6th Green Howards Gravelines 23/24 May 1940

Discussion in '1940' started by Peccavi, Oct 27, 2013.

  1. Peccavi

    Peccavi Senior Member

    I am reading a French account of this battle where they claim 150 (one company) of Green Howards supported the French Forces.

    There are several reports in British Books eg Blaxenden, Destination Dunkirk but no one mentions the number of Green Howards. I would have thought that most of the Battalion would be present.


    Also the Recce Party of light tanks from 3RTR from Calais joined them. Any ideas what types of vehicles were involved.

    One report speaks of the a two pounder gun on a RTR tank shooting up 5 German tanks.
     
  2. Peccavi

    Peccavi Senior Member

    Piecing a few bits together, I have found out the following but still can't categorically state that the full Battalion was involved but I think it likely.


    Their original orders had been to move to Gravelines but these had been changed to the Seclin Area. However as the officer carrying the change in orders failed to find them in the fog, on the morning of Thursday, May 23 ,the 6th Green Howards had taken up position on a wide front along the mouth of the Aa.

    The company covering the main road had its one anti-tank rifle deployed with the forward platoon. In view of the lack of anyone practised in its use and of the fear of its alleged ‘terrible kick’, Second Lieutenant Hewson himself manned it. A block was put across the bridge but there was no explosive with which to blow it up, and Hewson took his weapon forward to a position where he was concealed but isolated. He bravely held his fire when the tanks — almost certainly light ones — approached, and he then knocked out the leading one, and damaged two others but was then subjected to a double pronged assault. Shouldering his Boyes rifle, he tried to withdraw, but having no covered line of retreat he was shot dead. The tanks came no further and soon departed.

    At dawn next morning, Friday the 24th May, tanks were again heard approaching. The Green Howards opened up when they could see them clearly, and they withdrew, only to reappear, with streamers of red, white and blue flowing from them. Finding them to be a A19 cruiser (with 2 pounder gun) and three light Vickers V1 of 3rd RTR, they were welcomed joyously.

    These were the only British Tanks to successfully break out from Calais. They were the advance patrol. Having been waved through one checkpoint in the moonlight and realising that Germans were in possession of the road, they simply continued through two others, saluting Greman troops as they passed. Confronted by mines, they shot simply their way through to join the Allied forces at Gravelines. The main body of 3 RTR was not so lucky an the Colonel and others had their tanks shot up, escaping by swimming the Aa.

    This was a stern and exacting baptism of fire for these young and undertrained Yorkshire soldiers. They stood up to it manfully, and every attack was held. Major Reeves’s cruiser tank made deadly use of its 2-pounder, with a Green Howard sergeant behind it. Five Panzer IIs were claimed knocked out and two armoured carriers. This provides a revealing glimpse of what could have been achieved if the tanks had been sent via Dunkirk, instead of Calais, and used in the type of widespread sniping role that was regarded as heresy by the high priests of mobile warfare.

    At 9 p.m. Lieutenant Colonel Steel (who was to gain his second DSO) received orders from Colonel Usher that he was to join Usherforce and withdraw his Green Howards to the fortress town of Bergues, where Usher had now established his headquarters. General Fagalde, of the French XVI Corps, had been ordered by Weygand to take command of all the coastal defences from Boulogne to Dunkirk and was bringing in his 68th Division to take over the line of the Aa. However, they had not arrived yet. The withdrawal of the Green Howards seems to have been somewhat premature and the Germans inflicted loss on them as they came back. Nevertheless the French garrison in Gravelines held on.
    Since the depleted 68th Division could only begin to arrive from the Belgian front on 25th May, Fagalde had to use the surviving battalions of the French 21st Division and other oddments to patch up a line which had suffered its most serious break at St. Pierrebrouck, where the British 1st Super Heavy Battery had found themselves outflanked on the morning of May 24th and had fallen back after firing at the enemy four rounds found beside an abandoned French gun. They had had to abandon their own two 12-inch howitzers because of the overloading of their diesel trucks.

