National Archive Reference: WO 171/867
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Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
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PLACE | DATE | TIME | SUMMARY OF EVENTS | X |
CAUMONT | 1 | "B" Sqn was placed under Comd of 1/6 Queens and "C" Sqn under 1/5 Queens. "A" Sqn being in reserve. | ||
0900 | Bde attacked from area BENNEVILLE MR 7554 1/5 Queens Group left directed on BREUIL, 1/6 Queens Group right directed on MANPIED 7651. All went well but 1/5 Queens found themselves unable to establish themselves on the BREUIL feature. It was decided to pass the 1 R Tks through who, although suffering casualties succeeded in forcing the enemy to withdraw. | |||
2 | Regt switched to Comd of 22 Armd Bde and a further plan made to attack the BREUIL feature with the 1/6 Queens and then to pass the Regt through, directed on to AUNAY-SUR-ODON. RHQ was 1 mile S of CAHANGES and after a quick exchange of fire mostly from "A" Sqn 37 PsW were collected from nearby hedgerows. Casualties - Cfn Tedder (LAD) - Wounded. Enemy 37 Psw. | |||
CAHANGES | 3 | At first light the Regt left the area 7455 and passing through the 1/6 Queens made for the high ground at Pt 138 8151 which overlooked the AUNAY - VILLIERS road "A" Sqn almost immediately overran 40 Psw. A fairly heavy mist which had persisted, lifted, and when it had been hoped that it would be a cover | ||
0830 | from the high ground in the S, none existed and the Regt was under observation the rest of the day. "A" Sqn made very good progress towards Pt 138 as far as LA LANDE and COURCELLES. "C" Sqn was protecting the left flank and were stationary in a position 400 yds S of ST GEORGES DE L 'AUNAY. Both Sqns having contacted the enemy 3 Tp in "A" Sqn in LA LANDE got the better of a head on encounter with a MkIV but enemy inf forced them to withdraw from the rlwy bridge. 4TP and reached Pt 138 where they commenced shelling the road. The enemy re-acted quickly by heavy and accurate shelling on 4 Tp's position AP was also reported. | |||
1130 | "B" Sqn passed through "A" with the intention of recapturing Pt 138 and deal with any opposition there. | |||
1300 | Enemy opposition in LA LANDE had increased considerably and several tks were seen and engaged. 3 Tp "A" Sqn KO'd 2 Mk IVs for the loss of 2 Cromwells despite the fact that one tk had a broken cocking lever on the 75 mm gun at a range of 200 yds. | |||
PLACE | DATE | TIME | SUMMARY OF EVENTS | |
3 | 2 Tp followed with an action against 3 Mk IVs and 1 MkV at a range of 1000 yds 1 Cromwell was lost, also a Challenger who through lack of opportunity had not been able to T & A sights with a result that all three shots fired, missed. RHQ remained with 1/6 Queens with whom no supporting plans had been made as this was considered a firm base and it appeared to be the case of Armour looking after itself and getting established 1 1/2 miles E of the Queens FDLs. As all moves were under observation, the effect of a sudden attack with concentrated gun and mortar fire against the A/tk screen of 1/6 Queens was to KO 50% of them. Following the bombardment a sudden counter attack by the enemy Bn strength supported by 6 tks from BASSIEUX had the effect of over-running 2 Coys of the Queens and cutting off "A" and "B" Sqns from RHQ. Meanwhile 2 or 3 enemy tks together with infantry opened up on "C" Sqn, from the area ST GEORGES and 5 more tks attacked "A" and "B" Sqns inflicting casualties, who then made for the only cover available at 805520 with the intention of making one composite Sqn of the two. Meanwhile "C" Sqn and RHQ got into position to support 1/6 Queens BHQ and so prevent them being over-run at the same time covering the area S of ST GEORGES. The attack was stopped 800 - 1500 yds short of the 1/6 BHQ and a strong point made out of the tks and inf. "A" Sqn of 8Hussars came up and took over the front S of ST GEORGES. The enemy had now reinforced the ring round "A" and "B" Sqns though one tp had been