supply system in 21 Army Group was fully integrated with the British. Many British units served under the command of 1 Canadian Army, as did Polish, Czech and Dutch units. The trade was not all one way however and some Canadian units served under British command and some hundreds of Canadian officers volunteered to serve with British units at a time when Canada had a surplus and Britain had a shortage. 1 CANADIAN ARMY The following Canadian units were listed on the Order of Battle for 21 Army Group. In general the War Establishments for these units were as for British units although there were some minor differences. HQ Army Troops Area 1st Canadian Army Canadian Section HQ 1st Echelon 21 Army Group Canadian Section HQ 2nd Echelon 21 Army Group HQ 1st Canadian Army Civil Affairs Staff 1 Canadian Interrogation HQ Section HQ 1 Canadian Army Meteorological Group Canadian Meteorological Sections Nos 11, 13, 15, 20 and 22 Canadian Auxiliary Services No 1 and 7 1 Canadian Army Car Section Canadian Provost Sections Nos 2, 11 and 13 2 Canadian Field History Section Canadian Base Reinforcement Groups Nos 2 and 3 3 Canadian Non Effective Transit Depot 3 Canadian Public Relations Group Royal Canadian Signals 1 HQ Army Troops Signals Section 1 Canadian Line of Communication Signals 1 Canadian Army Cipher Pool Section 3 Canadian Army Signals Park Canadian WI/SW Sections Nos 2 and 3 HQ 1 Canadian Army Air Liaison Group Air Liaison Sections Nos 420, 430, 442, 443, 444, 410, 450, 452, 457, 460, 561, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467 and 468 Special Wireless Sections 1, 2 and 3 Royal Canadian Engineers 1 and 2 HQ Army Troops Engineers 1 Canadian Army HQ Engineer Platoon HQ 1 Canadian Army Group Engineers 1 Canadian Army Field Survey Depot 1 Canadian Field (Air) Survey Company 2 Canadian Field Survey Company 3 Canadian Field (Reproduction) Survey Company 4 Canadian Field Survey Company 1 Canadian Landmark Unit 1 Canadian Railway Operating Group 1 and 2 Canadian Railway Operating Company 1 Canadian Railway Workshop Company 1 and 2 Canadian Road Construction Company 1 and 2 Canadian Drilling Company 1 Canadian Commander Royal Engineer (Works) Canadian Works Sections Nos 1, 2 and 3 1 Canadian Mechanical Equipment Company Canadian Mechanical Equipment Sections Nos 1, 2, 3 and 4 Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Sections Nos 2, 3 and 4 1 Canadian Mechanical Equipment Park Company 1 Canadian Workshop and Park Company 1 Canadian Engineer Stores Section 1 Canadian Machinery Spare Parts (Base) Section 1 Canadian Chemical Warfare Laboratory Field Park Companies Nos 8, 10 and 11 Field Companies Nos 5, 20, 23, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 and 34 Royal Canadian Army Service Corps HQ RCASC 1 Canadian Army Troops HQ RCASC 4 Petrol Installation HQ 1 Canadian Arm Transport Column HQ 2 Canadian Army Transport Column Canadian Corps Composite Companies Nos 33 and 34 Canadian Army Troops Composite Companies Nos 35 and 36 Canadian Army Transport Companies Nos 41, 45, 47, 63 and 64 Canadian General Transport Companies Nos 66 and 69 1 Canadian Base Transport Company 65 Canadian Tank Transporter Company Canadian Bridging Companies Nos 85 and 86 Canadian Artillery Companies Nos 81 and 82 Canadian Motor Ambulance Convoy Nos 1 and 2 1 Canadian Mobile Printing Section Canadian Increment Motor Transport Inspectorate Branch Nos 1 and 2 Detail Issue Depots Nos 121 and 136 Petrol Depots Nos 247 and 248 1 Canadian Mobile Petrol Laboratory Royal Canadian Artillery Canadian AA Operations Rooms Nos 16 and 156 1 Canadian Calibration troop HQ 1 Canadian Army Group RCA 11 Field Regiment RCA Medium Regiments RCA 1, 2 and 5 HQ 2 Canadian Army Group RCA 19 Field Regiment RCA Medium Regiments RCA Nos 3, 4 and 7 2 Heavy Anti Aircraft regiment RCA 1 Canadian Rocket Battery 1 Radar Battery 191 Field regiment RA 1 Heavy regiment RA Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers HQ RCEME 1 Canadian Army 1 Canadian Army Troops Workshop 1 Canadian General Troops Workshop Canadian Infantry Troops Workshops 1, 2 and 3 Canadian Armoured Troops Workshop Nos 4 and 5 Canadian Tank Troops Workshops 1 and 2 Canadian Engineer Equipment Workshops Nos 1 and 2 2 Canadian HAA Workshop Canadian Advanced Base Workshops Nos 1 and 2 HQ 1 Canadian Recovery Company HQ 2 Canadian Recovery Company 4 Heavy Recovery Section 7 Light Recovery Section Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps Canadian General Hospitals Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 16, 20 and 21 Canadian Convalescent Depot Nos 2 and 3 Canadian Field Surgical Units Nos 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 Canadian Field Transfusion Units Nos 4, 5, 6 and 7 Canadian Field Ambulances Nos 10, 11, 15 and 18 Canadian Field Dressing Stations Nos 6, 12 and 21 Canadian Field Hygiene Sections No 8, 12, 13 and 14 Canadian Casualty Clearing