War Diary: 102nd Anti Tank Regiment

Month and year: June 1944

The 102nd Anti Tank Regiment June 1944 war diary covers the units landing in Normandy and engaging enemy tanks advancing to area Bernieres Bocage.

National Archive Reference: WO 171/929

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Page 1 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
FIELD.	1		CO and IO in Camp B 8. Nothing to report, not yet loading. Due to leave for
			embarkation at 1500 hrs but postponed for 24 hrs at 0930.
	2	1600	Loading commences, Vehicles of the Tac HQ Party line up. Do not move past S.P.
			until 1730. Arrive at dock 1920 hrs and eventually commence loading at 0215 hrs 3rd Jun. CO watches local cricket match. Ship with Tac HQ on board moves
			out to new docks assembly point.
	3		A cold and dull day with promises of visits to NAAFI and baths ashore. Move off
			1930 and arrive 2130 South of CALSHOT. Many craft of all sorts in all directions.
	4		Sea very rough. Ships do not move. A Service is held in CO's ship by Ship's Captain,
			and General EISENHOWER's message read out. Possible move at 1245 cancelled as 'D' Day has been postponed 24 hrs.
	5	1315	Ships sail from SOUTHAMPTON although sea still rough. ROME has been captured by FIFTH and EIGHTH Armies. 50 percent of the troops are seasick.
	6		'D' DAY.
		0600	Land in sight. A mass of gunfire from our supporting craft. Very little from the shore.
		0800	Tac HQ ship hits a mine. The ship pulls out and it is decided to try again.
			On the second attempt another mine blows out the engines. The OC Troops decide to send off a Jeep which goes out of sight under the water. Many vehicles are drowned
			through foolishness,
		1130	CO's craft unloads at low tide. Almost dry landing.
		1200	CO meets Brigadier R.H. SENIOR, D.S.O. T.D., (Commanding 151 Infantry Bde) and GOC 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division (Major General D.A.H. GRAHAM, C.B.E.,
			D.S.O., M.C.,) at 895859.
		1230	CO goes to HQ 69 Bde (920859) to contact the Brigadier and Major G.W. DUNKERLEY, MC., (OC 99 A/TK Bty RA). I.O goes to Tac HQ 50 (Northumbrian) Division at MEUVAINES
			(890850).
		1500	I.O. meets Major G.R. BALFOUR, M.C. (OC 288 A/Tk Bty RA) who gives information that
			he has 4 x 15cwts, 1 X M.14, and 1 X Jeep drowned and 1 X M.10 with track blown off by a mine.

Page 2 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
FIELD,	6	1800	CO returns to Tac RHQ at MEUVAINES where RHQ M.14 and Signal Section Jeep and trailer join up.
		2200	Signal Section Humber netted on CRA's Link arrives. Lieutenants TONGUE and VAM BERGEN are wounded.
	7	0040	CO2 73 A/Tk Regiment R.A. (Major R. HEMEIRYKE, R.A.) reports to Tac RHQ to visit CO.
		0045	Regiment informed by HQ. ,RA., that 'D' Day phases will be completed and exploited during the day.
		0900	All objectives taken but those of 231 Inf Bde.
		1045	Lt. G.I.R. MILLIKEN reports to RHQ with Troop. M10 3". He has left 2 PORPOISE with 120 rds 3" M 10 am at 878852.
		1130	Mopping up in progress at BAYEUX.
		1215	Infantry being pushed back at 7782.
		1220	Enemy tanks reported on road ST LO - BAYEUX.
		1225	Enemy attack developing on SULLY (7682)
		1310	Fd Arty engage enemy tanks at SULLY.
		1325	Infantry hold on at SULLY.
		1400	"VOLGA". HQ RA move to 830813. Tac RHQ moves with them. CO 73rd A/TK Regiment RA visits CO.
		1700	Fighting in PORT EN BESSIN (7587).
		1705	Tac RHQ arrives at new location.
		1845	Major R. A. BARNETT, (OC 107 A/TK Bty RA) and Captain C.R. PAINE, R.A. report to Tac RHQ with 4 X 6 pdrs.
		2015	Lieutenants P.G. O'NEILL and C. PACKHAM report to Tac HQ with 2 X 6 pdr Troops. They are moving to CREPON (9083) to join 107 Bty.
		2115	107 Bty move up to relieve 288 Bty in 151 Bde area.
		2330	Capt. J. LESLIE (Technical Adjutant) reports to Tac HQ.
	8	0710	288 move off with 8 Armoured Bde.
		1050	Tank threat from NORTH WEST. 289 Bty move into position WEST of BAYEUX to meet it.
		1100	Lt. P.G. O'NELLI posted from 289 Bty to 99 Bty.

