6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps 6th Airborne Armoured Recce Regiment RAC | ParaData 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment Normandy 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment Germany 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment 1942-1946 The 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment RAC was originally conceived as a Light Tank Squadron designed to support airborne operations attacking forward objectives by patrolling in front of the main position. In theory, it had been viewed as a squadron which would withdraw after initial heavy engagements. In practice however, the 6th Airborne Armoured Recce Regt played a significant role protecting airborne infantry and led the attack on German units in the airborne advances into German-held territory of North West Europe. In 1941, three Tank Special Service Squadrons were formed from various cavalry and tank units. The third of these, C Special Service Squadron (Light) RAC, became the Airborne Light Tank Squadron RAC in July 1942 and soon moved to become part of 1st Airborne Division on Salisbury Plain. Command of the squadron passed to Major (later Lt Col) Godfrey Stewart in April 1943. He commanded the squadron, and later the regiment, for the remainder of the war. When the 1st Airborne Division, accompanied by the 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron, went to North Africa, the Airborne Light Tank Squadron remained and was transferred to the newly formed 6th Airborne Division. The unit was expanded and redesignated as the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaisance Regiment in January 1944. The expanded unit now consisted of a regimental headquarters, a light tank squadron, a reconnaisance squadron, a support squadron, a headquarters squadron and a REME light aid detachment with signals and medical elements. The regiment also had a 'Harbour Party' which comprised one officer and fifteen men who were trained parachutists. Their role was to jump with the leading pathfinder units, reconnoitre and secure the area to which the regiment would later deploy by glider. When the invasion of North West Europe finally arrived, the Armoured Recce Regiment was intended to be at the forefront of the early landings. On D-Day 6 June 1944, the 'Harbour Party' flew in with the advance 22nd Independent Pathfinders Parachute Coy to secure the regimental landing ground. Unfortunately this Harbour Party lost their officer and and the four other ranks in his stick, when their plane flew off course and was brought down by flak. During the main second lift, 20 light tanks, carriers and vehicles were flown after takeoff from RAF Tarrant Rushton onboard 30 Hamilcars, while others were flown by Horsa from RAF Brize Norton. Several tanks were lost after crash landings and others were disabled when parachute canopies and rigging were caught and wrapped round their tracks (which had to be burnt off). After ten days the unit was withdrawn from the frontline. The tank units went straight back in their Tetrarchs however, to support the remaining hard-pressed ground troops. After a short time the tank crews were withdrawn once more. After ten days retraining they returned to action, this time in Cromwell tanks in continued supporting the breakout. The unit was finally taken out of the line at the end of August to return to the UK. By 6 September 1944, they had regrouped at Larkhill. On its return to the UK the regiment switched its older Tetrarch tanks for the M22 Locust tanks for airborne deployments. In December 1944, the division was sent to Belgium to help support the counter-offensive during the Battle of the Bulge in the Ardennes. On Monday 30 December 1944, the Armoured Recce Regiment was deployed in Cromwell tanks on the Meuse. After a tough winter, the regiment was withdrawn from the line in February. On 16 February the regiment left for the UK - although a tail had been left behind, including the Cromwells in Holland. The tail soon found out they were part of the ground force support of the next operation. On 24 March 1945, as part of Operation Varsity, 8 Locust tanks were flown in Hamilcars along with the troop of 4.2" mortars in Horsas. Although fewer flew in on Varsity than on D-Day, and the operation was deemed a great success (the battle had effectively been won by nightfall), casualties were very high. Of the eight tanks, only two survived in fully serviceable condition. Several tanks and vehicles had been destroyed on landing and personnel casualties were high. The rest of the regiment had left on 17 March and joined up with the airborne sections on the 26 March 1945. As the division began the Advance to the Baltic, the 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment proceeded well to the fore. On several occasions this resulted in severe casualties, especially during the Battle at Minden. On 30 April the division reached the Elbe and on 3 May elements of B Squadron met elements of the Russian Stalingrad Armoured Division. Just two days later the war was over, and on 16 May the division was ordered to return home. The Recce Rgt left all of its tanks and carriers in Germany. Whilst the war in the Far East continued, the regiment underwent renewed training in preparation for deployment to South East Asia. Following the Japanese surrender however, they were reallocated to security duties in Palestine. The regiment landed in Haifa on 22 October 1945 and worked as part of the 6th Airborne Division faced with civil disobedience and violence amongst the Arab and Jewish communities. On 1 February 1946 the 6th Airborne Armoured Recce Regt RAC was disbanded. Most of the personnel were transferred to the 3rd King's Own Hussars, which became an (Airborne) Recce Regiment. Officers Commanding Airborne Light Tank Squadron RAC Major D.V.H. Asquith 1942 Major K.W.C.. Pulteney 1942-43 Major G Stewart 1943-44 Commanding Officer 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regt RAC: Lt Col G Stewart, 1944-46
