Airborne reconnaissance

AIRBORNE RECONNAISSANCE

1 Airborne Division had an Air Landing Reconnaissance Squadron which used armed jeeps,
although its personnel were trained parachutists and could operate without vehicles.

6 Airborne Division had a much larger and more heavily armed Airborne Armoured
Reconnaissance Regiment. This needed heavy Hamilcar gliders to land its heavier vehicles.


AIR LANDING RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON

War Establishment 1/262/3 with an effective date of March 1944

There was only one Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron. This was formed as the reconnaissance unit of 1 Airborne Division. Originally it was a glider borne unit and therefore its title was Airlanding Reconnaissance Squadron. It was decided in early 1944 that the squadron would parachute into action and collect the glider borne jeeps on landing. The War establishment used here reflects this.

The War Establishment for the Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron is WE I/261/3 with an effective date of 15 March 1944. This was eventually superseded by WE 1/261/4 in March 1945.

In the NW Europe Theatre the Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron only saw action once, at Arnhem


Personnel
Major, Officer Commanding
6 X Captain
Subaltern, Technical Officer
Subaltern, Signal Officer
Subaltern, Intelligence Officer
10 X subaltern

Squadron Serjeant Major
signal serjeant
intelligence serjeant
transport serjeant
mechanist serjeant
serjeant clerk
6 X serjeant
21 X corporal
149 X trooper

3 X clerk
47 X driver operator
13 X driver mechanic
equipment repairer
2 X technical storeman
6 X vehicle mechanic
22 X batman
12 X driver IC
intelligence corporal
9 X motorcyclist
36 X lmg numbers
16 X mortarman
storeman


17 X motorcycle
41 X jeep
12 X lightweight trailer GS
1 X lightweight trailer binned
1 X lightweight trailer water

1 X car 4 seater
2 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS



Organisation

Squadron Headquarters
Motorcycle 1
Signal Officer
Motorcycle 2
signal serjeant
Motorcycle 3
Squadron Serjeant Major
Motorcycle 4
intelligence Serjeant
Motorcycle 5
intelligence corporal
Motorcycle 6
Technical Officer
Motorcycle 7
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 8
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 9
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Major, Captain, batman, corporal driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 22
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
Captain, corporal clerk, batman, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22 and 80 watt charging set
Carries a Vickers K
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
Intelligence Officer, batman, driver operator, driver IC
Tows a lightweight trailer
Carries a Vickers K
Carries a Bren lmg

Headquarters troop

Headquarters
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, batman, corporal driver operator, driver IC
Carries a Wireless set No 22
Tows a trailer with quartermaster stores
Carries a Vickers K
Carries a Bren lmg
Carries a PIAT


Intercommunication section
Motorcycle
serjeant
Motorcycle 2
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
motorcyclict
Motorcycle 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 5
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 6
motorcyclist


Administrative section
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Quartermaster, clerk, batman, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22 and 80 watt charging set
Tows a trailer with quartermaster stores
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
squadron quartermaster serjeant, clerk, batman, driver IC
Tows a trailer with quartermaster stores
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
transport serjeant, batman, driver IC
Tows a water trailer
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
mechanist serjeant, vehicle mechanic
Tows a trailer with MT stores
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren gun
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
vehicle mechanics
Tows a trailer with MT stores and tools
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
serjeant armourer REME, batman, driver IC
Tows a trailer with binned stores
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 7
equipment repairer, batman, vehicle mechanic
Tows a trailer
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 8
Medical Officer, corporal nursing orderly RAMC, 2 X nursing orderly RAMC
Tows a trailer with medical supplies
Carries a Vickers K machine gun


Non Airborne component
Car four seater
driver IC
For the use of the commanding officer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 1
serjeant clerk, serjeant, clerk, 2 X technical storeman, storeman, driver IC
Carries stores
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS 2
corporal cook, 5 X cook, driver IC
Carries cooking set and rations.
The War Establishment table does not assign personnel to these three vehicles.


Troop.

