SPECIAL ARMOUR Royal Armoured Corps units were equipped and trained to operate specialised armour including Flail mineclearing tanks, Ram Kangaroo armoured personnel carriers, Buffalo amphibians and Canal Defence Lights. SPECIAL ARMOUR UNITS ARMOURED REGIMENT. FLAIL TANKS Headquarters 30 Armoured Brigade. War Establishment VIII/632/1. January 1944. Headquarters, a Flail Brigade. War Establishment XIV/1644/1. January 1945. A Regiment of 30 Armoured Brigade. War Establishment VIII/633/1. January 1944. A Flail Regiment. War Establishment XIV/164/1. July 1944. A Flail Regiment. War Establishment XIV/164/2. January 1945. HEADQUARTERS 30 ARMOURED BRIGADE HEADQUARTERS, A FLAIL BRIGADE, 21 ARMY GROUP (30 ARMOURED BRIGADE) War Establishment VIII/632/1. January 1944. War Establishment XIV/1644/1. January 1945. Brigadier, Commander Staff Brigade Major Major, Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General Staff Captain Captain, Intelligence Officer Captain, Liaison Officer 2 X Subaltern, Liaison Officer Warrant Officer Class I, Clerk serjeant clerk intelligence serjeant corporal clerk 3 X clerk 3 X driver operator 5 X batman 7 X batman driver 6 X driver IC 6 X motorcyclist Attached Services 3 X Chaplain Major Staff Officer RE Captain RASC corporal clerk RASC batman driver RASC motorcyclist RASC Captain RAOC Warrant Officer Class I, Clerk RAOC clerk RAOC batman driver Major REME clerk, technical REME batman driver Captain, Education Officer AEC Administrative Group Captain, Administrative Officer Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant serjeant, administrative duties serjeant, duty NCO 2 X clerk corporal vehicle mechanic vehicle mechanic batman driver 5 X driver IC corporal, officers mess NCO sanitary dutyman corporal storeman storeman water dutyman officers mess cook ACC 2 X cook ACC Transport Staff and Services 7 X motorcycle 4 X car light utility 3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) 3 X car 4 seat 4 X 4 (heavy utility) 4 X 15cwt GS 2 X 3ton 4 X 4 Office 1 X Caravan Class II 3 X scout car 3 X trailer 10cwt Administrative 2 X 15cwt GS 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen 2 X trailer water 180 gallons Weapons 9 X Bren lmg (including 3 for scout cars) 14 X pistol 39 X sten gun 24 X rifle A FLAIL REGIMENT. War Establishment VIII/633/1. January 1944. War Establishment XIV/164/1. July 1944. War Establishment XIV/164/2. January 1945. The armoured regiments of 30 Armoured Brigade were equipped with mine clearing Sherman Crab tanks. The organisation was modified to match their role. Each squadron was intended to support an infantry battalion by clearing three 24 foot paths through minefields. This required a troop of five flail tanks, three to flail and two in reserve and to give fire support. Each troop had a Sherman with CIRD (Canadian Indestructable Roller Device) anti mine rollers. This was for reconnaissance. The roller advanced until it found mines when Flails took over. There seems to be no record of these vehicles been used operationally and they were deleted in late 1944. Since the squadrons generally operated independently there was little need for regimental administrative services and these were largely devolved to squadron headquarters. Sherman Crabs were all based on Sherman V but there were two slightly different types of flail equipment. Total personnel Lieutenant Colonel Major, second in command 3 X Major Captain, adjutant Captain, Technical Officer 7 X Captain 12 X Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Quartermaster Serjeant, technical Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant 3 X Squadron Serjeant Major 3 X company quartermaster sejeant 3 X serjeant mechanist orderly room serjeant clerk serjeant technical storeman 17 X serjeant 11 X lance serjeant 43 X corporal 40 X lance corporal 385 X trooper Total 538 Plus Medical Officer RAMC serjeant armourer REME armourer REME 4 X officers mess cooks ACC 14 X cook ACC 3 X serjeant vehicle mechanic REME 3 X vehicle mechanic REME Trades included 1 X carpenter and joiner 11 X clerk 3 X driver mechanic 67 X driver mechanic AFV 71 X driver operator 4 X electrician 1 X equipment repairer 1 X gun fitter 85 X gunner mechanics 66 X gunner operator 4 X storeman (technical) 38 X vehicle mechanics 15 X batman 1 X butchery dutyman 85 X driver IC 1 X medical orderly 12 X motorcyclist 1 X postman 4 X sanitary dutyman 4 X storeman 4 X water dutyman Total vehicles 12 X motorcycle 2 X car 4seater 4 X 4 6 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 8 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt armoured 4 X 4 5 X 15cwt halftrack personnel 53 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores 3 X Carrier, Starting and Charging 9 X scout car 6 X cruiser tank control 6 X cruiser tank close support, control 45 X cruiser tank, special 3 X armoured recovery vehicles 4 X 180 gallon water trailer 3 X 2 wheel 15cwt servicing trailer Regimental Headquarters. Lieutenant Colonel Major, second in command Captain, adjutant Captain, Technical Officer Captain Subaltern, Signal Officer Subaltern, Intelligence Officer Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Quartermaster Serjeant, Technical Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant orderly room serjeant clerk serjeant technical storeman 2 X serjeant carpenter and joiner 5 X clerk 4 X driver mechanic AFV 5 X driver operator electrician equipment repairer gunner mechanic 3 X gunner operator storeman (technical) 2 X vehicle mechanics 6 X batman batman driver butchery dutyman 3 X motorcyclist 16 X driver medical officers orderly postman sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman Medical Officer RAMC 2 X armourer REME officers mess cook ACC 2 X cook ACC 3 X motorcycle 3 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 X car 4seater 4 X 4 2 X 15cwt GS 3 X 15cwt armoured 2 X halftrack, personnel 5 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores 3 X Cruiser Tank (Control) 1 X water trailer The Squadrons. Each of the three squadrons was organised identically. Squadron headquarters Major 2 X Captain Squadron Serjeant Major serjeant corporal 21 X trooper Attached serjeant vehicle mechanic AFV vehicle mechanic AFV officers mess cook corporal cook 3 X cook Trades 4 X driver mechanic 6 X driver operator 2 X gunner mechanic 3 X gunner operator vehicle mechanic 3 X motorcyclist 3 X driver Transport 3 X motorcycle 1 X jeep 3 X scout car 1 X cruiser tank, control 2 X cruiser close support tank, control 1 X ARV Administrative troop squadron quartermaster serjeant mechanist serjeant serjeant 3 X corporal 47 X trooper 2 X clerk driver mechanic 2 X driver mechanic AFV driver operator electrician 2 X gunner mechanic 3 X gunner operator storeman 11 X vehicle mechanic 3 X batman 20 X driver IC sanitary dutyman water dutyman storeman 16 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X 3ton 6 X 4 store lorry 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt halftrack 1 X Carrier Starting and Charging 1 X water trailer 1 X servicing trailer Note: No organisation is given in the War Establishment table. Troop Subaltern serjeant 4 X corporal 19 X trooper 5 X driver mechanic 5 X driver operator 8 X gunner mechanic 5 X gunner operator