D Day Beach Group equipment assault scales.

A scale of personnel and equipment was laid down and this applied to all Beach Groups. The assault scale was the equipment which would be landed initially. The rest would follow as shipping space allowed.

Some changes were made before the landings and some units made minor alterations.

BEACH BATTALION ASSAULT SCALE.
War Establishment in brackets.
36 X officer. (36)
710 X Other Ranks. (809)
38 X handcart. (56)
18 X bicycle. (33)
8 X motorcycle. (27)
8 X Jeep. (8)
1 X 15cwt office. (1)
1 X 15cwt water. (1)
4 X Carrier Loyd. (12)

Notes.
a) The balance of the handcarts is for distribution among the beach group units at the beach group commanders discretion.
b) Carriers, Loyd, were replacements for 15 cwt 4 X 2. In the event they were replaced by 15cwt 4 X 4.
c) Some jeeps were replaced by amphibious jeeps or Weasels.

There remained a balance of:
99 X other ranks.
15 X bicycles.
19 X motorcycles.
4 X car, 2 seater. Replaced by Jeeps.
1 X car, 4 seater.
27 X 15cwt.
8 X Loyd carrier.
19 X Universal Carrier.
7 X carrier 3” mortar.
6 X 6pdr anti tank gun. On Sword these were landed on D Day and positioned for the defence of the Beach Groups.

Eventually all of these vehicles and personnel would arrive in Normandy.

The Beach Battalion formed the nucleus of the Beach Group. It was a standard infantry battalion with a standard infantry battalion war establishment. For the role as Beach Battalion the unit had temporary changes while retaining the existing structure and personnel.

Staff Captain’s Increment.
1 X Officer.
5 X Other ranks.
A Staff Captain was added to the Beach Battalion to assist with staff work.

Much more to follow.

Mike.

 

BEACH GROUP VEHICLE LOADS.

Battalion Headquarters.
Handcart Airborne No1. For Provosts.
1 X siren, general alarm.
1 X 12” hacksaw.
4 X containers, paraffin.
2 X pickaxe.
5 X shovel GS.
2 X pairs handcuffs.
Box containing
6 X hurricane lamps.
13 X electric lamp No4.
Headquarters signs.

15 cwt Office.
1 X Box, AEL 1398 kit.
1 X typewriter.
1 X duplicator.
1 X Intelligence box.
23 X gas detectors.
9 X tins khaki paint.
3lb cotton waste.
21 X staff pointers.
14 X sandbags.

2 Jeeps for CO’s recce.


Mike

 

Headquarters Company.

Handcart Airborne No1. Signal Platoon.
1 X Pannier No5.
2 X Cable layer apparatus.
1 X stick, crook, jointed.
10 X boxes, primary battery.
2 X small cable drums.
1 X large cable drum.
1 X spare cable reel, empty.
1 X mattock
20 X spare antennae rods.


Handcart Airborne No2. Signal Platoon.
1 X Pannier No6.
1 X saw, folding.
2 X cable layer apparatus.
1 X stick, crooked, jointed.
2 X small cable drums.
1 X large cable drum.
1 X spare cable reel, empty.
1 X mattock


Truck 15cwt or Loyd Carrier No1 Signal Platoon.
1 X Pannier No1.
1 X Pannier No2.
4 X Telephones D MkV.
1 X barrow, drum WD MkII.
13 X satchels, No38 set.
2 X pickaxe.
2 X wireless stations No 18.
1 X signals office equipment.
16 X signal flags.
8 X spare poles for signal flags.
1 X Anti Gas reserve box.
14 X small cable drums.
10 X large cable drum.
48 X signal poles.
2 X 8 foot aerial.
1 X felling axe.
2 X hurricane lamps.
1 X ladder, field telephone.
1 X sledge hammer.
2 X stands, lamp or heliograph.

Plus for medical section
1 X regimental comforts pannier.
1 X regimental medical pannier.


