GOLD BEACH.

H + 4½ Hours
A single LST with vehicles for 69 Brigade and Beach Group. It was intended that LSTs would not beach but would unload their vehicles onto Rhino Ferries which would take them to shore. Rhino Ferries were operated by Inland Water Transport Operating Companies and landed at prepared sites with mesh trackways across the beach. In the event many Rhino Ferries were damaged or lost on the crossing and LSTs did beach themselves.

It was planned that the DUKWs and their loads of motorcycles would land immediately and that the vehicles would be unloaded as soon as possible.

2570 was an LST MkII towing a Rhino ferry.
On the Rhino ferry
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
2 X DUKW from 536 GT Company RASC

On the Tank Deck
15 DUKW with 30 crew from 536 GT Company RASC carrying 60 motorcycles and riders as follows
12 motorcycle and rider from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
12 motorcycle and rider from 6 Green Howards
16 motorcycle and rider from 7 Green Howards
3 motorcycle and rider from Headquarters 69 Brigade
4 motorcycle and rider from 69 Brigade Signals RS
3 motorcycle and rider from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
4 motorcycle and rider from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
6 motorcycle and rider from 50 Division Provost Company

On the Main Deck
1 3ton GS with 5 crew from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 15cwt GS with 6 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
19 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
4 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 8 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton GS with 4 crew from 99/102 LAA Battery RA
3 3ton with 11 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 15cwt with 4 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 15cwt with 4 crew from 336 Battery RA
5 3ton GS with 10 men from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 3ton with 4 crew from 24 Field Transfusion Unit RAMC
1 3ton with 9 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
3 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 6 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Jeep with 6 crew from Headquarters RE 104 Beach Sub Area
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 362/113 HAA Battery RA
12 men from 362/113 HAA Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
2 men and a motorcycle from Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew from 20 Beach Signal Section RS
9 men from 20 Beach Signal Section RS
4 men and a motorcycle from Headquarters 8 Port Operating Group
20 men from 183 Field Company RE
12 men and 12 bicycles from 240 Provost Company
3 men from Pioneer Smoke Detachment
2 men from 45 Field Hygiene Section
28 men from 209 Pioneer Company (Medical)
2 men from Headquarters 104 Beach Sub Area
9 men from RN Commando T
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
6 crew for DUKWs from 536 GT Company RASC

On the Tank Deck
15 DUKW with 30 crew from 536 GT Company RASC carrying 60 motorcycles and riders as follows
12 motorcycle and rider from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
12 motorcycle and rider from 6 Green Howards
16 motorcycle and rider from 7 Green Howards
3 motorcycle and rider from Headquarters 69 Brigade
4 motorcycle and rider from 69 Brigade Signals RS
3 motorcycle and rider from B (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
4 motorcycle and rider from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
6 motorcycle and rider from 50 Division Provost Company


By Unit.
536 GT Company RASC.
15 DUKW with 30 crew. Carry 60 motorcycles and riders.

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

186 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 15cwt GS with 6 crew.
19 men.
4 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 8 crew.


233 Field Company RE
3 3ton with 11 crew.

50 Division Provost Company
1 15cwt with 4 crew.

4/7 Dragoon Guards
5 3ton GS with 10 men.

168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton with 9 crew.
3 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 6 crew.

Headquarters RE 104 Beach Sub Area
2 Jeep with 6 crew.

362/113 HAA Battery RA
1 Jeep with 3 crew.
12 men.

99/102 LAA Battery RA
1 3ton GS with 4 crew.

Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
2 men and a motorcycle.

336 Searchlight Battery RA
1 15cwt with 4 crew.

20 Beach Signal Section RS
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew.
9 men.

24 Field Transfusion Unit RAMC
1 3ton with 4 crew.

Headquarters 8 Port Operating Group
4 men and a motorcycle.

183 Field Company RE
20 men.

240 Provost Company
12 men and 12 bicycles.

Pioneer Smoke Detachment
3 men.

45 Field Hygiene Section
2 men.

209 Pioneer Company (Medical)
28 men.

Headquarters 104 Beach Sub Area
2 men.

RN Commando T
9 men.

953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 Bulldozer.
20 men.

961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
8 men.

243 Pioneer Company
14 men.

536 GT Company RASC
6 crew for DUKWs.
2 DUKW. On the Rhino ferry.


The tide is now falling and in the assault phase it is not wise to risk having craft stranded on the beach. No more LCTs will land until the tide turns again. LSTs will arrive and unload using Rhino Ferries.

At H+6 hours control of the beaches should pass from 50 Division to 104 Beach Sub Area. Beach Group personnel have been working ashore since H Hour but now the units responsible for setting up and operating the dump areas and concentration areas arrive and start work.

 

XXX CORPS.
XXX Corps was responsible for the landing on Gold Beach and selected 50 Division as the assault formation on D Day. Gold Beach actually covered a ten mile stretch of coast from Port en Bessin, close to the boundary with US forces, to La Riviere. Only a limited stretch of the coastline was suitable for an assault landing since much of it was sheer cliffs. The remaining stretch was not ideal since although it had suitable beaches between La Riviere and Le Hamel there were extensive marshes inland, with only a narrow coastal strip of dunes separating them from the sea. Moreover the beaches were covered by German gun positions which could fire on the beach from the flanks without themselves being vulnerable to supporting gunfire.

While all the beaches were organised in a similar way there were minor differences. Gold was used by XXX Corps whereas Sword and Juno were used by I Corps. Different commanders and their staffs could organise things according to their own ideas subject to the resources allocated to them, staff guidelines and wishes of the immediate superior.

Montgomery liked to work with senior officer whom he knew and had worked with before. Many returned from Italy with him. He chose Lieutenant General Bucknell to command XXX Corps. In theory the Military Secretary’s Branch was responsible for the personnel affairs of all officers from recruitment to retirement and pensions. The Military Secretary held the service records of all officers and was responsible for the promotion and appointment of officers, including commanders. Of course things are never that straightforward. Boards were constituted to oversee the work of the Military Secretary and he presented such boards with lists of suitable candidates. In practise such major figures as Montgomery as Army Group Commander were chosen by the Prime Minister and Chief of the Imperial General Staff, the professional head of the army. In turn Montgomery could ask for his choice of Army and Corps Commanders. He chose Bucknell although CIGS was not convinced of his ability.


50 DIVISION.
50 Division was to assault Gold Beach which was the right hand British beach. The division had been brought back from Italy to provide a leavening of battle experienced troops for the Invasion of Europe.