Headquarters
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Captain, corporal driver operator, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No 22 and a Wireless set No 38 plus a 80watt charging set.
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a PIAT
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
serjeant, batman, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22 and a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg


Section 1
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Subaltern, 2 X lmg numbers, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22 and a Wireless set No 38 plus an 80watt charging set
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries 2 X lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
lance serjeant driver operator, 2 X lmg numbers, batman, driver mechanic.
Carries a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries 2 X Bren lmg
Carries a 2” mortar

Section 2
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Subaltern, 2 X lmg numbers, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22 and a Wireless set No 38 plus an 80watt charging set
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries 2 X lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
lance serjeant driver operator, 2 X lmg numbers, batman, driver mechanic.
Carries a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries 2 X Bren lmg
Carries a 2” mortar

Section 3
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Subaltern, 2 X lmg numbers, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22 and a Wireless set No 38 plus an 80watt charging set
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries 2 X lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
lance serjeant driver operator, 2 X lmg numbers, batman, driver mechanic.
Carries a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries 2 X Bren lmg
Carries a 2” mortar


Support troop

Headquarters
Motorcycle 1
serjeant
Motorcycle 2
motorcyclist
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg
Carries a PIAT

Section 1
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver IC
Carries a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg
Tows a trailer with a 3” mortar and ammunition.
Section 2
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver IC
Carries a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg
Tows a trailer with a 3” mortar and ammunition.
Section 3
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver IC
Carries a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg
Tows a trailer with a 3” mortar and ammunition.
Section 4
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
corporal mortarman, 3 X mortarman, driver IC
Carries a Wireless set No 38
Carries a Vickers K machine gun
Carries a Bren lmg
Tows a trailer with a 3” mortar and ammunition.








AIRBORNE ARMOURED RECONNAISSANCE REGIMENT

The Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment served with 6 Airborne Division, 1 Airborne Division having a reconnaissance squadron which was not armoured.

In 1941 three Special Service Squadrons of tanks were formed. These were to take part in raiding expeditions along with the Commandos and Parachute troops. In 1942 two squadrons were disbanded and the remaining squadron became the Airborne Light Tank Squadron RAC. It was part of 1 Airborne Division until that unit went to the Mediterranean when it transferred to 6 Airborne Division.

Before the landings in Europe the unit was expanded into a regiment. The organisation used until autumn 1944 was one in which the light tank squadron remained complete as A squadron and a B squadron was formed with scout cars and carriers together with infantry on motorcycles and 3” mortars.

On D Day thirty Hamilcar gliders flew in twenty Tetrach light tanks and ten carriers to hold the British flank. Other troops and vehicles flew in Horsa gliders. After ten days the unit was withdrawn but the light tanks returned to give support to the ground troops. Later the light tanks were withdrawn and replaced by Cromwell tanks which the Reconnaissance Regiment kept in the line until the end of August.

Starting in September the regiment began to re organise with a support squadron and two identical reconnaissance squadrons. The Cromwell tanks became a permanent part of the establishment. In December the regiment was sent to the Ardennes with the 6 Airborne Division and used its Cromwells, carriers and some armed jeeps in support of the paratroops and airlanding troops.

A small group of the regiment were flown across the Rhine on March 24th and the entire regiment, including its Cromwell tanks, took part in the advance into Germany.

The original War Establishment table was 1/371/1 with an effective date of January 1944. This was replaced by a War Establishment table with a different number, rather then a modification of the original. This was WE I/138/1 with an effective date of October 1944.



AIRBORNE ARMOURED RECONNAISSANCE REGIMENT
1/137/1 January 1944

Personnel

Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer
Major, second in command
Major, tank squadron
Captain, adjutant
Captain, technical officer
5 X Captain
Intelligence Officer
Signal Officer
16 X Subaltern
Quartermaster

Regimental Serjeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
Technical Quartermaster Serjeant
Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
3 X Squadron Serjeant Major

squadron quartermaster serjeant
serjeant mechanist
serjeant clerk
serjeant technical storeman
transport serjeant
16 X serjeant

29 X corporal
210 X trooper

Attached
Medical Officer RAMC
serjeant armourer REME
lance corporal armourer REME
2 X officers mess cook ACC
6 X cook ACC

Total 358


5 X clerk
26 X driver mechanic AFV
8 X driver mechanic
30 X driver operators
2 X electrician
24 X gunner operator
2 X technical storeman
14 X vehicle mechanic

17 X batman
butchery dutyman
26 drivers IC
medical officers orderly
15 X maintenance party
56 X motorcyclist
provost corporal
sanitary dutyman
storeman
water dutyman

Note:
Three Officers and 25 other ranks may be parachutists and will be eligible for parachute pay.
One officer and five rank and file will be trained in anti gas duties and decontamination work.


