ARMOURED REGIMENT PLUS ARMOURED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS and TANK BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS.

Discussion in 'Armour' started by Trux, Aug 29, 2010.

  1. Trux

    Trux 21 AG

    ARMOURED REGIMENT PLUS ARMOURED
    BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS and TANK BRIGADE
    HEADQUARTERS.


    Armoured Regiments were originally formed as formations to pursue and harry a retreating
    enemy. Those regiments in armoured divisions retained that role but many were used in
    Infantry support roles.


    ARMOURED AND TANK BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS.

    HEADQUARTERS OF AN ARMOURED BRIGADE
    War Establishment II/101/1. November 1943.

    Brigadier, Commander

    Staff
    Colonel, Second in Command
    Brigade Major
    Major, Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General
    Captain, GSO3
    Staff Captain
    Captain, Intelligence Officer

    Headquarters Squadron
    Major, Headquarters Squadron Commander
    Captain Liaison Officer
    Captain, protection troop commander
    Captain, headquarters squadron second in command
    3 X Subaltern Liaison Officer
    Subaltern

    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Quartermaster Serjeant, technical
    Squadron Serjeant Major
    Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
    Warrant Officer Clerk

    2 X serjeant clerk
    intelligence serjeant
    provost serjeant
    mechanist serjeant
    5 X serjeant
    8 X corporal driver operator
    2 X corporal driver OC
    corporal gunner operator
    corporal motor mechanic
    corporal cook
    corporal storeman, technical
    2 X corporal clerk
    corporal, officers mess NCO
    corporal vehicle mechanic
    corporal motorcyclist
    19 X driver mechanic
    15 X driver operator
    17 X gunner mechanic
    15 X gunner operator
    29 X driver IC
    4 X clerk
    13 X batman
    5 X batman driver
    7 X motorcyclist
    5 X cook
    electrician
    8 X vehicle mechanic
    storeman, technical,
    2 X storeman
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman

    Services
    4 X Chaplain
    Major REME
    batman driver REME
    Captain RASC
    corporal clerk RASC
    batman driver RASC
    motorcyclist RASC
    clerk RAOC

    9 X motorcycle
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    5 X car 4 seat 4 X 4 (heavy utility)
    6 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt water
    10 X 3ton 4 X 4
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen
    1 X Carrier, Starting and Charging
    7 X scout cars
    10 X cruiser tank
    2 X AA tank
    3 X bridgelaying tanks
    4 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 for chaplains.

    The Fighting Group.
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Bren lmg
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No19HP
    This vehicle is for forward control and rear link
    For the use of the Brigade Commander and his staff.

    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 2
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless et No19HP.
    This vehicle is for service control and rear link to Rear Division.

    Cruiser Tank 1 (Command)
    GSO3, serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, operator RS from Divisional Signals
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and No19 HP
    Cruiser Tank 2 (Command)
    Signals Officer RS, corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, operator RS
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No19HP
    Cruiser Tank 3
    intelligence serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator,
    corporal driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No19HP
    Cruiser Tank 4
    gunner operator, driver mechanic, 2 X gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator
    Cruiser Tank 5
    Subaltern Liaison Officer, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator, gunner operator
    Cruiser Tank 6
    Subaltern Liaison Officer, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator, gunner operator
    Cruiser Tank 7
    Subaltern Liaison Officer, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator, gunner operator
    Cruiser Tank 8
    Captain, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator, gunner operator
    Cruiser Tank 9
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, gunner operator
    Cruiser Tank 10
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, driver operator,
    gunner operator

    AA Tank 1
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, gunner operator
    AA Tank 2
    driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator,
    gunner operator

    Bridgelayer 1
    driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Bridgelayer 2
    driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Bridgelayer 3
    driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic


    Scout car 1
    sergeant, driver operator
    Scout car 2
    corporal driver IC, driver operator
    Scout car 3
    corporal driver IC, driver operator
    Scout car 4
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 5
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 6
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 7
    driver operator
    For the use of Captain REME

    Note: Brigade Commander, Brigade Major and Brigade Intelligence Officer are carried in ACV of Divisional Signals.

    Office and Reconnaissance Group
    Motorcycle 1
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist

    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
    Deputy Assiastant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, driver IC
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
    Colonel 2ic, batman, driver IC
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
    driver IC
    For the use of the Brigadier

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Captain liaison officer, batman driver
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Staff captain, batman driver
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    provost serjeant, driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    driver IC

    15cwt truck GS
    clerk RA, batman, driver IC
    For use as Intelligence Office
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    Warrant Officer Clerk RAC, serjeant clerk RAC, corporal clerk RAC, clerk RAC, driver IC
    For use as Office.

    Administrative Group
    Motorcycle 1
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 5
    motorcyclist RASC

    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
    Major, Squadron Serjeant Major, corporal clerk RAC, driver IC
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
    Major REME, Warrant Officer armourer REME, Warrant Officer Operator REME, batman driver REME

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    driver IC
    For the use of commander B echelon
    15cwt GS
    Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer Clerk RAOC, driver IC
    15cwt GS
    Captain RASC, corporal clerk RASC, batman driver RASC
    15cwt water
    water dutyman, driver IC
    15cwt 4 X 4 personnel
    Quartermaster Serjeant (technical), Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant, mechanist serjeant, technical storeman, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    15cwt halftrack personnel
    driver IC
    15cwt halftrack personnel
    driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS, fitted for stores
    corporal storeman (technical), 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries stores and vehicle mechanics tools
    Tows a 1ton trailer with technical stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    officer mess NCO, 3 X batman, officers mess cook, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, serjeant clerk RAC, storeman, 4 X batman, cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries QM stores, baggage, reserve clothing and anti gas stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    serjeant, 3 X driver mechanic, 4 X driver operator, 4 X gunner operator, 3 X gunner mechanic, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
    Relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Tows a 1ton trailer with technical stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X clerk RAC, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    batman, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X vehicle mechanic, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    storeman, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 mobile kitchen
    corporal cook ACC, 3 X cook, ACC, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
    Carrier, slave battery
    electrician, driver mechanic.

    Note: The Captain is carried in the transport of divisional signals.

    W troop (armoured brigade headquarters) Royal Signals.

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Captain, batman driver

    Motorcycle 1
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 2
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 3
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 4
    despatch rider

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    despatch rider
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    despatch rider

    15cwt truck office
    corporal cipher operator, 2 X lance corporal cipher operator, driver IC

    15cwt wireless house 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for A echelon command and rear link
    15cwt wireless house 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for A echelon command and rear link
    15cwt wireless house 3
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for mobile replenishment and ammunition point
    15cwt wireless house 4
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for mobile replenishment and ammunition point
    15cwt wireless house 5
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Bren lmg
    Carries a Wireless set No19 HP
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Division, CW

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    lance corporal lineman, 2 X lineman, driver IC
    Carries cable laying apparatus No3
    Tows a 10cwt trailer

    15cwt 4 X 4 personnel 1
    corporal lineman, 2 X lineman, driver mechanic
    Carries cable laying apparatus No 3
    15cwt 4 X 4 personnel 2
    electrician, driver IC
    This vehicle is for battery distribution

    3ton lorry GS
    serjeant, 5 X relief operator, relief driver IC , driver IC
    Carries Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 TEV Division
    corporal operator, 4 X operator, driver IC
    Carries Signal Office Equipment

    Plus the following which are listed above with the Fighting Group.
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 1
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 2
    3 X operator are carried in three command tanks of Armoured Brigade
    Headquarters.



    HEADQUARTERS OF A TANK BRIGADE
    War Establishment II/142/3 with an effective date of 30 November 1943.

