Account: 3rd Tank Bn Scots Guards, Jul 1944 - May 1945

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Jun 16, 2011.

  1. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    Though the soldier on the right hand side of the three, could possibly be Lt Hickling.
    Lt Hickling was moved from commanding 8 troop 3 S.G, to H.Q squadron around about the time of the Rhine crossing. My Father always remarked about his dress sense...typically cut off boots and corduroy trousers instead of the standard issue. Looking at the IWM photo, and a picture in P.Forbes book (6th Guards tank Brigade) opposite page 42 the soldier on the left in the book and the one on the right in the aforementioned photo could be one and the same.
     
  2. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    When S squadron had reached their first objective (Hill 226), there was a lull in the fighting. Sitting on top of SKYE tank, my Father had time to scan the surroundings with the telescope kept within the tank. He observed other tanks over to his right (west) with an estimated distance of two/two and a half miles. He quizzed Lt Hickling over who's tanks these might be, and it was confirmed that they were 11th Armoured, on the right of the adveance.
     
  3. KevinT

    KevinT Senior Member

    Further to a mail I posted re: txt on page 9 from 'Kevin T' about tank names. 3 S.G did not name tanks with a suffix of I/II/III etc if the previous one had been knocked out; hence it was always SKYE tank(My Fathers). But I have seen footage of the Grenadier Guards at The I.W.M Annex recently and saw a tank GLOUCESTER II (8 troop), so the Grenadiers probably followed the incremental suffix addition. If I find further info about the Coldstreams, I will post the info here.

    Hi Findlay,

    Thanks for the confirmation about 3 Scots Guards not using I / II / III etc on any of their knocked out tanks.

    Cheers
    Kevin
     
  4. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    My Father stated that the crew of the tank would do some routine maintenance of the tank to keep it running, but anything more detailed would be left to the Engineers and support echelon. Cleaning the barrel and greasing the axle's of the tank were done regularily. A 'Donkey engine' was kept with the tank, to charge up the battery as and when suitable....this was done as often as possible to keep the battery as fully charged as possible.
    As for creature comforts, a small stove and 'Kiagas' was kept with the tank for heating up water for drinks and food; it was not unknown for the stove to be lit and drinks prepared within the tank.
    Always at least one empty shell casing was left in the bag within the tank, for collection of bodily fluids, this would have been emptied out by a small hatch on the bottom of the tank by the co-drivers seat.
    In France/Normandy at night, a shallow trench would have been dug to accomodate the crew for sleeping arrangements, with the tank moved to cover them from shells and shrapnel; but this arrangement did not extend to action in Holland, which was by then, late Autumn/Winter. Here the ground was far too soft/prone to flooding to risk getting trapped or crushed beneath the tank; A tarpaulin was extended from the side of the tank to the ground and the crew got cover from enemy fire and the elements the best they could.
     
  5. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    Stuart, Archie Garland's son (Skye tank), recalled to me how his Father described a couple of instances when 3 S.G were in battle at the aforementioned location;
    that Archie, who was the 'Hull gunner', would spray shrubs and trees with the Besa machine gun on field boundaries in the hope of eliminating any threat from unseen German's. One particular time, he witnessed a German sniper slump dead in a tree after Archie had 'shot up' the location. The sniper did not fall as he had attached himself to the tree with his belt.

    also, when Skye tank was disabled on the ridge (anti tank or mine blowing off tracks), that the 'back bin' was on fire, probably as a result of mortar fire.
     
  6. m kenny

    m kenny Senior Member

    Has anyone got the original War Diary entry for the July 30th Jagdpanther encounter?
    I know we have the later much expanded and 'with hindsight' version at the start of the thread but what did they describe the Jagdpanthers as originaly?
     
  7. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    I think Fozman who posted earlier in thread has WD. If he doesn't have time to come back, I have it on my to-get list ... for next year.

    Edit 30/7 WD entry now attached.
     