extricated by means of a smoke screen and rejoined RHQ. Several attempts to break through were frustrated before dark, but during darkness after leaguer had been attacked by Bazookas Maj Macdonald gave the order to break out and make for the W. 9 tks out of the 12 succeeded in rejoining RHQ, Maj Thomson being wounded. Casualties - Killed - Lt R.Heynes, SSM Knight, Sjt Cornish, Sjt Nuttall, Tprs Morriss, Butler and Palmer A. Wounded- Lt E.B.Abram, Lt B.K.Pearson 2/Lt Feaver : 2/Lt Smith D SSM Greenslade, Sjts Solomen,Babbage, Gordon, Cpl Hyde L/Cpls Pett, Brown, Marshall, Tprs Reid, Richardson, Trewick, Beattie, Harland, MacIntyre, Dootson, Goodman, Marshall, Perkins. Sjt Lissiemore. Missing - Cpl Greehalgh, Tprs Brown D, Bruce, Dyson, Hewins, Hewson, Pocock, and Wood J. Losses Own - 7 Cromwells Enemy- 3 MkIVs, 40 Psw and many unconfirmed losses. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
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PLACE | DATE | TIME | SUMMARY OF EVENTS | |
BREUIL | 4 | 8 Hussars relieved the Regt which went into reserve on the BREUIL feature. Casualties Capt J.C.Messent wounded. | ||
5-6 | Regt moved to COURVADON and spent the time re-organising, | |||
7 | Regtl Gp was ordered to advance via LEUAL 8550 - AUNAY 8248 and establish itself in the POSTY area 8447. This was completed by 1700 hrs "C" Sqn leading. | |||
POSTY | 8 | Regt moved to Comd of 141 Bde CL changed to road ROUCAMPS - PLESSIS - GRIMOULT A Sqn 8 Hussars were placed under Regtl Comd, A and B Sqns amalgamated and called "A" Sqn. 8 Hussars led and became involved in area PLESSIS - GRIMOULT losing 3 Tks. Orders were received to make good x the ground gained and "A" Sqn took up defensive positions on the Eastern flank of Mt Pincon. | ||
9 | A plan was made to extende the Bde area and "C" Sqn was ordered to co-operate with 1/6 Queens and do an advance from Mt Pincon to the area of some houses 866449. The objective was taken after some good co-operation between tks and inf. | |||
Casualties - Killed - Sjt Fyffe Wounded - Tpr Davies J, Tpr Williams A Day's bag 20 PsW. | ||||
10 | "C" Sqn were withdrawn and the Regt moved to area BONNE - MAISON 0650 for rest and re-organisation. | |||
11 - 14 | Maintenance. Talk by Lt Gen HORROCKS XXX Corps Comd to all full rank NCOs. Brig W.R.N.Hinde leaves 22 Armd Bde and a new comd appt Brig MACKENSON. | |||
15 | 7 Armd Div under Comd of 1 Cdn Corps. | |||
16 | 1225 | Regt moved to CAEN sector leagure at ROBERT MESNIL 1055. | ||
17 | 40 fresh rfts arrive to replace personnel unsuitable in the unit. | |||
1530 | Regt moved to area FAVIERES 2150. | |||
FAVIERES | 18 | 1000 | Regt moved to Pt 70 2647 passing through ST PIERRE SUR DIVES. | |
19 - 20 | Regt remained in open leaguer in the Bde area, subjected to night bombing attacks A2 Ech suffering particularly in the loss of vehs. Casualties - Killed - Tpr Turner R Wounded - Padre A.H.Dickson CF, Tprs Stafford and Smeaton. Cpl Cutts and Cfn Brooks (LAD). Losses own - A2 Ech to Vehs. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
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PLACE | DATE | TIME | SUMMARY OF EVENTS | |
21 | 0900 | Regt moved BOISSEY 3249. | ||
1300 | Regt ordered to proceed via ST MICHEL DE LIVET to LIVAROT 4873 and thence to FERVAQUES. After a slow start due to narrow roads "C" Sqn deployed 1/2 mile | |||
FERVAQUES | beyond LIVAROT and reached Cross Rds 5276 where a "Volkswagon" was caught and "brewed up". As the br at FERVAQUES was essential a base was formed at 5276, and "B" Sqn with 2 Mortar Ptns of I Coy 1 RB moved in and attacked a small outpost in the neighbourhood of the br over where the RBs quickly established themselves. | |||
Casualties - Killed - Tprs Pettit and Dean Wounded - Sjt Ackroyd, Tpr Freeman. Losses Enemy - 1-1/2 Track, 4 Staff Cars, 2 Lorries Day's Bag 40 PsW. | ||||