    Personnel
    Brigadier, Commander

    Staff
    Colonel, Second in Command

    Brigade Major
    Major, Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General
    Captain, GSO3
    Staff Captain

    Headquarters Squadron
    Major, Headquarters Squadron Commander
    Captain, Intelligence Officer
    Captain Liaison Officer
    Captain, protection troop commander
    Captain, headquarters squadron second in command
    3 X Subaltern Liaison Officer
    Subaltern

    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Quartermaster Serjeant, technical
    Squadron Serjeant Major
    Warrant Officer Clerk

    2 X serjeant clerk
    intelligence serjeant
    provost serjeant
    mechanist serjeant
    5 X serjeant

    provost corporal
    2 X intelligence personnel
    12 X driver mechanic
    24 X driver operator
    5 X gunner mechanic
    8 X gunner operator
    26 X driver IC
    6 X clerk
    15 X batman
    4 X batman driver
    6 X motorcyclist
    electrician
    6 X vehicle mechanic
    2 X storeman, technical,
    storeman
    sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    6 X orderlies (for brigade signals)
    medical officers orderly
    officers mess NCO

    Services
    3 X Chaplain
    Major REME
    batman driver REME
    Warrant Officer Class I, Operator (tyre repair plant) REME
    Warrant Officer Class I, Armourer REME
    Captain RASC
    corporal clerk RASC
    batman driver RASC
    motorcycle orderly RASC
    Captain RAOC
    Warrant Officer Class I RAOC (acts as brigade ordnance warrant officer)
    clerk RAOC
    corporal cook ACC
    3 X cook ACC

    8 X motorcycle
    3 X car 2 seat
    6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    7 X car 4seat 4 X 4 (heavy utility)
    4 X 15cwt
    1 X 15cwt water
    8 X 3ton 4 X 4
    1 X mobile kitchen
    1 X Carrier, Starting and Charging
    1 X water trailer
    10 X scout cars
    4 X cruiser tank
    2 X AA tank
    3 X bridgelaying tank

    The Fighting Group.
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 1 (from Brigade Signals)
    Brigadier, Brigade Major, Captain Intelligence Officer, corporal operator RS,
    2 X operator RS, driver mechanic RS
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No 19 HP
    For forward control and rear link.
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 2 (from Brigade Signals)
    Staff Captain, corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No 19 HP
    For Service control and rear link to Rear Division

    Cruiser Tank 1 (Command)
    GSO3, serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, operator RS
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and No19 HP
    Cruiser Tank 2 (Command)
    Signals Officer RS, corporal driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner operator, operator RS
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No19HP
    Cruiser Tank 3
    Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, corporal driver operator, operator RS
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No19HP
    Cruiser Tank 4
    Captain, gunner operator, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator

    Scout car 1
    Captain Liaison Officer, driver operator
    Scout car 2
    Lieutenant Liaison Officer, driver operator
    Scout car 3
    Lieutenant Liaison Officer, driver operator
    Scout car 4
    Lieutenant Liaison Officer, driver operator
    Scout car 5
    serjeant, driver operator
    Scout car 6
    corporal driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 7
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 8
    corporal driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 9
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 10
    driver operator, driver IC

    AA Tank 1
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, gunner operator
    AA Tank 2
    driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator,
    gunner operator

    Bridgelayer 1
    driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Bridgelayer 2
    driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Bridgelayer 3
    driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Note:
    Brigade Commander, Brigade Major and Brigade Intelligence Officer are carried in ACV of Brigade Signals.

    Office and Reconnaissance Group
    Motorcycle
    provost corporal
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD) 1.
    driver IC
    For the use of the Brigadier
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD) 2.
    driver IC
    For the use of the Brigade Major
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD) 3.
    Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, driver IC
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD) 4.
    Colonel Second in Command, driver IC

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    intelligence serjeant
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    provost serjeant
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 5
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    driver IC

    15cwt truck GS 1
    intelligence corporal, intelligence private, driver IC
    For use as Intelligence Office
    15cwt truck GS 2
    clerk, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    Warrant Officer Clerk RAC, serjeant clerk RAC, corporal clerk RAC, clerk RAC, driver IC
    For use as Office.

    Administrative Group
    Motorcycle 1
    orderly RASC
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 5
    motorcyclist RASC
    Motorcycle 6
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 7
    motorcyclist RASC

    Car 4 seater 4 x 4 (Humber FWD) 1.
    Captain RASC, corporal clerk RASC, batman driver RASC
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD) 2.
    Major REME, Warrant Officer Armourer REME, Warrant Officer Operator REME, batman driver REME
    Note that the Warrant Officer Operator REME operates the tyre repair plant.
    Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD) 3.
    Major, corporal clerk RAC, driver IC

    15cwt truck GS 1
    Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer, clerk RAOC, batman driver
    15cwt truck GS 2
    Quartermaster Serjeant (technical), mechanist serjeant, technical storeman, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries stores and vehicle mechanics tools
    15cwt water
    water dutyman, driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    officer’s mess NCO, 4 X batman, officers mess cook, driver IC
    Carries officers mess equipment
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, Squadron Serjeant Major, serjeant clerk RAC, 2 X clerk, medical officers orderly, driver IC
    Carries QM stores, baggage, reserve clothing and anti gas stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3, fitted for stores
    storeman (technical), corporal vehicle mechanic, 2 X vehicle mechanic,
    driver IC
    Carries stores and vehicle mechanics tools
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    batman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    batman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Tows a 1ton trailer with technical stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    corporal vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Tows a water trailer
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    serjeant, 2 X relief driver mechanic, 4 X relief driver operator,
    2 X relief gunner operator, 6 X batman, storeman, vehicle mechanic,
    driver IC
    Carries relief personnel and men’s kit
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 (mobile kitchen)
    corporal cook ACC, 2 X cook ACC, sanitary dutyman, 2 X batman, driver IC

    Carrier, slave battery
    electrician, driver mechanic.


    TANK BRIGADE SIGNALS
    Personnel
    Major
    Captain
    Subaltern

    Company Serjeant Major
    company quartermaster serjeant
    company quartermaster serjeant as foreman of signals
    26 X corporal, signalman class
    16 X lance corporal, signalman class
    67 X signalman
    21 X driver

    Plus attached
    3 X cook ACC
    6 X orderly from Tank Brigade Headquarters
    Total 150

    tradesmen
    clerk
    6 X despatch driver
    3 X driver mechanic
    13 X driver operator
    18 X electrician
    4 X instrument mechanic
    4 X linesman
    51 X operator
    2 X vehicle mechanic
    storeman
    non tradesmen
    3 X cipher operator
    batman
    2 X batman driver
    17 X driver of vehicle
    general dutyman
    3 X spare driver

    Organisation
    Headquarters
    Motorcycle
    Company Serjeant Major
    4 seater car 4 X 4
    Major, corporal clerk, batman, driver IC

    15cwt GS 1
    3 X cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries cooking equipment
    15cwt GS 2
    vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries petrol in tins
    15cwt GS 3
    Company Quartermaster Serjeant, corporal vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries a bren lmg
    Carries stores

    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    corporal electrician, electrician, driver mechanic
    Carries a bren lmg
    Carries a 6Kw charging set
    3ton 6 X 4 Machinery
    Company Quartermaster Serjeant (Foreman of Signals), transport serjeant, corporal instrument mechanic, storeman,
    general dutyman, spare driver IC, driver IC
    This vehicle for repair of signals equipment and was a Machinery Type X without machine tools or power take off.
    Scout car
    Subaltern, batman driver

    W section (Brigade Headquarters)
    Motorcycle 1
    corporal despatch rider
    Motorcycle 2
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 3
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 4
    despatch rider

    Car 5 cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    despatch rider
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    despatch rider
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Captain, batman driver
    Car 5 cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    corporal linesman, 3 X linesman, driver IC
    Carries cable layer and stores
    Tows a 10cwt trailer
    15cwt Office
    corporal operator, 4 X operator, driver operator
    For use as signal Office
    15cwt Wireless House 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    ‘A’ echelon command and rear link
    15cwt Wireless House 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    ‘A’ echelon command and rear link
    15cwt Wireless House 3
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    Mobile replenishment and ammunition point
    15cwt Wireless House 4
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    Mobile replenishment and ammunition point
    15cwt Wireless House 5
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    Administrative pool
    15cwt Wireless House 6
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    Administrative pool
    15cwt Wireless House 7
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19 HP
    Main Division (Morse)

    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    serjeant, 5 X relief operators for command tanks and ACVs, 2 X spare driver for ACVs, electrician, corporal cipher operator, 2 X
    lance corporal cipher operator, 6 X orderly from Tank brigade Headquarters, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Note that the cipher operators are for medium grade cipher duties.

    Plus the following which are listed above with the Fighting Group.
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 1
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 2
    3 X operator are carried in the transport of the Tank Brigade Headquarters.

    X, Y and Z sections (Tank battalions)
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    electrician
    15cwt GS 1
    serjeant electrician, driver IC
    Carries batteries and stores
    15cwt GS 2
    2 X instrument mechanic, driver IC
    Technical workshop
    15cwt Wireless House 2
    2 X operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    For A echelon
    15cwt Wireless House 3
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No 19
    For Liaison
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    corporal electrician, 2 X electrician, operator, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries a 6Kw charging set

    One operator is carries in the transport of the Tank battalion.




    HEADQUARTERS of an ARMOURED BRIGADE 1945
    War Establishment II/105/1 with an effective date of 1 May 1945.
    This would apply to all brigades including those that had previously been Tank Brigades as well as the original Armoured Brigades since there is a note that the new establishment replaces WE II/100/3 and II/142/3.