    Attached Files:

  8. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    After the end of hostilities in Europe, the long road of repatriation and repair began. My Father (3 S.G) was in the Holstein area of Germany. He recounted to me yesterday, that nearby where they were based, was a Polish prison camp (captured soldiers..etc), but at the end of hostilities they had to remain in the camp, the Allied authorities weary of Polish men exacting revenge. But at night, some of the Poles would get out, and , although Dad did not witness this himself, looting and rapes were rumoured to have taken place.
    Also, that officers from S Squadron 3 S.G, entered a Schloss (not Plon), where they found the occupants living in comfort and relatively untouched by the ravages of war, upmarket 'English' magazines scattered around on tables, having Russian men or similar extraction living in cages at the rear of the property as slave labourers to serve them and their estate.

    Dad said it was difficult to describe the sheer numbers of people on the move on the streets and roads. These folk, some prisoners of the Reich, some slave labourers, some German folk who had escaped the bombing of the cities now trying to make their way home with whatever they could carry; just like the images in the defining series 'The World at War' from the 1970's. Some walking in two's and three's, others with carts with whatever meagre possesions they had. Dad defined it as chaos, with all the people on the move, German prisoners to be placed in camps and fed.
    A logistical nightmare.
     
  9. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    Displaced persons
     
  10. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    For those wanting to put names to units/tanks;

    Second in command of 'S'Squadron was Captain Bull. His driver during the North West Europe campaign was Archie McAllister.

    Both Archie and my Father were from Ayrshire, the former from Irvine, the latter (my Father) from Kilwinning, both in West Ayrshire a few miles apart.
    After the war, my Father said that the pair of them would meet up a few times and travel to nearby Kilmarnock and celebrate their good fortune of surviving the camapign.

    If anyone who reads this and knows Archie or his wherabouts, could you please email, as my Father would be interested to 'catch up on the lost years'.
     
  11. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    I was viewing film clips on a dvd from the I.W.M today. During the winter campaign in Holland and Germany, I witnessed on the dvd large numbers of infantry being carried in 'RAM' carriers. It was during this sequence that my Father spoke of the death of Captain Burnett. I am not sure of the infantry unit that the 3 S.G were supporting in their RAM carriers, but Captain Burnett de-camped from his tank to go and liaise with the senoir officer of the infantry unit.
    Whilst in the open he was caught out by enemy fire (not sure if Artillery/Mortar or gun fire) and was killed. My Father does have any further info on the circumstances.
     
  12. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    A quick thank you to Diane, who has put a lot of effort into the guards section of this website.

    Opening up the knowledge and information via the digital domain can only be for the good.

    I hope that other ex servicemen with their first hand knowledge, or relations (like myself) will continue to feed the website with their primary or secondary knowledge, so that in time it is not lost;

    and a 'Guid' New Year to you all.
     
    Drew5233 likes this.
  13. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    And thank you Eain for turning what started as a 'dry' account into something much more personal.
    A happy New Year to you and yours, and best regards to your father.


    I've just finished transcribing an army battlefield tour publication for Operation Bluecoat, 30-31 July 1944
    It can be found via this link
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/brigade-guards/41714-baor-battlefield-tour-notes-operation-bluecoat-30-31-july-1944-a.html

    However, for those interested only in 3SG, here are links to accounts by Dunbar and Whitelaw
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/465008-post41.html
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/465010-post43.html
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/465012-post45.html
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/465013-post46.html

    A comparison of tank casualties in 6 Gds Tk Bde for the Operation, by Maj. Gen. Verney can be found in this link
    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/465024-post56.html
    Regards
    Diane
     
  14. FINDLAY

    FINDLAY Member

    My Father recounted to me the story of the Duke and his large house in London near Marble Arch.

    The Duke kindly opened up his house to Scottish Soldiers, who, in transit either from Scotland heading south to the continent, or vice-versa going home and found themselves nowhere to rest overnight before catching the morning train could stay at his large house.

