View MapView MapNational Archive Reference: WO 171/869
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| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field | 1 | General maintenance and reorganisation, Lt. J. Marland attached | |
| 267 Fwd Del Sqn as 1st line rft. | |||
| 3 | Lt.J. Southall and Lt. F.R. Featherstonhaugh attached 267 Fwd Del Sqn as 1st line rfts. | ||
| 4 | 4 ORs injured as a result of fire in buildings occupied by "HQ" and "C" Sqns. | ||
| 6 | Capt. G.P. Barnes attached 267 Fwd Del Sqn as 1st line rft - remains with unit for duty. | ||
| 9 | Lt. G.M. McMahon attached 267 Fwd Del Sqn as 1st line rft. | ||
| 11 | Lt. G. M. McMahon absorbed within WE of unit. | ||
| 13 | B.R.O. 245 declared that tradesmen mustered in the field should undergo routine trade testing. | ||
| 14 | Following suggestion by Bde Comd (See Appx J2) re organisation of | ||
| Sqns of Churchill tanks, a debate was held in the unit to decide the relative merits of the four-troop Sqn against five-troop Sqn, | |||
| and also the relative merits of a four-tank troop as against a three-tank troop. | |||
| Many points were brought out for the adoption of the four-troop Sqn and it was voted an excellent and necessary reorganisation. | |||
| The four-tank troop got no supporters but one or two points were brought out in favour. They were (i) fourth tank doesn't actually | |||
| go into action but is a 'tracker" or "swinger". Thus, if it is commanded by the Tp Sgt he is in a position to take over control | |||
| of the troop immediately should the Tp Ldr become a casualty. (ii) A four-tank troop can take a harder knock without requiring | |||
| reorganisation; (iii) the fourth tank is in a good position to "paint the picture" thus leaving the Tp Ldr free to concentrate | |||
| on manoeuvre and control. Against the four-tank troop, the "tracker" was not liked (i) |
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field | 14 | because it put on the battlefield odd tanks which were uncontrollable | |
| (ii) four tanks made troop leaders' job more difficult; (iii) unwieldy, (iv) communications over 'B' set more difficult; (v) it meant "more | |||
| goods in the shop window" and less depth to the attack, and many others less important, | |||
| It was decided to keep five troops in the Sqn but the fifth troop is not to be reckoned with in planning and is to be a Sqn reserve. | |||
| The advantage being that :- (i) the fifth troop keeps its identity. | |||
| (ii) it can be relieved and changed about. (iii) the fifth troop can become the forward repair group and can | |||
| receive replacement tanks and make them battle worthy away from the battlefield, | |||
| (iv) automatically it is an ideal proportion of "L.O. B." | |||
| 14 | Trade tests held under Bde arrangements, Results :- DvrOps (Op side only). Passed - 5; Passed in Morse - 5; Failed - 6. Gnr-Mechs. (Mech side). Passed - 12. Failed - 3. Dvr-Mech. Passed - 8. Failed - 1. | ||
| Gnr-Op (Op side only). Passed 3. Passed excl Morse - 16; Failed - 8 | |||
| 16 | Arrangements made for Bn courses, (See Appx GI) for purpose of trade | ||
| testing personnel already mustered in field or mustering potential tradesmen already members of tank crews. | |||
| 17 | Static firing in area WILLEMSTAD 7248 (see Appx G2) for all tank | ||
| to 23 | gunners. General standard good. | ||
| 23 to 25 | Air Photo course for officers at Bde HQ. (See Appx G3, H1, H2) | ||
| 25. | Demonstration on range at WILLEMSTAD with object of testing range, |
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary of Events and Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Field | 25 | accuracy and consistency of 6-Pdr (D.S) ammunition, attended by | |
| Maj-Gen. G.W. Richards, DSO, MC, MG RAC, 21 Army Gp. Conclusions:- | |||
| (a) Accurate up to 800 yds but unreliable at greater range. (b) Ranging - (i) half normal range + 50 yds up to 500 yds. | |||
| (ii) half normal range + 100 yds up to 800 yds. (c) Jump of each individual gun has slight effect on results. | |||
| In consequence, no definite ruling can be made. | |||
| 26 | Following warning order of movement to 30 Corps area all training | ||
| cancelled. (Appx H3). | |||
| 27 | Lt. A. P. Beale attached 267 Fwd Del Sqn and absorbed within WE of | ||
| unit. Lieut. W. G. Board attached 267 Fwd Del Sqn as 1st line rft. | |||
| 29 | Bn moves - wheels by road (see movement table attached) - tanks etc move by transporters. | ||
| 30 | Wheels arrive area OBGLABEEK K4974. |
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