11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.37.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 334942

Date: 17 April 1945

Photo No.: 37

Figure Nos.: 30, 33
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: 200 yards

Cause of Damage: A.P. (88 mm. Flak 44) penetration.

Fire Damage: Burnt out.

Other tanks involved in same incident: D.38.

Circumstances: Slowly approaching cross roads outside LUNEBURG, when fired at by well camouflaged ground mounted 88 mm. Flak 44. Turret at 10.30 o'clock.

Position of Hit: Jagged penetration 88 mm. diameter through vertical front plate to the left of the H. gun mounting.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: The inside of the vehicle was completely gutted and no projectile path could be found. The tank was said to have caught fire immediately. The A.R.V.C. was blown off its mounting presumably as a result of the fire. It was found on the back of the vehicle.

Remarks: Tank and gun seen.

Fate of Crew:
Commander: Wounded in the tank. Killed while escaping, by 20 mm. fire from the gun site.
Gunner: T and T wound right arm. Severe burns hands and face. RTD 10/52. Category C.1.
Operator & Co-Driver: Killed
Driver: Wounded in face, fracture of nasal bone. RTD 9/52, Category A.1.

D.37. | WW2Talk

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.38.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335088

Date: 17 April 1945

Photo No.: 37

Figure Nos.: 30, 33
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: 200 yards

Cause of Damage: A.P. (88 mm. Flak 44) penetration

Fire Damage: Confined fire.

Other tanks involved in same incident: D.37.

Circumstances: Slowly approaching cross roads outside LUNEBURG, fired at by well camouflaged ground mounted 88 mm. Flak 44. Turret at 10.30 o'clock. Same incident as D.37.

Position of Hit: Penetration about 100 mm. in diameter through lower front glacis plate, roughly centre of tank.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Went straight in dented the belly plate twice, a foot behind the front of the tank and again under the turret. Belly perforated in the latter position, but hole smaller than the round. Fire confined to the turret and front compartments.

Remarks: Tank and gun seen. Tank was sealed so that detailed internal examination could not be made.

Fate of Crew:
Commander: Unhurt
Gunner, Driver & Co-Driver: Killed.
Operator: Superficial wound knee. 2 degree burns face and hands. RTD 4/52. Category A.1.

D.38. | WW2Talk

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.29.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335039

Date: 1 May 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: 33
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: 200 yards

Cause of Damage: A.P. penetration

Fire Damage: Burnt out

Other tanks involved in same incident: D.30.

Circumstances: North of ELBE crossing. Static, waiting for start of night action. Said to have been "pitch dark". Shot came from in front.

Position of Hit: Penetration through hull M.G. mounting on the visor plate.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Projectile thought to have passed back into the turret. The whole hull M.G. was driven back into the front compartment. Tank caught fire immediately.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from B.T.A. and Squadron Officers. Co-Driver was outside protecting against infantry.

Fate of Crew:
Co-Driver: Unhurt. Not in tank.
Commander, Operator & Driver: Killed
Gunner: Wound left leg from which an F.B. was removed. Burns hands and face, severity of which are not known. Discharged. Home in 17/52. Category E.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.30.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335007

Date: 1 May 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: 33
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: 200 yards

Cause of Damage: A.P. penetration

Fire Damage: Burnt out.

Other tanks involved in same incident: D.29.

Circumstances: North of ELBE crossing. Static, waiting for start of night action. Said to have been "pitch dark". Shot said to have come from in front.

Position of Hit: Penetration through sole plate by the Driver's feet.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Projectile said to have passed back and set off the ammunition in the bins round the side of the turret basket. Caught fire immediately. Driver was hit by the projectile.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from B.T.A. Commander was on the back of tank No. D.29. and was unhurt. Gunner was outside micturating and was unhurt.

Fate of Crew:
Commander & Gunner: Unhurt. Not in tank.
Co-Driver: Unhurt.
Operator: Burns face and hands. Wound left leg with fracture of Tibia in two places. Still in hospital 10 October 1945.
Driver: Killed.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.24.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335072

Date: Not Known

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: 800 yards

Cause of Damage: A.P. penetrations

Fire Damage: Burnt out

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Fired at from right back.