OBITUARY Allan Orpin, Jeep driver who braved hair-raising D-Day glider landings and Rhine crossing Allan Orpin, who has died aged 98, was believed to be the last survivor of those who served with 6th Airborne Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment (6th AARR) in the glider-borne landings in Normandy and in the forced crossing of the Rhine. On March 24 1945, Operation Varsity was launched with the aim of establishing a bridgehead across the Rhine for the main allied advance into Germany. Orpin, a Jeep driver with HQ Squadron, enplaned at RAF Tarrant Rushton, Dorset, and landed by Horsa glider near Wesel. Orpin said afterwards that his abiding impression was that of total chaos. Eight Locust tanks had flown in Hamilcar cargo-carrying gliders; several of these had smashed on landing. In the trees, hanging from the branches, were American paratroopers who had been shot. Many of their comrades had been killed on landing: the static line had failed to open their parachutes, and their torn tunics showed that they had made desperate attempts to pull the ripcords of their reserve ’chutes. The preliminary bombardment had obscured the battlefield with dense smoke and glider pilots found it difficult to identify their zones. There was also intense anti-aircraft fire. In daylight, gliders made easy targets and many were shot down at a height of a few hundred feet. Orpin found the landing zones littered with burning gliders. Troops disembarking from gliders found themselves under attack and sometimes overwhelmed from pockets of fierce resistance. There were heavy casualties and Orpin helped to collect the dog tags from many of the fallen. To the end of his life, he was deeply affected by what he had seen. Allan Gordon Orpin, the youngest of four children, was born in Walthamstow on January 17 1926. One Sunday in September 1939, immediately after the declaration of war, the air-raid siren sounded. Young Allan was a choirboy in church at the time. The whole congregation panicked and rushed down to shelter in the crypt. It was a false alarm. He left school at 13 and began working 12-hour days as a signwriter. At home during the Blitz he heard the whistle of bombs falling, and everyone in the family put their heads under the kitchen table. One day, when an incendiary bomb fell by their front gate, his mother ran out and extinguished the flames by throwing sand on it. An ARP Warden appeared with a stirrup pump and sprayed the device with water, which set it alight once more. Allan’s mother, furious, shouted: “I put the fire out. You’ve started it again. Push off and find your own bloody bomb!” Orpin did not want to be a “Bevin Boy” and work in the coal mines, and he enlisted in the Army at the Romford recruiting office. In October 1943 he was just under 18 when he was sent to No 1 Infantry Training Centre at Warley Barracks, Brentwood, Essex, to begin his basic training. He had been “trade tested” and demonstrated an aptitude for mechanics, so he was posted to the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) Training Centre at Bovington in Dorset, where he trained as a Jeep driver and mechanic. Having responded to a request for volunteers for airborne forces, he was posted to HQ Squadron 6th AARR at Larkhill, Wiltshire. He received an extra half-crown pay a day. The basic role of the regiment was to crew and fight their light tanks after accompanying them by glider into battle. It was made up of volunteers from across the Army, mostly from the RAC, the Royal Tank Regiment and cavalry regiments. They were never granted their own cap badge, but retained the insignia of the regiment from which they had been drawn. As airborne soldiers, however, they all wore the maroon beret, airborne titles and Pegasus flashes. On the evening of D-Day, June 6 1944, Orpin, a member of Jeep Troop, 6th AARR, took off from RAF Brize Norton and landed by Horsa glider near Ranville in Normandy. The undercarriage of the glider collapsed and the glider itself finished up half way into a hedge. He and his comrades unloaded the Jeeps and trailers and dug slit trenches. They then reverted to an infantry role: their immediate task was to be ready to repel a counter-attack. Recce patrols were ordered to obtain information about the enemy’s strength and dispositions, in difficult country with high banks, thick hedges and narrow lanes. The Germans were well sited, and covered with a protective screen of machine gun and anti-tank guns which was hard to penetrate. In early September, 6th Airborne Division was withdrawn from Normandy and 6th AARR accompanied them to England for rest, retraining and reorganisation. Orpin: enlisted rather than be sent down the pit as a Bevin Boy In mid-December, the Germans achieved complete surprise with an offensive in great strength through the densely forested region of the Ardennes between Belgium and Luxembourg, the so-called Battle of the Bulge. All Christmas leave was cancelled. On Christmas Eve, Orpin drove his Jeep to Tilbury in Essex. He broke regulations by visiting his mother at Walthamstow on the way. His absence was not missed, though, and at midnight the Jeep was loaded on to the deck of the LST (Landing Ship, Tank). Orpin spent the night in the vehicle, preferring that to sharing a bunk below deck. At dawn, near the mouth of the Thames, the vessel ran into heavy fog and spent the next three days at anchor off Sheerness. To dispel the boredom, someone bet the colonel a bottle of whisky that he could not swim around the ship in the bitterly cold weather. The colonel dived into the water and won the bet. Two days later the ship docked at Ostend. Orpin’s squadron spent the night in a convent before pushing on to Villers-sur-Lesse in the Ardennes and subsequently to Sevenum in Holland. The regiment deployed in Cromwell tanks on the River Meuse. There was patrolling in heavy snow and freezing fog, low-level infiltration by the Germans and the constant danger of booby traps, but the real enemy, he said afterwards, was the weather. After Operation Varsity, during which he was a member of Jeep Troop, Orpin drove the second-in-command of HQ Squadron from the Rhine to Wismar on the Baltic, where 6th AARR linked up with the Russians at the end of the campaign. On the way they came up against fanatical resistance