National Archive Reference: WO 171/838
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Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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HURSLEY | 1-2 | Regt concentrated - all D Day vehicles at HURSLEY in C.13 CMP (Marshalling Area). D+2 to D+6 (ie A.A. & Recce Troop, A.2 Ech and Q.M. at C.22 at TOOTHILL, remainder at LARKHILL (Bustard Camp). | |
2 | 2230 | RHQ Tank Troop moved out of HURSLEY IN THEIR craft loads (ie C.Os and troop Ldrs tanks on one L.C.T. (2534) and 2 i/c and (I.O. on another craft (L.C.T. 2535) "B" & "C" loaded at STANSWOOD Bay on to their L.C.Ts "A" & RHQ were on mixed loads with parties from other units, of 68 InfBde. AMn & POL vehicles were loaded onto L.S.Ts to-day with Capt.Verdih (OC A.1 Ech) going over in a Scout Car on an L.C.T. Major I.G.Gill 'MC' (OC 'B' Ech) loaded onto LST. | |
SOUTHAMPTON | 3 | RHW & 'A' Sqn tanks loaded onto their L.C.Ts in the morning and the craft moored off STANSWOOD Bay. | |
4 | 24 hr postponement of D Day. | ||
5 | 12th Flotilla L.C.Ts (carrying 'B' & 'C' SqnDD Tanks i.e. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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SOUTHAMPTON | 5 | Sherman Mk V specially equipped for swimming with twin propellers and collapsible canvas sides (to give freeboard when afloat and prevent water coming actually on to the top of the tank) set sail in the morning and 51 Flotillla carrying 'A' & RHQ tanks set sail at 1230 hrs. D Day is to-morrow. H Hour (i.e. time of A.V.R.E. touching down) is 0725 hrs. Maps were dis- tributed on the craft and all informed of actual places of landing. As practised on all recent exercises 'B' Sqn were to come in on the right and support the 6 Green Howards in the assualt and 'C' Sqn on the left supporting the 5 E Yorks: 'A' Sqn coming in with RHQ at H+60 to support the 7 Green Howards. The sea was moderate to rough and all the craft were tossed about quite a bit. | |
LA RIVIERE | 6 | 0720 | 'B' & 'C' landed (being put right in by the L.C.Ts as the sea was too rough for DD) on the FRENCH coast on the beach running west from LA RIVIERE (on the coast line between CAEN & BAYEUX): |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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LA RIVIERE | 6 | 0720 | this is the spearhead of the 30 Corps assault with the Canadians on our left and Americans on our right. The assault went well and after some trouble in getting off the beach 'A' & 'C' pushed on with their infantry inland. Lieut.D.Mann and Lieut.W.M.A.Lewis were wounded by snipers in LA RIVIERE and Sgt.Vaughan of 'C' Sqn was killed while commanding his tank. |
0850 | 'A' & RHQ were all successfully brought in but two tanks of 'A' Sqn failed to get off the shore, one going into a large shell hole on the shore. The beach now was very crowded and narrow as the tide was rising but as yet we were not under fire, the enemy seeming to have been taken completely by surprise. Opposition met was from isolated pockets, platoon localities and snipers: the infantry worked closely with the tanks. | ||
7 | Early stand to at 0430 hrs. Move further South through CREULLY on to BRECY with 'A' Sqn leading. 69 InfBde were in front and |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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ST LEGER | 7 | the Regt met in position in the afternoon. 'C' Sqn carried out a recce of the ST LEGER feature and South to the Rly and saw no enemy except two 88 mm which knocked out two tanks, as a result of which Cpl Jones and his crew were wounded and Lieut.Wide evacuated his tank with the turret crew after engaging the 88mm After he was hit he and his turret crew got out and managed to return to the Sqn. The Regt harboured at BRECY getting in in good time. An unfortunate accident occurred in the harbour when Lieut.R.D.Hancock (RHQ Tank Troop Ldr) was killed and the Signals Offr badly wounded by one of our own tank Brownings. | |
8 | The C.O. attended early conference at BdeHQ plan for the day being for the mobile column leaving on two routes to high ground further South to VILLERS BROCAGE. 24 Lancers and elements of supporting arms (inf and gunners) as defence guard, 4/7 D.G. moving of rear BdeHQ on right route. The column made position |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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LOUCELLES | 8 | in the afternoon in the LOUCELLES area, Heavy mortar fire being encountered just North of the rly when the tanks came out of a narrow valley on to the more open low-lying country. In the evening the Regt harboured with the BdeHQ on high ground just North of LOUCELLES. | |
