I have a question regarding North Irish Horse tank markings in North Afrika. Do anyone knows how they looked like, expecially the Churchill Tanks? (Divisional Markings? British 25th Brigade Markings?) Would really appreaciate some help! Many thanks, Paul (A newbie)
I'm sure Gerry Chester will be along soon, he served with them. Unfortunately his website seems to have dissappeared, shame , it had some excellent photos . Paul, Welcome to the site.
Thanks Owed D! Looking foward to explore and use information World war II Talk. When you start digging in history there seems to be no end. I should actually add another Tank Regiment, regarding tank markings (Churchill's); 51st Royal Tank Regiment in North Africa. If anyone knows of those two Regiments, North Irish Horse and 51st Royal Tank Regiment , I would be most grateful. Thanks once more, Paul
Hi Paul, Thankfully Gerry's fascinating website seems to be back online: http://www.northirishhorse.org/ He's definitely your man. Cheers, Adam.
Hi Paul, welcome to the forum! Click on the link in Adam's posting. Then on 'Articles' then on 'Churchill Insignia' With best wishes, Gerry
Welcome to the Forum Sgt. Paul, hope you have a nice stay. I have an interest in 51 RTR as well. As you know 51 RTR was part of the 25 Army Tank Brigade till June 1942 when it was redesignated 25 Tank Brigade. On 5 Jan.1945 it was again redesignated this time to the 25 Armoured Assult Brigade Royal Engineers. I notice you are a War Gamer, the following book could be of some help as it outlines the actions of 51 RTR in North Africa and Italy and was written by a serving NCO. 'Tank Battles in Miniature' No.4 A wargamers' guide to the Mediterranean Campaigns 1943-45' by Donald Featherstone. ISBN 0850592755. The book is out of print but can be found. Roger(aka OURBILL)
51 RTR was part of the 25 Army Tank Brigade till June 1942 when it was redesignated 25 Tank Brigade. Hi Roger, <O:p</O:pA small correction to the time line. When the Army Tank Brigades became part of the newly formed ‘Mixed’ Divisions in June 1942, they lost their independent status and had ‘Army’ dropped from their titles with the exception of 25<SUP>th</SUP> Army Tank Brigade.<O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p Although nominally part of 1<SUP>st</SUP> Infantry (Mixed) Division, 25<SUP>th</SUP> ATB retained its independent status for the eventual purpose of comparing its performance opposite 21<SUP>st</SUP> Tank Brigade (part of 4<SUP>th</SUP> Infantry (Mixed) Division) when deployed to <ST1:pNorth Africa</ST1:p. Just over a month in action proving the ‘Mixed’ Division to be a failure, 21<SUP>st</SUP> TB regained its independent status. <O:p</O:p <O:p</O:p Despite efforts of the proponents of ‘Mixed’ Divisions, the ill-conceived concept died before the Churchill Tank Brigades were committed to action in North-West Europe. 25th ATB dropped ‘Army’ prior to leaving for Italy<ST1:p in 1944. <O:p</O:p All the best, Gerry.<O:p</O:p