from members of the Hitler Youth armed with Panzerfaust anti-tank weapons. After the war, Orpin served in Palestine with 6th Airborne Division and was severely injured in Tel Aviv when he was hit in the chest by a rock thrown by a protester. In February 1946, the Regiment was disbanded and members of 6th AARR awaiting demobilisation were transferred to the 3rd Hussars. At a reunion in Normandy, Orpin, left, met Bill Gladden, a veteran of 6th AARR: they had landed in the same zone on D-Day As his demobilisation date drew near, he responded to a call for ex-servicemen in Palestine to join the Metropolitan Police. Having been accepted subject to passing the medical test, he returned to England. But to his dismay, he was failed. His health, after the earlier chest wound, rapidly deteriorated. One of his lungs collapsed and he was admitted to a civilian hospital in London as an emergency case. After several months recuperating in a sanatorium in Bournemouth, in July 1947 he received a medical discharge from the Army, but he did not receive a full disability pension until a considerable time after the war. Orpin worked as a trainee toolmaker before transferring to a time-management job. He subsequently worked on various engineering contracts overseas, which took him to Kuwait then to the Taikoo dockyard in Hong Kong, followed by projects in Zambia, Libya and Egypt. Aged 80, in 2006, he finally retired. In 2014, after many years without any contact with fellow veterans, he attended the 70th-anniversary commemorations in Normandy and was thrilled to meet up with Bill Gladden, a veteran of 6th AARR. They had not met before, but had both landed on the same landing zone on D-Day. Gladden died in April, aged 100. On June 18 2016, at a service of remembrance at the National Memorial Arboretum, Orpin was presented with the insignia of the Légion d’honneur by the French Honorary Consul. In retirement he divided his time between East Sussex and Egypt. In Cairo, he became something of a VIP with the British and German embassies, regularly invited to attend commemorative events in the city as well as at Alexandria and El Alamein. A talented artist, poet and wood carver, Orpin was commissioned to paint a mural in the expatriates’ club. He was also a keen fisherman and wrote articles for local papers in Cairo. Allan Orpin married, in 1950, Patricia Bealin, who had been a Wren during the war. She predeceased him and he is survived by their son and daughter. Allan Orpin, born January 17 1926, died June 1 2024 Allan Orpin | Over 650 Video Interviews With Military Veterans | Legasee
Coporal Charles Leonard Collins, 6th Airborne Recce. His own thoughts, his own words on D-Day and beyond (courtesy of Ohio University Libraries and their holdings of The Cornelius Ryan Collection Papers, of which Corporal Collins file is attached as a pdf, in its entirety, below) Always remember, never forget, Jim.
SECRET. SUBJECT: Report on Ops – VARSITY “G” 6 Airborne Div. Ref your GO 396 of 24th April 1945. Herewith reports requested. (A) Air Side. 1. Planning. Tanks. a) Very little planning was needed on the Air Side for this Regiment as it was decided, owing to aircraft limitations, to fly in the Tank Hal Sqn (8 Locusts) and 4.2. Mortar Troop only. The CO decided to command the half squadron himself, organised into a HQ of two tanks and two troops of three each. This half squadron was to be the Divisional Reserve and to RV at the road and railway crossing 186477 and to deny the enemy some high ground on the Eastern fringes of the DIERSFORDTER WALD 184474. This position dominated the low ground to the East and more particularly the site selected for Divisional H.Q. If tanks could render assistance by fire to other troops while on their way to the RV they were to do so. b) Mortar troop. This troop came under command CRA from the commencement of planning and was included by him on the orders for the Light Regiment. An RV and Mortar position was chosen in the sea of the farm buildings at the T Junction 195486. The troop was to provide one OP Officer and wireless links to the Light Regiment and RA H.Q. The officer was to be prepared to shoot the Light Regiment on his own front as well as the Mortars and FOOs provided by the Light Regiment were to be ready to OP the Mortars. 2. Base and Airfield Org. a) Tank Half Squadron. Preliminary loading into Hamilcars took place at TARRANT RUSHTON from whence they flew to the Advance Air Strip at WOODBRIDGE. Crews were billeted at GLAVERING HALL which became H.Q. 6 AARR Airborne Elements. During the period of waiting at GLAVERING HALL, engines were run daily, batteries and final stowage checked. Briefing was carried out on the 22nd and 23rd March [1945]. b) Mortar Troop. c) Proceeded by road to MUSHROOM FARM from whence they moved to GREAT DUNMOW for loading. Briefing was carried out under the Light Regiment. These two aerodromes WOODBRIDGE and DUNMOW were over 50 miles part, which did not facilitate last minute arrangements which had to be supervised by the CO. 3. Flight Plan. As laid down by higher formation. 4. Landings. a) Tank Half Squadron. Hamilcar 259 - CO. Lost one wheel, probably due to flak. Tank disembarked without incident wide of LZ at 187513. The landing was badly obscured by smoke. 260 – Lt. Kenward. Landed without mishap on the LZ at 195485. This tank was brewed up an SP within five minutes of landing, while in action against a farm in support of American Paras who rescued the crew, two of whom were wounded. 261 – Lt. Davies. Though hit three times in the air by flak, made a good landing on the LZ at 178488. 262 – Sgt. Dawson. This tank has been traced. A rumour to the effect that it had been shot out of the air seemed to have some foundation. Two members of the crew have been reported to O2E as killed, presumably by another unit. 263 – This landing was badly obscured by smoke… tank and glider crashed through a house North of the LZ at 187496. Neither crew nor glider pilots were hurt. The browning co-axial and wireless …were put out of action. 264 – This tank also crashed through a house, presumably due to smoke, but in the LZ area. 37 mm gun and wireless set completely out of action. The gun splayed open after firing first round, co-axial remained in action in support of Americans. 