Truck 15cwt or Loyd Carrier No2 Signal Platoon.
1 X Pannier No3.
1 X Pannier No4.
3 X cable laying apparatus.
6 X earth pipes.
2 X shovels GS.
1 X barrow, drum WD MkII.
12 X poles, 17 foot, wood.
2 X stands, lamp or heliograph.
16 X signal flags.
8 X spare poles for signal flags.
1 X terminal strip.
1 X mattock.
1 X stick, crook, jointed.
6 X aerial rod cases.
6 X small cable drums.
4 X large cable drum.
2 X 8 foot aerial.
3 X wireless stations No18.


Truck 15cwt or Loyd Carrier. Reserve ammunition.
288 X yellow flares.
36 X 3” mortar smoke bombs.
684 X 2” mortar smoke bombs.
34 X grenades No69.
76 X grenades No77.


Lorry 3ton No 1. Headquarters Company.
120 X packs and blankets.
G 1098 equipment less ‘B’ echelon cooking equipment.
14 X Reserve respirators.
3248 X .303” cartridges.
1248 X .303” tracer cartridges.
54 X .38 revolver cartridges.
2000 X 9mm cartridges.
24 X PIAT bombs.
4 X stretchers, for medical section.
1 X box field stationery for headquarters.
1 X typewriter for headquarters.
1 X box of intelligence stores for intelligence section.
1 X box of stores for Military Landing Officer.


Lorry 3 ton No2. Reserve ammunition.
144 X rounds 1“ illuminating.
8000 X rounds .303 BP.
9984 X rounds .303 CP.
3744 X rounds .303 tracer.
38 X rounds green signal.
38 X rounds red signal.
2000 X rounds 9mm.
72 X rounds 3” mortar HE.
72 X rounds 2” mortar HE.
48 X rounds 2” illuminating.
24 X rounds 2” green.
24 X rounds 2” red.
60 X grenade No36. (standard segmented grenade)
34 X grenade No65. (signal grenade)
10 X grenade No74. (‘sticky’ anti tank grenade
48 X grenade No 75. (Hawkins AT grenade/mine)
72 X PIAT bomb.


Lorry 3 ton No3. Reserve ammunition.
144 X rounds 1“ illuminating.
8000 X rounds .303 BP.
9984 X rounds .303 CP.
3744 X rounds .303 tracer.
38 X rounds green signal.
38 X rounds red signal.
2000 X rounds 9mm.
72 X rounds 3” mortar HE.
72 X rounds 2” mortar HE.
48 X rounds 2” illuminating.
24 X rounds 2” green.
24 X rounds 2” red.
60 X grenade No36. (standard segmented grenade)
34 X grenade No65. (signal grenade)
10 X grenade No74. (‘sticky’ anti tank grenade)
48 X grenade No 75. (Hawkins AT grenade/mine)
72 X PIAT bomb.


Lorry 3ton No4. Quartermaster stores.
2 X oil drums.
4 X containers, paraffin.
10 X reserve respirators.
20 X spare wireless batteries.
20 X spare electric lamps No1.
1 X typewriter.
1 X set rifle spares.
2 X hurricane lamps.
1 X waterproofing material.
2 X drums camouflage paint.
1 X PIAT and bombs.
1 X box, armourers, bicycle.
1 X brazing lamp.
2 X drums dubbin.
8 X 2 gallon containers.
10 X gasproof paper sacks.
2 X hand axes.
4 X shovels GS
1 X cooking set.
1 X cleaver.
10 X capes, anti gas.
10 X jackets, anti gas.
10 X trousers, anti gas.
1 X box field stationery.
1 X armourers tool box.
1 X set bren spares.
1 X sack cotton waste.
3 X camouflage nets.
1 X set butchers implements.
1 X bren and magazines.
2 X felling axes.
4 X pickaxe.
2 X spades.
4 X matchet.
1 X 100lb balance spring.
1 X set 2” mortar spares.
10 X pairs gloves anti gas.
10 X pairs overboots anti gas.
1 X sack burial sticks.
4 X bin, FAMTO. (First Aid MT Outfit).
1 X carrier FAMTO.
1 X MT stores box.