    Brigadier, Commander

    Staff
    Colonel, Second in Command
    Brigade Major
    Major, Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General
    Captain, GSO3
    Staff Captain
    Captain, Intelligence Officer

    Headquarters Squadron
    Major, Headquarters Squadron Commander
    Captain Liaison Officer
    Captain, protection troop commander
    Captain, headquarters squadron second in command
    3 X Subaltern Liaison Officer
    Subaltern

    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Quartermaster Serjeant, technical
    Squadron Serjeant Major
    Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
    Warrant Officer Class I Clerk

    2 X serjeant clerk
    intelligence serjeant
    provost serjeant
    mechanist serjeant
    5 X serjeant
    8 X corporal driver operator
    2 X corporal driver IC
    corporal gunner operator
    corporal motor mechanic
    corporal cook
    corporal storeman, technical
    2 X corporal clerk
    corporal, officers mess NCO
    corporal vehicle mechanic
    corporal motorcyclist
    23 X driver mechanic
    15 X driver operator
    14 X gunner mechanic
    19 X gunner operator
    29 X driver IC
    4 X clerk
    12 X batman
    7 X batman driver
    5 X motorcyclist
    5 X cook
    electrician
    10 X vehicle mechanic
    storeman, technical,
    2 X storeman
    2 X sanitary dutyman
    water dutyman
    6 X orderly for attached Royal Signals troop

    Services
    4 X Chaplain
    Major REME
    Warrant Officer Class II armourer REME
    Warrant Officer Class II tyre repair plant operator
    batman driver REME
    Captain RASC
    corporal clerk RASC
    batman driver RASC
    motorcyclist RASC
    Warrant officer Class I clerk RAOC
    Captain Education Officer RAEC
    corporal cook ACC
    officers mess cook ACC
    4 X cook ACC

    The Fighting Group.
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 1
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Bren lmg
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No19HP
    This vehicle is for forward control and rear link
    Seats for the Brigadier, Brigade Major and Intelligence Officer.

    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 2
    corporal operator, 2 X operator, driver mechanic
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless et No19HP.
    This vehicle is for service control and rear link to Rear Division.

    15cwt halftrack personnel
    driver IC
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No19 HP.
    For use as an alternative command vehicle.

    Cruiser Tank 1 (Command)
    GSO3, serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator,
    operator RS from Divisional Signals
    Carries Wireless set No 19 and No19 HP
    Cruiser Tank 2 (Command)
    intelligence serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, corporal driver
    operator, operator RS from Divisional Signals
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No19HP
    Cruiser Tank 2 (Command)
    Signals Officer RS, corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, operator RS from Divisional Signals
    Carries Wireless set No19 and No19HP
    Note:
    The Wireless set No19 HP can be removed from the Command Tank and carried in the unit transport.
    Cruiser Tank 4
    gunner operator, driver mechanic, 2 X gunner mechanic,
    corporal driver operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No38
    Cruiser Tank 5
    Captain, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator,
    gunner operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No38
    Captain commands the headquarters tanks.
    Cruiser Tank 6
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic,
    gunner operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No38
    Subaltern commands the protection troop.
    Cruiser Tank 7
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator
    Carries Wireless set No19 and Wireless set No38

    Note:
    Three tanks may be fitted with dozer blades. These are not specified but are unlikely to be Command tanks.

    Scout Car 1
    Subaltern Liaison Officer, corporal driver operator
    Scout Car 2
    Subaltern Liaison Officer, corporal driver operator
    Scout Car 3
    Subaltern Liaison Officer, corporal driver operator

    AA Tank 1
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, gunner operator
    AA Tank 2
    driver mechanic, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator, gunner operator

    Bridgelayer 1
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Bridgelayer 2
    corporaldriver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Bridgelayer 3
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic

    Tank Observation Post 1
    serjeant, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.
    Tank Observation Post 2
    corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.
    Tank Observation Post 3
    corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.
    Tank Observation Post 4
    corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.
    Tank Observation Post 5
    corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.
    Tank Observation Post 6
    corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.
    Tank Observation Post 7
    corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.
    Tank Observation Post 8
    corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Carries 2 X wireless set No19, 2 X Wireless set No 38 and a
    Wireless set No18.

    Scout Car 4
    sergeant, driver operator
    Scout car 5
    corporal driver IC, driver operator
    Scout car 6
    corporal driver IC, driver operator
    Scout car 7
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 8
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 9
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 10
    driver operator
    For the use of Captain REME

    Note:
    Brigade Commander, Brigade Major and Brigade Intelligence Officer are carried in ACV of Divisional Signals.


    Office and Reconnaissance Group
    Motorcycle 1
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist

    Car 4 X 4 Heavy Utility 1
    Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, driver IC
    Car 4 X 4 Heavy Utility 2
    Colonel second in command, batman, driver IC
    Car 4 X 4 Heavy Utility 3.
    driver IC
    For the use of the Brigadier
    Car 4 X 4 Heavy Utility 4
    driver IC
    For the use of the Brigade Major
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Captain liaison officer, batman driver
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Staff Captain, batman driver
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    provost serjeant, driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    intelligence corporal, intelligence private, driver IC
    For use as Intelligence Office
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    Warrant Officer clerk RAC, serjeant clerk RAC, corporal clerk RAC, clerk RAC, driver IC
    For use as Office.
    3ton 4 X 4 Caravan
    batman driver
    Brigadiers sleeping quarters and office

    Administrative Group
    Motorcycle 1
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist RASC

    Car 4 X 4 Heavy Utility.
    Major, Squadron Serjeant Major, corporal clerk, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Car 4 X 4 Heavy Utility
    Major REME, clerk REME, batman driver REME

    Car, Light Utility
    Captain (Education Officer) AEC, batman driver
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    driver IC
    For the use of commander B echelon
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    medical officers orderly, driver IC

    15cwt GS
    Captain RASC, corporal clerk RASC, batman driver RASC

    15cwt water
    water dutyman, driver IC
    Tows a water trailer

    15cwt 4 X 4 armoured personnel
    Quartermaster Serjeant (technical), Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant, mechanist serjeant, technical storeman, 2 X vehicle
    mechanic, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries vehicle mechanics tools

    15cwt halftrack personnel
    driver IC
    15cwt halftrack personnel
    driver IC

    Car Light Utility
    Chaplain, batman driver
    Car Light Utility
    Chaplain, batman driver
    Car Light Utility
    Chaplain, batman driver
    Car Light Utility
    Chaplain, batman driver

    Four Scout Cars could be added at the Theatre Commanders discretion for the use of the chaplains. Presumably these would be in addition to the light utilties but no mention is made of drivers.

    3ton 4 X 4 GS, fitted for stores
    corporal storeman (technical), 2 X vehicle mechanic, Warrant Officer Armourer REME, Warrant Officer Tyre repair Plant
    Operator, driver IC
    Carries stores and vehicle mechanics tools
    Tows a 1ton trailer with technical stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    officer’s mess NCO, 3 X batman, officers mess cook, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a water trailer
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, serjeant clerk, storeman, 4 X batman, cook ACC, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries QM stores, baggage, reserve clothing and anti gas stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    serjeant, 3 X driver mechanic, 4 X driver operator, 4 X gunner operator, 3 X gunner mechanic
    Relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries unit stores
    Tows a 1ton trailer with technical stores
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X clerk RAC, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    batman, vehicle mechanic, gun fitter, driver IC
    Carries a bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X vehicle mechanic, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    storeman, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    electrician, vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    2 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS
    Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer Clerk RAOC, driver IC

    Note: When the brigade is equipped with tanks with 77mm or 17pdr guns then one lorry 4 X 4 GS is added.

    3ton 4 X 4 mobile kitchen
    corporal cook ACC, 3 X cook, ACC, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 Machinery Type I-30
    electrician, driver mechanic.
    For battery charging

    Note: The Captain is carried in the transport of divisional signals.



    W TROOP ROYAL SIGNALS

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    Captain, batman driver

    Motorcycle 1
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 2
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 3
    despatch rider
    Motorcycle 4
    despatch rider

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    despatch rider
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    despatch rider

    15cwt truck office
    corporal cipher operator, 2 X lance corporal cipher operator, driver IC
    15cwt wireless house 1
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for A echelon command and rear link
    15cwt wireless house 2
    corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for A echelon command and rear link
    15cwt wireless house 3
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for mobile replenishment and ammunition point
    15cwt wireless house 4
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No22
    This vehicle for mobile replenishment and ammunition point
    15cwt wireless house 5
    lance corporal operator, operator, driver operator
    Carries Bren lmg
    Carries a Wireless set No19 HP
    This vehicle for Rear Link to Division, CW

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    lance corporal lineman, 2 X lineman, driver IC
    Carries cable laying apparatus No3
    Tows a 10cwt trailer

    15cwt 4 X 4 personnel 1
    corporal lineman, 2 X lineman, driver mechanic
    Carries cable laying apparatus No 3
    15cwt 4 X 4 personnel 2
    electrician, driver IC
    This vehicle is for battery distribution

    3ton lorry GS
    serjeant, 5 X relief operator, relief driver IC , driver IC
    Carries Bren lmg

    3ton 4 X 4 TEV Division
    corporal operator, 4 X operator, driver IC
    Carries Signal Office Equipment

    Plus the following which are listed above with Fighting Group
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 1
    Armoured Command Vehicle LP 2
    3 X operator who are carried in three command tanks of Armoured Brigade
    Headquarters.