    Dad stayed there a couple of times, on bunk beds festooning the rooms and halls.
     
  15. fozman

    fozman Member

    As Diane has mentioned, I have, indeed done a transcription...
    Account of 3rd (Tank) Battalion Scots Guards action at Caumont 30 July 1944 – Extract from Battalion War Diary

    About 1930 hours 28 July the Battalion then 4 miles East of Bayeux received orders to move to a concentration area about 4 miles North of Caumont. The move, some 23 miles was successfully accomplished by 0730 hrs on the morning of 29 July.
    At 0830 hours a Brigade “O” Group was held at which OC 3Tk SG was told he would support 2 Argyll & Southerland Highlanders in a 227(H) Brigade attack from the Caumont ridge onto Point 309, the high ground just NE of St Martin de Besages. We were given to understand that this was the break through to allow the armour to break out. A second “O” Group was then held at HQ 227 (H) Brigade where further details were given and OC 3 Tk SG then went forward to Le Repas to liaise with 2 A&SH. For the Squadron and Troop Leaders the remainder of the day was spent in reconnaissance, “O” Groups and liaison with 2 A&SH. “F” Echelon of the Battalion moved up into the assembly area immediately north of the Caumont-Briquessard Road by 1930 hours and close harboured for the night.

    The plan for 30 July was briefly:
    · Phase 1
    o An attack, preceded by bombing, by 2 Gordons supported by one squadron 4 Grenadier Guards and Crocodiles to capture Lutain Wood
    · Phase 2
    o Advance by 2 A&SH supported by 3 TKk SG to Start Line on track immediately south of La Mougeraye, on reaching the start line an attack, preceded by an airburst barrage moving at 100 yards in 4 minutes, to the last objective, the bare ridge north of Les Loges
    · Phase 3
    o If possible, an attack by 7 Seaforths from 46(H) Brigade, supported by 3 Tk SG from Les Loges ridge to East end of Point 309.
    · Timings
    o The provisional timings were:
    § Phase 1 – H Hour 0630 hours
    § Phase 2
    · 3 Tk SG cross preliminary start line 0710 hours
    · 3 Tk SG cross start line for Phase 2 1100 hours

    4 Tk Coldm Guards in support of 10 HLI were conforming on the right astride the road Caumont – St Martin Des Besages 4 Tk Gren Gds, less one squadron, and 9 Cameronians having cleared up the villages of Le Bourg and Sept Vents as a preliminary operation.

    45 Div were to attack level with us on the Battalion left flank and 11 Armoured Div on the Brigade right flank.

    Although our front; line in this area had been static for a considerable period the information about enemy was very scanty. It was known that they were in some strength in Lutain Wood but it was impossible to identify positions in the "Bocage" country in the valley, their strength was believed to be one Field Division, 361 with two Regiments up and one in reserve. 2 Pz Division together with an SP A/tk Battalion were said to be within easy reach. A minefield was suspected in the Le Bourg area, and A/tk defences on all roads and tracks.

    The ground as viewed from the OP at Le Repas was extremely enclosed, and consisted of small fields surrounded by 3-4 ft earth banks with 14-20 ft hedges on top of them, there were no roads forward anywhere in the Battalion axis of attack and no vehicles, except Churchills, could possibly get across the country. A good many of the fields contained cider apple orchards

    At approximately 0630 hours on 30 July the preliminary attack to take Lutain Wood went in; this owing to the strength of the enemy defences was a slow business; in the meantime, to avoid shelling the Argylls moved forward to the foot of the Caumont ridge. There the tanks, who did not cross the start Line until 0710 hours, were to meet them. As the tanks came down the forward slope, two squadrons up - RF on the right, “S” squadron on the left – they encountered heavy 15 cm shell and 12 cm mortar fire, but no material damage was done though several tanks including the CO's were hit. Soon after the link up with the Argylls was successfully carried out. The next 400-500 yards advance was however even slower as there were a considerable number of Germans in the orchard west of Le Bourg and east of Lutain Wood, where severe fighting was still in progress. At one moment three troops of RF shot a company of the Gordons into the west side of Lutain Wood

