Officers who returned from Italy with the Regt.
Officers serving with the Regt on 23rd February

15th May – Lt General Bucknell GOC 30 Corps visited and walked the camp talking to individuals.

19th May – HRH The Duke of Gloucester visited and inspected the men at their waterproofing.

24th May – The Regt was inspected for the first time, since his appointment as Colonel of the Regiment, by Brigadier Sir AF Home KCVO CB CMG DSO. The Regt was drawn up by Sqns on ASHRIDGE GOLF course and after his inspection the Regt formed a hollow square and Brig Home addressed them. He had lunch in the Officers Mess and after lunch was photographed with the officers and Sgts.

Technical Officer	Capt RE Barnett MBE
Signals Officer	Lt JS Champion
Intelligence Officer	Lt RAK MacAllan

The Regt was formed in four parties for the operations in France as follows:-

A (D+2)
Lt DAF Williamson A Sqn, Lt JD Burridge B Sqn, Lt DA Creaton C Sqn, Lt GH Newton D Sqn.
This party left ASHRIDGE camp on 20th May and proceeded to a marshalling area at BRENTWOOD.

B (D+3)
Tac RHQ, C & D Sqns.
This party left ASHRIDGE camp at 0330 hrs on 3rd June and proceeded to WANSTEAD FLATS.

C (D+8)
Major RHFP Stuart French, B Sqn and RHQ, B1 & B2.

D (+17)
A Sqn and the remainder of RHQ.

Few changes had taken place in the Sqn since leaving Italy. Capt JAN Crankshaw MC had left to form and command D Sqn taking Capt GJ Lovett as his 2i/c. Lts RAK MacAllan and ME Wild also left for D Sqn and Lt JS Champion went to RHQ. Sgt McHardy DCM became SSM of D Sqn and Sgts Keen and Harmer and several others also left. Capt JA Friend rejoined as 2i/c as did Lt JR Ballingal MC. SSM Trumper MM and SQMS Emery remained in office.
Sqn establishment remained much as before and the line-up was:-

1Tp Lt JDA Woodhouse,

2Tp Lt OM Wentworth Stanley,

3Tp Lt JR Ballingal MC

4Tp Lt JAS Barkworth (recently joined from Sherwood Foresters.)

5Tp Lt DA Creaton

6Tp Lt J Gale (Scout Tp)

7Tp Lt RN Brett Smith (Gun Tp )

A Sqn.

Sqn left ASHRIDGE composed as under:-

Major J Turnbull MC

Capt H Petch MC DCM

SSM S Drew

1Tp Sgt Green

2Tp Lt RD Sutton, Sgt Hall

3Tp Lt DAF Williamson, Sgt Gibson

4Tp Lt GH Hodgkinson, Sgt Murray

5Tp Lt KL Osborne, Sgt Gullick

6Tp Lt WM Donald, Lt GR Micklem, Sgt Fitzpatrick

7Tp Lt WGG Hunt, Sgt Turner.

Lt DAF Williamson went on the advance party and rejoined the Sqn at ST ANDRE.

D Sqn.

Sqn Organisation:-

Major JAN Crankshaw

Capt GJ Lovett

SSM McHardy DCMS

QMS Barnes

1Tp Lt RGG Copeland (with 2Lt M Hickman under instruction), Sgt Cooper.

2Tp Sgt Lyon MM and Sgt Fulcher.

3Tp Lt GH Newton (with 2Lt Llewellen-Palmer under instruction) and Sgt Addis.

4Tp Sgt Keen and Sgt Peckett.

5Tp Lt PWR Sexty (attached from Sherwoods) and Sgt Luke

6Tp (Whites) Lt RH Moore (with 2Lt Horsfall under inst) and Sgt Stewart.

7Tp (75mm) Lt ME Wild, Sgt Andrews and Sgt Skarrett.

B1 Sgt Harmer

B2 Sgt Greensides.

Vehicles
3 Staghound ACs, 11 Daimler ACs, 10 Daimler Scout cars, 3 Humber Scout cars, 4 White Scout cars, 2 White half-track with 75mm guns and a normal complement of B vehicles.

C Sqn.
1, 2, 3, 4 & 6Tps HQ Tp and a small B Echelon embarked at London Docks for the Second Front, 5Tp having left shortly before due to land a day before, while Gun Tp and remainder were due to follow later.

B Sqn.
D Day at last, and the long awaited invasion of Hitler’s fortress begins. Apart from the news the only indication of the war was the incredible number of aircraft, most of them Dakotas carrying parachutists or towing gliders, that were doing a shuttle service overhead. However B Sqn continued modifications with every morning somebody producing a new idea; every idea of course required yards of unobtainable sheet metal so the LAD were flogged to a standstill. If the modification craze had gone on for much longer, our team of drivers, working as fitters, would have demanded pay as such. Violent football matches were also played.

B Sqn.
The Sqn left ASHRIDGE at 0230 hrs to drive to our marshalling area prior to embarking. An Armd Car Sqn is now a much larger formation than before with 48 vehicles and 3 M/Cs and 143 all ranks including 9 officers. The Sqn consisted of:

-1 Scout Tp of 2 Daimler scout cars and 5 White scout cars.

’75 Tp of one Humber scout car and two half-track Whites mounting 75mm guns.

Sqn HQ of 3 Staghound ACs, 2 HSCs, 1 DSC, 1 spare Daimler AC, 1 Humber AA car, 1 Jeep and 1 staff car.

4Tp	5Tp	75mm Tp2
Lt RA Flood	Lt RCT Sivewright	Lt EAI Young
Sgt Bull MM	Sgt Orchard	Sgt Matheson
Cpl Trusswell	Cpl Riani	Cpl Edwards
Tpr Goodwin	LCpl Lloyd	LCpl Jenner
Tpr Waister	Tpr Robinson	LCpl Hodgson
Tpr Peters	Tpr Stanier	Tpr Bailey
Tpr Jones ’91	Tpr Limb	Tpr Hop???
Tpr Roberts ’79	Tpr Davies	Tpr Robinson ’49
		Tpr Gear
		Tpr Norris ’14

Scout Tp
Lt ATR Nicholson	Tpr White	Tpr Skidmore
Sgt Gardiner	Tpr Humphrey	Tpr Hughes ’99
Cpl Short	Tpr Moore	Tpr Norton
Cpl Grey	Tpr Symons	Tpr Sanders
Cpl Baguloy	Tpr Pearson	LCpl Malkinson
LCpl Hawkin	Tpr Philps	Tpr Marshall
LCpl Clarke	Tpr Stringer	Tpr Keeling
Tpr Procter	Tpr Morris	Tpr Pipes
Tpr Phillips	Tpr Roberts ’20

Sqn HQ
Major A Reid Scott	LCpl Oakes	Tpr Lewis
Capt T O’B Horsford	LCpl Lan-Yin	Tpr Goodwin ’38
SSM Board MM	LCpl Mills	Tpr Wilton
Sgt Cobley	Tpr Maynard	Tpr Flint
Cpl Allen	Cpl Hornsby	Tpr Leach ’92
LCpl May	LCpl Dunsden (Tech)	Tpr North
LCpl Haines	Tpr Hayward	Tpr McDougall
LCpl Byard (RSigs)	Tpr Worthington	Tpr Roberts ’62

B1 Echelon
Office Truck	Petrol Lorry	Fitters Lorry	Charging Lorry
LCpl Robinson	Cpl Evans	LCpl Oliver (fitter)	Sig Martin (dvr)
Tpr Raynes	Tpr Keen	LCpl Swinsese (elec)	Sig Nebes
	Tpr Homesey	LCpl Willetts (Tech)	Sig Davidson

B2 Echelon
SQMS Truck	Cooks Lorry	Petrol Lorry	Amn Lorry	Water Truck
SQMS Smith	Cpl McTavish	Tpr Mekes	Tpr Stokes	Sgt Freeman
LCpl Whittington	Tpr Hickford	Tpr Jordan	LCpl King	Tpr Gabbitass
Tpr Pinkney	Tpr McMaster	Tpr Hodges	Tpr Holmes
	Tpr Harknott

B3 Echelon				Spare Dingo
Sgt Street	Cpl Purkiss	Tpr Leach ’38		Cpl Spencer
Tpr Tassell (boot repr)	Tpr Goddard	Tpr Merrity		Cpl Hughes
Tpr Gilmour				LCpl Cowell
Tpr Stevens				DRs
				Tpr Blackmare
				Tpr Coughlan
				Tpr Harker

Lt Burridge with LCpl Gormally had left ASHRIDGE on about 20th May to go on a small Regtl advance party due to land on D+2.
After a tiresome drive through the suburbs of London, mostly in second gear, we arrived at our marshalling area – No 7 – at PURFLEET. Certain members of the Sqn including the Sqn Ldrs operator were able to say their final goodbyes to sweethearts despite the fact that we were so confined that the place was called STALAG IX.
It was now brought back to us with a jerk that we were really about to leave ENGLAND. We had two days in the marshalling area; the final stage of waterproofing was completed.

C Sqn.
Arrived off French coast opposite small village of CONSEULLES, Normandy, by first light. Unloading of ships was behind hand due to bad weather on previous day. Two loads of LCTs were landed before dark and a further two left for shore just after dark but were delayed in the 1000 yard journey by an air raid and the artificial fog laid down by the Navy on these occasions. The AA was most impressive and there was a large fire a short way inland. Our LCT got us within 15 yards of dry land and put us into 3’ 6” of water which was successfully waded by all except for one lorry which went into a shell hole and over 6 ft of water. A Dingo had the same misfortune the next day and went out of sight but was fished out by the Beach Grp who did great work. Both vehicles rejoined the following day, 3Tp also joined up.

C Sqn.
Remainder of Sqn landed and concentrated area RYES (8584).

C Sqn.
In the evening Sqn moved forward through BAYEUX to 808778 to take part in the advance the following day.