Stations Nos 2, 3 and 6 Canadian Dental Corps Canadian Dental Companies Nos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 9 Canadian Base Dental Companies Nos 11 and 12 2 Canadian Army Dental Stores 2 Canadian Army Advanced Depot Dental Stores Royal Canadian Army Ordnance Corps Canadian Corps and Army Troops Sub Park Nos 1 and 2 Canadian Infantry Ordnance Sub Parks Nos 1, 2, and 3 Canadian Armoured Ordnance Sub Parks Nos 4 and 5 1 Canadian Ordnance Maintenance Company 1 and 2 Canadian Ammunition Repair Units Mobile Laundry and Bath Units Nos 2, 4 6 8 and 9 Canadian Royal Armoured Corps 25 Canadian Armoured Delivery Regiment (the Elgin Regiment) 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade 2 Canadian Armoured Brigade Note: 1st Canadian Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment was part of 79 Armoured Division but was assigned to 1st Canadian Army. Infantry 1 Canadian Army Defence Battalion (Royal Montreal Regiment) Canadian Provost Corps Canadian Provost Companies Nos 7, 8, 11, 13, 15, 16, Canadian Line of Communication Provost Company CORPS I Canadian Corps HQ and Signals I Canadian Corps Troops 7 Anti Tank Regiment RCA 1 Light AA Regiment RCA 1 Survey Regiment RCA 1 Canadian Armoured Car Regiment (Royal Canadian Dragoons) 1 Corps Defence Company (Lorne Scots) I Corps HQ Car Company RCASC 1 Corps Transport Company RCASC 31 Corps Troops Company RCASC 32 Corps Troops Company RCASC 12, 13 and 14 Field Companies RCE 9 Field Park Company RCE 1 Corps Troops Workshop RCEME II Canadian Corps HQ and Signals II Canadian Corps Troops 6 Anti Tank regiment RCA 6 Light AA Regiment RCA 2 Survey regiment RCA 18 Canadian Armoured Car Regiment (12 Manitoba Dragoons) 2 Corps Defence Company (Prince Edward Island Light Horse) II Corps HQ Car Company RCASC 2 Corps Transport Company RCASC 33 Corps Troops Company RCASC 34 Corps Troops Company RCASC 29, 30 and 31 Field Companies RCE 8 Field Park Company RCE 2 Corps Troops Workshop RCEME DIVISIONS 4th Canadian Armoured Division HQ and Signals 29 Reconnaissance Regiment (South Alberta Regiment) 10 Independent Machine Gun Company (New Brunswick Rangers) 5 and 23 Field Regiments RCA 5 Anti Tank Regiment RCA 8 LAA Regiment RCA 8 and 9 Field Squadrons RCE 6 Field Park Squadron RCE 4 Bridging Platoon 4 Canadian Armoured Brigade 21 Armoured Regiment (Governor Generals Foot Guards) 22 Armoured Regiment (Canadian Grenadier Guards) 28 Armoured Regiment (British Columbia Regiment) Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) 10 Canadian Infantry Brigade Lincloln and Welland Regiment Algonquin Regiment Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada 12 and 15 Field Ambulance RCAMC 12 Field Dressing Station RCAMC 12 Field Hygiene Section 5th Canadian Armoured Division HQ and Signals 3 Armoured Regiment (Governor Generals Horse Guards) 11 Independent Machine Gun Company (Princess Louise’s Fusiliers) 8 and 17 Field Regiments RCA 4 Anti Tank Regiment RCA 5 LAA Regiment RCA 1 and 10 Field Squadrons RCE 64 Field Park Squadron RCE 5 Bridging Platoon 5 Canadian Armoured Brigade 2 Armoured Regiment (Lord Strathcona’s Horse) 5 Armoured Regiment (Princess Louise’s Hussars) 9 Armoured Regiment (British Columbia Dragoons) Lake Superior Regiment (Motor) 11 Canadian Infantry Brigade Perth Regiment Cape Breton Highlanders Irish Regiment of Canada 12 Canadian Infantry Brigade Westminster Regiment Lanark and Renfrew Scottish Princess Louise’s Dragoon Guards 7 and 24 Field Ambulance RCAMC 13 Field Dressing Station 11 Field Hygiene Section 1 Canadian Infantry Division HQ and Signals 4 Reconnaissance Regiment (4 Princess Louise Dragoon Guards) Saskatoon Light Infantry (Machine Gun) 1 Regiment Royal Canadian Horse Artillery 2 and 3 Field Regiments RCA 1 Anti Tank Regiment RCA 2 LAA Regiment RCA 1, 3 and 4 Field Companies RCE 2 Field Park Company 1 Bridging Platoon 1 Canadian Infantry Brigade Royal Canadian Regiment Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment 48th Highlanders of Canada 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry Seaforth Highlanders of Canada Loyal Edmonton Regiment 3 Canadian Infantry Brigade Royal 22e Regiment Carleton and York Regiment West Nova Scotia Regiment 4, 5 and 9 Field Ambulance RCAMC 1 and 2 Field Dressing Station RCAMC 2 Field Hygiene Section 1 Provost Company (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) 2 Canadian Infantry Division HQ and Signals 8 Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment (14 Canadian Hussars) Toronto Scottish Regiment (Machine Gun) 4, 5 and 6 Field Regiments RCA 2 Anti Tank Regiment RCA 3 LAA Regiment RCA 2, 7 and 11 Field Regiments CRE 1 Field Park Company CRE 4 Canadian Infantry Brigade Royal Regiment of Canada Royal Hamilton Light Infantry Essex Scottish Regiment 5 Canadian Infantry Brigade Black Watch of Canada Le Regiment de Maisonneuve Calgary Highlanders 6 Canadian Infantry