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    War Diary: 9th Bn Royal Tank Regiment

    Month and year: August 1944

    The 9th Battalion Royal Tank Regiment August war diary covers the units fighting in Normandy to the South West of Caen and their fighting Eastwards towards Pont Audemer

    National Archive Reference: WO 171/869

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    Page 1 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field1Location: FONTENAY LE PESNIL. 866669.
    0700Bde 'O' Gp - 59 Div with 31 Tk Bde in support to capture pt 213
    on VILLERS BOCAGE - CAEN Rd 836590 (Sheet 7F.3).
    9 RTR ordered to support 176 Bde on right with 2 tps 26 ASRE, 2
    tps 22 Dgns and 304 A/TK SP RA in support.
    Bn plan to move 2 Sqns up: R 'C' Sqn in support 7 Norfolks: L
    'A' Sqn in support 7 S. Staffs: 'B' Sqn with 6 N. Staffs to give
    flank protection.
    S.L. Rd LES FAINS - CHATEAU DE MANTS. H - to be given later.
    PW reports state that enemy are withdrawing. Patrols of 197 Bde
    sent fwd to contact enemy.
    2197 Bde meet no opposition but delayed by mines.
    3197 Bde patrols meet slight opposition.
    1900Bn HQ GRP, 'A' & 'C' Sqns move to FAA.
    2210Arrive area 851646.
    41000B' Sqn joins Bn.
    1200Reports that 197 Bde have crossed and VILLERS BOCAGE - CAEN RD; no
    contact with enemy.
    1400176 Bde with 9 RTR and supporting arms att at 30 mins notice,
    1400CO meets Brig 176 at 835588.
    176 Bde with 9 RTR to secure high ground formed by pts 158
    (852562),185 (861548) 192 (817556).
    PLAN: 'A' Sqn to support 7 SS to pt 158.
    'C' Sqn " " 7 N to pt 185
    B' Sqn " " 6 NS to pt 192.
    Bn HQ to be at LE MESNIL HERVIEU 8455.
    Page 2 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field41500A' 'B' 'C' Sqns move ferrying infantry - roads blocked with
    traffic.
    2030Bn HQ arrive 837591.
    2200Orders that 9RTR in support 176 Bde make attempt to contact
    enemy and gain bridgehead over R. ORNE.
    Method: advance to be on two thrust lines; R 'C' Sqn supporting
    7 Norfolks - L 'A' Sqn in support 7 SS. 'B' Sqn with 6 SS in res.
    Vanguard of each thrust to be formed as follows: 2 tps tanks
    and 2 sections carriers. tactical gap, tp AVRE and REs.
    Remainder to form main body.
    S.L. june 864569 - junc 857541. H - 050615.
    Right Route: pt 200 - COURVADIN - NIDALOS - MARTIGNY - LA CAINE-
    COUPILLIERES
    Left Route: MANDES - BAINEVILLE SUR ODON - COURNAY - LE MONT -
    LE MESNIL - PREAUX BOCAGE - TROIS MONTS - COUPILLIERES.
    2230Information received that as from 050600 31 TK Bde to be under
    comd 1 Corps. Role handed over to 107 RAC.
    2340All Sqns with infantry on high ground formed by pts 158, 185,
    192 - only slight opposition encountered.
    50600Routes recced by ROs for concentrating Sqns area 834590.
    0800Capt. Paterson in S.C. guiding replenishment column to fwd Sqns
    blown up by mine. Capt. Paterson wounded - 2 ORs wounded.
    1200Bn now concentrated.
    1800CO informed of operation TOTALISE by 2 Cdn Corps.
    60600Bn cross SP for road march to 1 Corps Area.
    1225Bn arrives area 094715 (7F2). 31 TK Bde now in support 49 Div.
    2230Bn move to FAA 103666 in support 70 Bde in C/A role.
    Page 3 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field7Defence area - LE PRIEURE 1165 - CAGNY 1164 - LE POIRIER -
    FRENOUVILLE 1163, in support 70 Bde.
    Object of Defence Area :
    (i) to protect L. of C. for op TOTALISE from left flank attack.
    (ii) to form a firm defence centre should op TOTALISE not go
    according to plan.
    1800Bn warned that further flank protection roles may follow op TOTALISE.
    81130Bn move to close gap on left flank from FRENOUVILLE to BELLENGREVILLE
    1361 to allow 153 Bde to attack wooded area NW SECQUEVILLE LA CAMPAGNE
    0959.
    C Sqn move to area FOUR, 0962.
    A Sqn " " " BOURGEBUS.
    BHQ 079628. B Sqn in reserve.
    1900Bn receives orders that as from 080600 hrs 9 RTR to support 146
    Bde in op EGG.
    1915Bn rear-rally GRENTHEVILLE 0864.
    91200Orders from 49 Div to secure L flank area BRENTHEVILLE - VIMONT,
    CHICHEBOVILLE.
    7 RTR to support 147 Bde from FRENOUVILLE SE to VIMONT.
    9 RTR to support 146 Bde from wooded area 1160 to VIMONT.
