War Diary: 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers, 1944

TNA Catalogue Reference: WO 171/606

Gallery Album - http://ww2talk.com/forums/gallery/album/308-5th-guards-armoured-brigade-workshops-reme/

 

Carlton Highwood

1944 January 1
830 hours
Unit firing S.A. Practice ast STRENSALL ‘D’ Range.

1944 January 2
A.W.D. despatched on Exercise “New Year”.

1944 January 3
A.W.D. returned from Exercise “New Year”.

1944 January 4 - 5
-

1944 January 6
1200 hours
D.D.M.E. 8 CORPS accompanied by D.A.D.M.E. Army & C.R.E.M.E. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION visited Workshops to discuss the SHERMAN Tank mods programme.

1944 January 7
-

1944 January 8
1100 hours
All available Ranks in Unit were paraded for Anti-Typhus Inoculation - 1st Dose.

1944 January 9
-

1944 January 10
1030 hours
Scaling Conference at H.Q. 8 CORPS.
One E.M.E. & O.O. attached attended.

In the Field

1944 January 11
945 hours
Workshops complete proceeded on R.E.M.E. Exercise “Wreck”.
1015 hours
Recce Party sent forward to recce site.
1500 hours
Arrived WINTRINGHAM.
1500 hours
Cipher Lecture at WEYDALE House - SCARBOROUGH - attended by Lieutenant GREIG.
1510 hours
Visited by C.R.E.M.E. and A.D.O.S. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.
1700 hours
A.W.D. ordered to Map Ref 312905.
1830 hours
Visited by D.D.M.E. Corps, D.M.E. Army & C.R.E.M.E. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.
2230 hours
Wireless ordered to close down to 0745 hours.

1944 January 12
930 hours
Two Scammells and 3 Transporters left for A.W.D. at SCAWTON.
930 hours
Warning Order received - move at one hour’s notice.
1100 hours
D.R. sent forward to contact Scammells and Transporters and direct them to new location received by Wireless.
1220 hours
Orders received to proceed to NEWBURGH PRIORY at 1300 hours.
1230 hours
Recce Party sent forward.
1650 hours
Arrived at new harbour Area.
1800 hours
Cease fire given on R.E.M.E. Exercise “Wreck”.
2030 hours
Workshops returned to Static Location.

Carlton Highwood

1944 January 14
1100 hours
Major WASOWICZ M. (C.R.E.M.E. Polish Armoured Forces) joined Workshops for a three day Instructional attachment.
1430 hours
One Scammell b’ down vehicle despatched to 3rd Battalion IRISH GUARDS for the purpose of 32nd INFANTRY BRIGADE Exercise “Break”.

1944 January 15
1000 hours
All Officers, Warrant Officers and Serjeants attended Lecture “ Conduct if Captured” at DUNSCOMBE PARK.

1944 January 16
1430 hours
Officer Commanding and Second-in-Command attended R.E.M.E. Conference at H.Q. R.E.M.E. 8 CORPS ? on the forthcoming Exercise “Tally Ho”.

1944 January 17
1030 hours
Left Static Location for Concentration Area of “Tally Ho”.
1505 hours
Arrived Map Ref 939452 and harboured for the night.

1944 January 18
830 hours Wireless Truck went forward to report casualties whilst Div proceeded forward to new Concentration Area.
1500 hours
Wireless Truck returned to harbour.
2350 hours
Warning Order received from Admin H.Q. to move to WIXLEY 9178 .

1944 January 19
1010 hours
Proceeded to new harbour area.
1255 hours
Arrived WIXLEY and harboured at Map Ref 916781.
1740 hours
Cease fire received.
1845 hours
Proceeded to Static Location.
2110 hours
Arrived CARLTON HIGHWOOD.

1944 January 20 - 21
-

1944 January 22
1100 hours
All Ranks given final 2nd and final Typhus Inoculation.
Officer Field Returns

1944 January 23
-

1944 January 24
800 hours
Two 3ton 4x4 Bedfords and two 15cwt 4x2 Bedfords dispatched for Wading Trials at KIRKHAM Wading Site.
Results 100% satisfactory with 3ton ? but only fair with 15cwt vehs.
900 hours
Officer Commanding attended Brigade Study Day at the Court House, HELMSBURY.
Subject - R.E.M.E. & ? Organisation in the Field.