265 – Landed close to the CO’s tank 184510 well North of the LZ, ran into a ditch tipping the glider on to its nose. The tank somersaulted and came to rest upside down, a Z casualty. Crew unhurt, proceeded to RV mounted on CO’S tank. 266 – Landed North of LZ. Broke down while pulling a jeep out of a crashed Horsa. Though forward of our leading Troops was kept in action until nightfall Summary. Four tanks reached RV two less wireless, one less 37mm, one less 400 browning. Two tanks crashed or missing. One destroyed by enemy action. One destroyed by crew when a Z casualty, after being in action all day b) Mortar Troop. Horsa 403. Capt. O’Hanlon. LZ obscured by smoke, landed on outskirts of HAMMINKELN at 208486? Heavy flak and intense small arms fire after touching down. Crew dismounted and in company with 12 Devons cleared the opposition with the bayonet. Jeep and mortar trailer then disembarked and proceeded to RV keeping up a running fight with the enemy who engaged them from houses on the route. 407. Jeep and two ammunition trailers. A good landing to the East of LZ at 188505, made its way to RV. 404. Lt. Williams. Jeep and mortar trailer. The keep was destroyed in the air by flak. Came under SA fire on landing and Lt Williams was wounded. Crew ordered to abandon mortar by an officer of the 52nd and report to the Command Post. An attempt was made during the afternoon with the aid of a borrowed jeep, to recover the mortar, but after the debris had been cleared, the crew was again forced to withdraw by accurate SA fire. A further attempt after dark was successful and the mortar was got to the RV. 406. Never traced. Trooper Freebury with Jeep and ammunition trailers missing. 405. This glider was shot down very wide of the LZ close to a German Para H.Q. L/Cpl. Rothwell was reported killed. The remainder were knocked out by the crash and taken prisoners. Tpr. Poole afterwards liberated in a captured hospital (20 miles SW of GENNEL?). 408. Sgt. Cresswell. Jeep and mortar landed at 191495. Came under inaccurate mortar fire on landing moved to RV. Summary. 3 mortars, 2 jeeps and 2 ammunition trailers arrived at RV fit for action. 3 jeeps, 1 mortar and 2 ammunition trailers destroyed. 5. RV. Arrangements. 6,7,8. Not applicable 9. Contact made at 184475 with Lt. Rollason with advance party on D+1
CONTD a) Operations D to D 4-5. 24th March At approximately 07.00 hrs on 24th March the tank half squadron completed final air formalities at WOODBRIDGE, the proceedings being enlivened by a V1 which passed overhead. At 07.30 hrs the Hamilcars took off under perfect conditions and made a fairly large circuit before joining the stream of Horsa which included the troop of 4.2” Mortars. The whole fore then set course for the Continent, passing over DOVER CASTLE. The tanks cast off at 10.50 hrs and the mortars some time previously, to find the L.Zs badly obscured by smoke and intense flak from an AA battalion which appeared to be occupying the L.Zs. As a result, landings were somewhat scattered and not without casualties. Out of eight tanks which started, four arrived at the RV but of these two were without their full compliment of guns and had damaged wireless sets; these had arrived at the RV by 12.30 hrs and communication was established with Divisional H.Q. by the C.O. and by wireless. Of the remaining tanks, one (Lt. Kenward) was knocked out while supporting the Americans, and another (Cpl. Ward) was in action, though immobilised, all day and accounted for a considerable number of Germans. The crew was forced to destroy it at nightfall as they were forward of the nearest infantry positions and were unable to prevent the enemy infiltrating in their position. In the meanwhile three mortars and one ammunition party had arrived at their RV. Kt. Williams had been wounded and there were only sufficient personnel to man two mortars. Capt O’Hanlon had to clear his landing area and then fight his way to the RV> while Sgt. Kirk after repeated efforts under enemy fire, was only able to recover his mortar from the glider after nightfall; even then he was only able to recover the mortar, the jeep having been destroyed. By nightfall, however, two mortars had been set up and Capt. O’Hanlon had occupied an OP in HAMMINKELN STATION from which he directed several shoots for the Light Regiment. After establishing communication with Divisional H.Q. the C.O. sent two tanks forward from the RV at 185476 with orders to get on to and deny the high ground at the forward edge of the wood 183474 and 184473. The two remaining tanks to remain hull down under the railway embankment to cover the approaches to this ground from either flank. The two leading tanks were fired upon almost immediately from the wood and a platoon of 12 Devon was sent up to support them/ During the afternoon the position did not change, but both forward and rear positions were subjected to continuous sniping and any movement drew fire upon it. The tanks attempted to obtain more direct fire on the enemy positions but came under very accurate MG fire and have several periscopes broken. They were also engaged by infantry 75s from further in the wood. During this period Sgt. Hardwidge was wounded. At about 18.00 hrs, Rear Divisional H.Q. which was occupying the farm buildings at 182477 was forced to withdraw by accurate mortar and SA fire from the wooded area to their West. Shortly a after the same attentions was given to the forward position occupied by the two tanks and platoon of the Devon, during this action the platoon commander and two Ors were killed, and one or two wounded, and it was decided to withdraw the two leading tanks slightly as they seemed to be attracting a lot of fire. Shortly before dark the C.O. obtained a reinforcement of fourteen Glider Pilots, who were allotted so as to thicken up the Devon sections. The remaining two tanks were brought forward and put in the middle of section positions, the whole forming a tight strong point. The Devon platoon was further strengthened by the addition of a 2” Mortar and by borrowing the tanks AA Bren guns and grenades. During the night it was expected to make contact with the 8th Parachute Battalion advancing through the wood from the West, but as communication could be established with them this move caused, if anything, more embarrassment than comfort. Two attempts were made to infiltrate the position, and one German was killed in our position. Movement heard in the woods, shortly afterwards, was engaged by the 2” mortar and promptly returned. This was suspected to be from a 2” mortar of the 8th Battalion and in consequence our own ceased firing. No further trouble was experienced from the Germans, who appeared to have removed themselves, and at about 04.30 hrs word was received from division that the 8th Battalion had reached their objective and were remaining inside the wood until daylight. 