GOLD BEACH.

56 BRIGADE

56 Brigade, being the follow up brigade, has the comparative convenience of landing as a complete formation, together with its vehicles. It should me able to land, pass through the beach exits and proceed to its Assembly Area. It should then form up and move inland to continue the advance.

The Reserve Brigade is timed to start landing from 9 LCI(L) at H + 3½ hours. In ideal circumstances the advanced parties from the LSIs will have already arrived with earlier groups. Vehicles will arrive at the same time on 5 LCT.

H + 3½ Hours

Jig Green.
Serial 2900 is an LCI(L) carrying
175 men with 33 bicycles from 2 South Wales Borderers.
1 man from Headquarters 56 Brigade. Chaplain.
4 men and a signals handcart from 56 Brigade Signal Section RS. 2 No46 set and 1 42 set,
19 men and 2 bicycles from 32 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2901 is an LCI(L) carrying
198 men with 34 bicycles from 2 South Wales Borderers
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2902 is an LCI(L) carrying
160 men with 33 bicycles from 2 South Wales Borderers
6 men and 1 bicycle from 10 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
8 men and a signals handcart from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
8 men from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
16 men and 2 bicycles from 6 Border Regiment
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2903 is an LCI(L) carrying
174 men and 33 bicycles from 2 Essex Regiment
1 man from Headquarters 56 Brigade. Chaplain.
4 men with 2 signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS
19 men and 2 bicycles from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2904 is an LCI(L) carrying
198 men with 34 bicycles from 2 Essex Regiment
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2905 is an LCI(L) carrying
159 men with 33 bicycles from 2 Essex Regiment
6 men from 10 Ordnance Beach Detachment
23 men and a bicycle from 6 Border Regiment
4 men from 244 Petrol Depot
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2906 is an LCI(L) carrying
169 men with 33 bicycles from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
9 men from Headquarters 56 Brigade Defence Platoon
14 men from 2 Essex Regiment
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2907 is an LCI(L) carrying
174 men with 33 bicycles from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 man from Headquarters 56 Brigade. Chaplain.
4 men with a signals handcart from 56 Brigade Signals RS
19 men from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2908 is an LCI(L) carrying
200 men with 34 bicycles from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF


Serial 2909 is a LCH carrying
1 man from Headquarters 50 Division
12 men and a handcart from Headquarters 56 Brigade
5 men from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 man from 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool. Military Landing Officers Staff.
1 man from 17 Movement Control Group RE. Military Landing Officers Staff.
7 men from 18 Ship Signals Section
4 men from 147 Field Regiment RA
4 men from 90 Field Regiment RA


Serial 2910 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance
1 Jeep from South Wales Borderers
10 Carrier Universal and Mortar from South Wales Borderers
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT gun from South Wales Borderers
5 Motorcycle from South Wales Borderers
58 men from South Wales Borderers
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2911 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambualnce RAMC
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 Car 4 X 4 4 seater with 2 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
I Motorcycle with 1 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
2 men with a signals handcart from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 Jeep from 2 Essex Regiment
9 Carrier Universal from 2 Essex Regiment
7 Carrier Mortar from 2 Essex Regiment
5 Motorcycles from 2 Essex Regiment
61 men from 2 Essex Regiment
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2912 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 Jeep from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
9 Carrier Universal from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
7 Carrier Mortar from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
5 Motorcycles from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
61 men from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 1 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
2 men with signals handcart from 56 Brigade Signals RS
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Serial 2913 is an LCT MkIV carrying
2 Jeep with 6 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
12 men from Headquarters 56 Brigade
4 Carrier Universal from 2 Essex Regiment
6 Carrier Mortar from 2 Essex Regiment
5 Motorcycles from 2 Essex Regiment
29 men from 2 Essex Regiment
4 Carrier Universal with 12 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 M14 with 2 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
2 Motorcycles with 2 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
4 men and a signals handcart from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 Scout Car with 2 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
1 Jeep and trailer with 4 crew from 26 US Regimental Combat Team

Serial 2914 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 56 Brigade Signals RS
2 men with a handcart from 56 Brigade Signals RS
13 Carrier Universal with 39 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
5 Motorcycles with 5 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
6 Carrier Mortar with 12 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
5 Motorcycles with 5 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 M14 with 2 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
3 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from A (MG) Company Cheshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 55 Balloon Unit RAF

Although all the above were timed to land at H + 3½ Hours it would take some time for them all to beach, unload and for the vehicles to clear the exits.

By Unit.
2 South Wales Borderers.
175 men with 33 bicycles.
198 men with 34 bicycles.
160 men with 33 bicycles.
Plus
1 man from Headquarters 56 Brigade. Chaplain.
4 men and a signals handcart from 56 Brigade Signal Section RS. 2 No46 set and 1 42 set,
Vehicles.
1 Jeep.
10 Carrier Mortar.
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT gun.
13 Carrier Universal with.
10 Motorcycles.
102 men.

2 Essex Regiment
174 men and 33 bicycles.
198 men with 34 bicycles.
159 men with 33 bicycles.
14 men.
Plus
1 man from Headquarters 56 Brigade. Chaplain.
4 men with 2 signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS
Vehicles.
1 Jeep.
13 Carrier Universal.
13 Carrier Mortar.
10 Motorcycles from 2 Essex Regiment
90 men from 2 Essex Regiment

2 Gloucestershire Regiment
169 men with 33 bicycles.
174 men with 33 bicycles.
200 men with 34 bicycles.
Plus
1 man from Headquarters 56 Brigade. Chaplain.
4 men with a signals handcart from 56 Brigade Signals RS
Vehicles.
1 Jeep.
13 Carrier Universal.
13 Carrier Mortar.
10 Motorcycles.
92 men.

‘A’ (MG) Company Cheshire Regiment
3 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

Headquarters 56 Brigade
2 Jeep with 6 crew.
12 men.

56 Brigade Signals RS
5 M14 Halftrack with 11 crew.
2 Car 4 X 4 4 seater with 3 crew.
1 Jeep with 1 crew.
4 Motorcycle with 4 crew.
10 men with 4 signals handcart.

56 Brigade Defence Platoon
9 men from Headquarters.

203 Field Ambulance RAMC
38 men and 2 bicycles.
3 Jeep Ambulance with 6 crew.
32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
19 men and 2 bicycles

147 Field Regiment SP RA
8 men and a signals handcart.
90 Field Regiment SP RA
8 men.

Beach Group.
6 Border Regiment
39 men and 3 bicycles.
10 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
12 men and 1 bicycle.
244 Petrol Depot
4 men.
55 Balloon Unit RAF
26 men with 13 balloons and hand winch


Serial 2909 is a LCH carrying
1 man from Headquarters 50 Division
12 men and a handcart from Headquarters 56 Brigade
5 men from 56 Brigade Signals RS
1 man from 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool. Military Landing Officers Staff.
1 man from 17 Movement Control Group RE. Military Landing Officers Staff.
7 men from 18 Ship Signals Section
4 men from 147 Field Regiment RA
4 men from 90 Field Regiment RA


Although all the above were timed to land at H + 3½ Hours it would take some time for them all to beach, unload and for the vehicles to clear the exits.

The Divisional Commander and some of his staff will land from the Landing Ship Headquarters around H + 6 Hours. Some staff will remain on board. There is a reserve divisional headquarters on a Stand By Headquarters Ship ready to assume command if necessary.

Serial 2915 is an LCH
29 men from Headquarters 50 Division. Landing at the discretion of the Divisional Commander.

 

H + 4½ hours.
LST Serial 2190, which launched its DUKWs at H + 120 minutes, is now ready to be called in to unload its remaining vehicles.
.
On the Main Deck and to be landed at H + 4½ Hours.
1 3ton GS Lorry with 2 crew from 30 Field Transfusion Unit RAMC
2 men from 30 Field Transfusion Unit RAMC
2 3ton GS Lorry with 4 crew from 6 Border Regiment
72 men and 12 airborne trailers from 6 Border Regiment
2 3ton GS Lorry with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Motorcycle from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC (on above Lorry)
2 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
32 men from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from 21 Beach Signal Section RS
1 Jeep with 2 crew from HQ REME 50 Division
1 Jeep with 1 crew from S Increment 10 Beach Group
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew from 243 Provost Company
6 Motorcycles from 243 Provost Company (carried in above trucks)
3 3ton with 9 crew from 295 Field Company RE
6 Motorcycles from 295 Field Company RE (carried in above vehicles)
3 Ambulances 2 stretcher with 6 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton GS Lorry with 10 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance (carried in above vehicle) RAMC
2 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Cars 4 seater with 7 crew from 231 Brigade Signals RS
1 3ton Lorry with 4 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Motorcycle from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA (carried on above vehicle)
1 3ton GS lorry with 5 crew from C (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew from 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool.
1 Jeep with 1 crew from CRASC 104 Beach Sub Area
20 men from 953 Inland Waterway Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Company Pioneer Corps
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
4 men from 705 General Transport Company RASC
On Rhino Ferry
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Waterway Transport Operating Company RE
2 DUKW from 705 General Transport Company RASC

By Unit.
200 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 3ton GS Lorry with 4 crew. Carries 1 Motorcycle
4 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 8 crew.
32 men.
30 Field Transfusion Unit RAMC
1 3ton GS Lorry with 2 crew.
2 men.
168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
3 Ambulances 2 stretcher with 6 crew.
1 3ton GS Lorry with 10 crew. Carry 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew.

HQ REME 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from

295 Field Company RE
3 3ton with 9 crew. Carry 6 Motorcycles.

231 Brigade Signals RS
2 Cars 4 seater with 7 crew.

288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 3ton Lorry with 4 crew. Carries 1 Motorcycle.

C (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 3ton GS lorry with 5 crew.

6 Border Regiment
2 3ton GS Lorry with 4 crew.
72 men and 12 airborne trailers.
21 Beach Signal Section RS
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew.
CRASC 104 Beach Sub Area
1 Jeep with 1 crew.
Staff Captains Increment 10 Beach Group
1 Jeep with 1 crew.
21 Army Group Movement Control Pool.
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew.
243 Provost Company
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew. Carry 6 Motorcycles.