Brigade Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal South Saskatchewan Regiment Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada 10, 11 and 18 Field Ambulance RCAMC 21 and 4 Field Dressing Station RCAMC 13 Field Hygiene Section 3 Canadian Infantry Division HQ and Signals 7 Canadian Reconnaissance Regiment (17 Duke of York’s Royal Canadian Hussars) Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (Machine Gun) 12, 13 and 14 Field Regiments RCA 3 Anti Tank Regiment RCA 4 LAA Regiment RCA 6, 16 and 18 Field Regiments CRE Field Park Company CRE 7 Canadian Infantry Brigade Royal Winnipeg Rifles Regina Rifle Regiment Canadian Scottish 8 Canadian Infantry Brigade Queens Own Rifles of Canada Le Regiment de la Chaudiere North Shore Regiment 9 Canadian Infantry Brigade Highland Light Infantry of Canada North Nova Scotia Highlanders Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders 14, 22 and 23 Field Ambulance RCAMC 5 and 7 Field Dressing Station RCAMC 7 Field Hygiene Section INDEPENDENT ARMOURED BRIGADES 1 Canadian Armoured Brigade 11 Armoured Regiment (Ontario Regiment) 12 Armoured Regiment (Three Rivers Regiment) 14 Armoured Regiment (Galgary Regiment) 17 Field Ambulance RCAMC 2 Canadian Armoured Brigade 6 Armoured Regiment (1 Hussars) 10 Armoured Regiment (Fort Garry Horse) 27 Armoured Regiment (Sherbrooke Fusiliers) 2 Light Field Ambulance RCAMC CANADIAN ARMOURED REGIMENT CANADIAN ARMOURED REGIMENT January 1944 (Modified June 1944) Total personnel Lieutenant Colonel Major, second in command 4 X Major Captain, adjutant Captain, Technical Officer 8 X Captain 20 X Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Quartermaster Serjeant, technical Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant 4 X Squadron Serjeant Major 4 X squadron quartermaster serjeant 4 X serjeant mechanist orderly room serjeant clerk provost serjeant signal serjeant transport serjeant serjeant technical storeman 29 X serjeant Plus attached Medical Officer RCAMC 3 X armourer RCEME 4 X officers mess cooks ACC 15 X cook ACC 6 X vehicle mechanic RCEME Paymaster serjeant pay clerk Total vehicles 8 X motorcycle 1 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 11 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 12 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt Office 4 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 7 X 15cwt halftrack 48 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen 4 X Carrier, Starting and Charging 9 X scout car 6 X AA tank 61 X tank 11 X light tank 3 X armoured recovery vehicles 1 X 180 gallon water trailer Organisation. Regimental Headquarters. Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 corporal driver IC, driver IC Cruiser Tank 1 Lieutenant Colonel, Adjutant, serjeant, driver mechanic, driver operator. Cruiser Tank 2 Major, Regimental Serjeant Major, operator RS, corporal driver mechanic, driver operator Cruiser Tank 3 Subaltern, serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator Cruiser Tank 4 Intelligence Officer, intelligence corporal, gunner operator, driver mechanic, driver operator Note that the second in command would not normally be here in action. His action post was at rear headquarters. The subaltern commands the headquarters tanks. Added in early 1945 15cwt halftrack driver IC Headquarters Squadron. Squadron headquarters. Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Major (squadron commander), driver IC 15cwt FFW Captain (squadron second in command), Squadron Serjeant Major, 2 X driver operator Carries a Wireless set No19. Added early 1945 Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Liaison Officer, driver operator AA troop AA Tank 1 Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator AA Tank 2 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator AA Tank 3 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic AA Tank 4 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic AA Tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic AA Tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic AA tank 6 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Reconnaissance troop Troop headquarters Light tank 1 Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator Light tank 2 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator Section 1 Light tank 3 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Light tank 4 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Light tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Section 2 Light tank 3 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Light tank 4 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Light tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Section 3 Light tank 3 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Light tank 4 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Light tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Note