9 | A good nights rest has by all except slightly disturbed by mortar fire. Left harbour at LOUCELLES. Moves South to take feature Point 103 at which point the S.R.Y. had reached previously. "A" & "C" Sqns made a pincer movement on the village AUDRIEU and knocked out on SP gun. "B" and RHQ moving to selected harbour area on the East side of point 103. This feature dominated the ground South, SE and SW and on arrival there, there was a battle going on in which the gunners were playing a big and successful part. "A" Sqn destroyed one Tiger at long range with HE. The harbour area came under mortar fire and an enemy tank was seen to the East |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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9 | of the locality and the Regt was then drawn over the center of the feature placed in watching position for the night. "C" Sqn Had two personnel wounded by mortar fire. The Regt now had some 39 tanks fit for war and it had suffered the following casualties in personnel: Officers Killed 2, Wounded 6, Missing Nil, and O.Rs Killed 8, Wounded 17, Missing 7. | ||
10 | The position was subjected to mortar fire by the enemy all night. No casualties were inflicted. The Regt stood to at 0430 hrs and as soon as daylight came an enemy counter-attack developed from the South and SW. The 8 D.L.I. responsible for the perimeter on this side were in danger of being overrun but the BdeComd, who handled the battle with confidence brought the Sqn of the S.R.Y. round the enemy's left flank just in time and many casualties were inflicted on the enemy who were beaten off. The Regt did not have a major engagement itself in this battle but all three Sqns played |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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AUDRIEU | 10 | their part in supporting the Infantry defending the perimeter. Great importance was attached to this feature by Higher Formation and the Bde did very well in retaining it in no uncertain manner. In the evening all was quite. 24 L moved a Sqn SW to ST PIERRE to clear up that village and this Regt provided patrols in the even- ing to the East of Point 103. | |
11 | The morning was quite except for occasional mortaring. In the afternoon the Regt supported an attack by the 6 Green Howards on CRISTOT, a village about a mile to the East of Point 103, with the intention of gaining position of Point 102, another domin- ating feature. Prior to this attack "B" Sqn and the C.Os in his tank, made a recce in force of the approaches to the village and point 102, and met considerable opposition from hidden snipers and machine gunners who seemed to be in every hedge. However there were no casualties to us. For the attack the Infantry went in |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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CRISTOT | 11 | two Coys up with "B" Sqn supporting on the right and "C" Sqn on the left. The Infantry crossed start line at 1720 hrs and soon met opposition in the way of machine gunners and snipers. The country was very close for tanks and long close and thick hedges made it impossible to see the enemy who inflicted severe casualties on the Infantry. A very sticky time. The left hand Sqn reached the objective but the infantry could not get in further than the outskirts of the village and had to withdraw after a lot of cas- ualties. "B" Sqn on the right got into the outskirts of the village but bumped into anti-tank guns and lost 7 tanks and casualties which included "B" Sqn2 i/c (Capt R.J.F.Abel) and Lieut.G.G.R.Moore. About 2030 there was a threat from enemy tanks in the SW. These tanks were numbered about 9 and were Tigers and Mk.IVs. They approached Point 103 feature and started to shoot it up and this caused apparently, considerable |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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CRISTOT | 11 | disorganisation among those there and a number of casualties to other units occurred. Tanks then moved off Eastwards and as darkness began to fall one was seen moving from out Artillery barrage, going in the direction of CRITOT with out Infantry and two carriers all on the same road. The Regt after this unsuccessful evening returned to Point 103. When