Some six months was available for training and this followed the same pattern for all formations.
- December and January. Individual and unit training in assault landings and attacking strong points.
- February. Training in co operation with specialist armour.
- March. Combined Operations Training.
- April. Training in co operation with Royal Navy including two major landing exercises. Troops trained with the ships and craft that would carry them on D Day.
- May. Concentration into camps on the South Coast, briefing and final preparations.


THE PLAN.

The Assault was to be made on a two brigade front with 231 Brigade on the right and 69 Brigade on the left. Each brigade was to
- construct three tracked vehicle gaps each 24 foot wide, two for light tracks and one for heavy tracks.
- clear a stretch of beach 250 yards long on each battalion front by H + 30 minutes to allow LCT to land
- make gaps through beach obstacles and minefields.

Fire support was to be provided by
- Heavy and medium bombing attacks on targets from H-30 to H Hour.
- Pre arranged naval bombardment of hostile batteries by cruisers from sunrise minus 40 minutes to H + 4½ hours.
- Fire support by self propelled artillery and Royal Marine Assault Regiment firing from LCT.
- Support by observed fire by destroyers and support craft.
- Fighter bomber squadron in the air and under divisional command. One squadron per assault brigade.

Beach control was of paramount importance to avoid congestion of the beaches and exits. Control was carried out by the division until the reserve brigades had landed when it passed to 104 Beach Sub Area. Marking of routes from beaches to assembly areas was carried out by divisional provost.


THE ASSAULT PHASES
Phase I.
- The Assault Landing of 231 and 69 Brigades
- Securing a line just inland of the beaches
- Mopping up enemy resistance
- Clearing the beaches
- Constructing tracks

Phase II.
- Enlargement of the bridgehead by the assault brigades
- Landing of 56 and 154 Brigades
- 47 Royal Marine Commando lands and assembles before advancing on Port en Bessin
- Regrouping to enable deployment for Phase III

Regrouping included
56 Brigade assembled together with
A Machine Company (less one platoon) 2 Cheshire Regiment transferred from 231 Brigade.
A Heavy Mortar Platoon 2 Cheshire Regiment transferred from 231 Brigade.
1 Nottinghamshire Yeomanry transferred from 231 Brigade.
One troop (6pdr) 288 Anti Tank Battery transferred from 231 Brigade.
147 Field Regiment RA (less one battery).

151 Brigade assembled together with
A Machine Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
A Heavy Mortar Platoon 2 Cheshire Regiment
One troop Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment transferred from 231 Brigade.
288 Anti Tank Battery (less one troop) transferred from 231 Brigade.
90 Field Regiment RA transferred from 231 Brigade.

231 Brigade lost the units listed above but
47 Royal Marine Commando came under command.

Phase III.
- 231 Brigade protects the right flank
- 69 Brigade plus mobile elements and attached troops seize and hold high ground inland
- 56 Brigade plus attached troops advance from their assembly area to secure a new line
- 151 Brigade plus attached troops advance from their assembly area to secure a new line

Phase IV.
- 231 Brigade continues to protect the right flank, links up with US 1 Division and maintains contact with 56 Brigade.
- 56 Brigade and attached troops advance and seize high ground west of Bayeux.
- 151 Brigade continues to advance and maintain contact with 56 and 69 Brigades.
- 69 Brigade advances to occupy area up to Bayeux Caen railway line.

ORDER of BATTLE
50 DIVISION (units for the assault).
50 Division Headquarters
50 Division Signals
50 Division Provost Company

69 Brigade.
5 East Yorkshire Regiment
6 Green Howards
7 Green Howards
151 Brigade.
6 Durham Light Infantry
8 Durham Light Infantry
9 Durham Light Infantry
231 Brigade.
2 Devon Regiment
1 Hampshire Regiment
1 Dorset Regiment

90 Field Regiment SP Royal Artillery (25pdr Sexton)
357 Battery
358 Battery
465 Battery
102 Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery
99 Battery
288 Battery
25 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment, Royal Artillery
82 Battery

61 Reconnaissance Regiment
2 Cheshire Regiment, Machine Gun.

233 Field Company Royal Engineers
295 Field Company Royal Engineers
505 Field Company Royal Engineers
235 Field Park Company Royal Engineers

149 Field Ambulance RAMC
186 Field Ambulance RAMC
200 Field Ambulance RAMC
22 Field Hygiene Section RAMC

Other units of 50 Division landed later.


Units Under Command 50 Division for the assault.
56 Infantry Brigade.
2 Gloucestershire Regiment
2 Essex Regiment
2 South Wales Borderers

8 Armoured Brigade
4/7 Dragoon Guards
Nottinghamshire Yeomanry
24 Lancers

Westminster Dragoons (Flails)
C Squadron 141 RAC (Crocodiles) (two troops)

86 Field Regiment SP Royal Artillery (25pdr Sexton)
341 Battery
342 Battery
462 Battery
147 Field Regiment SP Royal Artillery (25pdr Sexton)
413 Battery
431 Battery
511 Battery
73 Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery
198 Battery (SP M10)
234 Battery
93 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery
320 Battery
120 Light Anti Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery
394 Battery
395 Battery
113 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment Royal Artillery
Headquarters only.
152 Anti Aircraft Operations Room Royal Artillery
356 Searchlight Battery Royal Artillery, one troop only.
662 Air Observation Post Squadron, one flight (ground personnel only, aircraft arrived D+2).

6 Armoured Regiment Royal Engineers
81 Squadron
82 Squadron
73 Field Company Royal Engineers
280 Field Company Royal Engineers

203 Field Ambulance RAMC
168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC

1 Royal Marine Armoured Support Regiment, 234 Battery
47 Royal Marine Commando.

GHQ Liaison Regiment (Phantom), one patrol.


General Officer Commanding 50 Division landed at 1205. GOC 30 Corps arrived on HMS Beagle and transferred to the Headquarters Ship HMS Bulolo about 1900. He went ashore later by LCVP.

 

DEVELOPING JIG.

The assault troops will pass across the beaches and move inland as soon as possible leaving the Beach Group to organise the beach area.The Beach Group will be dealt with more fully below but this section shows how the build up of the Beach Group organisation started almost immediately after H Hour and continued in parallel with the landing of the assault units. 10 Beach Group have left very detailed appendices to their War Diary.

Note.
9 Beach Group on King have not left such detailed appendices, or at least none have come to light as yet. It can be assumed that their landing tables, orders and instructions are as similar to those of 10 Beach group as to make little difference, except for the names of units.