    HEADQUARTERS OF AN INDEPENDENT ARMOURED BRIGADE.
    Headquarters of an Independent Armoured Brigade was identical to the above except for the addition of
    Captain RAOC
    Clerk RAOC




    ARMOURED REGIMENT
    The armoured regiments of 21 Army Group changed very little in their organisation, or in their vehicles and personnel. There are three War Establishments which are relevant, January 1944, November 1944 and May 1945, plus Canadian establishments. The differences between the War Establishments for January 1944, November 1944 and May 1945 were very small and amounted to some minor variations in ranks and trades plus the following-

    Between January and November 1944
    - The reconnaissance troop, which had been commanded by a subaltern, was now commanded by a captain with a subaltern as second in command.
    - The technical officer had the use of a scout car until November when he lost it. He then rode in a 3ton GS.
    - The intercommunication troop gained a driver mechanic to fill the seat previously used by the technical officer.
    - Regimental Headquarters gained a halftrack, and a driver IC to go with it.
    - There was a steady replacement of 15cwt trucks by halftracks.
    - The AA troop was disbanded after the Normandy Campaign.

    By May 1945
    - The administrative squadron had gained two halftracks.
    - Each squadron headquarters had gained a scout car
    - The technical officer got his scout car back
    - The AA troop was back (on paper at least).

    It is known that there were variations authorised by 21Army Group. The main variation was the adoption of a squadron with four troops, each of four tanks. This organisation was adopted to accommodate the Sherman Firefly. These were issued at the rate of 12 per regiment or one per troop in the new organisation. All the available evidence suggests that regiments did receive their Fireflies before embarking for France, although only just in time in some cases.

    The change in organisation could be implemented using the regiments existing resources. One tank and crew was removed from squadron headquarters to make up the numbers in the troops. This tank was replaced in squadron headquarters in early 1945. Some regiments at least retained a squadron organisation of five troops and put all the Fireflies into one troop. In the last months of the war units used the troop of four tanks but with two Firefly and two 75mm Sherman. With the re equipping of 11 Armoured Division there were more Fireflies to share out amongst the rest.

    There is no reason to think that the organisation of regimental headquarters and squadron headquarters varied with the type of tank used or the troop organisation.

    D Day assault units were organised differently. These were trained in the use of amphibious DD (Duplex Drive) Sherman tanks. Regiments typically had two squadrons equipped with DD tanks and one equipped with normal Sherman tanks which were landed across the beaches from landing craft. These regiments reorganised as soon as was practicable and received their allocation of Fireflies.

    Total personnel
    Lieutenant Colonel
    Major, second in command
    4 X Major
    Captain, Adjutant
    Captain, Technical Officer
    Captain Liaison Officer
    8 X Captain
    20 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Quartermaster Serjeant, technical
    Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
    4 X Squadron Serjeant Major

    4 X squadron quartermaster serjeant
    4 X serjeant mechanist
    orderly room serjeant clerk
    provost serjeant
    signal serjeant
    transport serjeant
    serjeant technical storeman
    29 X serjeant

    59 X corporal
    523 X trooper

    Total 670

    Plus
    Medical Officer RAMC
    3 X armourer REME
    4 X officers mess cooks ACC
    15 X cook ACC
    6 X vehicle mechanic REME


    Trades included
    carpenter and joiner
    13 X clerk
    94 X driver mechanics
    103 X driver operator
    5 X electrician
    equipment repairer
    gun fitter
    92 X gunner mechanics
    89 X gunner operator
    6 X storeman (technical)
    39 X vehicle mechanics

    22 X batman
    butchery dutyman
    90 X driver IC
    medical orderly
    6 X motorcycle orderly
    postman
    5 X sanitary dutyman
    5 X storeman
    4 X water dutyman


    Total vehicles
    8 X motorcycle
    1 X Car 4seater 4 X 4
    11 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep
    12 X 15cwt GS
    1 X 15cwt Office
    4 X 15cwt water
    1 X 15cwt FFW
    7 X 15cwt halftrack
    48 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    3 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores
    1 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen
    4 X Carrier, Starting and Charging
    9 X scout car
    6 X AA tank
    61 X tank
    11 X light tank
    3 X armoured recovery vehicles
    1 X 180 gallon water trailer


    Organisation.
    Regimental Headquarters.

    Car 4 seater 4 X 4
    corporal driver IC, driver IC

    Cruiser Tank 1
    Lieutenant Colonel, Adjutant, serjeant, driver mechanic, driver operator.
    Cruiser Tank 2
    Major, Regimental Serjeant Major, operator RS, corporal driver mechanic, driver operator
    Cruiser Tank 3
    Subaltern, serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    Cruiser Tank 4
    Intelligence Officer, intelligence corporal, gunner operator, driver mechanic, driver operator

    Note that the second in command would not normally be here in action. His action post was at rear headquarters.
    The subaltern commands the headquarters tanks.

    Added in early 1945
    15cwt halftrack
    driver IC


    Headquarters Squadron.
    Squadron headquarters.
    Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Major (squadron commander), driver IC
    15cwt FFW
    Captain (squadron second in command), Squadron Serjeant Major, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No19.

    Added early 1945
    Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Liaison Officer, driver operator


    AA troop
    AA Tank 1
    Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    AA Tank 2
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    AA Tank 3
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA Tank 4
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA Tank 5
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA Tank 5
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA tank 6
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic


    Reconnaissance troop
    Troop headquarters
    Light tank 1
    Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    Light tank 2
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    Section 1
    Light tank 3
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic
    Light tank 4
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Light tank 5
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Section 2
    Light tank 6
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic
    Light tank 7
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Light tank 8
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Section 3
    Light tank 9
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic
    Light tank 10
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Light tank 11
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic

    Note
    The reconnaissance troop gained a Captain as its commanding officer in late 1944. It retained the subaltern but lost one serjeant. At the same time it became common for the troop headquarters to have a scout car in place of Light Tank 2. This could be used by either officer for liaison and attending order groups etc, leaving the light tank as a command post.

    Troop headquarters late 1944
    Light tank 1
    Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    Scout Car
    Subaltern, driver operator

    Intercommunication troop
    Scout Car 1
    serjeant, driver operator
    Scout Car 2
    driver operator, corporal driver IC
    Scout Car 3
    driver operator, corporal driver IC
    Scout car 4
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 5
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 6
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout Car 7
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout Car 8
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout Car 9
    Technical Officer, driver operator,

    Note.
    In late 1944 the Technical Officer lost his scout car and was replaced by a corporal driver IC. He got his scout car back in the next establishment.


    As well as being used for liaison and communication work the scout cars of the intercommunication troop provided step ups in the wireless net. Normally a Wireless set No19 would have a range of ten to twenty miles for voice communication. However in hilly country, or at night because of atmospheric conditions, the range could be very much less. Since armoured cars often operated well ahead and well spread out it was necessary to spread out the scout cars to provide relays for messages. Humber Scout Cars were used for this role.


    Administrative troop
    Motorcycle 1
    provost serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 5
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 6
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 7
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 8
    batman

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    corporal driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 5
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    Quartermaster, driver IC

    15cwt truck GS 1
    squadron quartermaster serjeant, driver IC
    15cwt truck GS 2
    sanitary dutyman, medical officers orderly, driver IC
    15cwt truck GS 3
    quartermaster serjeant (technical), serjeant (technical), storeman, corporal clerk,
    driver IC
    15cwt truck water
    water dutyman, driver IC

    15cwt halftrack
    Medical Officer, batman, driver IC
    15cwt halftrack
    driver IC
    For use as ambulance
    15cwt halftrack
    driver IC
    For use as ambulance

    15cwt halftrack
    mechanist serjeant, 3 X vehicle mechanic, driver operator
    Carries fitters and tools
    15cwt halftrack
    equipment repairer, serjeant armourer, 2 X armourer, corporal storeman (technical), driver IC

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    transport serjeant, cook ACC (officers mess), butchery dutyman, batman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    carpenter and joiner, vehicle mechanic, corporal driver operator, 3 X driver mechanics (relief), 3 X gunner operator (relief), 3 X
    gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    postman, storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    electrician, gun fitter, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    serjeant, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    clerk, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    clerk, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 8
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 9
    3 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 10
    storeman, clerk, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 11
    2 x clerk, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 12
    Signal Officer, signal serjeant, serjeant clerk, corporal clerk, driver IC
    used as regimental office.
    3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen
    serjeant cook, 2 X cook, driver IC

    Carrier, Staring and Charging
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Battery charging and maintenance
    3ton 4 X 4 store
    vehicle mechanic, technical storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC

    Note.
    As the campaign progressed some vehicles were replaced by improved versions
    - the Carrier, Starting and Charging was replaced by a 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery I30. The Carrier was a Loyd and was found to be greatly overloaded and not sufficiently mobile.
    - GS 12 was replaced by a similar vehicle purpose built as an office. At first these were based on GS lorries but some converted signals vehicles were introduced later.
    - 15cwt GS and FFW 4 X 2 trucks were gradually replaced by 15cwt 4 X 4 or halftracks.
    - The 4 X 4 stores lorry was at first an ordinary GS lorry. Later it was a purpose built, or converted, lorry with blind, desk and wire mesh screens to prevent pilfering. By the end of the campaign 6 X 4 stores lorries were being produced.