attack by Green Howards had failed our fwdtrp were withdrawn after Green Howards had come back to S.P.C.O. of Green Howards asked if we could try to help wounded to get out from fwd positions and also others who were pinned down. 2 i/c was unable to get wireless touch for covering fire so took Blenhein back alone to where wounded were. As he got there three Germans fired from about 50 yds range, and he used his Sten from the turret, accounting for one of them. He and his gunner then dismounted and loaded wounded on to tank, the dead body of C.O. of 5 E.Yorks and also some unwounded men who had not |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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CRISTOT | 11 | been unable to move until the arrival of the tank, being pinned down. As he got back into the turret two more Germans raised themselves on the bank as if to fire. A quick burst of Sten was put down and subsequently kept up as the tank withdrew. (The turret could not be traversed on account of the wounded on the outside). All the men aboard were brought safely back and this action also enabled another 15 men to get away who would otherwise not have been able to move. The M.O. (Capt.S.C.H. Hood) did particular brave and noble work in helping to deal with the numerous casualties. | |
12 | Little to report except patrol activity during the day. In the evening the Regt moved out to go for a rest in harbour near a farm about two miles South of BAYEUX. The move was done by night along considerably dusty roads. | ||
13 | Late reveille. Morning spent in the cleaning up and reorganising. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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13 | Unexpectedly the Regt was called upon in the afternoon to go to support 6 and 9 D.L.I. (151 Bde) in an attack on the high ground dominating TILLY SUR SEULLES. Once again the country was very close and not suitable for tanks especially on the left flank where "C" Sqn operated. The attack was successful on the village of MARCEL but "C" Sqn lost one tank and three O.Rs taken pris- oner. "B" Sqn did not participate in this attack and were allowed to take a well earned rest. 10 more tanks and crews came up from Dely Sqn. "A" and "C" Sqns withdrew from the positions gained at about 2200 hrs and returned to the old harbour. | ||
14 | "C" Sqn were given a holiday. "A" and "B" (and of course RHQ) moved out at 0930 hrs and joined the 151 Bde again in the two- phase attack with the objective of capturing the HOTTOT. feature and the village about one and half miles SE of TILLY. The attack |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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HOTTO | 14 | was well supported by Artillery and RAF preparations. "A" Sqn were on the right with the 9 D.L.I. and "B" Sqn on the left with 6 D.L.I. After Strenuous fighting in which "B" Sqn lost 5 tanks and following casualties: killed 5, wounded 3 and missing 4. Phase I i.e. attainment of the line of the road East - West through LINGEVRES was complete at about 1400 hrs. The infantry dug in in the position. Phase II was not continued with. "A" Sqn operating on the right flank had a wonderful day and knocked out 5 Panthers one anti-tank gun and one half-track and captured intact one 'Peoples Car' and one half-track which were brought back for use in the Regt. Sgt. Harris was responsible for 4 Panthers and Capt Stirling for one. It was a great sight to see all these enemy Panthers burning in a row. "A" and "B" Sqns with drew from the positions gained by the Infantry to harbour at BAYEUX leaving troops to keep the Infantry company for the night. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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15 | Complete day of rest for "A", "B" and HQ. No attacking was done by 50 Div and "C" Sqn undertook responsibility of supporting for the 151 Bde in their front. | ||
16 | "C" Sqn relieved "B" Sqn of their duties at 151 Bde and local defence South of LINGEVRES was made otherwise the day was quite. | ||
