23rd Hussars. Commendation that doesn’t make sense.

Discussion in 'NW Europe' started by IanOfTickhill, Nov 16, 2020.

  1. IanOfTickhill

    IanOfTickhill New Member

    86EC2C5E-0DBE-4E54-BB22-6520AFA8C142.jpeg I’m doing some research on behalf of my brother in law. His uncle was a tank commander in 23rd Hussars. He received a commendation for what seems to be an action at Erica in Holland. The problem is, I don’t think the 23rd was anywhere near that location.

    The unit history is sadly inaccessible in Kew. I’ve ordered the book about the 23rd that was published in 1946 (fortunately available as a reprint). I’ve spent all day executing every search I can but can find no explanation.

    Any thoughts or advice gratefully received.

    Ian
     
  2. Temujin

    Temujin Member

    Last edited: Nov 16, 2020
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  3. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    He was, prior to his transfer to the 23rd Hussars apparently in "C" Squadron of the 24th Lancers - in the (just prior to D-day) 24th Lancers roll...

    The L.A. can just about be made out, and the army number matches.

    20201116_072527.jpg

    And see: 24th Lancers - "C" Squadron

    The 24th Lancers Regimental history does include some info on awards given to ex-24th Lancers serving with other Regiments after the 24th Lancers was disbanded however Sgt. L.A. Austin is not amongst them.

    All the best,

    Rm

    National Archive link: Recommendation for Award for Austin, Lloyd Albert Rank: Serjeant Service No:... | The National Archives

    Edit: Order of Orange-Nassau - Wikipedia.
     
    Last edited: Nov 16, 2020
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  4. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Looking at a couple of books on 11th Armd Div I have I see that in November '44 they were near America, NL.

    The author of that recommendation might have got confused nearly a year later .
     
  5. IanOfTickhill

    IanOfTickhill New Member

    Thanks all. I never thought about dropping the AM from America. Good spot.
     
  6. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Last edited: Jan 14, 2022
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  7. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    The opening post author has not been here for a month, so sent a PM to check in.
     
  8. IanOfTickhill

    IanOfTickhill New Member

    Sorry...have had a very bad bout of Covid Delta several months ago and still in recovery. I bought a couple of books (at least one was identified by Ramiles (if memory serves) earlier in this thread and found a good account of the action.

    I’ll post some details when I’ve got my desk back in order.
     
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  9. harkness

    harkness Well-Known Member

    The location in question was the hamlet of Erika Hoeve.

    From the 23H Regimental history:

    Austin01.jpg

    Austin02.jpg

    KIA:

    kia.jpg

    WIA:

    wia.jpg
     
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  10. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Oddly

    I noticed Ian and I had previously discussed this and...

    https://www.774fieldartillerybattalion.com/maps

    027EE849-6CB8-47DE-97E2-340F3B18EEAC.jpeg.jpg

    Which (big red arrow) at base, also points out "Erica" - the Hoeve bit, I think, just means farm. Googling it doesn't "help" much, as it is also a name :)

    I think that you can oriente it with the above map where "Amerika" is written, by reference to Veulen, that appears on both maps.
     
  11. harkness

    harkness Well-Known Member

    The War Diary gives a slightly different account:

    November 21st
    "B" Squadron patrol forward to St Helena Hoeve, 7720, and are halted by mines, A/Tank fire and appalling "Going". 4 - Other Ranks killed in action and 3 - wounded. 2 - Sherman Vs destroyed by enemy action. Withdraw at night.

    November 23rd
    "B" Squadron forward to destroy enemy at St Helena Hoeve and build bridge at 771202. Enemy withdrew during the night. Spend the day on recovery in filthy weather.
     
  12. harkness

    harkness Well-Known Member

    From the 23H history:

    map.jpg
     
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  13. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

  14. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    2ndF&F War Diary...

    2nd November 1944

    YSSELSTEYN1-18 RHQ. with 2 Sqns. remained at YSSELSTEYN 7723, whilst 1 Sqn. was in support of a Bn of 159 Bde at VEULEN. This Sqn. being changed every 3 - 4 days. One Sqn. from YSSELSTEYN went out daily to patrol South of the road from the barracks area 718200 - VEULEN and engaged any enemy movement seen in the HELENA HOEVE - ERIKA areas. Movement by tanks was extremely difficult owing to the boggy nature of the ground, many of the dykes were impassable except at crossing places on the tracks. There was considerable patrol activity by the Inf on both sides by night. VEULEN was under continual mortar and shell fire, and YSSELSTEYN received occasional 'stonks'.The following casualties occured during this period:- Lieut. G.R. Rix wounded and 6 O.R's wounded.We also had 1 tank casualty during this period.

    Remembering today...
    Trooper Gordon Sidney Arthur Hallett, 14318820
    Formerly a tank gunner in "B" Squadron of the 24th Lancers.
    At the disbandment of the 24th Lancers he was transferred to the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry.
    Initially it appears that he was reported as wounded with the 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry, however he later appears in the CWGC records...
    Date of Death - 2d11m1944
    TROOPER GORDON SIDNEY ARTHUR HALLETT
    Service Number: 14318820
    Regiment : Royal Armoured Corps, 2nd Fife and Forfar Yeomanry
    Date of Death: 02 November 1944
    Age 20 years old
    Buried or commemorated at MAARHEEZE (STERKSEL MONASTERY) CEMETERY,
    Row A. Grave 21. Netherlands
    Country of Service: United Kingdom
    Additional Info: Son of Albert Charles and Mabel Ellen Hallett, of Evesham, Worcestershire.
    Personal Inscription:
    IN PROUD & DEAREST MEMORY OF OUR BOY, NOW RESTING WHERE NO SHADOWS FALL
     

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