Troop 1 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 2 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 3 Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special Subaltern, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Cruiser tank (Sherman 75mm) Special corporal, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic The Sherman Crab. All Sherman Crab Flail Tanks were modified Sherman V. Following earlier flail models it was decided that the flail should be driven from the tanks own engine and that the tanks main armament should be retained so that it could operate as a gun tank when not flailing. The first of these meant that there had to be some internal modification. A chain and sprocket power take off from the transmission passed through the right hand side of the hull and then a shaft ran along the boom to the flail rotor. In action the boom was lowered and the tank moved in first gear at a speed of 1 ½ miles an hour. At this speed the flail drum rotated 142 times a minute. The flail chains hit the ground with sufficient force to detonate any mines, except on uneven ground. When not in action the drive was disengaged and the booms raised so that the chains were clear of the ground and the boom did not obscure the drivers view. ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIER REGIMENT War Establishment XIV/1643/1. October 1944. There was only one British Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment. 49 Royal Tank Regiment had been equipped with CDL tanks in 1 Tank Brigade. It was now 49 APC Regiment and part of 31 Tank Brigade. The Canadians had the similar Canadian 1 APC Regiment which was also part of 31 Tank Brigade. This was the original establishment for a regiment of two squadrons. 49 APC Regiment was expanded twice. F Squadron was added in March 1945 and was identical to the already existing A and C squadrons. In February 1945 B Squadron was added to operate twenty four CDL tanks. According to 21 Army Group documents a Ram squadron’s lift capability was: A section of three Ram could carry a rifle platoon. A troop of twelve Ram could carry a company as follows 3 X section each carrying a platoon 2 X Ram carrying company headquarters 1 X reserve Ram A Squadron could carry an Infantry Battalion as follows 4 X troop each carrying a company 3 X Ram carrying battalion headquarters 2 X reserve Ram It is not clear how many personnel would be carried by a troop. A full infantry platoon was 37 men, 7 at platoon headquarters and ten men in each of the three sections. A Kangaroo could normally carry ten men. Company headquarters had 14 men but only six were likely to be taking part in the assault. However there would be stretcher bearers and signallers from battalion headquarters, plus section and troop commanders from the APC regiment. Total personnel Lieutenant Colonel Major, second in command 2 X Major Captain, Adjutant Captain, Technical Officer 2 X Captain 11 X Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Quartermaster Serjeant, technical Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant 2 X Squadron Serjeant Major 2 X squadron quartermaster serjeant 2 X serjeant mechanist serjeant clerk serjeant technical storeman 38 X serjeant 8 X lance serjeant 30 X corporal 24 X lance corporal 329 X trooper Total 461 Plus 3 X officers mess cooks ACC 2 X corporal cook 10 X cook ACC Trades included carpenter and joiner 9 X clerk, including two corporals 142 X driver mechanics 44 X driver operator 4 X electrician equipment repairer 3 X gunner mechanics 6 X storeman (technical) 22 X vehicle mechanics Tradesmen include lance serjeant 2 X corporal 5 X lance corporal 10 X batman 4 X batman driver butchery dutyman 51 X driver IC, including three trained in water duties 70 X driver tracked medical orderly 16 X motorcycle orderly postman 3 X sanitary dutyman 3 X storeman Total vehicles 17 X motorcycle 1 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 8 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 6 X 15cwt GS 3 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 4 X 15cwt halftrack 20 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores 3 X scout car 106 X armoured personnel carrier 12 X Bren lmg 8 X PIAT 207 X pistol 193 X sten gun 76 X rifle Regimental Headquarters Lieutenant colonel Major, second in command Captain, Adjutant Captain, Technical Officer Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Quartermaster Serjeant, technical Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant serjeant clerk serjeant technical storeman 2 X serjeant 2 X corporal 37 X trooper Total 53 Plus officers mess cooks ACC 2 X cook ACC Trades included carpenter and joiner 5 X clerk, including two corporals 142 X driver mechanics 2 X driver operator equipment repairer gunner mechanic storeman (technical) 2 X vehicle mechanics 4 X batman 2 X batman driver butchery dutyman 11 X driver IC, including one trained in water duties medical orderly 4 X motorcycle orderly postman sanitary dutyman storeman Total vehicles 5 X motorcycle 1 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 4 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 4 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores 1 X scout car 4 X Bren lmg 2 X PIAT 7 X pistol 27 X sten gun 22 X rifle 2 X Squadron each Major Captain 5 X Subaltern Squadron Serjeant Major squadron quartermaster serjeant serjeant mechanist 18 X serjeant 18 X corporal 24 X lance corporal 158 X trooper officers mess cooks ACC 5 X cook ACC Total 210 Trades included 2 X clerk 71 X driver mechanics 21 X driver operator gunner mechanic 2 X storeman (technical) 10 X vehicle mechanics 3 X batman batman driver 20 X driver IC, including one trained in water duties 35 X driver tracked 6 X motorcycle orderly sanitary dutyman storeman 6 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 2 X 15cwt halftrack 8 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores 1 X scout car 53 X armoured personnel carrier 4 X Bren lmg 3 X PIAT 100 X pistol 83 X sten gun 27 X rifle Squadron Headquarters Major Captain Subaltern Squadron Serjeant Major serjeant 2 X corporal 19 X trooper Total 26 Trades included 5 X driver mechanics 2 X driver operator gunner mechanic vehicle mechanic batman driver 2 X driver IC 3 X driver tracked 6 X motorcycle 2 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 1 X scout car 5 X armoured personnel carrier Administrative troop squadron quartermaster serjeant serjeant mechanist serjeant 4 X corporal 55 X trooper officers mess cook ACC 5 X cook ACC Total 68 Trades included 2 X clerk 18 X driver mechanics 3 X driver operator 2 X electrician 2 X storeman (technical) 9 X vehicle mechanics 3 X batman 18 X driver IC, including one trained in water duties sanitary dutyman storeman 2 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 2 X 15cwt halftrack 8 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores 4 X Troop each Subaltern 4 X serjeant 3 X corporal 21 X trooper Total 29 12 X driver mechanic 4 X driver operator 8 X driver, tracked 12 X personnel carrier An ARMOURED PERSONNEL CARRIER REGIMENT SIGNAL TROOP. War Establishment XIV/1752/1. October 1944. serjeant 2 X driver mechanic 2 X electrician instrument mechanic 