17 | 8 ArmdBde less 4/7 D.G. came under comd of 49 Div at 1000 hrs. The Regt remained in mobile reserve with 50 Div. In the after- noon the Regt less "C" Sqn (who were in support of 151 Bde just West of LINGEVRES) supported an attack on TILLY SUR SEULLES. "A" Sqn were in support of the Essex Regt and 6 D.L.I. and at 1615 hrs sent a patrol round the right flank of TILLY. Attack due to commence with Artillery barrage at 1600 hrs. Things went slowly to start with, but the enemy put down a little shell fire on the road leading to TILLY, from the North. Infantry were held up along a line 1/4 - 1/2 mile North of the town those on the right |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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17 | flank getting abreast of the town i.e. 6 D.L.I. Progress was extremely slow owing to Spandau and snipers fire, and "A" Sqn had one tank with a track blown off on a mine. At 2100 hrs the Infantry commenced digging in and consolidating their positions just North and West of TILLY. RHQ had been at SUCEELS during this battle. "C" Sqn on the right with the 6 Green Howards made a successful local defence South of LINGEVRES to area Point 113. The Recce Tp section with "C" Sqn lost their tanks and one driver missing. | ||
2230 | RHQ and "B" Sqn, who had been in reserve, withdrew to harbour about a mile North of BUCEELS and spent a quite night. | ||
18 | The C.O. attended a conference at 151 BdeHQ at 0900 hrs when plans for further attack on TILLY were laid on for the afternoon. "B" Sqn took over "A" Sqns position in support of the Essex and 6 D.L.I. at 1200 hrs. The day was extremely wet making observ- ation by tank gunners very difficult. Attack commenced at 1500 |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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18 | hrs. "B" Sqn supported 6 D.L.I. 1520 hrs leading elements of 6 D.L.I. reached line half a mile NE of TILLY their objective being the high ground South of TILLY at MONTILLY. Enemy tanks were reported West of MONTILLY (although ST PIERRE the next village to the West is in 49 Div's hands). | ||
1600 | "A" Sqn who had one Tp with the Essex in the West on the road to TILLY, sent two Tps to help "B" Sqn and although country was extremely difficult for tanks and the objective partly surrounded by a natural anti-tank obstacle, Two Tps of "A" Sqn and "B" Sqn succeeded by 1615 hrs in getting onto the objective and making a firm base. "B" Sqn had two tanks hit, which were recovered, and knocked out one PzKW IV. Prisoners taken from the 7 Bn 901 Panzer Grenadiers said that his Coy had suffered very many casualties during the last two days. Two other prisoners were taken by "B" Sqn and stated that they had just returned from leave!!! RHQ (consisting of the C.Os and |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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18 | Sgt.Porter's tanks) stayed throughout the battle by the 151 BdeHQ near the main road running South into TILLY. TILLY itself was only partly taken by the Essex. The Infantry consolidated their positions and the tanks were withdrawn to the harbour North of BUCEELS as darkness fell. "C" Sqn remained out in the area West of LINGEVRES with 69 Bde. The A.1 Ech ammunition and petrol vehs made a perilous but successful journey to "A" and "B" Sqns in the evening and refilled them in the TILLY area. The following message was received from the Brigadier during the day. "The Corps Comdr visited the Bde this morning and asked me to tell you how very pleased he was with the Bde and how he congratulates them on the tremendous efforts they have made and the excellent results they have achieved. He stressed how well the general landing operation had gone and how pleased both the Prime Minister and General Montgomery were with the situation". |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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19 | "C" Sqn remained with 69 Bde and had a quite day. "B" Sqn to-day supported the 231 Bde in the afternoon (2 Devons, 1 Hants and 1 Dorsets) in an advance half a mile to the South of LINGEVRES. For the first time the tanks were not called for by the Infantry Brigadier in impossible or unnecessary tasks, the country again being close and most unsuitable for tanks. The infantry using their own Anti-tank weapons claimed 4 enemy tanks, believed to be Tigers. "B" Sqn did not have much of a shoot and were largely occupied in getting themselves into proper positions to meet enemy tank threats which was very difficult. Up to 1600 hrs there was tremendous Artillery support (the whole Corps artillery being available) and the 2 Devons successfully made their object- ive. Unfortunately the C.O. of the 1 Dorsets (Lt.Col.Norris) was wounded. "B" Sqn remained in mobile reserve to the Bde just behind the Infantry until darkness and then returned to the Regt's |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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19 | new home at a farm in FOLLIOT (near JURUSALEM about 4 miles South of BAYEUX). "C" Sqn also returned to Regtl harbour, getting in after dark. | ||