Mike

 

Fantastic details Mike!

This is a godsend for, among others, obsessive modellers who want their models to be as close to the real thing as possible (aka Rivet Counters).

Or is it more of a curse, leaving them no excuse for failing to represent the two pairs of handcuffs every self-respecting Provost handcart should include?

This thread should become the Bible for model competition judges

We want more!

Michel

 

Excellent, as usual

 

Each Beach Company.

Twelve Handcart (Airborne)
Nos 1 to 6 are for headquarters and are all different loads.
Nos 7, 8 and 9 are for platoons and have identical loads
Nos 10, 11 and 12 are for platoons and have identical loads.


Handcart (Airborne) No1.
1 X loudhailer.
1 X Headquarters sign.
5 X rolls tracing tape.
1 X railway hand lamp.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 10’ X 6’ waterproof cover.
1 X hand axe.
1 X 2 gallon oil container.


Handcart (Airborne) No2.
1 X loudhailer.
1 X Headquarters sign.
9 X metal plaques.
10 X rolls tracing tape.
2 X hurricane lamp.
1 X railway hand lamp.
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
1 X pair anti gas gloves.
1 X pair canvas gloves.
3 X pair wiring gloves.
1 X pair rubber gloves.
1 X loud hailer battery.
3 X electric lamp.
2 X spare bulbs.
1 X megaphone.
1 X 7lb bag of nails.
1 X pliers.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 10’ X 6’ waterproof cover.
1 X coil 1” cordage.


Handcart (Airborne) No3.
1 X Headquarters sign.
9 X metal plaques.
10 X rolls tracing tape.
1 X hurricane lamp.
1 X railway hand lamp.
3 X electric lamp batteries.
2 X spare bulbs.
1 X megaphone.
1 X 7lb bag of nails.
1 X adjustable spanner.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 10’ X 6’ waterproof cover.
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
2 X pair anti gas gloves.
5 X pair wiring gloves.
10 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X felling axe.
1 X crowbar.
1 X holdfast anchor.
1 X handsaw.
1 X sledge hammer.
2 X pickaxe.
1 X camp kettle.
1 X 2gallon water can.
1 X mag. Box, sundries.


Handcart (Airborne) No4.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X hurricane lamp.
1 X railway hand lamp.
1 X coil 1½” cordage
1 X coil twine.
2 X pair anti gas over mitten.
10 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X felling axe.
1 X crowbar.
1 X holdfast anchor.
1 X handsaw.
2 X sledge hammer.
2 X pickaxe.
2 X picketing posts.
1 X megaphone.
1 X maul.
1 X camp kettle.
2 X 2gallon water can.
1 X mag. Box, sundries.


Handcart (Airborne) No 5.
2 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
3 X railway hand lamp.
1 X roll tracing tape.
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X pair anti gas over mitten.
2 X pair anti gas gloves.
10 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X felling axe.
1 X sledge hammer.
2 X picketing posts.
1 X camp kettle.
2 X 2 gallon water can.
1 X 2 gallon oil can.


Handcart (Airborne) No 6.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
2 X sledge hammer.
2 X pickaxe.
1 X crowbar.
1 X felling axe.
2 X 2gallon water can.
2 X picketing post.


Handcart (Airborne) No 7.
1 X 24’ X 24’ camouflage net.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
1 X pair anti gas gloves.
1 X pair anti gas over mitten.
10 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X sledge hammer.
5 X pickaxe.
6 X shovel GS.
1 X megaphone.
1 X camp kettle.
2 X mag. Box, bicycle spares.
2 X reserve respirators.
9 X anti gas capes.
1 X Bren tripod.
1 X PIAT and 6 bombs.