Page 3 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
FIELD,	8	1300	A further attack on SULLY.
		1500	Lieut. C.E.G. WRIDE reports to Tac HQ with one Troop M 10s.
		1530	CO2 (Major D.J. COWEN, R.A ) and RMO join Tac HQ.
		1630	Capt. W.A. BENSON R.A. reports to RHQ.
		2200	Confusion at SULLY. CO carries out recce of that area.
		2300	8th Armoured Bde reach railway at LOUCELLES (8773) and are held up.
	9	0810	CO2 returns to the beach.
		1000	8th Armoured Bde are making good progress. Information received that enemy tanks are being engaged and news is awaited of 288 Bty.
		1400	CO visits 107 Bty in BUSSY area(8077)
		1500	Capt. J.K. BOAG, R.A. lands and reports.
		1600	Pockets of tanks are reported all over the front.
		1700	Batteries of 73 A/TK Regiment R.A. (198 and 234 A/Tk Btys RA) are released from command of this Regiment and revert to their own.
		1800	Further reports of tanks.
		2000	Enemy tanks infiltrate into positions of 6 D.L.I. M.10 Troop of 289 Bty and also 234 Bty (73 A/Tk Regt RA) move to meet the threat. CO recce's the threatened
			area.
		2300	Situation in hand, 3 x Mk IV Special are out. One by 6 DLI 6 Pdr the remainder by 107 Bty. 107 Bty have 2 X M 10s out of action, one having hit a mine.
	10	0800	8th Armoured Bde reached ST. PIERRE (8568)
		0815	7th Armd Div move forward and reach BUCEELS. (8570)
		0900	CO visits 107 Bty (8077) and 289 Bty (BAYEUX).
		1500	288 Bty report that they are still in the hunt with 8th Armoured Bde.
		1600	Many fighter-bombers attack FONTENAY-LE-PESNEL (8767) in front of 8th Armd Bde.
		1800	Lt. J. MILLER reports to RHQ (930813) from 288 Bty. They claim 2 tanks and one SP gun K.O'd. Capt. J.C. GAYE wounded evacuated. 2 ORs killed and 8 wounded.
			2 X 6pdr guns and 2 X 3" mortar carriers lost.
		1800	Major R.A. BARNETT visits Tac HQ. 2 x M10s previously off the road are now in action.

Page 4 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field.	10	2200	Major Barnett informs CO that 234/73 A/Tk Regt RA wish to remove the Troop that is in support of 107 Bty, which cannot be spared. CO visits HQ 231 Bde and on return
			tells 107 Bty that the Troop of 234 Bty can go in the morning.
	11	0600	Major R.G. BROWNE-SWINBURNE, (B.C. 289 A/Tk Bty RA) visits Tac HQ and states that 231 Bde will be moving forward in the morning.
		1000	CO visits HQ 151 Bde (795786).
		1200	Capt. C.R. PAINE, from 107 Bty informs CO that 2 X 6 pdr Troops are being moved away and no one knows where.
		1500	CO attends conference at HQ. ,RA., (830813) Guns of 107 Bty are to take part in a party with Westminister Dragoons who are supposed to clear up ST ANDRE area. This
			information is given to Capt PAINE.
		1630	CO visits HQ 69 Bde (ST LEGER 860755).
		1640	1 x M 10 is delivered new and sent to 288 Bty.
		1645	A Major from 55th A/Tk Regt RA (49 Division) visits Tac HQ.
		1800	5 reinforcements arrive.
		2000	231 Bde are afraid of being over run by tanks. M 10 Tps of 107 and 289 Btys are moved back to BAYEUX SO that they may be sent in any direction.
		2200	289 Bty have one 6 pdr and carrier over run.
		2300	L/Sgt. HOWARD, B.E.M., has died of wounds.
		2330	107 Bty report that there is much activity in front. Major G.R. BALFOUR MC (OC 288 A/TK Bty RA) wounded and evacuated.
	12	0900	Major G.W. DUNKERLEY, MC (OC 99 A/Tk Bty RA) wounded and evacuated. One OR
			killed, one WO and one OR wounded. Capt. H.C. BRYANT assumes command of 99 Bty and Captain A.W. TRIPPIER MC assumes command of 288 Bty.
		1000	Major R.G. BROWNE-SWINBURNE visits RHQ.
		1600	Orders received that the Division will take up defensive positions on line BUCEELS - TRUNGAY. CO is ordered to recce minefield areas.
		1800	CO visits all fronts and sites mines.
		2300	Div will not take up defensive positions but will continue to advance.

