Like the subject line says, I'm hoping the more knowledgeable types who understand the functions of a tank regiment's LADC in battle might be able to answer this question. During the last battle for Monte Cassino in May 1944 the Polish 4th Armored Regiment's No.2 and 3 Squadrons advanced up Cavendish road on the night of May 11 and early morning of May 12 in a narrow mountain valley. From what I've gathered and translated from Polish texts is that both squadrons were followed in the rear by M3 White first aid cars, Dingo armored command cars and Jeep litters but no mention of the either squadrons LAD in their M3 Whites? Would the LAD have been positioned in the car park at the entrance to Cavendish Rd outside Caira and called forward as needed or would they have been brought forward to an area just south of what was called Madris Circus at the end of Cavendish Rd where both squadrons concentrated most of their armor while being shelled and mortared daily? There is mention of gun sites, rollers (bogie wheels), tracks, & radiators being replaced and a generator needing replacement all while under fire but no mention of where both LAD's operated from. I've pretty much exhausted all my resources so "I'm just seeking an educated guess". The Poles armored unit structure followed British armored practice so I'm assuming it did not vary too much in terms of doctrine. Just so we are clear I do understand the LAD's function and purpose so no explanation is required. I am only looking for an opinion on how they may have operated under the above circumstances. Your input would be appreciated Chris......
LADs were directly attached To the squadrons they were situated directly behind the units and were called up via the radio. They usually travelled between jobs and were situated directly behind the units
Chris As Hutchie states most LAD's were usually close to their squadrons and on call via the radio from the Squadron leaders only - and seldom under fire as if the Tank had been hit it was pointless to call the LAD and most repairs could be sorted out in Laager at the end of the day to have as many Tanks as possible for the next battle. It would be a nonsense to callout the LAD to replace a bogie for example….limp along until later Cheers
I recall that on one occasion our Honey tank was brought to a halt by barbed wire wrapped round the track sprocket and there was certainly no mention made of getting the LAD out to cut us free. We managed to cut the offending wire ourselves and made our way back to the laager, albeit very late and in the dark. Very scary ! Ron
AS Ron points out - wire of all sorts tended to be nuisance and had to be chopped off the sprockets usually every night before anything else was done…first time I noticed this was when I thought all the lads were happy to see us as we passed them until I noticed their clenched fists - signals had laboriously laid miles of telephone wire all over the place and then we came along to tear it all up and trailed it all away - took hours to get rid of it all…Signals hated us... Cheers