B Sqn.
At 0630 hrs the Sqn accompanied by part of RHQ and the C & D Sqn 75’s left the marshalling area for the West INDIA DOCKS where we started loading at 0830 hrs into T29 a Liberty Ship. There were no quarters for officers and men and everyone was very crowded; there were practically no messing arrangements and we had to make do with what we could get from the tiny galley.
By 1800 hrs everything was safely on board and we pushed off down the river and anchored off SOUTHEND where we remained for 2 days. The only thing to do was sleep in the sun and the soldiers enjoyed having nothing to do for a change. SSM Board was appointed Ship’s Sgt Major.. a good novelty was a new type of soup in ‘self heating’ tins; a cigarette could light cylindrical wick which heated the soup in two minutes; supposed to be used by guerrilla troops when unable to ‘brew up’, they worked just as well on a ship.
Suspected mines in the estuary and delay in off loading on the French side prevented out sailing.

C Sqn.
The plan was for the 7th Armd Div to advance down two tracks on the left through TILLY-SUR-SEULLES and SENAUDIERE towards VILLERS BOCAGE; for the Americans on the right to advance on CAUMONT from BALLEROY. C Sqn was to advance down the two tracks between LA BELLE EPINE and LA BUTTE. 50th Div could not quite make their objective of main road BALLEROY – TILLY SUR SEULLES having been counter attacked by tanks. 7th Armd Div tried to force the way down to the main road but were held up by unexpected opposition. 1Tp & 5Tp who were carrying out the Sqn role also advanced with 5Tp leading down through BERNIERES BOCAGE towards La SENAUDIERE. They encountered some of our own troops held up by some unknown opposition which 5Tp decided to test. The dingo led and advanced some way but was then fired on by A/Tk and MG fire at close range. 2Lt Esch in command of the Dingo made use of smoke and fired his twin K guns at the enemy with results that were unobserved but were sufficient to enable the Tp to withdraw unscathed. The A/Tk gun was on the road at the corner of the wood at 786693 and thereby prevented one reaching the start points of our tracks. 5Tp was therefore left to watch the road and 1Tp and 4Tp went back and round through FOLLIOT 8161 and across the river AURE.Meanwhile 7th Armd Div had been held up by strong opposition on both axes while the Americans had met with little or no resistance. 7th Armd Div was therefore moved on to our front through LA BUTTE 7969. I was trying to pass through LA BELLE EPINE and was held up in that area by Infantry across the road just South and was heavily shelled without result. Following reports of snipers in the area of SHQ a scout car patrolled the neighbourhood and searched the houses. They arrested a deserter from the German Army wearing civilian clothes. Later they found his uniform, paybook and rifle. He was handed over to Div HQ and dealt with.
During the afternoon 7th Armd Div advanced South through ST HONORINE DE DUCY to LA PAUMSENE and our role was changed to left flank guard. 3Tp went down the American axis to 3 miles then later 2 miles North of CAUMONT. 2Tp branched right to MITRECAEN and 4Tp went to LA CHAPELLE area. 3Tp reported enemy troops, A/Tk guns in CAUMONT. Other Tps made no contact.
Sqn HQ moved down to FOULOGNES, 1Tp and 5Tp were called into reserve, 2Tp and 3Tp remained in position for the night. The Americans put in an Infantry attack on CAUMONT shortly before dark which was not entirely successful though the capture was completed the following day.

D Sqn.
Moved at 1500 hrs to 840713. The Regt is now under 7th Armd Div once again. Moved on by devious route at 1900 hrs to LE MESNIL 820646. The CO returned at 2300 hrs and Sqn received orders to move at 0845 hrs 13th June.
Plan was to capture VILLERS BOCAGE, 4th CLY to advance from LA PAUMERIE to LIVRY to BRICQUESARD and down main road to VILLERS BOCAGE. This road was the 7th Armd Div axis. The Sqn was ordered to carry out flank protection and observation. 4Tp Sgt Keen was broken down at the previous halt and was not repaired in time to reach us on the 12th.

C Sqn.
Following a brief conference at RHQ at 0500 hrs 5 and 4Tp left to left flank guard to the Div directed on ANCTOVILLE 7760 and ST GERMAIN D’ECTOT 7762 respectively; to take over from D Sqn patrol in that area. They both met up in the outskirts and both reported enemy and road blocks in the villages. The enemy did not appear to be in strength or to be expecting our arrival. 4Tp reported 2 SP guns in D’ECTOT and 5Tp reported Infantry in ANCTOVILLE. Lt Creaton had been to expect the road block on foot and flushed 3 Germans from a ditch only 4 yards away, but they made the cover of a house before they could be engaged. A scout section tried to confirm a certain report of 2 tanks in the middle of the village but they were fired on by MG from some houses and had to withdraw. The Tp was also sniped from the extremely dense hedges on either side of the road but without effect.
2Tp had meanwhile advanced to the North to LE PONT MULOT 7463 area. He observed and reported a Mark IV special tank only 400 yards away to his NE. It did not take action against the Tp but shortly afterward KO’d two 8th Hussars tanks and was then compelled to withdraw itself by Arty fire.
The two SPs at ECTOT engaged 4Tp who had to withdraw a short way. SHQ meanwhile had advanced to LIVRY 7361. At midday a fourth patrol was called for in CAHAGNES 7656 area. 3Tp left to do this, and shortly after joined a D Sqn patrol which had just had a successful action destroying two half-track troop carriers. Both Troops were fired on by an 8-wheel AC probably with 75mm which had one ineffective shot and withdrew. 3Tp remained in the area which was extremely dense with visibility often limited to the hedge on the side of the road only two yards away. Snipers, MGs and mortars continually stalked the Tp through the corn and long grass. The scout section was dismounted to try and locate a sniper about 100 yards away. Two men, L/Sgt Davies and Tpr Brady crawled through a cornfield to the hedge about 100 yards from the Tp. Unfortunately they had passed through a Coy of German Infantry without seeing them or being seen and shortly afterwards were surrounded and captured. They were disarmed and sent to the rear escorted by a soldier with a rifle. As soon as they were clear of the enemy troops they attacked and overpowered this man and brought him back to our lines. His Regt was identified as 304th Panzer Grenadiers which confirmed the presence of 2nd Panzer Div on this front; it only having gained contact with us this morning. L/Sgt Davies gained a mention in the Div Int Summary the following day for this exploit. 3Tp were continually attacked for more than 3 hours by Infantry crawling through the crops and had to be sent a refill of ammunition.
4Tp meanwhile had returned to D’ECTOT to investigate moves in that area and found that the village had been reinforced and the roadblock mined. Suddenly the leading car was knocked out by the first shot from an A/Tk gun right through the engine; the crew got out but the commander, Sgt Graham, was severely wounded in the leg by a second shot. The driver, Tpr Dixon, and gunner, Tpr Myers, assisted him into a house nearby. Tpr Dixon remained with him and Tpr Myers having applied a tourniquet, returned to the Tp with a bullet hole through the font of his trouser leg and a shrapnel hole through the back. 3, 4 & 5Tp were continuously in action against snipers and MGs from the sides of the roads. Large quantities were fired in return, but it was difficult to spot a target and impossible to observe results.
By 1900 hrs the enemy were approaching the Bde axis and shortly after cut it. 1Tp moved down the axis towards AMAYE SUR SEULLES where it was cut. They quickly gained contact to the South of the road but were forced gradually to withdraw to avoid a threat of the road being cut to their North as well.
1Tp and 3Tp at last light were in BRICQUESARD 7459 and they and 5Tp joined SHQ about 1 mile to the North for the night. 4Tp remained on the track with the Norfolk Yeomanry who were holding it to the West of his duty position. The night was comparatively quiet and our role for the following day was the same – left flank guard to the 1st RTR who were to reopen the axis to the remainder of 22nd Armd Bde.

B Sqn.
At 2200 hrs we at last set sail in a great convoy of ships and landing craft of many sorts, each flying a large balloon, which sometimes fouled each other. We expected to have a few shells whistling over from the coastal guns in the Straits of Dover, but were disappointed and had a quiet night.

