B Sqn. 2nd Lothians and Border Horse. Royal Armoured Corps. - Argenta Gap

All -
Note the date of this action as taking place on April 22nd 1945 with the mention of a Sherman with a 17 pounder - the Italian campaign ended on April 29th

Cheers

 

EWE
meant to mention that the 25th Bde Armoured engineer group came originally from the 25th tank bde - the 145th RAC of the 21st Tank bde was broken up at Christmas 1944 - the NIH from 25th Tank bde moved over to fill the gap - at the same time the 142 RAC in 25th Tank bde was also broken up which left the 51st RTR all alone with the BDE Hq -so they were converted into the 25th Armoured/ Engineer Bde gruop with Hobo's funnies dozers - crocodiles - fachines - Arks all the odd ball stuff on Churchill Tanks
Cheers

 

Hi Tom,
would you like to join the Facbook page?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/217119904993/
Hereward

 

Hi Ewe,
would you like to join the Facbook page?
https://www.facebook.com/groups/217119904993/
Hereward

 

I have a copy of these diaries if you want a copy

Hereward

 

I believe it was me that copied them for you

 

G.W. Martin was actually in 2 Troop B Squadron, my dad's troop! Only 3 tanks per troop, so they would have been good mates.

 

I believe they were called 'Ronson's', after the box of matches, not by popular and incorrect belief that fuel tanks were on the sides, but because the ammo ranks inside the tanks were stored on the inside of the sides. Thus a strike down the side, or more likely in the front but above the tracks on the side would instantly blow up or brew up the tank. Very sad, but often very quick.

 

Sorry to correct you but it's a popular misunderstanding. 12NOV42 was when Operation Torch began. The 2L&BH actually left Grennock, Scotland 27NOV42 and landed 2 weeks later in BONE 10DEC42. Of all the USA and British forces, the 2L&BH landed the closest the Afrika Korps. They were at the very pointy edge. I think that's what you call drawing the short straw!!

 

I would be interested to know more of your uncles service. Did you find anything more? Any photos during WWII and any photos of your dads trip in 1980 you can share with me as I am collecting data for a possible book on the L&BH.

Hereward