To operate Rhino Ferry.
953 Inland Waterway Transport Operating Company RE
1 Bulldozer.
20 men.
961 Inland Water Transport Company RE
8 men.
243 Company Pioneer Corps
14 men

 

KING BEACH

What is called La Riviere in British accounts is a part of the town of Ver Sur Mer. The town itself is inland, safely above the marshy coastal areas and where there were good wells for water supply. In the late 19th Century the coastal strip was developed, as were many areas along the Normandy coast, as a resort. A sea wall was constructed, with a promenade along the sea front. Villas and hotels were built along the slightly higher dunes between the sea and a stream inland. There was a reasonably good road running inland and the almost obligatory light railway running along the coast.

On D Day the landings would take place to the west where there were few buildings and only poor sea walls, if any. A disadvantage was that the area inland was marshland and roads or tracks few. A further disadvantage was that there was a strongly emplaced 88mm gun pointing along this stretch of coast.

German Defences.
A great many photo reconnaissance missions plus information from Resistance groups gave a comprehensive picture of the German defences. These were being continuously improved and information concerning the exact type of guns installed was not always accurate but very useful maps were produced. Some of the air photographs show the newly laid minefields very clearly. Although there may be little to see on the ground the photographs show lighter areas where the earth has been disturbed or where the grass has not fully recovered. (This useful fact has been much used by archaeologists looking for the outlines of buildings etc.)

Operational orders for 9 Beach Group included a description as follows.
‘During the last three months the enemy has displayed considerable activity concentrating on the laying of minefields behind the actual beach defences, the construction of additional machine gun positions and the laying of under water obstacles.’

There were three infantry platoon positions.
WN 35, Hable de Heurlot, was centred on the road leading inland at 208270. This had a number of pillboxes facing seawards and built on a level with the sea wall. There were no mines or wire on the seaward side but a 8 to 10 foot thick wire defence and a six row minefield on the landward side.

WN 34 was the platoon position around the Mont Fleury Lighthouse. This had been much improved recently. Houses had been demolished and pill boxes built among those remaining so that individual positions could not be readily identified. ‘Ground sources’ reported that in some instances casemates for infantry weapons had been built in the basements of houses which were then pulled down. There was a 50mm anti tank gun in an open emplacement.

Two machine gun platoons were established in a long area to the west of the sector. This area had a series of shelters and fire trenches connected by communication trenches. Shelters were constructed in the form of a square steel box let a few feet into the ground and then covered with earth and turf, giving a rounded appearance.

WN 33, La Riviere, occupied 500 yard long sea wall and the area immediately inland of it. At the western end of the sea wall there was a large H677 casemate. Its aperture faced west along the beach and was protected by flash walls on both sides. It was reported to be large enough for a 75mm or 105mm gun but turned out to contain a more deadly 88mm anti tank gun. Two casemates to the east contained 50 mm anti tank guns and there were also pillboxes. Some houses had been cleared and others bricked up and fortified.



The H677 casemate of WN33. Now used as a shelter by Beach Group personnel. An exit for wheeled vehicles has been made in front of it.

Exits.
There are four existing exits.
On the extreme right of the sector there is a 10 foot wide water bound road with a bad surface running down to the sea wall. The sea wall is low and broken down in places and can be easily ramped. A pillbox blocks the exit. The bridge over the stream is likely to require strengthening for loads of Class 9 and over.

In the centre a 9 foot wide road with ditches on either side goes down to the beach. It is 80 yards to the main beach lateral and the forward route which is wider. Suitable for tracked vehicles.

In the centre of the seawall at La Riviere there is a 20 foot wide ramp leading to the beach. There is a 20 foot road leading from the sea wall and to a good forward route.

On the extreme left is a 10 foot water bound road leading from the beach to the main coast road and a forward route.

Beaches were flat and sandy but with underlying patches of peat and clay. The tide and current constantly shifted the sand so that at time the peat and clay was exposed and at other times it was covered with varying thicknesses of sand. The advice was that all types of vehicle could cross patches reasonably well as they long as they did not follow one anothers tracks. It was thought that 6 inches of sand cover would allow tracked vehicles and light wheeled vehicles to cross safely and 12 inches would allow any vehicle to cross.

Above the high water mark the sand was soft and loose. At various points there were small rocky outcrops. Distance for the back of the beach to the waters edge was an average 25 yards at high tide but 700 yards at low tide. The upper part of the beach sloped steeply but further out the slope was very gentle. This meant that for almost 3 hours at high tide there was little difference in water level. Halfway down the beach there were runnels running across the beach. These were caused by wave action.

On the extreme right (west) of the sector there is a sea wall varying from 4 foot to 10 foot high, reduced in places to piles of rubble. On the left the sea wall is a considerable obstacle being 8 foot to 10 foot high, vertical and in good condition.

There is a marsh which extends from the outskirts of La Riviere westwards. It is 100 yards across in the east but widens to 500 yards at the west. A stream runs through the centre and there are drainage ditches. It was uncertain whether tracked or wheeled vehicles could cross the marsh except on the roads or tracks. (They could not).

Inland the country was open cultivated land with few hedges or ditches. Orchards and copse were found only round the villages. It was thought to be good tank country. (It was but it was never put to the test).

Landmarks were few. There was a wood, above which the church spire of Ver sur Mer might be seen, and the light house at Mont Fleury with wireless mast behind it.


The Assault by 69 Brigade.
On King Beach the planned landing sequence was quite closely followed in practice. The DD tanks were not launched the planned 6000 yards out but were taken right into the beach by the LCTs and landed in shallow water. The LCT MkIII had been chosen for the role of launching DD tanks because it was thought unsuitable for a beach landing in the assault because of its draught at the stern. It mattered little to the DD tanks which could wade or swim as necessary.

An aside.
Of course things would have been different in calm weather but one has to wonder if it was ever necessary to launch DD tanks as far out as was planned, or if they were necessary at all. The squadrons that beached on Gold suffered fewer losses than any of those that swam in.

H Hour (or thereabouts).

4/7 Dragoon Guards.
‘B’ Squadron was to land on Green Beach and ‘C’ Squadron on Red Beach. ‘A’ Squadron was not equipped with DD tanks and would land later. As on the other beaches the exact organisation of the DD Squadron is uncertain. The Battlefield Tour publication of 1947 says that it was as for a normal squadron and elsewhere that the squadron had five troops of three tanks each plus a headquarters. However it then says that each craft carried five tanks, which agrees with the landing table.

It is known that there were not sufficient Sherman MkV (M4A4) DD tanks and the two regiments landing on Gold were issued with 80 Sherman MkII (M4A1) DD from US sources. It was intended that these would provide 20 DD tanks per squadron. Opinion differs as to whether in the event 19 or 20 DD tanks per squadron were actually embarked. In any case loading plans show that normally a LCT MkIII carried five DD tanks, one near the bow and on the centre line so that it could launch without manoeuvring. The remaining four were staggered so that they were alternately to port and starboard of the centre line. They needed space for their flotation screens and needed space to line up accurately with the LCT ramp. The greatest danger at this stage was tearing the screen on exiting the craft.

Serials 2400 to 2407 were LCT MkIII carrying DD tanks. It was planned that they should launch the tanks 6000 yards from shore and leave them to swim in. In the event it was judged that the sea was too rough and the Deputy Senior Officers Assault Groups and military commanders on the headquarters ships decided that the LCTs should land the tanks on the beach. Since the LCT MkIII drew more water at the stern than did later marks the DD tanks landed in fairly deep water and waded or swam the last few yards to shore.

Green Beach
‘B’ Squadron landed in support of 6 Green Howards.
Serial 2400 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘B’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.

Serial 2401 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘B’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.

Serial 2402 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘B’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.

Serial 2403 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘B’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.

The DD tanks landed at H+3minutes, just behind the Infantry LCAs. They exited the LCTs without difficulty and crossed the beach. Two tanks were drowned on the beach. One troop was detached to deal with opposition at the extreme right of the beach while the rest of the squadron proceeded up the road, past Lavatory Pan Villa, ref: 918863, and aided the infantry in taking Meuvaines Ridge. Opposition was light.


Red Beach
‘C’ Squadron landed in support of 5 East Yorkshire Regiment.
Serial 2404 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘C’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.

Serial 2405 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘C’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.

Serial 2406 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘C’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.

Serial 2407 was an LCT MkIII carrying
5 DD tanks and 25 tank crew from ‘C’ Squadron, 4/7 Dragoon Guards.


‘C’ Squadron landed without difficulty but three tanks were drowned after falling into shell holes while wading ashore. The infantry with armour support reached the Lighthouse. The tanks were then unable to follow as the route had not been cleared of mines, the Flails being bogged down south of the lateral road.. No exit had been made west of the village and the ground proved impassable to tanks.

Heavy fire was coming from La Riviere and one troop was detached to support the infantry in clearing it. This operation took two hours. Meanwhile the tide had come in rapidly and there was considerable congestion. In order to relieve this ‘C’ Squadron motored straight through the village at H+60, turned right and went past the Lighthouse to the forward rally south east of Mont Fleury. Troops then aided the infantry in isolated actions and eventually reached the River Seulles by evening.

Landing before the Breaching Teams and the assault infantry companies the DD squadrons met little opposition. There were some problems exiting the beach but in general the tanks met their infantry and pushed inland with them.

 

Breaching Teams
81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
Each Beach had a Breaching Squadron which consisted of six Sherman Crab Flail tanks and nine AVRE. Each craft carried two Flails and three AVRE. The first vehicle ashore from each craft was a Roly Poly pusher. The Roly Poly was a roll of matting intended to allow the vehicles to land without creating a depression at the end of the ramp and prevent sinking into soft clay which was thought to be present on Gold. It was not a success, largely due to the currents on D Day. An AVRE Bobbin followed in order to lay a track from the end of the Roly Poly to the top of the shore. The next two vehicles were Flails which cleared a path up the beach. An AVRE Fascine then landed and was available to fill in craters and ditches etc. In addition one craft carried a command tank from either 6 ARRE or Westminster Dragoons, one craft carried a D7 armoured dozer and one carried a SBG bridge.

Each craft also carried 25 men from 280 Field Company RE who carried their equipment and explosives in two folding boats which were to be towed ashore by AVREs. These were to make a start on clearing beach obstacles. They were assisted by one RN Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Unit per beach. One troop of 81 assault Squadron was to remain on the beach, under the command of 280 Field Company, to assist with beach clearance. A half troop of three AVRE were assigned to each of King Green and King Red.

Landing Craft Assault (Hedgerow) were towed by the LCTs. They were to fire a salvo of rockets ahead of the Breaching Teams in order to clear wire and mines. Only one LCA(HR) arrived and fired on King, the rest having foundered on the crossing, shipped too much water to operate or returned to the UK.