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 2 X 15cwt GS 2 X 10cwt trailer, 6Kw charging generator. A LIGHT AID DETACHMENT (ARMOURED PERSONNEL REGIMENT) REME War Establishment XIV/1683/1. March 1945 This consisted of a headquarters and a section for each squadron. Headquarters Captain Warrant Officer Class II Armament Artificer, vehicle 2 X driver mechanic fitter turner welder, acetylene lance corporal storeman, vehicles batman driver 2 X driver IC general dutyman 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores, binned 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 machinery type M 1 X 1 ton trailer GS Each section Warrant Officer Class II Armament Artificer, vehicle 13 X artisan including 5 X driver mechanic electrician, vehicle and plant 6 X vehicle mechanic welder, electric artisans include two corporals and two lance corporals 2 X driver IC general dutyman 1 X motorcycle 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 1 X 15cwt 4 X 4 machinery KL 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 stores binned 1 X tractor 6 X 4 breakdown 1 X 1ton trailer GS The original Canadian Ram Kangaroo unit had a troop of sixteen Kangaroos, but later was organised as for a British unit. No1 CANADIAN APC SQUADRON. Headquarters Captain Squadron Serjeant Major squadron quartermaster serjeant mechanist serjeant clerk batman driver 3 X driver sanitary dutyman water dutyman 2 X electrician, signals, RCS 2 X cook RCASC 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 3 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 X 20cwt water trailer 1 X pistol 10 X rifle 4 X machine carbine 4 X Troop each Lieutenant serjeant batman driver 25 X driver IC tank or driver mechanical (up to the rank of corporal) fitter AFV 1 X scout car 25 X Armoured Personnel Carrier 26 X pistol 2 X rifle 1 X machine carbine It was originally planned that the squadron should have 100 Ram Kangaroo. However these were not yet available so 50 Priest Kangaroo were converted and issued instead. These were used throughout September and then on 1st and 2nd October the squadron exchanged the Priest Kangaroos for 64 Ram Kangaroo. In September the Priest Kangaroos were deployed as follows No1 Troop 14 X Kangaroo No2 Troop 12 X Kangaroo No3 Troop 12 X Kangaroo No4 Troop 12 X Kangaroo Each troop had Headquarters with 3 X Kangaroo (except No1 Troop which had 5) Three sections each of 3 X Kangaroo. In October the Ram Kangaroos were deployed as follows 4 X troop each Troop headquarters with 4 X Kangaroo 3 X Section each with 4 X Kangaroo RAM KANGAROO The Ram tank was a Canadian design based on the US M3 Lee/Grant but with a hull and turret more like the M4 Sherman. They were used for training in the UK but the Canadian armoured regiments were re equipped with Sherman tanks before going to France. There were thus a considerable number of Ram tanks available for conversion to other roles. The Ram Kangaroo was a simple conversion which involved - Removing the turret - Removing ammunition stowage - Boxing in the transmission shaft which ran the full length of the compartment - Installing a wireless carrier frame and fittings in the front near side Infantry could then be carried in the hull. Some references mention bench seats being fitted but this seems unlikely and it is difficult to see where they could go. The interior of the Kangaroo was cluttered even with much of the original equipment removed. The transmission shaft runs down the centre. A large battery box takes much of the floor space on the near side floor, and the rest is occupied with an escape hatch. On the near side sponson is a wireless set, or frame to accept it, plus other fittings. All that is left is the floor on which the infantry can kneel or crouch. Stowage diagrams do not show seats. If seats did exist they were probably post war. The crew was normally two. Earlier production vehicles had an auxiliary machine gun turret but the majority had this deleted and replaced by a hull mounted machine gun. One Kangaroo in each section was fitted with a No19 wireless set. All Kangaroos had a driver mechanic who normally drove the vehicle. Kangaroos without wireless had a driver, tracked, as a co driver/machine gunner. Kangaroos with wireless had a driver operator instead of the driver, tracked, and since this was the section commander’s vehicle it also carried a serjeant. Other minor modifications included - Wireless aerials fitted to the front nearside of the hull, above the wireless set (if fitted). - Rungs fitted to the hull sides to assist troops in mounting and dismounting - Small fittings such as fire extinguishers were moved away from the area around the turret ring. - Some vehicles had canvas awnings on struts fitted to give some protection from the elements. According to the Final Report of the 79th Armoured Division the Ram Kangaroo was most useful for the following tasks. - Operations in close co operation with tanks to dominate an enemy held position so that it could be occupied by the troops in the Kangaroos with a minimum of fighting. - The carriage of infantry to a point where an infantry assault could be launched with a minimum of casualties during the approach march. - To enable infantry to be carried over ground impassable to wheeled vehicles. - To carry infantry in mixed columns of tanks and other armoured vehicles. - The carrying of stores and supplies to beleaguered troops not possible to reach in wheeled or un armoured vehicles. Certainly the heavy armour, powerful engine and tank tracks made the Ram a very useful troop carrier, much better than the alternative of carrying infantry on the engine decks of tanks where they were very exposed and infinitely better than having infantry walk across ground swept by machine guns and mortars. They were always much in demand and continued in service for some time after the war. However Kangaroos were makeshift improvisations and were imperfect in several ways - Infantry could not use their weapons while on board - There was no overhead protection which made them vulnerable to grenades, mortars and air attack. - Since few men were carried a large number of vehicles were needed and this caused congestion on the approach - It was a very large and heavy vehicle for the task - It was very difficult for infantrymen in full battle order to mount and dismount. - Infantrymen were very vulnerable when dismounting in the forward area. Casualties amongst the infantry carried in Kangaroos were very light but the Kangaroos themselves suffered from mines in many operations. These tended not to be in the usual assault role with a mixed team of specialist armour but when used in carrying infantry through mud, flood water or snow. Two other Kangaroo type vehicles were developed. Both were conversions from redundant but serviceable armoured vehicles. The first was used successfully by the Canadians. The assault division had US Priest 105mm self propelled guns. These were replaced and converted into troop carriers by simply removing the guns and plating over any apertures. These were used until the Ram Kangaroos could be delivered. An idea which seemed promising was to convert redundant Cavalier and Centaur tanks to troop carriers. Since the internal space was even less than on the