    The east end of the Le Bourg minefield was also encountered; two RF tanks being blown up

    At 0930 hours the Argylls and both forward squadrons were still fighting in the Le Bourg – Lutain area and it became obvious that we should have to move fast to catch the second phase barrage at the Start Line. The Commanding Officer therefore ordered the tanks to move forward as fast as they could in spite of the opposition. They did this success fully encountering and dealing with several enemy pockets on the way but as a result outstripped the Argylls who wore unable to keep up through the bad going,

    The Start Line was crossed 5 minutes late at 1105 hours, more infantry localities and snipers being immediately encountered. Here both squadrons, especially RF, had most successful Besa and HE shoots killing many Germans who were sheltering in the hedgerows, a considerable number also surrendering.

    At about 1215 hours having covered another 1200 yards, the leading squadrons were so far ahead of the Argylls who had not yet crossed the Start Line, that the Battalion was ordered by Brigade to halt and wait for them to come up. Whilst waiting “S” Squadron were several times sniped from neighbouring houses. Two of those were attacked and silenced with HE by Lt Humble’s and Lt Cunningham’s troops, several bodies being later found in them. At about 1315 hours, it became obvious that the infantry were still far behind, and that unless the tanks went on, the opportunity to get onto tho objective without serious opposition would be lost, as the effect of the barrage would pass off. Permission to continue without them was therefore requested And given. Both squadrons were the ordered to push on with all possible speed, to the Les Loges ridge.

    “S” Squadron moving with remarkable speed over the 'bad country had established itself on the ridge by 1450 hours, but owing to the difficulty of passing through Les Loges unprotected by infantry RF was forced to turn left and follow it on. The position was then consolidated with RF on the right, “S” Squadron on the left and LF in support, and preparation made for the continuance of the advance to Point 509 as envisaged in Phase III. The consolidation was completed by 1530 hours and about 1615 hours, the leading infantry had arrived and permission was sought to proceed forward and secure Point 309, but this was not given.

    About this time information was received from Brigade that the attack on our right had also successfully reached the objective and that infantry on tanks were to be passed through and proceed up the main Caumont – St Martin road to secure Point 309, nothing however was known about our left where 45 Division were supposed to be up level with US, nor was it possible to carry out any reconnaissance as the Churchills were the only vehicles of any kind that had been able to get up over the bad going.

    On further examining the objective it became obvious that it was a vital feature to hold since anyone on it dominated the Caumont – St Martin road, which was the only main forward route for the whole break out. As it was very exposed to shell, mortar and small arms fire the infantry were very reluctant to come forward onto the bare slope and decided to hold the village of Les Loges itself on the reverse slope. As also counter attack appeared most probable from the dominating high ground to the NE, N and NW it was decided to keep the two tank squadrons on it, in hull down positions to these features until A/tk guns were up and the immediate danger past.

    About 1800 hours however, the enemy began to shell and mortar the position very heavily with 15 cm guns and 12 cm and 8.2 mortars and the tanks were forced to close down, at least one (Capt Beeson’s) being hit by shell fire and knocked out. About 10 mins later an armoured counter attack was launched by the Germans from thick cover about 400-600 yard's to the left rear of “S” Sqn. This was concealed from LF, who were in support, by a house in a small orchard which had a thick hedge leading from it towards “S” Squadron. The strength of the force is unknown, but it certainly included one or more Tigers and probably an SP gun mounting an 8.8 cm A/tk gun.