Green Beach
Breaching Squadron ‘X’ commanded by Major Commanding ‘C’ Squadron Westminster Dragoons landed from three Landing Craft Tank MkIV.

Lane 1.
Serial 2412 was a Landing Craft Tank MkIV carrying
2 Sherman Crab Flails with 10 crew from ‘C’ Squadron, Westminster Dragoons
1 AVRE Roly Poly pusher and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Bobbin and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Fascine and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 Sherman Crab Flail with 5 crew from ‘C’ Squadron, Westminster Dragoons. Major Squadron Commander.
25 men from 3 Platoon, 280 Field Company RE with 2 handcarts and two folding boats.

This lane was successfully opened. The LCT landed on time and in the correct place. The Roly Poly rolled down the ramp but as soon as it entered the water the current carried it to the side. The pusher AVRE, commanded by the Captain commanding the lane, made three attempts to push the Roly Poly but in each case it began to wrap itself round the tracks and it was eventually abandoned. There was a 250 yard wade to the shore and all three AVRE weaved through beach obstacles. Petard fire silenced one pillbox and blew the front of a house. The three AVRE then acted as tanks in support of the infantry and the enemy position was cleared. The two Flails cleared a lane through to the lateral road. The AVREs rallied at the Squadron rendezvous.

Lane 2.
Serial 2413 was a Landing Craft Tank MkIV carrying
2 Sherman Crab Flails with 10 crew from ‘C’ Squadron, Westminster Dragoons
1 AVRE Roly Poly pusher and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Bobbin and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Fascine and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 D7 Armoured dozer with three crew from 149 Assault Field Park Squadron RE
27 men from 3 Platoon, 280 Field Company RE with 2 handcarts and two folding boats.

Lane 2 was also successful. The Roly Poly rolled down the ramp but the current carried it to the left so that the pusher AVRE mounted the roll with one track, the other being in the mud. The AVRE carried on up the beach. The Bobbin followed and laid its carpet up to the head of the beach, although the release charge failed and a crew member had to dismount and blow it with a separate charge. The Flails landed and moved up the beach but contact with them was lost. Finally the Fascine AVRE landed. By this time the craft had swung almost parallel to the beach and landing was difficult. With all the vehicles ashore and off the beach they dispersed as planned to separate tasks. The pusher AVRE moved to join Lane 1. The Bobbin AVRE joined 280 Field Company in beach clearance, towing obstacles away until the tow slings broke and the tide rose to high to allow further work to be done. The Fascine AVRE joined a Flail from Lane 1 and both made a lane from the beach to Ver sur Mer, clearing mines and laying the fascine in an anti tank ditch.

Lane 3.
Serial 2414 was a Landing Craft Tank MkIV carrying
2 Sherman Crab Flails with 10 crew from ‘C’ Squadron, Westminster Dragoons
1 AVRE Roly Poly pusher and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Bobbin (with steel shuttering) and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Fascine and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with SBG and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 X D4 dozer with three crew from 253 Field Park Company RE. For 280 Field Company RE.
25 men from 2 Platoon, 280 Field Company RE with 2 handcarts and two folding boats.

Lane 3 was only partly successful. The experience with the Roly Poly was as for Lane 2. It was immediately carried to the left leaving the pusher AVRE with one track on the roll and the other in a crater. The pusher then moved up the beach between obstacles, passes a belt of mud with difficulty and turned to the right to support 6 Green Howards. The Bobbin AVRE had a wireless failure but exited the LCT with difficulty since the craft had swung 35 degrees in the current. It followed the tracks of the Pusher AVRE until it met the clay when it found a safer, parallel, route and laid it steel shuttering trackway across the mud. It then turned left to join 280 Field Company in beach clearance. Being unable to contact the Field Company it joined the Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Unit in clearing obstacles until the tide turned and they were able to join 280 Field Company in clearing beach obstacles. Both Crabs followed the Bobbin AVRE up the beach and used the steel shuttering to safely cross the mud belt. As the leading Crab started to flail it received a hit which blew off the flail. The second Crab had a bogie blown off as it entered the minefield so that no lane was cleared. The Fascine AVRE had difficulty exiting the LCT, which had now being carried almost parallel to the shore. The tank commander was wounded and remained on the craft. The AVRE had to travel along the shore with the drivers position under water and the other crew members unable to see forward past the fascine. It then veered into deeper water, stalled and flooded and was rammed by an incoming LCT. The crew baled out. The SBG AVRE with the lane commander could not exit the LCT at the angle at which it had come to rest so the craft pulled out from the beach and came in again square on. When the SBG AVRE exited the craft smoke was obscuring land marks and they were to the left of the original landing place. It moved up the beach and since it was not near the steel shuttering it had difficulty crossing the mud belt. On reaching the top of the beach the commander made wireless contact with the squadron commander to find out where the flailed lane was. He was ordered to travel 500 yards to the right then go along the cleared lane and drop the SBG across a crater 200 yards inland of Lavatory Pan house. The AVRE then moved on to clear an obstruction on the road to Ver sur Mer.


Red Beach
Breaching Squadron ‘Z’ commanded by Major Commanding 81 Assault Squadron landed from three Landing Craft Tank MkIV.

Lane 4.
Serial 2423 was a Landing Craft Tank MkIV carrying
2 Sherman Crab Flails with 10 crew from ‘C’ Squadron, Westminster Dragoons.
1 AVRE Roly Poly pusher and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Bobbin and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Fascine and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 D4 Armoured dozer with three crew from 149 Assault Field Park Squadron RE.
25 men from 2 Platoon, 280 Field Company RE with 2 handcarts and two folding boats.

Lane 4 was only partly successful. All the vehicles had to make a sharp left hand turn when exiting as the craft had swung in the current. There is no report from the Roly Poly pusher as it was hit and exploded. The remaining vehicles seem to have crossed the beach successfully. On reaching the top of the beach they selected a low point in the dunes and set off inland with the Crabs in the lead. One Crab bogged down in the minefield and the remaining Crab turned left along the coast road to La RIviere until a crater was reached. The second Crab bogged down while trying to by pass the crater. The Fascine AVRE dropped its fascine in the crater but it fell too awkwardly to cross. The Fascine AVRE then bogged down trying to by pass the crater. By the time the vehicles had been towed clear the team was ordered to the rendezvous. One Crab bogged again and the other remained to recover it while an AVRE had to wait to fix a track which was slipping off its sprocket.

Interestingly the officer commanding this team mentions that he positioned a windsock to mark the lane, left gap marking signs and set off a green smoke canister. Presumably all lane commanders did this, or were supposed to.


Lane 5.
Serial 2424 was a Landing Craft Tank MkIV carrying
2 Sherman Crab Flails with 10 crew from ‘C’ Squadron, Westminster Dragoons.
1 AVRE Roly Poly pusher and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE. Squadron Commander.
1 AVRE Roly Poly pusher and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Bobbin and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Fascine and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
27 men from 1 Platoon, 280 Field Company RE with 2 handcarts and two folding boats. Includes Officer Commanding.

Lane 5 was partly successful. This craft had two Roly Poly pushers. The first one landed at 0725 and pushed the Roly Poly for 10 yards when it failed to unroll further. The AVRE tried to climb it but fell off and lost its deep wading ducts. Water got into the brakes and it would not steer. The brakes did not dry out until 0815. The squadron commander in the second Roly Poly pusher landed at 0730. The Roly Poly rolled to the bottom of the ramp and as soon as the AVRE touched it with the pusher the AVRE climbed it and followed a Crab from another lane up the beach. It is not clear if the Roly Poly was successful.


Lane 6.
Serial 2425 was a Landing Craft Tank MkIV carrying
2 Sherman Crab Flails with 10 crew from ‘C’ Squadron, Westminster Dragoons.
1 AVRE Roly Poly pusher and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Bobbin and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 AVRE with Fascine and 6 crew from 81 Assault Squadron, 6ARRE.
1 Armoured D7 dozer with 2 crew from 149 Assault Field Park Squadron RE.
25 men from 1 Platoon, 280 Field Company RE with 2 handcarts and two folding boats.

Lane 6 was successful. The LCT landed in the correct position and the Roly Poly was launched. As with others it was carried to the left and the pusher AVRE had to mount it with one track and was nearly turned over. It was not possible to see where the carpet had been laid. The Bobbin followed and met with no problems and did not use the carpet. The Bobbin was jettisoned at the top of the beach, though the charges failed and it had to be released by hand. The AVRE then returned to help clear obstacles. The other vehicles followed without difficulty. The Fascine AVRE was hit and put out of action. The Bobbin AVRE suffered a jammed turret after being hit but eventually freed it and went on to Ver sur Mer.

Roly Poly was used only on Gold. Exact details are not clear but the roll of matting was fitted in the bow of the LCT after all the vehicles were on board. A team of RE personnel were responsible for fitting it and they then travelled with it. When the LCT ramp was lowered the Roly Poly should roll down the ramp and unroll itself . The pusher tank then followed down the ramp simultaneously anchoring the carpet and pushing it ahead to further unroll it. In calm test conditions it worked well but on D Day the swell and the coastwise current lifted it and carried it away before the pusher could reach it. None seemed to have worked correctly and many became obstacles to vehicles until they were carried away completely. The pusher tank does not seem to have had any special equipment for the task

 

Obstacle Clearance.
280 Field Company RE.
280 Field Company was a late addition to the order of battle, being notified on 4 May that it would be under command of XXX Corp for a special role in the invasion. It had been planned that 73 Field Company would be responsible for obstacle clearance on Gold but it became clear that the number of obstacles being installed would require more than one company.

280 Field Company was assigned to King Sector and divided into six craft loads, one for each lane and being carried one per LCT carrying the Breaching Teams. Each lane had 24 men under an officer or a serjeant. The craft loads were:

Red Beach:
Platoon Serjeant and 24 men from No 1 Platoon
Platoon Officer and 24 men from No 1 Platoon plus two runners for the Officer Commanding.
Platoon Officer and 24 men from No 2 Platoon

Green Beach:
Platoon Serjeant and 24 men from No 2 Platoon
24 men from No 3 Platoon plus Officer Commanding, Reconnaissance Officer and one runner.
Platoon Officer and 24 men from No 3 Platoon

One Lieutenant was placed in command of personnel on each beach while the Officer Commanding set up a Report Centre between the two beaches.

