hi, does anyone have any information about how the scout / recce platoon was organised within 6th airborne parachute battalions? I had a look at paradata and they use both words but not how the platoon was integrated within the battalion. I'm particularly interested in 13th (Lancashire) parachute battalion and their use of paradogs. Thanks Steve
Hi Steve, The Ardennes orbat (page 331) in Woolhouse's book "13 - Lucky For Some" has the Scout Platoon (2nd Lt. Prestt) as part of the HQ Company with its various support platoons. There is no index so you have to leaf through looking for "Scout" in the various account headings usually by Lt. Peter Downward. Regards ...
Hi, thanks for replying. I was wondering if the scout platoon were dispersed throughout the three rifle companies.
Can I ask what context you've seen the reference to a Scout or Recce Pl used in? I ask because the official War Establishment for a Para Bn didn't include a subunit of that type. I know that the WE was not set in stone and units made their own adaptations, but it was normally within the provisions of men and equipment available. I wondered whether it may be a reference to either the Intelligence Section (nominally an officer and 8 men), or an appellation to a particular Rifle Pl that found itself frequently used in a Recce manner. The Bns of 6th Air Landing Bde had Recce Pls (which were part of their WE, which in most other respects was seldom adhered to) but it doesn't ring a bell for Para Bns. Gary
Steve, The Scout Platoon with the 13th Para Battalion was newly formed for the Ardennes Campaign and was later used in Germany. I noticed in the Battle of Bure they were attached to B Coy. How they were further dispersed between the platoons I'm not sure. I imagine they were moved around where needed? Ok Gary beat me to this in a much better manner but I'll add the following. As far as I can see there is no mention of a Scout Platoon in the War Establishment for a Parachute Battalion. As for sniper rifles the Intelligence Section was assigned 8 and each section of a Rifle Coy platoon was allotted one (3 total). So the Scout Platoon, unless an adaption of the Intelligence Section, appears to be a unit created outside the official framework. Regards ...
More for my own education as I'm sure Steve has this I'll attach a quote from Lt. Peter Downward who took command of the platoon on their return to England from Holland. Lt Prestt, their previous Commander, was wounded during the Battle of Bure. The platoon was comprised of 30+ men. Regards ...
