2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

Discussion in 'The Brigade of Guards' started by dbf, Apr 8, 2013.

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    TNA Catalogue Reference: WO 205/1165

    Extract from -
    Tank Casualties Survey, NWE 1945 | WW2Talk

    See other threads for further Guards Armoured Division data, 1945:
    1st Armoured Battalion COLDSTREAM GUARDS
    2nd Armoured Battalion IRISH GUARDS
    2nd Recce Battalion WELSH GUARDS

    Other Units in same survey:
    7th Armoured Division
    11th Armoured Division
    4th Armoured Brigade
    8th Armoured Brigade
     
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    INDEX


    A.12., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 31 Mar 1945

    A.5., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 3 Apr 1945
    A.6., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 3 Apr 1945
    A.9., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 3 Apr 1945
    B.12., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 3 Apr 1945


    A.7., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 10 Apr 1945
    A.8., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 10 Apr 1945
    A.10., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 10 Apr 1945
    A.11., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 10 Apr 1945
    A.4., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 10 Apr 1945

    A.3., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 20 Apr 1945
    B.15
    B.11., Unknown Battalion Grenadier Guards, 20 Apr 1945
    A.2., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 20 Apr 1945

    A.1., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 28 Apr 1945
    B.13., 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards, 28 Apr 1945


    B.8., 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Date Unknown
    B.1., 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, Date Unknown
     
    Last edited: Nov 24, 2017
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.12.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 288898

    Date: 31 Mar 1945

    Photo No.: 5

    Figure Nos.: 8, 11, 12
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 250 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (S.P. gun) penetration and scoops.

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: -

    Circumstances: Tank came round a corner in Eibergen at about 5 m.p.h. and was fired at by an S.P. gun stated to have been a 75 mm. which was down the road at the next corner. Turret at 11.30 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: Shot a) hit right sprocket, breaking the track; b ) hit towards front end of right suspension, exact position not known; c) penetrated through front of hull at right edge of hull M.G. mounting; ragged semi-circular hole, Browning missing; d) scooped side wall right sponson in front of quick fix armour over forward sponson ammunition bin.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot a) scooped top surface right sprocket and went on to hit front bogie suspension and bounce up onto floor of right sponson which it bent upwards but did not split. Crew were in tank, but were uninjured, baled out after this hit; b ) damage not known. Middle bogie suspensions blown off, but this may have been due to the later explosion of the tank caused by the fire; c) course untraceable because the interior of the tank was disrupted by fire; d) no apparent damage seen on inner surface of armour. Fire thought to have been caused by c), did not start until crew had got out.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Tank Commander. Range confirmed roughly by inspection of ground.

    Fate of Crew:
    Crew: Unhurt. Not in tank when it was penetrated.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.5.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 232220

    Date: 3 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 1

    Figure Nos.: 8, 9, 10
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: A.P. 500 yards; H.C. N.K.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm S.P. gun) penetration. H.C. penetration.

    Fire Damage: None

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Early morning at Gildenhaus. Tank stationary. Same incident as A.6 and B.9. Firing at S.P. gun when hit by another S.P. gun. Turret stated to have been at 10 o’clock, found at 6 o’clock, but could be freely rotated.

    Position of Hit: a) A.P. penetration about 75 x 80 mm. diameter in left side of turret; b ) H.C. penetration about 25 mm. diameter in front of hull into front end of left sponson.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot a) damaged deflector guard and made a dent in inner surface of right wall of wireless bulge. Wireless burnt. This shot knocked off some track plates which were welded onto turret for protection. Minor fire, confined to wireless and fittings around; b ) appeared to have done minor internal damage. It occurred after the crew had baled out after shot a).

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Tank Commander and Gunner.

