I have seen conflicting information regarding the composition of the 10th Hussars upon their arrival in North Africa at the end of November 1941. Some sources list A, B & C Squadrons as being A15 Crusaders (MkII at a guess). Whilst others show the C Squadron with Honeys. Which is correct please? Thanks, David.
On Sept 10, 1941 all Mk V Cruisers were sent to the Guards Armoured Division. The regiment shipped out of England with 10 scout cars Mk IA, 8 Cruiser Tanks Mk VIA, 7 Lt Tanks M3, and 4 carriers. The balance of Crusaders were to be made up on arrival in Egypt. This is from the War Diary.
On Sept 10, 1941 all Mk V Cruisers were sent to the Guards Armoured Division. The regiment shipped out of England with 10 scout cars Mk IA, 8 Cruiser Tanks Mk VIA, 7 Lt Tanks M3, and 4 carriers. The balance of Crusaders were to be made up on arrival in Egypt. This is from the War Diary. Hello Dryan67, Do you know if the War Diary lists any census numbers for the scouts, tanks and carriers shipped out? Cheers Kevin
Kevin T: Sorry, no census numbers in either the 10th Hussars or Queen's Bays war diaries. These are usually found in the appendices which are usually not included in the War Diaries from the RAC Museum: DavidW: Here is some information on the three regiments of the 2nd Armoured Brigade for the 1941-42 period: Queen's Bays: On 8 August 1941 the regiment received new tanks, 36 Crusaders and 16 Stuarts, which it embarked with on 23 September 1941. On arrival it had 31 Crusaders (6 of which were Close Support) and 17 Stuarts. These were organized into ‘A’ and ‘B’ Squadrons with Crusaders and ‘C’ Squadron with Stuarts. In January 1942 the regiment was reorganized with 3 Troops per Squadron in Crusaders and 1 Troop in Stuarts. HQs were at first in Stuarts but this was changed very shortly to Crusaders. During the retreat the regiment had approximately 26 crusier tanks and 18 Stuarts. After the retreat to Gazala, on 5 February, it reequipped with ‘A’ Squadron in Crusaders and ‘B’ and ‘C’ Squadrons in Stuarts. It remained in the line until relieved by 44th Royal Tank Regiment on 21 April. 9th Lancers: On 15-19 September 1941 the 9th Lancers had 7 Crusaders and 17 Stuarts, which it fought with them to the desert. The balance of 28 vehicles was to be made up on arriving. In 1941 and early in 1942 the regiment fought with Crusaders, also having some A13s and Stuarts. During the retreat to Gazala the regiment had approximately 26 cruisers and 18 Stuarts. In fact the 9th Lancers were the last regiment to be equipped with the A13 cruisers having five on its strength until 4 April 1942. In April 1942, before reequipping for the coming Gazala battles, the regiment was equipped as follows: ‘A’ Squadron had 16 Crusaders, ‘B’ Squadron had 23 Stuarts and 2 A13s, and ‘C’ Squadron had 3 Crusaders, 8 Stuarts, and 1 A13; RHQ had 2 Crusaders and 2 Stuarts. 10th Hussars (War Diary missing for Nov 41, Dec 41 and Jan 42): No further information
Kevin T: Sorry, no census numbers in either the 10th Hussars or Queen's Bays war diaries. These are usually found in the appendices which are usually not included in the War Diaries from the RAC Museum: No further information Thanks for checking. A shame the RAC do not include them as such a lot can be gained from census number or name when matched to a photo. Cheers Kevin
The Regt History by Brig Dawnay states at the end of November: As well as Lt Bune came other visitors; for some American instructors arrived to educate us in the engines and guns of the American Stuart, or Honey, light tanks, some of which had been issued in addition to our British Crusaders, as the latter were insufficient to complete our establishment.
Hi David, do you have any information about 2nd Armoured Brigade unit strengh from 25 may to 26 june 1942? Thanks in advance Enzus
I have seen conflicting information regarding the composition of the 10th Hussars upon their arrival in North Africa at the end of November 1941. Some sources list A, B & C Squadrons as being A15 Crusaders (MkII at a guess). Whilst others show the C Squadron with Honeys. Which is correct please? Thanks, David. David While the RAC Museum is missing 10 Hussars WD, they are held at Kew. I can't answer for arrival, but by the time they went into action in Jan 42, I believe the squadrons were mixed. Not that it mattered much much since the regiment was pretty much annihilated on its action. All the best Andreas
Hi David, do you have any information about 2nd Armoured Brigade unit strengh from 25 may to 26 june 1942? Thanks in advance Enzus I have a sketch map of the Battle of Knightsbridge 27-29th May 1942 if thats any use?
Just encountered this forty-three page document 'The Journey of Trooper Francis Leonard Rea October 1941 – March 1946' by Simon Harrison. It is a family history and the introduction states: Link: http://www.10thhussar.com/Trooper.pdf There are other threads on the regiment, this appears to be the most general one so added here. It is the only such biography on the website; there could be other stuff not spotted on a very quick glance.