    Thanks to the dykes and marshes here, Fagalde was able to contain this penetration.


    Julian Thompson writes in "Dunkirk retreat to victory" that a detachment from the 3rd Searchlight Regiment was also involved in the fight at Gravelines.

    No mention of what happened to Major Reeves and his 3RTR tanks
     
  3. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    Sorry I've been a bit busy over the last week or so. I think I can help you with this and have a funny feeling the battalion has some casualties buried at Oye le page (spelling) which is Between Calais and Dunkirk.

    It's in the right part of the forum for me not to forget, bare with me.

    Andy
     
  4. Peccavi

    Peccavi Senior Member

    Thanks - I was hoping you would come to the rescue
     
  5. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    There appears to be quite a bit of info in the Green Howards history on them at Gravelines (nearly four pages). Do you want me to transcribe it or are you happy knowing that it states:

    The battalion arrived at Gravelines soon after dawn on May 23, and found the fort garrisoned by French reserve gunners, who were apparently out of touch with the situation, and surprised at the arrival of the British troops.
     
  6. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

  7. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    There's more detail in the Regiments History, for example the diary doesn't mention them attacking the British Cruiser and 3 Light Tanks. Anyway from the battalions war diary WO 167/751
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  8. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    I've read about the four tanks being attacked before. I can't find my Jon Cooksey book on Calais so not sure if it was in that, Sebag's Fight to the Last Round is another possibility.
     
  9. Peccavi

    Peccavi Senior Member

    Brilliant thanks for that Andy - will send you PM

    There is quite a bit in Blaxland about the arrival of the Recce Party of an A13 and three Vickers light tanks - the only tanks to escape from Calais
     
  10. JCB

    JCB Senior Member

    Don't know wether you have seen these -

    Major Petch's ( B company 6th btn.) diary says it was the whole 6th battalion and can be seen on web here -

    http://www.fightingthrough.co.uk/

    page-
    Petch Diary.png



    Green Howard Bill Cheall ' s book can be pre viewed on Amazon and page 13-14 ( which can be read ) deal with Gravelines , he mentions that the British tanks were fired upon by them-

    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fighting-Through-Dunkirk-Hamburg--Howards/dp/1848844743/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1384872612&sr=1-1&keywords=GREEN+HOWARDS
     
  11. Peccavi

    Peccavi Senior Member

    Thanks for that - the French version talks of a "Company" and 150 men - clearly it is incorrect
     
  12. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    From the Story of the Green Howards by Synge

    On 22nd May the 23rd Division was placed directly under GHQ, and orders were received to withdraw some seventy miles and take up positions along the River Aa, from the sea at Gravelines towards St. Omer. Advance Divisional Headquarters, accordingly, with reconnaissance parties of Brigade Staff, Commanding Officers and Adjutants, set out at once for Gravelines where they arrived safely. By the time, however, that the troops got on the move, reports came in that the enemy were in Hazebrouck, and lying across their route. They were accordingly, turned back at Estaires, and arrived back at Gondecourt during the afternoon-with the exception of the 6 Green Howards, who had got through safely to Gravelines with the reconnaissance parties. From this point the 6 Green Howards operated independently and before taking up the story of the 50 Division, we will follow it's adventure until it embarked at Dunkirk on May 31.

    The Battalion arrived at Gravelines soon after dawn on May 23, and found the fort garrisoned by French reserve gunners, who were apparently out of touch with the situation, and surprised at the arrival of British troops. The elderly Colonel considered himself Garrison Commander, and was only persuaded with great difficulty that the Green Howards were correct in taking up their positions facing South-West, while his own troops , except for some mortars covering the estuary, were facing East. The front taken up along the canal was a long one, and all the companies, except Headquarters Company in reserve near the fort, were strung out along the canal bank. Lt Col Steel, as he was separated from the rest of his brigade, now resumed command of the Battalion.