At H + 20 minutes an Assistant Beach Master will land on each of Jig Green East and Jig Green West by LCA. Initially they will work with the Unit Landing Officers of the various units landing on the beach and carry out a reconnaissance of their beach area.

At H + 30 minutes a large group of Beach Group personnel will land on each beach to carry out reconnaissance and start to organise the beaches. Landing on each of Jig Green West and Jig Green East by LCAs from LSI(L) G63 were:
- 20 men from ‘Q’ Commando RN. This was the Beach Master and his advance party with Beach Signs and loudhailer. He will be responsible for the beach up to the high water mark and will call in the later waves of craft.
- 14 men with two airborne trucks from Beach Companies, 6 Border Regiment. This is the Beach Company Commander, his Second in Command and reconnaissance parties. (The Landing Table lists airborne trucks but these are almost certainly handcarts. Other tables list handcarts and nothing larger could be carried in LCAs.)( ‘A’ Company on Jig Green West and ‘C’ Company on Jig Green East).
- 14 men from 90 Field Company RE. Reconnaissance party including Platoon Commander. The company will be responsible for clearing obstacles and developing beach exits.
- 4 men from 7 RN Signals. At this stage they provide communications for the Beachmaster. Later they will be expanded.
- 3 men from 21 Beach Signals. At this stage they will provide communications for theBeach Company Commander. Later it will be expanded into a Beach Signal Station.
- 3 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company. Includes Beach Corporal for reconnaissance with Beach Company Commander. The Provost Company will provide traffic control across the beach and through the exits. Initially this is provided by 50 Division Provosts.

The Principal Beachmaster, responsible for Jig and King lands with the party from ‘Q’ Commando on Jig Green East.


Some of the Beach Group have been on Landing Craft Headquarters and will be carried ashore as requested by the Beach Group Commander and ordered by the Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group (RN).

Landing on Jig Green East at Battalion Commanders discretion.
A LCM from LSI(L) G62 carrying 7 men with 2 handcarts from 21 Beach Signals will collect the following from Landing Craft Headquarters.
10 men with one handcart from 7 RN Signals.
1 man from 21 Beach Signals Section. Set for Beach Group Commander on Brigade ‘A’ Wave.
4 men from Detachment 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool. Assistant Military Landing Officer for 231 Brigade.
2 men from Headquarters 6 Border Regiment. Beach Group Commander and batman.
16 men from ‘Q’ Commando RN.

Landing on Jig Green. Collected from Landing Ship Headquarters by LCA.
10 men with one handcart from 7 RN Signals.
5 men from Detachment 21 AG Movement Control Pool. Military Landing Officer for 231 Brigade.
20 men from ‘Q’ Commando RN.

At H + 35 minutes 7 men and 2 handcarts from 21 Beach Signal Section land on Jig Green East from LCT(3).

At H + 55 minutes 3 men from 21 Beach Signal Section and 4 men from RN Signals land on Jig Green West by LCA from LSI(L) G63.

At H + 60 minutes
1 Jeep with 10cwt trailer and 4 men from ‘Q’ RN Commando land on Jig Green East from LCT(4). To report to Principal Beach Master.
2 Jeeps with two airborne trucks (handcarts?) and 4 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company land on Jig Green West from LCT(4).

At H + 90 minutes.
Landing on Jig Green West from a flight of LCT(4).
2 jeeps and 2 men from 705 GT Company (DUKW).
24 men with 4 airborne trucks from ‘A’ Company, 6 Border Regiment.
2 Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle with ten men from 25 Beach Recovery Section.
2 D8 Recovery Tractor with eight men from 25 Beach Recovery Section.
2 Jeeps and 2 airborne trucks and 4 men from 31 Beach Dressing Station.
1 Jeep with airborne truck and one man from ‘S’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. To work with 31 Beach Dressing Station. Airborne truck belongs to 31 Field Dressing Station.
2 Jeeps and 2 airborne trucks and 4 men from 25 Beach Dressing Station.
1 Jeep with one man from ‘S’ Company 6 Border Regiment. To work with 25 Beach Dressing Station.

Note:
One D8 tractor is for Jig Green East.

Landing on Jig Green East from LCT(4).
2 Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle with ten men from 25 Beach Recovery Section.
1 15cwt GS with an airborne truck and 2 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company.
24 men with 4 airborne trucks from ‘C’ Company, 6 Border Regiment.
7 men with 1 airborne truck from ‘D’ Company, 6 Border Regiment.
1 Amphibious Jeep with 3 men from Detachment 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool. For Assistant Military Landing Officer 231 Brigade.


At H + 120 minutes.
Landing on Jig Green East from LCT(4).
1 Jeep and 2 men from 108 Beach Unit RAF.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS and 2 men from Signal Platoon, Headquarters 6 Border Regiment.
1 amphibious jeep and 2 men from Signal Platoon, Headquarters 6 Border Regiment. Commanding Officers Rover.


Landing from LST.
An LST arrived and approached the shore but did not beach. It launched DUKWs which swam ashore. The LST then returned to the Lowering Point and waited to return at H + 4½ hours.
21 DUKW and 54 men from 205 GT Company RASC. Includes a reconnaissance party for the DUKW Park.
1 motorcycle and 4 men from 6 Port Operating Company. Port Superintendent and party carried in DUKW.
3 men from 108 RAF Beach Unit. Carried on DUKW.
2 men from CRASC 104 Beach Sub Area. Carried on DUKW.


Landing by Ferry Service.
The estimated and approximate time for landing was as ordered by Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group from H + 80 minutes. Personnel will land from LCAs and LCT3s as available.

Landing on Jig Green West from LSI(L) G63.
25 men from ‘A’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. 1 Platoon plus signaller and wireless set.
9 men from Support Company, 6 Border Regiment. From Mortar Platoon to establish Beach Group Assembly Area.
12men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. Includes stretcher bearers, Medical Officer and Padre to work with Beach Dressing Station.
53 men from 173 Pioneer Company. To work with RE.
12 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company. For Beach Control. Carry Beach signs.
8 men from Staff Captains Increment. To establish Beach Group Assembly Area.
15 men from 25 Field Dressing Station. To establish Beach Dressing Station.
26 men from 209 Pioneer Company. Stretcher bearers for Beach Dressing Station.
A LCT(3) of Ferry Service collect personnel from LSI(L) G63 then closes LCH 2090. On orders from Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group (RN) the LCT(3) will either tranship personnel to LCAs or will beach and land them itself.