Page 5 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
FIELD.	13	0200	Major R.A. Barnett to attend 151 Bde conference at 0700 hrs.
		0800	151 Bde conference cancelled.
		0900	7 Armoured Div reach VILLIERS BOCAGE (8157)
		1000	107 Bty send for CO. They are in trouble.
		1200	Capt. BOAG reports that 107 Bty has destroyed Mk IV Special, and think they have KO'd another.
		1400	Tac RHQ move with HQ 50 (Northumbrian) Division to 809755. Main RHQ REMAINS IN present location.
		1700	The expected attack has not taken place. It will be held tomorrow.
		1900	49 Inf Div to relieve 50th (Northurbrian) Division EAST of River SEULLES. As
			49 Div arty is not shore, 99 and 288 Btys are to come under their command.
		2000	CO visits HQ RA reference change over.
		2100	99 and 288 Btys to be relieved tonight. Quiet night.
		0700	D + 4 vehicles landed and join Main RHQ at SOMMERVIEU (830812). Main RHQ
			joins Tac RHQ at 809755.
		1000	A full scale attack by 151 Bde and 56 Bde is laid on objectives TILLY-SUR-SEULLES (8468) - LANGREVES (8068). 107 Bty is in support 151 Bde on right and 289 Bty
			will support 56 Bde on left. The attack is opened by 40 minutes bombing and one hour's barrage and concentrations.
		1100	The zero hour for the attack.
		1100	99 Bty and 288 Bty are to move into a rest area in area DUOY ST MARQUERITE (8573)
		1100	Capt. H.C. BRYANT and Capt. A.W. TRIPPIER, M.C., visit RHQ reference move into rest area.
		1300	99 Bty move into rest area less two troops which cannot be relieved until tonight.
		1200	Mk IV reported knocked out by 107 Bty.
		1600	Major R.G. BROWNE-SWINBURNE (OC 289 A/Tk Bty RA) wounded and evacuated. Capt, W.A. BENSON assumes command.
		1600	288 Bty report all back in rest area. During the day the attack continues but makes
			little progress. 9 Bn DLI reached LINGREVES but are heavily counter-attacked by Mk.VI tanks. They lose 4 X 6 pdrs and 107 Bty lose one.

Page 6 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field	14	1600	The situation looks bad for some time but is eventually relieved by 4/7 Dragoons (8 Armoured Bde) who attack the German tanks, destroy six, and force the remainder
			to withdraw.
	15	0900	CO visits HQ. ,RA.,
		1200	Capt. A.W. TRIPPIER, MC visits RHQ.
		1500	CO visits HQ,R.A.. 69 Bde are to attack tomorrow from LA BELLE EPINE. (7769) to
			LES ORAILLES (7666) - cross roads LE LION VERTE (795848), to try and work around the flank of German opposition. During the day 7 Armoured Div at VILLERS BOCAGE
			is attacked by 2 Pz Div and moves back to the high ground NORTH WEST of CAUMONT . CAUMONT itself is held by 1st U.S. Division. During the fighting considerable damage is
			inflicted on the enemy.
	16	0430	99 Bty leave the rest area to move up behind 69 Bde at LA BELLE EPINE (7769) in readiness for the attack.
		0500	Operational signal from HQ. ,RA., 69 Bde 'H' Hour is 0900 hrs. They advance with one Bn up.
		0800	W/T message from 99 Bty "they are on the way to their party with 69 Bde".
		0945	CO visits HQ. RA.,
		1420	CO visits HQ RA, The advance continues slowly with usual MG, mortar and sniping holding things up. The enemy continues to hold LONGRAYE (7866) on our left flank.
		1500	The last troop of 234/73 A/Tk Regt RA revert to 73 A/Tk Regiment. We have, however, a call upon it, and an LO joins Main RHQ for the purpose of contact.
		1600	Major R.A. Barnett visits the CO. During the day 4 officers and 12 ORs joined as
			reinforcements. Final dispositions of 69 Bde at the end of the day are 5 E Yorks 770660. 7 Green Howard 765685. 6 Green Howards 686669. Bty HQ 99 Bty 771695.
			107 Bty 818725. 288 Bty 856741. 289 Bty 780690. Nothing to report during the night.
	17		Today a further effort is to be made to capture TILLY SUR SEULLES. 1st Essex (56 Bde,attd 151 Bde are to attack from the North).
		1000	CO visits HQ 231 Bde (771713) and HQ 151 Bde (819725).

