While I'm waiting for our War Diary, I've been trying to understand a bit more generally. One thing I'm not sure of, is how the Scout Troops and Assault Troops were numbered across the 3 squadrons. The structure of the Troops seems to have changed a little throughout the war, but I guess the numbering method remained the same? I'm interested in how it was in late 1944 and 1945. I'm guessing it was: A squadron - Scout Troops 1,2 and 3; Assault Troop 4 B squadron - Scout Troops 5, 6 and 7; Assault Troop 8 C squadron - Scout Troops 9, 10, 11; Assault Troop 12 Is that correct? I have searched the site and googled it, but couldn't find it stated definitively. Thanks, Diane
Diane, Not quite, at least as far as 56 Recce were concerned. You need to take into account the HQ Sqn and the troops went up to 17 which was C Sqn's assault troop. Have a look at the attached, I appreciate it is 1942 so earlier than your question but I think it basically held.
The sequence in Inf Bns normally started with the Platoons in HQ Coy, then progressed through Support Coy (when it was introduced) and through the Rifle Coys. That listing for 56 Recce follows the same pattern, with the five Troops in HQ Sqn numbered before coming onto the Recce Sqns. Assuming the 1944-45 Anti-tank Bty was counted as two separate Troops, then HQ Sqn 'should' be Tps 1-5 (Sigs, 3-in Mortar, two 6-pr atk gun and Admin), leaving A Sqn with 6-9 Tps, B Sqn 10-13 Tps and C Sqn 14-17 Tps. pretty much as the example above. If so I'd go with the Assault Tps being 9, 13 and 17. Gary
Wow that's awesome. Thanks both. I thought I'd seen a troop 16 mentioned in 'only the enemy in front', but later I decided I'd misread it
Just had a another read of the attachment Tony. Is your Dad on the list? And the blackout times are to the minute. The mind boggles.
Diane, No, my dad isn’t mentioned. The order is dated September 1942, and, at that time he already held the rank. Regimental Orders often give promotions and/or transfers of individuals but this list is rather strange in that it neatly appoints a new sergeant for each and every troop. Bearing in mind that they embarked for North Africa on 14 October 1942 my guess is that they were bringing the Regiment up to complement in preparation for active service. Message timed at 18:20 18:21 18:22 !!
LOL Tony, like father like son! Yes I see what you are saying. When I first read it, I wondered if it was a War Establishment Tables change thing, but it didn't fit with what I have read on 'Bayonetstrength'. Those lists were interesting. The 'effective from' date was BEFORE the date after the title. Which gave me pause for thought. I'm sure there is a sensible explanation but it was a bit of a 'wot the heck' moment for me
Having just come across Paul's treasure of a thread of medal citations, I took the opportunity to list which troops were mentioned as part of which sqdn in 46th Recce. And I did the same for the 46th Recce part of 'Only the Enemy In Front'. Overwhelmingly, it points to the following numbering: A Sqdn: Troops 1, 2, 3 & 4 B Sqdn: Troops 5, 6, 7 & 8 C Sqdn: Troops 9, 10, 11 & 12 So, presumably the HQ Troops were 13, 14, 15, 16, & 17. There was only one piece of data which didn't fit with this numbering. Hopefully my 'box of chocolates' War Diary will have some sweet centres to tell us. Diane