20 | The Regt is now mobile reserve to the 50 Div and spent a quite day in harbour at FOLLIOT, A.q Ech also being here. "A" and "C" Sqn LdrLdrs (Major Goldsmid and Major Bell) attended conference with the 6 Green Howards and 5 E Yorks at the 69 Bde concerning proposed attack on ONCHY and LONGRAYE which is to take place on the 22nd. | ||
21 | Owing to the inclemental weather not much unloading is being done on the beaches and aircraft are mainly grounded and the 69 Bde attack was postponed. The Regt received orders to send on Sqn to 49 Div on the 23 June leaving two with 50 Div and RHQ. Lieut.W.Davies promoted to Capt vice Capt. Abel who was killed at CRITOT on 11-6-44 |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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FOLLIOT | 22 | The Adjt attended conference at Bde to discuss reinforcements in tanks and personnel. At the moment Sqn tank strength are as follows: "A" - 14, "B" - 14, "C" 16, HQ - 4 (this includes 5 17-pdr Shermans in "A" Sqn). | |
23 | Another quite day resting.Orders received from 50 Div for the Regt less one Sqn ("B" Sqn) to come under command 49 InfDiv with effect from 1200 hrs, 24th. "B" Sqn are to remain 50 Div for the forth coming operation. Details given below. 2nd/Lt Shepperson and 2nd/Lt Simmonds arrived and were posted to "B" Sqn reinforcements. Ly-Col. L.E.Misa, D.S.)., and Col.G.E. de Pass, D.S.O., called in the evening. A present of 10 cigarettes per man was received from General Montgomery. In his letter the C-in-C said: "Tour chaps have done, and are doing, very well. Tell them from me that I am delighted with 50 Div". | ||
24 | Again quite. Two or three Boche planes were seen through normally |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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FOLLIOT | 24 | the only planes in the sky are our own. The gunners near here put up a terrific barrage in the evening believed to be counter-battery work. There was no enemy shelling in reply. One extra Firefly and four more 75mm Shermans and 2 Homeys arrived from the Fwd.Del.Sqn. The C.O. held a SqnLdrs conference at 1200 hrs and issued detail for the forthcoming operation 'Dauntless.' | |
25 | The following letter was received from HQ, 69 InfBde to-day "Dear Byron, I feel I must write to you about the magnificent help the 69 BdeGp received from your regiment on D Day. From the moment we got together for the lengthy planning for the assault landing I personally felt, and I know my COs did also, that we should be a happy and useful combination and so it has proved. The fact that the Bde broke through the beach defences and gained its objectives eleven miles inline by 12 noon on D plus 1 was very largely due to the first class co-operation between you |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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FOLLIOT | 25 | Sqn and Tp Comds and their opposite numbers in the 5 E Yorks, 6 and 7 Green Howards. Our comparatively light casualties were also due to the magnificent way your gun numbers dealt with the numerous Spandaus and their crews encountered in the many engagements from the beach to ST. LEGER. I think all ranks of your regt already know every officer and man of this Bde thinks of the 4/7 Dgnd but in case there is any doubt, I should be grateful if you could convey to them out appreciation of their very gallant work with this Bde. Our great hope is that your chaps will again be with us in our future scraps with the Hun. Yours ever, F.C.Knox, Brigadier." To-day "B" Sqn continued under command 50 Div and shot up one Mk.IV. Remainder of the Regt took part in Corps attack on the FONTENAY-TESSELL-RAURAY area. The Regt was in Div reserve and remained hidden up behind Point 103. Corps plan shortly was as follows: On D Day (25th June) |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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TESSEL | 25 | 49 Div were to push South to Capture TESSELL wood enabling 50 Div on the right to advance to GRANVILLE and St. VAAST. D plus 1 15 Scottish Div were to capture the CHEUX feature to the East of TESSEL wood following which 49 Div were to push further South to VENDES and MONTS, the Regt being given the role, with the 12 K.R.R.C. of watching roads to the west. | |