Ram it was decided to remove the engines and use this space for troops. The rear was provided with doors so that troops could exit without being exposed as on the Ram. Being engineless the vehicle had to be towed by a tank and this proved very unpopular with both the infantry who would be carried and the tank crews who would be towing. Tank crews did not generally like towing anything since it reduced mobility and manoeuvrability and made them vulnerable. It could only be considered if there was a rapid means of uncoupling the towed vehicle. The idea of being abandoned and immobile in the middle of an engagement did not appeal to the infantry. Only trial vehicles were converted. There were other conversions similar to the Kangaroo. Canadian armoured regiments had some as ammunition carriers (Wallaby), and some were converted to flame throwers (Badger). MARKINGS Ram Kangaroos seem to have carried few markings. All carried a serial number in the ranges CT 39781 to CT 40937 and CT 159402 to CT 160193. Some carried white stars on the sides and most carried the green/blue arm of service square with serial 158. The 79 Armoured Division sign is rarely seen in photographs. A chalked number is sometimes seen. This was presumably to help troops find the correct vehicle. Squadron signs and vehicle names do not seem to have been used. ARMOURED REGIMENT WITH LVT BUFFALO. Regiments equipped with Landing Vehicle Tracked (Buffalo) were standard armoured regiments which were temporarily converted to the amphibious role. There was no separate War Establishment. The original operators of LVT were the Assault Squadrons RE but for the Rhine Crossing they were deployed to operate Class 50/60 rafts or reverted to operating AVRE. Only 77 Assault Squadron remained equipped with LVT by the end of the campaign. In October 1944 11 Royal Tank Regiment re equipped with Buffalo. This regiment had been equipped with CDL tanks so that it did not have a totally standard organisation to begin with. It is known from unit histories and War Diaries that the organisation was as follows - Regimental Headquarters did not have Buffalo and it is not known what command vehicles it had but they were probably the existing Sherman. - The Headquarters Squadron retained its Administrative Troop and Intercommunication Troop but the Reconnaissance Troop was deleted. - Each of the three squadrons had a Squadron Headquarters with two LVTII and an Administrative Troop. - Each squadron had five troops each with two LVTII and four LVT IV. In January 1945 the three regiments of 33 Armoured Brigade were re equipped with Buffalo for the Rhine Crossing. This was to be a temporary measure. The regiments, (1 Northamptonshire Yeomanry, 1 E. Riding Yeomanry and 4 Royal Tank Regiment) followed the same basic organisation as 11 Royal Tank Regiment but the available LVT allowed each troop to be equipped with the same Mark. Four troops per squadron were each to be equipped with six LVT IV and one troop was to be equipped with six LVT II. Squadron HQ retained the two LVT II. Following the Rhine Crossing 1 Northamptonshire Yeomanry reverted to Sherman tanks and remained in 33 Armoured Brigade. 1 E. Riding Yeomanry reverted to Sherman tanks and went to Army reserve. 4 Royal Tank Regiment retained its Buffalo to the end of the campaign. The two remaining Buffalo equipped regiments, 4 and 11 Royal Tank Regiment, were then fully equipped with LVT IV until the end of the war. The Buffalo The Buffalo was developed in the USA for amphibious operations in the Pacific. The great need was for a vehicle which could swim ashore and then climb onto the beach before unloading. The first waves were usually infantry with support from armoured and armed versions. Later waves brought in weapons and light vehicles. They were not intended to travel far on their tracks, or to be used after the initial assault. The Buffalo had specially designed tracks which propelled it in the water, as well as on land. Within limits it could be used on water, sand, swamp and on dry land. It could climb over sand bars, coral reefs, beaches and river banks. However its tracks soon suffered damage on hard surfaces and this affected its propulsion in water. The British Army used both LVT 2 and LVT 4. 100 LVT 2 were received. These had a Continental radial engine at the rear and a crew compartment at the front. This left a well in the centre for personnel or cargo. However there was a drive shaft running down the centre which prevented large items being carried. There were armoured and un-armoured versions, although the British added armour to many their un-armoured ones. Armour was however only effective against small arms fire and was applied only to the cab and hull front. The LVT 2 was limited to carrying 30 fully equipped troops or four tons of cargo. It could only be fully loaded in calm water since it had a lower freeboard than the LVT4. Because of the lack of a ramp the LVT II was used mainly for ferrying infantry. To enable troops to embark and disembark rapidly quick exit rails were added to the exterior side plates, to the track guards and to the sides of the hold. Most LVT were fitted with a Wireless set No 19 at the co drivers position. This was on the offside. Being US built vehicles the driver was on the left. LVT used as command/control vehicles had a second Wireless set No 19 fitted on the bulkhead behind the co driver. The LVT 4 was much more numerous and had the engine immediately behind the driving compartment which allowed a hinged ramp to be fitted at the rear. This greatly assisted loading and unloading and allowed small vehicles and guns to be carried. Earlier model were un armoured and later ones had light armour to the cab and front. REME workshops fitted armour to most unarmoured ones. The LVT 4 could carry - 30 fully equipped troops - a Universal Carrier - a 6pdr anti tank gun - 25 pdr field gun - an airborne bulldozer - 4tons of cargo All LVT were armed. As delivered the LVT2 had rails for mounting two .3” machine guns and a pintle mount for a .5” machine gun on the cab roof. LVT had a fixed machine gun mounting in the front of the driving compartment and two pintle mounts at the sides. The British progressively improved the armament by - replacing the rails with pintle mounts - replacing the .5” machine gun with 20mm Polsten cannon - adding armoured shields to the machine gun mounts. The following operations ere carried out by Buffalo equipped armoured regiments. - 25 to 30 October 1944. 11 Royal Tanks together with 5 Assault Regiment RE took part in the amphibious assault on South Beveland in the Scheldt Estuary. - 1 November 1944. 11 Royal Tanks together with 5 Assault Regiment RE took part in the amphibious assault on Walcheren in the Scheldt Estuary. - 4 to 6 November 1944. 11 Royal Tanks transported troops of 51 Division across flooded areas around s’Hertogenbosch. - 14 to 16 November 1944. 11 Royal Tanks ferried troops of 51 and 53 Divisions across the Noorder and Wessen Canals. 11 Royal Tanks were then rested to allow for training and maintenance. Buffalo were not intended to be kept in action for long. The tracks in particular needed much attention. - 8 to 14 February 1945. 