24th Lancers A Squadron

Re: Tomalin, Roy Ernest William (Oral history)

TOMALIN, ROY ERNEST WILLIAM (ORAL HISTORY)

Object description
British trooper served with 24th Lancers in GB and Normandy, 1942-1944
Content description
REEL 1 Background in London and Romford area, 1923-1942: family circumstances; education; membership of Romford Home Guard; German Air Force attacks on Romford-Hornchurch area; listening to Churchill and Lord Haw Haw on radio. Aspects of armoured training in GB, 1942-1943: call up 7/1942; basic training and selection for armoured unit, Isle of Wight; move to armoured training at Cove. Aspects of period with 24 Lancers in GB, 1943-1944: posting to unit at Chippenham; reaction to change from Coventanters to Sherman tanks; move to Bridlington; waterproofing of tanks; move to concentration area at Hursley Park, 5/1944. Recollections of operations with A Sqdn, 24 Lancers in Normandy, 6/1944: landing from Rhino ferry at Le Hamel, Gold Beach, 6/6/1944; naming of tank 'Appy Ampstead'; composition of crew; reaction to advancing in tank; advance on Tilly sur Seulles; German 88mm shell hit on tank and wounding, 12/6/1944; his evacuation to GB. REEL 2 Continues: Aspects of medical treatment for wounds in GB from 6/1944: character of treatment; long term medical effects of wounds; psychological effects of his experiences; attitude to having served with 24 Lancers in Normandy; problems of securing disability pension. Aspects of operations with 24 Lancers in Normandy, 6/1944: opinion of tank radios; attitude to serving in tanks; question of personal morale in action; attitude towards Germans."

 

George Alfred James Taylor 319743 - My Grandfater, KIA 8th June 1944. Tank Commander in A Squadron.
Following some correspondence on other threads I've been asked to share these photos on this thread specifically for A Squadron.
The first is George in the 9th Lancers. The one of the tank 'Arab' was a trip taking it for salvage. Couple of his grave in Bayeux CWG Cemetary. The Scan is of George and a couple of his crew. One of his wedding to my Nanna (Irene) 22nd April 1944 and her brother. The photo of Irene is my Nan - George asked her to have a photo taken and this is the one he carried in his wallet and was recovered from his body by his crew prior to them having to leave his body after the battle in which he was sniped and killed.
I hope the ones of the crew provide some info for other 24th Lancer family members.
Kind Regards
Annie

 

George Alfred James Taylor 319743, Cliff Remane and Albert Amos - A Squadron in Lloyd Carrier

Hi All. attached is a scanned photo from the very small collection of photographs in our family collection. If anyone has any other photos of George Taylor (My grandfather) then please share them. Names of Cliff and 'Amos' provided in 2016 by the late Tony Hughes.
many thanks
Annie

 

Transcribe of origianal Condolence letter sent to my Grandmother on the loss of George Alred Taylor from Harry Barry.
hopefully those that wish to view can read the attached - had to load as a txt file. The leter provides some guidance on where A Sqd were on the 8th June 1944 when he was killed. Thought a view from Mr Barry would be of interest. I believe Phyliss Faithfull was from the Welfare Organisation - we have letters from her to my Grandmother as well.

Regards
Annie

 

UK, Army Roll of Honour, 1939-1945
Name: George Taylor
Given Initials: G A
Rank: Lance Serjeant
Death Date: 8 Jun 1944
Number: 319743
Birth Place: Worcestershire
Residence: Worcester
Regiment at Enlistment: 10th Queen's Royal Lancers RAC
Branch at Enlistment: Royal Armoured Corps
Theatre of War: Western Europe Campaign, 1944/45
Regiment at Death: 24th Lancers RAC
Branch at Death: Royal Armoured Corps

Global, Find A Grave Index for Burials at Sea and other Select Burial Locations, 1300s-Current
Name: L-Sgt George Alfred Taylor
Maiden Name:
Death Date: 8 Jun 1944
Cemetery: Bayeux War Cemetery
Burial or Cremation Place: Bayeux, Departement du Calvados, Basse-Normandie, France
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/56277872

Casualty
Lance Serjeant
TAYLOR, GEORGE ALFRED
Service Number 319743
Died 08/06/1944
Aged 24
"A" Sqn., 24th Lancers.
Royal Armoured Corps
Son of George and Nellie Bertha Taylor; husband of Irene Mary Taylor, of Peldon, Essex

TD

 

The following image shows the ORBAT (Order of Battle) for A Squadron at the time. It shows that George commanded the 3rd Tank in 5th Troop with the Troop Leader being Harry Barry. It also puts the names in the condolence letter into context. Interesting, and reassuring, that the details in the letter precisely match what Tony Hughes told me many years ago and hopefully yourself more recently.