23rd Hussars War Diary: July 1944
The 23rd Hussars July 1944 War Diary covers the unit’s operations in Normandy during the continued Allied advance following the D-Day landings. Beginning the month in harbour near Putot-en-Bessin, the regiment took part in defensive and counter-attack roles north of Rauray before moving east across the River Orne to support operations around Grentheville, Caen, and Demouville. Heavy fighting during this period resulted in significant casualties, including the loss of several officers and other ranks. Later in the month, the regiment advanced west towards Caumont and Sept Vents, supporting infantry units such as the 3rd Mons and capturing enemy guns and armour. By the end of July, the 23rd Hussars had destroyed several German tanks, self-propelled guns, and aircraft, though they also suffered the loss of 14 Shermans. The diary reflects a month of intense action and movement as the regiment helped push the front line south through Normandy.
National Archive Reference: WO 171/847
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War diaries that reference this unit
The 23rd Hussars are mentioned in 2 other war diaries from July 1944.
War diaries referenced here
This diary mentions 2 units with war diaries for July 1944.
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANCE | 1- 7 | Harbour in area PUTOT-en-BESSIN, 1 OR killed 5 Jul. Received 15 Shermans, 1 Stuart. | |
| 8 | Relieve 4 CLY in counter-attack role NORTH of RAURAY under command 12 Corps. | ||
| Remained there until 14 Jul - very occasional shelling and mortaring. | |||
| 15 | Rejoined A Ech area CULLY. 3 Shermans, 2 Carriers S & C received. | ||
| 17 | 0100 | F and A.1 echs moved to harbour WEST of R. ORNE, | |
| 2300 | Moved across R. ORNE. | ||
| 18 | 0740 | Adv behind 2 FF Yeo | |
| 1120 | A Sqn engaged from area DEMOUVILLE, | ||
| 1230 | Action broken off and adv continued. | ||
| 1430 | Move fwd in sp 2 FF Yeo NORTH of SOLIERS. RHQ area of GRENTHEVILLE, | ||
| 1800 | Withdrew to cover of rly embankment GRENTHEVILLE, 11 ORs killed, | ||
| Major SEYMOUR, Capt. JONES, Lt. COCHRANE and 30 ORs wounded, Major SHEBBEARE, Lt. PRATT and 6 ORs missing. | |||
| 19 | In reserve behind rly. Lt. ADDISON and 1 OR wounded, 1 OR missing | ||
| 1700 | Attacked by approx 30 FW 190s - 1 shot down | ||
| 2030 | Harbour just SE of CAEN. | ||
| 20 | 0530 | B Sqn fwd in sp of 159 Inf Bde area BRAS. | |
| 1145 | Move to DEMOUVILLE, A and A.1 echs rejoined. 1 OR killed, Capt. WALTER and 1 OR wounded, | ||
| 21 | Harbour DEMOUVILLE, Heavy rain. 1 M/C received. |
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANCE | 22 | 0630 | Moved to harbour area ST GERMAIN DES BLANCHES HERBES where stayed until |
| 28 Jul. 20 Shermans received. 3 Crusaders to 58 LAA Regt. 2 Stuarts to 44 RTR 4 Carriers S & C to 8 Corps OFP. | |||
| 29 | 0100 | Moved to area CAUMONT. Harbour SOUTH of FOULOGNES 6570. | |
| 30 | 0300 | Adv carrying 3 Mons on tanks. | |
| 1100 | Held up by Inf and mines just NORTH of SEPT VENTS. | ||
| 1200 | Adv to ST JEAN DES ESSARTIERS, Two 88 mms captured. | ||
| 31 | 0200 | Harbour | |
| 1400 | Adv by ST MARTIN DES BESACES, FORET L'EVEQUE, LA FERRIERS. 'B' Sqn leading captured two 105 mm guns X rds 6345. 'B' Sqn cross R. SOULEUVE at 1800 hrs. | ||
| followed by 'C', RHQ, 'A'. | |||
| Own vehs lost by enemy action during Jul :- 14 Shermans, 1 M/c. | |||
| Enemy vehs (Minimum losses) : Destroyed K.O 2 2 Tigers 1 Panther | |||
| 8 Panthers 2 105 mm guns 2 SPs | |||
| 1 Messerschmidt 109 1 F. W. 190 |
Units Referencing the 23rd Hussars
The following units mention the 23rd Hussars in their war diaries from July 1944:
Units Referenced in this war diary
The following units are mention in this war diary and have their own July 1944 war diary
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