11 Royal Tanks supported 30 Corps in flooded areas and river crossings in the Rhineland Offensive. - 23 to 26 March 1945. 4 Royal Tanks, 11 Royal Tanks, Northamptonshire Yeomanry and E. Riding Yeomanry carried out assault crossing of the Rhine followed by ferrying operations. - 11 to 12 April 1945. 4 and 11 Royal Tanks carried troops across the River Ijssel. - 25 April 1945. 4 Royal Tanks carried troops over flooded area to attack Bremen. - 30 April to 2 May 1945. 4 and 11 Royal Tanks ferried troops over the River Elbe. For the Rhine Crossing some Buffalo were fitted with log carpets on frames. These were laid on the river banks to allow Sherman DD amphibious tanks to climb out of the water. Some were also fitted with frames for carrying 17pdr anti tank guns and with RAF Wild barrage balloon winches for hauling rafts. CANAL DEFENCE LIGHT UNITS HEADQUARTERS, TANK BRIGADE (TYPE B) War Establishment VIII/450/2. May 1944. A BATTALION with CDL TANKS War Establishment VIII/451/2. February 1944. A TANK SQUADRON, (TYPE B), 21 ARMY GROUP. (CDL TANKS) War Establishment XIV/1645/1. February 1945. HEADQUARTERS, TANK BRIGADE (TYPE B) War Establishment VIII/450/2. May 1944. Total personnel Staff Brigadier, Commander Colonel, second in command Brigade Major Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General General Staff Officer 3rd Grade Staff Captain Headquarters Squadron Major Captain Captain, Brigade Intelligence Officer Captain Liaison Officer 3 X Lieutenant Liaison Officer Subaltern Clerk, Warrant Officer Class II Squadron Serjeant Major squadron quartermaster serjeant intelligence serjeant serjeant clerk serjeant technical storeman 4 X mechanist serjeant 2 X lance serjeant 16 X corporal 9 X lance corporal 78 X trooper Total 125 Plus 3 X Chaplain RAChD Captain RASC corporal clerk RASC orderly RASC batman driver RASC Captain RAOC Warrant Officer Class II Clerk RAOC clerk RAOC batman driver RAOC Major REME batman driver REME officers mess cook ACC corporal cook ACC 2 X cook ACC Trades included 9 X clerk, including a corporal and two lance corporals. One clerk may be a shorthand typist. 15 X driver mechanics AFV 2 X driver mechanic 10 X driver operator 2 X electrician 2 X gunner mechanics 9 X gunner operator corporal storeman (technical) 8 X vehicle mechanics, including two corporals 8 X batman 8 X batman driver 14 X driver IC 2 X intelligence personnel, including one corporal medical orderly 9 X motorcyclist provost corporal officers mess corporal 4 X orderly, for attachment to Signals Section Royal Signals. sanitary dutyman storeman water dutyman Notes: Two clerks are for the Technical Officer Two clerks are for the Headquarters Squadron Two clerks, including one corporal are for Regimental Headquarters One corporal clerk is for the Quartermasters office Two clerks are for each squadron Vehicle mechanics include six who have qualified on a course of gun fitting at the Armoured Fighting Vehicles School. Tradesmen may be allotted the following ranks in addition to those shown 3 X lance serjeant 9 X corporal 15 X lance corporal One officer and twelve men will be trained in anti gas and decontamination duties. Total vehicles 14 X motorcycle 7 X car 2 seat 4 X 2 4 X Car 4seater 4 X 2 4 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt office 7 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 X scout car 2 X carrier universal 2 X AA tank 3 X tank, scissors bridge 8 X observation post tank 15 X Bren lmg including those for armoured vehicles 39 X pistol 66 X sten gun 40 X rifle Command Group Motorcycle 1 intelligence serjeant Motorcycle 2 provost serjeant Motorcycle 3 provost corporal Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Motorcycle 6 motorcyclist Car 4 seater 4 X 2 1 driver IC For the use of the Brigadier Car 4 seater 4 X 2 2 Colonel 2ic, batman driver Car 4 seater 4 X 2 3 Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quartermaster General, Staff Captain, batman driver Car 2 seater 4 X 2 batman driver Brigade Majors car 15cwt truck GS 1 intelligence corporal, intelligence private, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg For use as Intelligence Office 15cwt truck GS 2 driver IC For Royal Signals personnel 15cwt truck Office Warrant Officer Clerk, corporal clerk, 2 X clerk, driver IC Carrier Universal 1 corporal gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Bren lmg Carrier Universal 2 serjeant, driver mechanic Carries a Bren lmg Scout car 1 Liaison Officer, driver operator Carries a Bren lmg Carries wireless set No19 Scout car 2 Liaison Officer, driver operator Carries a Bren lmg Carries wireless set No19 Scout car 3 Liaison Officer, driver operator Carries a Bren lmg Carries wireless set No19 Scout car 4 Liaison Officer, driver operator Carries a Bren lmg Carries wireless set No19 Scout car 5 Subaltern, driver operator Carries a Bren lmg Carries wireless set No19 Scout car 6 driver IC Carries a Bren lmg AA Tank 1 serjeant, driver mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator AA Tank 2 driver mechanic, corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator Bridgelayer 1 driver operator, driver mechanic, corporal driver mechanic Bridgelayer 2 driver operator, driver mechanic, corporal driver mechanic Bridgelayer 3 driver operator, vehicle mechanic, corporal driver mechanic Tank Observation Post 1 serjeant, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Tank Observation Post 2 corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Tank Observation Post 3 corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Tank Observation Post 4 corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Tank Observation Post 5 corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Tank Observation Post 6 corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Tank Observation Post 7 corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Tank Observation Post 8 corporal gunner operator, driver mechanic Carries 2 X wireless set No 19 and a wireless set No 38 Administrative Group Motorcycle 1 Warrant Officer Clerk RAOC Motorcycle 2 orderly RASC Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Motorcycle 6 motorcyclist Motorcycle 7 motorcyclist Motorcycle 8 motorcyclist Car 2 seater 4 X 2 1 Chaplain, batman driver Car 2 seater 4 X 2 2 Chaplain, batman driver Car 2 seater 4 X 2 3 Chaplain, batman driver Car 2 seater 4 X 2 4 Major, Squadron Serjeant Major, batman driver Car 2 seater 4 X 2 5 Major REME, batman driver REME Car 2 seater 4 X 2 6 Captain RAOC, clerk RAOC, batman driver RAOC Note: A car 2 seater 4 X 2 was really a Light Utility which had four seats. Car 4 seater 4 X 2 Captain RASC, corporal clerk RASC, batman driver RASC 15cwt GS 1 mechanist serjeant, 2 X vehicle mechanic, corporal technical storeman, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries stores and vehicle mechanics tools 15cwt GS 2 3 X batman, cook, batman driver Carries a Bren lmg Carries officers mess equipment 15cwt water water dutyman, driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 squadron quartermaster serjeant, serjeant clerk, 2 X clerk, medical orderly, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries QM stores, baggage, reserve clothing and anti gas stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 officers mess corporal, 