22 | At first light "A" Sqn was ordered to pass through FERVAQUES with the intention of reaching ST CYR DU RONCERAI. On reaching pt 549752 3 Tp was attacked by enemy inf using Bazookas and Grenades, the opposition became stiffer. "A" Sqn were therefore ordered to hold FERVAQUES with two coys of RBs "A" and "I". The village was shelled by about 4 enemy tks so "C" Sqn who were supporting "A" opened | |||
FERVAQUES | up from the high ground to the W of FERVAQUES on suspected enemy postions: thus disclosing thier own locations, very accurate fire was returned and 1 Cromwell was KO at a range of 2500 yds. | |||
1800 | A determined attack was put in by the enemy which had been suspected to be materialising for most of the day and it was successfully beaten off. Mortar and 25 prs fired to the rear of the retreating Germans having good effect according to a PW statement. | |||
Casualties - Killed - Tpr Inwards Losses Own - 1 Cromwell Enemy - 3 Psw | ||||
FERVAQUES | 23 | Cdns now took over positions in the village and the Regt leaguered in area 1 1/2 miles W of FERVAQUES. | ||
24 | 0700 | Regt was moved forward to LISIEUX, Bde CL was main road LISIEUX - THIBERVILLE, but the Regt was ordered to proceed to MOYAUX and find a route running parallel to the Bde CL. Recce reported the br HERMIVAL 5790 suitable for crossing, "B" Sqn then went fwd as an advance guard for the Regt Gp now consisting of G Bty 5RHA & C Sqn Lothian and Border Yeo (Flails) a Scissors Br and I Coy 1 RB. A few enemy inf was met just E of MOYAUX these withdrew after a few shots. |
Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information | References to Appendices |
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PLACE | DATE | TIME | SUMMARY OF EVENTS | |
1600 | "B" Sqn pushed on and reached the br at BAILEU and reported it blown, whereuion the 'Scissors' was quickly brought into use and the Regt crossed. "B" Sqn was ordered to move into FRESNE. It was now getting dark and the Regt was ordered to reach area 7491. "B" Sqn pulling into the area at last light to | |||
7491 | form outposts as there was danger from LIEURY 7495 where a Bn of German Inf supported by tks had previously been reported. The remainder of the Regtl Gp formed a leaguer by 2100 hrs. Posting of Offrs to Unit : A/Capt Grimstone, 2/Lts Bentley, Gwilliam, & Zoeftig. | |||
25 | At first light open leaguer was formed until midday when the Regt was ordered to move via ST GEORGES DU VIEVRE 8096 to ST GEORGIES 8495. Meanwhile the 5 DGs had crossed the R Risle at LE ROMANCON 8897 and the Regt was then ordered to cross the River and take Pt 162 9297, but owing to traffic congestion were only able to just get across before dark and formed a leaguer at 9096 on the left of 5 DG. | |||
9096 | 26 | Carrier Ptns of 1 RB doing close recce for "C" Sqn moved to APPETOT 9198 and then on to MAUBUISSON 9299 without opposition until reaching the station at ST LEGER DU GEWNETEY where there was a half hearted attempt by enemy armed with Bazookas to stop the advance. This was quickly moved by "C" Sqn firing HE and Besa into the area, 25 PsW were taken. Immediately after the station came a thick wood through which the CL passed throngh. A foot patrol of RB was soon in contact with the enemy. | ||
8074 | 26 | However orders were received for the Bde Gp to move from the APPETOT x area via the cross rds 923988 - MONTFORT SUR RISLE - APPEVILLE to BRESTOT. At night a scattered leaguer was formed along the rd in Sq 8704 and a strict guard kept. | ||
27 | 0900 | Regt ordered to return to ST LEGER DU GEWNETRY the only CL available TOUVILLE 9301 - BOIS INGER | ||
ST LEGER DU GEWNETRY | 930078, as the 8 Hussars were operating E of the grid 95 with the intention of cutting the rd 930078 - and 945090. "A" Coy 1/7 Queens came under Comd and were ordered to attack the area LA MESILIERE "C" San cleared the area BOIS - INGER where a few enemy had been seen and 1/7 Queens formed up. After a "Stonk" by Mediums and "G" Bty RHA the Queens moved into LA MESILIERE "C" Sqn supporting and the main road was cut. One PW stated that 30 enemy had baled out taking with them 2 x 50mm guns. Days bag - 1 PW. |