1944 January 26
1045 hours
Mr WALLER (D.T.D. Cromwell Expert) visited Workshops to discuss defects on the Cromwell Hydraulic system.

1944 January 27 - 31
-

 

Officer Field Returns 22 Jan 1944

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

Lieutenant Temporary Captain R W HARMAN Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Oct 1942 Yes O.O. 1 Oct 1942

246982 Lieutenant Temporary Captain B SOUTHCOMBE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 28 Mar 1943 Yes O I/C W/S 10 Mar 1943

9?768 Lieutenant Temporary Captain T F SHIPPEN Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. No E.M.E. In H?

147657 War Substantive Captain Captain W C PURDIE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 10 Sep 1943 No E.M.E. Waterproofing Trials

245850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Apr 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

295319 Lieutenant Lieutenant D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

296112 2/Lieutenant 2/Lieutenant C STOTT Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. Yes E.M.E.

 

Carlton Highwood

1944 February 1
1200 hours
A.W.D. left Camp on Exercise “Rhino”.
2000 hours
Captain E.R. SILK joined the Unit.

1944 February 2
1430 hours
Officer Commanding Conference on A.F.V. modifications at War Office (M.E.T.)

1944 February 3
End of Exercise “Rhino” - A.W.D. proceeded immediately on Exercise “Snow”.

1944 February 4
2100 hours
End of Exercise “Snow” - A.W.D. returned to Camp.

1944 February 5 - 9
-

1944 February 10
1430 hours
Officer Commanding attended G.O.C. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION Conference at MALTON on Exercise “Snow” and “Eagle”.

1944 February 11
-

1944 February 12
Unit prepared to take part in Exercise “Eagle”.
Workshop Detachment returned from A.F.V. Ranges, KIRKCUDBRIGHT.
1200 hours
Captain MANNING, ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS joined Unit in place of Captain R.W. HARMAN, ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS who left on 9 Feb 1944 to command Div O.F.P., 15 (S) DIVISION.

In the Field

1944 February 13
610 hours Left Camp on Exercise “Eagle”.
1420 hours
Arrived at Harbour Area which proved unsuitable Workshop site due to softness of the ground.
1510 hours
Moved to new Harbour Area.
1630 hours
Workshops established at Map Ref 231553 (Sheet 28).
2000 hours
Visited by C.R.E.M.E. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.

1944 February 14
1300 hours
Wireless opened up.
1645 hours
Message received giving 16th February as probable next move date.

1944 February 15
1145 hours
Warning Order received for move to new Location on 16th February.
1200 hours
Officer Commanding reconnoitred new Area.
1500 hours
Message received from A.W.D. “Moving to new Location”.

1944 February 16
830 hours
Unit left for new Location.
1200 hours
Reached new Area at Map Ref. 324642 (Sheet 28).

1944 February 17
1200 hours
Visited by D.D.M.E. 8 CORPS and C.R.E.M.E. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.

1944 February 18
1200 hours
Visited by D.D.M.E. 12 CORPS and C.R.E.M.E. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.
1700 hours
Visited by D.D.M.E. 2nd ARMY and D.D.M.E. 8 CORPS.

1944 February 19
1600 hours
Visited by G.O.C. GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.

1944 February 20
1000 hours
Attacked by low-flying Beaufighters following practice Stand-To.
Attacks followed at intervals throughout the day.
No casualties were caused.
1300 hours
Two A.R.V.s received last on 19th February left Main Party to join A.W.D.
They will subsequently be used to keep the minefield gap clear of crocks.

1944 February 21
The Company visited the Mobile Laundry and Bath Unit by Parties throughout the day.
There were again numerous Air Attacks but as before no casualties.
1700 hours
A Party of three was despatched to the Corps Crock Dump at 483837 (Sheet 28) to sort out GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION A.E.V. crocks and report daily to Workshops on same.
At present it is known that the armour has moved.

1944 February 22 - 28
-

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246982 Lieutenant Temporary Captain B SOUTHCOMBE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 28 Mar 1943 Yes O I/C W/S 10 Mar 1943

147657 War Substantive Captain Captain W C PURDIE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 10 Sep 1943 Yes E.M.E.