2 X batman, corporal cook, 2 X cook, sanitary dutyman, driver IC Carries cooking set 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 serjeant, storeman, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 3 X batman, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 serjeant storeman, corporal vehicle mechanic, vehicle mechanic, electrician, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries stores and vehicle mechanics tools 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 electrician, vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries petrol 3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 corporal vehicle mechanic, vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries petrol Note: The Captain is carried in the transport of brigade signals. A BATTALION with CDL TANKS War Establishment VIII/451/2. February 1944. Consisting of Battalion headquarters Headquarters squadron of Squadron headquarters Reconnaissance troop Intercommunication troop Administrative troop 3 X Squadron each Squadron headquarters divided into fighting portion and administrative portion 3 X troop Total personnel Lieutenant colonel Major, second in command 4 X Major Captain, Adjutant Captain, Technical Officer 17 X Captain Subaltern, Intelligence Officer 15 X Subaltern Quartermaster Regimental Serjeant Major Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant Quartermaster Serjeant, technical Mechanist Quartermaster Serjeant 4 X Squadron Serjeant Major 4 X squadron quartermaster serjeant 3 X serjeant mechanist serjeant clerk serjeant technical storeman 32 X serjeant 9 X lance serjeant 64 X corporal 60 X lance corporal 585 X trooper Total 809 Plus Medical Officer RAMC serjeant armourer REME lance corporal armourer REME 3 X serjeant vehicle mechanic (AFV) REME 3 X vehicle mechanic (AFV) REME serjeant cook ACC 3 X corporal cook ACC 16 X cook ACC Trades included carpenter and joiner 13 X clerk 16 X driver mechanics 110 driver mechanic AFV 126 X driver operator 8 X electrician 2 X equipment repairer 133 X gunner mechanics 107 X gunner operator 11 X storeman (technical) 45 X vehicle mechanics 24 X batman 3 X batman driver butchery dutyman 84 X driver IC medical orderly 18 X motorcycle orderly postman 5 X sanitary dutyman 5 X storeman 4 X water dutyman Total vehicles 19 X motorcycle 3 X car 2 seater 4 X 2 5 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 10 X 15cwt GS 1 X 15cwt Office 4 X 15cwt water 1 X 15cwt FFW 6 X 15cwt halftrack 41 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 X 3ton 6 X 4 stores 4 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen 14 X Carrier Universal 4 X Carrier, Starting and Charging 12 X scout car 85 X tank 3 X armoured recovery vehicles 26 X Bren lmg 467 X pistol 235 X sten gun 136 X rifle Organisation. Regimental Headquarters. Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Subaltern, corporal driver IC, driver IC Seat for Commanding Officer. Tank 1 (Control) (Sherman 75mm) Lieutenant Colonel, serjeant, driver mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator. Carries 2 X No 19 Wireless sets Tank 2 (Control) (Sherman 75mm) Major, Regimental Serjeant Major, operator RS, corporal gunner operator, driver Mechanic Carries 2 X No19 Wireless sets. Tank 3 (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern (Intelligence Officer), driver mechanic, gunner operator, corporal driver operator, gunner mechanic Carries a No 19 Wireless set Tank 4 (Sherman 75mm) Adjutant, serjeant, gunner operator, driver mechanic, driver operator Carries a No 19 Wireless set Headquarters Squadron. Squadron headquarters. Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Major (squadron commander), Squadron Serjeant Major, driver IC Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep) Captain Liaison Officer, batman driver, driver operator (relief) Carries a Wireless set No 19. A clerk is carried in the transport of brigade signals. Reconnaissance troop Carrier Universal 1 Subaltern, driver operator Carries a Bren lmg Carries a Wireless set No 19 Carrier Universal 2 serjeant, driver operator Carries a Bren lmg Carries a Wireless set No 19 Carrier Universal 3 corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Bren gun Carries a Wireless set No 19 Carrier Universal 4 Corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Bren gun Carries a Wireless set No 19 Carrier Universal 5 driver mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren gun Carrier Universal 6 driver mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren gun Carrier Universal 7 driver mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren gun Carrier Universal 8 driver mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren gun Carrier Universal 9 driver mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren gun Carrier Universal 10 driver mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren gun Intercommunication troop Scout Car 1 Subaltern (Signal Officer), driver operator Scout Car 2 serjeant, driver operator Scout Car 3 driver operator, corporal driver IC Scout car 4 driver operator, driver IC Scout car 5 driver operator, driver IC Scout car 6 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 7 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 8 driver operator, driver IC Scout Car 9 Technical Officer, driver operator, Administrative troop Motorcycle 1 provost serjeant Motorcycle 2 corporal motorcyclist Motorcycle 3 motorcyclist Motorcycle 4 motorcyclist Motorcycle 5 motorcyclist Motorcycle 6 motorcyclist Motorcycle 7 motorcyclist Motorcycle 8 motorcyclist Motorcycle 9 motorcyclist Motorcycle 10 motorcyclist Motorcycle 11 motorcyclist Motorcycle 12 motorcyclist Motorcycle 13 motorcyclist Motorcycle 14 Motorcyclist Motorcycle 15 motorcyclist Motorcycle 16 motorcyclist Motorcycle 17 motorcyclist Motorcycle 18 motorcyclist Motorcycle 19 motorcyclist Car 2 seater 4 X 2 1 Captain, batman driver Car 2 seater 4 X 2 2 Quartermaster, corporal clerk, corporal driver IC Car 2 seater 4 X 2 3 Medical Officer, batman driver 15cwt truck GS 1 mechanist quartermaster serjeant, 4 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren gun 15cwt truck GS 2 transport serjeant, 2 X driver mechanic (relief), driver operator (relief), driver IC Carries a Bren gun 15cwt truck GS 3 4 X batman, cook (officers mess) ACC, driver IC Carries officers mess equipment 15cwt truck GS 4 signal serjeant, 4 X batman, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries officers mess baggage and rations. 