Vehicles

40 X lightweight motorcycle
22 X motorcycle
2 X car 4 X 4
19 X jeep
1 X 15cwt GS
1 X 15cwt water
4 X 3ton GS
26 X Universal Carrier
2 X Carrier 3” mortar
1 X carrier Starting and Charging
17 X Light Tank
3 X Light Tank, Close Support
12 X Rota trailer
1 X trailer binned stores


20 X Bren gun
4 X PIAT
6 X 2” mortar
2 X 3” mortar


Organisation

Headquarters

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Subaltern (troop commander), spare corporal gunner operator, driver IC
Carries No 22 wireless set
Carries 80watt charging set
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
Adjutant, Regimental Serjeant Major, driver operator
Carries No 22 wireless set
Carries 80watt charging set

Light Tank 1
Lieutenant Colonel, Signal Officer, corporal driver mechanic
Light tank 2
Major, signalman RS, driver mechanic.

Note: The Intelligence Officer will be carried in the transport of Airborne Divisional Signals.

Headquarters Squadron
Squadron Headquarters

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Captain, squadron serjeant major, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22

Parachute Harbour Party
Captain
Serjeant
2 X corporal
6 X trooper

Intercommunication troop
Motorcycle lightweight 1
serjeant motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 2
provost corporal
Motorcycle lightweight 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 5
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 6
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 7
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 8
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 9
vehicle mechanic
Motorcycle lightweight 10
vehicle mechanic

Administrative troop

Airborne
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Subaltern, spare driver IC, corporal driver IC
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
Quartermaster, spare driver IC, driver IC
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
Medical Officer, medical officers orderly, driver IC (trained in water duties)
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
Technical Officer, signalman RS (for rear link), driver operator
Carries Wireless set No 22
Carries Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
mechanist quartermaster serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanics
Carries PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
mechanist serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic
Carries PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 7
transport serjeant, corporal clerk, vehicle mechanic
Carries PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 8
serjeant armourer REME, armourer REME, driver IC
Carries PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 9
2 X electrician, driver IC

Carrier Starting and Charging (Loyd Carrier)
Signalman RS, vehicle mechanic

Landing Head Party
The following personnel and trailers are airborne but remain at the landing head
6 X vehicle mechanic
storeman technical
Spare crews
Serjeant
2 X corporal driver operator
6 X driver mechanic AFV
6 X driver operator
6 X gunner operator
Maintenance and loading party
15 X trooper

12 X Rota trailer
1 X 10cwt trailer

The Rota trailer was never used in action. It was one of those ideas which seemed good at the time, and perhaps looked good in trials, but never worked in reality. Probably 10cwt lightweight trailers were used instead.




Seaborne Party

It was intended that this party would go by sea and land to a point near to the intended airborne landing. They would join the regiment as soon as possible and either support them in further action, or feed clothe and repair men and equipment before they were withdrawn.

Motorcycle 1
squadron quartermaster serjeant
Motorcycle 2
serjeant

4 seater car 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
Subaltern, serjeant clerk, batman, corporal driver IC
This car for the use of the commanding officer
4 seater car 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
2 X batman, driver IC
This car for the use of the Major second in command

15cwt truck GS
sanitary dutyman, 2 X batman, driver IC
Carries medical stores
15cwt water truck (Bedford MW)
water dutyman, driver IC

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
corporal cook, 7 X cook, butchery dutyman, driver IC
Carries cookers and rations
3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, technical storeman, 4 X batman, driver IC
Carries QM stores
Carries a Bren lmg
3 ton 4 X 4 GS 3
4 X batman, storeman, 3 X clerk, driver IC
Carries anti gas clothing and stores
3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
quartermaster serjeant technical, serjeant storeman technical, 4 X batman, clerk, driver IC
Carries Technical Stores