    Fate of Crew:
    Driver and Co-Driver: Unhurt.
    Gunner: Trivial wounds. Evacuated because of exposure, counted Unhurt.
    Operator: Wounded; a) T and T flesh wound left knee and thigh, entry upper and outer side left knee, it on outer side, mid-thigh; b ) flesh wound left forearm. RTD 5/52. Category A.
    Commander: Wounded. Minor flesh wound back. RTD 2/52. Category A.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.6.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 147796

    Date: 3 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 3

    Figure Nos.: 9, 12
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 500 - 600 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm Pak 40) penetrations and scoop

    Fire Damage: Confined, minor

    Other tanks involved in same incident: B.9 & A.5

    Circumstances: Early morning at Gildenhaus. Tank reversing slowly when fired at. Tank Commander saw the flash of the gun which fired, but not the gun itself. Same incident as tank B.9 and A.5. Turret at 11 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: a) 79 mm. diameter penetration into turret through lower edge of 75 mm. mantlet on Operator’s side; b ) scoop on roof of hull taking a piece out of rear edge of Co-Driver’s hatch.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot a) hit a round which the Operator had in his hands and caused it to explode. Examination of the tank showed it went on to scoop the turret wall behind, and above the Operator’s seat. It was found by the Commander later on the floor of the turret unexploded. This shot caused a sheet of flame to go through the turret and a minor fire started which soon went out; b ) did not penetrate the tank. It appears probable that this shot injured Co-Driver and Driver, who were driving opened up. It is not known if crew got out after a) or b ).

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Tank Commander.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander and Gunner: Unhurt.
    Operator: Killed. Hands blown off, head injured by shot a).
    Driver: Wounded. Superficial scalp wound. RTD 5/52. Category A.1.
    Co-Driver: Wounded. Comminuted compound fracture lower 1/3 right humerus. Two F.B’s removed from lateral side of arm. Discharged hospital 4 Oct 1945. Category E.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.9.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 288446

    Date: 3 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 3

    Figure Nos.: 9, 10, 12
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: Not Known

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm.) partial penetration and scoop. H.E. hit.

    Fire Damage: None

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Tank moving 10 - 15 m.p.h. in Gildenhaus. Turret 12 - 1 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: a) A.P. scoop from front on junction line between left and centre sections of final drive housing; b ) H.E. hit on Driver’s hatch; c) A.P. partial penetration of left side wall of turret.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) stopped the tank, injuring no one; b ) wounded the Driver although his hatch was closed, and caused crew to bale out; c) scooped roof of sponson, lodged in turret wall with its broken nose just sticking out into the interior of the turret. Crew were not in tank when this happened. Commander stated that there had been minor fire in the forward compartment, but no sign of fire was found on examination.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Tank Commander.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander, Gunner, Operator and Co-Driver: Unhurt.
    Driver: Wounded by b ). a) small wounds left forehead and vertex; b ) perforation of both ear drums. RTD 4/52. Category A.1.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: B.12.

    Tank:

    Mark: I c

    W.D. No.: 263560

    Date: 3 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure Nos.: 17, 18
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 500 - 600 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm A. Tk. gun) penetration.

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.5 & A.6.

    Circumstances: Moving slowly along road in Gildenhaus when hit by A. Tk. gun. Same incident as A.5 and A.6. Turret found at 7 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: Penetration through left side wall of hull immediately below floor of sponson, above middle bogie suspension. Hole 76 x 130 mm.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot went into the ammunition below the floor of the turret. Fire was confined to the crew compartment which was completely burnt out.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Troop Leader and Troop Sergeant.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander: Baled out, apparently unhurt, but was killed outside by small arms fire.
    Gunner: Burnt. Trivial burns of face. RTD 2/52 Category A.1.
    Operator: Wounded and burnt. a) minor wounds face. b ) left hand. c) simple fracture left osscalcis. d) traumatic amputation right big toe and tip of second toe, and wounds of right foot. e) minor burns both hands and face. Discharged hospital 15 June, 1945. Category E.
    Driver: Wounded and burnt. a) Dislocation right elbow. b ) minor burns face. RTD 9/52 Category A.1.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.7.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 289508

    Date: 10 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 3

    Figure No.: 9
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 200 - 300 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm Kw. K 42) penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.7, A.8 & A.10

    Circumstances: This tank was one of a troop of three tanks (A.7, A.8 and A.10) which were destroyed near Bippen by a Panther. This particular tank was bogged in a marshy field with its back towards the enemy who had come up from behind. Its turret was at 6 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: 89 mm. diameter penetration through the rear wall of the engine compartment in the upper right corner, level with the top of the track.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: The shot went through the right hand half of the engine bulkhead, into the crew compartment. Tank completely burnt out.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Squadron Leader who heard the story of this troop from its two unhurt survivors who were captured, but later freed again. All members of the troop were lost, so that no first hand evidence was available. Kw. K. 42 empty cases found at the scene confirmed the identified of the Panther.