Landing on Jig Green East from LSI(L) G62.
26 men from ‘C’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. 1 Platoon plus signaller and wireless set.
12 men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. Includes stretcher bearers, medical serjeant and Padre to work with Beach Dressing Station.
53 men from 173 Pioneer Company. To work with RE.
12 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company. For Beach Control. Carry Beach signs.
8 men from Staff Captains Increment. To establish Beach Group Assembly Area.
15 men from 31 Field Dressing Station. To establish Beach Dressing Station.
26 men from 209 Pioneer Company. Stretcher bearers for Beach Dressing Station.
A LCT(3) of Ferry Service collect personnel from LSI(L) G63 then closes LCH 2091. On orders from Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group (RN) the LCT(3) will either tranship personnel to LCAs or will beach and land them itself.


H + 120 minutes.
Landing on Jig Green West from LSI(L) G61.
3 men from Support Company, 6 Border Regiment. To establish Transit Area Headquarters. Includes Company Commander. Report to Beach Group Assembly Area on landing.
4 men from ‘C’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Transit Area personnel. Report to Beach Group Assembly Area on landing.
32 men from ‘A’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Includes 2 ACC cooks.
29 men from ‘A’ Company, 6 Border Regiment.
2 men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. Intelligence Officer to reconnoitre Beach Group Command Post.
2 men from Support Company, 6 Border Regiment. To work with Intelligence Officer. Carry a mine detector.
26 men from 209 Pioneer Company. Stretcher bearers for Beach Dressing Station.
A LCT(3) of Ferry Service collect personnel from LSI(L) G61 then closes LCH 2050. On orders from Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group (RN) the LCT(3) will either tranship personnel to LCAs or will beach and land them itself.

Landing on Jig Green East from LSI(L) G64.
3 men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. For Transit Area Headquarters. Includes Company Commander. Report to Beach Group Assembly Area on landing.
4 men from ‘C’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Transit Area personnel. Report to Beach Group Assembly Area on landing.
31 men from ‘C’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Includes 2 ACC cooks.
22 men from ‘A’ Company, 6 Border Regiment.
4 men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. Signal Platoon reconnaissance parties.
2 men from Support Company, 6 Border Regiment. To work with Intelligence Officer. Carry a mine detector.
26 men from 263 Pioneer Company. Stretcher bearers for Beach Dressing Station.
A LCT(3) of Ferry Service collect personnel from LSI(L) G64 then closes LCH 2091. On orders from Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group (RN) the LCT(3) will either tranship personnel to LCAs or will beach and land them itself.


H + 210 minutes.
Landing on Jig Green West from LSI(L) G61.
26 men from 25 Field Dressing Station.
10 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company. For signing the beach.
26 men from 209 Pioneer Company. Additional Labour for Provosts.
37 men and a bicycle from ‘B’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Labour for Ordnance Beach Depot.
13 men from ‘S’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. For construction of Beach Group Command Post.
2 men from ‘B’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Adjutant to reconnoitre Beach Group Headquarters.
2 men from ‘S’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. To work with Adjutant. Carry a mine detector.
17 men from Signal Platoon, ‘S’ Company, 6 Border Regiment.
26 men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. For Beach Group Headquarters.
1 man from 104 Beach Sub Area. Liaison Officer.
A LCT(3) of Ferry Service collect personnel from LSI(L) G61 then closes LCH 2090. On orders from Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group (RN) the LCT(3) will either tranship personnel to LCAs or will beach and land them itself.

Landing on Jig Green East from LSI(L) G64.
22 men from Carrier Platoon, ‘S’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Labour for Detail Issuing Depot.
8 men from Mortar Platoon, ‘S’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. For Petrol Depot.
33 men from Anti Tank Platoon, ‘S’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Includes 1 cook ACC. Labour for Petrol Depot.
4 men from 21 Beach Signal Section.
20 men from 243 Provost Company. Beach Control on Item Red Beach.
2 men from 173 Pioneer Company. Company Commander.
25 men from 31 Field Dressing Station. To establish a Field Dressing Station which will build up into a Casualty Clearing Station.
26 men from 209 Pioneer Company. To work at Casualty Evacuation Post.
8 men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. Beach Group Headquarters.
A LCT(3) of Ferry Service collect personnel from LSI(L) G64 then closes LCH 2091. On orders from Deputy Senior Officer Assault Group (RN) the LCT(3) will either tranship personnel to LCAs or will beach and land them itself.

At H + 210 minutes.
Jig Green West.
Two LCI(L) land
6 men and I bicycle from 10 Ordnance Beach Depot. Reconnaissance party for temporary ammunition dump.
16 men and 2 bicycles from ‘B’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Labour for temporary ammunition dump.

6 men from 10 Ordnance Beach Depot. Reconnaissance party for temporary ammunition dump.
23 men and 1 bicycle from ‘B’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Labour for temporary ammunition dump.
4 men and 2 bicycles from 244 Petrol Depot Type ‘C’. Reconnaissance party.


H + 3½ hours.
24 X DUKW with 56 men from 705 GT Company swim ashore from LSTs. Carry 16 X 6pdr anti tank guns and ammunition for 56 Brigade.. Report first to Beach group Assembly Area and are directed to their unloading point. When empty they report to the DUKW Park.

The 1st tide LSTs.
The following LSTs were to be ready to unload onto Rhino Ferries at the times given. These are not the times when vehicles will reach the beach since reaching the beach took time, it required two trips to discharge a LST onto Rhino Ferries and there were delays.

H + 4½ hours.
A LST returns to Jig Green East.
The following will land by Rhino Ferry.
1 3ton GS with 4 men from 30 Field Transfusion Unit. The special vehicle engine requires to be run at intervals during the voyage. Refrigeration unit. Report to Beach Group Assembly Area.
1 3ton GS with 2 men from ‘A’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Carries essential G1068 stores.
1 3ton GS with 2 men from ‘C’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Carries essential G1068 stores.
18 men with 3 handcarts from Carrier Platoon, 6 Border Regiment. Handcarts for 5 DID.
54 men with 9 handcarts from ‘D’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. For work on Item Red Beach.
1 Jeep with 10cwt trailer and 2 men from 21 Beach Signals. For Main Beach Signals Officer.
1 Jeep with one man for Staff Captains Increment.
2 15cwt and 4 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company.
1 Jeep with 1 airborne trailer and one man from 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool.
1 Jeep with 1 man from CRASC 104 Beach Sub Area.
2 DUKWs and 4 men from 705 GT Company. DUKWs carried on Rhino Ferry. Personnel carried on LST.