Position of Hit: a) penetration low down on right hand side of hull between engine and turret; b ) penetration through right side of turret roughly in its centre.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot a) set the tank on fire immediately. Crew had abandoned it before the second shot hit it. The tank was burnt out completely.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Squadron Officers.

Fate of Crew: Unhurt.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.25.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 334980

Date: Not Known

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: 30
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: Not Known

Cause of Damage: H.C. scoop

Fire Damage: None

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Going up track with high banks. Projectile was fired from a flank.

Position of Hit: Scoop on the roof of the turret, between the Commander's and loader's hatches.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: No internal damage.

Remarks: Tank seen, was still on the road. Operator was partly exposed through hatch and was wounded. An infantry Platoon Commander who was standing on the back deck was killed.

Fate of Crew:
Commander, Gunner, Driver & Co-Driver: Unhurt.
Operator: Wounded. Superficial wound left wrist. Return was delayed owing to strained back acquired while escaping. RTD 5½/52. Category A.1.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.26.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 334976

Date: Not Known

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: 30 - 40 yards

Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration and scoop.

Fire Damage: None

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Going down a track, saw H.C. team and had begun to reverse away when hit. Did not fire at them.

Position of Hit: a) penetration through the side of hull into engine compartment. Projectile hit and split a jockey roller before penetrating; b ) scoop on side of turret. Penetrated welded track plate and went ¾" into, but did not penetrate the turret wall.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) stopped the engine and caused the crew to abandon the tank.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Was reported by Brigade Workshops. Information from B.T.A. and Squadron Leader.

Fate of Crew: Unhurt.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.27.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335045

Date: Not Known.

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: 20 - 30 yards

Cause of Damage: H.C. scoop

Fire Damage: None

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Not Known.

Position of Hit: Penetration of tool box on rear of hull, hitting and splitting a large jack which was in the tool box. No penetration of the hull proper.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: No internal damage.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Squadron Officers.

Fate of Crew: Unhurt.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.34.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 334965

Date: Not Known

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: 32
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: Not Known

Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration

Fire Damage: None

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Not Known. Turret at 12 o'clock.

Position of Hit: Penetration 20 mm. diameter through rear turret bin and turret wall behind the wireless variometer.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Fire of contents of turret in. Wireless and variometer destroyed. Commander was leaning over towards the Operator.

Remarks: Tank seen, and still on the road. Information from Commander.

Fate of Crew:
Commander, Operator, Driver & Co-Driver: Unhurt
Gunner: Superficial peppering right face and leg and arm. RTD 5½/52. Category A.1.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.35.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335059

Date: Not Known

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: 32
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: Not Known

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

Fire Damage: None

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Not Known.

Position of Hit: a) scoop on the right hand front bogie; b ) scoop on a suspension unit further back on the same side.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: No internal damage. Tank repaired by L.A.D.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from B.T.A.

Fate of Crew: Unhurt.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.36.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335041

Date: Not Known

Photo No.: 36

Figure Nos.: 30, 31
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: 500 - 600 yards

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

Fire Damage: Burnt out.

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Moving slowly down a road, fired at by a ground mounted 88 mm. gun. Turret at 12 o'clock.

Position of Hit: a) penetration 115 mm. diameter through the upper right hand corner of the rear of the engine compartment; b ) penetration 115 mm. in diameter through the right hand side wall of the engine compartment 9" in front of a); c) shallow scoop on roof of engine compartment.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shots a) and b ) both passed across engine compartment. a) went out through the far side, b ) dented but did not penetrate the far side of the compartment. Tank completely burnt out.

Remarks: Tank seen.

Fate of Crew: Unhurt.

D.36. | WW2Talk
D.36. | WW2Talk

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.39.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 334968

Date: 30 March 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: 500 - 800 yards

Cause of Damage: Not Known.

Fire Damage: Confined fire.

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Second tank in line, stationary in wood. Said by Regiment to have been fired at by ground mounted 88 mm. and been penetrated. Turret at 12 o'clock.

Position of Hit: Tank was seen at the place where it was knocked out, and again later in a damaged vehicle park, but no sign of penetration could be found.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Driver's hatch was open, and evidence showed that it had been so during the fire. The opposite was true of the Co-Driver's hatch. It is thought probable that the projectile, probably an H.E. round, came in through the open Driver's hatch. Fire was confined to the turret and front compartments which were gutted. The engine was not burnt.