    The Squadrons.
    Each of the three squadrons was organised identically.
    Squadron headquarters

    Cruiser Tank 1 Close Support (Sherman 75mm)
    Major (squadron commander), serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator,
    driver operator
    Cruiser Tank 2 Close Support (Sherman 75mm)
    Captain, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser Tank 3 (Sherman 75mm)
    Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator
    Cruiser Tank 4 (Sherman 75mm)
    Squadron Serjeant Major, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic,
    driver operator

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    driver IC

    Armoured Recovery Vehicle MkI
    serjeant vehicle mechanic REME, vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic

    Note
    In the re organisation of June 1944 the Squadron headquarters gave up one of its Sherman tanks to make up the number in the troops. The new organisation required sixteen tanks in troops instead of fifteen. The squadron headquarters officially got the tank back in early 1945. It is not known for certain which tank was removed but the probability is that most regiments got it back long before it was officially sanctioned.

    Administrative troop
    15cwt truck GS
    squadron quartermaster serjeant, serjeant, driver IC
    15cwt water
    water dutyman, driver IC
    15cwt halftrack
    mechanist serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver operator (relief)
    15cwt halftrack
    cook (officers mess), driver IC
    15cwt halftrack
    2 X driver mechanic (relief), driver operator (relief), 2 X gunner operator (relief)

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    storeman, 5 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    batman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    batman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    batman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    clerk, corporal driver IC,
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    clerk, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    batman, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 8
    gunner operator (relief), driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 9
    gunner mechanic (relief), sanitary dutyman
    3ton 4 X 4 GS10
    2 X gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 11
    corporal driver operator (relief), driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 12
    driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen
    corporal cook, 3 X cook, driver IC
    Carrier, Starting and Charging
    electrician, driver mechanic
    3ton 4 X 4 stores
    corporal storeman technical, 2 X vehicle mechanic, gun fitter

    Note.
    As the campaign progressed some vehicles were replaced by improved versions
    - the Carrier, Starting and Charging was replaced by a 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery I30. The Carrier was a Loyd and was found to be greatly overloaded and not sufficiently mobile.
    - 15cwt GS and FFW 4 X 2 trucks were gradually replaced by 15cwt 4 X 4 or halftracks.
    - The 4 X 4 stores lorry was at first an ordinary GS lorry. Later it was a purpose built, or converted, lorry with storage bins, desk and wire mesh screens to prevent pilfering.


    The fighting troops.
    Troop 1
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly)
    serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic

    Troop 2
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly)
    serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic

    Troop 3
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly)
    serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic

    Troop 4
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm)
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank (Sherman Firefly)
    serjeant, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic





    ARMOURED REGIMENT 1945
    This was a universal organisation which applied to Armoured Regiments equipped with Sherman or Comet, and to the previously titled Tank Regiments, now also called Armoured Regiments, with Churchill.

    Total personnel
    Lieutenant colonel
    Major, second in command
    4 X Major
    Captain, adjutant
    Captain, Technical Officer
    Captain Liaison Officer
    8 X Captain
    20 X Subaltern
    Quartermaster

    Regimental Serjeant Major
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant
    Quartermaster Serjeant, technical
    Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant
    4 X Squadron Serjeant Major

    4 X serjeant mechanist
    orderly room serjeant clerk
    provost serjeant
    signal serjeant
    transport serjeant
    serjeant technical storeman
    29 X serjeant

    59 X corporal
    523 X trooper

    Total 670

    Plus
    Medical Officer RAMC
    3 X armourer REME
    4 X officers mess cooks ACC
    15 X cook ACC
    6 X vehicle mechanic REME

    Trades included
    carpenter and joiner
    13 X clerk
    94 X driver mechanics
    103 X driver operator
    5 X electrician
    equipment repairer
    gun fitter
    92 X gunner mechanics
    89 X gunner operator
    6 X storeman (technical)
    39 X vehicle mechanics

    22 X batman
    butchery dutyman
    90 X driver IC
    medical orderly
    6 X motorcycle orderly
    postman
    5 X sanitary dutyman
    5 X storeman
    4 X water dutyman


    Total vehicles
    8 X motorcycle
    1 X Car 4seater 4 X 4
    11 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep
    6 X 15cwt GS
    4 X 15cwt water
    1 X 15cwt FFW
    15 X 15cwt halftrack
    47 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS
    5 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores
    1 X 3ton office
    4 X 3ton machinery I30
    4 X 3ton kitchen
    12 X scout car
    6 X AA tank
    6 X close support tank
    55 X tank
    11 X light tank
    3 X armoured recovery vehicles
    1 X 180 gallon water trailer
    3 X 2ton trailer workshop servicing



    Organisation.
    Regimental Headquarters.

    Cruiser Tank 1 (Control)
    Lieutenant Colonel, Adjutant, serjeant, driver mechanic, driver operator.
    Carried 2 X Wireless set No19
    Cruiser Tank 2 (Rear link)
    Major, Regimental Serjeant Major, operator RS, corporal driver mechanic, driver operator
    Carried a Wireless set No19HP
    Cruiser Tank 3 (Control)
    Subaltern, serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    Carried 2 X Wireless set No19
    Cruiser Tank 4
    Intelligence Officer, intelligence corporal, gunner operator, driver mechanic, driver operator

    Car 4 seater 4 X 4
    corporal driver IC, driver IC
    15cwt halftrack
    driver IC
    Carried a Wireless set No19 and a Wireless set No19HP


    Headquarters Squadron.
    Squadron headquarters.
    Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Major (squadron commander), driver IC
    Car 15cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    Liaison Officer, driver operator
    Carried a Wireless set No19 and 2 X Wireless set No38. These had a rebroadcast facility which allowed messages to be passed directly from Armoured Regiment Headquarters to the headquarters of the infantry unit being supported.
    15cwt FFW
    Captain (squadron second in command), Squadron Serjeant Major, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No19.

    AA troop
    AA Tank 1
    Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    AA Tank 2
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    AA Tank 3
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA Tank 4
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA Tank 5
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA Tank 5
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    AA tank 6
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic


    Reconnaissance troop
    Troop headquarters
    Light tank 1
    Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    Light tank 2
    Subaltern, driver mechanic, gunner operator, driver operator
    Section 1
    Light tank 3
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic
    Light tank 4
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Light tank 5
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Section 2
    Light tank 6
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic
    Light tank 7
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Light tank 8
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Section 3
    Light tank 9
    serjeant, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic
    Light tank 10
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic
    Light tank 11
    corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic, gunner operator, driver mechanic

    It was permitted for six of the light tanks to be replaced by scout cars. In practice the Subaltern usually had a scout car to give him greater mobility.

    When a unit was issued with light tanks having a crew of five one extra gunner mechanic per crew was authorised.

    Intercommunication troop
    Scout Car 1
    serjeant, driver operator
    Scout Car 2
    driver operator, corporal driver IC
    Scout Car 3
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 4
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout car 5
    driver operator, corporal driver IC
    Scout car 6
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout Car 7
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout Car 8
    driver operator, driver IC
    Scout Car 9
    Technical Officer, driver operator,

    Administrative troop
    Motorcycle 1
    provost serjeant
    Motorcycle 2
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 3
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 4
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 5
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 6
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 7
    motorcyclist
    Motorcycle 8
    batman

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 1
    corporal driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 2
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 4
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep) 5
    driver IC
    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 6
    Quartermaster, driver IC

    15cwt truck GS 1
    squadron quartermaster serjeant, driver IC
    15cwt truck GS 2
    Quartermaster Serjeant (technical), serjeant technical storeman, corporal clerk,
    batman, driver IC
    15cwt truck GS 3
    sanitary dutyman, medical officers orderly, driver IC

    15cwt truck water
    water dutyman, driver IC (trained in water duties)

    15cwt halftrack
    Medical Officer, batman, driver operator
    Carries a wireless set No19
    15cwt halftrack
    driver IC
    For collection of casualties
    15cwt halftrack
    driver IC
    For collection of casualties
    15cwt halftrack
    mechanist serjeant, 3 X vehicle mechanic, driver operator
    Carries a Wireless set No19
    Carries fitters and tools
    Carries a Bren lmg
    15cwt halftrack
    equipment repairer, serjeant armourer, 2 X armourer, corporal storeman (technical), driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    transport serjeant, cook ACC (officers mess), butchery dutyman, batman,
    driver IC
    Carries Officers Mess equipment and baggage.
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    carpenter and joiner, vehicle mechanic, corporal driver operator, 3 X driver mechanics (relief), 3 X gunner operator (relief), 3 X
    gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC
    Carries relief personnel, Quartermaster stores and men’s kit
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    postman, storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries anti gas stores, baggage and blankets
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    electrician, gun fitter, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    serjeant, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    clerk, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    clerk, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 8
    Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 9
    3 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 10
    storeman, clerk, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 11
    2 X clerk, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen
    serjeant cook, 2 X cook, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Tows a water trailer
    3ton 4 X 4 office
    signal officer, signal serjeant, serjeant clerk, corporal clerk, driver IC
    Carries a Bren lmg
    Acts as Signal Office.
    3ton 4 X 4 Machinery I30
    electrician, driver mechanic
    Battery charging and maintenance
    3ton 6 X 4 store, binned (Austin K6)
    vehicle mechanic, technical storeman, 3 X batman, driver IC
    Carries tank spares and mechanics tools.