H + 6 hours.
LSTs are ready to unload using Rhino Ferries. They have already launched DUKWs which then swam ashore.

1 Jeep and 2 men from Headquarters, 6 Border Regiment. Second in Command.
2 3ton and 4 men from Headquarters Company, 6 Border Regiment. Signals Platoon.
1 3ton and 37 men from ‘D’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. For work on Item Red Beach.
1 3ton and 9 men from ‘B’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Company HQ.
1 handcart, 1 bicycle and 37 men from ‘B’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. Labour for Ordnance Beach Depot.
11 men from Mortar Platoon, 6 Border Regiment. Labour for 244 Petrol Depot.

1 Jeep, 6 handcarts, 3 bicycles and 47 men from 10 Ordnance Beach Depot. To establish ammunition and stores dump.
1 15cwt and 12 men from 5 Detail Issuing Depot Type ‘B’. Reconnaissance party.
1 Jeep and 6 men from 108 RAF Beach Unit.
1 Jeep with I handcart and 2 men from 244 Petrol Depot Type ‘C’. Balance of reconnaissance party.
1 15cwt and 2 men from 243 Headquarters Provost Company.

3 3ton, 1 Ambulance 4 seater, 1 15cwt and 37 men from 25 Field Dressing Station.
2 men and I motorcycle from 46 Field Hygiene Section.
1 3ton and 12 men from 42 Field Surgical Unit.
3 3ton, 1 Ambulance 4 seater, 1 15cwt, I motorcycle and 37 men from 31 Field Dressing Station.
1 3ton and 13 men from 41 Field Surgical Unit.
7 DUKW with 14 men from 705 GT Company RASC. DUKWs carried on Rhino Ferries.

1 Jeep and 2 men from 7 RN Signals.

12 men with four balloons and hand winches from 55 Balloon Unit RAF.

 

6 Border Regiment.
6 Border Regiment formed the nucleus of 10 Beach Group and initially provided labour and general assistance on the beaches.

‘A’ and ‘C’ Company orders are identical except that ‘A’ Company was to land on Jig Green West and ‘C’ Company on Jig Green East.

Stage 1. H to H + 110 minutes.
- Liaise with assault infantry battalions and with officers of 36 Beach Group who have already landed for control of the exits.
- Reconnoitre the beach and exits in conjunction with platoon commander 90 Field Company RE and 243 Headquarters Provost Company.
- Establish Beach Company Headquarters.
- Give maximum assistance in passing 231 Brigade across the beach.
- Reconnoitre and confirm sites for Beach Dressing Station RAMC and Beach Recovery Post REME.

Stage 2. H + 120 minutes to H + 3 ½ hours.
- Control all personnel and vehicles of 231 Brigade across the beach as far as the exits.
- Maintain constant liaison with Unit Landing Officers and officers of 36 Beach Group on exits.
- Direct all Beach Group personnel who are not detached for work on the beach to Beach Group Assembly Area.
- Craft Recovery Units RN lands and will be administered by ‘A’ and ‘C’ Company.

Stage 3. H + 3½ hours to H + 5½ hours.
- Officer Commanding attends ‘O’ Group at Beach Group Assembly Area at H + 4 hours.
- Provide one platoon for work in initial stores dump. To report there when ordered by Beach Group Commander.
- Control movement of all personnel across the beach and through the exits to Brigade Assembly Area.
- Prepare for the receipt of approximately 500 tons of stores in two LCT(4) and three LBV beaching on Jig green West.

Stage 4. H + 5½ hours to H + 12 hours.
- Unload and clear to the initial dump area all stores in LCT and LBV.
- Pass all Follow Up and Build Up troops and vehicles across the beaches and through the exits to Formation Assembly Areas.
- After H + 10 hours when ordered by Beach Group Control Post all personnel and vehicles will pass through Beach group Transit Areas.
- Provide two men to assist 55 Balloon Unit with winches arriving on LSTs.


‘D’ Company’s orders concerned its preparing Item Red Beach for the arrival of 7 Armoured Division.
Stage 1. H to H + 110 minutes.
- Officer Commanding and reconnaissance party will land on Jig green East and proceed to the Beach Group Assembly Area.

Stage 2. H + 120 minutes to H + 3½ hours.
- A proportion of the company arrives and reports to Officer Commanding at Beach Group Assembly Area.

Stage 3. H + 3½ hours to H + 5½ hours.
- On being informed by the Officer Commanding Beach Group Assembly Area (Staff Captain) that the tactical situation permits the Officer Commanding ‘D’ Company and reconnaissance parties will carry out reconnaissance of Item Red Beach. Reconnaissance parties from 90 Field Company RE, 243 Headquarters Provost Company and ‘Q’ RN Beach Commando.

Stage 4. H + 5½ hours to H + 12 hours.
- The Build Up of ‘D’ Company will land and proceed to the Beach Group Assembly Area.
- On completion of reconnaissance Officer Commanding ‘D’ Company will call forward personnel from the Beach Group Assembly Area to Item Red Beach as required for clearance and preparation of the beach for the passage of personnel and vehicles.

From H + 12 hours.
- ‘D’ Company fully deployed and established for passing of personnel and vehicles of 7 Armoured division landing on Item Red.
- Continuous systematic development and clearance of the beach.

6 Border Regiment. War Diary.
The events of 6 June are described in a half page thus:

First tide personnel landed on Jig Red. No landings were made on Jig Green as planned because it had been impossible to clear the underwater obstacles. ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies established beaches and began to pass men and vehicles onto the lateral. Development was held up be the continued German resistance in Le Hamel and the Unit Assembly Area had to be established on the Les Roquettes road at 887867. The large pill box at the eastern end of Le Hamel was finally cleared by a patrol from ‘B’ Company. Reconnaissance parties for the Command Post and the Initial Dump Area entered the village about 1545 hours. ‘D’ Company reconnoitred and established Item Red Beach. A temporary POW cage was established.

 

Royal Navy.
‘Q’ RN Commando.
The RN Commando was responsible for those aspects of developing the beach which affected craft. Mostly this was concerned with beaches below the high water marl but did include the erection of beach signs for the guidance of craft.

The Commando was divided into three parties, Q1 and Q3 for Jig Green Beach and Q2 for Item Red Beach.