The reconnaissance troop gained a Captain as its commanding officer in late 1944. It retained the subaltern but lost one serjeant. At the same time it became common for the troop headquarters to have a scout car in place of Light Tank 2. This could be used by either officer for liaison and attending order groups etc, leaving the light tank as a command post. Troop headquarters late 1944 Light tank 1 Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator Scout Car 2 Subaltern, driver operator Intercommunication troop Scout Car 1 serjeant, driver operator Scout Car 2 driver operator, corporal driver IC Scout Car 3 driver operator, corporal driver IC Scout car 4 driver operator, driver IC Scout car 5 driver operator, driver IC Scout car 6 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 7 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 8 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 9 Technical Officer, driver operator, Note. In late 1944 the Technical Officer lost his scout car and was replaced by a corporal driver IC. He got his scout car back in the next establishment. Administrative troop Motorcycle 1 provost serjeant Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Motorcycle 6 motorcyclist Motorcycle 7 motorcyclist Motorcycle 8 batman Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1 corporal driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 5 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 6 Quartermaster, driver IC Heavy Utility Personnel Computer 4 X 4 Paymaster, serjeant pay clerk Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 2 serjeant mechanist, vehicle mechanic Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 3 2 X vehicle mechanic 15cwt truck GS 1 squadron quartermaster serjeant, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 2 sanitary dutyman, medical officers orderly, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 3 quartermaster serjeant (technical), serjeant (technical), storeman, corporal clerk, driver IC 15cwt truck water 1 water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt truck water 2 water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt halftrack Medical Officer, batman, driver IC 15cwt halftrack driver IC For use as ambulance 15cwt halftrack driver IC For use as ambulance 15cwt halftrack equipment repairer, serjeant armourer, 2 X armourer, corporal storeman (technical), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 transport serjeant, cook ACC (officers mess), butchery dutyman, batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 carpenter and joiner, vehicle mechanic, corporal driver operator, 3 X driver mechanics (relief), 3 Xgunner operator (relief), 3 X gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 postman, storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 electrician, gun fitter, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 serjeant, sanitary dutyman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 9 3 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 10 storeman, clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 11 2 x clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 12 Signal Officer, signal serjeant, serjeant clerk, corporal clerk, driver IC used as regimental office. 3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen serjeant cook, 2 X cook, driver IC 15cwt 4 X 4 truck Carrier, Battery Charging electrician, driver mechanic Battery charging and maintenance 3ton 4 X 4 store vehicle mechanic, technical storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC Note. As the campaign progressed some vehicles were replaced by improved versions - The 15cwt Battery Charging was replaced by a 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery I30. - GS 12 was replaced by a similar vehicle purpose built as an office. The Squadrons. Each of the three squadrons was organised identically. Squadron headquarters Cruiser Tank 1 Close Support (Sherman 75mm) Major (squadron commander), serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, driver operator Cruiser Tank 2 Close Support (Sherman 75mm) Captain, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser Tank 3 (Sherman 75mm) Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator Cruiser Tank 4 (Sherman 75mm) Squadron Serjeant Major, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) driver IC Armoured Recovery Vehicle MkI serjeant vehicle mechanic REME, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic Note In the re organisation of June 1944 the Squadron headquarters gave up one of its Sherman tanks to make up the number in the troops. The new organisation required sixteen tanks in troops instead of fifteen. The squadron headquarters officially got the tank back in early 1945. It is not known for certain which tank was removed but the probability is that most regiments