Page 7 of 15

Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
17	1245	CO visits 104 107 BTY at 818725.
	1500	CO visits HQRA. 288 Bty move forward to area LA SENAUDIERE (7769) and relieve 289 Bty which will return to the Echelon Area (808753) for maintenance -
		especially of M.10s.
	1700	A "flap" develops about the position of the Divs left flank where the attack
		on TILLY is proceeding. As a result 289 Bty is turned round on its way back to the Echelon and goes into "semi-action" at STE BAZIRE (828710).
		During the day the Infantry do not get into TILLY, but close to within 1000 yds, 6 DLI having moved EAST from area 8168. 10 DLI of 70 Bde, 49 Div capture STE
		PIERRE 8568.
		During the night 6 GREEN HOWARDS (69 Bde) move round the NORTH of LONGRAYE and establish themselves in area 795688.
18		The following promotions are authorised to fill vacancies created by casualties:- W/CAPT T.A. BENSON (29971) to be MAJOR. T/CAPT J.K. BOAG (87914) to be Major
		and is interposited to 99 BTY, W/LIEUT. G.I.R. MILLIKEN (177374) to be CAPT W/LIEUT. W.S. BRAMELD (256922) to be CAPT. W/LIEUT E.J. BONSALL (MM) (204840)
		to be CAPT and is interposted to 289 BTY.
	1200	Orders received that 198/73 A tk Regt RA which has been supporting 151 Bde with
		107 BTY, is to be replaced by 195/73 A tk Regt RA. i.e. the M.10 Bty goes and a 17-pr Bty moves in.
	1400	Information received that 7 Armd Div will attack from WEST - EAST tomorrow morning or tonight, from general area PARFOURE L'ECLINE (7563) to sweep behind the main
		enemy defences, believed to be along the road LE LION VERTE (7965) - HOTTOT (8265) - FONTENAY LE PESNEL (87667)
	1500	Information received that 6 DLI are astride the road South of TILLY. One 6-pr Tp 107 BTY is with them, 8 DLI move to area 818672 to guard their rear.
	1900	7 Armd Div will not now attack. 50 (NORTHUMBRIAN) Div will continue to push on towards HOTTOT and LE LION VERTE. The Infantry got more tired and the rate of progress decreased in proportion.

