17th Brigade 22nd-23rd May 1940

Discussion in '1940' started by Bob_Mackenzie, May 15, 2010.

  1. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    I am interested in the actions of the 17th Infantry Brigade on the 22-23/5/40

    Raul on the axis history forum has posted a nice chronology on the 5PD's part in the French Campaign, including the actions that must have involved the 17th Bde

    viewtopic.php?f=50&t=137378&start=45


    David Lehman's article on the French Cavalry has some info on the actions of the French units on the flank of the 17th Bde

    Axis History Factbook: The French Cavalry Corps in 1940

    Thanks

    Bob
     
  2. skimmod

    skimmod Senior Member

    Hi Bob,
    I'd be interested in what you have there too!
    I have a very accurate description of the 17th Bde. Between the 26th and the 29th of May during their battle along the canal.

    This information would be a great help to set the scene and to understand what they started the next phase with and without.

    Good luck in you search.

    Iain
     
  3. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Have you got the Divisional history?
    I know at least one member has the Northamptons's regimental history too if you need anything looking up in that.
     
  4. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    Have you got the Divisional history?

    Is there such a thing? Do you have a title?
     
  5. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  6. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    I'll save you some money I'll post the pages relating to 22-24 May 1940 here.
    click them three times to make full size.
     

    Attached Files:

  7. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    That's fantastic - thanks very much - just what I needed :)
     
  8. CROONAERT

    CROONAERT Ipsissimus

  9. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    Thanks - it just pre-empted my next question. Which British tank unit counter attacked with the French on 23rd towards Carency? - 7th RTR :)
     
  10. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    I have Wallis's "History of the 58th" and Jervois' "History of the Northamptonshire Regiment" as well as copies of the war diary. The pages for 22nd / 23rd May are shown below. I don't know if they add anything. It looks as if the Boys Rifle wasn't too effective.

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
    Owen likes this.
  11. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    That's most interesting thanks - as it has the deployment of the companies in it and mentions the lack of arty fire

    Cheers

    Bob
     
  12. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    This is all the stuff on the battle I've managed to glean off the web (not too well sorted sorry

    Cheers

    Bob









    http://web.archive.org/web/20061205232515/http://www.wwiidaybyday.com/


    1 Gruppe Hoth
    21:00 Armee-Oberkommando orders: “Gruppe Hoth advances to the right of the line Hesdin – Lillers – Merville. It is enough if the line Arras – height of Vimy – Aire –St.Omer – Gravelines is reched.”
    XXXIX.A.K.(mot.): attacks northwest. During the 5.PD prepares for the attack towards Arras around 09:00 enemy forces attack across the Canal de la Sensee to the south into the open flank of the XXXIX.A.K. The enemy reaches Cambrai around midday heavily attacked and delayed by air attacks of I.Fl.K., II./L.G.2, IV.Fl.K.
    Adhoc units of the 20.ID (mot.), 12., 32.Inf.Div. finally stop the enemy attack. In the evening the enemy withdraws behind the canal again.
    7.Pz.Div.: after regaining the control in the area of Arras the division starts to attack again. During the infantry attacks the enemy frontal the tanks under command of Rothenburg outflank the british forces and overrun several allied artillery positions in Maroeuil. In the evening the division takes the important height Mont Saint-Eloi. An allied counterattack reconquers the height shortly after.
    5.Pz.Div.: should be replaced by the 12.ID to protect the flank of the Korps.







    18e RD


    May 21
    [FONT=&quot]At 24:00, the Group SOMUA is directed to the Vimy area, where Lieutenant-Colonel PINON also takes command of Task S-35, 4th Cuirassiers AND PASSWORD TO THE ORDERS Cavalry Corps.[/FONT] It is a question on offensive against the English in the region of Arras.
    At the same time, Group H-35 passes under the command of Lt-Colonel commanding the 4th Cuirassiers. While still stationed at Erchie it off elements of the 2nd Squadron, each bridge on the canal of the Sensible, and between Auchanbeul Goeulzin in support of GR take immediate area.
    At 20 hours, the 4th Squadron S-35 is made available to the 3rd DLM
    Mission: To bring to Etrun (4 km NW of Arras) by cleaning the area between the roads and Neuville Anzin Stables - Vaast MAROEUIL.