    All was quiet during the morning, and life in the cafes and shops practically normal, but in the afternoon a few enemy light tanks appeared from the direction of Calais, and, on approaching the bridge, which had only been barricaded and not blown up owing to lack of explosives, were fired upon by the bridgehead platoon under Lt J M Hewson, commanding No. 13 Platoon of 'C' Company. In view of its vital position around the bridge, No. 13 Platoon had been entrusted with the Company's one anti-tank rifle. As this weapon was practically a unknown quantity, and reported to have a terrible kick, 2/Lt Hewson decided to handle it himself. He cited it well forward of his platoon's postion in a spot which, had he had the opportunity of knowing the weapon he would never have chosen. There was no covered line of withdrawal by which to change his position once it had fired its first few tell tale rounds, and the soil was sandy and dry. But the position fulfilled the one condition typical of 2/Lt. Hewsons spirit, namely it was one which he could get at the enemy. When the enemy tanks approached 2/Lt. Hewson held his fire, and then, with his first few rounds, knocked out one tank and hit others. Under small arms fire from the remainder of No. 13 Platoon the enemy withdrew towards the wood from which they had appeared, firing as they went. 2/Lt Hewson fired again, but, by this time, his position was fully exposed and he was wounded. While he was trying to get the precious anti-tank rifle back to another position, he was hit again, and killed outright. By this gallant action he undoubtedly saved the bridge. Not only did he stop the tanks by his calm and accurate firing, but he also showed the remainder of the Battalion that the Germans could be stopped. His body was recovered two days later and he was buried at Fort Mardick. 'B' Company's Anti=Tank rifle, and some riflemen, were then sent to 'C' Company for further defence of the bridge.

    In the very early hours of the next morning more tanks approached along the road from Oye, and were fired upon by this anti-tank rifle section. They immediately withdrew. As soon as it grew light the tanks appeared again, covered with Red, White and Blue streamers. They turned out to be one cruiser and three light British tanks, which had been cut off in the battle outside Calais. Unfortunately the gunner of the cruiser tank has been killed by the anti-tank fire and the commanding officer slightly wounded. The agreed, however, to join in the defence of Gravelines and played an important part in repelling a determined attack by the enemy later in the day.

    The commander if the cruiser tank asked for a replacement for his gunner and Sgt. W. Gibson, the Headquarter Company Cook, volunteered for the job. Sgt. Gibson had attended a two-day 2-pounder course at Irles and put his knowledge to good use later in the afternoon by knocking out at least one enemy tank. at the height of the bombardment which accompanied this attack, C.A.M J. O'Grady of "B" Company made the famous remark, which not only relieved the tension at the time, but was also frequently repeated in the Battalion for years afterwards. Pointing to a forlorn little bird which was hopping about in front of his trench, 'Sure' he said, 'Those ---- (I'm assuming this is a expletive) Boches are putting so much stuff up there today that even the ------ birds have to come down and walk !'

    After the Germans had been repulsed in the afternoon and things were quiet again, order were received at about 6pm for the Battalion to march to Bergues, and to become part of Usherforce in defence of Dunkirk. This news was imparted to the French Garrison Commander by Major Dixon, who found the old gentleman drinking Brandy, highly delighted that the attack had been driven off, and quite confident that he could hold on without British assistance.

    Some time between 9 and 10pm the Battalion started to move back, but the enemy by this time had got across the canal on the exposed left flank, and some very confused hand to hand fighting took place on the outskirts of the town. Captain E H Kidd, Commander of the left flank company, after No. 9 Platoon had withdrawn into the town went back to look for his remaining platoons accompanied by Captain P B Foster who commanded 'D' Company. They had the misfortune to run into an enemy patrol. Captain Kidd was wounded by a grenade, and both officers were taken prisoner. Lt F G Farrand, the signals officer, was also badly wounded and captured about this time when making his way to 'A' Company to check the signal lines. After the battalion had withdrawn from it's forward positions, the enemy halted their attack for a while, and 2/Lt J L Hughes took out a patrol along the canal bank. For his leadership and bravery throughout the day and night, 2/Lt Hughes was awarded the Military Cross. 2/Lt P J Carr also received the Military Cross for his coolness and courage throughout the action.