got it back long before it was officially sanctioned. Administrative troop Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 mechanist serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver operator (relief) Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 cook (officers mess), driver IC 15cwt truck GS squadron quartermaster serjeant, serjeant, driver IC 15cwt halftrack 2 X driver mechanic (relief), driver operator (relief), 2 X gunner operator (relief) 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 storeman, 5 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 clerk, corporal driver IC, 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 gunner operator (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 9 gunner mechanic (relief), sanitary dutyman 3ton 4 X 4 GS10 2 X gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 11 corporal driver operator (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 12 driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen corporal cook, 3 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt truck Battery Charging electrician, driver mechanic 3ton 4 X 4 stores corporal storeman technical, 2 X vehicle mechanic, gun fitter The fighting troops. The War Establishment shows five troops each of three tanks. It is known that this organisation was changed for 21 Army Group and there is no reason to think that the organisation used was any different to that of British regiments. Troop 1 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 2 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 3 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 4 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic CANADIAN ARMOURED REGIMENT November 1944 Total personnel Lieutenant Colonel Major, second in command 4 X Major Captain, adjutant Captain, Technical Officer Captain Liaison Officer 8 X Captain 20 X Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Quartermaster Serjeant, technical Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant 4 X Squadron Serjeant Major 4 X serjeant mechanist orderly room serjeant clerk provost serjeant signal serjeant transport serjeant serjeant technical storeman 29 X serjeant 59 X corporal 523 X trooper Total 670 Plus Medical Officer RCAMC 3 X armourer RCEME 4 X officers mess cooks 15 X cook 6 X vehicle mechanic RCEME Trades included carpenter and joiner 13 X clerk 94 X driver mechanics 103 X driver operator 5 X electrician equipment repairer gun fitter 92 X gunner mechanics 89 X gunner operator 6 X storeman (technical) 39 X vehicle mechanics 22 X batman butchery dutyman 90 X driver IC medical orderly 6 X motorcycle orderly postman 5 X sanitary dutyman 5 X storeman 4 X water dutyman Total vehicles 8 X motorcycle 1 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 11 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 12 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt Office 4 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 7 X 15cwt halftrack 48 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen 4 X Carrier, Starting and Charging 9 X scout car 6 X AA tank 61 X tank 11 X light tank 3 X armoured recovery vehicles Organisation. Regimental Headquarters. Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 corporal driver IC, driver IC Cruiser Tank 1 Lieutenant Colonel, Adjutant, serjeant, driver mechanic, driver operator. Cruiser Tank 2 Major, Regimental Serjeant Major, operator RS, corporal driver mechanic, driver operator Cruiser Tank 3 Subaltern, serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator Cruiser Tank 4 Intelligence Officer, intelligence corporal, gunner operator, driver mechanic, driver operator Note that the second in command would not normally be here in action. His action post was at rear headquarters. The subaltern commands the headquarters tanks. This establishment table gives details of weapons 11 X pistol 1 X rifle 9 X Sten gun Headquarters Squadron. Squadron headquarters. Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Major (squadron commander), driver IC 15cwt FFW Captain (squadron second in command), Squadron Serjeant Major, 2 X driver operator Carries a Wireless set No19. Armoured Carrier Tracked Ammunition driver mechanic, gunner operator This was a turretless and stripped out Ram tank (Wallaby). Added early 1945 Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Liaison Officer, driver operator 4 X pistol 4 X Sten gun AA troop The AA troop does not appear on this war establishment table. Reconnaissance troop Troop headquarters Light tank 1 Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator Light tank 2 Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator Section 1 Light tank 3 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Light tank 4 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Light tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Section 2 Light tank 3 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Light tank 4 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Light tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Section 3 Light tank 3 serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Light tank 4 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Light tank 5 corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic Note The reconnaissance troop gained a Captain as its commanding officer in late 1944. It retained the subaltern but lost one serjeant. 