    Note:
    The War Establishment notes that five lorries 3ton 4 X 4 GS will be added when the regiment is equipped with tanks mounting 77mm guns (Comet).
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 12
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 13
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 14
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 15
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3 ton 4 X 4 GS 16
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition

    The Squadrons.
    Each of the three squadrons was organised identically.

    Squadron headquarters
    Cruiser Tank 1 Close Support (control)
    Major (squadron commander), serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, driver operator
    Carried 2 X Wireless set No19 plus a Wireless set No18 or 48.
    Cruiser Tank 2 Close Support (control)
    Captain, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Carried 2 X Wireless set No19 plus a Wireless set No18 or 48.
    Cruiser Tank 3
    Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator
    Cruiser Tank 4
    Squadron Serjeant Major, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver operator

    Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
    driver IC
    Scout car
    driver operator.
    Carried a Wireless set No19 and two Wireless set No38 with a rebroadcast facility.

    Armoured Recovery Vehicle MkI
    serjeant vehicle mechanic REME, vehicle mechanic REME, vehicle mechanic,
    driver mechanic

    Squadrons also had one Centaur dozer for clearing debris and road blocks. These are not shown on the war establishment.

    Administrative troop
    15cwt truck GS
    squadron quartermaster serjeant, serjeant, driver IC
    15cwt water
    water dutyman, driver IC (trained in water duties)
    15cwt halftrack
    mechanist serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic, driver operator (relief)
    Carries a Wireless set No19
    Carries vehicle mechanics tools
    15cwt halftrack
    cook (offices mess), driver IC
    Carries Officers Mess equipment
    15cwt halftrack
    2 X driver mechanic (relief), driver operator (relief), 2 X gunner operator (relief)
    Carries a Bren lmg

    3ton 4 X 4 GS 1
    storeman, 5 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
    Carries baggage and squadron office equipment
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 2
    batman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 3
    batman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 4
    batman, driver IC
    Carries petrol
    Carries a bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 5
    clerk, corporal driver IC,
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 6
    clerk, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 7
    batman, driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a Bren lmg
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 8
    gunner operator (relief), driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 9
    gunner mechanic (relief), sanitary dutyman
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton 4 X 4 GS10
    2 X gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 11
    corporal driver operator (relief), driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    Carries a PIAT
    3ton 4 X 4 GS 12
    driver IC
    Carries ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen
    corporal cook, 3 X cook, driver IC
    3ton 4 X 4 Machinery I30
    electrician, driver mechanic
    3ton 6 X 4 stores
    corporal storeman technical, 2 X vehicle mechanic, gun fitter
    Tows a servicing trailer

    The fighting troop.
    Each troop was identical. Most of the crews were multi skilled and could take over another task in case of casualties.

    Troop 1
    Cruiser tank
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Troop 2
    Cruiser tank
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Troop 3
    Cruiser tank
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic

    Troop 4
    Cruiser tank
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic,
    driver mechanic

    Troop 5
    Cruiser tank
    Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic
    Cruiser tank
    corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic



    ECHELONS.
    In action administrative vehicles were divided into echelons. A (or F) echelon accompanied the tactical headquarters or squadrons. B echelon was held in the rear under the second in command. The echelons could be further divided according to need to become B1, B2 etc.

    Some vehicles are not shown either because they would be dispersed or their mobile nature means that they would not necessarily be with either echelon.
    - Motorcycles and jeeps would be dispersed to users or as messengers, orderlies and escorts.
    - Medical vehicles were dispersed according to the Medical Officers plan.

    Headquarters squadron administrative troop
    A (or F) echelon. With the forward regimental headquarters group

    15cwt water
    15cwt halftrack mechanics
    15cwt halftrack armourer
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol

    squadron
    A (or F) echelon. With the squadron headquarters group

    A Squadron
    15cwt halftrack mechanics
    3ton 4 X 4 GS fitters and mechanics
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol

    B Squadron 15cwt halftrack mechanics
    3ton 4 X 4 GS fitters and mechanics
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol

    C Squadron 15cwt halftrack mechanics
    3ton 4 X 4 GS fitters and mechanics
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS ammunition
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol
    3ton 4 X 4 GS petrol

    Regimental administrative troop
    Regimental B echelon
    3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen
    3ton 4 X 4 Machinery I30
    3ton 6 X 4 stores
    15cwt GS squadron quartermaster serjeant
    15cwt GS Quartermaster serjeant technical
    15cwt GS medical officers orderly
    3ton 4 X 4 GS transport serjeant and officers mess
    3ton 4 X 4 GS carpenter and joiner plus relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 GS gas stores and blankets

    Squadron B echelons
    A squadron
    15cwt GS squadron quartermaster serjeant
    15cwt water
    15cwt halftrack officers mess
    15cwt halftrack relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 kitchen
    3ton 4 X 4 GS relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 GS stores and office
    3ton stores
    Carrier, Starting and Charging

    B squadron
    15cwt GS squadron quartermaster serjeant
    15cwt water
    15cwt halftrack officers mess
    15cwt halftrack relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 kitchen
    3ton 4 X 4 GS relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 GS stores and office
    3ton stores
    Carrier, Starting and Charging

    C squadron
    15cwt GS squadron quartermaster serjeant
    15cwt water
    15cwt halftrack officers mess
    15cwt halftrack relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 kitchen
    3ton 4 X 4 GS relief crews
    3ton 4 X 4 GS stores and office
    3ton stores
    Carrier Starting and Charging

    As a general rule the regimental transport carried
    - A complete reload of ammunition for each vehicle. This was 98 rounds per 75mm Sherman and 78 rounds per Firefly.
    - A complete refill of petrol for all vehicles. Sometimes this was expressed as sufficient petrol for the unit to travel a given number of miles.
    - A days rations.

    Vehicles would be replenished each evening.

    Each day, or more usually each evening a column of vehicles was sent from rear headquarters to the fighting echelons. This carried everything required by the fighting echelons including food, water, petrol, ammunition, post, replacement personnel and any of the thousands of items which an army needs. Replacement tanks were the responsibility of the brigade Armoured Delivery Squadron.





    Armoured regiments gradually developed a standard procedure and order of march. In the early battles in Normandy there was little finesse, just hard fighting. Later the regiments developed systems of mixed battle groups of all arms. The following is an example of the order of march adopted by a mixed regimental/battalion group. This is based on that used by the Irish Guards and is quoted in John Sanders ‘Guards Armoured Division’.

    A squadron/ A company battle group. This was the spearhead and had a mix of arms deployed to allow elements to be rushed to the front as required.
    - Tank troop (A1)
    - Tank troop (A2) with an infantry platoon riding the tanks.
    - Royal Engineer troop in halftrack
    - Tank troop (A3)
    - Headquarters Group
    - Tank troop (A4)
    - Infantry platoon in QLT
    - 2 X 3” mortars in carriers, from infantry battalion
    - 2 X 6pdr AT guns towed by carriers from infantry battalion
    - Carrier section from infantry battalion
    - Pioneer section from infantry battalion

    Command and Reconnaissance Group. This contained the relevant tactical headquarters and communications personnel. They were as far forward as was practical.
    - Headquarters armoured regiment and infantry battalion.
    - Reconnaissance troop
    - Wireless rear link

    Support group. This contained support weapons which could be rapidly deployed in support of the forward squadron/company battle group.
    - Commanding officers of the infantry support company and specialist platoons.
    - Remainder of pioneers from infantry battalion
    - Troop of self propelled AT guns (M10 Achilles) from divisional AT regiment
    - Carrier section, from infantry battalion
    - 2 X 3” mortars in carriers, from infantry battalion
    - 2 X 6pdr AT guns towed by carriers, from infantry battalion
    - Regimental Aid Post, from armoured regiment

    B squadron/B company battle group. This was similar in composition to A squadron/company but was more concentrated. It could be called forward to take over the forward role, be deployed to a flank or used in support as events dictated.
    - Tank squadron (B)
    - Infantry company in QLT

    C squadron/C company battle group. This was similar in composition and role to C squadron/company.
    - Royal Artillery Forward Observation officer
    - Royal Engineer troop
    - 2 X 3” mortars in carriers, from infantry battalion
    - Pioneer detachment, from infantry battalion
    - 2 X 6pdr AT guns towed by carrier
    - Tank squadron
    - Infantry company in QLT

    Reserve Group. This group contained elements which would normally be required to hold ground gained, form defensive positions and provide logistical support.
    - Infantry company in QLT
    - Armoured regiment and infantry battalion main headquarters
    - Troop of towed 17pdr AT guns from divisional AT regiment
    - Infantry battalion Regimental Aid post
    - Field ambulance section from divisional field ambulance RAMC
    - Infantry A echelon
    - Medium machine gun platoon from divisional machine gun company
    - Armoured battalion F echelon

    B echelons were held at Brigade Headquarters until required.