Handcart (Airborne) No 8.
1 X 24’ X 24’ camouflage net.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
1 X pair anti gas gloves.
1 X pair anti gas over mitten.
10 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X sledge hammer.
5 X pickaxe.
6 X shovel GS.
1 X megaphone.
1 X camp kettle.
2 X mag. Box, bicycle spares.
2 X reserve respirators.
9 X anti gas capes.
1 X Bren tripod.
1 X PIAT and 6 bombs.


Handcart (Airborne) No 9.
1 X 24’ X 24’ camouflage net.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
1 X pair anti gas gloves.
1 X pair anti gas over mitten.
10 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X sledge hammer.
5 X pickaxe.
6 X shovel GS.
1 X megaphone.
1 X camp kettle.
2 X mag. Box, bicycle spares.
2 X reserve respirators.
9 X anti gas capes.
1 X Bren tripod.
1 X PIAT and 6 bombs.


Handcart (Airborne) No 10.
1 X 24’ X 24’ camouflage net.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 10’ X 6’ waterproof cover
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
1 X pair anti gas gloves
1 X pair anti gas over mitten.
20 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X sledge hammer.
5 X pickaxe.
7 X shovel GS.
2 X mag. Box, sundries.
2 X reserve respirators.
9 X anti gas capes.
1 X Bren tripod.


Handcart (Airborne) No 11.
1 X 24’ X 24’ camouflage net.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 10’ X 6’ waterproof cover
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
1 X pair anti gas gloves.
1 X pair anti gas over mitten.
20 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X sledge hammer.
5 X pickaxe.
7 X shovel GS.
2 X mag. Box, sundries.
2 X reserve respirators.
9 X anti gas capes.
1 X Bren tripod.


Handcart (Airborne) No 12.
1 X 24’ X 24’ camouflage net.
1 X 14’ X 14’ camouflage net.
1 X 10’ X 6’ waterproof cover
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
1 X pair anti gas gloves.
1 X pair anti gas over mitten.
20 X pair hedging gloves.
1 X sledge hammer.
5 X pickaxe.
7 X shovel GS.
2 X mag. Box, sundries.
2 X reserve respirators.
9 X anti gas capes.
1 X Bren tripod.


Jeep.
1 X box, mobile office.
1 X box, field stationery.
1 X Bren plus 25 magazines.
1 X Bren tripod.
1 X 2” mortar.
1000 rounds .303
12 X 2” mortar bombs HE.
12 X 2” mortar bombs, smoke.
6 X 2” mortar bombs, illuminating.
3 X 2” mortar bombs green.
3 X 2” mortar bombs red.
1 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
2 X tube anti gas ointment.
Arm and ground gas detectors.
8 X gas detector boards.
1 X parcel of maps.


3ton 4 X 4 GS.
1 X portable cooker No 1.
1 X portable cooker No 2
5 X cooking stands.
5 X 6 gallon containers.
5 X 6 gallon insulators.
14 X 1½ gallon containers.
1 set cooks equipment.
3 X frying pan.
1 X 2 gallon water container.
6 X 2 gallon petrol container.
2 X 4 gallon petrol container.
1 X tool chest, repair equipment.
1 X tool chest, carpenters tools.
1 shoemakers bag.
1 bag, bicycle armourers.
2 X hand axe.
3 X cross cut saw.
1 X measuring rod.
9 X spare electric lamp batteries.
2 X spare electric lamp bulbs.
450 pairs spare socks.
2 X camouflage net 14’ X 14’.
36 X rolls camouflage garnishing.
1 X waterproof cover 10’ X 6’.
18 X metal plaques.
15 X metal plaque stands.
1 X stencil outfit.
1 X hand operated siren.
12 X 7lb tin bleach powder.
Anti gas clothing reserve.
2000 rounds .303 BP.
2496 rounds .303 CP.
1248 rounds .303 tracer.
30 rounds 2” mortar HE.
36 rounds 2” mortar illuminating.
18 rounds 2” mortar green.
18 rounds 2” mortar red.
72 rounds 2” mortar smoke.
10 X grenade No 74.
24 X grenade No 77
9 X PIAT spring.
120 packs.