D Sqn.
Troops were ordered to proceed as follows:-3Tp Lt Newton with 4th CLY as far as BRICQUESARD 740594 then branch right to CAMAGNES.
2Tp Sgt Lyon to go with 3Tp and try and get down track from BRICQUESARD to the CAUMONT rd North of CAMAGNES.
As the advance proceeded 2Tp and 3Tp were to proceed down the main CAUMONT – VILLERS BOCAGE road by bounds, picketing the junctions to observe movement from the SW endangering the axis. The 8th Hussars were moving to BRICQUESARD then SE along the secondary road running parallel to the axis, in between the axis and the main road.
5Tp Lt Sexty to proceed to LIVRY with 4th CLY and move left to ST GERMAIN D’ECTOT as left flank protection.
1Tp Lt Copeland to proceed to BRICQUESARD and then left to ANCTOVILLE 779608.
Lt Moore in his DSC and Lt Horsfall in the SHQ DSC proceeded down the main road to the Y junc at 754635. SHQ moved to 735614. The time of start from LA PAUMERIE was 0535 hrs.
The advance initially was slow. Lt Moore, 1Tp and 5Tp were to be relieved by C Sqn as soon as they could get up. 5Tp was machine gunned by our fighters at 0720 hrs.
1Tp reported a road block consisting of a derelict Mark IV just outside ANCTOVILLE. Cpl Sambrooke was blown up by a booby-trap whilst inspecting it but was unhurt.
A little later 5Tp reported a road block outside ST GERMAIN D’ECTOT consisting of farm implements and some Germans which they proceeded to deal with.
Lt Moore reported MG fire to his front and odd shells.
Meanwhile 2Tp reported the tracks to the main road impassable so was ordered to go along with 8th Hussars and work down to the main road SE of 3Tp.
C Sqn took over our left hand patrols by 0845 hrs. 1Tp ordered to follow on with 2Tp and 8th Hussars.
3Tp reported an AC in CAMAGNES by the church. Lt Newton had walked across the fields to try and see the road where he heard considerable movement when he found this car 20 yards away. He withdrew his Tp to cover this car should it move into view and knocked out an Armd half-track personnel carrier coming in behind him. LCpl Bullen killed 3 Germans at 20 yards with a Sten gun.
At 1000 hrs it was reported that 4th CLY were in VILLERS BOCAGE and 1Tp, 2Tp and 5Tp were ordered to get back on the main axis and get there as quickly as possible. 8th Hussars were held up by an A/Tk gun on their axis. On arrival at the VILLERS BOCAGE area 1Tp was sent LA POSTE but only reached TRACY BOCAGE, coming under fire from an 88mm in the LA POSTE area.
2Tp were sent to the Y junc just West of VILLERS BOCAGE and turned NW to try and get up to LE HAUT DE ST LOUET. Meanwhile 3Tp had withdrawn to his NE to cover the next track to his rear when another half-track towing a 75mm A/Tk gun appeared. This was knocked out by Sgt Addis. C Sqn relieved 3Tp at 1210 hrs and they returned to SHQ at approx 1500 hrs.
2Tp was held up just SE of ST LOUET by 75mm from an 8 wheeled AC and MG fire.
1Tp reported a Mark VI advance from the SE to TRACY BOCAGE and that 8th Hussars were withdrawing NW. 1Tp pulled back to Pt 174 to observe. Considerable MG fire from South of the road as far back as AMAYE-SUR-SEULLES. B vehicles returned to C Sqn under SSM McHardy at about 1700 hrs.
Enemy attacked SE and South with Infantry infiltrating supported by tanks. By nightfall we were in a Box with the road cut between BRICQUESARD and AMAYE SUR SEULLES. 4th CLY and Rifle Brigade PULLED OUT OF VILLERS BOCAGE. Snipers about in the evening. 2Tp pulled back to the Y road West of VILLERS BOCAGE. 4Tp went to AMAYE to observe the East. 1Tp came in.
Considerable casualties inflicted on the enemy during the attack. 2Tp and 4Tp came in at last light. During the night the mediums shelled VILLERS BOCAGE consistently.

C Sqn.
4Tp advanced at first light and took up his former position. 1Tp did the southern patrol and both Tps advanced once more to the outskirts of the villages ECTOT and ANCTOVILLE respectively. These villages were both held – 4Tp being fired on by MG and saw some men run into a house – 1Tp saw two AFVs and a few men. Civilian reports suggested ANCTOVILLE had been heavily reinforced and a scout section tried to get into the village. They got well into the outskirts and nearly to the centre when they came under short range MG fire. LCpl Walker, the commander, was missing after that – no one quite knowing what had happened to him – the remainder got back. 2Tp relieved 4Tp in the northern patrol. 1Tp was withdrawn 1 mile to allow the gunners to engage targets in ANCTOVILLE.
In the evening the scout section with 2Tp under Cpl Howard searched some houses in the area and captured a German officer, a Lt of 304th Panzer Grenadiers who was hiding in one of them. At 2200 hrs these patrols were withdrawn and the Sqn went into reserve in area GEURON where they were later joined by RHQ and D Sqn.
The 3 day’s patrolling and fighting had been most interesting and different from anything we had undertaken previously. Though the country in Italy had been very close and the roads narrower – there had not been so much leaf on the trees and the visibility was not nearly so restricted. An Armd Car Tp by itself was almost powerless to obtain information of our enemy, numbers or even presence without coming under fire from very close range and there were numbers of near misses recorded. We were extraordinarily lucky in having only one car knocked out. The scout Tp which had been formed at TRIPOLI really came into their own in the role of dismounted recce.

B Sqn.
A lovely sunny day and then cold and wet. Soon after tea we saw the coast of France; some were sorry to see the last of England, but we should be used to it by now.
As we drew nearer the shore we could see nothing but ships – it was just like Henley Regatta – with fighters, mainly Thunderbolts going to and fro overhead. There was no shooting – we could not even hear the guns. It was too late to start off-loading so everyone went to bed.

D Sqn.
At first light 5Tp went to Pt. 174 and worked East to the Y road and 3Tp went up AMAYE to observe the western end of the Box. By 0830 hrs the road was opened by 1st RTR and 1/6th queens. 3Tp remained and 4Tp was sent to ST GERMAIN and thence NE to the Xroads outside ST LOUET at 794590.
During the day little occurred, intermittent shelling by the enemy of the road and gun positions. A small amount of enemy infiltration was reported by 5Tp and stopped by MGs. SHQ and RHQ were sniped at in the morning but the sniper was hounded out by 1Tp and Capt Churton MC, but not captured. It was decided at noon that 7th Armd Div would withdraw at dark to BRICQUESARD area thus drawing in the vulnerable point.
At 2000 hrs a heavy Infantry attack was put in, supported by tanks, on our southern flank. 1Tp were sent to K Battery 3rd RHA as local protection, 2Tp to 5th RHA and 3Tp brought in to help 2Tp. SHQ and RHQ formed up facing South in the leaguer area just North of the road and prepared to do battle. Terrific noise as all guns fired at nearly point blank range. The enemy had had enough by 2215 hrs and must have suffered heavy casualties – reports sat 10 tanks brewed-up at least.
We moved at 2330 hrs to proceed to GUERON just South of BAYEUX in Corps reserve. On the way Lt Newton’s DAC ran over a Military Policeman and M/C wrecking the steering of the car which had to be left. We arrived at 0245 hrs in our leaguer area where the B1 Echelon already were.

Notes.

1. Troops found that owing to trees and close country enemy was rarely seen except at close range.

2. A considerable amount of SAA was necessary to advance.

3. The days are a minimum of 19 hours and organised reliefs of operators are essential.

4. The 2nd Panzer Div of which we had no information was engaged and smartened up. Heavy casualties must have been inflicted and considerable information of their organisation was acquired.

5. That road jamming was likely to be a menace and the possibilities of side roads are enormous and should be exploited.

6. Lack of mines.

7. Presence of snipers and the necessity of immediate action by scout sections.

8. That Staghounds are far too broad but excellent for removing gateposts!

B Sqn.
The RE stevedores did not appear on board until 1100 hrs – they had been working till midnight on the last 5 nights. A battle of words immediately started between the RE’s and the First Officer who accused them of being both late and useless; the bickering continued which slowed up the work; the First Officer was a scoundrel.
The Scout Tp and 75mm Tp were the first off and went ashore in an LCT. When it was obvious that what with the feeling on board and the casual attitude of the American crews on the landing crafts, we managed to procure a Rhino, or large barge, which could take about 50 vehicles. Loading was difficult in the rough sea and only three Troops of ACs were loaded by dark, when we knocked off. The rations on the ship were running low.

B Sqn.
Loading stated again at 0400 hrs. The Sqn Ldr and some Dingos went ashore in an LCT at about midday and joined Lt Young and the Scout Tp at the Corps concentration area at RYES. The remainder of the Sqn vehicles were loaded by 1530 hrs and only Capt Horsford, Lt Sivewright and Lt Campbell and a few men were left on the large ship. There was a big sea running and Tpr Worthington had a narrow escape from death dangling at the end of a rope ladder with the barge surging up and down beside the ship. Suddenly the barge began drifting away – the First Officer had cast her off and she was adrift without even an outboard; one can scarcely believe a man could do such a thing, and Capt Horsford’s temper must have been taxed to a degree. The barge had an interesting trip, bumping an LST amidships and doing a ‘ 40 yarder’ across the bows of a Liberty Ship which was going full speed ahead but was fortunately on a sand bar and making no progress. However a plucky pilot boat eventually came to the rescue and towed the barge to the shore, where we drove off and joined the remainder at the assembly area.
The Sqn was complete in France except for a rear party of 12 men under Sgt Cobley still in England and coming with A Sqn, and the 3-ton lorries which had landed the previous day from another ship.

B Sqn.
Sqn moved up to join C & D Sqns and RHQ at GEURON and spent the time de-waterproofing and listening to the many stories that they had to tell us.

B Sqn.
Sqn placed under 22 Armd Bde to take over a section of the line held by the Rifle Brigade near TORTEVAL 7563. Only the Scout Tp would be used and the Sqn Ldr with Lt Nicholson and Scout Section commanders recced the area but by the evening it was called off as it had been decided to put a Bde into that sector instead.

Still little improvement in the weather and we are beginning to wonder seriously if the chap who said gunfire brings on rain is not right. We heard that the Guards Div had arrived and hope that they do not write themselves off in their battle. Capt Horsford went out on a recce with the Sqn Ldr and was unlucky enough to have an air burst just above the Jeep. He got a small piece of shrapnel in the neck and although we tried to convince the doctors it was a Blighty one they would not hear of it and he was returned to duty. Unfortunately LCpl Dunsdon received a nasty wound in the head and was evacuated.

B Sqn.
At 0630 hrs we moved to concentration area SE of BAYEUX and came under command of 22nd Armd Bde. Capt Horsford was transferred to D Sqn, much to the Sqns regret. He had been a brilliant Tp Ldr and as 2i/c his name was a byword in getting the maximum “buckasees”. Capt Lovett from D Sqn took his place.
It was believed that most of the enemy armour had been drawn West of the ORNE and with luck 8 Corps might have a breakthrough in the East. A terrific bombing programme had been laid on and for the first time tanks were going to advance under a timed barrage. The Guards Armd Div were directed on VIMONT, the 11th Armd Div on BRETTVILLE SUR LAIZE and 7th Armd Div were to then to breakthrough and take FALAISE; all very grand but a bit too optimistic.

A Sqn.
At 0800 hrs the Sqn moved out behind 4th CLY. The intention was to cross the river ORNE and move down behind CLY through OUVERVILLE to DEMOUVILLE and TOUR and then move on to the left of B Sqn who were covering the advance of 22nd Armd Bde. This plan did not materialise owing to the slowness of the advance and by 1800 hrs the Sqn had only just crossed the ORNE and so we moved down and spent the night at 105715.
At 2300 hrs the enemy began bombing the general area. One aircraft dropped three bombs in the middle of the Sqn leaguer area. These bombs inflicted 17 casualties on the Sqn.