Note:
The four clerks in the non airborne administrative troop were assigned as follows
One for the technical office
One for the headquarters squadron
One for regimental headquarters
One for the quartermasters office



Reconnaissance Squadron.
Headquarters

Motorcycle lightweight 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 5
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, driver operator, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No22
Carrier Universal
serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Carries 2” mortar
Carries 2 X Bren lmg

Troop 1
Motorcycle lightweight 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 5
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, driver operator, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries an 80watt charging set
Carrier Universal
serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Carries 2” mortar
Carries 2 X Bren lmg

Troop 2
Motorcycle lightweight 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 5
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, driver operator, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries an 80watt charging set
Carrier Universal
serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Carries 2” mortar
Carries 2 X Bren lmg

Troop 3
Motorcycle lightweight 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 5
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, driver operator, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries an 80watt charging set
Carrier Universal
serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Carries 2” mortar
Carries 2 X Bren lmg

Troop 4
Motorcycle lightweight 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 5
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, driver operator, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries an 80watt charging set
Carrier Universal
serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Carries 2” mortar
Carries 2 X Bren lmg


Tank Squadron
Headquarters
Light Tank, Close Support 1
Major, corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank, Close Support 2
Captain, Squadron Serjeant Major, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank, Close Support 3
Subaltern, gunner operator, corporal driver mechanic AFV

Troop 1
Light Tank 1
Subaltern, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 2
serjeant, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 3
corporal driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV


Troop 2
Light Tank 1
Subaltern, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 2
serjeant, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 3
corporal driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV

Troop 3
Light Tank 1
Subaltern, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 2
serjeant, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 3
corporal driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV

Troop 4
Light Tank 1
Subaltern, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 2
serjeant, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 3
corporal driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV

Troop 5
Light Tank 1
Subaltern, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 2
serjeant, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light Tank 3
corporal driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV


Support Squadron
Motorcycle lightweight 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle lightweight 5
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, driver operator, driver IC
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries an 80watt charging engine
Carries a bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, squadron serjeant major, driver operator
Carries Wireless set No22
Carries an 80watt charging engine
Carries a bren lmg

Support Troop
Carrier 3” Mortar 1
Subaltern, spare driver operator, 2 X spare driver IC, corporal driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No18
Carries 3” mortar
Carrier 3” Mortar 2
serjeant, spare driver operator, 2 X spare driver IC, corporal driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No18
Carries 3” mortar

Assault Troop
Motorcycle 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 2
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 4
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 5
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 6
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 7
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 8
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 9
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 10
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 11
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 12
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 13
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 14
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 15
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 16
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 17
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 18
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 19
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 20
motorcyclist

Carrier Universal
Subaltern, serjeant, driver mechanic
Carries Wireless set No19
Carries 2” mortar
Carries 2 X Bren lmg


Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment
1/138/1 October 1944

Personnel

Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding Officer
Major, second in command
3 X Major
Captain, adjutant
Captain, technical officer
5 X Captain
Intelligence Officer
Signal Officer
16 X Subaltern
Quartermaster

Regimental Serjeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
Technical Quartermaster Serjeant
Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
4 X Squadron Serjeant Major

4 X squadron quartermaster serjeant
serjeant mechanict
serjeant clerk
serjeant technical storeman
transport serjeant
17 X serjeant

31 X corporal
252 X trooper

Attached
Medical Officer RAMC
serjeant armourer REME
lance corporal armourer REME
2 X officers mess cook ACC
6 X cook ACC

Total 358


5 X clerk
20 X driver mechanic AFV
24 X driver mechanic
59 X driver operators
2 X electrician
15 X gunner operator
2 X technical storeman
16 X vehicle mechanic

10 X batman
4 X batman driver
butchery dutyman
43 drivers IC
medical officers orderly
4 X mortarman
47 X motorcyclist
26 X machine gunner
provost corporal
sanitary dutyman
storeman
water dutyman


Vehicles

53 X motorcycle
2 X car 4 X 4
27 X jeep
1 X 15cwt water
5 X 3ton GS
1 X 3ton kitchen
20 X scout car
20 X Universal Carrier
1 X carrier Starting and Charging
8 X Light Tank
8 X Cruiser tank
25 X trailer
1 X trailer binned stores
4 X mortar trailer
2 X water trailer