Page 8 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field.	18	2230	Major D.A.S. PINN (OC 198/73 A tk Regt RA.) calls to see CO. 9 DLI has sent a Coy
			to Cross Rds 832682 and are now afraid it will be chased by tanks. He has been asked to supply a section of guns, but this is no job for M.10s. CO directs that Major Pinn
			contacts Major Barnett (107 Bty) most of whose guns are with 1 ESSEX NORTH of TILLY, and that 107 BTY will supply the guns if possible. Otherwise - no guns. Major PINN also
			informs us that 107 BTY have knocked out a number of (unspecified) tanks. During the day 7 GREEN HOWARDS push on to LE LION VERTE.
		2300	Another flap at DIV, It is discovered that there is nothing left at LA SENAUDIERE and 289 BTY is required to move from 825718 to stop the gap. Some REs are promised as protection. No action
			is taken.
	19	0800	CO is called to visit CRA. During the night 7 GREEN HOWARDS are counter attacked and forced
			back to area 775660.
		0925	RA 50 (NORTHUMBRIAN) Div OO No 6 is received.
		1000	There is no report yet of yesterdays battle in which 107 A tk Bty RA are thought to have killed three tanks. IO arrives at RHQ from 288 BTY.
		1300	One Troop (M.10) 289 BTY moves to area LA SENAUDIERE (780690) and find that the REs have NOT arrived to protect them.
		1500	Captain G.I.R. MILLIKEN is killed in action.
		1820.	Major W.A. BENSON (OC 289 BTY) visits RHQ and receives orders from the CO that he will relieve 107 BTY tomorrow, all being well.
		1945	Major D.A.S. PINN (OC 198/73 A tk Regt RA) visits RHQ. This Bty is still under Command and has not been relieved by 195/73 A tk Regt RA.
		2230	Major R.A. BARNETT sees CO reference tomorrows change over.
			During the day 151 BDE with 107 A tk Bty RA in support captured TILLY. The town is completely wrecked after the constant attack and counter attack that has taken place through it.
			231 BDE advance and 1 DEVONS reach the outskirts of HOTTOT (8266). They are, however, pushed back about 500 yds, while the DORSETS on the right are held up in front of wood (809662) 288 BTY support
			this attack and lose one M.10 which "brews up" after being hit by an SP gun, 4 ORs are killed. 1 x is also hit and 1 X M 10 overturns in a ditch. One OR killed in this accident

Page 9 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field.	19		Final Locations :- RHQ - 807754: 99 Bty - 779691: 107 Bty - 822709 288 Bty - 797700: 289 Bty-825718:
	20	0830	I.O. (Lt. J.D. MARRIOTT) leaves RHQ to visit 107 Bty, 289 Bty, and 198 Bty. The relief of 107 Bty by 289 Bty will take place today. 107 Bty will go into action at rest at LA SENAUDIERE
			and the M 10 Troop of 289 Bty which is there will be withdrawn.
		0900	CO visits CRA.
		0915	LO is sent to 107 Bty.
		1500	Capt. C.R. PAINE visits RHQ and informs the CO2. that the relief of their Btys will not be complete until after dark and that the 6 pdr troops will not be out until about 1800 hrs.
		1600	Capt. W. TRIPPIER, MC. (Acting OC 288 Bty) visits RHQ.
		1800	107 Bty report the 6pdr Troop had be relieved and are LA SENAUDIERE.
		1815	CO visits CRA.
		2005	Major R.A. BARNETT (OC 107 Bty) visits RHQ.
		2030	Major. D.A.S. PINN visits RHQ.
			During the day very little activity takes place in the Divisional Font. An attack by 69 Bde which has been planned for tomorrow in the area of LONGRAYE (7866) in now
			postponed. 2 x 6 pdrs collected from Corps Vehicle Park, 1 issued to 288 Bty and 1 to 289 Bty). Final locations RHQ 807754 : 99 Bty 779691 : 107 Bty 798702 : 288 Bty 797700 : 289 Bty 822709.
	21	0900	CO visits HQ., RA. Main HQ 50 (Northumbrian) Division will move new location at BUTTE DE GROS ORME (795718) at 1430 hrs today.
		1030	Div Recce Party (including Adjutant (Capt C.S. SPENCE) as Regtl Rep,) move off to look at new area. Main Div and services get under cover, everyone else is left to
			fend for themselves out in the open.
		1430	HQ. ,RA., move to new location. LO moves with them.
		1500	CO leaves RHQ to visit Btys. 1530
		1530	Tac RHQ moves to new location at 792712.
		1740	Main RHQ moves to join Tac RHQ.
		1900	CO visits HQ. ,RA.
		1915	Capt A.W. TRIPPIER, MC, visits RHQ.
		2000	Capt. R.I. MASTERS, Commanding Regimental Echelon, visits RHQ and sees CO2.
			The Echelon will move into new area at 795725 tomorrow morning.