Each team also had two handcarts and two Folding Boats to carry explosives and equipment. The handcarts were difficult to manage in the surf but were waterproof and seem to have made it up the beach. Most seem to have needed four men rather than the planned two. The Folding Boats were to have been shackled to the last AVRE and be towed ashore by it. They were not a success. Some were left behind when the towing cable parted due to sudden movement of the AVRE. Some actually tore in half or the bows, connected to the AVRE, parted from the rest of the boat. Some were swamped, overturned or damaged in the surf and current.

The Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Units were under the command of 280 Field Company. They landed with their own LCAs which approached the shore behind the centre LCT for each beach.

It was planned that beach obstacles would be dealt with by demolition. Each man carried two 3lb charges and was to attach these to the obstacles nearest to the water, with LCOCU personnel attaching charges in water too deep for the sappers. At a given signal all men were to pull the igniters and take cover. The teams would then decide further actions in the light of the circumstances at the time. These worked well and two 200 yard gaps were cleared before the rising tide prevented further work.

 

1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment.

Serials 2415 to 2422 were Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying Centaur CS tanks of 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment. Serials 2415 to 2418 were for Green Beach and 2419 to 2422 had identical loads for Red Beach. In the event it was found that the armour plus the platforms for tanks made the LCT(A) unstable in the rough seas and some turned back, some were late and only one was on time. It is not clear which craft arrived on time but it carried two Centaur and a Crusader AA so must have been Serial 2419 or Serial 2421 landing on King Green.

Porpoises were watertight ammunition sledges which were towed by the Centaurs.

The plan was that the Royal Marines vehicles would land and the LCT(A) should put back to sea. They would return to land the remainder of the vehicles at H+20 minutes. In the circumstances it seems unlikely that they followed this plan.

The Centaurs were to act as field artillery support for the infantry until such time as the Field Regiments RA could land.

Green Beach.
Serial 2415 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support
5 men from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment.
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
2 Carrier Universal with 8 crew from 7 Green Howards.
4 Carrier Universal with 12 crew from 6 Green Howards.
Failed to arrive on time.

Serial 2416 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
5 men from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
1 Sherman with 5 crew from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
1 M14 halftrack with 6 men of 89 Field Regiment RE
Failed to arrive on time.

Serial 2417 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
5 men from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
3 Carrier Universal with 12 crew from 7 Green Howards
3 Carrier Universal with 12 crew from 6 Green Howards
Failed to arrive on time.

Serial 2418 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
5 men from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
1 Sherman with 5 crew from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA and 2 crew from Royal Signals
For Beach Group.
2 men from Royal Navy Commando T
4 men from 9 Beach Signal Unit RN
3 men from 20 Beach Signal Section RS
Failed to arrive on time.

Red Beach.
Serial 2419 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 2 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
5 men from 1 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
1 Crusader SP AA 40mm and 1 40mm AA with 24 men from 120 LAA Regiment RA.
2 men from 102 Anti Tank Regiment RA
May have arrived on time.

Serial 2420 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 2 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
5 men from 1 Battery, 2 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
1 Sherman with 5 crew from 2 Battery, 2 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
1 Carrier Universal (Kapoked) with 6 crew from 89 Field Company RE *
For the Beach group.
2 men from Royal Navy Commando T
4 men from 9 Beach Signal Unit RN
3 men from 20 Beach Signal Section RS
* A Carrier with Kapok floats. It could not exit the LCT with floats fitted. For use on the flooded area behind the beach. May have been replaced by a Weasel.
Failed to arrive on time.

Serial 2421 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 2 Battery, 2 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
5 men from 1 Battery, 2 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
1 Crusader AA 40mm and one 40mm AA with 23 men from 120 LAA Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
May have arrived on time.

Serial 2422 was a Landing Craft Tank (Armoured) carrying
2 Centaur and 2 Porpoises with 10 crew from 2 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
5 men from 1 Battery, 2 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
1 Sherman with 5 crew from 2 Battery, 1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment
Plus the following to land at H+20 minutes.
1 M14 halftrack with 5 crew from 280 Field Company RE
Failed to arrive on time.

 

Forward Observation Officers.
Red Beach
Serial 2426 was a Landing Craft Support (Medium) which landed the following by LCA
4 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.

Green Beach
Serial 2427 was a Landing Craft Support (Medium) which landed the following by LCA
4 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.

These Forward Observation Officers and their teams observed fire from the Field Regiment on the run in and remained on the Landing Craft Support (Medium) to receive and pass on requests for fire support from the Centaurs. They then landed to continue observing for the Field Regiment and the Centaurs. In the event there were only two Centaurs ashore and until the Field regiments landed fire support came from destroyers off shore directed by Forward Observers Bombardment.

 

H + 5 minutes.

The 4 assault companies land, 2 companies from 6 Green Howards on Green Beach and 2 companies
from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment on Red Beach.

Green Beach
6 Green Howards landed on the right of Green Beach. ‘A’ Company were on the right and moved to attack Strongpoint WN 35. The defence quickly collapsed and few casualties were incurred. ‘D’ Company were on the left and landed without opposition, rapidly moving inland to attack the Mont Fleury Battery.

Serials 2433 to 2437 were 5 LCAs from LSI(L) G66, Empire Rapier, carrying ‘A’ Company, 6 Green Howards
127 men from ‘A’ Company, 6 Green Howards
11 men from 233 Field Company RE
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.

Serials 2438 to 1442 were 5 LCAs from LSI(L) G65, Empire Lance, carrying ‘D’ Company, 6 Green Howards
127 men from ‘D’ Company, 6 Green Howards
15 men from 233 Field Company RE. Including reconnaissance party.
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.


Red Beach
5 East Yorkshire Regiment landed on the left of Green Beach. ‘A’ Company were on the right and met little opposition, also rapidly moving inland to the Mont Fleury Battery. ‘D’ Company on the left were close to the La Riviere strongpoint and met heavy opposition. They were pinned down on the beach and suffered heavy casualties. The accompanying RA party was also lost.

Serials 2343 to 1447 were 5 LCAs from LSI(L) G68 carrying ‘A’ Company, 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
126 men from ‘A’ Company, 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
13 men from 233 Field Company RE
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.

Serials 2448 to 2452 were 5 LCAs from LSI(L) G67 carrying ‘D’ Company 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
126 men from ‘D’ Company, 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
12 men from 233 Field Company RE
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.

Each of the assaulting infantry companies were accompanied by teams from 233 Field Company RE. These formed assault demolition parties and mine clearing parties. They were under command of the infantry company and had trained with them. No 3 Platoon provided teams for 6 Green Howards with 1 and 4 sections landing with the assault companies and 2 and 3 sections landing with the follow up companies.

 

H + 20 minutes

The remaining companies and headquarters of assault battalions land.

Green Beach
Serials 2457 to 2462 were 6 LCAs carrying company 6 Green Howards
115 men and 5 bicycles from 6 Green Howards
14 men and a handcart from ‘B’ (MG) Company, 2 Cheshire Regiment
14 men from 233 Field Company RE
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.
4 men from 50 Division Provost Company

Serials 2463 to 2467 were 6 LCAs carrying company 6 Green Howards
113 men and 5 bicycles from 6 Green Howards. Bicycles carried on hatch cover.
14 men and a handcart from ‘B’ (MG) Company, 2 Cheshire Regiment
12 men from 233 Field Company RE
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.
5 men from 50 Division Provost Company
3 men from 7 Green Howards

It is assumed that these are ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies, 6 Green Howards together with the mine clearing and demolition teams from 233 Field Company and a Platoon of four machine guns from ‘B’ Company, 2 Cheshire Regiment. The Machine Gun Carriers land later.

Provosts are for beach control. The three man team from 7 Green Howards are the Unit Landing Officer’s advanced party.


Serial 2468 was a LCM which lands with headquarters and signals personnel from LSH Kingsmill
14 men from 6 Green Howards
1 Carrier Universal with one man from 6 Green Howards.
1 Jeep with one man from 6 Green Howards.
7 men and 2 handcarts from 20 Beach Signal Section RS.
3 men and one handcart from 69 Brigade Signal Section RS.
2 men from ‘B’ (MG) Company, 7 Cheshire Regiment.
3 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.
4 men from Forward Observation Bombardment Unit. For 69 Brigade.
4 men from Contact Detachment 61 Reconnaissance Regiment.

LCH carrying headquarters and signals
4 men from 6 Green Howards.
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA.
12 men and a handcart from 9 Beach Signal Unit RN.
7 men from RN Commando T.
2 men from Detachment Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group.
1 man from 107 Beach Section RAF.



Red Beach
Serial 2469 was a LCM which lands with headquarters and signals personnel from LCH.
14 men from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with one man from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Jeep with one man from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
6 men and 2 handcarts from 20 Beach Signal Section RS
3 men and one handcart from 69 Brigade Signal Section RS
3 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 men from Forward Observation Bombardment Unit. For 69 Brigade
4 men from Contact Detachment 61 Reconnaissance Regiment

Serials 2470 to 2474 were 5 LCAs from LSI(L) G68 carrying company 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
124 men and 5 bicycles from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment. Bicycles carried on hatch.
11 men from 233 Field Company RE.
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.
2 men from 50 Division Provost Company.
3 men from Headquarters 69 Brigade. Reconnaissance party.

Serials 2475 to 2479 were 5 LCAs from LSI(L) G67 carrying company 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
127 men and 5 bicycles from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment. Including Battalion Headquarters.
15 men from 233 Field Company RE.
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.
4 men from 50 Division Provost Company.
3 men from 7 Green Howards. Reconnaissance party.

LCH carrying headquarters and signals
3 men from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
12 men and a handcart from 9 Beach Signal Unit RN
9 men from RN Commando T
2 men from Detachment Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group

Serial 2485 was an LCA from LSI(L) G68 carrying
23 men and 2 handcarts from RN Commando T. Including Principal Beach Master, 2 Beachmasters and an Assistant Beachmaster.

Serial 2486 was an LCA from LSI(L) G68 carrying
24 men and 2 handcarts from RN Commando T. Including Beach Master and Assistant Beach Master

 

6 Green Howards.
At 0710 ‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ Companies plus Battalion Headquarters were all onboard LCAs.

A Company attacked the highly fortified strongpoint at 914868. D Company attacked the heavily concreted gun positions in area Mont Fleury 917863. The storming of both these enemy positions was highly successful and the battalion suffered surprisingly low casualties.

Reserve companies followed. B Company moved to area 908863 and attacked enemy positions, clearing a quarry en route. C Company moved with little opposition to 904850, the battalion re organising area.

