43rd Royal Tank Regiment

Discussion in 'RAC & RTR' started by dairyman, Mar 3, 2013.

  1. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    Hi,

    I'm looking for a bit of help with regards to my grandfathers service history. In his records he's down as being posted to the 43rd RTR on the 22/4/1944 ( having previously being in the 13 Parachute Bn). Can anyone tell me what the 43rd RTR were doing from this date until the end of the war?
    I've had a look online & it seems to indicate that the 43rd RTR didn't go over to France & Germany? This is odd as my grandfather was awarded the France & Germany star - so could he have been attached to some other unit?
    I would be grateful if anyone could shed any light on this.
     
  2. 4jonboy

    4jonboy Daughter of a 56 Recce

    Hello dairyman
    Would you care to post up the records for forum members to look at? Sometimes they can "read between the lines" so to speak and may be able to help further

    Lesley
     
  3. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    They were in the UK. WO 166 is the war diary series for UK Forces.

    WO 166/14601 43 Royal Tank Regiment 1944 Jan.-Dec.

    WO 166/16616 43 Royal Tank Regiment 1945 Jan.-Apr., June
     
  4. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Hello dairyman,

    Apologies if you already have this, but hopefully some of it will be of assistance...

    In 1938 the Territorial Army was reorganised and the 50th (Northumbrian) Division became a Motorised Division. Up until this time it had had three infantry brigades:

    149th - 4th, 6th & 7th Bns Royal Northumberland Fusliers;
    150th - 4th Bn East Yorkshire Regiment, 4th & 5th Bns Green Howards; and
    151st - 6th, 8th & 9th Bns Durham Light Infantry.

    -but as a consequence of the reorganistaion it lost one of its three brigades; the 149th, which was disbanded.

    The 4th Bn RNF stayed with Fifty Div as it reconnaissance battalion.
    The 7th Bn RNF converted to an MG battalion, 51st (HIghland) Division.
    The 6th Bn RNF converted to tanks, as 43rd (Northumberland) Bn, Royal Tank Regt.

    The 43rd RTR was due to participate as part of the 33rd Army Tank Brigade in the assault on Sicily circa 10 July 1943, but the whole brigade was substituted by a Canadian outfit and instead joined the 79th Armoured Division - 'Hobart's Funnies' - still in the UK.

    This division carried out experimental work on various armoured equipment - DD Tanks, Flails, Kangaroos, etc. with the 43rd RTR specialising in training others in their use. As a result the 43rd RTR did not proceed to France with the 79th Armoured Division on D-Day or thereafter.

    It did sail to the Far East in June 1945 and landed in India in preparation for the invasion of Malaya. However, soon after its arrival the war ended and so the 43rd RTR was never operationally deployed in WWII.

    Its duplicate or second line unit was the 49th (Northumberland) Bn, Royal Tank Regt. It joined the 1st Tank Brigade in the autumn of 1940. This unit did proceed to France and so the NW Europe campaign, in August 1944, where it converted to 'kangaroos' and had an operational role using these from October 1944 to May 1945 (cessation of hostilities); assisting 7th Armoured, 15th (Scottish), 43rd (Wessex), 49th (West Riding), 51st (Highland) and 52nd (Lowland) Divisions at various stages.

    It doesn't necessarily follow but, it may be that he was attached to the 43rd RTR's sister unit, 49th RTR, but you would expect his service history to have this recorded. I expect he was attached to a unit other than his own. Any chance you could post your grandfather's service records so that forum members can try to assist?

    Best,

    Steve.
     
  5. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Tmac / Dairyman

    the 43rd RTR had a chequered career all through the war as they were originally in the
    25th Army Tank Bde - then the 21st ATB - then into the 33ATB then replaced by 1st Armoured Cdn Bde for Sicily when the 1st Cdn. Div replaced the British 3rd Div-
    43rd RTR the trained many people on Hobo's funnies in 79 Div.....it never did fire a shot in WW2

    Cheers
     
  6. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    43rd Royal Tank Regiment
    RHQ
    St. George’s Drill Hall, St Mary’s Place, Newcastle-on-Tyne

    25th Army Tank Brigade – 3 September 1939 to 28 May 1940
    The battalion was raised on November 1st, 1938 from the 6th (City) Battalion, The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. It remained at the St. George’s Drill Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne until August 24th, 1939. The following day it moved out to a new HQ at 73, St. Mary’s Place and the battalion began to embody at the Old Medical College, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne. ‘C’ Company of the National Defence Corps had its HQ at the Gymnasium. HQ of the 25th Army Tank Brigade opened on September 1st, 1939 at St George’s Drill Hall and the battalion was ordered to mobilise. On the 2nd, ‘A’ Company was embodied and detached to Tynemouth at the Bath Assembly Rooms, Front Street under the Civil Defence Scheme. On September 3rd, two tanks were manned with ammunition. ‘B’ Company replaced ‘A’ at Tynemouth on September 23rd. On October 2nd, 23rd (Northumbrian) Division separated from the 50th (Northumbrian) Division and the battalion is now attached to the 23rd Division. Two 2-pounder anti-tank guns were sent to the 4th RTR on October 12th. Two days later ‘C’ Company replaced ‘B’ at Tynemouth and one of two light tanks were sent to the 49th RTR. The battalion received seven cars and four motorcycles on October 30th. On November 15th, ‘C’ Company moved to St Aidan’s School and Albany Crescent in Tynemouth. The HQ 25th Army Tank Brigade moved from St. George’s Drill Hall to 83, Osborne Road on December 3rd. On February 28th, 1940, the battalion organised Bren gun teams for the merchant ships employing 100 Brens and 200 men. ‘B’ Company returned to the unit on March 13th at 6, Windsor Crescent. The battalion took over one A12 Infantry Tank from Horwich on March 20th. On May 7th, it entrained all of its tracked vehicles and loaded the wheeled vehicles for a move the following day. It moved into Gandale Camp, Richmond on May 9th with the 49th and 51st Royal Tank Regiments. All of its armoured fighting vehicles were handed over to the 49th RTR and all tracked vehicles to the 51st RTR on May 11th. In return, the battalion received wheeled vehicles. ‘A’ Company was formed into a mobile column on May 17th.