48 X Bren gun
8 X Medium Machine Gun
13 X PIAT
12 X 2” mortar
4 X 4.2” mortar
6 X Boyes anti tank




Organisation

Headquarters
Motorcycle 1
Liaison Officer
Motorcycle 2
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 5
Motorcyclist
Motorcycle 6
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 7
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 8
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 9
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 10
motorcyclist


5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Lieutenant Colonel, Adjutant
Carries a Wireless set No 22
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
Intelligence officer, operator RS, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
Major second in command, serjeant clerk, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22
Carries a PIAT
One of these jeeps tows a lightweight trailer

Scout Car 1
Signal Officer, corporal driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 19
Carries a PIAT
Scout Car 2
Regimental Serjeant Major, driver operator.
Carries a Wireless set No 19
Carries a PIAT


Headquarters Squadron
Squadron Headquarters

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Major, squadron serjeant major, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22

Intercommunication troop
Motorcycle 1
serjeant motorcyclist
Motorcycle 2
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 5
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 6
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 7
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 8
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 9
vehicle mechanic
Motorcycle 10
vehicle mechanic

Administrative troop

Airborne
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Quartermaster, squadron quartermaster serjeant, serjeant, driver IC
Carries a Bren lmg
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
Technical Officer, vehicle mechanic
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
Carries a Wireless set No22
Carries a PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
Subaltern, clerk
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
mechanist quartermaster serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
Medical Officer, medical officers orderly, driver IC (trained in water duties)
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
mechanist serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 7
serjeant armourer REME, armourer REME, relief driver mechanic, driver IC
Tows a lightweight trailer and a lightweight binned stores trailer
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 8
transport serjeant, relief driver IC, driver IC
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
Carries a PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 9
provost corporal, 2 X vehicle mechanic
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
Carries a PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 10
corporal driver IC, 2 X vehicle mechanic
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
Carries a PIAT
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 11
vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic, relief driver IC
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 12
vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic, relief driver IC
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 13
vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic, relief driver IC
Tows 2 X lightweight trailer
Two of the lightweight trailers are lightweight water trailers.

Carrier Starting and Charging (Loyd Carrier)
Electrician, vehicle mechanic

Seaborne Party

It was intended that this party would go by sea and land to a point near to the intended airborne landing. They would join the regiment as soon as possible and either support them in further action, or feed clothe and repair men and equipment before they were withdrawn.

4 seater car 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
2 X batman driver
This vehicle for the use of the Commanding Officer
4 seater car 4 X 4 (Humber FWD Heavy Utility)
2 X batman driver
This vehicle for the use of Major Second in Command

15cwt water truck (Bedford MW)
water dutyman, driver IC

3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
Subaltern, technical storeman, driver IC
Carries Quartermaster Stores
Carries a Bren lmg
3 ton 4 X 4 GS 2
technical quartermaster serjeant, serjeant technical storeman, technical storeman, clerk, driver IC
Carries Technical Stores
3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
vehicle mechanic, storeman, 4 X batman, driver IC
Carries anti gas stores and clothing
3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
2 X clerk, 3 X batman, sanitary dutyman, corporal driver IC
Carries petrol
Carries a Bren lmg
3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
corporal clerk, electrician, 3 X batman, driver IC
Carries ammunition
3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen
corporal cook, 7 X cook, butchery dutyman, driver IC

Cruiser tank 1
Captain, serjeant, relief driver mechanic AFV, driver mechanic AFV
Cruiser tank 2
corporal driver operator, 2 X driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Cruiser tank 3
corporal driver operator, 2 X driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Cruiser tank 4
corporal driver operator, relief gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Cruiser tank 5
corporal driver operator, relief gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Cruiser tank 6
gunner operator, relief driver mechanic AFV, driver mechanic AFV
Cruiser tank 7
gunner operator, relief driver mechanic AFV, driver mechanic AFV
Cruiser tank 8
gunner operator, relief driver mechanic AFV, driver mechanic AFV

Note that some of the cruiser tanks do not have a full crew. It was not intended that the cruiser tanks be used at the same time as the light tanks. The light tank could be flown in by Hamilcar glider. As soon as possible the seaborne party joined the regiment and the light tanks were withdrawn. Full crews could then be made up from the crews of the light tanks and those accompanying the cruiser tanks. On occasion the cruiser tanks were used in support of airborne forces operating in a normal ground role. This happened in Normandy where the airborne division held a stretch of line for some weeks. Again in the Ardennes airborne forces were called on to hold a sector of the line. Finally in the advance into Germany after the Rhine Crossing the airborne troops were in the fore front. The Cromwells were used in all three of these actions.





