4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

Discussion in 'RAC & RTR' started by dbf, Apr 8, 2013.

  1. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    P2940902_2_zps6b74af6a.jpg
    Regiment: 3/4 County of London Yeomanry

    Serial No.: A.90.

    Mark: II

    W.D. No.: 233513

    Date: 1 April 1945

    Photo No.: 16

    Figure Nos.: 1, 2
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: Not Known

    Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Ambushed by infantry when moving slowly forwards. Turret found at 12 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: Penetration about 45 mm. diameter through forward right quick fix armour on side wall of sponson.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Tank completely burnt out

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Squadron Leader. Bin into which penetration was made, was full of ammunition.

    Fate of Crew:
    Co-Driver: Unhurt
    Commander: Killed - burnt badly. Chest wound (Padre)
    Gunner: Wounded and burnt - a) 2 degree burns face and hands; b ) flesh wound buttock, from which an F.B. size unknown was removed. RTD 23/52. Category A.1.
    Operator: Killed. Body disintegrated. (Padre)
    Driver: Wounded and burnt - a) dislocation right shoulder; b ) burns face and right hand; c) flesh wound buttock. RTD 19/52. Category A.1.
     
  2. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 3/4 County of London Yeomanry

    Serial No.: A.89.

    Mark: II

    W.D. No.: 263?42 [possibly 263142]

    Date: 8 April 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure Nos.: 1, 3
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: Not Known

    Cause of Damage: H.C. (panzerfaust) penetrations

    Fire Damage: Confined to Driver's compartment.

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Tank moving at 10 - 15 m.p.h. when ambushed and fired at simultaneously by several men with Panzerfausts. Turret at 12 o'clock.

    Position of Hit and Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) Penetration 30 mm. diameter through left side of front of hull, into final drive; b ) hit on thin metal plate about a foot in front of hull, which this regiment fits as a protection against H.C., leading to penetration in front of the Driver of diameter 20 mm. initially, tapering to less than 5 mm. diameter; c) non-penetrating hit on left side gun mantlet.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Co-Driver. Tank was sealed and could not be properly inspected. Co-Driver's and Driver's hatches were closed when the tank was hit.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander & Operator: Unhurt
    Gunner: Wounded - small superficial wounds dorsum of right wrist, right thigh and right popliteal space. RTD 4/52. Category A.1.
    Driver: Killed. Wound of shoulder and axilla. (R.M.O.)
    Co-Driver: Wounded - superficial peppering left shoulder, back right leg. RTD 14/52. Category A.1.
     
  3. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 3/4 County of London Yeomanry

    Serial No.: B.47.

    Mark: 1 c

    W.D. No.: 263698

    Date: 14 April 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: Not Known

    Cause of Damage: H.E. hit.

    Fire Damage: Confined to Driver's compartment

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Turret at 12 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: H.E. hit gun mantlet.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Some fire, confined to Driver's compartment

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from R.M.O. and Squadron Officers. Driver's hatch open, since he was driving head out.

    Fate of Crew:
    Turret Crew: Uninjured
    Driver: Killed. Head severely injured.
     
  4. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 3/4 County of London Yeomanry

    Serial No.: B.48.

    Mark: V c

    W.D. No.: 211974

    Date: 16 April 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: 24
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 6 yards

    Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration

    Fire Damage: Confined, minor

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Tank stationary having run into German infantry ahead of its own infantry. It had fired M.G. and H.E. into an enemy slit trench and thought it safe to proceed, when it was fired at from the trench. Turret at 10 o'clock. Fired at from in front.

    Position of Hit: Turret roof in from of Gunner.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Minor fire in turret. Jet probably hit Commander and Gunner.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Operator and Squadron Leader and Medical Officer.

    Fate of Crew:
    Driver: Unhurt. Severely wounded by shell fire after baling out.
    Commander: Killed. Severely mutilated.
    Gunner: Killed. Severely mutilated.
    Operator: Wounded; a) superficial peppering right side of face with minor eye injury. This wound occurred in tank; b ) flesh wound right shoulder by a shell outside; c) flesh wound right calf with 2 "small" F.B's lateral to the neck of fibula - by shell outside. RTD 4/52. Category A.1.
     
  5. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Regiment: 3/4 County of London Yeomanry

    Serial No.: A.86.

    Mark: II

    W.D. No.: 233266

    Date: 23 April 1945

    Photo No.: 14

    Figure Nos.: 1, 3
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 800 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm.) penetration

    Fire Damage: Confined - minor.