    2nd Motor Machine-Gun Brigade – 28 May 1940 to 9 November 1940
    The battalion mobilised as a motor machine-gun battalion on May 29th, 1940. It received 17 new 3-ton Bedfords on the 30th and 41 new motorcycles and 21 new trucks the following day. On June 1st, it began to reorganise as a MMG battalion on divisional cavalry lines but instead of AFVs it was equipped with Austin Utility cars. Seventy-two of these arrived on June 4th. On the 9th, it got anti-tank rifles and Vickers machine-guns while on the 10th it received its allotment of Bren guns to bring it up establishment. It was organised with HQ and three squadrons with three troops each of six Austin Utility Cars. The battalion left Gandale Camp on June 18th and moved to Market Rasen on attachment to the 1st Infantry Division. It was designated to work with the 2nd Infantry Brigade on June 22nd and moved to Sausthorpe, Lincolnshire under the brigade on July 1st. It returned back to the 2nd Motor Machine-Gun Brigade (with HQ at Elvington) on July 12th on arrival at Strensall Camp. The 49th RTR was in the vicinity of Stamford Bridge while the 51st RTR was at Packlington. On September 2nd, 1940 the 2nd Motor Machine-Gun Brigade moved to the Wooler area and the battalion relieved the 2nd/5th Essex Regiment on beach defence duties from Bamburgh to Howick Haven with HQ Squadron and RHQ at Ellingham Hall. The battalion left the brigade on November 9th on the first leg of it move to Colchester.

    21st Army Tank Brigade – 9 November 1940 to 26 April 1941
    The battalion continued to move to Cherry Tree Camp, Colchester between November 10th and 11th, 1940. On the 15th, the battalion received one A12 Infantry Tank from the 42nd RTR. Thre Dragons were taken over from the 42nd RTR between November 21st and 22nd with an additional one received on the 29th. A tracked carrier and one A12 arrived on November 30th while three A12 MkII*s arrived between December 5th and 6th. On December 12th, the 43rd RTR was ordered to mobilise as an Army Tank Battalion to be complete by January 15th, 1941. On January 3rd it got one Medium Mk I and two Mediums Mk II and, on the 6th, got two Mk IIAs from the 42nd RTR. During the rest of January and February, the battalion received one Mk VIB Light Tank and two Infantry Tanks Mk II on the January 8th, four A12s on February 13th, four A12s on February 18th, and two A12 Mk IIA*s and one A12 Mk IIA on February 24th.
    The battalion left Cherry Tree Camp, Colchester on February 25th and moved to Wivenhoe Park, Colchester. The following equipment was received at the new camp: 2 A12 MkIIA*s on February 26th, 2 A12 MkIIA*s on the 27th, and 26 A12 MKIIA*s between March 13th and 22nd. During April all three squadrons did a stint at Linney Head for practise firing. Unfortunately the battalion had to give up 20 new A12 MkIIA*s to the 42nd RTR on April 8th getting their non-runners and A12s in return. On Medium and four Light Dragons (training vehicles) were given up on April 18th. Five days later the battalion was warned of a move to Brighton.

    25th Army Tank Brigade – 26 April 1941 to 17 October 1941
    On May 3rd, 1941 the battalion moved to Brighton from Colchester and came under the command of the 25th Army Tank Brigade. Battalion HQ was located at 4, Surrender Road, Brighton with ‘A’ Squadron at Stanmer Park near Brighton, ‘B’ at Castle Goring near Worthing and ‘C’ at Ovingdean. The battalion, less ‘B’ Squadron, was under the operational control of the 141st Infantry Brigade with ‘B’ under the control of the 25th Infantry Brigade. Its role was anti-parachute duty. It was unclear if the 42nd RTR ‘crocks’ (non-runners) would join the battalion when they were repaired and the battalion was still down one light tank. On May 11th, IV Corps assigned ‘A’ Squadron to protect Shoreham harbour, ‘B’ to defend Worthing harbour, and ‘C’ to protect Newhaven. Five Mk VIB Light Tanks were withdrawn on June 5th to Aldershot for a special role. From June 13th to 16th, all twenty-nine tanks in the battalion were involved in an exercise and, on from the 23rd to 27th, it had thirty tanks involved in an exercise. From July to September, additional equipment arrived: 1 Infantry Mk IIA on July 7th, 1 Infantry Tank Mk IIA* CS on July 28th, 3 Infantry Tanks CS on September 6th, 2 Infantry Tanks CS and one Infantry Tank on September 8th, 3 Dingo Scout Cars on the 9th, and 2 Infantry Tanks from the RGH and 3 Dingoes on the 19th. By Septembe 24th, the battalion had a total of 33 tanks.

    33rd Army Tank Brigade – 17 October 1941 to 21 June 1942
    The battalion moved to Welbeck Abbey, near Worksop, Nottinghamshire on October 18th, 1941 and came under the command of the 33rd Army Tank Brigade. Between October 19th and 31st a total of eighteen Mk IV Churchill Tanks arrived. During November, twenty-five more Churchill IIIs arrived to replace the Matilda IIs for a total strength of 43 Churchills. Forty Matildas were struck off the battalion strength. Fourteen more Churchills arrived in December but one was sent back. The remaining eleven Matildas were sent to Mill Hill on January 2nd, 1942 and the following day the last Churchill needed to complete establishment arrived. ‘B’ Squadron was sent to the GHQ Battle School at Barnard Castle on March 26th for demonstrations. During April the battalion received three more Churchill IIIs, one each on the 3rd, 18th and 30th. From June 19th to 20th, the battalion moved to Aldbury Camp, Berkhampstead.