    This list shows only the divisional units normally attached to the group. There would probably also be an RAF forward controller with access to the cab rank of rocket firing Typhoons. All the Royal Artillery Forward Observation Officers have access to divisional artillery and any other gun within range.




    MARKINGS.
    Armoured regiments were generally well marked. It was important that commanders at all levels should be able to identify the squadrons, troops and individual tanks in order to send orders by wireless.

    In common with all units the armoured regiment carried an arm of service square with a number. The number could be used in conjunction with the divisional sign to identify the unit. All armoured regiments in brigades of armoured divisions carried a red square with white numerals to identify brigade headquarters and individual regiments.
    Armoured brigade headquarters Red square with white number 50
    Senior regiment Red square with white number 51
    Second regiment Red square with white number 52
    Junior regiment Red square with white number 53

    Headquarters 5 Guards Armoured Brigade Red square with white number 50
    2 Armoured Battalion Grenadier Guards Red square with white number 51
    1 Armoured Battalion Coldstream Guards Red square with white number 52
    2 Armoured Battalion Irish Guards Red square with white number 53

    Headquarters 29 Armoured Brigade Red square with white number 50
    23 Hussars Red square with white number 51
    3 Royal Tank Regiment Red square with white number 52
    2 Fife and Forfar Yeomanry Red square with white number 53

    Headquarters 4 Armoured Brigade Red square with white number 121
    Royal Scots Greys Red square with white number 122
    44 Royal Tank Regiment Red square with white number 123
    3 County of London Yeomanry Red square with white number 124

    The following two brigades had a white bar under the red square.
    Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade Red square with white number 993
    4/7 Dragoon Guards Red square with white number 994
    13/18 Hussars Red square with white number 995 from 29.7.44
    24 Lancers Red square with white number 995 until 29.7.44
    Nottinghamshire Yeomanry Red square with white number 996

    Headquarters 33 Armoured Brigade Red square with white number 172
    1 Royal Tank Regiment Red square with white number 173
    144 Royal Armoured Corp Red square with white number 174
    148 Royal Armoured Corp Red square with white number 175

    In addition there were coloured geometric signs to identify regiments and squadrons.
    Senior regiment Red
    Second regiment Yellow
    Junior regiment Blue

    Geometric shapes used were
    Regimental Headquarters and headquarters squadron Diamond
    A Squadron Triangle
    B Squadron Square
    C Squadron Circle.

    These tactical signs were usually carried on the side of the turret, or on the side of the hull in some Sherman units. Some units repeated the sign on the turret rear. Softskin vehicles usually carried the signs on the cab doors.

    The earlier practice of painting the troop number inside the tactical sign was continued in some regiments. However a new system of large numerals was introduced. Some units used this system from D day and most units adopted it eventually. Tanks were numbered straight through the regiment and bands of numbers were issued to Regimental headquarters and to each squadron. This made it much easier to identify individual tanks and the number was also used as a call sign. Most numbers were in white but some units used red with a white outline.

    Allied stars were applied to vehicle sides before D Day but units soon learned that they made excellent aiming points, and provided an ideal reference point for range finders. It was unusual to see stars painted on the sides or fronts of armoured vehicle after the first battles. Where possible the star in a circle air recognition sign was carried on the turret roof. Camouflage patterns were uncommon but they were applied by some brigades.




    THE TANKS

    The Sherman Tank.
    or the campaign in NW Europe Britain had considerable numbers of Sherman tanks. The Sherman was not an ideal design since the hull was too high and had vertical sides, whereas the ideal would be low and sloping. Its armour protection was not generous and the gun not a match for the powerful German tank guns. However it was a popular vehicle. Its great advantage over many British designs was that it was reliable. It was also versatile, roomy and available in quantity. Generally if a crew lost a Sherman tank it would be replaced next day by the Forward Delivery Squadron.

    The US Army favoured standard designs in all equipment. They chose designs which could be built using existing technology, using stock mechanical parts and which could be mass produced. While Britain produced a wide variety of tank designs the US produced only the Sherman and its ancestor the Lee/Grant. There were several major variants of the Sherman and many minor ones but 21 Army Group used only a limited number of these.

    The most numerous version in British service was the M4A4 which the British called Sherman V. Almost all of the 7,500 produced went to Britain. In order to increase Sherman production the Sherman V was fitted with a Chrysler A57 Multibank engine which was five Chrysler 6 cylinder car engines connected to a common drive shaft. It was reliable when well maintained but maintenance did take a great deal of time on an engine with thirty cylinders and five times as many of everything as most engines had. Sherman V was slightly longer than other Shermans in order to accommodate the engine. All Sherman V were identical. While other versions went through a number of changes all Sherman V were ‘mid production’ types with three piece bolted noses and early 75mm turrets. Armament was the US 75mm gun plus a co axial Browning machine gun and a hull mounted machine gun manned by the co driver.

    Most Sherman V were given additional armour protection but this was limited to extra plates over the ammunition stowage and small plates welded over the front of the drivers and co drivers positions.

    Production of the M4A4 (Sherman V) ceased in September 1943 and when reserves of these in Britain ran out some later variants were delivered. Montgomery would not accept the 76mm gun Sherman tanks in 21 Army Group and since these were the preferred US Army type this was what was being produced. The 76mm armed M4A1 was used in Italy together with its partner 105mm howitzer armed M4. There are photographs of these in NW Europe, probably with Canadian units coming from Italy but at least one is with the Polish Armoured Division.

    Some late model M4 (Sherman 1) were used in 21 Army Group. These were the Sherman Hybrid which had cast front ends while the rest of the hull was the more usual slab sided pattern. These tanks had the Continental radial engine which was not compatible with the Sherman V and further complicated maintenance. There were also some older M4 (Sherman 1) tanks and even small numbers of M4A1 (Sherman II) or M4A2 (Sherman III). Some of these had been converted to DD tanks and then reworked to the original specification.

    The supply problems with Shermans were somewhat alleviated when 11 Armoured Division traded in its Shermans and received the Comet instead.

    All Sherman had a crew of five and stowage for 98 rounds of ammunition.

    In 21 Army Group Shermans were fitted with specially designed stowage bins. A rectangular bin was fitted to the rear of the turret. A long narrow bin was fitted to the hull rear. This was often found in other places, including the hull front, and on other vehicles.

    The Firefly.
    The Firefly was originally a fallback design. Realising that a larger and more powerful gun was required several options were considered and rejected. The best anti tank gun available was the 17pdr. This would not fit into a Cromwell or Churchill but it would fit into the Sherman, just.

    An initial order for 2,100 Sherman was placed early in 1944, first deliveries were in March 1944 and they were being issued to units before D Day. They became available in increasing numbers as the campaign progressed. It was even suggested that when every troop in a British unit had a Firefly they should be produced for the US Army. When they were equipped on a similar scale to the British then every British troop would get a second Firefly. This never happened but it does show that the Firefly was well regarded.

    To convert a Sherman to a Firefly there were some 50 modifications required. The major ones were
    - fitting an armoured box on the rear of the turret to hold the wireless set. The 17 pdr needed all the room in the turret for its recoil.
    - Cutting a hatch in the turret roof for the loaded. The gun breech blocked his access to the single hatch of the normal turret.
    - Removing the hull machine gun and the co drivers seat. This space was occupied by stowage for 17pdr rounds.
    - Fitting a 17pdr gun into the mantlet.

    Initially all Firefly were Sherman V but later some Sherman I Hybrid were also converted. Fireflies had a crew of four and ammunition stowage was reduced to 78 rounds.

    Sherman Control Tank.
    The control tank was a normal gun tank but fitted with two Wireless set No19 instead of the usual one. Regimental Headquarters used them and although their fighting ability was impaired it could still use all of its armament.

    Sherman OP Tank.
    The OP tank retained its main armament but had reduced ammunition stowage to make space for two Wireless sets No19 and two demountable Wireless sets No38 plus artillery observation staff and equipment. These were issued to artillery regiments from a pool held at Armoured Brigade Headquarters.