Page 10 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field.	21	2000	During the day there is little activity in the front. 5th EAST YORKS advance into wood 777860 during the day without opposition. 107 BTY send 50 percent of their personnel to
			get baths in BAYEUX, and in the evening send 20 men to an ENSA show at CINEMA MUNICIPALE ,BAYEUX. Locations. RHQ 792712 : 99 Bty 769692 : 107 Bty 798702 : 288 Bty 797700 :289 Bty 822709.
	22	0900	CO 73rd A/Tk Regiment visits CO. 73rd /Tk Regt RA are going to replace 198 Bty by 195 Bty (17 pdr Bty). As a result of this, a reshuffle of our guns will be necessary. 107 Bty
			will send its M 10 Troop in support of 231 Bde in place of 1 Troop 198 Bty at present in support. 195 Bty will deploy in the area 8071 8171 . 8271 .
		0930	CO visits HQ. RA,
		1030	IO visits all Btys to obtain traces of their gun positions.
		1145	CO visits 107 Bty.
		1500	CO visits HQ. RA.
		1845	OC 198 Bty (Major P.G. MURRY RA) reports to RHQ to say that his Bty is in action. His HQ is at 809715.
		2115	CO visits HQ. ,RA. During the day little occurs. The infantry both of ourselves and the enemy are quiet with only intermittent shelling and mortaring disturbing the peace.
			The weather improves greatly and air activity is resumed after a lull of 3 days. It is hoped that the fair weather will mean that unloading can again commence on the beaches.
			and that our D + 10 party will at last put in an appearance after lying in the bay for
			about a week. The gun situation is now that we are plus one 6 pdr and minus 2 x M 10s. Final locations - no change.
	23	1030	CO visits forward areas. He visits HQ 69 Bde and HQ 231 Bde. In the forthcoming battle 288 Bty, at present in support of 231 Bde, will be in support of 61 Recce Regt
			who have not yet got their guns ashore. The CO acquaints commander 231 Bde of this fact. CO also visits 2 SOUTH WALES BORDERERS who are taking up positions around
			LA SENAUDIERE and thus closing that gap in the line. A reshuffle of a.tk guns takes place
			The 2 S.W.B. a.tk. guns occupy the forward positions and the 6 pdrs of 107 + Bty rear positions., with one troop astride the road LA SENAUDIERE - BERNIERS BOCAGE.
		1130	CO2 and Adjt leave RHQ for tour of the RHU's to try and collect up some of our own sick.
			The attempt produces nothing but promises.
Field	23rd	1200	The 2 S.W.B's area in position at LA SENAUDIERE.
		1600	D + 10 vehicles and personnel arrive having been lying out in the bay for a week. With them comes Capt D.A. KOMROWER and 2/Lieut C.W. DETMAUR, who
			have joined the Residue at LARKHILL from X (ii) sick.
		1500	69 Bde demand the presence of the C.O. They are unhappy about what is and
			what is not under their command. The answer is nothing - 99 Bty is in support.
		1845	Major R.A. BARNETT calls at RHQ to see the C.O. During the day authority is obtained to effect the following promotions :-
			T/Capt D.A. KOMROWER R.A. to be Major (vice Maj. R.G. Browne-Swinburne ) WS/Lieut E.R. ROBERTS, R.A. to be Capt (vice Capt G.I.R. MILLIKEN)
			Major Komrower assumes command 288 Bty in place of Capt A.W. TRIPPIER, MC, RA who remains as Capt "G".
			The battle planned to commence at 0330 hrs tomorrow is postponed. Location - No change except :-
			HQ 107 Bty - 785692.
	24th	1130	C.O. visits 107 Bty.
		1300	C.O. 65th (N.Y.) A.Tk. Regiment, R.A. visits C.O.
		1500	Major R.I.G. TAYLOR, D.S.O. visits the regiment. Major TAYLOR was O.C. 288 Bty until joining 76 A.Tk. Regiment as C.O.2 before the battle of MARETH.
			He now commands a Bty in 21 A.TK. Regiment RA (Guards Armd Div) and has just landed.
		1600	5 reinforcements arrive at RHQ. They are so useless that they are returned to the reinforcement camp.
		1600	R.A. 50 (N) Div O.O. No. 7 received. This contains the orders for the 49 Div attack. This Div Arty is supporting 49 Div. 50 (N.) Div does little except
			conform to the movement of 49 Div.