Killed:-

B Sqn.
We started off at daybreak immediately behind Bde HQ up the centre line called the Calf Route. The only excitement West of the ORNE was when a shell landed 3 yards away from the Jeep, not touching LCpl Cowell but killing a DR to whom he was talking. SSM Beard’s AC caught fire but a brew up was averted.
At 0820 hrs SHQ crossed the ORNE by “London Bridge” and moved up to Bde HQ. There was much confusion and crossing of centre lines as there were 3 Armd Divs trying to fan out on a 3 mile front. The bombing had been impressive to watch from behind but the results when we got up were devastating. We found two Germans still in bed in a dug-out apparently untouched but stone dead and presumably killed by blast.
At 1200 hrs things were going well and the enemy must have been shattered by the initial bombing and barrage closely followed by tanks. When we got to ECOVILLE, 1Tp went out as right flank protection as there were Infantry in the woods. Sgt Richmond’s car was unfortunately blown up on a British mine. LCpl Medcalf was the driver and the crew were unhurt. Here Lt Campbell found some Canadians so went along with them and eventually found their HQ in BAUCHELLES, the SE part of CAEN. This link between 8 Corps and the Canadian Corps was very useful.
In the afternoon Lt Burridge went by himself in his Dingo to try and find the Guards Armd Div. He fluctuated for the rest of the day between their various HQs and provided some useful information.
At 1600 hrs Bde HQ and B Sqn moved forward to just East of COVERVILLE and it was here that an unlucky shell hit LCpl Stokes in the chest and he had to be evacuated. Lt Burridge came in before dark we leaguered in front of Bde HQ as a sort of screen between COVERVILLE and GIBERVILLE. During the night there was much bombing by the Germans round our bridges and A Sqn took a heavy toll.

A Sqn.
The Sqn moved 500 yards away from last nights area and dispersed. Sgt Hall took over 1Tp in place of Sgt Green and Lt Horsfall came from D Sqn to take over 6Tp in place of Lt Donald. This Tp was reduced to two sections. Owing to last night bombing the Sqn found itself very short of personnel.

B Sqn.
Lt Campbell remained all day with the 2nd Canadian Div. At 1630 hrs Lt Chapman was specially asked to go as a link with Brigadier Harvey who was going to attack BRAS while 7th Armd attacked BOURGEBUS with 5th Tanks. He stayed the night down there and the attack was successful.
In the evening Lt Campbell was withdrawn 5Tp Lt Sivewright sent out to the Canadians. Both Tps net at MONDEVILLE where 5Tp spent the night.
The remainder of the Sqn moved forward over the railway South of DEMOUVILLE. There was a certain amount of shelling during the day and Sgt Bull who had spent all the morning inside his AC was badly wounded by a stray shell immediately after getting out. Tpr Roberts ’79 was slightly wounded by the same shell.
The advance had slowed up and a ridge held by the enemy overlooked our line of advance. Brigadier Hind was unable to use us in front where there were a lot of Panthers about – the 5th Tanks got 5 Panthers in BOURGEBUS alone – but I think we were of considerable use to him in providing links with the neighbouring formations.
In the evening Lt Young who had his guns and the B1 ½ a mile back was attacked by Me 109’s and rocket firing planes. Luckily they were all bad shots and missed all the cars. The B2 was up at the time replenishing and Tpr Mokes was hit in the side by a bullet, not seriously. We spent the night where we were as a screen to Bde HQ.

B Sqn.
Lt Nicholson was still with the Inns of Court. Lt Sivewright moved with the Canadian Bde to I.F.S. South of CAEN where he got shelled and mortared and Lt Chapman moved to BRAS where the Monmouthshire Regt were dug in. The latter were later relieved by the Canadians who gradually took over the whole front from 8th Corps. There was much reporting from all three officers and everyone had much practice in the use of Slidex which is an awful business for Tp Ldrs, except when static.
At 1500 hrs it began to pour with rain and in a few minutes the field were a morass. The advance was called off and everyone was pulled back. Lt Burridge took the Sqn, less SHQ, 3Tp and 5Tp back to join RHQ between COVERVILLE and VAUCELLES at 1800 hrs. The Sqn reverted to command of the Regt and at 2000 hrs SHQ, 3Tp and 5Tp pulled back.
SHQ only just made the 4 mile trip and the Staghounds were almost impossible to keep on the roads. They would be quite impossible in the winter. Brigadier Hinds thanked the Sqn Ldr for the valuable information that the Tp Ldrs had reported whilst with their various formations.

A Sqn.
Came under command 22nd Armd Bde.
At 1900 hrs the Sqn less SHQ moved to area 090562 where they stayed the night.
At 2100 hrs SHQ moved with Tac HQ to 045650.
A very lively night was spent owing to enemy bombing and shelling.

B Sqn.
By now the country had dried up and although the 11th and the guards Armd Div had been taken out of it, the plan now was to push behind the Canadians down the CAEN – FALAISE road and then 7th Armd on the right and Guards Armd on the left were to debauch through the gap. We started out down the centre line following 22nd Armd Bde until there was a general halt. Actually we had not been told to halt and very nearly bummed on down the road into the enemy. Luckily the Sqn Ldr saw Major Turnbull who was out in front of 22nd Armd Bde so we pulled into a field for the rest of the day.
Resistance was much tougher than was expected and the Canadians we unable to make a gap. As there was quite a lot of shelling in our area and we were doing nothing other than providing targets for their guns and bombers at night, the Sqn was pulled out to the old area near CUVERVILLE for the night.

A Sqn.
Moved to area CHATEAU ST ANDRE with Sqn complete. On arrival special attention was paid to camouflage to prevent enemy observing our new position. This was universal throughout 7th Armd Div.

B Sqn.
The American push on the right was going well and we had succeeded in drawing to the East of the ORNE all the German armour. The new idea was to take advantage of our internal communications and air superiority and swing all the armour, except the Canadian, over to the West to come in on the American left, in the CAUMONT area. The 11th Hussars and 7th Armd Div reverted to 30 Corps. We moved back to our old position at the Chateau South of BAYEUX. Particular attention was paid to camouflage.

B Sqn.
Apart from Sgt Maguire having a new car the vehicle situation was 100% but there was a lot of preparation for the forthcoming push on the American’s left or on the inside of their big right-hook.

C Sqn.
Since 15th June the Sqn undertook no proper patrols until 5th August. Twice we moved up waiting for the breakthrough, there was a certain amount of bombing and shelling but we had no casualties.
Capt Wingfield Digby MC took over 2i/c, Lt Barkworth was evacuated to UK and Sgt Berry took over 4Tp. Lt Woodhouse was transferred to A Sqn and Sgt Mitchell took over 1Tp. We were reserve until 5th August.

A Sqn.
At 0700 hours moved up to CAUMONT area in reserve. Trying day following in the rear of 22nd Armd Bde. Eventually arrived at 0200 hours having completed 9 miles. Wake up next morning to discover we were in a partially cleared minefield, but no damage was sustained.

B Sqn.
The Sqn was in the centre with D Sqn on the left and C Sqn on the right. The Infantry had got on fairly well and at 0800 hours I attended OC 131 Bde conference.
The centre line for 7th Armd Bde was CAUMONT – CAHAGNES and we tried to get round quicker by going South of it with the 1/6th Queens. It was a lovely day and though resistance was as tough as ever, we hoped that we might at least be able to widen the bridgehead.
1Tp and 2Tp went on ahead with the 1/6th queens who were fighting through very dense country. At about 1600 hours the Sqn was ordered to get a patrol into JURQUES before dark. 1Tp tried and got very near but the place was held and there were enemy tanks on our side. Tpr Webster in the Scout Tp was wounded in the head by a mortar shell.
At about 1800 hours 22nd Armd Bde was directed straight along the road to AUNAY SUR ODON and B Sqn was ordered to protect their right flank by tapping South towards the PINCON feature. As 1st RTR progressed along the road, 2Tp, 3Tp and 5Tp all went out and leaguered with 1st RTR preparatory to going on in the morning. SHQ and 4Tp spent the night just East of CAHAGNES and got bombed; Tpr Leach had a bomb within 4 yards of his head, but was untouched.

D Sqn.
The Sqn had orders to recce the roads running East towards the main road running from VILLERS BOCAGE to AUNAY SUR ODON. CAHAGNES had been captured and 3Tp was ordered to go East from there along the TRACY BOCAGE road. 2Tp was ordered to work towards ROBIN so that when it was clear he could turn off East along the main road.
They moved at 0600 hours in a thick mist which did not clear until 1400 hours. 3Tp worked slowly but there were Infantry and MGs in the area. During the day they reached the 76 grid line where there was a strong point in a house which was unsuccessfully attacked by some 43 Div people.
2Tp were mortared at X roads 740551 and Tpr Belbin, Tpr Kingsmill and Tpr Rivers (White Sect), were wounded. Sgt Lyons’s DAC had 3 tyres punctured and 5Tp were sent to take over, 2Tp returning to SHQ.
During the afternoon 5Tp worked along East and found 4 dummy tanks (2 Mark V and 2 Mark VI) at the bridge 755549 but were held up by MG fire and Infantry 500 yards beyond.
During the night there was considerable bombing, chiefly AP’s, which fell in hundreds out of canisters, and resembled hand grenades. 3Tp were in the middle of the shower, two hits being scored on each car without effect. Three however fell in the ditch where some of the Tp were sleeping, wounding Lt Newton MC in both legs, 2Lt Llewellin Palmer in the neck, Tprs Harrison and Sinden slightly. Lt Palmer was very serious and was evacuated through 131 Bde.

A Sqn.
Remained in same area until 5th, carried out maintenance.