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Tank stationary on a long straight road when an S.P. gun suddenly approached round a corner and fired down the road. Turret at 12 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: Penetration about 75 mm. wide and 90 mm. high in centre of front of turret above gun mantlet.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles, and its relation to the Crew: Shot passed down the turret above the gun and went into the wireless which it destroyed. Minor fire, no ammunition destroyed.

    Remarks: Tank seen.

    Fate of Crew: Unhurt.
     
  6. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 3/4 County of London Yeomanry

    Serial No.: F.25.

    Mark: VI

    W.D. No.: 271291

    Date: Not Known

    Photo No.: -

    Figure Nos.: 35, 37
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 300 - 400 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm.) penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: F.34.

    Circumstances: Near WINTERSWYCK. Tank got bogged in ditch under fire, when recce. troop was proceeding down road and was ambushed by an A.P. gun or tank which fired at them from a farm yard. Turret found at 10 o'clock. Same incident as tank F.34.

    Position of Hit: Penetration about 75 mm. diameter through right side wall of engine compartment.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot went into the petrol tank, but could not be found as the engine cover was jammed and could not be opened. Tank completely burnt out. Crew baled out before tank was penetrated.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Range, given by Troop Leader was confirmed by local inhabitants.

    Fate of Crew: Unhurt.
     
  7. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 3/4 County of London Yeomanry

    Serial No.: F.34.

    Mark: VI

    W.D. No.: Not Known

    Date: Not Known

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 300 - 400 yards

    Cause of Damage:

    Fire Damage: A.P. 75 mm. scoop

    Other tanks involved in same incident: F.25.

    Circumstances: Recce. troop was ambushed by an S.P. gun or tank when proceeding down a road. Fired at from right side. Same incident as F.25.

    Position of Hit: Hit in rear locker.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Minor external damage.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Recce. Troop Leader.

    Fate of Crew: Unhurt.
     
  8. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.96.

    Mark: DD

    W.D. No.: Not Known

    Date: 25 March 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 1500 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Not Known

    Position of Hit: Penetration into hull. Details unknown.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Tank caught fire immediately and was completely burnt out.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Squadron Leader.

    Fate of Crew:
    Turret Crew: Unhurt
    Driver: Burned - 2 degree burns hands and face with minor damage to right eye. RTD 3/52. Category A.1.
    Co-Driver: Unhurt, but killed later by a shell after baling out.
     
  9. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.97

    Mark: III DD

    W.D. No.: 152943

    Date: 25 March 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 1200 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. 75 mm. penetration

    Fire Damage: None

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Moving slowly forwards 2 - 3 m.p.h. when fired at by a gun, the flash of which was seen by witnesses. The first shot missed, the second hit. Turret at 12 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: Penetration through left side turret from half left rear.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Passed through the Operator and hit the breech of the 75 mm. gun.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Squadron Leader.

    Fate of Crew:
    Driver and Co-Driver: Unhurt
    Commander: Wounded - compound fracture upper ⅓ right tibia. X-Ray shows no fragments. Discharged hospital to sick leave 9/52. Category D. Final Category Not Known.
    Gunner: Died of Wounds - multiple fragment wounds upper and lower limbs.
    Operator: Killed. A.P. shot passed through chest.
     
  10. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.105.

    Mark: V DD

    W.D. No.: 232496

    Date: 28 March 1945

    Photo No.: 13

    Figure Nos.: 9, 12
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 800 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm. S.P. gun) penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Stationary. Turret at 12 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: Penetration about 75 mm. by 150 mm. through front of hull at end of right sponson.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Projectile went into ammunition bin in the right sponson behind Driver. Tank burned fiercely at once.

    Remarks: Tank seen.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander: Unhurt. (Exhaustion)
    Gunner: Burnt - 2 degree burns right hand. RTD 5/52. Category A.1.
    Operator: Died of Wounds and burns; a) severe burns of face and eyes with corneal oedema and severe burns of hands; b ) T and T wound right buttock with much bleeding.
    Driver: Burnt. Face, eyes (corneal oedema) and hands. RTD 21/52. Category A.1.
    Co-Driver: Burnt and wounded; a) 1 and 2 degree burns of face, left hand and right forearm; b ) flesh wound buttock; c) wound of posterior aspect right elbow with fracture of the olectanon. No F.B shown on X-ray. Wounds and burns healed by 2/52. Still at Convalescent Depot 20 September 1945. Final Category Not Known.
     