237168 Lieutenant Temporary Captain E R SILK Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 26 Jan 1944 Yes E.M.E. 1 Feb 1944

245850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Apr 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

295319 Lieutenant Lieutenant D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

 

Carlton Highwood, Helmsley

1944 March 2
Programme to complete “Houseboat” and internal and external fitting modifications to the Brigade’s Sherman Tanks started.
Seven Welding Trucks have been borrowed from W.W. and Army Sources.
Programme is to be completed in 10 days and will be followed by the days on Waterproofing trucks and Armour Plate modifications.
New programme has started, it is to be run by the B.E.M.E.

1944 March 3
-

1944 March 4
Overhaul of Sherman Engines will mileage above 1000 commenced, this involves about 50 Tanks.
Insufficient replacement engines are available to that engines are being replaced after top overhaul either here or at 3rd Line Shops.
Approximately 25 should be completed this month.

1944 March 5
-

1944 March 6
D.D.M.E. 8 CORPS visited the Unit and was taken on to see the Sherman modification.
Scaling Conference on Centaur and Cromwell Tanks started here, Scaling representatives from Chilwell, Ord Rep from Corps, E.M.Es from this Unit, 3rd Line Workshops, L.A.D., 29th ARMOURED BRIGADE, and 9TH ARMOURED DIVISION were present.

1944 March 7
Visit by G.O.C. Division and Major General Commanding BRIGADE OF GUARDS to Modification Programme at NILAN GATE.

1944 March 8
Visit by Colonel TYLER C.I. H.Q. T.E. ARBORFIELD to see working of a normal Field Workshop.
Sealing Conference.
A Cromwell Tank finished at 1600 hours having lasted 3 days.

1944 March 9
Personnel Selection Board visited the Unit to complete tests not made on a previous visit.
40 men out of 80 tested, all men rated.

1944 March 10 - 13
-

1944 March 14
Visit from C.R.E.M.E.
Further visit of Personnel Selection Board.
15 more men tested.

1944 March 15
O.C. visited 3rd Line Workshop to discuss with O.C. and Chrysler Rep. the question of mileage as which Sherman V should be top overhauled.
C.R.E.M.E. with Lieutenant Colonel MILLER AFV Inspector 21 A.I.G. visited Workshop to see Sherman engines undergoing top overhaul and discuss valve ?

1944 March 16
O.C. and O.O. at ? Sealing Conference at GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION Sub Park.

1944 March 17
-

1944 March 18
1100 hours
Rehearsal at DUNSCOMBE PARK of Parade to be held for H.M. The KING.
900 hours
Remaining members of Unit completed Personnel Selection Tests.

1944 March 19 - 21
-

1944 March 22
1600 hours
All Ranks parade at DUNCOMBE PARK for Inspection by T.M. The KING and QUEEN, and H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth.
Major GOOD (Q.C.) presented.

1944 March 23
-

1944 March 24
Final Inoculations against Typhus.
O.C. with Second-in-Command R.E.M.E. visited R.E.M.E. Workshops CHILWELL to inspect Sherman engines under repair and to discuss the mileage at which these engines should be given a top overhaul.
Mileage agreed as approx. 12-00.
This affects most of teh BRIGADE’s tanks.

1944 March 25
Captain SOUTHCOMBE (I/C W?) returned from D.T.D. CHOBHAM bringing a new type (Cathode ray tube) ignitor tester mainly for use on Shermans.
He had attended a short course in its use.
Officer Field Returns

1944 March 26
-

1944 March 27
A.W.D. of 5 Vehicles, one Officer and ten men joined the 3rd Armoured Battalion who have now moved to training area on the WOLDS.

1944 March 28
1500 hours
Visit from D.D.M.E. (8 CORPS) C.R.E.M.E. and A.D.O.S. to discuss Sherman engine overhaul Programme and to discuss possibilities of obtaining replacement engines as against carring out overhauls within the CORPS.

1944 March 29
All Units Respirators (Light Type) tested in Gas Chamber.

1944 March 30
W.O. Tyre Representative visited Unit and inspected Transporter tyres with a view to recommending a decrease in pressure to prevent wheel slip whilst loaded.

1944 March 31
Nothing further to report.

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246982 Lieutenant Temporary Captain S SOUTHCOMBE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 25 Mar 1943 Yes O I/C W/S 10 Jul 1943

147657 Captain Captain S C PURDIE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 10 Sep 1943 Yes E.M.E.

262320 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A RENSHAW Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944 Yes M.T.O. 20 Mar 1944

245850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Apr 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

295319 Lieutenant Lieutenant D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

210124 Lieutenant Temporary Captain L J MANNING Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 12 Feb 1944 Yes O.O. 12 Feb 1944

136404 2/Lieutenant Lieutenant W E WELLS Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 18 Feb 1944 Yes E.M.E.

 

Carlton Highwood, Helmsley

1944 April 1
-
Officer Field Returns

1944 April 2 - 9
-

1944 April 10
O.C. left Unit for 3 days to recce new Workshop site in BRIGHTON, SUSSEX, on receipt of orders from GUARDS ARMOURED DIVISION.

1944 April 11 - 24
-

1944 April 25
Advance Party arrived BRIGHTON.
H.Q. established at 9 Oriental Place.
Workshop at Hippodrome Garage.

1944 April 26 - 29
-

1944 April 30
Sherman Engine Overhaul and Exchange Programme almost complete, i.e. 50 of the 60 Tanks selected for overhaul now completed.
Unit read to move by road on 1st May 1944 to BRIGHTON.

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246982 Lieutenant Temporary Captain S SOUTHCOMBE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 25 Mar 1943 Yes O I/C W/S 10 Jul 1943

147657 Captain Captain S C PURDIE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 10 Sep 1943 Yes E.M.E.

262320 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A RENSHAW Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944 Yes M.T.O. 20 Mar 1944

245850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Apr 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

295319 Lieutenant Lieutenant D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

210124 Lieutenant Temporary Captain L J MANNING Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 12 Feb 1944 Yes O.O. 12 Feb 1944

136404 2/Lieutenant Lieutenant W E WELLS Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 18 Feb 1944 Yes E.M.E.

 

9 Oriental Place, Brighton

1944 May 1
Unit left CARLTON HIGHWOOD and arrived DONCASTER Staging Camp.

1944 May 2
Unit left DONCASTER and arrived STEVENAGE Staging Camp.

1944 May 3
Officer attended Conference on Waterproofing at D.W. H.Q.
Ordered to carry on with waterproofing of Unit vehicles and to report actual and probable future progress by 15th May 1944.
Unit arrived at BRIGHTON.

1944 May 4 - 5
-

1944 May 6
Sherman Welding Modification Group (Applique Armour) arrived and started work.
120 Tanks still require modification.

1944 May 7 - 10
-

1944 May 11
O.C. attended Waterproofing Conference at Division.
Ordered to push on with waterproofing as quickly as possible.

1944 May 12
Final 10 Tanks of Sherman engine change Programme now completed.
Visit by Major General R. BRIGGS, C.B., D.S.O., G.O.C. of ROYAL ARMOURED CORPS.

1944 May 13 - 16
-

1944 May 17
Code Word “CORNELIUS” received re order to be ready to move to Marshalling Area at 6 hours’ notice from 28th May 1944.

1944 May 18 - 23
-

1944 May 24
Visit by G.O.C. 8 CORPS Lieutenant General Sir Michael O’CONNOR who inspected vehicles and Workshop and addressed All Ranks.

1944 May 25
Inspection by General Dwight D. EISENHOWER, Commander in Chief A.E.F.

1944 May 26
-

1944 May 27
-
Officer Field Returns

1944 May 28
Sherman Tank Welding Modification Group closed down on completion of all Tanks in 5th BRIGADE.
This had been a very large programme and men engaged in welding included 16 U.S. ARMY Welders and 20 Civilian welders.
Waterproofing of all Unit vehicles completed to Stage A.
Unit now at 6 hours’ notice to move.
All Leave passes out of a two mile area ceased at 0900 hours.
Compassionate Leave continues.

1944 May 29
1130 hours
Lecture by A.&Q.M.G. and A.Q.M.G. 8 CORPS on Embarkation and Disembarkation Drill.

1944 May 30
830 hours
Lecture by O.C. to All Ranks on Procedure to and from Marshalling Area.

1944 May 31
Unit remains at 6 hours’ notice.
Some urgent Tank repairs still being undertaken.

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246982 Lieutenant Temporary Captain S SOUTHCOMBE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 25 Mar 1943 Yes O I/C W/S 10 Jul 1943

147657 Captain Captain S C PURDIE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 10 Sep 1943 Yes E.M.E.

262320 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A RENSHAW Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944 Yes M.T.O. 20 Mar 1944

245850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Apr 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

295319 Lieutenant Lieutenant D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

300255 Lieutenant Lieutenant A S CRAWFORD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 24 Apr 1944 Yes E.M.E.

210124 Lieutenant Temporary Captain L J MANNING Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 12 Feb 1944 Yes O.O. 12 Feb 1944

 

9 Oriental Place, Brighton

1944 June 12
800 hours
Pay Parade in Reverse, Sterling over ten shillings per man collected for exchange.
1000 hours
Foreign currency drawn from Special Cashier.
Imprest account closed and all relevant documents handed to Special Cashier.