    May 22

    At 6 hours, the 3rd Squadron is made available to the 2nd DLM to Uzel (8 km from Douai). At 9 pm, Group H-35 (PC and 2nd Squadron) was ordered to stand by Douai - Beaumont - Drocourt - Rouvroy - Vimy - Carency sur Hermaville (15 km west of Arras).

    Arrival at Givenchy to 18 hours 40 he receives a counter giving Vimy as destination point and is placed at the disposal of Lt. Col. PINON.

    In the morning, Groupement SOMUA is instructed by the Cavalry Corps, to prepare against possible attacks, either between Maroeil and Arras to release the 3rd DLM, which is on the stream, either by heading west between Mount St. Eloi and GQA if DLM was turned.

    The PC Lieutenant Colonel PINON be held at Neuville-St Vaast; The 4th Squadron joined the Regiment.

    Is 13 hours 35 MARCHAL Commander ordered to take command of the fulcrum Souchez previously held by the Squadron from the 3rd DLM BEAUFORT The 2nd Squadron moved into reserve at Givenchy.

    To 15 hours 40, a platoon of H Squadron De BEAUFORT Carency is sent to protect the occupation of this locality by the 4th Battalion MALLARD PDR Villers-aux-Bois is held by the enemy.

    At 17 hours, the 1st Squadron, performs a brilliant attack Neuville St. Vaast on Mont St-Eloi, encircles the village and the book the 4th RDP after 130 prisoners including a Colonel and 3 officers.

    Unfortunately, a tragic incident occurs during this operation. A party of 5 or 6 anti-tank guns installed English and misdirected in the region's farm Berthonval opened fire on our tanks leading the rump Western Targette. They believe they have to do to destroy all enemies with cannon and do not realize their mistake only later moving to their height when they resumed their march on Mount St. Eloi.

    German heavy tanks are reported around 17 heures 30 in the wood of the Hague (NW Carency) but do not lead.

    At 21 hours, the squadron De BEAUFORT ordered to join the 3rd DLM to Acheville (4 km east of Vimy), it must be replaced by 2 squads of infantry tanks from Lens. These tanks can not, it is pointed out by the 2nd Squadron Souchez.

    At dawn, the 1st Squadron (S-35) refers to Mount St. Eloi in support of elements of the 4th RDP which take the village.

    May 23

    Around 9:30, a German attack occurs on MAROEUIL and Mont St Eloi (NW of Arras), supported by tanks and artillery and an air force bombed very active throughout the region.

    From VISSEC Lieutenant, commanding the 1st Squadron S-35 was killed along with his driver: Dragon Delastre, covering the withdrawal of the RFP must evacuate the village of Mont St Eloi.

    At 10:00, the Group H-35 continue to hold Souchez ordered to take on the 3rd DLM Bully in the region (7 km north of Souchez) and a push towards Aix-Noulette Squadron. The 3rd Squadron n'lanc gauchayant not yet joined (always posted to the 2nd DLM) Souchez is abandoned and the 2nd Squadron, receives 12 hours of Colonel Leyers 53rd DLM), the order to shake the enemy elements that, coming from Hersin, desire to turn towards the NE Arras Road - north of Bethune Sains (10 km southeast of Béthune). Arrived at around 12:00 Sains, 2nd Squadron was taken to task on his left flank by anti-tank weapons and artillery enemy. He is forced to fall back on Aix, which is a German advance at the same time NW to SE of Hersin to Ablain - St-Nazaire and threatening to cut Souchez.

    The platoon from BUTTET, an industry leader, has lost three tanks destroyed by enemy fire, crews can withdraw by crawling in the roadside ditches. Lieutenant DUMESNIL slightly injured.