    Fate of Crew:
    All members of the crew were killed.
    The bodies of the Commander and one other member of the turret crew were found outside the tank. They were both slightly burnt, the former wounded in the leg, and the latter severely burnt, the former wounded in the leg, and the latter severely mutilated. It is probable that both these men were killed by S.A. fire after they had baled out.
    The bodies of the three other members of the crew were destroyed in the tank. The Driver and Co-Driver could not have got out, except through the turret, as the way through their hatches was blocked by the wireless bulge.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.8.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 212286

    Date: 10 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 1

    Figure Nos.: 9 & 10
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 200 - 300 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm. Kw. K. 42) penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.7, A.8 & A.10

    Circumstances: This tank was one of a troop of three tanks (A.7, A.8 and A.10) which were destroyed near Bippen by a Panther. Turret at 12 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: 100 mm. diameter penetration through left forward sponson quick fix armour leading to 82 mm. diameter penetration through the side wall of left sponson.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot went into the left forward sponson ammunition bin, but its subsequent course could not be traced as the interior of the tank was disrupted.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Squadron Leader who heard the story of this troop from its two unhurt survivors who were captured, but later freed again. All members of the troop were lost, so that no first hand evidence was available. Kw. K. 42 empty cases found at the scene confirmed the identified of the Panther.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander: Died of Wounds. He was found outside the tank suffering from a) 2 degree burns of face, left arm and hand and legs; b ) compound fracture right femur; c) penetrating wounds of abdomen. Died in hospital.
    Operator: Killed. Found dead outside the tank, apparently not badly burnt.
    Gunner, Driver and Co-Driver. Never got out of the tank and their bodies were destroyed.
    The Commander and Operator were both probably hit by small arms fire after they had baled out, and are considered as having been killed outside.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.10.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 288669

    Date: 10 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 4

    Figure Nos.: 9 & 10
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 500 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm. Kw. K. 42) penetration and scoops.

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.7 & A.8

    Circumstances: This tank was one of a troop of three tanks (A.7, A.8 and A.10) which were destroyed near Bippen by a Panther. Turret at 8 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: a) 115 mm. diameter ragged penetration through left side wall of engine compartment, above centre of rear bogie suspension below petrol tank; b ) 2nd left bogie damaged by A.P.; c) right idler hit by A.P.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) appeared to have first hit bogie roller and then gone through side of hull across engine, into crew compartment, via the right side of engine bulkhead. Shot not found, and could not be traced further as the crew compartment was disrupted. The shot would have gone into the right rear sponson ammunition bin; c) broke track.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Squadron Leader who heard the story of this troop from its two unhurt survivors who were captured, but later freed again. All members of the troop were lost, so that no first hand evidence was available. Kw. K. 42 empty cases found at the scene confirmed the identified of the Panther.

    Fate of Crew:
    Operator and Driver: Unhurt. POW.
    Co-Driver: Not carried.
    Commander: Wounded by S.A. fire after he baled out.
    Gunner: Burnt. Minor burn right side face. Severely wounded by small arms fire after he had baled out.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.11.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 232439

    Date: 10 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 4

    Figure Nos.: 9, 11, 12
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 1800 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm.) penetration and scoop.

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A7, A8 & A10

    Circumstances: This tank was lost later on the same day as that of A7, A8 and A10 about two miles away from them. It was stationary when fired at across the open fields by a gun at the edge of a wood a mile away. Turret at 2 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: a) 76 mm. diameter penetration through the junction of floor of sponson and right side of wall of hull above rear bogie suspension; b ) scoop on upper edge of Driver’s hatch going on to scoop left side wall of turret.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot a) first hit track or bogie suspension and bounced upward through floor of the petrol tank and then cut through the centre of the engine deck in which it made a ragged hole 18” long. This shot caused the tank to catch fire at once; b ) hit and killed both the Driver and Co-Driver as they were baling out.