    Private R Laidler was awarded the Military Medal. When his section post had been burnt by incendiary ammunition, and there were many casualties from high explosive and machine gun fire Pte Laidler volunteered to lead a party to rescue the wounded. He carried this out under heavy fire, and was only restrained by his Commander from going back for the dead.

    Finally, Lt Col M R Steel was awared a bar to his Distinguished Service Order. In the words of his citation: 'By his gallantry and resource, the enemy attack upon Dunkirk from the West was considerably delayed'. There can be no doubt that this action, fought so gallantly by the 6 Green Howards, who, it must always be remembered, had only been part of the 'Pick and Shovel Brigade' a week previously, compares favourably with anything that a trained and well equipped Battalion might have been expected to carry ourt, and was worthy of the highest traditions of the Regiment.

    It is a noteworthy fact that when, much later, Lord Gort's despatches were published, the 6 Green Howards was specifically mentioned by name for it's defence of Gravelines.
     
  13. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    From the Story of the Green Howards by Synge

    On 22nd May the 23rd Division was placed directly under GHQ, and orders were received to withdraw some seventy miles and take up positions along the River Aa, from the sea at Gravelines towards St. Omer. Advance Divisional Headquarters, accordingly, with reconnaissance parties of Brigade Staff, Commanding Officers and Adjutants, set out at once for Gravelines where they arrived safely. By the time, however, that the troops got on the move, reports came in that the enemy were in Hazebrouck, and lying across their route. They were accordingly, turned back at Estaires, and arrived back at Gondecourt during the afternoon-with the exception of the 6 Green Howards, who had got through safely to Gravelines with the reconnaissance parties. From this point the 6 Green Howards operated independently and before taking up the story of the 50 Division, we will follow it's adventure until it embarked at Dunkirk on May 31.

    The Battalion arrived at Gravelines soon after dawn on May 23, and found the fort garrisoned by French reserve gunners, who were apparently out of touch with the situation, and surprised at the arrival of British troops. The elderly Colonel considered himself Garrison Commander, and was only persuaded with great difficulty that the Green Howards were correct in taking up their positions facing South-West, while his own troops , except for some mortars covering the estuary, were facing East. The front taken up along the canal was a long one, and all the companies, except Headquarters Company in reserve near the fort, were strung out along the canal bank. Lt Col Steel, as he was separated from the rest of his brigade, now resumed command of the Battalion.

    All was quiet during the morning, and life in the cafes and shops practically normal, but in the afternoon a few enemy light tanks appeared from the direction of Calais, and, on approaching the bridge, which had only been barricaded and not blown up owing to lack of explosives, were fired upon by the bridgehead platoon under Lt J M Hewson, commanding No. 13 Platoon of 'C' Company. In view of its vital position around the bridge, No. 13 Platoon had been entrusted with the Company's one anti-tank rifle. As this weapon was practically a unknown quantity, and reported to have a terrible kick, 2/Lt Hewson decided to handle it himself. He cited it well forward of his platoon's postion in a spot which, had he had the opportunity of knowing the weapon he would never have chosen. There was no covered line of withdrawal by which to change his position once it had fired its first few tell tale rounds, and the soil was sandy and dry. But the position fulfilled the one condition typical of 2/Lt. Hewsons spirit, namely it was one which he could get at the enemy. When the enemy tanks approached 2/Lt. Hewson held his fire, and then, with his first few rounds, knocked out one tank and hit others. Under small arms fire from the remainder of No. 13 Platoon the enemy withdrew towards the wood from which they had appeared, firing as they went. 2/Lt Hewson fired again, but, by this time, his position was fully exposed and he was wounded. While he was trying to get the precious anti-tank rifle back to another position, he was hit again, and killed outright. By this gallant action he undoubtedly saved the bridge. Not only did he stop the tanks by his calm and accurate firing, but he also showed the remainder of the Battalion that the Germans could be stopped. His body was recovered two days later and he was buried at Fort Mardick. 'B' Company's Anti=Tank rifle, and some riflemen, were then sent to 'C' Company for further defence of the bridge.