    33rd Tank Brigade – 22 June 1942 to 5 August 1943
    The 33rd Army Tank Brigade, now in the Berkhampstead area, was now renamed as the 33rd Tank Brigade and incorporated into the 3rd Mixed Division (2 infantry brigades and 1 tank brigade). The battalion moved to the New Forest area on July 20th, 1942, and then moved into billets at Sway on the 25th. On July 31st, the battalion establishment listed 9 extra scout cars. ‘A’ Squadron rejoined the battalion from the GHQ Battalion School on August 22nd for a divisional exercise. All the tanks were reworked during November and the Exercise Trent II landings were carried out. The battalion moved to Folkestone from December 5th to 9th and then to Saltwood from December 17th to 19th. The tanks were reworked again during December.
    The battalion received its orders to mobilise for overseas on February 25th, 1943 as part of 3rd Mixed Division. New Churchills began to arrive on March 3rd and the old ones began to be send away two days later. The battalion began special training on March 13th, changing locations with the 144th Armoured Regiment, RAC. It handed over its tanks to that regiment and was to be the first tank battalion to train at Inverary. The road party left of Hoddom Castle, Ecclefechan followed by the main party on the 26th. All tanks were handed over to the 33rd and 35th Tank Brigade and the battalion departed without tanks. It arrived at Ecclefechan on March 29th. The next day it took over 30 Valentines from the Home Details of the 48th RTR. The battalion mobilised on April 5th for tropical service and was given embarkation leave. Unfortunately, it was informed four days later that the special role on Valentines was no longer required and the brigade was to be re-equipped with Sherman tanks. The first ten Shermans arrived on April 10th, but on the 26th it had to hand over the Shermans to the 1st Canadian Tank Brigade, since it would take over its role. The road party then left Hoddom Castle on April 30th, 1943, leaving the Shermans with the Canadians and the Valentines with ‘R’ Squadron.
    On May 1st, 1943 the battalion moved into Livermere Camp, near Bury St. Edmunds, having turned over its tanks to the 12th Canadian Tank Regiment. Between May 7th and 16th, the battalion received 40 Churchill tanks, but almost immediately turned these over to the 148th Armoured Regiment, RAC. The 43rd RTR was made responsible for No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron formed from the 36th Tank Brigade and this squadron received its first batch of training Matildas on May 13th. On May 20th, the battalion was made responsible for the newly formed “C” Wing 79th Armoured School, also formed from details of the 36th Tank Brigade. ‘C’ Squadron took over 18 Valentines from the 36th Tank Brigade on May 23rd.
    The battalion left for Sudbourne Hall, Orford on May 26th and arrived the following day accompanied by “C Wing and No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron. The unit was given the role to hold all equipment required by the 79th Armoured Division School to conduct trials and experiments. ‘A’ Squadron was to experiment with Wasps, ‘B’ with Matilda Barons, and ‘C’ with Valentines. Equipment began to arrive to accommodate the battalion’s experimental role. A variety of equipment and experimental equipment arrived for the battalion over the next few months including: 3 Barons for the Assault Squadron on May 31st, 18 Matildas without turrets on June 2nd and 3rd, 26 Universal Carriers from the Guards Armoured Division on June 5th, 18 Universal Carriers on June 7th, 6 Wasp for ‘A’ Squadron on June 9th, 1 Churchill Crocodile on June 11th, 1 Valentine (FT) on June 14th, 1 Sherman for ‘C’ Squadron on June 16th, 1 Matilda on June 24th, 1 Churchill (bad condition) and 1 Harrow on June 25th, 2 Barons for No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron to complete WE on July 4th, 1 Valentine Scorpion on July 14th, 1 Valentine Scorpion, 1 Valentine V and 3 Matilida Barons on July 17th, and 3 Matilda Barons on July 19th. As the vehicles were received testing and trials commenced. While still with the brigade, it took on 3 Churchill IIIs on July 24th, 1 Churchill V and 1 Valentine Scorpion on July 26th, 2 Matilda Barons on July 26th, 10 Sherman Vs on July 29th (5 from East Riding Yeomanry and 4 from the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards), 4 Matilda Barons and 9 Sherman Vs on July 31st, 9 Shermans on August 1st, 1 Universal Carrier on August 2nd, 8 Shermans and 5 Universal Carriers on August 4th, and 1 Sherman on August 5th.

    79th Armoured Division – 5 August 1943 to 14 May 1944
    The 33rd Tank Brigade moved to Scotland on August 6th, 1943 and left the battalion directly under the command of the 79th Armoured Division. August continued with exercises, trials and the acquisition of equipment for testing. On August 6th, it sent 8 Shermans to the East Riding Yeomanry and received 3 Churchill IIIs, 1 Churchill IV, and 14 Shermans from the 13th/18th Hussars. It received 1 Matilda Baron on the 21st, 10 Universal Carriers on the 23rd, 4 Churchill IVs and 4 Matildas w/o turrets on the 27th, 1 Matilda III and 3 Matildas w/o turrets on the 29th, and 5 Churchill IVs and 1 Madilda III on the 30th. Also on August 30th, it sent out 3 Matildas w/o turrets to No. 1 Salvage Depot and, the next day, it sent out 2 Matilda IIIs and 2 Matildas w/o turrets. During September the array of equipment continued to move in and out. Two turretless Matildas and 5 scout cars were despatched on the 1st, 5 Matilda Barons and 2 Churchill IVs were received and 4 turretless Matildas were despatched on the 6th, 1 Universal Carrier was despatched on the 7th, 2 Valentine IIs were despatched on the 9th, 1 Valentine II was despatched and 3 Matilda Barons were received on the 10th, 2 Matilda Barons were received and 1 scout car was despatched on the 13th, 2 Matilda Barons were received on the 14th, 1 turretless Matilda was despatched on the 20th, 1 Matilda III was despatched on the 23rd, 4 Matilda IIIs were despatched on the 24th, and, on the 26th, 2 Matilda Barons were received and 1 Valentine with trailer was despatched.
    During the first week of October the battalion did its annual firing training at Linney Head ranges. At the start of the month, it sent off 12 Wasps to the 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment on the 1st and 12 more on the 5th. It sent out 3 Valentine IIs out on the 7th and received 1 Matilda Baron on the 14th, sending off 6 Wasps the same day. One Valentine Scorpion was received on the 19th and another on the 25th. Nine Wasps were despatched on the 25th as well.
    On November 13th, ‘A’ Squadron began trials with Crocodiles, ‘B’ Squadron began courses for 30th Armoured Brigade on the Matilda Barons, and ‘C’ Squadron began ‘Tabby’ and ‘Snake’ trials. Equipment transfer during November consisted of the following: 1 Valentine Scorpion received on the 5th, 3 Matilda Barons received on the 11th, 1 Valentine Scorpion and 1 Churchill IV received and 9 Universal Carriers despatched on the 15th, 4 Valentine IIs despatched on the 17th, 1 Valentine II received on the 18th, 1 Valentine Scorpion received and 1 Universal Carrier sent out on the 21st, 1 Sherman Crab received and 1 Valentine II struck off on the 22nd, and 2 Matilda Barons received on the 29th.
    On December 14th, ‘C’ Wing 79th Armoured Division lost its separate identity and, on December 31st, No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron was disbanded. During the month, 1 Valentine Scorpion was received on the 6th, 1 Valentine Scorpion was sent out on the 11th, 2 Valentines were sent out on the 14th, 4 Valentines were despatched on the 15th, 1 Valentine arrived on the 20th, 1 Sherman Crab was despatched from the 21st to the 23rd, 2 Valentines were despatched on the 26th, and 1 carrier, 1 scout car and two armoured cars were despatched. January 1944’s vehicle exchanges consisted of despatching 4 Valentine II Scorpions on the 4th, receiving 2 Sherman Crabs on the 10th, despatching 3 Matilda Barons on the 18th, and receiving 1 Churchill Crocodile VII on the 26th. In February the battalion received 1 Churchill Crocodile on the 1st, despatched 1 Churchill Crocodile IV on the 4th, despatched 3 Matilda Barons on the 7th, despatched 1 Churchill IV and received 1 Churchill IV on the 10th, despatched 3 Matilda Barons on the 15th, despatched 5 Matilda Barons on the 16th, despatched 2 Churchill IVs on the 18th, despatched 5 Valentine Scorpions and 3 Matilda Barons on the 23rd.
    ‘C’ Squadron moved to Brancaster on March 15th, 1944. March, April and May continued the constant move back and forth of trial vehicles. It received 5 Churchill IVs and 8 Churcill IIIBs from the 144th RAC and despatched 1 Valentine Scorpion to the 1st Lothians and Border Horse on March 3rd, received 1 Churchill VII on March 9th, despatched 2 Churchill IVs on March 19th, despatched 1 Valentine II on March 21st, received 1 Churchill VII Crocodile on March 29th, received 6 Churchill Is on April 3rd, sent out 3 Churchill Is on April 4th, received 2 Churchill Crocodiles on April 7th, received 5 Churchill Is on April 13th, received 1 Churchill 20 CWT Gun Carrier on April 16th.
    On April 18th, ‘A’ Squadron left for the Orford Training Area and returned on the 26th. Three scout cars were sent out on April 28th, 8 Churchills were transferred on May 3rd, and 8 Congers were collected on May 8th. On May 14th, the battalion left the 79th Armoured Division and were told that the unit would remain complete.