Mike

 

Michel,

Be careful. Over indulging in minutie can have serious side effects.

Mike

 

Thanks for the warning Mike, but I'm afraid it's far too late for me. I have been suffering from the disease and the associated side effects since childhood, but fortunately have learned to live with them .

Looking at the various handcart loads, if I had to choose a handcart to haul, I would definitely go for No.6. Any reason for its being so lightly loaded as compared with the others?

Michel

 

Michel,

No reason known. It is the last of the six headquarters carts to be listed so perhaps leaving room for optional items.

 

All those bags of nails, and no hammer!
Any idea of contents of "Box, sundries"

 

We have not finished yet. I am fairly sure the pioneers will have a hammer.

Boxes are interesting. Sundries, Intelligence and stationary. We always want more detailed information.

Mike

 

I suppose that the contents of "box of intelligence stores for intelligence section" would be Top Secret. My guess is that it contained a pair of spare brains for the IO in case he suffered from battle fatigue.

Michel

P.S. Please forgive the poor joke, I had a hard day plus I recently watched "Young Frankenstein" again

 

Michel,

I rather suspect it would be a set of coloured chinograph pencils and some tracing talc for map displays. I like your idea better.

Mike

 

Support Company.

Pioneer Platoon.
Handcart (Airborne) No 1.
2 X pickaxe.
2 X shovel GS
1 X felling axe.
2 X hand axe.
1 X bill hook.
10lb nails.
1 X maul.
1 X matchet.
2 X handsaw
1 X 7lb hammer.
1 X boring and jumping bar.
4 X rolls tracing tape.
60 X grenade No 75. Hawkins anti tank grenade/mine.
50 X detonators in tins.
24 X ignitors.
4 X 40 foot safety fuse in tins.
2 X striking caps in tins.
2 X tin of 10 primers.


Handcart (Airborne) No 2.
2 X pickaxe.
2 X shovel RE
1 X luff tackle. Block and tackle for lifting.
1 X felling axe.
2 X hand axe.
1 X bill hook.
10lb nails.
1 X maul.
2 X matchet.
1 X 7lb hammer.
1 X boring and jumping bar.
48 X grenade No 75. Hawkins anti tank grenade/mine.
8 X green signal cartridge.
8 X red signal cartridge.


Anti Tank Platoon.
Handcart (Airborne) No 3.
1000 rounds .303 BC.
1248 rounds .303 tracer.
18 X 2” mortar HE.
12 X grenade No 36.
6 X PIAT bombs.


Carrier Platoon.
Handcart (Airborne) No 4.
1000 rounds .303 BC.
1248 rounds .303 tracer.
18 X 2” mortar HE.
12 X grenade No 36.
6 X PIAT bombs.


Mortar Platoon.
Handcart (Airborne) No 5.
1000 rounds .303 BC.
2000 rounds 9mm.
36 X grenade No 36.
6 X PIAT bombs.


Support Company Headquarters.
15cwt or Loyd Carrier
2 X portable cooker No 1.
20 X portable cooker No 2.
5 X 6 gallon containers.
5 X 6 gallon insulators.
5 X cooking stands.
2 X cooking stand ends.
13 X 2 gallon water container.
9 X 2 gallon containers.
4 X frying pan.
5 X camp kettle.
2 X cooks ladle.
1 X butchers holdall.
2 X handbowl.
3 X Polish No 3 mine detector.
3 X camouflage net 14’ X 14’.
2 X roll garnishing, dark brown.
1 X roll Garnishing, green.
1 X tool chest, carpenter.
1 X cross cut saw.
2 X crowbar.
1 X sledgehammer.
10 X pickaxe.
14 X shovel GS.
2 X shovel RE.
10 X pair wiring gloves.
9 X hurricane lamps.
1 X first aid box.