Remarks: Tank seen.

Fate of Crew:
Commander: 2 and 3 degree burns hands, face, fracture 4 and 5 ribs. RTD 25/52. Category A.1.
Gunner: 2 and 3 degree burns face and hands. Still in hospital for plastic treatment 24 October 1945.
Operator: 2 degree burns face hands and neck. RTD 7/52. Category A.1.
Driver: Killed. Body was disintegrated.
Co-Driver: Killed. Charred body was found "sitting in his seat", clothes burnt off and showing compound fracture left wrist and head injury.

 

Regiment: 23 Hussars

Serial No.: D.48.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335341

Date: Not Known

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: Not Known

Cause of Damage: A.P. penetrations

Fire Damage: Burnt out.

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: LUNEBURG, at the ELBE crossing. No other details known.

Position of Hit: a) penetration through side of hull into engine compartment; b ) - e) penetrations of side of turret.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) set the tank on fire. Crew abandoned tank before subsequent shots hit.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Squadron Officers.

Fate of Crew: Unhurt.

 

Regiment: 3 Royal Tank Regiment

Serial No.: D.15.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335107

Date: 1 April 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: 100 yards

Cause of Damage: A.P. penetration

Fire Damage: Burnt out.

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Last light, stationary in road when German tank or S.P. came round corner 100 yards ahead.

Position of Hit: a) Penetration through front glacis plate to the left of the centre. b ) Penetration through vertical front plate between hull gun and Driver's vision port.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Both projectiles passed directly back into the fighting compartment. Fire started immediately. Crew baled out after shot a).

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from B.T.A. and Squadron Officers.

Fate of Crew:
Commander: Unhurt
Gunner: Wounded. a) Left leg with fracture of fibula; b ) both feet with multiple small retained F.B's. Burns of face. RTD 8/52. Category A.1.
Operator & Driver: Killed.
Co-Driver: Wounded. Right upper arm. Injury to artery and median nerve. Still in hospital 25 October 1945. Category Not Known.

 

Regiment: 3 Royal Tank Regiment

Serial No.: D.22.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335047

Date: 1 April 1945

Photo No.: 34

Figure Nos.: 30, 33
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: 2000 yards

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

Fire Damage: Confined

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Troop Leader's tank. Static on forward slope when fired at by an S.P. Thought that first round was an H.E. and landed nude the tank. Turret at 1 o'clock.

Position of Hit: a) penetration 85 mm. diameter through turret ring under M.G. b ) irregular penetration 88 mm. wide through the left hand side of front of tank at junction of lower front glacis plate and sole plate, with bending of the latter plate.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) projectile passed back into the turret and hit and split an armoured ammunition bin behind the loader. The contained ammunition and some of the other rounds had burnt. This shot probably hit the Operator and caused crew to bale out. b ) through the Besa ammunition, under the gun and back into the ammunition rack behind the Co-Driver, which was bent, but the ammunition had not exploded. The fire was confined to the crew compartment. The engine was intact.

Remarks: The F.B. removed from the Commander was sent to us. It was analysed and show to have been probably a piece of a German A.P. shot.

Fate of Crew:
Commander: Wounded, right calf with fractured Tibia and injury to knee joint. X-rays show F.B. weighing 8.25 grs. which was removed. *Spectographic analysis of this indicated that it was probably a piece of German A.P. shot. Left calf similarly with less severe fracture. F.B. 500 - 1000 mgs. Minor wound right thigh. Slight burns face and hands. Still in hospital 15 October 1945.
Gunner: Wounded. Flesh wound right leg and foot. No retained F.B. Burns hands and face 2 and 3 degree. RTD 25/52. Category B.1.
Operator: Killed
Driver: Superficial burns face. RTD 7/52. Category A.1.
Co-Driver: Superficial burns hands. RTD 11/52. Category A.1.

*Spectographic analysis kindly arranged by Lieutenant Colonel BAILY of S.T.T.