Q1 and Q3 landed on Jig Green Beach.
The Officer Commanding ‘Q’ RN Commando was landed to co ordinate the reconnaissance of both parties and of the hydrographic parties, who were operating offshore in LCP(L)(Survey). The two parties, one for Jig Green East and one for Jig Green West, erected normal beach limit signs and in addition erected a special sign consisting of a Jig Green Sector sign surmounted by a white triangle apex uppermost on the dividing line between Jig Green Beach West and Jig Green Beach East. Each of the two parties had identical tasks and priorities.

Firstly the parties were to complete the obstacle clearance of Jig Green Beach with an immediate priority of two 250 yard stretches opposite the beach exits. They were to establish a Joint Command Post with the respective Beach Companies on each beach. They were joined here by an advanced party of 7 RN Signals. They were to mark all pot holes with a red flag before the tide reached them, which did not give much time as the tide came in sooner than expected because of the bad weather. In conjunction with hydrographic teams they were to mark underwater obstacles which might endanger craft t by buoys flying red flags. When time allowed the personnel had to construct slit trenches and bivouac areas.

Q2 landed on Jig Green Beach from LCH on the orders of the Principal Beachmaster. The plan was that it would land at about H+129 minutes and proceed to the Beach Group Assembly Area where they were to join ‘D’ Company, 6 Border Regiment. At this stage they had no beach tasks. Since they were to be responsible for developing Item Red Beach together with ‘D’ Company they were to wait in the Assembly Area until Item Red, from Le Hamel westwards, was clear of the enemy and then there by the most practicable route at about H+4½ hours. The party was to carry out seawards reconnaissance, mark pot holes and obstacles and erect beach signs, as had the other parties on Jig Green, and have Item Red Beach ready for receipt of craft by approximately H + 9½ hours. All of the tasks of Q2 were considerably delayed as Le Hamel was still in enemy hands until almost the time it was hoped to have the beach ready.


7 RN Signals.
7 RN Signals landed at approximately H + 30 minutes and established Advanced Beach Signal Stations on Jig Green Beach West and Jig Green Beach East. Support and Main Parties landed as soon as possible from the Landing Craft Headquarters and established a temporary Main Beach Signal Station centrally on Jig Green Beach. This area formed the temporary Command Post together with 10 Beach Group.

At approximately H + 4½ hours the permanent Command Post was be established as. The Main Beach Signal Station moved in stages to the new area without interrupting communications. 7 RN Signals were joined at the Command Post by 21 Beach Signal Section RS after they ceased to be used by 231 Brigade or Headquarters 50 Division.

RN Signals used the same wireless equipment as did the army units. For the assault the waterproof No 48 set was used. This was supplemented as soon as possible by No 22 sets.


Craft Recovery Unit.
The Landing Craft Recovery Unit landed and established a Recovery and Repair Point on Jig Green Beach. Its primary task was the recovery and repair of craft on the beaches. For this purpose it established a Repair Point on a section of beach selected by the Principal Beachmaster, preferably away from the main beach exits. A subsidiary task was the removal of obstacles which might be a threat to craft.

 

705 General Transport Company RASC.
Operating DUKWs.

The orders, landing plan and loading plan for the DUKWs of 705 GT Company were very detailed.

705 GT Company was to land under the command of 10 Beach Group and remain under command until 0900 D + 1 when they reverted to command CRASC 104 BSA.

Stage 1. H to H + 110 minutes.
An initial reconnaissance party reconnoitred the initial DUKW standing at the top of Jig Green Beach, clear of the exits. It then controlled the arrival of preloaded DUKWs and reported to the temporary Command Post on Jig Green. The advanced party included the Motor Transport Officer and workshop detachment.

Stage 2. H + 120 minutes to H + 4 hours.
21 preloaded DUKWs from ‘E’ Platoon landed on Jig Green.

6 DUKW (E13, 15, 3, 16, 17 and 18) were met by the reconnaissance party and led to the DUKW standing. 2 DUKW (E13 and 15) were then sent to the temporary Command Post and reported to the Assistant Military Landing Officer.

5 DUKW proceeded direct to the Assembly areas of each of the battalions of 231 Brigade. E19, 20, 21, 32 and 33 for 2 Devonshire Regiment. E25, 26, 27, 30 and 31 for 1 Hampshire Regiment. E22, 23, 24, 28 and 29 for 1 Dorset Regiment. The DUKWs offloaded at the Assembly Areas and waited for the arrival of the Platoon Officer. The disadvantage of having the large and awkward DUKWs moving inland was accepted in order to get ammunition and equipment forward to the brigades as soon as possible. It was planned that anti tank guns would be moved forward on the DUKWs but this was changed at a late stage of planning. It was made clear that DUKWs must be kept clear of the forward routes and must on no account go forward of the Assembly Areas.

The Company Officer Commanding landed and contacted the serjeant who had already landed and agreed the area selected for DUKWs and then reported to Beach Group Assembly Area for ‘O’ Group conference at approximately H + 4 hours.

The Reconnaissance Officer arrived and reported to Beach Group Assembly Area and proceeded on reconnaissance of the DUKW Park on the information from Officer in Charge of 10 Beach Group Assembly Area that the tactical situation permitted it.

Stage 3. H + 4 hours to H + 5½ hours.
‘E’ Platoon Officer proceeded to the Battalion Assembly Area and collect 15 DUKWs allotted to 231 Brigade and marshalled them at crossroads 874855. They then returned to Jig Green Beach keeping clear of main forward routes, moving across country where possible. On arrival at the beach they reported to the Officer Commanding 705 Company who was at the initial DUKW Standing. On orders from the Officer Commanding they then proceeded to King Sector by sea routes.

Two further DUKWs were due to land from a Rhino Ferry be met by RASC personnel and guided to the DUKW standing. These were delayed.

After the ‘O’ group Conference the Officer Commanding 705 Company proceeded to the Initial Dump area and established a Report Centre and temporary Transport Park for control of all transport in and out of the area.

Stage 4. H + 6 hours to H + 12 hours.
When he was informed that the dump sites in the initial Dump Area were ready to receive stores the Officer Commanding 705 Company instructed preloaded DUKWs to proceed from the Beach DUKW Standing to the Initial Dump area to unload. On completion of unloading they proceeded to King Sector by sea route.

The Officer Commanding 705 Company then controlled the arrival at the initial dump of fourteen preloaded 3ton GS of 305 GT Company arriving in LCT4s at approximately H + 6½ hours and 24 3ton GS arriving preloaded from Rhino Ferry after H + 6 hours. These lorries plus six empty 3ton GS from 6 Border Regiment were then to provide a pool of transport for unloading four LCT4 and five LBV beached at Jig Green. The Officer Commanding 705 Company was to control the ferry of 3ton GS to and from the Initial Dump area in conjunction with Staff Captain 10 Beach Group in charge of Dump Area.

10 DUKW from ‘E’ Platoon (E1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11) landed preloaded with stores for the Initial Dump area. These were be met by RASC personnel and either guided to DUKW Standing or move straight to Initial Dump area depending on the situation at the time.

16 DUKW from ‘F’ Platoon (F19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 and 33) were to have landed preloaded with anti tank guns for 56 Brigade and proceed direct to a rendezvous point and offload. In the event they did not carry guns but carried unit G1098 stores which were delivered to the G1098 dump. They unloaded and reported to the Officer Commanding 705 Company and when ordered proceed to King Sector under the Platoon Officer.

6 DUKW of ‘F’ Platoon (F1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) landed and were met by a representative of RASC and be either guided to DUKW Standing or proceed direct to Initial Dump Area. After offloading they proceeded on orders from the Officer Commanding 705 Company to King Sector by sea route.

Stage 5. H + 12 hours onwards.
Unloading of beached LCT4s and LBVs continued.

33 preloaded DUKWs of ‘G’ Platoon landed and proceeded direct to the Main Transport Park, which was now operating. They remained under load until called forward by the Officer Commanding.


A proportion of the space in the DUKWs of ‘E’ and ‘F’ Platoons was allocated to 10 Beach Group to carry stores and equipment which could not be fitted into unit transport. In some cases the entire DUKW was allocated, in others only a part of the DUKW load was allocated and in some only two motorcycles were carried in addition to the normal load.

Ten DUKWs from ‘E’ Platoon were preloaded with 10 Beach Group stores and equipment:
E1. Carried stores and equipment for 10 Ordnance Beach Depot.
E2. Carried stores and equipment for 244 Petrol Depot.
E5. Carried a motorcycle for 244 Petrol Depot.
E6. Carried two motorcycles for 5 Detail Issuing Depot.
E13. Carried stores and equipment for ‘Q’ RN Commando plus a motorcycle for 10 Ordnance Beach Depot and one for 108 Beach Section RAF.
E14. Carried stores and equipment for 6 Border Regiment plus two motorcycles for 243 Provost Company.
E15. Carried stores and equipment for 6 Border Regiment plus two motorcycles for 705 GT Company.
E16. Carried stores and equipment for 25 Field Dressing Station plus two motorcycles for 705 GT Company.
E17. Carried stores and equipment for 31 Field Dressing Station, including 2½ tons of canvas, ½ ton of Casualty Evacuation Post Stores plus two motorcycles for 705 GT Company.
E18. Carried two motorcycles for 705 GT Company.

Seven DUKWs from ‘F’ Platoon each carried two motorcycles.
F1. Carried two motorcycles for 243 Provost Company.
F2. Carried two motorcycles for 243 Provost Company.
F3. Carried one motorcycle for 243 Provost Company and one for 6 Border Regiment.
F4. Carried two motorcycles for 6 Border Regiment.
F5. Carried two motorcycles for 6 Border Regiment.
F6. Carried one motorcycle for 25 Field Dressing Station plus one for 705 GT Company.
F7. Carried one motorcycle for 31 Field Dressing Station plus one for 705 GT Company.

All of the Preloaded DUKWs were loaded by May 14th. In some cases the loads had to be re arranged after that date.

DUKWs arrived off the beaches by three different means. The majority were carried on the LSTs tank deck. The normal method of launching was to reverse down the ramp, having driven forwards into the LST on the loading hards. This allowed the DUKWs propellers and rudder to enter the water first and ensure that the DUKW would immediately be under control. It seems that this beach ignored this method and drove forward off the LST ramp without mishap. Some DUKWs were carried on the LSTs davits. This caused some initial confusion as to the load that could be carried. It was established that the davits could carry ten tons, which was the laden weight of the DUKW. Both of these methods allowed the DUKWs to land on time and without mishap. The LSTs moved inshore at the planned time and launched or lowered the DUKWs on schedule.

A small number of DUKWs were carried on the Rhino Ferries towed by LSTs. These took longer to reach shore.

Note:
The 104 Beach Sub Area report mentions that at the last moment it was decided that the anti tank guns for the brigades would not be landed by DUKW. This left space in the fifteen DUKWs allotted to each brigade. At such short notice it was not possible to arrange for additional ammunition or vital stores to be loaded in place of the guns so the spare capacity was filled with units G1098 stores. The report states that a considerable amount of these stores remained uncollected in the G1098 stores dump at the end of the month. There is no evidence to show how the anti tank guns were landed.

 

243 Headquarters Provost Company.

Stage 1. H to H + 110 minutes.
Detachments of 243 HQ Provost Company landed on Jig Green and established the Provost organisation to assist personnel and vehicles of 231Brigade forward off the beaches. Full responsibility for movement remained with Unit Landing Officers of assault battalions at this stage. 50 Division provosts remained responsible for traffic control and signing forward of the beach exits.

Stage 2. H + 120 minutes to H + 3½ hours.
The Provost organisation was fully established on Jig Green and was responsible under the direction of respective Beach Company Commanders for the smooth movement of all personnel and vehicles up to and including the beach exits.

The Officer Commanding rendezvoused at 10 Beach Group temporary Command Post at H+120 and then proceeded on reconnaissance of 10 Beach Group initial Dump Area with 10 Beach Group reconnaissance party.

Wheeled vehicles of 243 HQ Provost Company remained on the beach until wheeled exits were constructed and then moved inland.

Stage 3. H + 3½ hours to H + 5½ hours.
243 HQ Provost Company was responsible for the smooth movement of all forward traffic across the beaches and through the exits and onto the main forward routes. Inland traffic at this stage was still under the control of 50 Division provosts and all traffic circuits were be as ordered by 50 Division.

The Dump Area Provosts on landing proceeded direct to 10 Beach Group Assembly Area. Officers responsible for Provost arrangements within the initial Dump Area attended the 10 Beach Group ‘O’ Conference at 10 Beach Group Assembly Area and immediately after the ‘O’ Conference the Provosts proceeded to sign the initial dump area as ordered by the Officer Commanding and agreed at the conference.