    3rd D.L.M. evacuates the mining community of the region Lievin - Bully and folds on the road to Lens - Bethune, 2nd Squadron was reassigned to the 1st DLM and is directed to Lievin and Givenchy Souchez in support of the 4th Battalion PDR which fell under enemy pressure Cassy on this locality. He arrived around 18 hours.

    The 4th Squadron was ordered at 8:00 to bring to MAROEUIL to oppose an enemy threat on the axis MAROEUIL - Neuville - St. Vaast.

    The German attack in the morning conducted by Panzer on MAROEUIL and Mont St Eloi was stopped on the borders of these communities is, by attacks against the Group SOMUA. In the days, Neuville-St Vaast where the PC Lieutenant Colonel PINON was bombed many times by the Aviation and Artillery enemy. Around 16 hours, Lieutenant D'HARCOURT was wounded by a bomb aircraft and Dragons DIOT and MARTIN Andrew. Around 19 hours, Lt. Col. PINON is seriously injured in a binding to AMR near its p.c. advanced Targette. Captain Beaussant who accompanied killed and the driver of the AMR The Dragon CHOUPAULT 4th R.D.P.

    Captain D'USSEL and Chief Warrant Officer ROUX 4th Squadron were previously injured by shrapnel, the Landtag PASANT is killed.

    By order of the 1st DLM, Lieutenant-Colonel Poupel is responsible for consolidating the remaining two regiments of the 1st DLM (18th and 4th Cuirassiers Dragons) in the wood of the Vimy Ridge monument in the vicinity of where Canadian units arrived about 23 hours. The 3rd Squadron had joined the Regiment in the courantr the afternoon and was deployed between Neuville - St. Vaast and Stables in support of English.



    Chars français - 1940 6e REGIMENT DE CUIRASSIERS - JMO

    6e Cuirassier

    22 MAI 1940

    In the morning, there is a huge traffic jam that is taken part by the German air force at the time, at 9:30 am, the regiment set out to come to the SW Arras in the region of Aubigny the forefront of the Division. The Trooper G. .. was killed by machine gun aircraft. The stage continues by Douai, badly damaged by bombing, burning houses, dead bodies of refugees have not yet been identified.

    Arriving at Carency the situation looks rather disturbing. The British report that the Germans are at Mont Saint-Eloi and Villers-au-Bois and approaching the edge of Carency. Colonel is doing with his PC Souchez, where already the 12th Cuirassiers PC.

    The elements of the Regiment are based:

    - Patrol Avallet, exit West Carency;

    - Patrol Bresson, exit South Carency;

    - Patrol Villele. on Mont-Saint-Eloi;

    - Patrol OF CHAMPEAUX on Bray.

    The PC and the Colonel are transported to school by Givenchy-en-Cobell. The Colonel on hand to search for the Division but did not find and remains under observation at the Monument Canadian, where we follow the whole battle. It is seen reconnaissance patrol who joined BRESSON OF Villele, then the capture of Mont-Saint-Eloi involving PAs and Trolleys (130 prisoners)

    The patrols will not be back until nightfall, passing the English posts with which we are forced to leave an officer to avoid misunderstandings.

    Trooper Killed G.

    Two citations will be granted.

    The Regiment received the Order of the Day of General BLANCHARD

    The Army General Blanchard, commanding the 1st Army, wished to reiterate all the officers, NCOs, Rangers and Ranger-heads and Cavaliers and all Gunners Cavalry Corps and the three DLM express his admiration.

    That's largely thanks them that the 1st Army was able to perform the difficult mission entrusted to him.

    Engaged in the first battle, at May 10, yews have ceased to participate, displaying their fine qualities of enthusiasm, zeal and initiative in battle, honoring the traditions of their weapon.

    The General is proud to have such troops under his command. He will be happy to show their appreciation by awarding them the rewards they so deserved.

    (Signed) BLANCHARD.