    The first few shots knocked out all three tanks of Lieut Cunningham’s troop who were watching that flank. Covered by the fire of the others behind the house, one Tiger advanced under the lee of the hedge through “S” Squadron from the SE knocking out several other tanks on its way. It was almost completely covered by the hedge from LF during this operation though one hit by a 75 mm was claimed on it. Apparently, however, finding the opposition more heavy than it expected it sheered off and disappeared in a northerly direction. At about the same time another SP Gun thought to be a Hornet, in from the north but was engaged and driven off. The remaining armour behind the farm then drew off and the counter attack ended.
    The position was very quickly reorganised by “S” Squadron commander and the tanks remained in position until about 1930 hours when our own SP guns were got into position and took over, and at about 2200 hours the Battalion was withdrawn into forward rally and harboured about 1/2 mile SW of Les Loges, the ridge being subsequently held by the Argylls without much difficulty.

    It is difficult so soon to assess the results of this action, that is more a task of the Historian, but it is clear that if enemy armour had recaptured the Les Loges feature, the main Caumont – St Martin road would have been unusable, and the further progress towards Point 309 a matter of great difficulty.
    Mutually the combined attack of 227 (H) Brigade and 6 Guards Tank Brigade is known to have accounted for one complete Regiment (3 Battalions) of 361 Division in killed, wounded and captured, of these RF and “S” Squadrons can claim a very fair share.

    The lessons that can be drawn from this action would appear to be:
    1. That the cross country capacity of the Churchill Tank completely surprised the Germans who considered. the ground crossed by them to be tank proof and had. therefore concentrated their A/tk defences on the roads and tracks
    2. That the properly co-ordinated fire power of a Churchill Squadron is so tremendous that it will completely demoralise infantry unsupported by A/tk weapons. They subsequently offered little or NO opposition to the infantry following up.
    3. That it is very necessary to have some form of reconnaissance vehicle that can keep up with the Churchill over bad going.
     
    dbf likes this.
  16. fozman

    fozman Member

    3rd (Tank) Battalion Scots Guards – List of casualties sustained in the Caumont attack on 30 July 1944 (War Diary Appx B )


    Officers

    Killed
    Capt NW Beeson

    Missing (believed killed)
    Major SJ Cuthbert
    Lieut R Humble

    Wounded
    Lieut CRT Cunningham

    Other Ranks

    Killed
    2697939 L/Sgt Louden J “S” Squadron
    2697501 L/Sgt Murray G “S” Squadron
    2700978 L/Sgt Gillies D “S” Squadron
    2700615 Gdsm Harvey J “S” Squadron
    2700903 Gdsm Wilson F “S” Squadron

    Missing (believed killed)
    2692032 Sgt Thorn E “S” Squadron
    2698812 Sgt Hay A “S” Squadron
    2694682 L/Sgt Innes H “S” Squadron
    2698669 L/Cpl Parkin T “S” Squadron
    2697131 L/Cpl Lawrie W “S” Squadron
    2698422 L/Cpl Scott W “S” Squadron
    2699112 L/Cpl Thomson R “S” Squadron
    2697126 Gdsm Prentice J RF
    2698854 Gdsm Lynch F RF
    2699184 Gdsm O’Neill H RF
    2701152 Gdsm Heron S “S” Squadron
    2697594 Gdsm Nicholson L “S” Squadron
    2700879 Gdsm Watts A “S” Squadron

    Missing
    2698227 L/Cpl Malcolm J “S” Squadron
    2698165 Gdsm Green W “S” Squadron