3ton GS.
3 X 6 gallon containers.
3 X 6 gallon insulators.
3 X cooking stands.
8 X baffle plate.
2 X levers.
4 X frying pan.
3 X camp kettle.
1 X hand operated siren.
24 X tins bleaching powder.
1 X large mincing machine.
1 X spring balance.
130 X pack.
27 X light anti gas jacket.
27 X light anti gas trousers.
181 X pair light anti gas gloves.
13 X pair anti gas rubber gloves.
187 X pair anti gas over gloves.
96 X anti gas capes.
19 X reserve respirators.
19 X container for reserve respirators.
19 X DF cloths for eyeshields.
96 X pack of 6 eyeshields.
584 X tins anti gas ointment.
83 X anti gas ground detectors.
768 X anti gas sleeve detectors.
32 X gas proof paper sack.
5 X rattle.
6 X 2 pint tin anti gas paint.
13 X 4 oz tins anti gas paint.
3 X polish No 3 mine detector.
1 X bag bricklayer and masons tools.
2 X carpenters chests.
4 X shovel RE.
18 X shovel GS.
10 X pick axe.
3 X camouflage net 14’ X 14’.
2 X camouflage net 24’ X 24’.
2 X roll garnishing, dark brown.
4 X roll garnishing, green.
408 X sandbags.
1 X spirit level FS.
1 X spirit level 3’
1 X carpenters bench.
2 X bags carpenters tools.
1 X long brace.
4 X pair pliers.
1 X tenon saw.
2 X folding saw.
1 X signal pistol case.
2 X wire cutter frog.
4 X wire plier frogs.
2 X helmet chin strap.
4 X sten gun slings.
1 X helmet camouflage net.
22 X camouflage face veils.
4992 rounds .303 CP.
72 rounds 2” mortar HE.
72 rounds 2” mortar illuminating.
36 rounds 2” mortar green.
36 rounds 2” mortar red.
180 rounds 2” mortar smoke.
24 X grenade No 36.
68 X grenade No 69.
40 X grenade No 74.
60 X grenade No 75
68 X grenade No 77.
24 X PIAT bomb.
8 X Bangalore torpedo.

Mike

 

This list is now complete.

The companion thread 'Beach Group Equipment. What is it?' will attempt to describe and illustrate all the various items of equipment on the lists.

All are welcome, encouraged, even begged, to contribute.

Mike

 

Thank you very much indeed, Mike.

This thread is a gem, like so many of your threads. Where did you find the details? I guess they are "special D-Day" and not from the usual unit equipment tables (which I haven't seen yet)!?

Aixman

 

The source material is to be found in the appendices of 5 Beach Group's war diary. They are staff tables arrived at through conferences. They applied to all Beach Groups, but could be modified.

Mike

 

Link to said thread:
Beach Group Equipment. What are they?

 

Thank you Michel. I must learn to do some of those high tech things.

Mike

 

Trux I've just found this thread whilst trying to find information on the RAOC Beach Ordnance Detachments on D-Day. I have come across the transcription of part of the diary of a Capt Michael RAOC ( https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/~cmi/michaeltree/ddayDpmm.html ) in which he mentions he takes delivery of a Jeep (seemingly for his use as an Officer within the BOD) on D+4. I wonder if you have any more information on the Jeeps used by the BODs? I am hoping to restore a Jeep and would like to finish it in RAOC BOD markings!

Specifically I'm trying to find out whether the RAOC vehicles would have displayed an RAOC Arm of Service Mark (Blue, Red, Blue stripes) alongside a Beach Group Anchor and Army Group sign, or whether they would have just displayed the Anchor and the Army Group sign as these RASC DUKWs do: