-3-

(one per troop). In battle formation these LCTs sailed in two rows of three, the second sailing about 200 yards behind the leading one. This formation was found to give the most satisfactory spread of shot, and proved to be the easiest to control.

10. The troop deployed in its LCT by sections. No trouble was experienced from two guns firing over the heads of the forward guns. Loading and unloading of equipment on one off LCTs needed considerable practice. Although loading could be done without undue hurry, the guns had to be backed on to the LCT which was quite a ticklish job. Unloading was of paramount importance not only because the guns were wanted at once but because the LCT had to get off the beech as soon as possible.

11. B. Communications
A Regimental wireless net was used connecting the CO, BCs, OP parties and GPOs, the Regimental FOO responsible for adjustment of fire during run in, and the RA officer aboard the control ML (see (d) below).

12. The BCs and OPs used No 18 sets, until their OP vehicles arrived at a RV after landing. The GPOs used their normal No 19 sets with a remote control during the run in. This layout ensured that there was no break in communications during the landing operations, and as soon as the guns and OP were established on shore fire support could be given at once.

13. GPOs controlled the fire of the guns during the run in by TANNOY sets. On landing the guns switched to R/T and fire orders were passed on the B set of No 19 set.


(Archive transcripts © Copyright Normandy War Guide)

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Archive: 50 Div: The Artillery Story, 1943 - 1944

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