33 X pistol 11 X Sten gun Intercommunication troop Scout Car 1 serjeant, driver operator Scout Car 2 driver operator, corporal driver mechanic Scout Car 3 driver operator, corporal driver mechanic Scout car 4 driver operator, driver mechanic Scout car 5 driver operator, driver IC Scout car 6 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 7 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 8 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 9 driver operator Note. The Technical Officer in this establishment is shown in the administrative troop but his seat in scout car 9 remains. 8 X pistol 9 X Sten gun Administrative troop Motorcycle 1 provost serjeant Motorcycle 2 motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Motorcycle 6 motorcyclist Motorcycle 7 motorcyclist Motorcycle 8 batman Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1 corporal driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 5 driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 6 Quartermaster, driver IC Heavy Utility Personnel Computer 4 X 4 Paymaster, serjeant pay clerk Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 Serjeant mechanist, driver mechanic Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 2 X driver mechanic 15cwt truck GS 1 squadron quartermaster serjeant, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 2 sanitary dutyman, medical officers orderly, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 3 quartermaster serjeant (technical), serjeant (technical), storeman, corporal clerk, driver IC 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt halftrack Medical Officer, batman, driver IC 15cwt halftrack driver IC For use as ambulance 15cwt halftrack driver IC For use as ambulance 15cwt halftrack equipment repairer, serjeant armourer, 2 X armourer, corporal storeman (technical), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 transport serjeant, cook ACC (officers mess), butchery dutyman, batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 carpenter and joiner, vehicle mechanic, corporal driver operator, 3 X driver mechanics (relief), 3 X gunner operator (relief), gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 postman, storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 electrician, gun fitter, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 serjeant, sanitary dutyman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 9 3 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 10 storeman, clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 11 2 x clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 12 Signal Officer, signal serjeant, serjeant clerk, corporal clerk, driver IC used as regimental office. 3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen serjeant cook, 2 X cook, driver IC 15cwt 4 X 4 truck Carrier, Battery Charging electrician, driver mechanic Battery charging and maintenance 3ton 4 X 4 store vehicle mechanic, technical storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC Note. As the campaign progressed some vehicles were replaced by improved versions - The 15cwt Battery Charging was replaced by a 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery I30. - GS 12 was replaced by a similar vehicle purpose built as an office. 13 X pistol 35 X rifle 52 X Sten gun 2 X PIAT The Squadrons. Each of the three squadrons was organised identically. Squadron headquarters Cruiser Tank 1 Close Support (Sherman 75mm) Major (squadron commander), serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, driver operator Cruiser Tank 2 Close Support (Sherman 75mm) Captain, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser Tank 3 (Sherman 75mm) Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator Cruiser Tank 4 (Sherman 75mm) Squadron Serjeant Major, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) driver IC Armoured Recovery Vehicle MkI serjeant vehicle mechanic REME, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic Armoured Carrier Tracked Ammunition 1 driver mechanic, gunner operator Armoured Carrier Tracked Ammunition 2 driver mechanic, gunner operator These were turretless and stripped out Ram tank (Wallaby). 