    Remarks: Tank seen. information from Commander of a neighbouring tank. Range confirmed by inspection of ground.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander and Operator: Unhurt.
    Gunner: Burnt. 2 degree burns face. RTD 5/52. Category A.1. Driver: Died of wounds in the R.A.P. Extensive wound of left axillary fold caused by shot b ) as he was baling out.
    Co-Driver: Died of Wounds in hospital. Compound fracture of left tibia and fibula caused by shot b ) as he was baling out.
    These men have been considered as having been killed while escaping.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.4.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 232397

    Date: 10 Apr 1945 [Other tanks involved, see below, date 20 Apr 1945]

    Photo No.: 2

    Figure Nos.: 9, 10, 12
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 150 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm Pak 40) penetration and scoops

    Fire Damage: None

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.3 & B.15

    Circumstances: Near Zeven in early morning. Very misty with poor visibility. Hit from short range while moving at about 5 m.p.h. down a road, by an S.P. gun which was not seen at the time, but seen later and identified as a “long 75 on a Mark III chassis”. Turret at 11.20 o’clock. Same incident as A.3. and B.15.

    Position of Hit: a) first hit was an 82 mm. diameter penetration through lower edge of 75 mm. mantlet. Shot went back to hit deflector guard, beyond which its course could not be traced. Went through operator; b ) 85 mm. diameter hole through front of turret below 75 mm. mantlet on Gunner’s side through gun controls to scoop turret ring below centre of wireless; c) hole into gear box; d) penetration a foot above 5th left bogie into engine; e) penetrations through side wall of left sponson behind left quick-fix across corner of crew compartment through the engine bulkhead into the engine; f) scoop on centre left bogie suspension; g) partial penetration through centre of front of hull at level of sponson floor. Shot a) was first hit, next one was “low down, exact position not known”. Commander and Gunner went on firing between first and second hits, but then baled out. Co-Driver and Driver got out after a).

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: See Position of hit

    Remarks: Tank seen. 75 mm. Pak. 40 on a Mark III chassis was found in a village 400 yds. away. Information from Tank Commander.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander, Gunner, Driver and Co-Driver: Unhurt.
    Operator: Hit and Killed by shot a).
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.3.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 288625

    Date: 20 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 1 & 43

    Figure Nos.: 9, 10, 12
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: 150 yards

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75mm Pak 40) penetrations and scoops

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.4 & B.15

    Circumstances: Near Zeven in early morning. Very misty with poor visibility. Hit from short range when stationary by an S.P. gun not sen at the time, but later identified as a “long 75mm. on a Mark III chassis”. Turret found at 11 o’clock. Same incident as A.4 and B.15.

    Position of Hit: a) penetration about 75 mm. in diameter in the side of the turret, about a foot to left of edge of gun mantlet. Course of shot not traced further, it could have hit operator. It was the first shot and caused the tank to burn immediately and the crew to bale out; b ) and c) two penetrations in centre of left side of hull just below track. One of these went into the engine, into the front of right petrol tank causing a cracked bulge in the armour of the side of the hull, and splitting the roof from the side. The projectile, a single driving band 75 mm., could be seen but not removed; d) scoop on front of roof of turret in front of operator. Tank completely burnt out.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: See Position of hit

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Troop Leader.

    Fate of Crew:
    Gunner, Driver & Co-Driver: Unhurt.
    Commander: Wounded; a) laceration of left eye leading to enucleation of eye; b ) traumatic amputation of right arm above elbow; c) extensive wounds left arm; d) amputation of all fingers of left and; e) laceration of chest wall; f) extensive wounds of both thighs. Still in hospital 19 Sep 1945. Final Category Not Known.
     
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    B.15. = B.11. ?
     
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    Regiment: Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: B.11.

    Tank:

    Mark: 1 c

    W.D. No.: 264457

    Date: 20 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: 17

    Figure Nos.: 17, 18, 20
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: Not Known

    Cause of Damage: A.P. (75 mm.) penetration and scoops, and mine.

    Fire Damage: Minor confined.

    Other tanks involved in same incident: A.3 & A.4.

    Circumstances: Near Zeven in early morning, very misty with poor visibility. Ran onto mine, and was then hit by A.P., probably Pak. 40. Same incident as A.3 and A.4. Turret found at 10 o’clock.