    Assault Training and Development Centre – 14 May 1944 to 13 July 1944
    The battalion remained at Sudbourne Camp as the 79th Armoured Division prepared to join the 21st Army Group for the invasion of France. The battalion sent off 15 Barons to the 22nd AFV Depot at Bawtry on May 29th and 15 more the following day. The unit ceased to be administered by the 21st Army on June 1st and came under the Home system of documentation. It came under the command of Eastern Command and the East Suffolk Sub-District on July 1st for administration and discipline.

    35th Tank Brigade – 13 July 1944 to 30 May 1945
    The battalion joined the 35th Tank Brigade when this formation moved to Eastern Command on July 13th, 1944. On July 16th, it moved to Freckenham under the brigade. A composite squadron did exercises with the Belgian Brigade Group and the Royal Netherlands Brigade Group from July 27th to 29th. Over the period July 31st to August 1st, the battalion moved again into Chippenham Camp, Newmarket, Suffolk. It received 1 Churchill V on August 8th and 6 Humber Mk I Scout Cars on August 14th. ‘A’ Squadron and the composite squadron (made up from the others) trained at the Theford Training Area. The battalion was placed on lower establishment and its role through January 1945 was designated as collective training for recruits and assistance in the training of war wounded. It received 6 more Humber Mk I Scout Cars and gave up 6 Daimler II Scout Cars on August 19th. On August 21st, ‘C’ Squadron left to train at the Thetford Training Area with a composite squadron and returned on the 26th. Training continued in early September with squadrons going to the Thetford Training Area and the Tichwell AFV Range. During September it began to take in war wounded from France as well as being involved in exercises.
    Administration of the unit transferred to the Suffolk Sub-District on November 1st, 1944. Seven carriers were sent out to No. 12 AFV Depot on November 22nd along with 6 more the following day. Training continued on through December 1944 and January 1945.
    On February 1st, 1945, the battalion prepared to reorganise as a CDL (Canal Defence Light) unit for South East Asia Command. Individual troop training would take place in March 1945, ‘C’ Squadron would convert in April, ‘A’ Squadron in May and ‘B’ Squadron in June. ‘C’ Squadron left for CDL School at Penrith on February 20th and collected 20 tanks. ‘A’ collected its 20 tanks and moved to CDL School on February 24th. In early March 1945, the squadrons returned and did stints at the Tichwell Ranges. ‘A’ and ‘B’ Squadrons moved to High Ash Camp to train on March 12th and 13th. Training at Tichwell, Penrith, and High Ash continued during April 1945. On April 19th, the entire battalion moved into High Ash Camp and continued to train.

    North-West District – 30 May 1945 to 10 July 1945
    The 43rd RTR moved to Lowther Camp, Penrith on June 1st. It was ordered to mobilise on June 2nd, 1945. The battalion continued to train and mobilise during the rest of June. By June 30th, thirty-four tanks had arrived at the port of departure and were loaded on ship by July 4th. On July 9th, the troops left by train for Avonmouth and sailed from the port on July 10th.

    War Office Control – 10 July 1945 to 2 August 1945
    The battalion was at sea and arrived at Bombay, India on August 2nd, 1945.

    172nd Line of Communications Sub-Area – 2 August 1945 to 31 August 1945
    On arrival in Bombay on August 2nd, the battalion moved to Kalyan Transit Camp. It left there on August 5th for Secunderabad. It arrived there on August 7th and moved into Mahidpore Lines, Bolarum. On the 10th, additional personnel that arrived were accommodated at Haigh Lines. Training began on August 14th. Equipment began to arrive at the end of the month with 14 Grant CDLs and 8 Shermans on the 28th, 8 Grant CDLs and 6 Shermans on the 31st, 9 Grant CDLs and 5 Sherman ARVs on the 9th, and 5 Grant CDLs on the 6th. The regiment was now organised with HQ, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ Squadrons.
     
  7. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    Wow! Thanks everyone. Some really good info there. I will certainly try scanning in some pages of my grandfathers service history and get them posted up on this thread.
     