17 X pistol 12 X Sten gun Note In the re organisation of June 1944 the Squadron headquarters gave up one of its Sherman tanks to make up the number in the troops. The new organisation required sixteen tanks in troops instead of fifteen. The squadron headquarters officially got the tank back in early 1945. It is not known for certain which tank was removed but the probability is that most regiments got it back long before it was officially sanctioned. Administrative troop Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 mechanist serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver operator (relief) Heavy Utility Personnel 4 X 4 cook (officers mess), driver IC 15cwt truck GS squadron quartermaster serjeant, serjeant, driver IC 15cwt halftrack 2 X driver mechanic (relief), driver operator (relief), 2 X gunner operator (relief) 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 storeman, 5 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 clerk, corporal driver IC, 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 clerk, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 batman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 gunner operator (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 9 gunner mechanic (relief), sanitary dutyman 3ton 4 X 4 GS10 2 X gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 11 corporal driver operator (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 12 driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen corporal cook, 3 X cook, water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt truck Battery Charging electrician, driver mechanic 3ton 4 X 4 stores corporal storeman technical, 2 X vehicle mechanic, gun fitter 8 X pistol 22 X rifle 21 X Sten gun 3 X PIAT The fighting troops. The War Establishment shows five troops each of three tanks. It is known that this organisation was changed for 21 Army Group and there is no reason to think that the organisation used was any different to that of British regiments. Troop 1 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 2 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 3 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 4 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly) serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Three men in each crew carry a pistol and two men carry a Sten gun. FIELD PARK SQUADRON RCE Personnel Major Captain 2 X Subaltern Squadron Serjeant Major squadron quartermaster serjeant Staff Serjeant Military Mechanist transport serjeant 2 X serjeant lance serjeant 4 X corporal sapper class 2 X corporal driver class 6 X lance corporal sapper class 4 X lance corporal driver class 48 X sapper 36 X driver Total 111 Tradesmen 2 X blacksmith bricklayer 4 X carpenter and joiner 5 X clerk draughtsman, mechanical 5 X driver mechanic, driver class 3 X electrician, maintenance 3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps 2 X engine hand IC equipment repairer 3 X fitter 8 X operator, special engineering equipment 2 X painter and decorator 2 X general dutyman 4 X motorcyclist 9 X storeman 2 X plumbers and pipe fitters 2 X sawyers surveyor, engineering sheet metal worker turner vehicle mechanic, driver class 2 X welder Total 65 Drivers IC for duty as 4 X batman 29 X driver of vehicle sanitary dutyman 2 X transport NCO water dutyman Total 37 Transport 1 X Bicycle 9 X Motorcycle 3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4 X Truck 15cwt GS 1 X Truck 15cwt FFW 1 X machinery KL 11 X 3ton 4 X 4GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 office 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 derrick 4 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipping 1 X 4ton 6 X 6 machinery RE 1 X 4ton 6 X 6 crane 3 X transporter 20ton 3 X 18 ton trailer 1 X water trailer Mechanical equipment 2 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer 1 X Crawler Tractor Class IV, Caterpillar D7 Angledozer HEADQUARTERS Major Captain Squadron Serjeant Major squadron quartermaster serjeant transport serjeant serjeant armourer lance serjeant corporal sapper class corporal driver class lance corporal sapper class lance corporal driver class 9 X sapper 13 X driver Total 33 Tradesmen 4 X clerk draughtsman, mechanical 2 X driver mechanic, driver class 2 X driver operator 3 X motorcyclist 3 X storeman surveyor, engineering vehicle mechanic Drivers IC for duty as 2 X batman 5 X driver of vehicle sanitary dutyman transport NCO water dutyman plus 4 X cook Organisation Bicycle Motorcycle transport serjeant Motorcycle Motorcyclist Motorcycle Motorcyclist Motorcycle Motorcyclist Car 4seater Major, batman, driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Captain, driver IC Truck 15cwt GS 2 X batman, cook ACC, driver IC Carries officers mess equipment and baggage 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 3 X cook ACC, water dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking sets and rations Tows water trailer 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 4 X clerk, driver IC For use as office 