15cwt truck, office serjeant clerk, corporal clerk, clerk, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries office equipment 15cwt truck water water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt halftrack 1 medical officers orderly, driver operator Carries a Wireless set No 19 Seat for Medical Officer 15cwt halftrack 2 driver IC For casualty collection 15cwt halftrack 3 driver IC For casualty collection 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 Regimental Quartermaster Serjeant, 3 X clerk, storeman (technical), sanitary dutyman, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries anti gas stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 2 X storeman, sanitary dutyman, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries reserve MT stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 serjeant armourer REME, lance corporal armourer REME, carpenter and joiner, driver IC Carries armourers and carpenters tools 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 serjeant storeman, storeman, postman, 2 X equipment repairer, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries baggage and blankets 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 serjeant storeman (technical), driver IC Carries special stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 corporal storeman (technical), electrician, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries special stores 3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 driver operator (relief), driver IC Carries petrol 3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 4 X gunner operator (relief), 3 X gunner mechanic (relief), driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen squadron quartermaster serjeant, serjeant cook ACC, 3 X cook ACC, butchery dutyman, storeman, driver IC 3ton 6 X 4 store quartermaster serjeant (technical), 2 X vehicle mechanic, storeman (technical), driver IC Carrier Universal 2 X driver mechanic (relief), corporal driver operator (relief), driver mechanic Carries a Bren lmg Carrier, Staring and Charging electrician, driver mechanic Battery charging and maintenance The Squadrons. Each of the three squadrons was organised identically. Squadron headquarters Tank 1 (Sherman 75mm) Major (squadron commander), serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic Tank 2 (Sherman 75mm) Captain, Squadron Serjeant Major, driver operator, gunner operator, driver mechanic Cruiser Tank 3 (Sherman 75mm) Captain, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, corporal driver operator Armoured Recovery Vehicle MkI serjeant vehicle mechanic REME, vehicle mechanic REME, driver mechanic, vehicle mechanic Scout car batman, driver operator For the Reconnaissance Officer Administrative troop Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Subaltern, batman, driver IC 15cwt truck GS 1 3 X batman, driver IC Carries officers mess equipment 15cwt truck GS 2 storeman (technical), vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries special stores 15cwt water water dutyman, driver IC 15cwt halftrack mechanist serjeant, vehicle mechanic, driver operator Carries a Wireless set No 19 Carries vehicle mechanics tools 3ton 4 X 4 GS 1 2 x clerk, storeman, 2 X driver operator (relief), driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries baggage and blankets 3ton 4 X 4 GS 2 gunner mechanic (relief), gunner operator (relief), driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 3 gunner mechanic (relief), gunner operator (relief), driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 4 gunner mechanic (relief), gunner operator (relief), driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 5 gunner mechanic (relief), gunner operator (relief), driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 6 gunner mechanic (relief), gunner operator (relief), driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 7 gunner mechanic (relief), gunner operator (relief), driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 8 corporal driver operator (relief), vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries ammunition 3ton 4 X 4 GS 9 sanitary dutyman, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries petrol 3ton 4 X 4 GS 10 vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries petrol 3ton 4 X 4 GS 11 serjeant (relief), 2 X corporal driver operator (relief), driver operator (relief), 6 X driver mechanic (relief), driver IC 3ton 4 X 4 Kitchen squadron quartermaster serjeant, corporal cook ACC, 4 X cook ACC, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg 3ton 6 X 4 stores storeman technical, 5 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC Carries a Bren lmg Carries stores and vehicle mechanics tools Carrier Universal 3 X vehicle mechanic, driver mechanic Carrier, Starting and Charging 2 X electrician, driver mechanic The fighting troops. Troop 1 Tank 1 (Sherman 75mm) Captain, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 2 (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 3 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Tank 4 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Tank 5 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 6 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 7 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 8 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 2 Tank 1 (Sherman 75mm) Captain, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 2 (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 3 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Tank 4 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechani Tank 5 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 6 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 7 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 8 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Troop 3 Tank 1 (Sherman 75mm) Captain, corporal driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 2 (Sherman 75mm) Subaltern, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 3 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Tank 4 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, driver mechanic, gunner operator, gunner mechanic Tank 5 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 6 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 7 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Tank 8 (Grant CDL) corporal driver operator, gunner operator, 2 X gunner mechanic, driver mechanic In the event although 1 Tank Brigade and its three regiments of CDL tanks went to France and served with 21 Army Group they did not see action and were disbanded in late 1944. A squadron was reformed as B Squadron of 49 Armoured Personnel Carrier Regiment and was used in support of the Rhine Crossings. A TANK SQUADRON, (TYPE B), 21 ARMY GROUP. (CDL TANKS) War Establishment XIV/1645/1. February 1945. Organised as a headquarters and six troops of four CDL tanks. Major Captain Captain, Technical Officer 6 X Captain or Subaltern Subaltern Squadron Serjeant Major squadron quartermaster serjeant serjeant mechanist 7 X serjeant 2 X lance serjeant 18 X corporal 13 X lance corporal 138 X trooper Total 191 Plus serjeant vehicle mechanic (AFV) REME vehicle mechanic (AFV) REME corporal cook ACC 3 X cook ACC Trades included corporal clerk 9 X driver mechanics 25 X driver mechanic AFV 35 X driver operator 2 X electrician 42 X gunner mechanics 24 X gunner operator 2 X storeman (technical) 7 X vehicle mechanics gun fitter 4 X batman batman driver 15 X driver IC, including two for general duties and one trained in water duties. 