1944 June 13
1400 hours
Pay Parade, All Other Ranks paid the equivalent of £1 in foreign currency.

1944 June 14 - 17
-

1944 June 18
2100 hours
Message received from H.Q. Susdist. instructing Officer representative to report for Movement Orders.

1944 June 19
1400 hours
Movement Orders collected from H.Q. Susdist.

1944 June 20
915 hours
Unit left BRIGHTON and proceeded to Marshalling Area, Camp A 15.
Unit split into craft loads.

Marshalling Area, Camp A 15

1944 June 21
1000 hours
Waterproofing Stage B I completed.

1944 June 22 - 23
-

1944 June 24
-
Officer Field Returns

1944 June 25 - 29
-

1944 June 30
900 hours Proceeded by craft loads to Embarkation Area.
Waterproofing stage BII completed.

Gosport
1800 hours
Embarked at GOSPORT and left ports at 2100 hours.

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246982 Lieutenant Temporary Captain S B SOUTHCOMBE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 25 Mar 1943 Yes O I/C W/S 10 Jul 1943

262320 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A RENSHAW Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944 Yes E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944

254850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Jun 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

295319 Lieutenant Acting Captain D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

300255 Lieutenant Lieutenant A S CRAWFORD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 24 Apr 1944 Yes M.T.O.

210125 Lieutenant Temporary Captain L J MANNING Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 12 Feb 1944 Yes O.O. 12 Feb 1944

315586 Lieutenant Lieutenant P B WHITE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944 Yes E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944

 

1944 July 1
2030 hours
Arrived “JUNO” Beach.

1944 July 2
0100 hours
Commenced to disembark and proceeded to Transit Area.
700 hours
Proceeded by Craft loads to Map Ref. 834796, Sheet No. 7/F1.

Map Ref. 834796, Sheet No. 7/F1

1944 July 3
1000 hours
Unit completely disembarked and concentrated.

1944 July 4
830 hours
Workshops set up and work proceeding on A & B vehicles.

1944 July 5 - 6
-

1944 July 7
1700 hours
Air Raid by single enemy aircraft, one slight casualty.
1000 hours
Party of Workshops personnel visited 11 ARMOURED Troops Workshops and 29 ARMOURED BRIGADE Workshops.
1000 hours
O.C. recce’d forward area around TILLY.

1944 July 8
1030 hours
Visited by D.D.M.E. 12 CORPS (Colonel TYLER).

1944 July 9 - 14
-

1944 July 15
-
Officer Field Returns

1944 July 16
1200 hours
All Officers attended G.O.C’s Conference on Operation “GOODWOOD”.

1944 July 17
700 hours
Unit moved to 010794 Sheet 7F/1 for commencement of Operation “GOODWOOD”.

1944 July 18 - 19
-

1944 July 20
1100 hours
Workshops less transporters ordered to proceed to site North of ESCOVILLE, Map Ref 122716 where work would proceed on repariing of casualties to tanks and vehicles incurred in recent battle.
1500 hours
Workshop departed old location and proceeded to site Norht of ESCOVILLE.
1600 hours
Arrived ESCOVILLE site together with brigaded L.A.D.s and A.W.D.

North of Escoville, Map Ref. 122716 1944 July 21
0025 hours
Workshops heavily shelled and mortared by enemy on Left Flank.
Enemy Patrol approached and fired in Workshops Area.
Several vehicles damaged by shell and mortar splinters.
500 hours
Shelling ceased.
2100 hours
O.C. instructed to recce possible Workshops site in factory area South East of FAUL-DE-VAUGHELLES.
Recce not successful as all possible sites either mined or approach roads blocked by debris or else site occupied.
As a result Workshops were ordered to remain at present location North of ESCOVILLE.
1700 hours
Workshops heavily shelled.
B.E.M.E. and one D.R. wounded by shell fragments.