25th March 1945 Shortly after first light on the 25th March contact was established with ground forces when some tank destroyers and a squadron of 44 Royal Tank Regiment passed through our position and moved onto the East. At about 10.30 hrs, Lt. Rollason arrived with the advanced party of the land elements. The remainder of the regiment arrived during the afternoon and the evening and morning of the next day, 26th march, was spent regrouping. Light tanks crews marrying up with Cromwells after handing over the Locusts to REME for disposal. During the 25th and 26th the mortars carried out several shoots conducted by Capt. O’Hanlon from precarious position in HAMMINKELN STATION. This OP was under observed fire, and he deserves great credit for his persistence in occupying it. 26th March At 18.00 hrs the regiment was ordered to send recce parties to area 2547 and to concentrate there as soon as possible, the C.O. to report to H.Q. 3rd Parachute Brigade to hear his orders for the breakout next day; the regiment being required to recce forward of this move. Owing to bad traffic and road conditions the move was delayed, and the regiment was not concentrated until 02.00 hrs. 27th March At 07.00 hrs it was learnt that the Divisional plan had been changed owing to the blowing of bridges over the River ISSEL. Orders to the regimen, therefore, were for it to establish itself on a start line by 05.00 hrs. A “A” Squadron was to make the initial crossing and to advance to 311458 when “B” Squadron was to pass through them to area 317474, from whence they were to move forward with ERLE 3951 as limit of recce. In the move up to the Startling Line 12 POWs, stragglers from varying units, were taken. By 11.00 hrs both “A” and “b” Squadrons had crossed by the Scots Guards tank bridge at 282458 and at 11.50 “A” Squadron was in contact with the enemy, estimated strength 1 company, at 298459. By 12.15 leading sub units of “A” Squadron were again moving forward while “B” squadron had moved North and reached 318474 where they came on to 5th parachute Brigade’s axis, and at 13.40 hrs were engaged by 20mm flak guns from 352492. At 14.00 hrs further orders were received to the effect that “A” Squadron was to move North and recce North East along the BRUNEN 2748 0 RAESFELD 3854 road and “B” Squadron was to push on towards ERLE. “B” Squadron was still experiencing considerable difficulty in overcoming opposition in the area 352492 and at 16.00 hrs lost a tank to an S.P. firing fro, 356493. An attempt was made to outflank this strong opposition from 5 S.Ps supported by infantry and 20mms. In the action that followed both “B” Squadron tanks were destroyed. The crew of one, however, baled out with its bren gun and succeeded in fighting its way back to our lines with four prisoners from 48 Flak Regiment who stated that the tanks had knocked out three of their guns. This action reflects great credit on the tank crews who displayed great courage and devotion to duty. As a result of the information obtained the Brigadier decided to put in a battalion attack which eventually proved successful. In the meanwhile “A” Squadron were having considerable difficulty with water crossings but finally got over and established contact with the 7th Armoured Division in area 311502 at 17.35 hrs. The regiment harboured for the night at 19.00 hrs, RHQ being established 297476. 28th March At 07.00 hrs orders were received to recce forward to the line of railway from incl 455508 to 472463 and also to make contact with (1) 17th U.S. Airborne Division to the South on road ERLE – ALTSCHERNBECK 4044. (2) 7th Armoured Division to the North along road ERLE – RAESFELD The task was given to “A” Squadron who by 10.00 hrs had contacted some enemy to the South in area 401478 and 398487 who withdrew after being engaged. At 10.40 hrs U.S. infantry of 194th Regiment moved up from the South and contact was made at the former map reference. This regiment did not belong to 17th U.S. Airborne who were not as forward as expected. At 12.00 hrs fist contact was made in area 4150 with 20mm Flak and 8 larger AA guns in position. The enemy held their fire and as a result two scout cars were knocked out and Lt. Renny wounded. “A” Squadron tank troop engaged and with the aid of some SAS cleaned up the position. Some score of Germans were killed, as many more taken prisoner and an 88mm gun captured intact. In the meanwhile another troop had bypassed the position and reported at 14.00 hrs all bridges up to 436508 were intact. More prisoners were taken at 425513. By 14.15 hrs leading elements were in RHADE 4450 and the railway in 4550 and bridges 458509 were crossed by 14.45 hrs. Further opposition was encountered by the leading troop at 472507 covering the approaches to LEMBECK 4852. By 16.30 hrs the remaining troops of “A” Squadron supported by one tank and the Assault and 4.2” mortar troop of “C” Squadron were in action, but the enemy had a concentration of 20mms covering all the approaches and at 16.55 hrs all subunits were withdrawn, one vehicle having been lost. At 17.30 hrs an attack was made by 3rd Parachute Brigade, “A” Squadron tanks and the mortar troop participating in the fire plane, remaining units withdrawing to harbour. RHQ was established at 446507 by 20.00 hrs. Later in the evening the C.O. went to Divisional H.Q. for orders and contacted the Squadron leader of “C” Squadron, Innes of Court Regiment (Major Smyley) who came under command. This ended the initial period of the breakout. The regiment had headed the division and advanced thirty miles in two days against opposition, and though it had suffered casualties had inflicted many more on the enemy. On the first day the tanks had prevented the enemy occupying ground which dominated Divisional H.Q. and the information which the regiment obtained on the following days was of great help to the division and a credit to itself. (c) The Advance to the River ELBE. 29th March Orders for the day were for the regiment to recce forward on the axis LEMBECK- COESFELD 6172, the regiment was also to contact 3 British Recce working with Americans on the right flank. Great attention was to be given to road reports and an early report was required on the bridge at 549625. 