OK! That makes sense, now I understand. So did the Regiment receive any replacement tanks between October 1940 & June 1942? As all I have pencilled in by wa y of a notation is the possibility of...Between 19/5/41 & 31/5/41 = 53x Matilda & 3x LtVI & 6x LtVI A/A. Thanks.
They wouldn't have received 53 in May, since they only had two squadrons to re-equip. All the best Andreas
David, Some information and some kindly advice. First the information, after arriving in Egypt, 7RTR did not receive any further tanks direct from the UK especially designated for them - of any type or model. If that's what you're looking and asking for, stop looking, stop asking. Immediatly after their arrival, the tanks which they held effectively went onto the pool of tanks available to all units as per need. What I mean by this, is that if a tank of theirs broke down, it may well be sent off to depot. That tank, depending on the nature and length of the repairs, may then be issued to another unit. 7RTR would receive replacements as necessary from the pool. Tanks which could well have served previously with other units. After Compass and other major battles, 7RTR along with all the other units, would have reequipped with tanks from the pool. That pool consisting of whatever was left from the battle and what replacements may have been shipped out from the UK. In effect, there would be a constant flow of tanks in and out of 7RTR for the entire period. Maybe in ones and twos, maybe in large batches after major losses. Tanks being issued to the unit, maybe ones that they previously had, ones that were previously in other units, or ones recently shipped out from the UK. At this point, on this subject, you have reached a crossroads David. You have to make up you mind whether you interest only goes as far as the general concept that I have just explained, or whether you need to know far greater precision of numbers, dates and types of tanks coming and going from 7RTR. If it is the former, enough said. If it is the latter, then you need to study yourself with infinite detail the 7RTR WDs. Again, if it is the latter, then you need to take yourself off to Kew to read the files yourself, or pay somebody to copy them and send them to you. Why do I say that? Well 2 things. First, as I read more threads on this and other similar forums, I notice your name cropping very frequently asking for info and getting fragments returned. Fragments which you rightly treat with a bit of suspicion. The internet is 90% inaccurate garbage, so how do you know what information is good, and what isn't? You can ask 10 people and get 10 different answers. Which do you believe? 10 people can repeat the same false information. And secondly, as my grandmother used to say, if you want a job done properly, do it yourself. So, to recap, if your interest is general, then a simple recognition that, after arrival in Egypt, there was a constant flow in and out of equipment held in theatre (ie no single block of equipment sent from the UK for their use) shoudl suffice. If your interest is to pin down very precise details of these hundreds and hundreds of movements to and from depot, between units and so on, then you need to invest some of your own time or money to get a copy of the WDs and other appropriate documents for your own study in your own time.
I own the Military Medal to 7888407 Cpl. H.N. Smith R.T.R. (Corporal, later Sgt., Hector Norman Smith, D Sqd., 7th R.T.R.) He earned his MM (originally recommended as a DCM by Major Holden) in the breakout from Tobruk on December 4th, 1941. Recommendation below. He was KIA in June 1942 on "Black Saturday" during the Battle of Gazala. His wife was presented with his MM by King George VI at Buckingham Palace.
Re. Corporal/Acting Sergeant Leslie E. Bamford, M.M. - 7887813 Military Medal with 7th RTR awarded October 1941 (for actions 15th June 1941) At some point transferred to the 24th Lancers... Driver/mechanic - "B" Squadron - 24th Lancers From prior to D-Day the commander of the 3rd tank in the 4th Troop of "B" Squadron of the 24th Lancers. Transferred to the 2nd F&F when the 24th Lancers was disbanded. Wounded as a Sergeant with the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry - 21d8m1944. ----- x ---- x ----- Recommendation for Award for Bamford, Leslie Rank: Corporal Service No: ... | The National Archives Reference: WO 373/18/327 Description: Name Bamford, Leslie Rank: Corporal Service No: 7887813 Regiment: 7 Royal Tanks Regiment Theatre of Combat or Operation: Middle East (Egypt and Libya) Award: Military Medal Date of announcement in London Gazette: 21 October 1941
Recommendation for Award for Smith, Hector Norman Rank: Corporal Service No:... | The National Archives
Hello. I am looking for information on the 7th RTR during the Normandy campaign. I am looking in particular for the regimental war diary and B squadron war diary for the months of May to August 1944, list of personnel etc.... Someone to help me? Have a good day.