1944 July 22
530 hours
Shelling continued intermittently all night.
No further casualties.
All Ranks behaved extremely well under their first battle experience.
Little work is however being done in Workshops and it is obvious that if Workshops are to fulfill their function speedily, they must be sited outside Field Artillery range.
Administration, so far as movement of Workshops is concerned is most uncertain.
Workshops are endeavouring to function although supposedly closed waiting to move.

1944 July 23
1100 hours
Workshops moved to COLOMBELLES 075707.
1400 hours Work commenced on A and B vehicles, right shift put into operation.

1944 July 24 - 26
-

1944 July 27
1800 hours
Workshops have now completed 18 Tanks and 41 Vehicles.

1944 July 28
2215 hours
Warning Order received from C.R.E.M.E. to close Workshops at 1200 hours 29 July and be ready to move to Admin Area at 1500 hours 29th July.

1944 July 29
1500 hours
Unit moved to Map Ref 930751.

1944 July 30
-

1944 July 31
Harbour Party ordered to rendezvous at LE BAS.
Workshops ordered to move to area FOULOGNES.

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246982 Lieutenant Temporary Captain S SOUTHCOMBE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 25 Mar 1943 Yes O I/C W/S 10 Jul 1943

262320 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A RENSHAW Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944 Yes E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944

254850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Jun 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

295319 Lieutenant Acting Captain D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

300255 Lieutenant Lieutenant A S CRAWFORD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 24 Apr 1944 Yes M.T.O.

315586 Lieutenant Lieutenant P B WHITE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944 Yes E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944

210125 Lieutenant Temporary Captain L J MANNING Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 12 Feb 1944 Yes O.O. 12 Feb 1944

 

930751

1944 August 1
100 hours
Commenced to move to area FOUOGNES, Map Ref 693643.
330 hours Ordered to harbour at 705707, harboured by 0430 hours.

Map Ref. 705707
1944 August 2
Moved to aread FOULOGNES 693543.

1944 August 3
-

1944 August 4
1900 hours
Moved to site North of VIRE, Map Ref 645388, Sheet 6 F6.

1944 August 5 - 10 -

657472, Sheet 6F 4 1944 August 11
800 hours
Tank repair sections personnel left behind to complete essential work on tanks.

1944 August 12
1100 hours
Tank section rejoined Unit.

1944 August 13
-
Officer Field Returns

1944 August 14 - 15
-

1944 August 16
1530 hours
O.C. presented to Corps Commander at 2nd Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS location.

1944 August 17
1430 hours
O.C. attended Commander-in-Chief’s Conference.

1944 August 18
-

1944 August 19
1500 hours
O.C. attended Corps Commander’s address at H.Q. Division.

1944 August 20
-

1944 August 21
-
Officer Field Returns

1944 August 22
1100 hours
G.O.C visited Workshops.

1944 August 23 - 25
-

1944 August 26
930 hours
Moved to area South of VASSEY, Map Ref 799300.

1944 August 27
815 hours
Recce Groups ordered to rendezvous at Admin H.Q. on 28th August.

1944 August 28
-

1944 August 29
730 hours
Moved to area South of LAIGLE.

1944 August 30
730 hours
Moved to area CHAMPENARD.

1944 August 31
-

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246069 Lieutenant Temporary Captain P R MACIVEN Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 6 Aug 1944 Yes O I/C W/S 6 Aug 1944

262320 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A RENSHAW Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944 Yes E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944

295319 Lieutenant Temporary Captain D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

254850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Jun 1943 Yes W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

315586 Lieutenant Lieutenant P B WHITE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944 Yes E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944

308851 Lieutenant Lieutenant G CAMMIDGE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 31 Jul 1944 Yes E.M.E. 31 Jul 1944 O I/C A.W.D.

210125 Lieutenant Temporary Captain L J MANNING Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 12 Feb 1944 Yes O.O. 12 Feb 1944

 

Champenard

1944 September 1
Moved over SEINE via Saul Bridge to FOURS.

1944 September 2
900 hours
Moved to area 2 miles North of ARRAS and harboured on verge of main road.
Officer Field Returns

2 miles North of ARRAS

1944 September 3
2230 hours
Ordered to Stand To due to pockets of enemy approaching location, no action ensued.

2 miles South of LEUZE

1944 September 4
900 hours
Moved to BELGIUM, harboured at 1700 hours, area 2 miles South of LEUZE.

1944 September 5
915 hours
Moved to area South of BRUSSELS and harboured in factory at RYSBROUK.

1944 September 6
-

1944 September 7
1030 hours
Moved to DIEST.

Diest 1944 September 8
1030 hours
Area lightly bombed by enemy jet propelled aircraft - aircraft destroyed by local Anti-Aircraft.