    Sherman Contact Tank.
    This was a field conversion of a Sherman used by Air Support Signals Units to control tactical aircraft. It had the main armament and ammunition stowage removed and replaced by two Wireless set No19 and one TR 1143 VHF set plus their operators. They were fitted with telescopic aerial masts for the VHF set.


    Sherman ARV1.
    Armoured Recovery Vehicles MkI were issued to squadrons and were manned by squadron personnel. They were not REME vehicles, although a serjeant fitter was attached to the squadron and would usually travel in the ARVI. There were ARV1 built on many different chassis to match the variety of tanks in service. In a Sherman regiment in 21 Army Group all ARV1 were Sherman. Most were based on Sherman V but some were Sherman III. All ARVI were built to the same specification and were similarly equipped.

    No winch was fitted but there was a demountable A frame for lifting. This was assembled on the ground and attached to the front towing eyes. A cable was then attached to a track and the vehicle reversed until the frame was at the correct angle when its support cable was shackled on.

    - The turret, turret basket and ammunition stowage were removed and the turret ring plated over.
    - There was a large hatch in the turret ring plating, offset to the left hand side.
    - The radio was relocated to the right hand side of the hull and the aerials relocated to the right hand side also.
    - The hull machine gun was retained.

    The following recovery equipment was carried
    - A frame jib booms stowed on each side just above the lowed edge of the hull.
    - A swivelling draught bar for Hollebone towing bars. This was normally stowed on the engine deck until needed, when it was attached to the towing eyes on the lower rear hull.
    - Hollebone towing bars stowed on the left hand side towards the rear.
    - Six sets of earth spikes and holdfast anchors
    - A 15ton snatchblock stowed on the hull front
    - Track grousers carried on each side.
    - 100 feet of steel cable stowed round the turret ring.
    - Jacking blocks and gun planks carried on the rear deck.


    Sherman with dozer attachment.
    By April 1945 all armoured regiments seem to have had tanks equipped with dozer blades. These were mainly to clear away rubble and road blocks which would otherwise hold up an advancing armoured column. There had been little demand for these in the advance across France and the Low Countries, and little demand over the winter but the advance into Germany would provide plenty of work. One dozer equipped tank was issued to each squadron headquarters. It is not clear whether this tank was in addition to the four squadron headquarter tanks or if one of the existing headquarter tanks had the attachment fitted.

    The US manufactured dozer attachment was fairly easy to fit and did not greatly impair the fighting ability of the tank. The armament and ammunition stowage was not affected. The modifications included
    - Fixing attachment points to the forward two suspension units on each side.
    - Fitting a frame for a hydraulic cylinder on the nose of the tank.
    - Fitting a hydraulic reservoir inside the tank.
    - Leading a hydraulic pipe through the right hand side light fitting to the cylinder.

    The dozer blade and mechanism could then be rapidly fitted by attaching the arms to the fixing points on the suspension units and connecting the hydraulic cylinder. The blade and mechanism could be jettisoned from inside the tank if necessary. All the working parts and the hydraulic pipe were armour protected.

    The British decided that the blade could not be raised sufficiently high to allow the tank to negotiate rough country and ‘improved’ the design by making it possible to raise the dozer blade and arms vertically above the tank. No doubt this gave better ground clearance and better balance but prevented the turret and gun rotating and made the vehicle highly visible.

    Sherman with 3” rockets.
    C Squadron of 1st battalion Coldstream Guards fitted 3” rocket launching rails to some of their Sherman tanks in time for the Rhine Crossing in April 1945. The 3” rocket was normally fired from Typhoon fighter bombers and the 60 pond warhead was very effective against armour. The Guards fitted a launching rail on each side of the Sherman turret and they were aimed by traversing the turret. When fired from a stationary Sherman the maximum range was 800 yards but the effective range more like 400 yards. They were most effective against road blocks and anti tank guns. There was no opportunity to try them against tanks.

    Sherman Rear Link.
    It is known that there were Sherman rear Link tanks which were normal gun tanks, retaining armament and ammunition, but fitted with a Wireless set No 19 High Powered. These were used as relay stations when the armoured regiment was too far from brigade headquarters for the regimental headquarters sets to be effective. It is known that they were used on the advance across France and the Low Countries but they do not seem to be on the establishment of regiments or brigades. Probably they were Royal Signals but with RAC crews and attached to brigades as required. When they were used two Rear Link tanks formed the relay, receiving and transmitting signals on the regimental frequency in one vehicle and automatically re transmitting and receiving on the brigade frequency in the other vehicle.



    The Comet
    The Comet was an improved version of the Cromwell family of tanks. It was sufficiently different to have the type number A34. The main differences were
    - A newly designed turret which, although having vertical sides and being constructed from rectangular plates, was more rounded in plan view. The turret mantlet was improved. In particular giving greater protection to the trunnions and eliminating the shell trap under the gun.
    - A new gun was fitted. This was the 77mm which was a modified 17 pdr gun. This gave nearly the same performance as the anti tank version.
    - Return rollers were fitted so that the top run of track did not sag and catch the road wheels or jump and foul the trackguards. The Christy suspension allowed all wheels to retract at the same time thus causing sag in the top run. Other suspension systems compensated so that if one wheel retracted another balanced it.

    Like the Cromwell the Comet was powered by a Rolls Royce Meteor petrol engine. Because of the increased weight of 33 tons the maximum speed was 29 mph. Maximum armour thickness remained 101mm. Two BESA machine guns were carried, one co axial and one ball mounting in the hull front. Crew was five. Wireless set No19 was carried.

    There were minor variations.
    - Very early vehicles had pressed fluting in the track guards and stowage box covers. This was as for the Cromwell was but was eliminated on later production
    - Late models had a type B hull which differed only in having a squared off profile at the rear. This was because the exhaust outlet grills in the hull rear were plated over and fishtail exhausts fitted.
    - Earlier vehicles, in common with the Cromwell, had suffered from the fact that the open exhausts had not only allowed vertical plumes of exhaust to betray their position, but when accelerating or changing gear flames could leap out as well. Earlier vehicle, with the type A hull, had Normandy cowls fitted to deflect exhaust fumes and flame. These were as for the Cromwell but had to be divided in the centre to accommodate the gun barrel when locked to the rear.


    Centurian.
    Once the design of the Comet was completed a new specification was drawn up for a heavier tank, A41. This called for a tank of up to 45 tons, with 4 inch frontal armour, a Rolls Royce Meteor engine with Merrit Brown transmission, and 17pdr gun. It would have a co axial machine gun but no hull machine gun.

    As the design progressed two innovations were introduced:
    - A 20mm cannon in place of the co axial machine gun. The 17 pdr did not for high explosive shells so the 20mm was seen as a way of engaging softskin vehicles and anti tank guns.
    - The Christy suspension used on most British cruiser tanks was not thought sufficiently stron so a Horstman suspension was used.

    As finally produced the Centurian weighed some 43 tons, was 25 feet long, had sloped frontal armour and a boat shaped body to protect against mine blast. The driver sat in the centre and no co driver was carried. Side skirts were fitted as protection against hand held anti tank weapons.

    In April 1945 six prototypes existed and it was decided that they should be rushed to 21 Army Group to gain battle experience. Crews were provided by Guards armoured regiments and a Guards Captain commanded the detachment. The Centurians arrived just too late and joined 7 Armoured Division in mid May.


    Bridgelayers.
    These are included here since they were on the establishments of Armoured Brigades and Tank Brigades.

    Valentine Bridgelayer.
    The Valentine Bridgelayer was a Valentine MkII with the turret and ammunition stowage removed and hydraulic equipment installed in the hull. The bridge was Bridge, Tank, 30ft, No1, which was actually 34 foot long and could carry a 30ton load. The bridge was a scissors type which folded in the centre for transport. When laying the hydraulically operated arm lifted the bridge to the vertical position, at which point the bottom of the arm rested on the ground. The bridge was then opened up and laid in position. The Valentine Bridgelayer was issued to armoured brigade headquarters but was not heavy enough for Churchill equipped tank brigades.

    Churchill Bridgelayer.
    The Churchill Bridgelayer was a Churchill MkII or MkIV with the turret and ammunition stowage removed. Hydraulic equipment was installed in the hull to work the bridge launching gear. The bridge itself was Bridge, Tank, 30ft, No2 which could carry loads up to 60 tons. This was carried on supports on top of the hull. For launching a hydraulic operated arm lifted the bridge and lowered it to the ground in front of the laying vehicle. As the arm reached the vertical its lower end reached the ground and supported the weight. The Churchill Bridgelayer was initially issued to tank brigades and later also to tank squadrons. They were particularly useful in maintaining mobility in the Low Countries where there were many drainage ditches to cross, and in Germany where there many road craters to cross. The bridge could be rapidly recovered by reversing the laying procedure
     
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