Page 11 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Field	24th	2000	The Bty Comd of a H.A.A. Bty calls on the C.O. We are evidently to recce
			positions for him to put into action 4 x 3.7 H.A.A. guns in the area FOLLIOT (8171) which he will occupy in the event of a 'flap'.
		2035	Codeword 'BARRACUDA' received. The battle commences at 0415 hrs 25 JUNE 44
		2130	Major J.K. BOAG and Major R.A. BARNETT visit C.O.	44
			Locations - unchanged.
	25th	0415	Heavy gunfire marks the opening of 49 Inf Div attack.
		1030	Adjutant does to 205 Corps Reinforcement Camp to try and obtain some reinforcements. All that are finally collected are 3 Gnrs and 1 Sgt.
			There is nothing else that is worth the trouble of collection. Mainly a mixed bag of Sanitary Orderlies and Sgts Mess Waiters.
		1200	News received that 49 Div have reached their first objective - the road JUVIGNY - FONTENAY LE PESNEL (8767) although this latter village is not
			completely cleared of the enemy.
		1700	O.C. 195/73rd A.Tk. Regt RA visits RHQ.
		1710	C.O. leaves to visit Btys.
		2200	107 Bty commences to relieve 288 Bty. The 6-pr troops of 288 Bty go into
			action at LA SENAUDIERE. The M 10 tp which consists of 1 X M 10 will return to the Echelon where it will collect 3 X M 10s and reform and do
			training.
			During the day, the 151 Inf Bde moves slightly forward and at last light
			6 DLI are occupying positions just short of the road HOTTOT - JUVIGNY at 835669. 9 DLI have moved forward to MONTILLY 842676.
			By last light 49 Div (KOYLI) are at the NORTHERN end of TESSEL wood (8666) Locations:-
			RHQ - 792712
			99 Bty - 769692 107 Bty - 979700
			288 Bty - 788702 289 Bty 822709

Page 12 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Field	26th	0100	Reported by wireless that 107 Bty have relieved 288 Bty.
		1000	Major D.A. KOMROWER, visits RHQ. He reports that 2 X 6-pr guns in fwd positions have not yet been withdrawn.
		1430	C.O. visits HQRA and gives them
			(a) A protest about the reinforcement situation. (b) Some comments on the war in France to date.
		1500	C.O. visits Btys.
		1730	Adjutant again goes out to find reinforcements at 31 R.H.U.; he finds a draft of 59 gunners on their way to the regt. He promises to collect tomorrow
			but finds that out of the 59 only about 10 are of any use. 99 A.TK. Btys M 10s are withdrawn to their Echelon area for maintenance.
			The C.O. forwards a letter to HQRA on the subject of Divisional A. Tk. Tactics.	Appx
			During the day 288 Bty lose 1 X 6-pr hit by Mortar. 8 Corps attack to the EAST of 49 Div and by 1200 hrs have captured their
			first objective - CHEUX (9267) The weather is again bad - very wet.
			Locations - unchanged.
	27th	0830	Adjutant goes to 31 RHU to collect reinforcements. Out of 59 offered only 12 are accepted and of these 12, 5 are our own men back again. The
			standard of reinforcement is extraordinarily low.
		1400	C.O. visits HQRA
		1500	C.O. visits Btys
		1600	Major P.G. MURRAY RA (OC 195 A.TK. Bty) visits RHQ
		1700	6 Green Howards attack, their objective is Chateau at 805664. Although the infantry insist that they have taken this it is later discovered that
			in fact they have never actually got there although an advance is made. NORTHAMPTON YEOMANRY lose 11 tanks in the process, 8 on our own mines. A
			sharp lesson in the need for passing on of information.

