Did you or anyone you know serve in Comet tanks

Discussion in 'Weapons, Technology & Equipment' started by SDP, Jan 28, 2012.

  1. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    Bumping this thread. See post #1.
     
  2. Don Juan

    Don Juan Well-Known Member

    If it's of any interest I can tell you that the last parade of Comets was held in Hong Kong in April 1959 to celebrate the Queen's birthday. The official parade had actually been cancelled, but the Comets were still allowed to march past, the Salute taken by Brigadier D.D.M. McCready, DSO, MBE.

    The disposal of Comets in Hong Kong began during July 1959, with 25 Comets being handed over to the RAOC, who were charged with this task. This month also saw the first Centurions arrive in the colony on SS Benarty.

    A farewell ceremony for the last operational Comet in the British Army was held the following month, August 1959, when 1 RTR became fully equipped with Centurion Mk.5's.

    I don't know anything relating to specific serial numbers, though.
     
    Chris C likes this.
  3. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    Fascinating information. Thanks.

    The Hong Kong Queens Birthday Parade seems to have been very strictly observed and I've seen photos from a couple of them in the mid 1950s. Do you know where I'm likely to be able to find more photos of that annual event?
     
  4. Don Juan

    Don Juan Well-Known Member

  5. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    Thanks. Yes, seen those! May the quest continue!
     
  6. Don Juan

    Don Juan Well-Known Member

    Does anyone know the name of 3 RTR's 2nd in Command during the Operation Plunder/Advance into Germany period?
     
  7. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    I'm fairly certain it was Norman Bourne.
     
    Don Juan likes this.
  8. Don Juan

    Don Juan Well-Known Member

    Thanks very much. I assume he was a Major?
     
  9. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    I believe so. Norman Bourne was Major commanding 'A' Squadron 24th Lancers until they were disbanded in late July 1944 when he was transferred to 3RTR as 2i/c to Lt Col David Silvertop. Norman took over temporary command when Silvertop was killed at St Anthonis and again some time later: not sure when but he was then 2i/c to Lt Col Mitford until the end of the War. I have a photo somewhere in the depths of my archives of Norman hoisting the 3RTR flag at the lake at Bad Segeburg where 3RTR finished their War.
     
    Don Juan likes this.
  10. Don Juan

    Don Juan Well-Known Member

    Thanks again. The reason I ask is because he blew up a windmill containing an enemy OP on 16th April 1945, and commanded a battery of CS Cromwells on the 19th, also finding an OP in a windmill!
     
  11. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    Sounds like Norman Bourne! I think he also commanded an indirect shoot in the Tessel Wood area of Normandy when he wanted to 'disturb' some SS troops while they were in their HQ.
     
  12. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    Bumping this thread. Please refer to Post #1

    Steve
     
  13. SDP

    SDP Incurable Cometoholic

    Bumping this thread. See post #1.

    An update: I've recently made contact with a chap who was REME attached to 1RTR in Hong Kong 1957-8. Progress still being made but, come on chaps, I need more more more......
     

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