  11. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.102.

    Mark: III DD

    W.D. No.: 152935

    Date: 28 March 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 300 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm. S.P. gun) penetration

    Fire Damage: Minor

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Not Known

    Position of Hit: Penetration through side wall of left sponson below turret from left side.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: No fire, but tank was not a runner.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Serjeant commanding nearby tank.

    Fate of Crew:
    Gunner, Driver and Co-Driver: Unhurt
    Commander: Wounded; a) multiple flesh wounds outer side of left calf from which some F.B's were removed; b ) superficial laceration lower and outer side left thigh; c) small flesh wound right buttock from which a small F.B. was discharged later. Discharged hospital after 7/52 to sick leave - Category D. Last medical board 21 August 1945. Category B. 3/12/
    Operator: Wounded and burnt; a) burns of back; b ) laceration left forearm with partial ulnar palsy; c) traumatic amputation left leg above knee. Discharged from hospital 8 June 1945. Category E.
     
  12. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.98.

    Mark: V DD

    W.D. No.: 232311

    Date: 18 April 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 400 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (88 mm. Flak gun) penetrations

    Fire Damage: Some - extent Not Known

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.99.

    Circumstances: Going across country at about 15 m.p.h. when suddenly fired at by a battery of three 88 mm. Flak guns. Same incident as A.99. Turret 12 o'clock for first hit.

    Position of Hit: Site of first penetration Not Known exactly. Co-Driver saw flash behind him and got out. Hit from half right front on right side turret by Gunner, and also on hull, but details Not Known.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Tank caught fire immediately, final extent of fire Not Known.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Co-Driver, SSM and Squadron Leader.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander and Driver: Unhurt, but wounded after baling out by M.G. fire.
    Gunner: Wounded - compound fracture tibia and fibula at junction of middle and lower third. No. F.B's shown on X-Rays. Still in hospital 21 September 1945.
    Operator: Killed, body disintegrated and charred.
    Co-Driver: Burned - 2 degrees burn right arm and dorsum of hand. RTD 2/52. Category A.1.
     
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.99.

    Mark: V DD

    W.D. No.: 148145

    Date: 18 May 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 400 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (88 mm. Flak gun) penetrations

    Fire Damage: Some - extent Not Known

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.98.

    Circumstances: Moving across country at 10 - 15 m.p.h. when fired on suddenly by battery of three 88 mm. Flak guns. Same incident as A.98. Turret at 12 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: Penetrations through right side of turret and hull simultaneously, from right side.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Tank began to burn at once; final extent of damage Not Known.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from SSM and Squadron Leader.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander, Gunner and Co-Driver: Unhurt
    Operator: Wounded - multiple superficial flesh wounds right leg. RTD 6/52. Category A.1.
    Driver: Wounded - T and T wound entry left buttock, exit above iliac crest going on to tangential superficial wound left lumbar region. No F.B's retained. RTD 3/52. Category A.1.
     
  14. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: B.77.

    Mark: Not Known

    W.D. No.: Not Known

    Date: 19 April 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: 22
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 25 yards

    Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration

    Fire Damage: Minor confined

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Early morning stationary in a wood near ROTENBURG. Turret half right front.

    Position of Hit: Penetration from left rear of the turret into the angle between left side, and rear walls of the wireless bulge.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Wrecked the wireless which burst out, but otherwise did not internal damage.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from the Operator.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander, Gunner & Driver: Unhurt
    Operator: Burnt and wounded; a) superficial 1 degree burns and abrasions of face; b ) superficial wound dorsum of left hand. RTD 1/52. Category A.1.
     
  15. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.100.

    Mark: III DD

    W.D. No.: 151812

    Date: Not Known

    Photo No.: 14

    Figure Nos.: 4, 5, 7
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 600 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (88 mm. Flak 18) penetrations and scoops

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.101 & B.54

    Circumstances: Troop proceeding across country near ACHIM along a track became bogged in attempting to avoid fire and was abandoned before it was penetrated. Same incident as A.101 and B.54. Turret found at 12.30 o'clock.