1944 September 9
1030 hours
Area bombed by enemy jet propelled aircraft.

1944 September 10
2200 hours
Area machine gunned by enemy aircraft.
1500 hours
One officer and one Other Rank taken Prisoner by the enemy at HECHTEL.
2330 hours
Officer and Other Rank returned to British Lines having persuaded their guards to become their Prisoners.

1944 September 11
-

1944 September 12
920 hours
Moved over ALBERT CANAL to coal mine 1 1/2 miles North of BERINGEN.
1 1/2 miles North of Beringen
2100 hours
Area bombed by enemy aircraft.

1944 September 13
2030 hours
Area bombed by enemy aircraft.

1944 September 14
-

1944 September 15
1000 hours
One German sailor and one Belgian woman handed to Unit by Resistance Movement.
Woman handed to Belgian Police.
Prisoner of War to Cage.

1944 September 16 - 17
-

1944 September 18
730 hours
Unit moved to Map Ref 335875, Sheet No. 26 and 36, 1:50,000.

Map Ref. 335875, Sheet No. 26 and 36
2030 hours
Area bombed by enemy aircraft.


1944 September 19 - 23
-

1944 September 24
1000 hours
Commenced to move along Centre Line to area NIJMEGEN.

E 4427, Sheet No. 2A & 3A
1900 hours
Harboured on roadside at E 4427, Sheet No. 2A & 3A, due to enemy cutting Centre Line ahead.

1944 September 25
-

1944 September 26
1500 hours
Commenced to move to area NIJMEGEN.

E 4534, Sheet No. 2A & 3A
1545 hours
Convoy shelled, one Other Rank killed, 5 Other Ranks wounded, 3 Vehicle casualties.
1900 hours
Harboured in area NIJMEGEN at Map Ref. E 688600, Sheet 2A & 3A.

1944 September 27
-

Area Nijmegen

1944 September 28
Bombed by enemy aircraft, 3 Other Ranks wounded.

1944 September 29 - 30
-

 

Officer Field Returns

199975 Captain Temporary Major H G GOOD Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 21 Dec 1942 Yes Officer Commanding 10 Jul 1943

246069 Lieutenant Temporary Captain P R MACIVEN Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 6 Aug 1944 Yes E.M.E. 6 Aug 1944

262320 Lieutenant Temporary Captain A RENSHAW Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944 Yes E.M.E. 20 Mar 1944

295319 Lieutenant Temporary Captain D J HARTNELL Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943 Yes E.M.E. 8 Oct 1943

254850 Lieutenant Lieutenant D C GREIG Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 1 Jun 1943 Yes E.M.E. W/LESS 1 Jun 1943

308851 Lieutenant Lieutenant G CAMMIDGE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 31 Jul 1944 Yes E.M.E. 31 Jul 1944

315586 Lieutenant Lieutenant P B WHITE Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineeers 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944 Yes E.M.E. 17 Jun 1944

210125 Lieutenant Temporary Captain L J MANNING Royal Army Ordnance Corps 5th Guards Armoured Brigade Workshops, R.E.M.E. 12 Feb 1944 Yes O.O. 12 Feb 1944

 

1944 October 1 - 2
-

Area Nijmegen, E 690600

1944 October 3
2030 hours
Workshop area lightly shelled - no damage or casualties.

1944 October 4 - 12
-

1944 October 13
1100 hours
7 Officers and 7 Other Ranks attended 30 CORPS Commander’s Lecture at GRAVE Barracks (Lieutenant General HORROCKS)

1944 October 14
1030 hours
Visited by D.D.M.E. 30 CORPS (Colonel WEIR)

1944 October 15
-

1944 October 16
0030 hours
Workshop area shelled, one Other Rank wounded and one vehicle rendered ‘Z’ casualty.
1000 hours
E.M.E.s Conference held at Workshop location, presided by C.R.E.M.E.
Anti-Frost precautions and general work discussed.

1944 October 17 - 20
-

1944 October 21
-
Officer Field Returns

1944 October 22 - 31
-