Page 13 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field	27th		During the day 288 Bty have come into reserve, and have baths in BAYEUX; 40 men attend an ENSA show there in the evening.
			On our left flank 49 Div make slow progress. EAST of them, 8 CORPS open an attack which commences well.
			Locations - unchanged.
	28th	0830	Signal received from HQRA that an infantry reshuffle is to take place during the day. The boundary of the 7th Armd Div on our right flank is to move
			further EAST. As a result of this, one Bn of 69 Bde will move back and take up a position covering the LA SENAUDIERE Rd junc, being a gap in our lines
			covered by the reserve Bty of the regt, until recently, when S.W.B's of 56 Inf Bde (7 Armd Div) have been in position there.
		0900	Major D.A. KOMROWER visits RHQ
		1100	Capt OWEN (635 Tank Destroyer Bn U.S.Army.) visits RHQ. Capt OWEN was attached
			to us for a fortnight at NEWMARKET prior to the invasion and Major D.J. COWEN went to 635 T.D. Bn.
		1730	C.O. visits HQRA
		1800	Major J.K. BOAG calls.
		1930	Major W.A. BENSON visits RHQ
		2000	Major R.A. BARNETT visits RHQ
		2200	A 'scare' develops. The 49 Div on the left are forced back a few hundred
			yards from their advanced positions, Stories vary from a squadron of enemy tanks to two full panzer Divisions.
			During the day there has been little activity on our Divisional front. The infantry, having reshuffled, are now disposed in greater depth but no
			difference is made to the A.Tk. layout, although 107 Bty are moving their gun positions during the night. The gun area however, will remain unaltered.
			8 Corps have successfully crossed the R. ODON at 931630. The enemy is evidently concentrating to meet this threat. 2 SS Pz Div "DAS REICH" is moving

Page 14 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field	28th		up from the SW under air and A.A. cover to the area BRETTEVILLETTE (8864). Hence the 49 Div alarm.
			Nothing occurs through the night. Locations - unchanged.
	29th	0930	C.O. visits Btys.
		1100	C.O.2 55 (SY) A. Tk. Regiment RA visits RHQ to maintain contact. To date
			they have had almost no shooting. All the German AFVs appear to be on 50 Div front. Evidently 49 Div have reorganised themselves again.
		1200	C.O. visits 99 Bty and 288 Bty. A relief will take place tonight. 288 Bty will move from LA SENAUDIERE (7868) into support of 69 Bde
			with 2 X 6-pr tps. Their M 10 tp is still reforming in the Echelon area. 99 Bty will move back to LA SENAUDIERE area, one tp being relieved tonight
			and one tomorrow morning. Their M 10 tp moves up from the Echelon area this afternoon, where it has been maintaining, and will occupy a tp posn
			of 288 Bty. 1 X 6-pr tp will occupy a posn by the R AURE (775889) with the remaining troop in the high ground EAST of this.
		1215	OC 195/73 A. Tk. Regt visits RHQ. His Bty is in the same long-stop posn between BERNIERES BOCAGE and BUCEELS.
		1600	Again a quite day on the Divisional front. The 2 SS pz Div attack the flank of 8 Corps in the area 8990, attacking in a NE direction, but after making an
			initial penetration is driven back. Locations unchanged.
	30th	0030	Capt H.C. BRYANT reports to Adjutant that the relief goes according to plan, and without interference.
		1000	CO2 and I.O. visit 99 Bty at 785691 .
		1030	Major SCOTT, (635 Tank Destroyer Bn U.S. Army) calls, bringing American 1 Div locations and gifts of cigarettes.

Page 15 of 15

Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information
Field	30th	1045	C.O. visits Regtl Echelon.
		1130	Major J.K. BOAG and Major W.A. BENSON visit CO at RHQ
		1700	CO visits Btys.
		1800	Major R.A. BARNETT visits RHQ
		2015	250 Heavy Bombers of RAF pass over to attack concentrations of enemy AFVs at VILLERS BOCAGE.
		2130	CO visits HQRA.
			There is little activity on the Div front during the day. The remaining 6-pr tp of 99 Bty is relieved by 288 Bty during the morning and men from
			the Bty have baths at BAYEUX while 40 attend a Cinema show there in the evening.
			Locations :- R.H.Q. 793712 99 Bty 785692
			107 Bty - 793690 288 Bty - 779691
			289 Bty - 823705 Since D Day on 6 JUNE 44 the following casualties have been suffered by the
			Regt :- (a) Killed in action Lt G.I.R. MILLIKEN & 14 O.RS.
			(b) Died of Wounds : NIL & 1 O.R. (c) Missing : NIL & 1 O.R.
			(d) Wounded in Action ; Maj G.W. DUNKERLEY MC, MAj G.R. BALFOUR MC Maj RG BROWNE SWINBURNE. Capt JC GAYE,
			Lt. R VAN BERGEN, Lt. R.E. TONGUE & 42 ORs.
			Estimated bag of A.F.Vs : Killed 17, Wounded 14. Infuriated 41.

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War Diary: 102nd Anti Tank Regiment

Month and year: June 1944

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