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    War Diary: Westminster Dragoons

    Month and year: August 1944

    The Westminster Dragoons August 1944 war diary covers the units time in Normandy based initially in the area around Juaye Mondaye before advancing during the month to area Gace.

    National Archive Reference: WO 171/864

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    Page 1 of 3
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    1B Sqn with 8 Armd Bde and C Sqn with 50 (N) Div are covered by Sitreps.Appendix
    RHQ and A Sqn moved at 2200 hrs under CRE 7 Armd Div. A1 and A2 Echelons
    together in 7 Armd Div Tps Area. Rollers disposed of to salvage.
    2RHQ and A Sqn harboured 0330 hrs at 750632.
    0900DR left to bring up water and petrol.
    0940Move continued behind 131 Bde Gp.
    1030Harbour at 714601, EAST of CAUMONT.
    1300Capt Beaumont arrived with pet and water.
    1900Commanding Officer ordered to HQ 30 Corps as Adviser, and RHQ returned to
    JUAYE MONDAYE.
    Wireless net for Adviser opened to all units of 7 Armd Div in 30 Corps,
    incl two Sqns 6 ARE (81 and 82) and C Sqn 141 RAC.
    3Major Sidey recced new Regt area at F/3 723527. Warning order for move
    0500 hrs 4 Aug for all incl Bde Wksps SEC and OFP det issued 1000 hrs.
    Lt. Mackichan detailed to command Rear Party consisting of 3 ton lorries
    surplus tonew WE.
    30 Armd Bde called for names of one Major, one subaltern and 8 Sjts or Cpls
    as cadre for proposed Flail Instructional Unit.
    4RHQ and Sqn residues moved 0500 hrs to 6F/4 723527 near LE PARQUET, complete
    with Sec Bde Wksps and OFP.
    6Lts B. Robinson tried out new grapnel amn for 2" Bomb Thrower. The mounting
    carried away severely injuring Lt Robinson's hand and he was evacuated to
    the UK.
    Tanks and personnel surplus to new WE joined RHQ awaiting disposal.
    8C Sqn now 15 miles from RHQ and general advance continuing. Major
    Sidey left on recce of new area about ONDEFONTAINE 7848.
    Gen. HOBART Commanding 79 Armd Div arrived 1600 hrs to discuss gen situation
    9Move to LA TOQUE 8046 planned for AM 11 Aug 44.
    Page 2 of 3
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    10Lt. Col. W. Y. K. Blair Oliphant MC ordered by HQ 30 Armd Bde to HQ 12 Corps for
    conference 1000 hrs with Col.E Craig OBE, 2IC 30 Armd Bde, on future ops
    and returned with orders for A Sqn to move before night 10 Aug to LA CAINE
    9152 under 12 Corps. Lt. B.H. Pear rejoined from convalescence and Lt.
    A.K. Dick A Sqn was evacuated with gastro enteritus.
    11RHQ Main (less QM, OFP and Wksps Det) moved to LA TOQUE806462 at 0600 hrs.
    Col E. Craig, 2 IC 30 Armd Bde called to ask for twice daily sitrep of
    Special Devices incl Flame throwers and AVREs in 8, 12 and 30 Corps Areas.
    Three LOs, Lts. Poston, Mackichan and Crosthwaite were mounted on scout car
    and M/cs for this purpose.
    Some enemy shells fell in area midday. NO casualties,
    12Efforts to withdraw B and C Sqns failed although there had no role or
    prospect of one and were frequently under fire.
    14B Sqn less 1 tp with Sherwood Rangers and C Sqn moved to RHQ Main
    location 806462 and were harboured by midday.
    In view of the proposed advance towards PARIS, Rear HQ with Wksps Sec and
    OFP Sec ordered to move to Main location at 150600B. HQ 79 Armd Div took
    over control of REME and ORD from Regts, and the difficulties of this
    arrangement were represented to HQ 30 Armd Bde.
    15B and C Sqn bathed and reclothed.
    C Sqn Ldr visited HQ 11 Armd Div and was instructed to move with 11 Armd
    Div Fwd Del Sqn in res.
    16Major J. H. Buckingham assumed command of B Sqn and Capt H.P. Stanyon was
    appointed RHQ Capt.
    1600C Sqn moved to conc with 11 Armd Div at 7F/778360.
    17B Sqn expected to conc with 8 Armd Bde before night, ready to advance from
    180600.
    Tac RHQ consisting of CO, Adjt, Sigs Offr with Staff Car, White Scout Car
    Page 3 of 3
    PlaceDateHourSummary of Events and InformationReferences to Appendices
    as comd veh, two jeeps and one scout car, joined Main HQ 30 Corps at
    1900 hrs.
    180900Tac HQ moved with HQ 30 Corps Main from PROUSSY 8935 to TAILLEBOIS 9626.
    Ranges were too great for wireless comms from HQ to any Sqns.
    191700Tac HQ moved with Main HQ 30 Corps to MENIL - GONDOUIN 0620
    210900Tac HQ moved to MOULINS SUR ORNE 2320. Move of Main and Rear HQ
    cancelled by 30 Corps Q Mov for op reasons and office lorry only came up.
    All surplus tank crews and officers and all 1st Reinforcements still with
    Regt posted away and surplus tanks disposed of.
    22RHQ office joined Tac HQ. Thereafter regarded as Tac and Main combined.
    Lt. Gould loaned to 30 Corps for traffic control in ARGENTAN. C Sqn
    reverted to 30 Corps.
    23Tac & Main HQs moved with Main 30 Corps to 586443.
    Move of Rear to 1011 for 25. Further advance not
    permitted yet. Move of A Sqn from 12 Corps area to 0913 arranged for
    Lt Mackichan appointed IO and Lt Sellman LO. Lt. Mackichan relieved Lt
    Gould at 1600 hrs in ARGENTAN.
    28Main HQ rejoined Regt less B Sqn at 536462, Commanding Officer and Lt
    Mackichan as LO remained with Main 30 Corps.
    30Capt Stanyon called for to command 264 Special Del Sqn. Release agreed
    and Capt M.J. Crosthwaite requested from First Reinforcements to take his
    place as RHQ Capt.

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