  8. idler

    idler GeneralList

    A transfer from a parachute to a tank battalion seems a little unusual. Did he have a transferable trade? That could also tie in with him getting to France & Germany.
     
  9. KevinT

    KevinT Senior Member

    43rd Royal Tank Regiment
    RHQ
    St. George’s Drill Hall, St Mary’s Place, Newcastle-on-Tyne

    25th Army Tank Brigade – 3 September 1939 to 28 May 1940
    The battalion was raised on November 1st, 1938 from the 6th (City) Battalion, The Royal Northumberland Fusiliers. It remained at the St. George’s Drill Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne until August 24th, 1939. The following day it moved out to a new HQ at 73, St. Mary’s Place and the battalion began to embody at the Old Medical College, Northumberland Road, Newcastle-on-Tyne. ‘C’ Company of the National Defence Corps had its HQ at the Gymnasium. HQ of the 25th Army Tank Brigade opened on September 1st, 1939 at St George’s Drill Hall and the battalion was ordered to mobilise. On the 2nd, ‘A’ Company was embodied and detached to Tynemouth at the Bath Assembly Rooms, Front Street under the Civil Defence Scheme. On September 3rd, two tanks were manned with ammunition. ‘B’ Company replaced ‘A’ at Tynemouth on September 23rd. On October 2nd, 23rd (Northumbrian) Division separated from the 50th (Northumbrian) Division and the battalion is now attached to the 23rd Division. Two 2-pounder anti-tank guns were sent to the 4th RTR on October 12th. Two days later ‘C’ Company replaced ‘B’ at Tynemouth and one of two light tanks were sent to the 49th RTR. The battalion received seven cars and four motorcycles on October 30th. On November 15th, ‘C’ Company moved to St Aidan’s School and Albany Crescent in Tynemouth. The HQ 25th Army Tank Brigade moved from St. George’s Drill Hall to 83, Osborne Road on December 3rd. On February 28th, 1940, the battalion organised Bren gun teams for the merchant ships employing 100 Brens and 200 men. ‘B’ Company returned to the unit on March 13th at 6, Windsor Crescent. The battalion took over one A12 Infantry Tank from Horwich on March 20th. On May 7th, it entrained all of its tracked vehicles and loaded the wheeled vehicles for a move the following day. It moved into Gandale Camp, Richmond on May 9th with the 49th and 51st Royal Tank Regiments. All of its armoured fighting vehicles were handed over to the 49th RTR and all tracked vehicles to the 51st RTR on May 11th. In return, the battalion received wheeled vehicles. ‘A’ Company was formed into a mobile column on May 17th.

    2nd Motor Machine-Gun Brigade – 28 May 1940 to 9 November 1940
    The battalion mobilised as a motor machine-gun battalion on May 29th, 1940. It received 17 new 3-ton Bedfords on the 30th and 41 new motorcycles and 21 new trucks the following day. On June 1st, it began to reorganise as a MMG battalion on divisional cavalry lines but instead of AFVs it was equipped with Austin Utility cars. Seventy-two of these arrived on June 4th. On the 9th, it got anti-tank rifles and Vickers machine-guns while on the 10th it received its allotment of Bren guns to bring it up establishment. It was organised with HQ and three squadrons with three troops each of six Austin Utility Cars. The battalion left Gandale Camp on June 18th and moved to Market Rasen on attachment to the 1st Infantry Division. It was designated to work with the 2nd Infantry Brigade on June 22nd and moved to Sausthorpe, Lincolnshire under the brigade on July 1st. It returned back to the 2nd Motor Machine-Gun Brigade (with HQ at Elvington) on July 12th on arrival at Strensall Camp. The 49th RTR was in the vicinity of Stamford Bridge while the 51st RTR was at Packlington. On September 2nd, 1940 the 2nd Motor Machine-Gun Brigade moved to the Wooler area and the battalion relieved the 2nd/5th Essex Regiment on beach defence duties from Bamburgh to Howick Haven with HQ Squadron and RHQ at Ellingham Hall. The battalion left the brigade on November 9th on the first leg of it move to Colchester.

    21st Army Tank Brigade – 9 November 1940 to 26 April 1941
    The battalion continued to move to Cherry Tree Camp, Colchester between November 10th and 11th, 1940. On the 15th, the battalion received one A12 Infantry Tank from the 42nd RTR. Thre Dragons were taken over from the 42nd RTR between November 21st and 22nd with an additional one received on the 29th. A tracked carrier and one A12 arrived on November 30th while three A12 MkII*s arrived between December 5th and 6th. On December 12th, the 43rd RTR was ordered to mobilise as an Army Tank Battalion to be complete by January 15th, 1941. On January 3rd it got one Medium Mk I and two Mediums Mk II and, on the 6th, got two Mk IIAs from the 42nd RTR. During the rest of January and February, the battalion received one Mk VIB Light Tank and two Infantry Tanks Mk II on the January 8th, four A12s on February 13th, four A12s on February 18th, and two A12 Mk IIA*s and one A12 Mk IIA on February 24th.
    The battalion left Cherry Tree Camp, Colchester on February 25th and moved to Wivenhoe Park, Colchester. The following equipment was received at the new camp: 2 A12 MkIIA*s on February 26th, 2 A12 MkIIA*s on the 27th, and 26 A12 MKIIA*s between March 13th and 22nd. During April all three squadrons did a stint at Linney Head for practise firing. Unfortunately the battalion had to give up 20 new A12 MkIIA*s to the 42nd RTR on April 8th getting their non-runners and A12s in return. On Medium and four Light Dragons (training vehicles) were given up on April 18th. Five days later the battalion was warned of a move to Brighton.