09.15 hrs First contact was made by the Inns of Court Squadron under command at 498538, but progress was very slow owing to appalling roads. At 11.05 hrs contact was made with 3rd Division Recce at 567573, who stated they were held up by enemy infantry with SP guns. The Inns of Court reported bridge at 549625 blown but passable to light traffic by 11.10 hrs. Further progress was slow chiefly due to bad roads, some resistance was encountered and prisoners were taken but at 15.45 hrs the leading troop of the Inns of Court met strong enemy resistance at 587714. This was confirmed by “B” Squadron who with other troops of the Inns of Court tried to work round the rear of COESFELD from the West and found opposition too strong. At 20.00 hrs regiment harboured for the night. Distance of day’s advance approximately 16 miles. 30th March Orders. Recce routes North East on axis COESFELD-GREVEN 9188 and contact 3rd Division Recce at fixed junction points. Regiment moved at 08.30 hrs and found COESFELD impassable to all vehicles due to craters and bombing, route to North blocked by enemy still holding woods. At 10.00 hrs “A” Squadron found a deviation to the South and was followed on this route by Inns of Court. 10.50 hrs first contact at 647743, enemy were engaged with success by 4.2” mortars of “C” Squadron. Regiment now ordered to recce a new route via DARUP 6970 and at 10.00 hrs “C” Squadron and the Inns of Court who got good CPs from the high ground. Some particularly good observing was carried out by a troop of the latter who pin pointed several positions. 6th Airlanding Brigade moved in to attack and in the ensuing battle “A” lost a carrier by panzerfaust. “B” Squadron was still engaged in the wooded area to the North of COESFELD. Nothing further of note took place during the day. 3rd Division Recce had not moved forward and were only contacted by Liaison Officer 22nd Independent Parachute Company placed under command as from this day for future operations. Distance of advance approximately 20 miles. 31st March Orders. Continue on axis GREVEN-LENGERICH 0899 with the special task of seizing and holding bridges at 9890, 9098, 0295. Regiment moved out at 08.00 hrs only to find information as to a crossing at 912886 was wrong. Attempts to find alternative crossings were unsuccessful as also was the bridging. In a skirmish at GIMBTE 9384 an 88mm gun was knocked out and 18 prisoners taken.
CONTD1st April Orders. One squadron in support 6th Airlanding Brigade who were to exploit bridgehead at 9890 over DORTMUND-EMS Canal, remainder to provided flank protection. Leading units moved out at 08.00 hrs but by 08.45 hrs it was found that there was no chance of a bridge being finished over the canal before nightfall and at 14.00 hrs the regiment stood down in new locations. Inns of Court returned to its own regiment. 2nd April Orders as for previous day, with special emphasis on road recce. “A” Squadron crossed bridge by 09.15 hrs and contacted enemy infantry at 012950 with SPs. Remainder of the day was mostly occupied in road recce, though “B” Squadron on flank protection had a successful encounter with enemy trying to move North East from MUNSTER at 028868. At 15.00 hrs the Independent Parachute Company and one troop MGs was sent to help “B” Squadron clear wooded area 0587. This was found to be very thick and was eventually neutralised by artillery. Tank Troop of “A” Squadron was engaged with infantry when trying to reach LEEDEN 1002. Distance of advance 10 miles. 3rd April Orders. “A” Squadron to move in support of 5th Parachute Brigade and recce an advance to high ground North West of OSNARBRUCK 2009. Reminder of regiment to recce ais LENGERICH NETRUP 1305 – WISSINGEN 3207 and six crossings over marshy ground. By 09.00 hrs “A” Squadron was held up by road blocks at 093992 and 119008 and found Teller mines on the side of the road. “B” Squadron reported contact at 148002 half an hour later, and shortly after came under shellfire from the high ground to their North, this shelling was at times severe. The opposition was cleaned up who the help of the Independent Parachute and 12 enemy were killed and 20 prisoners taken. At about 15.00 hrs “B” Squadron was joined by the Churchill tanks of the 4th Grenadier Guards in support of 3rd Parachute Brigade who took the leader in OSEDE 2302, “B” Squadron and Independent Parachute taking over the task of flank protection. EHQ established for the night 277020. Distance of advance approx. 18 miles. 