    Position of Hit: a) penetration about 75 mm. diameter through front of hull at the front end of left sponson. b ) scoop front end of forward quick fix armour on side wall left sponson. c) hit on third left bogie.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: a) passed through Driver’s compartment and hit underside of 75 mm. gun, damaging elevating gear. Caused a minor fire in front and of left sponson and driving compartment. Hit no one since crew were outside, having baled out when tank was mined.

    Remarks: Tank seen. Information from Operator.

    Fate of Crew: Crew: Unhurt by mine explosion. Not in the tank when it was penetrated by A.P.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.2.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 211969

    Date: 20 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: A.P. 500 yards; H.C. N.K.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. Penetration; H.C. hits

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: Moving at about 15 m.p.h.

    Position of Hit: First A.P. hit penetrated front of hull between Driver and Co-Driver. Tank was also hit by H.C. (sites N.K.) and may have been hit again by A.P. after crew had got out.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Tank caught fire at once and was eventually burnt out completely.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Squadron Leader.

    Fate of Crew:
    Turret crew: Unhurt.
    Driver: Wounded and burnt; a) one large 4” x 1” laceration of bridge of nose, right max illa penetrating antrum, right eye (which was removed at operation) and right supraorbital ridge which was fractured; b ) 2” long lacerations of chin; c) lacerations of scalp; d) lacerations of right index finger down to extensor tendon; e) abrasions right forearm; f) two 1” long deep lacerations over head of right fibular; g) 2 deg burns of scalp. X-rays of head show about 30, 0-50 mgm F.Bs in scalp and face. Still in hsopital 20 Sep 1945. Final category Not Known.
    Co-Driver: Wounded; a) laceration of middle finger of hand leading to amputation of finger; b ) traumatic amputation of left foot leading to above knee amputation left leg. Discharged hospital 14 Sep 1945. Category E.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: A.1.

    Tank: Sherman

    Mark: V

    W.D. No.: 288611

    Date: 28 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: N.K.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. Penetration

    Fire Damage: Burnt out

    Other tanks involved in same incident: -

    Circumstances: Stationary in SANDBOSTEL; Turret at 12 o’clock. Fired at from left front.

    Position of Hit: First shot penetrated front of hull in front of Driver. Tank was hit again several times.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: First shot hit the Driver in the head killing him, and went on to hit the turret ring below the gun, wounding the Operator. Fire did not start till the tank had been hit again, after the crew had baled out, which they did after the first hit.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Gunner. Operator was helped out.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander: Dismounted.
    Gunner and Co-Driver: Unhurt.
    Operator: Wounded. Flesh wound left leg, complicated by cellulitis. R.T.T. 4/52. Category A.
    Driver: Killed. Hit in head.
     
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    Regiment: 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: B.13.

    Tank:

    Mark: N.K.

    W.D. No.: N.K.

    Date: 28 Apr 1945

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: -

    Range: 1000 yds.

    Cause of Damage: A.P. scoops

    Fire Damage: None

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: At Sandbostel hit by an S.P. which was seen but could not be engaged as the turret traverse had jammed. The gunner and operator baled out and the Commander and Driver reversed the tank out sight of the S.P. Fired at from left of front.

    Position of Hit: a) A.P. scoop left side of wireless bin on back of turret. b ) thought to have been hit again several times on the front turret and on left track without penetration, but no reliable information available.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: Shot a) wounded the Operator slightly. No fire, and minor mechanical damage.

    Remarks: Tank not seen. Information from Troop Leader and another witness.

    Fate of Crew:
    Commander and Driver: Unhurt.
    Gunner: Unhurt in tank, but wounded outside by shellfire.
    Operator: Wounded slightly in tank, and killed outside by shellfire.
     
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    Regiment: 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

    Serial No.: B.8.

    Tank:

    Mark: I c

    W.D. No.: 263616

    Date: N.K.

    Photo No.: -

    Figure No.: 18
    2nd Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards, GAD, Tank Casualties, 1945

    Range: N.K.

    Cause of Damage: H.C. scoop.

    Fire Damage: None

    Other tanks involved in same incident:

    Circumstances: N.K.

    Position of Hit: Hole about 40 mm. diameter into gun trunnions behind 17-pounder mantlet.

    Course & Effect of Projectiles: No apparent internal damage.

    Remarks: Tank seen.

    Fate of Crew: N.K.
     

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