Support Squadron.
Headquarters

Motorcycle 1
Squadron Serjeant Major
Motorcycle 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
motorcyclist

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, squadron quartermaster serjeant, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22
Carries a Bren lmg
Scout car
Subaltern, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No19 and 2 X Wireless set No 38.

MMG troop 1
Carrier Universal MMG
Subaltern, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG
Carries a Wireless set No19 and 2 X wireless set No 38
Carries a Bren lmg
Carrier Universal MMG
serjeant, 2 X machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG
Carrier Universal MMG
corporal, 2 X machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG
Carrier Universal MMG
corporal, 2 X machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG

MMG troop 2
Carrier Universal MMG
Subaltern, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG
Carries a Wireless set No19 and 2 X wireless set No 38
Carries a Bren lmg
Carrier Universal MMG
serjeant, 2 X machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG
Carrier Universal MMG
corporal, 2 X machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG
Carrier Universal MMG
corporal, 2 X machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Vickers .303” MMG

Heavy Mortar troop,
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
Captain, 2 X driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No 22
Carries a Bren lmg
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
serjeant,, driver operator, mortarman, driver IC
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar
Carries a Wireless set No22 and No 38
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
corporal,, driver operator, mortarman, driver IC
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar
Carries a Wireless set No22
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
serjeant,, driver operator, mortarman, driver IC
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar
Carries a Wireless set No22 and No 38
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep)
corporal,, driver operator, mortarman, driver IC
Tows a mortar trailer with 4.2” mortar.
Carries a Wireless set No22


Infantry support troop
Scout car
Subaltern, driver operator
Carries a Wireless set No19 and 2 X Wireless set No38
Motorcycle 1
serjeant
Motorcycle 2
corporal
Motorcycle 3
corporal
Motorcycle 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 5
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 6
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 7
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 8
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 9
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 10
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 11
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 12
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 13
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 14
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 15
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 16
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 17
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 18
motorcyclist



Squadron
There were two identical squadrons.

Headquarters
Motorcycle 1
corporal motorcyclist
Motorcycle 2
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 3
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 4
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 5
motorcyclist
Motorcycle 6

5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
Squadron Serjeant Major, driver operator, driver IC
Carries a Wireless set No22
5cwt car 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
squadron quartermaster serjeant, driver operator, driver IC
Carries a Wireless set No22
Carries a Bren lmg

Scout car
Major, serjeant
Scout car
Captain, driver operator

Heavy troop
Light tank
Subaltern, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light tank
serjeant, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light tank
corporal driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV
Light tank
corporal driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic AFV

Troop 1
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and 2 X Wireless set No 38.
Carries a Bren lmg, a 2”mortar and a Boyes AT rifle.
Carrier Universal
corporal, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and 2 X Wireless set No 38.
Carries a Bren lmg, a 2”mortar and a PIAT
Scout car
serjeant, driver operator
Scout car
driver operator, driver IC

Troop 2
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and 2 X Wireless set No 38.
Carries a Bren lmg, a 2”mortar and a Boyes AT rifle.
Carrier Universal
corporal, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and 2 X Wireless set No 38.
Carries a Bren lmg, a 2”mortar and a PIAT
Scout car
serjeant, driver operator
Scout car
driver operator, driver IC

Troop 3
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and 2 X Wireless set No 38.
Carries a Bren lmg, a 2”mortar and a Boyes AT rifle.
Carrier Universal
corporal, driver operator, machine gunner, driver mechanic
Carries a Wireless set No 19 and 2 X Wireless set No 38.
Carries a Bren lmg, a 2”mortar and a PIAT
Scout car
serjeant, driver operator
Scout car
driver operator, driver IC