By 1000 the companies BHQ and the majority of the Support Company were firmly ashore and proceeding to the battalion re organising area. The enemy was falling back rapidly but snipers left behind in houses, trees and hedgerows caused delays in the advance. POWs were plentiful and were sent straight back to the beach.

By midday the battalion had reported the successful completion of Phase I and was pushing on rapidly to the area of Crepon.

It was reported that there was strong opposition to the west of Crepon but the battalion continued to advance and the CO, who was up with the forward companies, ordered that opposition should be by passed unless absolutely unavoidable.

By 1500 Battalion HQ was passing through Crepon, which was clear of the enemy. The battalion was well to the south and approaching Villers le Sec. The successful completion of Phase II was reported.
At 1700 it was reported that 100 tanks and much enemy transport was moving to the west of Caen. The RAF was bombing and strafing all along the front. The battalion continued to advance towards St Gabriel, which was being heavily shelled by the enemy.

At 1800 it was reported that enemy tanks were approaching and at 1950 Brigade ordered a halt as the infantry and anti tank opposition was becoming too much. The advance resumed at 2030 and the battalion occupied a position west of St Gabriel under a heavy barrage from 86 Field regiment RA, and a heavy machine gun concentration from B company 2 Cheshire Regiment (MG).

At last light the battalion was in positions west of St Gabriel and remained there overnight.


5 East Yorkshire Regiment.
‘D’ Company landed on the left of King Red, close to strongpoint WN 33 at La Riviere, at 0725. They met with strong opposition and were pinned to the beach by machine gun fire and fire from one 88mm gun. They suffered heavy casualties and were forced to shelter under the sea wall. The Forward Observation Officer from 86 Field Regiment was a casualty together with two of his team. Most of the close support Centaurs of the RMASR had failed to arrive. Eventually fire support was obtained from LCGs and LCS(L)s offshore. These engaged pillboxes and the fortified houses overlooking the beach and the infantry were able to advance. They then succeeded in attacking the 88 gun position from the rear.

‘A’ Company also landed at 0725 but on the right of King Red. They met only ‘spasmodic opposition’ and took their objective, the battery at Mount Fleury, with only eight casualties.

‘B’ Company landing on the left at 0750 found the opposition still heavy. They waded through deep water and were picked off by small arms fire.

‘C’ Company following ‘A’ Company ashore at 0750 landed almost without opposition and moved inland.

 

H + 45 minutes.

The reserve battalion, 7 Green Howards, lands.
Serials 2492 to 2497 were 6 LCAs from LSI(L) G66, Empire Rapier, carrying company 7 Green Howards
121 men and 16 bicycles from 7 Green Howards. Bicycles carried on hatch.
8 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment.
6 men from 89 Field Company RE.
4 men from ‘B’ (MG) Company, 2 Cheshire Regiment.
2 men from 50 Division Provost Company.
17 men from 233 Field Company RE. Including Task Force reconnaissance.
5 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC. Light Section.
3 men from 240 Provost Company.
2 men from Durham Light Infantry. Unit Landing Officers party.
1 man from Army Film and Photographic Unit.

Serials 2498 to 2502 were 5 LCAs from LSI(L) carrying company 7 Green Howards
117 men and 16 bicycles from 7 Green Howards. Bicycles carried on hatch.
6 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment.
5 men from 89 Field Company RE.
2 men from 50 Division Provost Company.
12 men from 233 Field Company RE.
4 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC. Light Section.
1 man from Durham Light Infantry. Unit Landing Officers party.
1 man from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Liaison Officer.

Serials 2503 to 2508 were 6 LCAs from LSI(L) carrying company 7 Green Howards
123 men and 16 bicycles from 7 Green Howards. Bicycles carried on hatch.
7 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
6 men from 89 Field Company RE
2 men from 50 Division Provost Company
15 men from 233 Field Company RE
15 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC. Light Section.
3 men from 240 Provost Company


Serials 2509 to 2514 were 6 LCAs from LSI(L) carrying company 7 Green Howards
126 men with 16 bicycles from 7 Green Howards. Bicycles carried on hatch.
7 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
5 men from 89 Field Company RE
2 men from 50 Division Provost Company
15 men from 233 Field Company RE. Including reconnaissance party.
10 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC. Light Section.
3 men from 124 Field Regiment RA. Forward Observation Officer.
2 men from Highland Light Infantry. Unit Landing Officers party.
2 men from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 man from Brigade Signals RS

One LCM loaded with a Carrier and a Jeep collected the battalion headquarters 7 Green Howards from LSI(L).
11 men from 7 Green Howards
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 Jeep with 4 crew from 7 Green Howards
2 men from 69 Brigade Signals S
3 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 men from FOB 69 Brigade
1 man from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Press Correspondent
3 men from 13 Heavy Mortar Platoon 2 Cheshire Regiment


Headquarters 69 Brigade was to land on either Red or Green Beach and at a time decided by the Brigadier.

Serial 2515 was a frigate acting as Landing Ship Headquarters (Small) which has been carrying Headquarters 69 Brigade and its signals section. This headquarters has operated from the ship but will now land using an accompanying LCM.
7 men from Headquarters 69 Brigade
6 men and 2 handcarts from 69 Brigade Signals RS
2 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 men from 86 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
2 men from 233 Field Company RE
2 men from 99/102 AT Battery RA
1 man from Headquarters 151 Brigade

A LCM loaded with vehicles for the headquarters collected and landed the personnel from LSH(S). The LCM already contained:
1 man from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 Jeep with two men from Headquarters 69 Brigade
6 men from 69 Brigade Signals RS
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS

 

H + 45 Minutes
Three LCTs will start to land priority vehicles.
Serial 2520 was an LCT IV carrying
1 D8 Tractor and a Jahn trailer with 3 crew from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
3 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 13 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 7 Green Howards
3 Carrier Universal with 9 crew from 6 Green Howards
3 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 12 crew from 6 Green Howards
3 Carrier MMG with 15 crew and a handcart from ‘B’ (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 M10 SP AT guns with 15 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2521 was an LCT III carrying
2 Carriers Universal with 9 crew from ‘B’ (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
3 men and a handcart from ‘B’ (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Crocodile and trailer with 5 crew from 13 Troop, C Squadron 141 RAC
1 M14 halftrack with 2 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
11 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
11 Men from 7 Green Howards
2 M10 SP AT guns with 15 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
7 men from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2522 was an LCT III carrying
2 Crocodile and trailer with 10 crew from 13 Troop, C Squadron 141 RAC
2 Carrier Universal with 8 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
12 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 man from 183 Field Company RE


13 Troop, ‘C’ Squadron, 141 RAC.
One troop of three Churchill Crocodile tanks and their trailers landed about H+60 minutes. A jeep from squadron headquarters should land at the same time. One tank bogged down in a crater below the high water mark. The remaining two supported 7 Green Howards through Ver sur Mer and then on to Point 44, ref: 917343. They eventually leaguered with ‘C’ Squadron Westminster Dragoons near Crepon. Crocodile flame throwing tanks were new in service and were an unknown quantity. They did not use flame because they were late landing and there were no defences requiring their skills .

24 Beach Recovery Section REME.
This section was responsible for clearing drowned, stalled, broken down or damaged vehicles from the cleared lanes. At this stage they concentrated on keeping the lanes clear rather than recovering and repairing vehicles. The D8 tractor was waterproofed for deep wading and had a powerful winch. The trailer belonged to the engineers and was loaded with trackway material.

 

7 Green Howards.
War Diary:
Battalion Headquarters and ‘C’ Company embarked on Empire Lance. Commanding Officers Carrier also embarked, to be landed by LCM.
‘D’ Company embarked on Empire Rapier.
‘A’ Company embarked on Empire Mace.
‘B’ Company embarked on Empire Halberd.
5 LCAs from LSI(L) carry 121 men and 16 bicycles from 7 Green Howards plus RE, MG, RAMC and Provost personnel.

On D-1 the LCAs were loaded with stores and equipment. There was a final conference with SNTO, CO, AMLO and officers.

On D Day.
0300 Reveille.
0400 Breakfast.
0420 LCAs commence loading.
0520 Battalion Headquarters board LCM.

On landing the battalion advanced along the road to Ver sur Mer in the order ‘B’ Company, ‘D’ Company, ‘A’ Company, ‘C’ Company and Tactical Headquarters. The MT Officer established the vehicle assembly area. Companies ‘B’, ‘D’ and ‘A’ then advanced along the road to Crepon and prepared to attack the battery at Ver sur mer. ‘C’ Company and Tactical Headquarters moved to attack the battery from the opposite direction.

Five Carriers, the Mortar Platoon and Anti Tank Platoon arrived and three companies advanced with support from 4/7 Dragoon Guards and 86 Field Regiment. ‘D’ Company remained to clear Crepon. A mobile column was formed under the second in command. This consisted of ‘B’ Company, Carrier Section and a tank squadron. The battalion continued to Coulombs and dug in for the night.

 

H + 60 minutes.
LCTs carrying the priority vehicles of the assault brigade, the remainder of the 4/7 Dragoon Guards and Beach Group personnel.