    25th Army Tank Brigade – 26 April 1941 to 17 October 1941
    On May 3rd, 1941 the battalion moved to Brighton from Colchester and came under the command of the 25th Army Tank Brigade. Battalion HQ was located at 4, Surrender Road, Brighton with ‘A’ Squadron at Stanmer Park near Brighton, ‘B’ at Castle Goring near Worthing and ‘C’ at Ovingdean. The battalion, less ‘B’ Squadron, was under the operational control of the 141st Infantry Brigade with ‘B’ under the control of the 25th Infantry Brigade. Its role was anti-parachute duty. It was unclear if the 42nd RTR ‘crocks’ (non-runners) would join the battalion when they were repaired and the battalion was still down one light tank. On May 11th, IV Corps assigned ‘A’ Squadron to protect Shoreham harbour, ‘B’ to defend Worthing harbour, and ‘C’ to protect Newhaven. Five Mk VIB Light Tanks were withdrawn on June 5th to Aldershot for a special role. From June 13th to 16th, all twenty-nine tanks in the battalion were involved in an exercise and, on from the 23rd to 27th, it had thirty tanks involved in an exercise. From July to September, additional equipment arrived: 1 Infantry Mk IIA on July 7th, 1 Infantry Tank Mk IIA* CS on July 28th, 3 Infantry Tanks CS on September 6th, 2 Infantry Tanks CS and one Infantry Tank on September 8th, 3 Dingo Scout Cars on the 9th, and 2 Infantry Tanks from the RGH and 3 Dingoes on the 19th. By Septembe 24th, the battalion had a total of 33 tanks.

    33rd Army Tank Brigade – 17 October 1941 to 21 June 1942
    The battalion moved to Welbeck Abbey, near Worksop, Nottinghamshire on October 18th, 1941 and came under the command of the 33rd Army Tank Brigade. Between October 19th and 31st a total of eighteen Mk IV Churchill Tanks arrived. During November, twenty-five more Churchill IIIs arrived to replace the Matilda IIs for a total strength of 43 Churchills. Forty Matildas were struck off the battalion strength. Fourteen more Churchills arrived in December but one was sent back. The remaining eleven Matildas were sent to Mill Hill on January 2nd, 1942 and the following day the last Churchill needed to complete establishment arrived. ‘B’ Squadron was sent to the GHQ Battle School at Barnard Castle on March 26th for demonstrations. During April the battalion received three more Churchill IIIs, one each on the 3rd, 18th and 30th. From June 19th to 20th, the battalion moved to Aldbury Camp, Berkhampstead.

    33rd Tank Brigade – 22 June 1942 to 5 August 1943
    The 33rd Army Tank Brigade, now in the Berkhampstead area, was now renamed as the 33rd Tank Brigade and incorporated into the 3rd Mixed Division (2 infantry brigades and 1 tank brigade). The battalion moved to the New Forest area on July 20th, 1942, and then moved into billets at Sway on the 25th. On July 31st, the battalion establishment listed 9 extra scout cars. ‘A’ Squadron rejoined the battalion from the GHQ Battalion School on August 22nd for a divisional exercise. All the tanks were reworked during November and the Exercise Trent II landings were carried out. The battalion moved to Folkestone from December 5th to 9th and then to Saltwood from December 17th to 19th. The tanks were reworked again during December.
    The battalion received its orders to mobilise for overseas on February 25th, 1943 as part of 3rd Mixed Division. New Churchills began to arrive on March 3rd and the old ones began to be send away two days later. The battalion began special training on March 13th, changing locations with the 144th Armoured Regiment, RAC. It handed over its tanks to that regiment and was to be the first tank battalion to train at Inverary. The road party left of Hoddom Castle, Ecclefechan followed by the main party on the 26th. All tanks were handed over to the 33rd and 35th Tank Brigade and the battalion departed without tanks. It arrived at Ecclefechan on March 29th. The next day it took over 30 Valentines from the Home Details of the 48th RTR. The battalion mobilised on April 5th for tropical service and was given embarkation leave. Unfortunately, it was informed four days later that the special role on Valentines was no longer required and the brigade was to be re-equipped with Sherman tanks. The first ten Shermans arrived on April 10th, but on the 26th it had to hand over the Shermans to the 1st Canadian Tank Brigade, since it would take over its role. The road party then left Hoddom Castle on April 30th, 1943, leaving the Shermans with the Canadians and the Valentines with ‘R’ Squadron.
    On May 1st, 1943 the battalion moved into Livermere Camp, near Bury St. Edmunds, having turned over its tanks to the 12th Canadian Tank Regiment. Between May 7th and 16th, the battalion received 40 Churchill tanks, but almost immediately turned these over to the 148th Armoured Regiment, RAC. The 43rd RTR was made responsible for No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron formed from the 36th Tank Brigade and this squadron received its first batch of training Matildas on May 13th. On May 20th, the battalion was made responsible for the newly formed “C” Wing 79th Armoured School, also formed from details of the 36th Tank Brigade. ‘C’ Squadron took over 18 Valentines from the 36th Tank Brigade on May 23rd.
    The battalion left for Sudbourne Hall, Orford on May 26th and arrived the following day accompanied by “C Wing and No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron. The unit was given the role to hold all equipment required by the 79th Armoured Division School to conduct trials and experiments. ‘A’ Squadron was to experiment with Wasps, ‘B’ with Matilda Barons, and ‘C’ with Valentines. Equipment began to arrive to accommodate the battalion’s experimental role. A variety of equipment and experimental equipment arrived for the battalion over the next few months including: 3 Barons for the Assault Squadron on May 31st, 18 Matildas without turrets on June 2nd and 3rd, 26 Universal Carriers from the Guards Armoured Division on June 5th, 18 Universal Carriers on June 7th, 6 Wasp for ‘A’ Squadron on June 9th, 1 Churchill Crocodile on June 11th, 1 Valentine (FT) on June 14th, 1 Sherman for ‘C’ Squadron on June 16th, 1 Matilda on June 24th, 1 Churchill (bad condition) and 1 Harrow on June 25th, 2 Barons for No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron to complete WE on July 4th, 1 Valentine Scorpion on July 14th, 1 Valentine Scorpion, 1 Valentine V and 3 Matilida Barons on July 17th, and 3 Matilda Barons on July 19th. As the vehicles were received testing and trials commenced. While still with the brigade, it took on 3 Churchill IIIs on July 24th, 1 Churchill V and 1 Valentine Scorpion on July 26th, 2 Matilda Barons on July 26th, 10 Sherman Vs on July 29th (5 from East Riding Yeomanry and 4 from the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards), 4 Matilda Barons and 9 Sherman Vs on July 31st, 9 Shermans on August 1st, 1 Universal Carrier on August 2nd, 8 Shermans and 5 Universal Carriers on August 4th, and 1 Sherman on August 5th.