    In the very early hours of the next morning more tanks approached along the road from Oye, and were fired upon by this anti-tank rifle section. They immediately withdrew. As soon as it grew light the tanks appeared again, covered with Red, White and Blue streamers. They turned out to be one cruiser and three light British tanks, which had been cut off in the battle outside Calais. Unfortunately the gunner of the cruiser tank has been killed by the anti-tank fire and the commanding officer slightly wounded. The agreed, however, to join in the defence of Gravelines and played an important part in repelling a determined attack by the enemy later in the day.

    The commander if the cruiser tank asked for a replacement for his gunner and Sgt. W. Gibson, the Headquarter Company Cook, volunteered for the job. Sgt. Gibson had attended a two-day 2-pounder course at Irles and put his knowledge to good use later in the afternoon by knocking out at least one enemy tank. at the height of the bombardment which accompanied this attack, C.A.M J. O'Grady of "B" Company made the famous remark, which not only relieved the tension at the time, but was also frequently repeated in the Battalion for years afterwards. Pointing to a forlorn little bird which was hopping about in front of his trench, 'Sure' he said, 'Those ---- (I'm assuming this is a expletive) Boches are putting so much stuff up there today that even the ------ birds have to come down and walk !'

    After the Germans had been repulsed in the afternoon and things were quiet again, order were received at about 6pm for the Battalion to march to Bergues, and to become part of Usherforce in defence of Dunkirk. This news was imparted to the French Garrison Commander by Major Dixon, who found the old gentleman drinking Brandy, highly delighted that the attack had been driven off, and quite confident that he could hold on without British assistance.

    Some time between 9 and 10pm the Battalion started to move back, but the enemy by this time had got across the canal on the exposed left flank, and some very confused hand to hand fighting took place on the outskirts of the town. Captain E H Kidd, Commander of the left flank company, after No. 9 Platoon had withdrawn into the town went back to look for his remaining platoons accompanied by Captain P B Foster who commanded 'D' Company. They had the misfortune to run into an enemy patrol. Captain Kidd was wounded by a grenade, and both officers were taken prisoner. Lt F G Farrand, the signals officer, was also badly wounded and captured about this time when making his way to 'A' Company to check the signal lines. After the battalion had withdrawn from it's forward positions, the enemy halted their attack for a while, and 2/Lt J L Hughes took out a patrol along the canal bank. For his leadership and bravery throughout the day and night, 2/Lt Hughes was awarded the Military Cross. 2/Lt P J Carr also received the Military Cross for his coolness and courage throughout the action.

    Private R Laidler was awarded the Military Medal. When his section post had been burnt by incendiary ammunition, and there were many casualties from high explosive and machine gun fire Pte Laidler volunteered to lead a party to rescue the wounded. He carried this out under heavy fire, and was only restrained by his Commander from going back for the dead.

    Finally, Lt Col M R Steel was awared a bar to his Distinguished Service Order. In the words of his citation: 'By his gallantry and resource, the enemy attack upon Dunkirk from the West was considerably delayed'. There can be no doubt that this action, fought so gallantly by the 6 Green Howards, who, it must always be remembered, had only been part of the 'Pick and Shovel Brigade' a week previously, compares favourably with anything that a trained and well equipped Battalion might have been expected to carry ourt, and was worthy of the highest traditions of the Regiment.

    It is a noteworthy fact that when, much later, Lord Gort's despatches were published, the 6 Green Howards was specifically mentioned by name for it's defence of Gravelines.
     
  14. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    I've still not sorted out all of the citations I've received yet so if anyone cares to post them up that would be greatly appreciated.
     

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