Green Beach
Five LCT IV arrive carrying:
Serial 2531 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D8 Tractor with 3 crew from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
2 Carrier Mortar with 10 crew from 6 Green Howards
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 15 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 Carrier Universal with 6 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle with 4 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
2 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 10 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE
2 Sherman tanks with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
5 men with handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2532 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
2 Carrier Mortar plus Trailer Mortar (4.2”) with 8 crew from 13 Heavy Mortar Pl. 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 Carrier Mortar with 6 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 12 crew from 6 Green Howards
1 3ton 4 X 4 with winch with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE
2 Sherman tanks with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
5 men with handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
9 men from 75 Pioneer Company with handcart
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2533 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
3 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 6 crew from 6 Green Howards
2 Carrier MMG with 4 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 6 Green Howards
3 Sherman tank with 15 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards (including one Firefly)
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 12 crew from 6 Green Howards
1 Jeep with trailer with 1 crew from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 jeep with 3 crew from 102 Anti Tank Regiment RA
11 men from 75 Pioneer Company
6 men from 89 Field Company RE
5 men with handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 men from 240 Provost Company
3 men from 4/7 Dragoon Guards Signals RS
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2534 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 Jeep with trailer and 2 crew from 69 Brigade Signal Section RS
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 6 Green Howards
1 M14 halftrack towing trailer with 4 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE
3 Sherman tank with 15 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards (including one Firefly)
1 Scout car with 1 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle with 5 crew from Westminster Dragoons
3 men from Headquarters 69 Brigade
7 men from 69 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon
16 men with handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
11 men with handcart from 89 Field Company RE
8 men from 75 Pioneer Company
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2535 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 Jeep and 2 crew from Headquarters 7 Canadian Brigade
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 6 Green Howards
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 12 crew from 6 Green Howards
3 Sherman tank with 15 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards (including one Firefly)
1 Scout car with 1 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle (Sherman) with 4 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
6 men with handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
3 men with handcart from 240 Provost Company
6 men with from 89 Field Company RE
15 men from 75 Pioneer Company


Red Beach
Serial 2536 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
4 Carrier Universal with 16 crew from 7 Green Howards
2 Scout car with 2 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
2 Carriers MMG with 10 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 Sherman tank with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Carrier Mortar plus Trailer (4.2”) with 4 crew from 13 Heavy Mortar Platoon 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
2 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 8 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE
5 men from 89 Field Company RE
7 men with a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 men with handcart from 240 Provost Company
3 men from LAD 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2537 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 Jeep and 2 crew from 141 RAC
1 Jeep towing trailer with 3 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Jeep and 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
3 Carriers MMG with 13 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 4 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Crusader SP AA 40mm Bofors with 23 men from 120 LAA RA
2 Carrier Universal with 8 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
2 Sherman tank with 9 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards (including one Firefly)
4 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 men from Regimental Headquarters 120 LAA RA
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2538 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 4 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
2 Carrier Universal with 8 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 M14 halftrack with 1 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
3 Carrier Universal with 12 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE
1 3ton with winch with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE
8 men with a handcart from 89 Field Company RE
2 Sherman tank with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 4 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 M14 with 6 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
8 men with a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment


Serial 2539 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Dozer and Carriemore Trailer with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
2 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 8 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 M14 halftrack with 1 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
1 Carrier Mortar plus Trailer (4.2”) with 4 crew from 13 Heavy Mortar Platoon 2 Cheshire Regiment
4 Sherman tank with 19 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards (including one Firefly)
6 men with a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
17 men with 2 handcarts from 89 Field Company RE
12 men with 2 handcarts from 75 Pioneer Company
3 men with handcart from 240 Provost Company

Serial 2540 is an LCT IV carrying
2 D8 Tractor and Trailer with 6 crew from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
7 men from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
4 Carrier Universal with 15 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 4 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Carrier Mortar plus Trailer (4.2”) with 4 crew from 13 Heavy Mortar Platoon 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 13 Heavy Mortar Platoon 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 M14 halftrack with 12 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle (Churchill) with 5 crew from 81 Assault Squadron 6 ARRE
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle (Sherman BARV) with 4 crew from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
10 men with 2 handcarts from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
3 men from 75 Pioneer Company
3 men from 240 Provost Company
1 man from 183 Field Company RE


By Unit.
Below is the same information arranged by unit It may be stating the obvious but the above information makes it appear that the craft were arriving one after the other in orderly procession. In fact all the wave of craft should beach at the same time and start landing its load of vehicles and personnel. The vehicles of a particular unit landing from various craft would normally drive straight off the beach, through the exits and proceed to the unit Assembly Area where it will form up with the rest of the units vehicles and personnel. Waiting on the beach for companions from the same unit was not permitted by beachmasters and provosts.

Headquarters 69 Brigade.
1 Jeep with trailer with 1 crew.
3 men.
7 men from 69 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon
1 Jeep with trailer and 2 crew from 69 Brigade Signal Section RS
1 M14 halftrack towing trailer with 4 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
1 Jeep and 2 crew from Headquarters 7 Canadian Brigade. Liaison Officer.

6 Green Howards
5 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 25 crew.
2 15cwt 4 X 4 with 4 crew.
4 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 24 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew.
7 Green Howards
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 15 crew.
4 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 20 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
4 Carrier Universal with 16 crew.

2 Cheshire Regiment
B (MG) Company
1 Carrier Universal with 6 crew.
4 Carrier MMG with 20 crew.
13 Heavy Mortar Platoon
2 Carrier Mortar plus Trailer Mortar (4.2”) with 8 crew.

4/7 Dragoon Guards
2 Armoured Recovery Vehicles with 8 crew.
10 Sherman tanks with 50 crew.
3 Sherman Firefly with 12 crew.
2 Scout car with 2 crew.
3 men from 4/7 Dragoon Guards Signal Section RS

Westminster Dragoons
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle with 5 crew.

24 Beach Recovery Section REME
1 D8 Tractor with 3 crew.

233 Field Company RE
2 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

183 Field Company RE
4 men.

89 Field Company RE
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 with winch with 2 crew.
6 men from 89 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew.
23 men with handcart.

2 Hertfordshire Regiment.
37 men with 5 handcarts.

51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
4 D7 Dozer towing Carriemore Trailers with 12 crew.
Trailers loaded with trackway material.

75 Pioneer Company
43 men with a handcart.

240 Provost Company
5 men with handcart.

102 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 jeep with 3 crew.


Red Beach
H + 60 minutes.

69 Brigade Signals RS
2 M14 halftrack with 2 crew.

5 East Yorkshire Regiment
10 Carrier Universal with 40 crew.
7 Carrier Mortar (3”) with 28 crew.

7 Green Howards
3 Carrier Universal with 12 crew.

2 Cheshire Regiment.
B (MG) Company.
1 Jeep towing trailer with 3 crew.
3 Carriers MMG with 13 crew.
13 Heavy Mortar Platoon
3 Carrier Mortar plus Trailer (4.2”) with 12 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

4/7 Dragoon Guards
2 Scout car with 2 crew
6 Sherman tank with 30 crew.
2 Sherman Firefly with 8 crew.
3 M14 with 18 crew.
3 men from LAD 4/7 Dragoon Guards

81 Assault Squadron 6 ARRE
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle (Churchill) with 5 crew .

141 RAC
1 Jeep and 2 crew.

233 Field Company RE
1 Jeep and 2 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew.

2 Hertfordshire Regiment
35 men with 5 handcarts.

51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
4 D7 Dozer towing Carriemore Trailer with 13 crew.

89 Field Company RE
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew.
1 3ton with winch with 2 crew.
30 men with 3 handcarts.

183 Field Company RE
3 men

240 Provost Company
8 men with 2 handcarts.

75 Pioneer Company
15 men with 2 handcarts.

24 Beach Recovery Section REME
2 D8 Tractor and Trailer with 6 crew.
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle (Sherman BARV) with 4 crew.
7 men.

120 LAA RA
1 Crusader SP AA 40mm Bofors with 23 men.
2 men from Regimental Headquarters.


Serial 2542 was a Motor Launch which landed the following by LCA.
3 men from 86 Field Regiment RA. Headquarters party
This regiment had been giving fire support from their landing craft and would land at H +90.

 

H + 90 Minutes.

86 Field Regiment RA began to land its guns together with the remainder of 69 brigade’s priority vehicles.

Green Beach
Six LCTIV land.

Serial 2546 is an LCT IV carrying
3 Carriers Universal from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 M14 from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 RAM SP 25pdr from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Cruiser Tank OP from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep from 86 Field Regiment RA
52 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 jeep with 1 crew from FOB 69 Brigade
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA
7 men with a handcart from 75 Pioneer Company
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2547 is an LCT IV carrying
2 Carriers Universal from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 M14 from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 RAM SP 25pdr from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Cruiser Tank OP from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Jeep from 86 Field Regiment RA
60 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 124 Field Regiment RA
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2548 is an LCT IV carrying
2 Carriers Universal from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 M14 from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 RAM SP 25pdr from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Cruiser Tank OP from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep from 86 Field Regiment RA
59 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 1 crew from FOB 69 Brigade
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA
3 men from 75 Pioneer Company
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2549 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D8 Tractor with 3 crew from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
1 Trailer Fruehauf from 235 Field Park Company RE. Towed by D8 above. Carries engineer stores.
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 12 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 M14 with 4 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 15 cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from AT Platoon, 7 Green Howards.
1 Car 4 seater with 4 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
1 M14 with 4 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 99/102 AT Regiment
1 Breakdown Tractor with 3 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Jeep and trailer with 3 crew from Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle with 4 crew from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
17 men with a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
8 men from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
3 men from 40 Provost Company
5 men from LAD 4/7 Dragoons
1 man from 183 Field Company RE

Serial 2550 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Tractor with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Company RE
1 Jahn Trailer from 51 Mechanical Equipment Company RE. Towed by D7. Carries engineer stores.
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Company RE
1 Jeep with two crew from 240 Provost Company
4 men and a handcart from 240 Provost Company
3 Carrier Universal with 6 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 12 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 15 cwt GS with 2 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew from 61 Recce Regiment.
1 man from 47 Royal Marine Commando. Carried in Carrier above. Contact for Commandos
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 240 Provost Company
2 M14 with 4 crew from 233 Field Company RE
8 men and a handcart from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
19 men and a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 Press Correspondent
1 man from 280 Field Company RE


Red Beach
Five LCTIV land.
Serial 2551 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D7 Tractor with 3 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Company RE
1 Jahn Trailer from 51 Mechanical Equipment Company RE. Towed by D7. Carries engineer stores.
1 Jeep with 3 crew from Air Support Signals Unit
1 Jeep with 4 crew from Regimental Headquarters 120 LAA Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 90 Field Regiment RA
1 15 cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 6 Green Howards
2 M14 with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signals and 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 12 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Cruiser Tank OP with 2 crew from 86 Field Regiment and 3 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signals
12 men and a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 man from 280 Field Company RE


Serial 2552 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D8 Tractor with 3 crew from 24 Beach Section REME
1 Stella Trailer with 3 crew from 24 Beach Section REME. Towed by D8. Carries engineer stores.
1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew from 61 Recce Regiment.
1 man from 47 Royal Marine Commando. Carried in Carrier above. Contact for Commandos.
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA
6 men from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 16 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 M14 halftrack with 10 men from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
7 men from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
3 men from 240 Provost Company
12 men and a handcart from 75 Pioneer Company
1 man from 280 Field Company RE


Serial 2553 is an LCT IV carrying
1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from 240 Provost Company
4 men from 240 Provost Company
1 Jeep with 3 men from Headquarters RE 104 Beach Sub Area
1 3ton with winch with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 Stella Trailer with 3 crew from 235 Field Park Company RE
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 15 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew from 61 Recce Regiment.
1 man from 47 Royal Marine Commando. Carried in above Carrier. Contact for Commandos.
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 Car 4 seater with 3 crew from 69 Brigade Signals
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
13 men with a handcart from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
12 men and a handcart from 75 Pioneer Company