    79th Armoured Division – 5 August 1943 to 14 May 1944
    The 33rd Tank Brigade moved to Scotland on August 6th, 1943 and left the battalion directly under the command of the 79th Armoured Division. August continued with exercises, trials and the acquisition of equipment for testing. On August 6th, it sent 8 Shermans to the East Riding Yeomanry and received 3 Churchill IIIs, 1 Churchill IV, and 14 Shermans from the 13th/18th Hussars. It received 1 Matilda Baron on the 21st, 10 Universal Carriers on the 23rd, 4 Churchill IVs and 4 Matildas w/o turrets on the 27th, 1 Matilda III and 3 Matildas w/o turrets on the 29th, and 5 Churchill IVs and 1 Madilda III on the 30th. Also on August 30th, it sent out 3 Matildas w/o turrets to No. 1 Salvage Depot and, the next day, it sent out 2 Matilda IIIs and 2 Matildas w/o turrets. During September the array of equipment continued to move in and out. Two turretless Matildas and 5 scout cars were despatched on the 1st, 5 Matilda Barons and 2 Churchill IVs were received and 4 turretless Matildas were despatched on the 6th, 1 Universal Carrier was despatched on the 7th, 2 Valentine IIs were despatched on the 9th, 1 Valentine II was despatched and 3 Matilda Barons were received on the 10th, 2 Matilda Barons were received and 1 scout car was despatched on the 13th, 2 Matilda Barons were received on the 14th, 1 turretless Matilda was despatched on the 20th, 1 Matilda III was despatched on the 23rd, 4 Matilda IIIs were despatched on the 24th, and, on the 26th, 2 Matilda Barons were received and 1 Valentine with trailer was despatched.
    During the first week of October the battalion did its annual firing training at Linney Head ranges. At the start of the month, it sent off 12 Wasps to the 43rd Reconnaissance Regiment on the 1st and 12 more on the 5th. It sent out 3 Valentine IIs out on the 7th and received 1 Matilda Baron on the 14th, sending off 6 Wasps the same day. One Valentine Scorpion was received on the 19th and another on the 25th. Nine Wasps were despatched on the 25th as well.
    On November 13th, ‘A’ Squadron began trials with Crocodiles, ‘B’ Squadron began courses for 30th Armoured Brigade on the Matilda Barons, and ‘C’ Squadron began ‘Tabby’ and ‘Snake’ trials. Equipment transfer during November consisted of the following: 1 Valentine Scorpion received on the 5th, 3 Matilda Barons received on the 11th, 1 Valentine Scorpion and 1 Churchill IV received and 9 Universal Carriers despatched on the 15th, 4 Valentine IIs despatched on the 17th, 1 Valentine II received on the 18th, 1 Valentine Scorpion received and 1 Universal Carrier sent out on the 21st, 1 Sherman Crab received and 1 Valentine II struck off on the 22nd, and 2 Matilda Barons received on the 29th.
    On December 14th, ‘C’ Wing 79th Armoured Division lost its separate identity and, on December 31st, No. 1 Armoured Assault Squadron was disbanded. During the month, 1 Valentine Scorpion was received on the 6th, 1 Valentine Scorpion was sent out on the 11th, 2 Valentines were sent out on the 14th, 4 Valentines were despatched on the 15th, 1 Valentine arrived on the 20th, 1 Sherman Crab was despatched from the 21st to the 23rd, 2 Valentines were despatched on the 26th, and 1 carrier, 1 scout car and two armoured cars were despatched. January 1944’s vehicle exchanges consisted of despatching 4 Valentine II Scorpions on the 4th, receiving 2 Sherman Crabs on the 10th, despatching 3 Matilda Barons on the 18th, and receiving 1 Churchill Crocodile VII on the 26th. In February the battalion received 1 Churchill Crocodile on the 1st, despatched 1 Churchill Crocodile IV on the 4th, despatched 3 Matilda Barons on the 7th, despatched 1 Churchill IV and received 1 Churchill IV on the 10th, despatched 3 Matilda Barons on the 15th, despatched 5 Matilda Barons on the 16th, despatched 2 Churchill IVs on the 18th, despatched 5 Valentine Scorpions and 3 Matilda Barons on the 23rd.
    ‘C’ Squadron moved to Brancaster on March 15th, 1944. March, April and May continued the constant move back and forth of trial vehicles. It received 5 Churchill IVs and 8 Churcill IIIBs from the 144th RAC and despatched 1 Valentine Scorpion to the 1st Lothians and Border Horse on March 3rd, received 1 Churchill VII on March 9th, despatched 2 Churchill IVs on March 19th, despatched 1 Valentine II on March 21st, received 1 Churchill VII Crocodile on March 29th, received 6 Churchill Is on April 3rd, sent out 3 Churchill Is on April 4th, received 2 Churchill Crocodiles on April 7th, received 5 Churchill Is on April 13th, received 1 Churchill 20 CWT Gun Carrier on April 16th.
    On April 18th, ‘A’ Squadron left for the Orford Training Area and returned on the 26th. Three scout cars were sent out on April 28th, 8 Churchills were transferred on May 3rd, and 8 Congers were collected on May 8th. On May 14th, the battalion left the 79th Armoured Division and were told that the unit would remain complete.

    Assault Training and Development Centre – 14 May 1944 to 13 July 1944
    The battalion remained at Sudbourne Camp as the 79th Armoured Division prepared to join the 21st Army Group for the invasion of France. The battalion sent off 15 Barons to the 22nd AFV Depot at Bawtry on May 29th and 15 more the following day. The unit ceased to be administered by the 21st Army on June 1st and came under the Home system of documentation. It came under the command of Eastern Command and the East Suffolk Sub-District on July 1st for administration and discipline.