D.22. | WW2Talk
D.22. | WW2Talk

 

Regiment: 3 Royal Tank Regiment

Serial No.: D.13.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 334992

Date: 1 April 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: 33
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: Not Known

Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration.

Fire Damage: None

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Turret was at 3 o'clock. Fired at from right flank.

Position of Hit: Penetration through the front of turret, between bottom of mantlet and turret ring on left hand side, roughly opposite the Gunner.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: No major internal damage.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Squadron Leader.

Fate of Crew:
Driver & Co-Driver: Unhurt
Commander: Unhurt - wounded outside after baling out.
Gunner: Killed.
Operator: Wounded scalp in left occipital region. RTD in 11/52. Category A.1.

 

Regiment: 3 Royal Tank Regiment

Serial No.: D.18.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335012

Date: 1 April 1945

Photo No.: 39

Figure No.: 33
11th Armoured Division, Tank Casualties, 1945

Range: 10 - 15 yards

Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration

Fire Damage: None.

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Second tank in line, going slowly up narrow track with high banks. Fired at from right flank. Turret at 12 o'clock.

Position of Hit: Penetration 50 mm. diameter through turret roof, level with front of Operator's hatch, between hatch and edge of turret.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: No major internal damage.

Remarks: Tank sealed when seen. Detailed internal examination not possible but inside appeared relatively undamaged.

Fate of Crew:
Driver & Co-Driver: Unhurt
Commander: Wounded. Superficial tangential wound right wrist. RTD 4/52. Category A.1.
Gunner: Wounded. T and T left hand. Fracture 1 and 2 M'carpals. Flesh wound right thigh. X-ray shows one 100 - 250 mg. F.B. in muscle above knee. RTD 4/52. Category A.1.
Operator: Killed.

D.18. | WW2Talk

 

Regiment: 3 Royal Tank Regiment

Serial No.: D.49.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335013

Date: 1 April 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: 10 - 15 yards

Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration.

Fire Damage: Confined fire.

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Leading tank going slowly up narrow lane with high banks. Fired at from right flank.

Position of Hit: Right side wall of turret.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: There was some fire damage but details are Not Known.

Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from B.T.A.

Fate of Crew:
Gunner: Unhurt.
Commander: Amputation right arm above wrist. Flesh wound upper left thigh and multiple small wounds legs, chest, face and left arm. Discharged 9/52. Category E.
Operator: Killed.
Driver: Mild burns both hands. RTD 5½/52. Category A.1.
Co-Driver: Pen. wound right chest posteriorly with Fracture 9 rib. Haemothorax. RTD 25½/52. Category C.2.

 

Regiment: 3 Royal Tank Regiment

Serial No.: D.11.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335051

Date: 4 April 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: Not Known

Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration

Fire Damage: None

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Un-ditching another tank. Stationary when hit. Turret at 5 o'clock.

Position of Hit: a) penetration 38 mm. diameter external and 28 mm. internal diameter through the rear of the turret; b ) penetration 32 mm. external and 13 mm. internal diameter through the rear of the turret.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Both a) and b ) went into the wireless which was destroyed.

Remarks: Tank not seen personally but proforma filled in by B.T.A.

Fate of Crew:
Commander: Small flesh wound right arm with small F.B. in the muscle, roughly in the centre of the arm. Minor burn of neck. RTD in 5½/52. Category A.
Operator: Superficial wound scalp. RTD 1/52. Category A.1.
Gunner, Driver & Co-Driver: Unhurt.

 

Regiment: 3 Royal Tank Regiment

Serial No.: D.12.

Mark: -

W.D. No.: 335028

Date: 4 April 1945

Photo No.: -

Figure No.: -

Range: Not Known

Cause of Damage: H.C. penetration

Fire Damage: Not Known

Other tanks involved in same incident:

Circumstances: Tank was ditched and attempts were being made to extricate it.

Position of Hit: Details Not Known. Penetration thought to have been in the turret.

Course & Effect of Projectiles: Details Not Known. Squadron thought that the tank did not catch fire.

Remarks: Tank not seen, but it was recovered and thought by the B.T.A. to have been repaired.

Fate of Crew:
Gunner & Co-Driver: Unhurt
Commander & Operator: Killed
Driver: Unhurt. Wounded outside after escaping.