    Position of Hit:

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) 88 mm. diameter penetration, through left side of turret. This shot went across turret and fragments of it were found in the opposite wall; b ) 100 mm. diameter penetration in side wall of left sponson in front of forward ammunition bin. Course of shot in tank untraceable because the interior of the tank was disrupted; c) scoop on 75 mm. barrel; d) Scoop on inner edge of applique armour in front of Driver, going to hit 75 mm. gun mantlet; e) scoop at junction of side wall of left sponson and front of hull. The order in which the hits were registered is not known.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Troop Serjeant and Tank Commander. Range paced on ground.

    Fate of Crew: Unhurt, baled out before the tank was hit.
     
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2017
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    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.101.

    Mark: V DD

    W.D. No.: 148113

    Date: Not Known

    Photo No.: 13

    Figure Nos.: 8, 10
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 400 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (88 mm. Flak 18) penetrations and scoop

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.100 & B.54

    Circumstances: Same incident as tank A.100 and B.54. Turret found at 11 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: a) first shot hit a bin on the side of the turret and did not penetrate; b ) about 100 mm. diameter ragged penetrations through roof of left sponson opposite rear end of turret ring; c) about 90 mm. diameter penetration through left side of hull into the final drive.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) first shot did minor damage and did not injure crew who baled out; b ) went into crew compartment, but could not be traced because of disruption of the compartment by fire; c) penetrated through final drive to Co-Driver's side, shearing bolts holding the plate between gear wheels and front crew compartment.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Tank Commander and troop Serjeant. Range paced.

    Fate of Crew: Unhurt, baled out before the tank was penetrated.
     
    Last edited: Nov 22, 2017
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    dbf Moderatrix MOD

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    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: B.54.

    Mark: Not Known

    W.D. No.: Not Known

    Date: Not Known

    Photo No.: 21

    Figure Nos.: 17 - 20
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 250 - 300 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (88 mm.) (Flak 18 gun) penetrations and scoops

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.100

    Circumstances: Leading tank in same incident as tank A.100, moving at about 15 m.p.h. when first hit. Turret found at 9.30 o'clock.

    Position of Hit: a) scoop at edge of right final drive going into suspension; b ) 88 mm. diameter etc. penetration through front of hull in front of Driver; c) 87 mm. diameter penetration front of hull, below inner edge of Co-Driver's hatch; d) penetration into left drive in front of Driver; e) non-penetrating hit through front of hull; g) and h) scoops in centre of front of hull; i) scoop at junction of front of hull and front end of side wall of right sponson.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot a) or e) was the first. It stopped the tank and caused the crew to bale out; b ) could not be traced because of the destruction of the interior of the tank; c) went into the right sponson; d) went into gears but did not penetrate crew compartment. Base of shot e) which did not explode remained in the hole through the sprocket.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Troop Serjeant.

    Fate of Crew: Unhurt, baled out after first hit which did not penetrate.
     
  18. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.103.

    Mark: III DD

    W.D. No.: 151136

    Date: Not Known

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 700 - 800 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm.) penetrations and scoops

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Not Known

    Position of Hit: a) scoop on suspension; b ) tank hit again and penetration - sites Not Known

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: First hit a) did minor damage, but caused crew to bale out. The tank was set on fire by subsequent penetrations about which no details are known.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from SSM.

    Fate of Crew: Unhurt.
     
  19. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    P2940899_zps8dbdbec6.jpg

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A. 104.

    Mark: V DD

    W.D. No.: 149942

    Date: Not Known

    Photo No.: 13

    Figure Nos.: 9, 12
    4th Armoured Brigade, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: Not Known

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm.) penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Turret round at 11.30 o'clock

    Position of Hit: Penetration at the inner side of left final drive in the angle between final drive housing and front of hull

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Projectile went into final drive but did not penetrate into the crew compartment, although the tank was completely burnt out.

    Remarks: Tank seen.

    Fate of Crew: No information.
     
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    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Regiment: 44 Royal Tank Regiment

    Serial No.: A.106.

    Mark: DD

    W.D. No.: Not Known

    Date: 25 March 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: Not Known

    Cause of Damage: A.P. scoop

    Fire Damage: None

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Tank stationary. Type of gun which fired at this tank Not Known, since it was not seen.

    Position of Hit: Scoop at junction of front of hull and front end of side wall of left sponson.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: No internal damage.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Tank Commander, and the Squadron Leader.

    Fate of Crew:
    Turret crew and Co-Driver: Unhurt
    Driver: Wounded; wounds, dorsal surface of 3rd and 4th fingers of hand with chip fracture of back of one of the phalangeal bones. X-ray: no F.B's. RTD 5/52. Category A.1.
     

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