    23 MAI 1940

    They arrived around 2:00 am. The regiment spent the rest of the night at Givenchy. At 8:00, the Sub-Lieutenant GABET from patrolling Ablain-Saint-Nazaire, to take on the English and cover the right of the DLM

    He stayed there all day and can get two cars on German and their crews. The Colonel, the PC and the three remaining are doing patrols under heavy aerial bombardment in Neuville-Saint-Vaast, where the Division and Brigade. The bombing killed and wounded out of Givenchy fifteen refugees who Physician Lieutenant AUVRAY provides care before leaving. Tanks and DP are on the attack in front of Neuville St. Vaast. and Chief Warrant Officer Avallet will recognize the direction of Mont Saint-Eloi.

    At 14 hours, withdrawal Vimy (village and brick) always accompanied by German planes. That's where we spend the night. The TC is undergoing a major bombing Ostricourt.

    Ten citations will be awarded.




    The French cavalry corps in 1940


    On 22nd May, the 25e DIM supported by the 38e BCC (45 Hotchkiss H35 tanks at full strength) drives the German 32.ID from the field near Cambrai on the Escaut River, east of Arras. The French breakthrough is important and the Germans engage massive air support to stop it. 18 Dewoitine D520 fighters from GC 2/3 in patrol in the area intercept a Stuka group and 11 Ju87 dive bombers are shot down. But, the French attack is stopped by the intensity of the bombings.
    The same day, general Prioux decides to regroup the cavalry corps in the Area of Arras. The I/4e RDP supported byt the 18e RD (1e DLM) leads a brilliant counter-attack which allows to take Mont-Saint-Eloi (see the map). During this attack, the 2e DLM and 3e DLM covered the flanks of the attack.




    Axis History Forum • View topic - Combats on the Escaut/Sensée around Bouchain - May 1940


    After the British/French attack near Arras on May 21, the German continue their progression on May 22 west of Arras with SS Totenkopf (mot.) division, 7.PzD, 5.PzD and 20.ID (mot.).
    On May 22 at 17:00, elements from 1e DLM [I/4e RDP, 11 Somua S35 tanks (1st squadron, 18e RD), 4 Hotchkiss H35 tanks (4e RC) and artillery groups] counter-attack the 5.PzD.
    A dramatic incident happens during the operation. A group of 5 or 6 British anti-tank guns deployed around Berthonval farm fire on the French tanks. Thinking that they are being engaged by German guns the French open fire and destroy all the guns. They understand their mistake only when resuming their advance towards Mont-Saint-Eloi.
    Mont-Saint-Eloi is taken back from the Schützen-Regiment 14. 130 POWs (including 1 colonel and 3 officers) as well as various equipment parts are captured. During this attack, elements from the 2e DLM and 3e DLM covered the flanks.



    http://ibiblio.org/hyperwar/UN/UK/UK-NWE-Flanders/maps/UK-NWE-Flanders-4.jpg






    4RDP

    May 22, 1940

    The staff of the regiment and the 1st Battalion are moving by the route-Fresnes-Gravelles Thélus. The 2nd Battalion, by Drocourt-Acheville Vimy, Givenchy-Souchez-Carency. At the intersection of Highway Thelus-Neuville, with the national 26 (Arras-Lens), the commander Amanrich learns that the Germans occupied the Mount St. Eloi, in Neuville-Saint-Vaast. But over the 2nd Battalion of the 25th Deen will be completed before noon. At this time enemy aircraft bombed roads between intensely Marcq and Villers-au-Tertre.
    The command group of 2nd Battalion, which brings up the rear is violently attacked and suffered heavy losses, the commander's car was riddled with bullets Marlard, the driver is killed at the wheel. The 2nd Battalion, Souchez, received orders to move on and Carency form a hinge between the 2 battalions.
    The 1st Battalion attacked vigorously and took possession of Mount St. Eloi at 16.30 despite a violent artillery fire and aerial bombardment. In Mount St. Eloi, the 1st Battalion is 130 prisoners and settled into a defensive position.
    The regiment lost during the day, Lt. Coche, disappeared.
    file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Bob/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image002.jpg

    file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Bob/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image004.jpgfile:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Bob/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image005.jpg

    http://forum.axishistory.com/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=137378&view=unread#unread



    In the shade of Rommel (Im schatten Rommel) – 5 Pz Div. in the French Campaign 1940.

    22 of May of 1940.

    Arras and Heights of Loreto.

    22 of May of 1940. The Army Corps foresaw an attack with four divisions in North direction for May 22 of 1940. At 03:10 hours arrived the order for the division, specifying that at 08:30 hours it should reach the line Guemape - Wancourt - Heninol after being relieved by the 12 ID. The 20 ID (Mot) had to continue the attack from Arras to the north through the Scarpe; for this attack it would have subordinate the 5 Pz and the 11. Schützen Brigade (¿?). At 08:30 hours the IR 76 (Mot) deployed to the south of Mercatel.

    At 09:30 hours the attack began with the PR 31 to the right and behind the II. /116 AR and the SR 13; to the left the PR 15 and behind it the I./AR 116 and more to the rear the SR 14. At 12:00 hours the route Arras - Beaumetz was crossed. At 14:30 hours the right kampfgruppe had reached the Scarpe in Etrun. The CP of the Division in Warlus.The left Kampfgruppe reached Gouves - Montenescourt around 17:00 hours.

    The 20 ID (Mot) asked to the division to continue the attack crossing the Scarpe (14: 30 hours) but at 16:00 arrived the counter-order: to seize Height 105 southeast of Acq and to establish a strong bridgehead in Etrun. At the same time it was received the report that strong enemy forces (British 17. Brigade of Infantry) with tanks and artillery went towards Maroeuil and Acq. The II. /SR 7 (7 Pz) which shortly before had captured Mont St. Eloy went back across the river and was relieved by the SR 14. At 18:00 hours a small bridgehead was settled down in Etrun. The enemy in Anzin and Maroeuil was beaten by artillery. The I./AR 116 south-east of Avesnes; the II. /AR 116 due south of Duisans and the II. /AR 48 to the east of Montenescourt. Casualties of this day 5 KIA and 39 WIA.

    Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
    Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
    15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
    El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
    Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
    Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
    http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
    http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html


    23 of May of 1940.

    Arras and Heights of Loreto.

    The mission for the 23 of May of 1940 specified: to seize the dominant terrain in Bouvigny - Boyefiles by Barlin. To the left would attack the 7 Pz and the to the right the 11. Schutzen Brigade with the task of conquering Maroeuil and Level 94 (due east of Maroeuil). The CP of the division moved to Level 105 (2 km due northwest of Etrun). The attack began at 09:00 hours; at 11:00 hours the II. /SR 14 had surpassed Villers au Bois. At 13:30 hours the I./SR 14 advanced in the direction of the Heights of Loretto. At 14:00 hours an enemy armored counterattack struck the II. /SR 14 on its flank on Villers au Bois but the PR 15 was engaged there.

    The the right Kampfgruppe with the SR 13 and PR 31 fought during the morning by Mont St Eloy which was defended even by tanks. At 14:30 hours arrived a new order from the Army Corps switching the attack from the heights towards Aix-Noulette. At 16:00 hours the SR 14 had crossed the Gony highway in Gehelle towards Ablain; soon the PR 15 took Ablain. At 17:45 hours the PR 15 attacked the Heights of Loretto but it was rejected by the enemy armored. At 18:25 hours a new attack with the I./SR 14, the AA 8 and parts of the PR 15 supported by the I./AR 116 took place. The heights of Loretto were conquered and assured by 21:00 hours. At 18:00 hours the II. /SR 14 had taken Noulette.

    Meanwhile more to the south and on the right, the 11. Sch. Brigade had not been able to take Level 94. The II. /SR 13 with the support of II. /AR 116 rejected an enemy counterattack in the direction of Bray due south of Mont St. Eloy. At 20:00 hours the I./SR 13 took Carency. This day the division fought against the mass of the English brigades 17 and 151 and parts of the French 3 DLM.

    The CP of the division in Chau de la Haire due northwest of Villers. The artillery occupied positions in: I./AR 116 neighborhoods of St Servin, II. /AR 116 to the west of Carency and the II. /AR 48 environs of Bray assuring the right flank. Losses: 12 KIA and 48 WIA.

    Sources: Historia de la 5 Pz. Anton Detlev v. Plato.
    Die Roten Teufel Sind die Hölle.
    15 Fotoalben mit über 1200 originalen Fotos ! bei eBay_de 1918-1945 (endet 16_08_09 185430 MESZ). Martes, 11 de Agosto de 2009, 19:04:52
    El Tercer Reich. Tomo 4. ANESA 1975.
    Die 62. Infanterie-Division 1938 - 1944, die 62. Volks-Grenadier-Division 1944 - 1945 - A. Reinicke/H.G. Hermann/Friedrich Kittel, Kameradenhilfswerk der ehem. 62. Division, Fulda 1968
    Fuente: Private Sales List-Pz Rgt 15 - 5 Panzer Division. 19 de Diciembre de 2009, 00:10:34
    http://pagesperso-orange.fr/regiments.h ... re_129.htm
    http://users.skynet.be/ermeton1914/passage.html


    24 of May of 1940.

    Arras and Heights of Loreto.

    On May 24 of 1940 the 5 Pz got the order for that day: to retain the heights of Loretto and the high ground around Aix. Besides to continue until conquering Level 119 and Givenchy due northeast of Souchez. The SR 14 (Oberst Stegmann) received the task of retaining Lorettohöhe and to organize it like one strongpoint. The SR 13 with I./PR 15 had to capture Givenchy and level 119; nevertheless this attack was not executed because the enemy withdrew of these objectives. At 23:20 arrived the order from the Army Corps specifying that the division had to assure on the line Souchez - Aix - Noulette.

    During the night from the 23 to the 24 of May 1940, Generaloberst v. Rundstedt ordered that the tanks of the Groups Kleist and Hoth should hold the positions reached so far. This day entered in use the stop order (haltebefehl) emitted by the Führer himself.

    file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Bob/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/msohtml1/01/clip_image007.jpg
    Berthnoval Farm and Mont st Eloi



    HyperWar: The War in France and Flanders 1939–1940 [Chapter VIII]


    Fifteen miles away to the south of the Canal Line, Arras still held out. When the morning of the 23rd dawned, the advanced elements of the German 5th and 7th Armoured Divisions had crossed the Scarpe to the west of the town[22] but then 17th Brigade (5th Division) still held Maroeuil and tanks of the French Cavalry Corps were still at Mont St Eloy. Bitter fighting ensused, and both places were lost and retaken during the day. Gradually, however, weight of numbers told and our troops were forced back. By nightfall the French cavalry had withdrawn north of Souchez while the 17th Brigade held precariously
    --130--

    a line from Berthonval Farm to Ste Catherine, with the 151st Brigade (50th Division) in a defensive position behind their right rear between Souchez and Vimy. Tanks of the 1st Army Tank Brigade in action with the enemy's armoured divisions had covered first Carency and then Souchez and had fought advanced units which reached the high ground above Carency: but when night fell they were ordered to really behind the Canal Line and they withdrew to the neighbourhood of Carvin.


    Combats au Mont St Eloi (4)


    The 4th Regiment of Dragoons carried

    IN ACTION near Arras
    Ultimate defense and stinging rejoinder German
    With the French during the afternoon

    "The enemy concentrated his artillery to the farm Berthonval. The Squadron "Motorcycles" reinforced motorized platoon, received orders to proceed thither. It comes in a hailstorm of cannons and machine guns.

    The German artillery occupied the heights, concentrates its fire on the buildings and takes up to 21 hours.

    The approaching enemy tanks, they are contained by the Somua and armored reconnaissance (AMR). Losses were heavy on the French side, both in men and material. You can see the sergeant to leave his New AMR, used the barrel of 25 m / m, then machine gun killed his two companions, while supplies of ammunition destroyed two enemy light tanks.


    ... and with the Germans

    During this attack, the 1st Battalion 14th Regiment of Fusiliers receives the shock of the French armor, which in all likelihood, just been driven out by the 31st Panzer Regiment and 13th Regiment of Fusiliers. The strength and fire from German tanks stopped them.

    Around 15 h 30 French infantry supported by tanks, réattaquent Mont-Saint-Eloi. This is the 6th Company of the 1st Battalion of the 31st Panzer Regiment and a battalion of the regiment are so high then.

    The 6th is the first company to receive the shock. She quickly loose its entire stock of ammunition. Since connections with the company HQ are well established other munitions are then made in a quarter of an hour following.

    Aviation, especially the Stukas, artillery cooperate closely with armor and infantry, and soon the attacker French suffered heavy losses.

    At that time, the French launched their final assault against Mont-Saint-Eloi. Further north, near the farm Lamotte 2nd Battalion of the 31st Panzer Regiment who was arrested for refueling fuel tanks and tanks of ammunition, is suddenly under heavy fire, from the heights Notre Dame de Lorette. A vehicle is hit and several men were wounded.

    For tanks of the 5th Panzer Division, we begin repairs and maintenance of tanks and vehicles payers arrive in turn and men receive pay.

    To the great joy of all, it also distributes the first letters since the start of the campaign.


    In the region of Carency - Ablain St. Nazaire: 17 hours

    PZ 5th Division began its movement towards Ablain St. Nazaire. The 1st Battalion 14th Regiment of Fusiliers was ordered to capture Carency held by French tanks.

    This is the 2nd Battalion of the 4th RDP, which is fiercely defended.

    The tanks of the 1st DLM including the 4th Regiment of French cuirassiers in agreement with the British tanks (which are the survivors of the attack of 21, south of Arras) attack ... The Luftwaffe bombed, pic, shot on Thélus, Neuville St. Vaast, Givenchy-en-Gohelle and Souchez.

    At 19 h 20: The 1st Battalion 13th Regiment of Fusiliers, currently holding Mont-Saint-Eloi, was ordered to drive the French who are in the woods south-east of Carency.

    As the 2nd Battalion 14th Regiment of Fusiliers, he reached Aix-Noulette one hour earlier and tackle the crest of Our Lady of Loreto with the 1st Battalion and the 15th Panzer Regiment.


    With the French and the British in this area

    To the west of Arras, the British 17th Brigade attempted to contain the enemy and MAROEUIL Etrun, but his forces were far above any upset.

    The French tanks are trying to halt the advance of return Mont-Saint-Eloi, but again the German tanks are the strongest ...

    From Vimy where they were hidden, some French and British tanks moving on the right flank of the 151th British Brigade which is still in the woods. They harassed the enemy in the area of Notre-Dame-de-Lorette. They found there an ideal, good coverage and a variety of positions perfect for maneuvering against PZ 5th Division, which juts into the action.

    The ridge of Notre-Dame de Lorette is definitely in the hands of the Germans.

    A Berthonval, the 4th PC PDR, more than 80 wounded can be evacuated. The situation is serious. Night falls and the French still held the farm ...

    23 hours

    A caterpillar Lorraine infantry is sent to search for wounded. It is the wrong way and is captured by the enemy.

    The grouping of tanks D.L.M. was to attack in the early hours of the day towards Souchez. Captain Miquel, E .- M. the 1st DLM provides one hour to the order to retreat toward the North, the Upper Canal Deule.


    Between midnight and two o'clock

    The withdrawal order arrives at the 4th Battalion RDP Berthonval. 57 Dragons have lost their lives (1), these two days of fighting.

    The stall operates from 3:00 am, the rear being formed by the squadron Vandières which joins the pack Ferry. The reunion of the Regiment carried out in the woods Phalempin, south Seclin, about 13 hours.



    Saturday, 25 May:

    At 14 pm 15 Departure of the Regiment to Phalempin destination of the timber. In the evening, there was no question of a massive Anglo-French attack in the south-west. During the night a violent bombardment in the region is forecast to Carvin rather a German attack the following day.




    7th RTR War Diary

    http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/1940/24516-war-diary-look-ups-offer-4.html


    4/7th Dragoons

    http://sill-www.army.mil/FAMAG/1942/JUL_1942/JUL_1942_PAGES_523_531.pdf



    3rd DLM

    3e DLM - Premiers engagements


    May 22:

    At 2:00, the Cavalry Corps defines the new mission of the 3rd day of the DLM in the May 22 operation order No. 145 / 3 POs. The 3rd DLM must then stand in front of the goal line by pushing up Agny - River - Basseux. The 1st DLM covering its action on his right and rear. The 3rd DLM defines the action in its operation order No. 70 / 3 OP 03.00. But by 5:30, the particular order No. 67 of the Cavalry Corps cancels the order No. 145 / 3 for the third DLM is spilled on the right by the enemy. It must cover themselves against the West based on the line Dainville - Duisans - Etrun - MAROEUIL. She receives a reinforcement squadron S35 grouping PINON.

    At 9:50, the Cavalry Corps said that the British withdrew to Arras and will hold the line Biache - Arras and the Scarpe, Arras Bray excluded. The 3rd DLM must withdraw to the north of the Scarpe, between St. Catherine and MAROEUIL and hold the position until noon or statement by the British brigade. The evidence from the 5th to the BLM's Colonel VIGIER are available to the 1st BLM to cover the flank of the army in the region of Neuville St. Vaast, while the sixth BLM must regroup in Arleux en Gohelle artillery remains the orders of the British.

    Actually retrieved by the British in time, the 11th RDP includes the side of Bois-Bernard and Drocourt north of Arleux en Gohelle and 12e RC plane in the suburbs of Lens. The HQ of the 3rd DLM is grouped Méricourt south of Lens.

    At 20:00, the situation and orders for the next day are received directly by a liaison officer with the PC's Cavalry Corps. The German striker violently towards Bethune with possible infiltration between Bethune and Souchez the Cavalry Corps wants to clean the area with tanks available in the division, the 12th Cuirassiers those two tank companies need to recover Bethune then hold defensively with the 3rd DLM facing north-west line of railway from Lens to Pont-en-Vendin maintaining liaison with the 1st DLM to Souchez.

    May 23:

    At midnight, Colonel Leyers receives written confirmation of what has been decided to 20:00 for the particular order No. 76. At dawn, the division was ordered to stand near Our Lady of Loreto to start the mission defined above.

    The Germans changing direction and pushing northward towards Bruay-en-Artois, Nœux-les-Mines and Mazingarbe, the operation is canceled. The Cavalry Corps ordered the 3rd DLM join the defensive line set the day before. She moved there from 15.00. At the same time, the group contains Leyers difficult enemy troops at Loos and returned around 20:00 in the lines and joined the PC division in Montigny-en-Gohelle. General Langlois is also back all its troops back from the canal Deule overnight.

     
  13. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    That's quite a piece that you're collating there Bob. Interesting to see the reports from the three forces involved.

    I'll have a look in the 2 Northamptons histories as well but generally they give the impression of being written up post-war from the battalion war diaries.
     
  14. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

  15. Rich Payne

    Rich Payne Rivet Counter Patron 1940 Obsessive

    Extracts from "A History of the Northamptonshire Regt.'

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  16. skimmod

    skimmod Senior Member

    Makes very interesting reading Rich.

    Can you scan in and post up the entries for the 26th/ 27th/28th along the Ypres-Comines canal?

    thanks in advance

    Iain
     
  17. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

    I have a map of 17 Bde's positions as off 22nd May on the Scarpe, if thats of interest?
     
  18. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    @Rich - that's most interesting thanks for posting

    @Drew - I'd be interested to see it thanks :)
     
  19. Drew5233

    Drew5233 #FuturePilot 1940 Obsessive

  20. Bob_Mackenzie

    Bob_Mackenzie Member

    Thanks Drew

    is that a 40's map?

    Cheers



    Bob
     

Share This Page