B Sqn.
1st RTR made no progress along the AUNAY road and that responsibility was taken over by D Sqn. By this time JORQUES was in our hands and 2Tp was sent out to help the 5th Dorsets who were going along the JORQUES – ONDEFONTAINE road. Little progress was made against tough opposition and the road was very overlooked and was shelled and mortared all day; 2Tp had some close escapes. It was an impossible job and a waste of time for ACs, but someone had said that there was a plateau in top of the PINCON feature, so of course ACs must be to the fore.
1Tp Lt Campbell had a very sticky time operating with the Sherwood Rangers who were supporting another Bde of 43 Div going South from JORQUES. The road up the hill was dead straight and a Tiger tank was shooting straight down it at anyone who dared show himself. However, 1Tp who were heavily mortared all day, as well as shelled, did some good reporting on the situation.
SHQ was on a bit of high ground at the ROBIN X roads from which Lt Chapman had a good shot with the 75mm Tp at an enemy tank sitting on the road which hurriedly moved off. 2Tp remained out all night with their Infantry friends and 3Tp relieved 1Tp. The Sqn leaguered quite close under the hill but it was impossible to get away from the guns, and a few shells landed in the area, probably intended for our guns which were making a frightful noise. Lt Sivewright took out a White Scout car to replenish 2Tp.

D Sqn.
We had orders to recce the roads running NE from X roads 780526 and to X roads 812548 and from X roads 795519 through COURCELLES to main road 818533. 4Tp ordered to go to the former and 1Tp to the latter, both leaving at 0515 hours.
At 0600 hours Sgt Keen reported he had Sgt Cooper and that 1Tp had run into a Panther at the X roads. It transpired that in the half-light Lt Copeland had seen a tank and walked up to it to get the situation. Getting to within 50 yards from it he saw it was a Panther and shouted for the Tp to pull out. His own car was KO’d through the visor and Sgt Cooper’s was put in the ditch by Cpl Trendale’s WSC which turned around and knocked a telegraph pole onto it. Lt Copeland was last seen OK and Tpr Sanderson was known to be wounded. Of Tpr Humphries and LCpl Kennedy there was no information. Lt Copeland was picked up by the Queens at about 1030 hours, he had been wounded by a sniper in the stomach, his condition was very serious. Sgt Keen 4Tp remained in the area of ROBIN where there was heavy shelling all day.
2Tp took over from 3Tp and found considerable Infantry, mortar and MG opposition. The White Sect Cpl Bruerton captured an 88mm A/Tk gun and crew of 3 Poles, 1 Czech and 1 German at bridge 747565, also a dummy minefield. A Sqn of 5th DG were operating in the area. 50th Div also came down from the North to ST GERMAIN area and 2Tp returned to SHQ.
5Tp got on slowly with a lot of snipers and MG opposition. Several houses were cleared and heavy shelling reported in area 760549 where houses just East were held. Cpl Williams was wounded by a grenade whilst recceing the position. By evening they had reached the Y roads 775549 which was held by A/Tk and Infantry.
4Tp stayed with SHQ in the area of ROBIN for the night, 5Tp remained with 5th DG for the night.

B Sqn.
5Tp went out to 2Tp on the JORQUES – ONDEFONTAINE road. Lt Burridge and Lt Sivewright soon discovered that the best way to work with the Infantry before a gap is made is to leave one’s Tp a mile or ½ mile behind out of the immediate shelling area if possible, and to go forward to liase etc. in one’s Dingo which is also much more suitable for negotiating traffic in.
These two Tps remained out all day under regular mortaring and shelling with the Infantry who were able to make no progress at all. In the evening Lt Burridge tried to find a way round to the left with 4th Dorsets but was unable to make any progress.
3Tp had an uncomfortable day and were shifted around a bit by shelling; Lt Chapman in his Dingo went right forward to the leading Coy of the DCLI who were trying to scale the hill.
2Tp and 5Tp spent the night together, and 3Tp with the Infantry. The rest of the Sqn slept in a sunken lane which was almost shell and bomb proof.
Poor Tpr Humphrey in the Scout Tp was killed by a mortar that day, one could not want a better man.

D Sqn.
4Tp left at first light and took over from 5Tp. The Y roads held all day in spite of the efforts of 5th DG and some Rifle Brigade’s. Heavy stonking in 4Tp area, Y roads and X roads 766548 during the day.
2Tp came into SHQ as 50th Div arrived in his area. Lt Horsfall returned from A Sqn and Lt Campbell joined us from B Sqn. The petrol tank of the fitters lorry was punctured during the night by shelling around the SHQ area.

a)the road East to ONDERFONTAINE,
b)CATHEOLLES – MONTCHARIVEL troad
c)LE MESNIL AUZOUT – LA TROTAINIERE road.

B Sqn.
4Tp relieved 2Tp. 5Tp and 4Tp were still stuck up the same cul-de-sac all the morning and were unable to make any progress. 3Tp were able to move forward half-way up the hill on to the PINCON feature.
Suddenly at about midday it appeared that the enemy had gone. The 43rd Recce Regt appeared but 3Tp were the first up the hill onto the PINCON feature. Once up the hill B Sqn had three roads to cover – 4Tp on the road going East to ONDEFONTAINE, 3Tp in the centre on the road MESNIL AUZOUF – LA TAUTAINIERE and 5Tp the road CATHEOLLES – MONTCHARIVAL on the right. This covered the whole of the 43rd Div front and consequently their Recce Regt was to be found along all our routes.
4Tp got nearly to ONDEFONTAINE and had to pull back for the night; 3Tp got to LA TAUTAINIERE where they were shot at by a cleverly concealed AC; Lt Chapman and Sgt MacGuire dismounted and tried to stalk the enemy AC with hand grenades but were seen and shot at by enemy Infantry protecting the AC, when they were within 50 yards of it. This was very bad luck, and they also spent the night with 43rd Recce.
5Tp were soon found they were overlapping with the neighbouring Corps on their road and having had great difficulty in getting through the traffic spent the night in the area of the 15th Scottish Div.
SHQ relied on a false sense of security and were quite heavily shelled, but spent a quiet night with the rest of the Sqn in an orchard at LE MESNIL AUZOUF. Lt Campbell, owing to D Sqn casualties in Tp Ldrs, was transferred to that Sqn, much to B Sqn’s sorrow.

D Sqn.
The Y junction was cleared and 4Tp pushed on towards VILLERS BOCAGE. X roads 792560 heavily mined, after night opposition cleared. 5Tp took over from 4Tp and had orders to turn East at LA POSTE with 5th DG.
MAISONCELLES – PELVEY heavily mined with AP mines and main road from LA POSTE to MAISONCELLES-PELVEY.
3Tp Lt Campbell went out in the afternoon to go straight on from LA POSTE to VILLERS BOCAGE. Mines found at 805570 and at last light 3Tp had reached the outskirts of VILLERS BOCAGE.
A Flail tank was sent out to 5Tp to clear the road for 22nd Armd Bde centre line (Westminster Dragoons). Rained during the night.

C Sqn.
4Tp left early to liase with and protect the 64th Medium Regt RA at 755535.
At 0930 hours 3Tp Lt Ballingal MC was ordered to contact some RE’s at ROBIN and to open up the road into AUNAY SUR ODON.
1130 hours – 3Tp had reached 802513 where there were many mines to be cleared.
1200 hours – 3Tp took a PoW from 326 Infantry Div.
1420 hours – 3Tp had reached the bridge at 824512 – it was OK; at the entrance to the town, which was completely flattened by bombing, was hopelessly blocked by rubble of fallen down houses. A diversion to the North was finally found and by 1700 hours 3Tp was in the town centre. A German SP gun destroyed itself just in front of him and the crew surrendered. They gave their unit as 10th Pz Regt (Freundsburg). Further work was required to get out of the town to the South.
1850 hours – 3Tp was out of the town to the South and could see one man, believed German by his helmet, at 837501. As the approach was completely open down the rd he despatched a scout section down the side of the road which got nearly in the village of LA GENDRERIE along a ditch. There they saw some legs walking about, but could not seen the complete body, but decided they were German – they withdrew and the position was shelled by 7Tp. 4Tp had meantime finished his job with the guns and joined 3Tp. They both withdrew about 1 mile for the night.

A Sqn.
Moved to area BREUIL where we spent the night.

B Sqn.
3Tp pushed along their road in the centre in front of the 43rd Div Recce, and when the 13th Hussars Sqn just behind said they thought a thickly wooded bit of the road was too dangerous for them, Lt Chapman volunteered to push on forward. Only 2 miles East of LA TAUTINIERE they came up against a strongly held river line. The Wiltshires later came up and 3Tp spent the rest of the day with them reporting very accurately on the situation. On several occasions when the Wiltshires Btn HQ was being sniped. Lt Chapman insisted on going out in his Dingo to draw the fire and locate the sniper.
On the left 4Tp passed through ONDEFONTAINE and reported the village of GUAYE as held. They did a lot of shooting which included the rescue of an Air OP which had forced landed. Unfortunately just as they were about to clean up this village and take about 50 PoW our own guns began shelling the place so the Tp was withdrawn a bit. They continued to report on the enemy for the rest of the day.
On the right 5Tp made several gallant attempts to encircle from the South ST JEAN LE BLANC (whose codename was obviously “The White Bint”!) but the enemy was not budging and any movement was instantly shelled. Lt Sivewright did some excellent reporting throughout the day.
1Tp now commanded by Lt Young relieved 3Tp in the evening, and 2Tp went out to relieve 5Tp, they spent the night together.
SHQ moved to 3 miles behind 3Tp for the day and went back to LE MESNIL AUZOUF for the night. Great difficulty was experienced with the wireless in this thickly wooded and undulating country.