26 | The following Special Order of the Day by Maj.Gen. E.H.Barker CB, CBE, DSO, MC was received from the Comdr 49th (West Riding) InfDiv. "Yesterday the 49 (WR) Div was given the task of making the first break in the German defences which, owing to delay imposed on us by weather conditions, he had had time to strengthen considerably. We had in front of us a difficult position and it was held by some of the best German Troops of 12 SS Pz Div. The result was the success we expected, but the fact that it was a success was due to the magnificent spirit, efficiency and fighting |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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TESSEL | 26 | qualities of the commanders and troops tat took part. I send them all my congratulations and heartfelt thanks for the part they have played sp successfully. I am thankful to know that such a small proportion of casualties were killed, especially in the 11 RSF which had such bitter fighting in FONTENAY. The infantry bore the brunt of the fighting and have excelled themselves, but success could not have been achieved without the excellent support of the 8 ArmdBde and the Arty of the Div. The administration in the rear both as regards to dumping vast quantities of ammunition and the evacuation of casualties has been equally excellent. The 49 Div has now proved itself in battle against a tough and experienced enemy and results auger well for its future fortunes. Again my congratulations and good luck. E.H.Barker, Maj.Gen, Comd 49 Div". |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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26 | The Regiment was in support of 49 Div in operation from Tessel wood to Rauray. Plan Div appeared unsatisfactory and operating in extremely bad country we had a very bad day and could not get on. Sqns being held up on the River line East of Tessel. "C" Sqn losing 4 tanks to 2 Tigers and Panthers holding the crossing. The Regiment returned to Pt.103 in the evening. | ||
27 | Sqns were disposed in Area Pt.103 in case of enemy counter attack, and the whole regiment moved in the evening to Pt.102 to the East of pt.103. This was the dominating feature over which the battle had been waged and was a filthy area to harbour in. The Commanding Officer held O Group 2300 hrs, in pouring rain. | ||
28 | "A" & "B" Sqns, moved out early to support the D.L.I. and Tynes Scots in an attack on to Rauray. RHQ joining the battle HQ of the D.L.I. at the start line (a warm spot). The Infantry with out support got on to the feature Brettevillette. The |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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28 | Regiment harboured for the night North of Fontenay le pesnil near St.Nicholas farm. | ||
29 | Support of Infantry in Rauray area continued. In the evening RHQ's area was shot up and later smoked off by our own armour (Churchills who were on our left) and they treated "B" Sqn, likewise until Captain W.Davies was sent hurriedly over in a Jeep to stop the performance. | ||
30 | The Regiment withdrew into reserve at Les Haut Vents with orders for an immediate move to Pt.102 if the enemy counter attacked. It is known to-day that the whole of the available German Armour (parts of 9 Pz Div) is now on the British front. "B" Sqn, remained in close support of the 10th D.L.I. in the Rearay area, no attack developing on their front. Lieut.J.H.G.Ford who had been liaising with the 7 R.T.R. who were on our right went down South of Cheaux with Battalion |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
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30 | before returning to the regiment in his A/A Crusader. The following message was received from Commander 30 Corps: "Personal for Commander 49 Div from Commander 30 Corps (.) Please convey to all officers and men my heartiest congratulations at the splendid way in which 49 Div and 8 Armd. Bde have fought forward grimly and determinedly over beastly country against the stiffest opposition of the best German forces (.) You now occupy the key position of the Second Army front and I am completely confident that you will hold it against the severest Boche counter blows. The hottest part of the struggle is brewing and I know you will play a furious and glorious part in a shattering defeat of the best German armies. Well done 49 I am proud to have you with me again. |