Serial 2554 is an LCT IV carrying
1 D6 Tractor with 3 crew from 235 Field Park Company RE
1 Fruehauf Trailer from 235 Field Park Company RE. Towed by D6. Carries engineer stores.
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 12 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 240 Provost Company
1 Jeep with 3 men from 536 General Transport Company RASC
1 Jeep with 1 man from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
9 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 M14 Halftrack with 6 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from 89 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from C Squadron Westminster Dragoons
1 15cwt 4 X 4 from 50 Division Provost Company
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle with 4 crew from 24 Beach Recovery Section REME
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew from 61 Recce Regiment.
1 man from 47 Royal Marine Commando. Carried in above Carrier. Contact for Commandos.
8 men with a handcart from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
10 men and a handcart from 75 Pioneer Company

Serial 2555 is an LCT IV carrying
1 3ton with winch with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 15 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from 233 Field Engineer Company RE
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 240 Provost Company
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 69 Brigade LAD REME
1 Jeep Amphibian with 3 crew from Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 Car 4 X 4 with 3 crew from N Section 50 Division Signals RS
20 men and 2 handcart from 75 Pioneer Company
20 men and a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 Press Correspondent
1 man from 280 Field Company RE

By unit.
86 Field Regiment RA.
Green Beach

? Battery.
3 Carriers Universal.
1 M14.
4 RAM SP 25pdr.
2 Cruiser Tank OP.
1 Jeep.
52 men.
Plus
1 jeep with 1 crew from FOB 69 Brigade
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA

? Battery
2 Carriers Universal.
1 M14.
4 RAM SP 25pdr.
2 Cruiser Tank OP.
2 Jeep.
60 men.
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA

? Battery
2 Carriers Universal.
1 M14.
4 RAM SP 25pdr.
2 Cruiser Tank OP.
1 Jeep.
59 men.
Plus
1 Jeep with 1 crew from FOB 69 Brigade
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA

The following landed on Red Beach.
Regimental HQ, 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.
1 Cruiser Tank OP with 2 crew from 86 Field Regiment and 3 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signals
2 M14 with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signals and 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA


Others.
AT Platoon, 7 Green Howards.
1 15 cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew.

2 Cheshire Regiment
3 Carrier Universal with 6 crew from B (MG) Company

69 Brigade Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater with 4 crew.

4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 M14 with 4 crew.
1 Breakdown Tractor with 3 crew.
5 men.

61 Recce Regiment.
1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew.
1 man from 47 Royal Marine Commando. Carried in Carrier of 61 Recce. Contact for Commandos

124 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew.

75 Pioneer Company
10 men with a handcart.

183 Field Company RE
4 men.

24 Beach Recovery Section REME
2 D8 Tractor with 6 crew.
1 Trailer Fruehauf from 235 Field Park Company RE. Towed by D8 above. Carries engineer stores.
1 Stella Trailer. Towed by D8. Carries engineer stores.
1 Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle with 4 crew.

99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
4 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 24 crew.
2 Carrier Universal with 8 crew.
2 15cwt 4 X 4 with 4 crew.

51 Mechanical Equipment Company RE
1 D7 Tractor with 3 crew.
1 Jahn Trailer. Towed by D7. Carries engineer stores.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.

233 Field Company RE
3 M14 with 8 crew.

Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 Jeep and trailer with 3 crew.

2 Hertfordshire Regiment
48 men with 4 handcarts.

32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
16 men and a handcart.

240 Provost Company
2 Jeep with 4 crew.
7 men and a handcart.

186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew.

280 Field Company RE
1 man.

1 Press Correspondent


Red Beach

51 Mechanical Equipment Company RE
1 D7 Tractor with 3 crew.
1 Jahn Trailer. Towed by D7. Carries engineer stores.

Air Support Signals Unit
1 Jeep with 3 crew.

86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.
1 Cruiser Tank OP with 2 crew from 86 Field Regiment and 3 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signals
2 M14 with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signals and 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA

90 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

6 Green Howards
1 15 cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew.

7 Green Howards
3 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 16 crew.
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew.

5 East Yorkshire Regiment
13 men with a handcart.
6 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 30 crew.
3 15cwt 4 X 4 with 6 crew.

4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew.

120 LAA Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 4 crew from Regimental Headquarters
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA
6 men from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA

99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
4 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT with 24 crew.
2 Carrier Universal with 8 crew.
1 M14 halftrack with 10 men.

280 Field Company RE
3 men

233 Field Company RE
1 3ton with winch with 2 crew.
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew.
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew.

235 Field Park Company RE
1 Stella Trailer with 3 crew.
1 D6 Tractor with 3 crew.
1 Fruehauf Trailer. Towed by D6. Carries engineer stores.

89 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from
1 3ton with winch with 2 crew from 89 Field Company RE

61 Recce Regiment.
3 Carrier Universal with crew. Each carries 1 man from 47 Royal Marine Commando. Contact for Commandos.

240 Provost Company
7 men.
3 Jeeps with 6 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.

75 Pioneer Company
54 men and 5 handcarts.

2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 Jeep with 2 crew.
29 men and a handcart.

Headquarters RE 104 Beach Sub Area
1 Jeep with 3 men.

69 Brigade Signals
1 Car 4 seater with 3 crew.

536 General Transport Company RASC
1 Jeep with 3 men. Reconnaissance party for DUKW Company.

86 Field Regiment RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 6 men.
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

‘C’ Squadron Westminster Dragoons
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew.

50 Division Provost Company
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew.

24 Beach Recovery Section REME
1 Armoured Recovery Vehicle with 4 crew.

35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
15 men with a handcart.

186 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Jeeps with 4 crew.

69 Brigade LAD REME
1 Jeep with 3 crew.

Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 Jeep Amphibian with 3 crew.

N Section 50 Division Signals RS
1 Car 4 X 4 with 3 crew.

1 Press Correspondent

 

H + 105 minutes
The remainder of 86 Field Regiment RA landed on Red Beach.

Red Beach.
Serial 2557 is an LCT IV carrying
1 Carrier Universal from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 M14 from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 RAM SP 25pdr from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Cruiser Tank OP from 86 Field Regiment RA
53 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 124 Field Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from RN FCO
1 jeep with 1 crew from Headquarters RA 50 Division
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA
12 men with a handcart from 75 Pioneer Company
1 man from 280 Field Company RE

Serial 2548 is an LCT IV carrying
2 Carriers Universal from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 M14 from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 RAM SP 25pdr from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Cruiser Tank OP from 86 Field Regiment RA
53 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
12 men with a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA
1 man from 280 Field Company RE

Serial 2549 is an LCT IV carrying
1 Carrier Universal from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 M14 from 86 Field Regiment RA
4 RAM SP 25pdr from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Cruiser Tank OP from 86 Field Regiment RA
55 men from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 124 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from RN Fire Control Officer and 1 man from 86 Field Regiment Signals
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA
2 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
11 men from 75 Pioneer Company


By units.

86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal.
2 M14.
4 RAM SP 25pdr.
2 Cruiser Tank OP.
53 men.
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA

2 Carriers Universal.
2 M14.
4 RAM SP 25pdr.
2 Cruiser Tank OP.
53 men.
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA.

2 Carriers Universal.
2 M14.
4 RAM SP 25pdr.
2 Cruiser Tank OP.
1 Jeep.
56 men.
3 men from LAD 86 Field Regiment RA.

124 Field Regiment
2 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

Fire Control Officer, RN.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Fire Control Officer RN and 1 man from 86 Field Regiment Signals

Headquarters RA 50 Division
1 jeep with 1 crew.

280 Field Company RE
2 men.

2 Hertfordshire Regiment
14 men with a handcart.

75 Pioneer Company
23 men with a handcart.

 

H + 120 minutes.
It was planned that tracks would by now be laid across the beaches and exits would be cleared. Wheeled vehicles could now begin to land, although a small number of small wheeled vehicles had landed already. Motorcycles were still not allowed on the beach.

Red Beach
Serial 2561 is and LCT IV carrying
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 240 Provost Company
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Jeep with 4 crew from 81 Squadron 6 ARRE
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Dumper with 1 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 2 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 240 Provost Company
1 15cwt compressor with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 3ton with winch with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 3ton GS with 3 crew from 75 Pioneer Company
12 men from 75 Pioneer Company
4 men from 536 GT Company RASC
10 men and a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
8 men and a cart from 89 Field Company RE
5 men from RN Commando T

Serial 2562 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 Matador towing a 20 ton trailer with 4 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
2 Jeep Ambulance with 4 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with two crew from 7 Green Howards
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew from 183 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
3 X 15cwt with 3 crew from 240 Provost Company
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 240 Provost Company
2 Jeep Amphibious with 2 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment. For Principal Beachmaster and Military Landing Officer.
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
13 men and a handcart from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
21 men from 75 Pioneer Company
6 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 men from Headquarters 104 Beach Sub Area
4 men from 536 GT Company RASC
3 men from Movement Control Pool 21Army Group. Assistant Military Landing Officer.

Serial 2563 was an LCT MkIV carrying
1 Matador towing a 20 ton trailer with 4 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 3ton Winch with 3 crew from 89 Field Company RE
11 men and a handcart from 89 Field Company RE
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 69 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
8 men and a handcart from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 M14 Halftrack with 12 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep and trailer with 4 crew from RN Commando T
15 men and a handcart from 75 Pioneer Company

Serial 2564 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 3ton Winch with 2 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 107 Beach Section RAF. RAF Liaison Officer.
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
13 men and 2 handcarts from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Jeep Ambulance with 1 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
5 men from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
1 Dumper with 1 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 3ton with 2 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 3ton Winch with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 M14 with 5 crew from 7 Green Howards
18 men and a handcart from 75 Pioneer Company
6 men and a cart from 89 Field Company RE


By units.
7 Green Howards
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew.
1 M14 with 5 crew.

233 Field Company RE
2 3ton with winch with 4 crew.
2 15cwt compressor with 4 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.

149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 2 crew from
2 Jeep Ambulance with 4 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC

86 Field Regiment RA
3 M14 Halftrack with 16 crew.

149 Field Ambulance RAMC
3 Jeep Ambulance with 5 crew.

81 Squadron 6 ARRE
2 Jeep with 4 crew.

73 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
5 men from 320/93 LAA Battery RA

50 Division Provost Company
1 15cwt with 2 crew.

Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew.
1 15cwt 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 69 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon

51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
2 Dumper with 2 crew.
2 Matador towing a 20 ton trailer with 8 crew.
1 3ton GS with 2 crew.
1 3ton Winch with 2 crew.