2 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman Total vehicles 2 X motorcycle 1 X Car 4seater 4 X 4 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 2 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS 1 X 15cwt halftrack with winch 7 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS, including one stores binned 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen 10 X carrier universal 1 X scout car 24 X tank 1 X armoured recovery vehicles 1 X 180 gallon water trailer 3 X Bren lmg 1 X PIAT 120 X pistol 55 X sten gun 22 X rifle Headquarters Major Captain Captain, Technical Officer Subaltern Squadron Serjeant Major squadron quartermaster serjeant serjeant mechanist serjeant 2 X corporal 43 X trooper Total 53 Plus serjeant vehicle mechanic (AFV) REME vehicle mechanic (AFV) REME corporal cook ACC 3 X cook ACC Trades included corporal clerk 3 X driver mechanics driver mechanic AFV 5 X driver operator 2 X electrician 2 X storeman (technical) 7 X vehicle mechanics gun fitter 4 X batman batman driver 15 X driver IC, including two for general duties and one trained in water duties. 2 X motorcyclist sanitary dutyman Total vehicles 2 X motorcycle 1 X car 4seater 4 X 4 1 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 jeep 2 X 15cwt 4 X 4 GS 1 X 15cwt halftrack with winch 7 X 3ton 4 X 4 GS, including one stores binned 1 X 3ton 4 X 4 kitchen 4 X carrier universal, including two with Wireless set No19 1 X scout car 1 X armoured recovery vehicles 1 X 180 gallon water trailer 6 X Troop each Captain or Subaltern serjeant 3 X corporal 18 X trooper 4 X driver mechanic AFV 5 X driver operator 4 X gunner operator 7 X gunner mechanic driver mechanic 1 X Carrier Universal 4 X CDL tank Troop 1 Carrier Universal Captain, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19. Tank 1 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic AFV Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 2 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 3 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 4 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Troop 2 Carrier Universal Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19. Tank 1 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic AFV Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 2 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 3 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 4 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Troop 3 Carrier Universal Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19. Tank 1 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic AFV Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 2 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 3 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 4 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Troop 4 Carrier Universal Captain, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19. Tank 1 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic AFV Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 2 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 3 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 4 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Troop 5 Carrier Universal Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19. Tank 1 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic AFV Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 2 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 3 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 4 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No 19 Troop 6 Carrier Universal Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19. Tank 1 (Grant CDL) serjeant, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic AFV Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 2 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 3 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No19 Tank 4 (Grant CDL) corporal gunner mechanic, driver operator, gunner operator, gunner mechanic, driver mechanic Carries a Wireless set No 19 THE CDL LIGHT The heart of the CDL concept was the Thoren light, a particularly bright yet compact searchlight. The War Department obtained the rights to the light before the war and it was first installed in a special turret mounted on a Matilda MkII tank. These were sent to N.Africa and were given the code name Canal Defence Light, suggesting that they were to be used for the defence of the Suez Canal. The same turret was later mounted on the Grant tank and this equipped 1 Tank Brigade which was deployed to NW Europe. The Grant was ideal since it could mount the CDL turret in place of the small 37mm gun turret while retaining its main hull mounted 75mm gun. There was also plenty of room in the hull for a generator and the crew. Better still there were a lot available since they had been replaced in front line service by the Sherman. It was intended that the CDL would be a night fighting light which would at the same time be able to illuminate the battlefield, illuminate specific targets for armoured units, and dazzle the defenders. The light was mounted in an armoured turret with a 180 degree traverse and a 10 degree elevation or depression. These were controlled by an operator in the turret. The light shone through a two inch wide aperture and an armoured shutter could be opened and closed by power to produce a flicker which it was hoped would be dazzling. There were some flaws and disadvantages to the CDL however. - The carbon arcs in the searchlight burnt out after about thirty minutes and had to be replaced. Although the replacement could be carried out in about a minute, with the operator wearing asbestos gloves, it was less than ideal. If the light went at a crucial moment a minute would seem a long time. - The flickering light did not dazzle everyone. Some eyes were less susceptible than others. - While an enemy directly in front of the lights may have difficulty seeing, an observer on the flanks would have a very clear view of tanks silhouetted by the lights. In the event they were probably not used because the ideal opportunity did not present itself. It was realised that the use of such a ‘secret weapon’ would probably work well on the first occasion simply because it was unexpected and beyond the enemies experience, but it would probably not have the same effect a second time. When a night attack was carried out it was found that a good illumination of the battlefield could be achieved by shining ordinary anti aircraft searchlights onto low cloud. The reflected light was as good as bright moonlight. After being kept in reserve waiting for the ideal opportunity the CDL brigade was disbanded and its personnel used for other, more urgent, purposes. When the vehicles were brought out of store it was to be used in support of the Rhine Crossing. Half a squadron provided illumination for the amphibious Buffalos while the other half created a diversion. They also used the lights to spot and destroy debris, mines, enemy small craft etc threatening the crossings and bridges. In common with other armies the British developed another night fighting device. This was Tabby, an infra red system which used infra red lights and special binoculars to see in the dark. I fact the British did not seriously plan to use this for fighting but rather for use in night driving. It was not used in this role either. It was however issued to amphibious Buffalo units to assist with navigating across the Rhine. It was not much used because the lights provided better vision, and gyro compasses or wireless beacons gave accurate directions.