    A Sqn to support 1 Lincs to BELLENGREVILLE.
    C Sqn to Hallms support Hallams to CHICHEBOVILLE.
    B Sqn to support 49 Div Rec to establish positions area
    BENAUVILLE LA CAMPAGNE 1459: area X rds 139581 and exploit
    forward to line bridge 163596 - track SW 155585.
    1905Bn move to area X rds 098611 N of LA HOGUE.
    20152 Tps C Sqn under command Major Holden move to area 110600 to
    Page 4 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    support Hallams forward to CHICHEBOVILLE.
    2100Situation: Bn HQ with A, B, C Sqns less 2 tps area 098611 -
    Lines area Wood 105005 with intention of moving to
    Star Wood area 1261 - 2 tps C 130599 supporting
    Hallams - B Sqn RO with 49 Rec.
    2300No change; inf digging in.
    23302 tps 'C' Sqn join Bn, having destroyed snipers and mortar
    positions area wood 1459.
    10First LightA Sqn move to area Star Wood in preparation of supporting KOYLI
    to BELLENGREVILLE.
    08292 tps C leave Bn area to support Hallams in consolidating
    CHICHEBOVILLE.
    1130Bn move to area 113608.
    12072 ORs killed and 3 ORs wounded by shelling.
    1415Rear of C Sqn move to join Hallams in order to clear BENELVILLE
    1600Bde bdy changed - BENEAUVILLE area passes to 147 Bde and 7 RTR.
    1900A Ech shelled at CAGNY - 2 ORs killed
    2000C Sqn join Bn - report 3 Spandaus destroyed wood 145595.
    111200Bn informed that Bde Bay has changed again - 146 Bde with
    9 RTR to clear BENAUVILLE - operation "TEMPEST."
    9 RTR to support 146 Bde to clear E edge of wood 147596 -
    146603, BENEAUVILLE and ring contour 40.
    Phase 1: Clearing of wood. (2) C Sqn to support KOYLI from
    R flank to clear BENAUVILLE.
    H - unknown.
    1315Bn area mortared - 2 ORs wounded.
    Page 5 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field.111700Informed of Op TRACTABLE by 2 Cdn Corps. 31 TK Bde to take up
    defensive position ESTREES LA CAMPAGNE 1249.
    2105Bn in harbour URVILLE 0750.
    140815CO and Sqn Ldrs recce defence areas.
    A Sgn - 122498; B Sqn area tracks 115001; C Sqn in res 112508,
    Bn HQ 113506.
    1346Bn in position.
    1500Enemy tanks identified as 1 PAN and 2 MK, IV. Area 103492.
    1505 - 1530RAF heavies dropping bombs N of Bn area, No notice taker of
    yellow smk or white emergency signals - no casualties.
    1600One tank hit by AP - no penetration.
    1640Half-track amb goes forward to get wounded from remains of Cdn
    Armd Bde HQ - hit by A/T gun and set on fire. Rev. Capt McMahon
    killed, ONE O.R. KILLED, ONE OR WOUNDED.
    1900Royal Regina Rifles area ESTREES LA CAMPAGNE now under command
    for strengthening defence position. Intermittent enemy MG and
    A/TK fire continues no canualties.
    151100Orders received that 9 RTR will support 4 Cdn Bde in establishing
    firm base area POTIGNY - AINY, pt 195, BAIS TASSILY.
    1400Bn leaves area,
    1612Bn 070479.
    1840Bn 097442. Orders now to push on. 'B' Sqn support Scottish Essex
    in vanguard role - objective high ground NW FALAISE - A Sqn to
    support RHLI; 'C' RRC in main body.
    2135Bn less B San 088423.
    2205Leading troop B Sqn fired on by 88mm. Sqn deploy and destroy gun.
    Page 6 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field152330B Sqn with Scot. Essex on objective - 80 prisoners captured en
    route. No casualties.
    160715Bn moves to high ground NW overlooking FALAISE, No Orders; no infm.
    0900Bn receives order to form firm base with 4 Cdn Bde in present area.
    1310Orders for Bn to move across country to harbour in area wood 1160
    171835Bn in harbour.
    Maintenance - badly needed - crews show signs of fatigue.
    1600Orders that 9 RTR under command 49 Div. RE's building bridges 255588
    and 251618 - C to support 146 Bde, A. & B, 70 Bde, to widen and
    strengthen bridgehead across R.DIVES.
    180800Bn moves to area 212571, 49 Div have no need for tank.
    1400Maj R.E. Holden and Capt. K.A. Kidd, C Sqn, recce possible tank
    crossing shot at by 50mm at 296535. S.C. damaged but recovered
    later. No casualties.
    190630Bn moves to 268566.
    0708Capt. Brewer recceing bridge 293596 for possible use of
    Churchill bridge layer across R. VIE shot in stomach.
    0740Orders from 49 Div that 9 RTR will not be required yet as bridgehead
    not firmly established by infantry.