75 Pioneer Company
1 3ton GS with 3 crew.
66 men and 2 handcarts.

536 GT Company RASC
8 men.
1 Jeep with 3 crew.

2 Hertfordshire Regiment
24 men and 2 handcarts.
2 Jeep Amphibious with 2 crew. For Principal Beachmaster and Military Landing Officer.
2 3ton GS with 4 crew.

183 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew.

89 Field Company RE
25 men and 3 handcarts.
1 3ton Winch with 3 crew.

240 Provost Company
4 15cwt GS with 5 crew.
1 3ton GS with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.

35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
5 Jeep with 6 crew
39 men and 5 handcarts.

Headquarters 104 Beach Sub Area.
2 men.

Movement Control Pool 21Army Group.
3 men. Assistant Military Landing Officer.

RN Commando T
1 Jeep and trailer with 4 crew.
5 men.

107 Beach Section RAF.
1 Jeep with 2 crew from. RAF Liaison Officer.

 

There is now an assortment of personnel remaining on the Landing Ships. There will be two groups for each beach to be landed by the Ferry Service. Originally the Ferry Service was to have used the returning LCAs but wherever possible LCI(L) were used.

Green Beach.
LCAs carrying
42 men from 6 Green Howards.
50 men and 2 handcarts from 6 Durham Light Infantry
25 men and 2 handcarts from 9 Durham Light Infantry
33 men and 3 handcarts from 8 Durham Light Infantry
13 men from 69 Brigade Defence Platoon
8 men from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment

127 men and 2 bicycles from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
14 men from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
5 men from 240 Provost Company
15 men from 21 Stores Section RE
25 men from 75 Pioneer Company
36 men from 209 Pioneer Company (Medical)
13 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
7 men from 47 Field Surgical Unit RAMC
16 men from 209 Pioneer Company (Medical)


Red Beach
LCAs carrying
16 men from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 Interpreter 69 Brigade
5 men from 69 Brigade Signals RS
17 men and 3 handcarts from 8 Durham Light Infantry
6 men from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
25 men and 3 handcarts from 9 Durham Light Infantry

70 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
5 men from 17 Movement Control Group RE
8 men from surgical teams RAMC
43 men from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
44 men from 209 Pioneer Company (Medical)
12 men from 505 Field Company RE
12 men and a handcart from BAN RN
6 men from 240 Provost Company
7 men from 48 Field Surgical Unit RAMC
24 men from 75 Pioneer Company

There remain a number of vehicles and personnel who will land from an LST serial 2570 at H + 4½ hours.

 

151 Brigade.

H + 2½ Hours
The plan did not allow for any alterations to the timings as all the waves were formed up and ready to move towards shore up to two hours before they actually landed. It was possible to delay the landing of the Reserve Brigade. The time, and indeed the beach sector, was to be confirmed by the GOC 50 Division on HMS Bulolo. The Reserve Brigade was timed to start landing from 9 LCI(L) at H + 2½ hour. In the event the Reserve Brigade was held back because of congestion on the beach and did not land until H + 3¾ Hours, 75 minutes late. This brigade landed in formed units and moved straight to assembly areas. Units were joined by their vehicles a short time later.

Craft loads. 2800 is an LCI(L) carrying
186 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles from 9 Durham Light Infantry.
14 men from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.

2801 is an LCI(L) carrying
1 man from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Padre.
3 men with signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.
146 men with 36 bicycles from 9 Durham Light Infantry.
27 men from ‘A’ (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment.
20 men from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC.
3 men from 124 Field Regiment RA.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.

2802 is an LCI(L) carrying
13 men and an airborne motorcycle from Headquarters 151 Brigade.
11 men from 151 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon.
5 men with 2 signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.
149 men with 36 bicycles from 9 Durham Light Infantry.
14 men from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC.
3 men from 60 Forward Observation Bombardment RN.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.

2803 is an LCI(L) carrying
15 men and an airborne motorcycle from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Brigade Main Headquarters.
11 men from 151 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon.
8 men with 2 signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.
141 men with 36 bicycles from 9 Durham Light Infantry.
13 men with a handcart and bicycle from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment.
6 men from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC.
3 men from 124 Field Regiment RA.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.

2804 is an LCI(L) carrying
1 man from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Padre.
3 men with a signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals.
156 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles from 9 Durham Light Infantry.
27 men from ‘A’ (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment.
13 men from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.

2805 is an LCI(L) carrying
186 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles from 8 Durham Light Infantry.
13 men from Headquarters 2 Hertfordshire Regiment.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.

2806 is an LCI(L) carrying
170 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles from 6 Durham Light Infantry.
24 men from 89 Field Company RE.
3 men from 59 Forward Observation Bombardment RN.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.


2807 is an LCI(L) carrying
1man from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Padre.
3 men with a signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.
150 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles from 6 Durham Light Infantry.
27 men from ‘A’ (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment.
19 men from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.

2808 is an LCI(L) carrying
160 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles from 6 Durham Light Infantry.
11 men from Headquarters 2 Hertfordshire Regiment.
29 men from 89 Field Company RE.
2 men with one balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.


By unit.
Headquarters 151 Brigade.
13 men and an airborne motorcycle.
15 men and an airborne motorcycle. Brigade Main Headquarters.
22 men from 151 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon.
13 men with 4 signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.

9 Durham Light Infantry.
186 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
146 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
149 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
Plus
1 man from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Padre.
3 men with signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.

8 Durham Light Infantry.
186 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
141 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
156 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
Plus
1 man from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Padre.
3 men with signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.

6 Durham Light Infantry.
170 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
160 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
150 men with an airborne motorcycle and 36 bicycles.
Plus
1 man from Headquarters 151 Brigade. Padre.
3 men with signals handcart from 151 Brigade Signals RS.

‘A’ (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment.
13 men with a handcart and bicycle. Company Headquarters.
27 men. 1 Platoon.
27 men. 2 Platoon.
27 men. 3 Platoon.

124 Field Regiment RA.
3 men. Forward Observation Officer.
3 men. Forward Observation Officer.

Forward Observation Bombardment parties RN.
3 men from 60 Forward Observation Bombardment RN.
3 men from 59 Forward Observation Bombardment RN.

32 Field Dressing Station RAMC.
28 men.

149 Field Ambulance RAMC.
52 men.

54 Balloon Unit RAF.
18 men with 9 balloons and hand winch. One per LCI.

89 Field Company RE.
53 men.

2 Hertfordshire Regiment.
24 men from Headquarters

 

H + 3½ Hours
The vehicles for 151 Brigade were also held back because of congestion on the beaches.

Craft loads.
2809 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
7 Carrier Universal from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT gun from 9 Durham Light Infantry
8 Carrier Mortar from 9 Durham Light Infantry
2 15cwt GS from 9 Durham Light Infantry
55 men from 9 Durham Light Infantry
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF

2810 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
3 Carrier Universal from 8 Durham Light Infantry
5 Carrier Mortar from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 jeep and trailer from 8 Durham Light Infantry
24 men from 8 Durham Light Infantry
6 Carrier Universal from 9 Durham Light Infantry
3 Carrier Mortar from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 jeep and trailer from 9 Durham Light Infantry
28 men from 9 Durham Light Infantry
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF

2811 is an LCT MkIV carrying
2 Carrier Universal from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal towing a 6pdr AT gun from 8 Durham Light Infantry
4 Carrier Mortar from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt GS from 8 Durham Light Infantry
27 men from 8 Durham Light Infantry
2 15 cwt GS with 1 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Mortar with 4 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
7 Carrier Universal with 7 crew from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 jeep with 2 crew from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF

2812 is an LCT MkIV carrying
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
4 Carrier Universal from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal towing a 6pdr AT gun from 6 Durham Light Infantry
4 Carrier Mortar from 6 Durham Light Infantry
4 15cwt GS from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 Jeep and trailer from 6 Durham Light Infantry
40 men from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 M14 with 3 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 Jeep Stretcher with 1 crew from Headquarters 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF

2813 is an LCT MkIV carrying
9 Carrier Universal from 6 Durham Light Infantry
7 Carrier Mortar from 6 Durham Light Infantry
48 men from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 M14 with 2 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
3 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from A (MG) Company Cheshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 Jeep Stretcher with 1 crew from Headquarters 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 men with balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF


By unit.
Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew.

6 Durham Light Infantry
13 Carrier Universal.
1 Carrier Universal towing a 6pdr AT gun.
11 Carrier Mortar.
4 15cwt GS from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 Jeep and trailer from 6 Durham Light Infantry
88 men from 6 Durham Light Infantry

151 Brigade Signals RS
4 M14 Halftrack with 9 crew.

8 Durham Light Infantry
5 Carrier Universal
9 Carrier Mortar.
1 Carrier Universal towing a 6pdr AT gun.
1 15cwt GS.
1 jeep and trailer.
51 men.

9 Durham Light Infantry.
13 Carrier Universal.
1 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT gun.
12 Carrier Mortar.
4 15cwt GS.
1 jeep and trailer.
83 men.

‘A’ Company (MG) 2 Cheshire Regiment.
7 Carrier Universal with 7 crew.
1 jeep with 2 crew.
3 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

54 Balloon Unit RAF
10 men with 5 balloons and hand winch.
One per LCT.

Headquarters 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
2 Jeep Stretcher with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.


151 Brigade.
151 Brigade landed late, having being held back because of congestion on the beaches and inland of them. The marching personnel proceeded to the Assembly Areas and waited for their transport. When all were assembled they set off to their start line from which they were to advance to and secure the line of high ground from ref: 8181 to Vaux sur Seulles ref: 8477.

The Brigade moved forward in two groups in mid afternoon. The right hand group was led by 9 Durham Light Infantry and it advanced along the Crepon to Bayeux road. The left hand group was led by 6 Durham Light Infantry and a squadron of 4/7 Dragoon Guards. This group advanced from Crepon to Villiers le Sec and then turned westwards along the road to Bayeux. On the way they were counterattacked which was repulsed after some fierce fighting.

The brigade was supported by one machine gun company and one heavy mortar platoon from 2 Cheshire Regiment, the self propelled guns of 90 Field Regiment RA and 288 Anti Tank Battery RA less one 6pdr troop. There should also have been a troop of Centaurs from RMASR.