D Sqn.
Orders to advance to recce the bridge over the R ODON, between AUNAY SUR ODON and a line SE of VILLERS BOCAGE. 2Tp went with detailed orders to LA POSTE at 0530 hours where 3Tp and 5Tp were for the night. 3Tp found VILLERS BOCAGE badly blocked by masonry and had to go cross country to the South.
5Tp worked on slowly, held up by mines at all X roads. 2Tp followed up 5Tp as far as the X roads 812547 when 2Tp went ahead to the bridge at 837543. Here Sgt Fulcher’s car hit 2 teller mines, Tpr Chalmers was slightly wounded in the head and Sgt Fulcher cracked 2 ribs on the gun. The car was badly smashed at the front.
5Tp went right to the bridge North of AUNAY, which was OK. Lt Sexty’s car went up on a teller mine. Sgt Luke pushed on to AUNAY which was badly blocked having been ‘liberated’, where he met a patrol of C Sqn coming down the main road. Sgt Lyon was slightly wounded by an ‘S’ mine which went off 10 feet away from him.
4Tp joined 2Tp to try and get through to the bridge at THURY HARCOURT on the river ORNE. 3Tp meanwhile managed to get over the ODON at 840570 and proceeded SE to 880500. 4Tp joined 3Tp also a Sqn of 5th DG and they pushed on about 2000 yards meeting SA fire. 3Tp were smartened up by 5th DG (or thought to be). 5Tp got through AUNAY and proceeded East to 865495. 3Tp came in.

C Sqn.
Sqn role was to recce the three roads running SW, South and SE from AUNAY SUR ODON. 2Tp, 4Tp and 3Tp were allocated the 3 roads, each with a scout car.
On the way through the town 3Tp took 3 PoW of 968 Regt – there was thick ground mist which limited visibility to 100 yards. The shelling by 7Tp on the previous day had been well on target. 3Tp in following up his scout section ran over a mine damaging the car, but the crew was OK.
4Tp had meanwhile had made good progress through the thick woods at 7948 and by 0825 hours had reached the road junction 828482. He was ordered to halt there and await improvement of visibility as it was known the MT PINCON feature was held.
At 0850 hours a German cyclist rode into the patrol from the West. He was from 5th Btn 786 Regt and did not know we were near the road junction.
2Tp had meanwhile advanced to road junc at 897487 where they met a patrol of B Sqn. 2Tp was then withdrawn and relieved 3Tp who had been busy picking up mines- Teller Mk IV, several of them booby-trapped.
A Coy of Hants Regt came into 4Tp area which was heavily shelled. The Tp evacuated. There were 5 casualties on the ACs which the stretcher bearers could not reach on account of MG fire. Little advance was made during the rest of the day.
2Tp advanced SW as far as 852482 but was then ordered back. There was a certain amount of shelling in this area without result. Both Tps returned to Sqn after dark.

A Sqn.
Moved to CANTELOUP. The Sqn Ldr Major J Turnbull received orders to have the Sqn ready to move out, to recce the bridges over the ORNE.
Before the order to move was given, a few overthrows from the enemy guns fell in the area. The Sqn Ldr was wounded in the leg, L/Cpl Cox and L/Cpl Crosby, Tpr Paske and Tpr Cutbush were also injured. This meant that 5Tp Lt Osborne was not operational. Capt H Petch MC DCM, took command of the Sqn, Lt Williamson took over 2i/c and Lt Woodhouse who had joined us from C Sqn took over 3Tp.

B Sqn.
3Tp after a brilliant patrol were impossible to call in the morning! The only incident was that on the day before an unlucky mortar shell had landed in the sunken lane where 3Tp were with the Btn HQ of the Wiltshires – Tpr Pearson was killed and Tprs Symons and Philps were wounded.
At 1100 hours the Sqn was told to concentrate at ONDEFONTAINE and the patrols were withdrawn. Lt Nicholson had spent the last 2 ½ days with HQ 43rd Div Recce Regt who were charming and grateful for our help, but he had heard an unfortunate remark by their Div Commander, which ran, “If the 11th Hussars insist on swanning around our area they must expect to be shot up!” Are we fighting the Germans or ourselves? B Sqn I think had acquitted themselves well though they were very lucky not to have had any more casualties.

D Sqn.
1Tp Lt Horsfall and 3Tp refuelled and went out, 4Tp and 5Tp came in. 1Tp to 888493, 5Tp Tp 897498. Lt Moore to 59th Div Recce to liase.
Considerable shelling and mortaring during the day and at last light. The area South of the river running West from THURY HARCOURT held strongly. Excellent shoot with 25pdrs and mediums by 1Tp & 3Tp in conjunction, on enemy Infantry and suspected dug-in Panther.

C Sqn.
1Tp & 5Tp left before first light to patrol the roads running SW & SE from road junc 828482. 5Tp’s job consisted of following up Infantry and tanks until road junc at 836474 and 1Tp was to open up the road running down to the West of Mt PINCON. The western side of PINCON had been reported as being taken during the night, but a lot of enemy were known to be still in the area.
By 0855 hours 1Tp had reached 821470 and they took 2 PoWs from 986 Regt and they said their whole Btn was in the area. 1Tp pushed on to the crossing of the river at 820467. Here they met many mines in the road which had to be removed. They were Teller mines some of which were booby trapped. One of these was exploded by attaching signal cable and pulling. The explosion immediately drew heavy shellfire which postponed lifting operations.
By 1400 hours 1Tp had met some tanks of 8th Armd Bde (13/18th Hussars) at X roads 821443. They were then ordered to go West along the South side of the PINCON feature. After making 1000 yards they came into close contact with the enemy. They engaged those observed and withdrew amongst A/Tk and MG fire which however did no harm. 1Tp remained in observation X roads area – they also found and evacuated 2 wounded soldiers of the Hampshire Regt.
5Tp had made a slow advance to POSTY which was reached at 1630 hours. The main column turned left and 5Tp was ordered to move straight on to contact friends on the hill some 2000 yards ahead. They almost immediately took 2 PoWs of the 276th Pz A/Tk unit who stated that they had abandoned their SP gun. Another PoW (986 Gn) was taken soon after. The advance continued slowly in by now thickly wooded country.
At 1744 hours the leading car was fired on, hit and immediately set on fire. The driver Tpr Johnson and the G/Op Tpr Berger were killed and the commander Sgt Thomson severely burned but managed to get out. Lt Creaton ran forward to help; Sgt Thomson had been burned on the face and hands and his clothing was on fire but this was soon extinguished and they got back to Lt Creatons car in spite of MG fire. Sgt Thomson was evacuated in the White scout car while Lt Creaton got in touch with the OP and gave him the pinpoint ref of the A/Tk gun. An accurate concentration was brought down upon the area and soon after the Infantry were able to advance to find the gun had received a direct hit killing 3 of the crew, the fourth was captured.
3Tp had meanwhile gone to recce the road from 836974 to 810458. He got about halfway up and met 1st RTR who were doing the same thing from the other way.
All Tps returned at night.

A Sqn.
At 0900 hours 1Tp Sgt Hall, 2Tp Lt Sutton, 3Tp Lt Woodhouse and 4Tp Lt Hodgkinson were sent out to be in a handy position in the area of VALLEE. They were shelled and ordered to move back under cover to area 895503 where they remained all day.
At 2115 hours Tp Ldrs were called in to SHQ for orders and 2Tp complete because of the damage to their cars through shelling.

B Sqn.
7th to the 10th the Sqn remained at ONDEFONTAINE resting and reorganising. It is surprising how tired everyone gets these long days and it takes more than a day to catch up on the sleep one has missed.
It seems that this Corps Recce did not work really. Either we must work on our own front, in front of 7th Armd Div as usual, or if the Corps Commander must have continual accurate information on the whole front, we should merely act as LOs with Officers and Sergeants in Dingos on the Infantry Div fronts where they have their own Recce Regts. Much letter writing was done and more of the soldiers were able to recount the stories of their first patrols against the Germans.

D Sqn.
1Tp and 5Tp move out to 888493 and 897498. Lt Horsfall to liase with 1/6th South Staffs and 5Tp on left 177th Bde.
Very heavy mortaring in the morning, Lt Horsfall was wounded in the shoulder while with Btn HQ of 1/6th South Staffs. 4Tp relieved 1Tp.
Whole situation as follows:- roughly the river running West from the ORNE at 930480 to VALLEE dividing line enemy to the South, us to the North. From the 51 Grid running SE to R ORNE Enemy in the valley with mortars and with guns South of Pt. 152. All Tps called in at 1200 hours.

C Sqn.
A column of one Sqn of 8th Hussars, 5th RTR and 1/6th Queens was formed to advance South through PLESSIS GRIMOULT. Sqn role was to do right flank guard. 2Tp and 3Tp left early and went to the top of Mt PINCON near the head of the column. The leading Tps were held up in PLESSIS GRIMOULT and just to the South all day, so our role was never required. All Tps returned in the evening.

A Sqn.
At 0500 hours Tps moved out and on arrival in area of start point, 1Tp who were leading, was shelled and suffered 2 casualties. Cpl Sear of the Scout section was wounded in the back and Cpl Lewis was wounded slightly in the head. Cpl Sear was evacuated and Tpr Ogden was put in command of the Scouts.
All 3 Tps were ordered back to cover and later two Tps were called in, 4Tp remained out to act as LO between SHQ and 8th Hussars who were advance guard along the centre line.

D Sqn.
2Tp, 3Tp and 4Tp move out. 3Tp remain in area Pt 245 2 & 3 to valley area to get 2Tp West to THURY HARCOURT bridge and 4Tp to 876459 and then SE. Column of 7th Armd Div are pushing South to CONDE. Heavy fire and Infantry opposition met. No progress made and 4Tp returned to Pt. 245 at about 1100 hours. 2Tp were heavily mortared in the afternoon and joined 3Tp and 4Tp at Pt. 245 at about 1530 hours as no information or useful action was being attained. All Tps in at last light.

C Sqn.
Sqn came into reserve.

Summary. The Sqn only recced from LA LANDE to Mt PINCON a total distance of about 5 miles, but nearly all of this was in contact with the enemy and in very close country. During the 4 days we lost one car with 2 killed and 1 wounded and had a second car damaged by a mine but recovered. We took 12 PoWs and possibly inflicted other casualties with a 75mm and MGs. We also removed 40 – 50 Teller mines.