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 Carries Quarter Master stores and anti gas stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 Carries petrol and MT stores Workshop troop Subaltern Staff serjeant military mechanist serjeant serjeant fitter 2 X corporal sapper class 3 X lance corporal sapper class lance corporal driver class 25 X sapper 6 X driver Total 40 Tradesmen 2 X blacksmith bricklayer 4 X carpenter and joiner driver mechanic, driver class 3 X electrician, maintenance 3 X engine fitter, IC and pumps 2 X engine hand IC equipment repairer 3 X fitter 2 X painter and decorator storeman 2 X plumbers and pipe fitters 2 X sawyers sheet metal worker turner 2 X welder Drivers IC for duty as batman 5 X driver of vehicle Motorcycle Subaltern Motorcycle serjeant 15 cwt machinery KL 2 X welder, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 electrician, driver IC Carries electric light set 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 driver IC Carries all personnel not otherwise assigned 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 storeman, driver IC Carries technical stores 3ton 4 X 4 derrick driver mechanic 4ton 6 X 6 machinery driver IC Stores troop Subaltern serjeant corporal sapper class corporal driver class 2 X lance corporal sapper class 2 X lance corporal driver class 14 X sapper 17 X driver Total 38 clerk 2 X driver operator 2 X driver mechanic, driver class 8 X operator, excavator 2 X general dutyman motorcyclist 6 X storeman Total 19 Drivers IC for duty as batman 16 X driver of vehicle (includes 2 X driver mechanic) transport NCO Total 18 Transport 2 X Motorcycle 1 X Car 5cwt 4 X 4 3 X Truck 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt FFW 5 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 X 3ton 4 X 4 tipper 1 X 4 ton 6 X 6 machinery RE (Diamond T) 1 X 4 ton 6 X 6 crane (Diamond T) 3 X 20ton transporter (Federal 604) Mechanical equipment 2 X Crawler Tractor Class II, Caterpillar D4 Angledozer 1 X Crawler Tractor Class IV, Caterpillar D7 Angledozer Transport Motorcycle motorcyclist Motorcycle serjeant vehicle mechanic Car 5cwt 4 X 4 Subaltern, batman driver 15 cwt truck GS driver IC Carries technical stores 15 cwt truck GS driver IC Carries technical stores 15 cwt truck GS driver IC Carries technical stores 15cwt truck FFW 2 X driver operator 3ton 4 X 4 tipper driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 tipper driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 tipper driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 tipper driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 driver IC Carries compressor and tools 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 driver IC Carries compressor and tools 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 storeman, driver IC Carries minefield supply stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 storeman, driver IC Carries reserve stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 storeman, driver IC Carries technical stores 4ton 6 X 6 crane 2 X driver mechanic 20ton transporter driver IC 20ton transporter driver IC 20ton transporter driver IC
Hi Mike a small point I'm sure just a transcription thing. But since you do such detailed work on your posts, i thought I'd mention that the 5th CAD's recce battalion was the Royal Westminster regiment not the Lake superior regiment, they were correctly listed as the recce for the 4th CAD. The 1st Can Army was a pretty tough beast ot pin down in terms of compostion. It had a great many formations under command at different times. In the fall of 44 winter of 45 they had numerous british divisions and even the 30 corp under command. At Arhem they had the 43 Wessex div. the 52nd Lowland Div, from mid July '44 the Polish armoured as well as the Czech armoured Brigade (not sure about this formation) under command for the most part. dont know all the ins and outs of all these, you would need a score card to keep up. Matt
Matt, Not sure that I agree with the Royal Westminister Regiment being recce regiment for 5th CAD. My reference shows 3rd Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (Governor General's Horse Guards ). Also, recce regiment for 4th CAD was 29th Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment ( The South Alberta Regiment ). Bothe regiments had the recce number 45 with white numbers in the green blue box. Cheers Randy
The Westminster Regiment were the Motor Battalion in 5 CAD. The Lake Sups are listed twice as mentioned.
2nd Forward Observer Unit (Airborne) was made up with Canadian and British soldiers,due to the shortage of trained gunners/signalers. How unusual was that? The units C/O said it was an unusual mix ,but that it worked very well. He kept Canadians with Canadians and Brits with Brits within the unit and it managed to create a "friendly" rivalry. Did that happen in any other regiments?