    Died of wounds
    2698436 L/Sgt Murray K RF

    Wounded
    2698132 Sgt Ronald G “S” Squadron
    2699200 L/Cpl Holford R “S” Squadron
    2698764 L/Cpl Howard B “S” Squadron
    2698633 L/Cpl Bristow J “S” Squadron
    2697022 L/Cpl Dunlop R “S” Squadron
    14313098 L/Cpl Swinnerton J “S” Squadron
    2698339 L/Cpl Grayston J “S” Squadron
    2698894 Gdsm Howie O “S” Squadron
    2697900 Gdsm Chalmers C “S” Squadron
    2699152 Gdsm McInally J “S” Squadron
    2694344 Gdsm Wilkie J “S” Squadron
    309929 Gdsm Hamilton R “S” Squadron
    2700649 Gdsm Hall L “S” Squadron
    2698413 Gdsm Dunlop J “S” Squadron
    2700984 Gdsm Garden D “S” Squadron
    2698178 Gdsm Bain A “S” Squadron
    2699420 Gdsm Ribchester W “S” Squadron
    2699888 Gdsm Holland T “S” Squadron
     
  17. fozman

    fozman Member

    Order of Battle at the start of the Caumont attack on 30 July 1944 (War Diary Appx C)

    Battalion Headquarters
    Commanding Officer: Lieut-Colonel CIH Dunbar
    Second in Command: Major SJ Cuthbert
    Adjutant: Captain VF Erskine Crum
    Intelligence Officer: Lieut PB Fraser
    OIC Bn HQ Tanks: Lieut DL Bankes

    Headquarter Squadron
    Squadron Leader: Major Sir CHF Maclean, Bt
    Squadron 2IC: Captain AJC Seymour
    Technical Adjutant: Captain ISR Bruce
    Liaison Officer: Captain RWO Burnett
    OC Recce Troop: Lieut RCG Pember
    Signal Officer: Lieut HW Llewellyn Smith
    OC AA Tanks: Lieut ECH Warner
    Quartermaster: Captain WJ Dorman MBE

    Right Flank
    Squadron Leader: Major the Earl Cathcart
    Squadron 2IC: Captain JP Mann
    Squadron Recce Officer: Captain DG Mathieson
    Troop Leader No 1 Troop: Lieut DW Scott-Barrett
    Troop Leader No 2 Troop: Lieut RAK Runcie
    Troop Leader No 3 Troop: Lieut H Laing
    Troop Leader No 4 Troop: Lieut AID Fletcher
    Troop Leader No 5 Troop: Lieut IL Thorpe

    “S” Squadron
    Squadron Leader: Major WSI Whitelaw
    Squadron 2IC: Captain WP Bull
    Squadron Recce Officer: Captain NW Beeson
    Troop Leader No 6 Troop: Lieut R Humble
    Troop Leader No 7 Troop: No 2692032 Sgt E Thorn
    Troop Leader No 8 Troop: Lieut EP Hickling
    Troop Leader No 9 Troop: Lieut CRT Cunningham
    Troop Leader No 10 Troop: Lieut ARG Stevenson

    Left Flank
    Squadron Leader: Major the Hon M Fitzalan-Howard
    Squadron 2IC: Captain CO’M Farrell
    Squadron Recce Officer: Captain PEG Balfour
    Troop Leader No 11 Troop: Lieut JM Barne
    Troop Leader No 12 Troop: Lieut HWS Marshall
    Troop Leader No 13 Troop: Lieut The Lord Bruce
    Troop Leader No 14 Troop: Lieut CJR Duffin
    Troop Leader No 15 Troop: Lieut G Cameron

    Attached Officers
    Chaplain: The Rev GTH Reid, CF, RAChD
    Medical Officer: Captain AT MacKnight RAMC
    EME: Captain CE Pring REME
     
  18. fozman

    fozman Member

    The Plan (War Diary Appx C)

    This document WILL be destroyed within 4 hours of receipts and will not be taken out of the present area.