A Sqn.
2Tp was ordered out at 0500 hours to take up position at start point before first light and act as LO between 8th Hussars and SHQ. No advance had been made. The enemy in strong position at 898467.
At 0930 hours the Sqn was ordered to pull out until a more favourable opportunity presented itself for pushing on up to the bridge.
We returned independently to CANTALOUPE where we spent the night.
5Tp Lt Osborne had by this time been made up in crews and was again operational. Lt Woodhouse reported to the Sqn Ldr with an attack of Malaria (3rd attack in 6 weeks). He was evacuated to hospital and Lt Hunt took over 3Tp and Sgt Turner the Gun Tp.

D Sqn.
5Tp liasing with 177 Bde all day. Front unchanged, less mortaring than usual.

A Sqn.
At 1800 hours 3Tp, 4Tp and 5Tp were ordered out to the bridges again. 3Tp to the bridge at 914405, 5Tp to 920432 and 4Tp to the crossing at LE MESNIL ROGER.
3Tp reached 884423 and reported Infantry positions North, NE & NW of ST LAMBERT. He took up observation until ordered to return at last light.
5Tp reached 882441 where the road was found to be mined. The Scout section dismounted and started clearing the mines, picking up 10 Teller mines before last light.
4Tp following behind 5Tp were unable to get onto the route to the crossing.
SHQ had moved to 862448 with the Gun Tp and 1Tp and 2Tp. The B1 Echelon was moved to 860 467. At last light all Tps were called in and B1 replenished after dark.

D Sqn.
Moved to RHQ area 820495 at 1045 hours, 1Tp Lt Wild coming in from liaison with 177 Bde.
10th – 15th August. Reorganisation, cleaning up and maintenance. Sitrep as follows:-

1Tp	Lt Wild, Sgt Cooper, Cpl wheeler
2Tp	Sgt Lyon MM, Sgt Stewart, Cpl Rogers
3Tp	Lt Campbell, Sgt Addis, Cpl Grainger
4Tp	Sgt Keen, Sgt Peckitt, Cpl Gooch
5Tp	Sgt Luke MM, Cpl Walker, LCpl Chapman
Guns	Lt Sexty, Sgt Andrews, Sgt Skarratt

L/Sgt Cooper and L/Sgt Stewart to Sgt.
LCpl Gooch and LCpl Cairns to Cpl.
U/LCpl Chapman and U/LCpl Rose to P/LCpl.
Tprs Hempstead, Cartwright 08, Williams Wynn to U/LCpl(Tprs Rivers, Higman to U/LCpl before arrival RHQ area).

At this time also:-

Lt Newton MC	at Baguley Hospital, Altringham, Cheshire
Lt Hickman	at Baguley Hospital
Lt Horsfall	121 General Hospital, to UK 10 Aug 44
Lt Copeland	10 CCS 10 Aug 44 to Hospital 12 Aug 44 and progressing favourably
Lt Llewellin Palmer	died of wounds 3 Aug 44
Tpr Humphries	found KIA
Tpr Sanderson	found KIA
LCpl Kennedy	no trace whatever, Missing (car door was open, hoped he is PoW)

A Sqn.
The intention remained the same. Four troops were in use.
4Tp to the crossing. 5Tp to the bridge 920432. 3Tp to the bridge 915405. 2Tp lying up in area CAUVILLE.
To all intents and purposes the situation remained unchanged. No advance was made by us towards the bridges, and enemy guns and Infantry were in positions in strength all along the front.
3Tp used the 75mm gun Tp at Infantry position at 888418 but with little or no success. The road that 5Tp was using was eventually cleared of mine by the Scout section who had been assisted by the RE’s. Unfortunately one Daimler AC was blown up, none of the crew injured.
Enemy shelling was encountered the whole day on all sectors and a few prisoners were taken, some of them Yugoslavs.
Tps returned to SHQ at last light and replenishment was carried out.

B Sqn.
11th to 12th the Sqn moved to where the Regt was, in a lovely place just South of Mt PINCON near AUNAY SUR ODON which was generally agreed to be the most battered place or town we had ever seen; it was such a shambles that the RE’s were unable to find where the roads went and had to bulldoze a way through. All the Sqn benefited from well run shower baths, where they could also exchange their clothing.
Lt General Horrocks whom we knew well from before and who had just taken over 30th Corps from Lt General Bucknall, gave the Regt a very fine address in the course of the war; he said how much he preferred the “metering” kind of war, like the Tunisian finale, than the stubborn fighting against fatalistic SS Troops which we were now experiencing; he said that he was a good General when the enemy were on the run.

A Sqn.
1Tp, 2Tp and 3Tp went out at 0530 hours but were held up owing to fog.
1Tp advanced no further than 884423. They reported Infantry and mortars in ST LAMBERT and square 8841 was a prepared Infantry Btn position.
3Tp had a slight alteration in the orders given to them this was to move from their position at 1500 hours and proceed South down the centre line to X roads 875390 – then to advance East and endeavour to reach Pt. 110 915398. His intention to report whether the road running SE was useable and to report on the bridge at 938390. The Tp advanced as far as 890390 where it was shelled and forced to withdraw. Lt Hunt exhibited great spirit and dash to advance so far, and seemed undeterred by small pockets of Infantry which he encountered on the way.
2Tp advanced to 885439 where it was held up all day by mortar fire. The village of CULEY LE PATREY was strongly held by enemy Infantry and it was not until late at night that our Infantry ejected them.

A Sqn.
Returned to RHQ at PIED DU BOIS. Maintenance was carried out and troops were rested.
From the 7th until 12th the Tps who had been operating were exposed to continuous shell and mortar fire and all benefited from the short respite.

B Sqn.
At 1100 hours we were in the middle of a Sqn Ldrs conference discussing how to occupy the time to advantage during the few days rest when we suddenly placed at immediate notice. B Sqn moved at 1300 hours and was ordered to recce the crossings of the ORNE, South of THURY HARCOURT and at the same time act as left flank guard to the Corps who were advancing South to CONDE SUR NOIREAU.
5Tp on the left got as far East as CULEY LE PATREY and had a good view point from that area.
2Tp in the centre had a more adventuresome time. The Germans had left the area bristling with mines and Lt Burridge’s car was blown up on the CAUVILLE ST LAMBERT road; he and both the driver LCpl Mayes and the operator LCpl Gormally were untouched. Later in the dark whilst trying to find another way round in his Dingo, Lt Burridge was standing only a few yards in front, guiding the driver onto a road, it was suddenly blown up but again he was untouched but for a bruised nose from a pack falling on it, Tpr Evans the driver was merely badly shaken. Perhaps Lt Burridge is going on George III’s principle of “Give me lucky Generals, not good Generals”.
On the right centre 1Tp found a good position at LA VARENDE and spent the evening finding friends and avoiding mines.
On the right we had a special request from the Corps Commander to recce the bridge at ST REMY. 3Tp went off as quickly as possible and, after leaving his Tp on high ground, Lt Chapman almost reached the bridge in his Dingo by midnight; civilians in a house just our side of the bridge were woken up by him and said that the bridge was held by Germans and that they had blown it, which was the information the Corps Commander required. The wireless through the trees was very difficult and 3Tp was out of touch for most of the night.

C Sqn.
The Sqn was between the 38 and 41 Northing facing East. Two Tps were out, with 2Tp on the left overlooking the bridge at 915405 which had been blown, and 1Tp Sgt Mitchell at LA VARENDE, both had scout sections – the one with 1Tp being about 1 mile forward of the Tp which could get no further because of the going. The one with 2Tp patrolled the river bank to see if the bridge at 913410 was useable; but it was not. 2Tp took one PoW, a Russian from a Horsed Transport Unit.
At 1210 hours the scout section saw some men at 891391 on the far side of the river.
7Tp (Gun Tp) were in action at SHQ area 878893. First they ranged a road likely to be used, and then fired on men reported by 1Tp scout section. 170 rounds were fired during the day.
For the night both Tps prepared to hold the roads from the East. For this purpose, scout sections carried a roll of Danert wire and Hawkins A/Tk grenades.

B Sqn.
At daylight 3Tp went down to the bridge SW of REMY 914405 and confirmed that it was blown. A Tp from C Sqn relieved them at 0900 hours and 3Tp returned to rest with the B1 at CAPANDRE VALCONGRAIN.
1Tp on the right remained in the area of LA VARENDE, with the Scout section LCpl Hawkins, forward looking down into the river. They reported chiefly on our own shelling of the other side.
In the centre 4Tp was in position on MONT GAULTIER and Lt Nicholson with Cpl Hughes was forward about 2000 yards in a good but far away position. 4Tp had a shoot with 75mm onto various fleeting targets on the other side of the river, more for practice than anything else.
On the left 5Tp got right down to the river East of CULEY LE PATREY and gained contact with 59th Div in 12th Corps who were operating on our left. One RE Carrier was blown up just on the other side of the river, and later another carrier looking for a bathing pool also got blown up. In the evening 5Tp also had some good shooting at fleeting targets on the opposite hill.
It was lovely weather and a comparatively quiet day except for a short panic in the evening when Lt Nicholson in the half light reported 12 Germans coming towards him. They must have disappeared as we heard nothing more of them.
SHQ spent the day and leaguered for the night 700 yards behind 4Tp in the centre, in a very good position of observation. 1Tp were relieved about midday by C Sqn.

C Sqn.
Our area was increased to the SE as far as 38 grid and later to the 35 grid. 4Tp left at dawn and went to junc at 918400 – the road South of there was heavily mined with Teller of which the scout section picked up more than 40 – they also took 1 PoW of the Grenadiers, but could not find out what number.
1Tp was relieved by B Sqn and later 2Tp was withdrawn; but 3Tp went down South past 4Tp to junc 917357, then East towards the bridges at 9833 which were reported clear, but were in fact not, and 3Tp ran into mortar fire and shelling. They then recced the roads and bridges over the ORNE to the North. They encountered mines which they marked, bur all the bridges were U/S.
3Tp and 4Tp remained in the area for the night.