4th April Undoubtedly the red letter day of the campaign. Orders were received that “A” Squadron would come under command of 6th Airlanding Brigade and the remainder with 22nd Independent Parachute Company who were now permanently under command, would continue the advance to MINDEN 8010 under command of 3rd Parachute Brigade. On his way to receive orders the C.O. became involved with snipers in BISSENDORF 2905, and a gunner officer was wounded. The regiment was ordered to move with all possible speed and to seize and hold the crossings over the EMS-WESER CANAL at 5615 and 6015. “B” Squadron with one MG Troops and 4.2” mortar troop of “C” Squadron under command, moved off at 08.00 hrs with the heavy troop of Cromwells leading, followed by the 22nd Independent Parachute Company with the remainder of “C” Squadron under command. RHQ moved with 3rd Parachute Brigade, the C.O. accompanying the Brigadier forward in his rover. At 09.15 hrs “B” Squadron reported the crossings at BAD ESSEN 4314 intact, but charges in place. These were removed; shortly afterwards the leading elements made contact at HARPENFELD 4315. This opposition was bypassed by “B” Squadron who were able to shoot up some 20mm flak and half tracks to the North of the road. Meanwhile the Independent Parachute Company was sent I n to clear the village. In the ensuing action 3 officers and 130 ORS were taken prisoner at very small cost. The RMO was taken prisoner by the Germans at this time but escaped during the battle. “B” Squadron continued to advance with great dash and at 10.40 hrs they reported the bridge at 5616 to be intact and that they proposed to rush it. This manoeuvre was successful, the leading tank shooting up the officer and NCOs detailed to blow the charges. “C” Squadron was put down to hold the crossing until it should be taken over by the infantry. A determined effort to seize the crossing at 6015 was frustrated by the enemy who blew it up just as the leading tanks came into view. This action reflects great credit on all concerned. The Brigadier now decided to push on for MINDEN on two rods, the main body, headed by a squadron of the 4th Grenadier Guards, to move on the axis LUBECK 6013 – MINDEN to the South of the canal, while “B” Squadron was to push along the Northern side via HOLZHAUSEN 7516. It was hoped that by taking this route and advantage of the uproar caused by the entry of the main body at the southern exit from MINDEN “B” Squadron might surprise the enemy, slip in from the North and seize the crossing over the WESER in 8111 intact. They were to do everything in their power to affect this. At 11.45 hrs “A” Squadron reported that they had been in action at 355061 and had lost a tan, the brew being mortared when they baled out. At 13.30 hrs “B” Squadron reported that the bridge at 708140 had been demolished and that they had frustrated attempts to blow another at 7313. In the Katter engagement the tanks completely surprised the Germans in the act of pulling out, the road being encumbered by infantry, horse drawn artillery and troop carrying vehicles. Many infantry were killed, the remainder making good their escape across country, bit all the artillery (5 guns), an armoured car, SP and some half tracks were brewed up where they were and pushed off the road. 14.30 hrs “B” Squadron reported that they had reached 7716 but had to send their tanks to the aid of “C” Squadron who were involved in a battle with a flak battery covering the road at 765165. This battery had been shot up by “B” Squadron in passing and had not returned fire; on “C” Squadron arriving, however, the crews had emerged and engaged them, knocking out several vehicles including Squadron H.Q. In the battle that followed on MMG troop was annihilated, the remainder less the assault troop, however, were got out, less their vehicles and continued towards MINDEN with “B” Squadron. It was subsequently learnt that the MMG troop remained in action until all its vehicles were destroyed and was taken prisoner while trying to rejoin the assault troop who had not yet reached the scene, having been left to guard the bridge taken earlier in the day. This arrived later in the day and kept the position under observation until joined by Ni. 1 Platoon and Company H.Q. of the Independent Parachute Company. The combined force assaulted the battery at dusk; complete success was achieved, 40-50 enemy killed, 22 – 88mms, an unknown number of 20mms captured and 3 officers and 171 ORs taken prisoner. Great credit should be given to Lt. Campbell of the Independent Parachute Company who assumed command and directed this operation. At 16.00 hrs “B” Squadron reported that they had reached the outskirts of MINDEN but were held up by a damaged bridge at 800123; by 16.45 hrs they had bridged this themselves and got the tanks across and were engaging a concrete road block 800122. Only 4 of the enemy out of a total of 20 holding the block escaped. The Squadron was not able to advance further as the enemy brought up two SP guns and infantry arrived with Panzerfausts and eventually had to withdraw over the bridge. From now, 18.00 hrs, until next morning “B” Squadron and the remainder of “C” Squadron were in action against snipers, and casualties were suffered Capt. O’Hanlon being badly wounded in the throat. Attempts to get in touch with the infantry in the South by foot patrols were unsuccessful and first contact was not made until 09.00 hrs next morning when the C.P. and the Medical Officer came through the town from the South. Distance of advance 38 miles. An advance of this distance, carried out in the face of opposition, reflects the very greatest credit on all concerned. It was unfortunate that several vehicles and men were lost, but in a seize and hold role losses must be accepted, and they were out of all proportion to those inflicted on the enemy and the distance gained. 5th-7th April Regiment in harbour, much needed maintenance and reorganisation carried out. 8th April “A” Squadron assisted 6th Airlanding Brigade to clear wooded area BAUMFOHST (FORST BAUM) 8815. Regiment moved to WIEDENSAHL 9421. 10th April Regiment established following areas. RHQ MECKLENHORST 199359, “A” Squadron BRINK 219352, “B” Squadron SCHARREL 233387, “C” Squadron SUTTORF 1338. Independent Parachute Company OTTERNHAGEN 216366. 11th April “B” Squadron under command 3rd Parachute Brigade helped clear area of woods 3050-4050 12th April “A” Squadron ordered to come under command 3rd Parachute Brigade to clear area, North of road MELLENDORF 3341 – CELLE 5850 up to line of RIVER ALLER< in company with 8th Parachute Battalion. Contact was made 425500 at 12.45 hrs, one enemy was killed. Enemy appeared to be holding WIEKENBERG 4351 in strength one troop was engaged and Sgt. Roberts the troop leader was killed. A great loss. Village not entered until 19.00 hrs. “A” Squadron harboured in METZE 3743. Lt. Ingall and 17 Ors from the MMG Troop taken prisoner at HOLZHAUSEN rejoined unit. 15th April Regiment moved to outskirts of CELLE. RHQ established at 607518. “A” Squadron searched an area in company with 12th Parachute Battalion to the North of the town. An abortive day of little incident. 