    35th Tank Brigade – 13 July 1944 to 30 May 1945
    The battalion joined the 35th Tank Brigade when this formation moved to Eastern Command on July 13th, 1944. On July 16th, it moved to Freckenham under the brigade. A composite squadron did exercises with the Belgian Brigade Group and the Royal Netherlands Brigade Group from July 27th to 29th. Over the period July 31st to August 1st, the battalion moved again into Chippenham Camp, Newmarket, Suffolk. It received 1 Churchill V on August 8th and 6 Humber Mk I Scout Cars on August 14th. ‘A’ Squadron and the composite squadron (made up from the others) trained at the Theford Training Area. The battalion was placed on lower establishment and its role through January 1945 was designated as collective training for recruits and assistance in the training of war wounded. It received 6 more Humber Mk I Scout Cars and gave up 6 Daimler II Scout Cars on August 19th. On August 21st, ‘C’ Squadron left to train at the Thetford Training Area with a composite squadron and returned on the 26th. Training continued in early September with squadrons going to the Thetford Training Area and the Tichwell AFV Range. During September it began to take in war wounded from France as well as being involved in exercises.
    Administration of the unit transferred to the Suffolk Sub-District on November 1st, 1944. Seven carriers were sent out to No. 12 AFV Depot on November 22nd along with 6 more the following day. Training continued on through December 1944 and January 1945.
    On February 1st, 1945, the battalion prepared to reorganise as a CDL (Canal Defence Light) unit for South East Asia Command. Individual troop training would take place in March 1945, ‘C’ Squadron would convert in April, ‘A’ Squadron in May and ‘B’ Squadron in June. ‘C’ Squadron left for CDL School at Penrith on February 20th and collected 20 tanks. ‘A’ collected its 20 tanks and moved to CDL School on February 24th. In early March 1945, the squadrons returned and did stints at the Tichwell Ranges. ‘A’ and ‘B’ Squadrons moved to High Ash Camp to train on March 12th and 13th. Training at Tichwell, Penrith, and High Ash continued during April 1945. On April 19th, the entire battalion moved into High Ash Camp and continued to train.

    North-West District – 30 May 1945 to 10 July 1945
    The 43rd RTR moved to Lowther Camp, Penrith on June 1st. It was ordered to mobilise on June 2nd, 1945. The battalion continued to train and mobilise during the rest of June. By June 30th, thirty-four tanks had arrived at the port of departure and were loaded on ship by July 4th. On July 9th, the troops left by train for Avonmouth and sailed from the port on July 10th.

    War Office Control – 10 July 1945 to 2 August 1945
    The battalion was at sea and arrived at Bombay, India on August 2nd, 1945.

    172nd Line of Communications Sub-Area – 2 August 1945 to 31 August 1945
    On arrival in Bombay on August 2nd, the battalion moved to Kalyan Transit Camp. It left there on August 5th for Secunderabad. It arrived there on August 7th and moved into Mahidpore Lines, Bolarum. On the 10th, additional personnel that arrived were accommodated at Haigh Lines. Training began on August 14th. Equipment began to arrive at the end of the month with 14 Grant CDLs and 8 Shermans on the 28th, 8 Grant CDLs and 6 Shermans on the 31st, 9 Grant CDLs and 5 Sherman ARVs on the 9th, and 5 Grant CDLs on the 6th. The regiment was now organised with HQ, ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’, and ‘D’ Squadrons.

    Thanks David great detail. Are there any T census numbers listed in the receipts or returns?

    cheers

    Kevin
     
  10. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Thanks David great detail. Are there any T census numbers listed in the receipts or returns?

    cheers

    Kevin

    Hello Kevin,

    Is this what dairyman is looking for or is this a personal sojourn for David and you? dairyman just wants to know about his gradfather's service in 43rd RTR and the apprarent contradiction in his service history!

    Maybe a separate thread about the 'T' census numbers, etc. is in order. I for one would look forward to any further information David and you have about the 43rd or 49th RTR. It's a particular gap in my knowledge about ex-Fifty Div units. This is a very personal interest as one of my great grandfathers served and was KIA whilst serving with the 4RNF, 149th Infantry Brigade, Fifty Div, in WWI. It was then brigaded with 6RNF.

    Best,

    Steve.
     
  11. KevinT

    KevinT Senior Member

    Hello Kevin,

    Is this what dairyman is looking for or is this a personal sojourn for David and you? dairyman just wants to know about his gradfather's service in 43rd RTR and the apprarent contradiction in his service history!

    Maybe a separate thread about the 'T' census numbers, etc. is in order. I for one would look forward to any further information David and you have about the 43rd or 49th RTR. It's a particular gap in my knowledge about ex-Fifty Div units. This is a very personal interest as one of my great grandfathers served and was KIA whilst serving with the 4RNF, 149th Infantry Brigade, Fifty Div, in WWI. It was then brigaded with 6RNF.

    Best,

    Steve.

    Hello Steve,

    This is all I have so far.

    cheers

    Kevin
     

    Attached Files:

  12. dryan67

    dryan67 Senior Member

    I just scanned the War Diary for 43rd RTR. It is from the Tank Museum in Bovington and only has log sheets that have been transcribed. These sheets do include the taking of of tanks with models and numbers but no serial numbers I am afraid.
     
    17thDYRCH likes this.
  13. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    Ok I've scanned in a couple of sheets from my grandfathers service record. Here (hopefully!) is the top sheet with the medals section. Am i reading it right? Did he get the France & Germany star or does that refer to the line above ie. 1939/45 star ?
     

    Attached Files:

  14. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    Here is another sample. He was a bit naughty at the beginning of 1944 whilst in the 13 Parachute Battalion & did a bit of time in a detention centre. Looks like he was then kicked out back into the RAC.
     

    Attached Files:

  15. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    And just to put a face to a name. Here's my grandfather when he first joined up.
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Steve Mac

    Steve Mac Very Senior Member

    Hello dairyman,

    It defintely states France & Germany Star on his service record.

    His service number is Cavalry of the Line 309001 - 721000, with the block 386001 to 528000 being Dragoons.

    Are you able to place his full record for 1944/5 on the forum, only then will we be able to derive how he was awarded that particular star.

    Best,

    Steve.
     
  17. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    Hi - thanks Steve

    Here are the two service sheets for the end-of-1943 to 1945
     

    Attached Files:

  18. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    Oh and this gets a bit more interesting. Here on the service sheet attached to one of his Attestation sheets it actually states 'Atlantic Star & Clasp (France & Germany). I'm completely baffled now!
     

    Attached Files:

  19. dairyman

    dairyman Junior Member

    A transfer from a parachute to a tank battalion seems a little unusual. Did he have a transferable trade? That could also tie in with him getting to France & Germany.
    Hi Idler

    I don't think so at least no other trades are mentioned on his record - (1940 - 1943) he basically spent his time at the CDL school ( Canal Defence Light) at Lowther Castle. Seems to have gone from there into the AAC.
     
  20. idler

    idler GeneralList

    My understanding is that he would only get a clasp if he had already earned five campaign stars, so I'd say 'Atlantic Star & Clasp (France & Germany)' is an error.
     

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