B Sqn.
3Tp took over the right hand patrol from C Sqn. 4Tp were still out in the centre and 5Tp were relieved in the afternoon by 1Tp.
It was a quiet day and very good training for the Scout section in the use of their own initiative. At 1800 hours the whole Sqn was withdrawn to B1 for the night.

C Sqn.
Both Tps cleared up their area of mines. The enemy had now withdrawn from the far bank of the river and at 1200 hours, Tps were withdrawn and Sqn went into reserve.
1600 – Regt moved to area of ST SYLVAIN where we arrived just before dark.

A Sqn.
Moved from PIED DU BOIS to ST AIGNON DU CREMASNIL crossing the ORNE at AMAYE SUR ORNE.

B Sqn.
We expected the day off but an early morning rumour that we were going over the ORNE under the Canadians turned out to be correct. 2Tp were now reformed with a new Daimler AC and a new Dingo.
At 1300 hours the whole Regt moved to cross the ORNE and come under 1st Corps who were part of the Canadian Army. We crossed at AMAYE SUR ORNE and after careering on much further than we expected, and ended up, after passing through untold Canadian Echelons and leaguers, at SECQUEVILLE LA CAMPAGNE which was one of the most unsightly places we have seen; the wood had been bombed by our heavies or American heavies, presumably on our own troops as there were many brewed up British vehicles.
The orders for the next day were most ambitious and the information about the enemy was almost nil, and there was little more information of whom the Polish Armd Div was working on our front, and, naturally enough their English “was not”, in most cases liaison was difficult; however Lt Nicholson somehow managed to get some useful information, and they also added that they were not going to write themselves off in some “blood and guts” show and their Div constituted the future breeding stock of Poland.
Tp Ldrs were not given their orders until midnight. The Regt was to advance on a three Sqn front in a northerly direction roughly between ST PIERRE SUR DIVES and on the right the river VIE; the country was supposed to be unoccupied, which in fact proved to be entirely incorrect. It was a ghastly night.

D Sqn.
Lt Cousins and Lt Pybus joined the Sqn, the former under instruction of Sgt Keen and the latter under instruction of Sgt Lyon. Cpl Wheeler and Cpl Walker placed spare on B2.
Moved at 1300 hours to area CLAMESNIL under 1st Canadian Army. Very dirty; arrived 2230 hours with orders to move at first light. The area had some 100 burnt out vehicles (British) caused by 50 Lancasters dropping their bombs in the wrong area.

C Sqn.
Dawn – Sqn moved across R DIVES at JORT, 2Tp & 5Tp went to LIEURY which was reported clear but was found to be held by MGs. 2Tp and 5Tp gradually made their way through to trees at 277459 where 2Tp turned South towards TOTES while 5Tp continued East.
By 1100 hours 5Tp was at 285460, 2Tp at 282450 and 1Tp at 287437. All were in visual contact with the enemy and 5Tp and 2Tp were both shooting at enemy Infantry in the fields but the country was very close and visibility limited.
1145 hours – 2Tp caused a fire with their MGs in the village of TOTES and were shortly after engaged by A/Tk gun which caused the Dingo to overturn in a ditch while turning round. A Canadian Staghound in the area also got into trouble with its own phosphorous grenades going off – severely burning 2 of its crew. Tpr Russell, the Dingo driver, burned his hands in trying to extinguish the clothing of one of them. Our White Scout car evacuated all the casualties. The Dingo was later recovered intact.
5Tp engaged the enemy in this area with 7Tp as well as his own MGs and got well amongst them. 1Tp came under heavy MG and sniping fire and also an A/Tk gun on the flank. 1Tp and 2Tp also used 7Tp on the enemy in their area.
At 1645 hours 5Tp considered the enemy on his front had withdrawn sufficiently so advanced a few hundred yards. A civilian reported that the enemy had just pulled out and had left a man wounded in the earlier firing in a nearby house. The Scout section went and got him. White Scout car evacuated the PoW and took another on the way back.
About 1900 hours 2 enemy guns, probably 75mm, fired about 40 – 50 rounds landing just behind SHQ and Gun Tp area. 1Tp and 2Tp got a cross section on these guns and 7Tp replied to them with an equal number of rounds.
All Tps recalled after dark.

A Sqn.
17th – 18th In Regtl reserve. Moved in the wake of the advance to COURCY.

B Sqn.
We started at 0630 hours on a long approach march to JORT where we crossed the R Dives just by the Polish Div HQ. We halted for breakfast just the other side and to give out orders. 2Tp were on the right and via BERVILLE reached MITTOIS where they came up against small arms and mortars. They then went North across the main road running East from ST PIERRE SUR DIVES to endeavour to get into BOISSEY from the North. They found the country infest with Infantry and had some near escapes, and were just unable, due to bad tracks, to get into BOISSEY before the 8th Hussars.
1Tp tried to get down the main road into BOISSEY but it was covered by an A/Tk gun which brewed up an 8th Hussars tank just in front of him.
3Tp got down the road SE from BERVILLE nearly into ECOTS which was held, and had some very successful sport with the 75’s onto some Germans on a farm hard by.
2Tp took 1 PoW during the day. The country was very close and most difficult. All patrols were called in and spent the night with SHQ in an avenue at CAREL, 1 mile SW of ST PIERRE SUR DIVES.

D Sqn.
Moved at 0600 hours to ST PIERRE SUR DIVES. It was believed the enemy were disorganised and it would be an easy matter to advance to LISIEUX on a three Sqn front.
2Tp moved out on the main road running NE and reached 309518 where he was held up by A/Tk guns, MGs and mortaring.
3Tp advanced up the main road NNE and reached 288550 where he was held up by shelling and mortaring and a tank at 300590 area. The HD took over the area.
5Tp went to 285531 then East to 300530 where there was MG fire and mortaring; later pushed on to 300544 where he captured 4 PoW.
4Tp went to 282524 and turning left went along the river towards MEZIDON – shelling in OUVILLE area and sundry snipers in the trees. Reached 272553. Area seemed fairly strong with enemy and the Tps were called in at 1400 hours.

a) lifting mines,
b) foot recces,
c) aiding Tps,
d) evacuation of wounded.

C Sqn.
Dawn. 3Tp and 4Tp left for same area as 1Tp & 5Tp with 3Tp on the right. Diverted on X roads 284437 then to turn South to X roads 313403. 4Tp who were directed on ST MARTIN DE FRESNAY got on very fast in spite of very thick ground mist and passed through ECOTS by 0930 hours. 3Tp meanwhile had encountered many mines (Tellers), some of which were booby trapped and took some time to remove.
1020 hours – 4Tp was in ST MARTIN DE FRESNAY where one PoW was taken and found 2 abandoned French SOMUA tanks. 1Tp had meanwhile had been sent out to the right, directed on X roads 303405 from the West. At VAUDELOGES he encountered road blocks and many mines.
By 1130 hours 3Tp had reached the village of REVEILLON and was pushing South. Civilians reported enemy just ahead.
By 1200 hours 3Tp was approaching his objective from the North and 1Tp was coming in from the West. The X roads were seen to be held – men moving about and 2 Polish deserters came into 3Tp. Mines could also be seen on the road. An A/Tk gun, thought to be an SP at the time, suddenly opened up on 3Tp from the left flank and with its first shot destroyed the Dingo, which was the third vehicle in the Tp. Cpl Finch and Tpr Davies ’18 were killed instantly. The two leading ACs were confined to the road by hedges and banks and were actually protected from the A/Tk gun which later proved to be a Mk IV tank with a 75mm long special gun. The Dingo was burning in the middle of the road, blocking it, but after a few minutes it rolled slowly forwards and off the road into the ditch. Lt Ballingal decided to try and drive back, passed the area covered by the A/Tk gun, using reverse steering. A very near miss which completely blinded the driver with dust and smoke put the car into the ditch (later recovered). At the same time a Bazooka from the X roads area knocked out and brewed up the leading car. The crews of both these cars got out OK and made it to the White Scout car which had kept in W/T touch with SHQ. 2Lt Esch with 1 DAC and 1 Dingo from 5Tp had joined the White and Lt Ballingal took a 38 (portable) set and went on foot to try and get observation on the gun which had done the damage. 7Tp shelled the area and also the area of the X roads. The following day when the enemy had withdrawn the gun was found to be a Mk IV Special tank which was abandoned. The nearest shell had been within 20 ft of the tank.
1Tp had meanwhile got as far as Pt. 128 2840 from where he got good observation, and a foot patrol forward to within 100 yards of the X roads. There he heard a rifle bolt being operated in a house nearby, also some enemy with an MG just to the South of the X roads. Sgt Davies, i/c Scout section, decided it was time to withdraw to the Tp from where he conducted a shoot with 7Tp on the enemy he had located.
3Tp took another 3 PoWs. 4Tp had got forward as far as the bridge at 323438 which was OK but surrounded by many enemy on foot with MGs – of which he took 4 PoW. Just then an A/Tk gun opened up on the leading car but missed and the Tp withdrew to 50 yards our side of the bridge from where he covered it with MG and 2pdr.
5Tp Lt Creaton and a Scout section opened up the road, together with a Canadian AC Tp from X roads 285435 to NOTRE DAME DE FRESNAY. More mines were encountered and lifted.
5Tp Ldr did a personal recce on a bicycle to a farm at 305439 where he found an abandoned 106 mm gun.
In the evening A Sqn sent four Tp Ldrs to visit our Tp Ldrs with a view to taking over the following day which they duly did.
On these two days 17/18th the recce had been in very close country with close contact with the enemy. An advance of some 3 – 4 miles had been made – all of it in the face of opposition by enemy who took full advantage of the very close country and who had a proportion of A/Tk weapons on every road. The Scout Tp came fully into their own and played a vital part in:-

i) lifting mines,
ii) dismounted daylight recce with No. 39 set and Bren and Sten guns which no other formation appeared to undertake,
iii) treating and evacuating casualties,
iv) any odd jobs which came their w