    200830A Sqn move to 323565 to support 49 Rec forward in woods to rd excl
    LES TROIS ROIS 3262 to incl 443880.
    1130B Sqn move to area 323565 to support 147 Bde.
    1325C Sqn leave harbour area to contact Hallams 146 Bde at 299593 with
    purpose of supporting to high ground 3161.
    1430B Sqn support RSF in attack on 40 contour 3158 and then to river
    line 317595.
    1515B Sqn on first objective.
    1600RSF join B Sqn.
    1710C Sqn delayed by mines, contact Hallams and move forward,
    Page 7 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field201930B Sqn on second objective joined by inf.
    1940C Sqn on objective - impossible tank country. 3 tanks ditched and
    1 KO'd by 75mm.
    Lt. Moore wounded; 1 OR killed; 3 wounded.
    Enemy 75mm and 150mm destroyed.
    Capt. P.M. Myatt, accidentally shot in leg.
    2/Lt.M. Neville, 2/Lt. D.P. Bracewell posted to unit as reinforcements
    from 269 Fwd Del Sqn.
    211015C Sqn in support KOYLI attack and occupy ST. LAURENT DE MONT. B Sqn
    move fwd to CREVE COEUR. C Sqn fwd rally CANCFOUR ST. JEAN 2862,
    previously cleared by Hallams.
    1330Owing to difficulty of moving tanks in open country, advance
    planned on two thrust lines,
    C Sqn in support 146 Bde to advance rd CARREFOUR ST. JEAN 2862;
    BAUNEBOSQ 4395; LA TOURNESQUE 4996; bridge 523973.
    B Sqn in support 147 Bde - LE CADRAN415887; X rds 419914; X rds
    929919; X rds 438921; rd & track junc 452934; rd and track junc
    474923; rd junc 498924 ; X rds 505935; bridge 530942. Bde Gp to be
    as follows: 3 sec carriers; 1 tp tks, lorried inf. Sqn tks, Sec
    Mor, Sec RE.
    1830C reach BONNEBOSQ - inf held up by MG fire which is cleared by tks.
    2026B Sqn destroy and capture Ant 446926.
    2055B Sqn at 450934.
    2100C Sqn harbour area BANNEBOSQ; B Sqn area BAIGNARD 4492.
    2230Recce Tp patrolling woods 4390, 4491, kill 30 enemy. One Stuart
    damaged by 50mm A/TK.
    220730A Sqn replacing C, support Lincs on N Route. B support RSF on
    S. Route.
    1400A at 530940 with inf - bridge blown.
    Page 8 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field221530B at 525917 with RSF. A & B. Sqns under mortar fire. Capt.F.Drew
    wounded. 1 OR killed; 12 ORs wounded.
    1700BHQ at 494952.
    2030A Sqn harbour at 508965.
    2030B & C Sqns join HQ.
    23Awaiting building of bridges by REs. A Sqn joins Bn,
    249 RTR in support 56 Bde, A Sgn support 2 Essex: route - SP X rds
    475965 - bridge 532972 - rd junc 567985 - rd junc 529985 -
    COURMELLES 6598.
    C Sqn to follow supporting 2 Glos. B Sqn at rest.
    Little opposition during day.
    2115A Sqn support Essex across river to capture CORMEILLES.
    1805BHQ 628979
    2015Joined by C Sqn.
    25C Sqn support 2 Glos. Route: COURMELLES - EPAIGNES 7101 AND rd junc
    750990 - rd & track junc 787016 - track & rd junc 789023 - rd & track
    junc 789037 - via tracks NE to bridges 810065, 799068, A Sqn def
    posn in support 2 Essex on high ground W of EPAIGNES.
    1000MG and A/TK gun opposition area EPAIGNES. C Sqn destroy 2 75mm A/Tk
    and encircle EPAIGNES - kill approx 100 inf and capture Adjt of Bn
    Schleve, 346 Div.
    Inf delay in making definite plan and after two previous attempts
    attack at 2100 hrs. Attack successful but during delay one tank
    hit by Faustipatrone - turret penetrated. 1 OR killed.
    2210EPAIGNES clear,
    A Sqn in reserve area CORMEILLES - one tank hit by 150mm shelling,
    No casualties of personnel
    2215Route of adv changed for following day. Bde to adv from SL rd junc
    679021 - EPAIGNES, with 2 Bns up supported by 2 Sqns tanks.
    Page 9 of 9
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and Information
    Field252215B Sqn in support SWB on route: rd June 679021 NE to high ground
    pt 128 (7207). A Sqn with 2 Essex - EPAIGNES NE to ST. LAURENT
    7306.
    260815A & B Sqns cross SLs.
    0750A & B Sqns on objective. no opposition,
    1130BHQ 774673
    C Sqn remain at rest, 683001.
    270715C Sqn join Bn.
    Bn inactive while 56 Bde attempt to cover RE building bridge
    across R. RISLE at PONT AUDEMER.
    2849 Div plan to clear FORET DE BROTONNE.
    9 RTR in divisional reserve.
    Bn concentrates 785103.

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