16th April Another abortive day in the …woods remarkable inly in that RHQ took more prisoners than the sabre squadrons and this without moving. Regimental H.Q. established 837671. 17th April Orders to move to STEDERDORF 9283. At 15.30 hrs “A” Squadron were placed under command 3rd Parachute Brigade and were ordered to hold MASENDORF 9494. In order to do this they were given “C” Squadron and Independent Parachute Company under command. Having established themselves that were to set up Ops to the North and East. “B” Squadron was ordered to recce axis RATZLINGEN 9790 – PRIELIP 0392. At 16.40 hrs contact established 002913 with enemy infantry supported by 88mm guns. Two scouts cars were knocked out and Lt. Turpin killed. By 17.15 hrs the remainder of the force was established in MASSENDORF, and “A” Squadron was sending out patrols and contacted enemy 8970937 and a prisoner was taken in OITZEN 9795. Particularly good work was carried out by Sgt. Smedley of “B” Squadron who by 18.50 hrs had pin pointed enemy guns positions and entrenchment 028885 – 029880. The enemy seemed to have established a collecting point here before moving North or North East. “A” Squadron reported little activity in their area and by 2050 hrs had withdrawn to MASSENDORF while “B” harboured in EMERN 9783. 18th April A day of probing by both Squadrons, who had considerable success in finding bodies of the enemy and dealing with them through their … no casualties were suffered by either Squadron. 19th April “A” Squadron relived of responsibility MASSENDORF and moved to NATELN 0390. From now on until April 22nd squadron role was to maintain contact with the enemy. This was done without difficulty, and casualties were inflicted on him by artillery support. 23rd April Regiment moved to concentration area to refit for next operation RHQ BARGTORF 850062. “A” Squadron 821101, “B” Squadron, “C” Squadron HOHENBOSTEL 8309. Independent Parachute Company NIENDORF 8511.
CONTD (D) Reports on Equipment. 1. Air. (a) Hamilcars are still NOT equipped with apparatus for lowing the wheels from the pilots’ cabin. When landing under fire this cause unnecessary risk to the glider pilots and delay in disembarking. (b) It is suggested that when landing in an area crossed by small ditches it is preferable to land on skids and NOT wheels. The latter do NOT jump the obstacle with the result that the glider tips on its nose and tan is catapulted through the roof. It Hamilcar No. 265 had landed on skids it is considered it would not have crashed. (c) In all future operations, Locusts should fly with the guns pointing to the rear. This was NOT possible in the TETRACH. It this had been done two tanks would have had both guns in action instead of one each. 2. Operation Equipment with reference to Mobile Action. As always, the regiment was handicapped by small manpower and insufficient administrative transport. It is considered that a blitz troop per sabre squadron is essential. The following points are brought up for consideration. 1. A blitz trooper per squadron on the lines of an Armoured Car Regiment blitz troop. 2. The addition of at least 3 3-tonners to H.Q. Squadron. 3. The provision of the mobile base plate for the 4.2” mortar 4. If it is to be the established practice for the division to have an armoured regiment under command for mobile operations, it is considered that armoured car (AEC Matador) with 75mm gun would be more suitable than Cromwells for the heavy troop of each Squadron. 6th Airborne Armoured Recce Regiment Land Elements. 15th March 1945 – 26th March 1945 1. Land Elements of the regiment were ordered to proceed on 15th March 1945 to contact Land Element left behind in North West Europe and then proceed to area RIVER RHINE to link up with proposed airborne crossing. The regiment less airborne party moved off on this day in company with other division’s Land Elements under command of 2i/c, Major J.C.G. Dunolly. 2. Diary of Move. March 15th Depart Larkhill Arrive S.4 transit camp March 16th On L.S.T. March 17th Transit Camp OSTEND. March 18th Depart OSTEND. Arrive DIVION (contact remainder Land Element) March 19th DIVION March 20th Depart DIVION. Arrive SONNIS March 21st Depart SONNIS Arrive NEEROTEREN March 22nd NEEROTEREN March 23rd NEEROTEREN March 24th Depart NEEROTEREN Arrive GELDERN (contact tanks) March 25th GELDERN. Advance party contact O.C. with Airborne Party March 26th Main body crossed RIVER RHINE and contacts O.C. 3. Comments. (a) OC. Div L.E. in North West Europe did not appear to be sufficiently in the picture. At no time were we adequately briefed and operational maps non existent. As far as this regiment was concerned, we crossed the RHINE with “black market” maps. (b) No one in authority appeared to know where our Cromwell tanks were or whether they had received any ordered of an impending operation. In fact they had received none. When we finally succeeded in contacting them, a part of them were about to proceed on 24 hrs leave. (c) Movement orders that were given for the road moves in North West Europe did NOT take into consideration the requirements of an armoured column. In spite of the protest of 2i/c, the halt orders were always 10 minutes to every even hour only. This does not give sufficient time for essential maintenance on a long march. Also P.O.L. requirements were invariably overlooked it not being appreciate the amount required to move this regiment. We frequently moved on “black market” petrol procured by individual initiative from formations which were not warned to supply us. 4. In view of some of the foregoing it was a credit to the regiment that we made the link up less one m/c. In 11 days we had travelled in 5 countries – England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany. B.L.A. 29th April 1945 SF Godfrey Stewart Lt. Col. Comd. 6 Airborne Armd Recce Regt. R.A.C.
Thanks for the transcript brithm - what is the source file please? https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_reel_c8282/1522