    • The Americans are reported in Avranches or near it
    • 8 Corps is going to advance South
      Right: 11 Armoured Division
    • Centre: 15(S) Division with 6th Guards Tank Brigade under command
    • Left: 43 Division (possibly with 8 Armoured Brigade)
    • 50 Division is on the left of 43 Division
    [*]15(S) Division
    • 1st Objective: High ground 6957 – wd 7157 7158 (by 0700 hrs). 227 Brigade supported by 6th Guards Tank Brigade
    • 2nd Objective: High ground “Les Loges” 7054. 227 Brigade supported by 6th Guards Tank Brigade
    • 3rd Objective: Point 309 6951. 46 Brigade supported by 6th Guards Tank Brigade
    [*]Order of Battle
    • Right
      10 Highland Light Infantry
    • 4 Tank Brigade Coldstream Guards
    • 12 Flails
    [*]Left
    • 2 Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders
    • 3 Tank Brigade Scots Guards
    [*]Lutain Wood 7157/8
    • Gordon Highlanders
    • 9 “crocodiles”
    • 1 Squadron Grenadier Guards
    [*]Subsidiary operation onto Sept Vents
    • 9 Cameronians
    • Grenadier Guards less 1 squadron
    [*]11 Armoured Division are directed through Dampierre 6554
    [*]Two squadrons 15(S) Division Recce Regiment will advance in front of infantry onto second objective. One squadron 2HCR may appear later
    [*]Air: (if weather permits. If bad weather, op goes on just the same)
    • From 0800 to 0830 hrs air will pound:
      Area 6655 6755 6654 6754
    • Area 7054 7154 7053 7153 (second objective)
    [*]Danger area 2,500 yards
    [*]Artillery
    • For first objective, barrage 100yards in 4 mins. Details later
    [*]Mines
    • The Americans laid some which are being lifted
    • Suspected enemy minefield area Le Bourg 7058
    [*]During the attack, tanks must keep off roads as much as possible
    [*]The move to FOP this afternoon or evening. Ready to move 1400 hours
    [*]227 Brigade HQ 705624
    [*]46 Brigade battle
    • Third objective will be pounded from air 1500 hours, so not before then
    • Probable forward rally after 2nd objective area Calvary in 6054
    • Squadron Leaders, Recce officers & Lt Pember meet CO X-tracks 706613 1400 hrs today
    [*]Enemy
    • 361 Division
      Left 751 Grenadier Regiment (3 Battalion identified 7459)
    • Right 752 Grenadier Regiment (1 Battalion identified 6758)
    • Reserve 753 Grenadier Regiment
    [*]2 Panzer Division - In easy reach, probably 3 or 4 miles east of River Vire. Two Battalions (One Mk IVs, one Mk Vs probable total 60 tanks)
    [*]654 Anti Tank Battalion - With about 31 SP Guns (88mm) area 6642
    [*]3 Parachute Division and elements of 5 Parachute Division on right
    [*]Scrappy, I’m afraid. Please tell all ranks.
    • The Squadrons (3 each)
    • OC A Echelon (2)
    • OC B Echelon (2)
    • Battalion HQ Tanks
    • Recce Troop
    • AA Troop
    • 10
    • Signals Officer
    • TA
    • QM
    • LO
    • EME
    • MO
    • RSM
    VFEC

    (Presumably written by Captain VF Erskine Crum – Battalion Adjutant)
     
  19. fozman

    fozman Member

    Also, for Christmas, I treated myself to a copy of 6TH GUARDS TANK BRIGADE The Story of Guardsmen in Churchill Tanks by Patrick Forbes. This is a reprint by The Naval & Military Press & I wish I'd waited... my copy was £15 & now in a sale at £12! If anyone would like a copy, here's the link: 6TH GUARDS TANK BRIGADEThe Story of Guardsmen in Churchill Tanks - Naval & Military Press

    I also picked up an ex library copy of Reflections, 1939-1945: A Scots Guards Officer in Training and War by Charles Farrellfor a tenner :)
     
  20. dbf

    dbf Moderatrix MOD

    Fozman, many thanks for adding the WD extracts.
    The casualty list is grim, a very interesting document. Not many Gds diaries do this, I've only seen it in another format for 5CG. Mention of Other Ranks wounded is rare indeed, and to have their Sqn confirmed on the record is a bonus.
     

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