A Provost Report Centre was established with the Report Centre of Officer Commanding initial dump (Staff Captain). The Officer Commanding detailed a representative to reconnoitre Item Red Beach with the Commander ‘D’ Company, 6 Border Regiment at approximately H+4 hours. Rendezvous at 10 Beach Group Assembly Area. This was delayed as Le Hamel was still held by the enemy. The Officer Commanding also detailed a representative to reconnoitre Beach Group Transit Areas with Commander 10 Beach Group Transit Areas (Officer Commanding ‘H’ Company, 6 Border Regiment) at approximately H+4 hours. This was also delayed.

Stage 4. H + 5½ hours to H + 12 hours.
Traffic circuits as laid down in the First Key Plan came into affect as soon after H + 9 as the tactical situation permitted. The decision to impose this circuit was made by the Commander 50 Division and notified to Officer Commanding 243 HQ Provost Company through Provost channels by 104 Beach Sub Area.

The company was to establish Traffic Posts and be responsible for all signing within the initial dump are which was be fully manned by H + 6 hours. The company signed Drawing Routes, routes to be taken by vehicles collecting stores from the dump, from the initial Dump Area.

The company assisted in the layout of 10 Beach Group Transit Areas under the direction of Officer Commanding 10 Beach Group Transit Areas (Officer Commanding ‘H’ Company, 6 Border Regiment). These were to be established by H+10 hours.


Stage 5. H + 12 hours onwards.
The company was to a Maintain Traffic Office at 10 Beach Group Headquarters and now be responsible for all provost duties within the area. 50 Division Provosts had moved forward at this time.

As higher headquarters asserted control the Deputy Assistant Provost Marshall, 104 Beach Sub Area became responsible for the division of duties between 9 and 10 Beach Groups so that 243 Company might not be responsible only for 10 Beach Groups area. Later the Assistant Provost Marshall, 30 Corps became responsible for the division of duties between 104 Beach Sub Area and 30 Corps.

 

25 Beach Recovery Section.
Stage 1. H to H + 110 minutes.
The section established two Beach Recovery Posts, one on each of Jig Green East and Jig Green West. Each Post was denoted by a REME tricolour flag and was composed of two Sherman BARV and one wading D8 tractor. The tasks were the recovery of drowned vehicles, the clearance of exits and to give assistance to naval craft. No repairs were to be undertaken. Drowned vehicles were taken to posts in area of the beach agreed with the Beach Group Commander.

Stage 4. H + 5½ hours to H + 12 hours.
One Beach Recovery Post from Jig Green will move to Item Red on the orders of 10 Beach Group Command Post.

Stage 5. H + 12 hours onwards.
The Recovery Post on Item Red should have been established by H + 10 hours. It was delayed since Le Hamel was still held by the enemy. The Drowned Vehicle Park was established by 30 Corps Troops Workshops as shown in the first key plan. Drowned vehicles were to be evacuated from the Beach Recovery Posts to the Drowned Vehicle Park as the situation permits.

The following land on the second tide.
2 BARV, 4 D8 Tractors, 4 X Breakdown Tractor, 4 20 ton trailer, 1 DUKW, 1 jeep and 36 men.

 

AA.
Stage 1.
It was considered important that some anti aircraft cover should be provided as soon as possible. As on other beaches this was provided by using Crusader Self Propelled guns, each towing trailer mounted guns.


At H + 20 minutes Three Crusader Self Propelled Triple 20mm towing 3 Triple 20mm on trailers were due to land. They were to deploy on the edge of the beach area. At the same time four Crusader Self Propelled 40mm towing Bofors 40mm on trailers.Again these were to deploy in the beach area but two were to later proceed to the DUKW Area South of Les Roquettes when this was established.

Stage 2.
At H + 120 minutes two Crusader Self Propelled 40mm towing two 40mm on trailers landed. These were to proceed to the DUKW Area South of Les Roquettes.

Stage 4.
Reconnaissance parties for HAA units landed.

Stage 5.
It was thought important that Heavy Anti Aircraft guns should be ashore and ready for action by nightfall on D Day. Four 3.7” HAA guns with radar etc were to land and deploy west of Asnelles sur Mer while a further four 3.7” HAA guns were to deploy near Crepon. An Anti Aircraft Operations Room was to land and deploy south east of Buhot. Four searchlights were to land and deploy in separate locations, west of Le Hamel, the bridge at 875853, north west of Meuvaines and at Asnelles sur Mer. Pioneer smoke detachments were to establish a line of smoke generators and the RAF would have 30 balloons ashore and deployed.

The work of the AA units will be covered in much more detail later under 76 AA Brigade.

 

90 Field Company RE.
According to Operation Order No1, 27 May ‘90 Field Company will do all RE work necessary to get transport off the beaches Jig, and later Item, beaches’. A clear objective.

There were initially three elements each based on a Platoon. One was to land on Jig Green East, one to land on Jig Green West and one in Reserve.

Jig Green East.
No 3 Platoon of 90 Field Company landed together with ‘C’ Company Border Regiment (Beach Group). Working with, and under command of, 90 Field Company were three sections of 173 Pioneer Company, three dozers from ‘B’ Detachment, 51 Mechanical Equipment Section and a dumper from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section.

Jig Green West.
No 2 Platoon of 90 Field Company landed together with ‘A’ Company Border Regiment (Beach Group). Working with , and under command of, 90 Field Company were two sections of 173 Pioneer Company, two dozers from ‘B’ Detachment 51 Mechanical Equipment Section and a dumper from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section.

In reserve were No 1 Platoon of 90 Field Company, two sections of 173 Pioneer Company, the remainder of ‘B’ Detachment, 51 Mechanical Equipment Section and 23 Stores Section.

The initial tasks, in order of priority, were
No 3 Platoon. Jig Green East..
- Assist 73 Field Company to complete the clearance or crossing of obstacles below the high water mark.
- Improve and maintain one heavy and one light tracked exits from the left half of the beach. The light tracked exit was to be suitable for DUKWs by H+2½ hours.
- Construct and maintain one wheeled exit by H+4 hours.
- Clear, repair and maintain the coast road.
- Construct and maintain a beach lateral above high water mark by H+9 hours.
No 3 Platoon would then take over the work of No 2 Platoon and maintain all exits, coast road and beach lateral on Jig Green East. In addition it was to
- Clear mines and obstacles from Jig Green East.
- Clear, repair and maintain the coast road eastwards towards King Beach.

No 2 Platoon. Jig Green West.
As for No3 Platoon until H + 9 hours. At this point No2 Platoon handed over its maintenance tasks to No 3 Platoon and then
- In conjunction with the Officer Commanding ‘D’ Company Border Regiment reconnoitre Item Red Beach.
- Construct one wheeled exit 18 foot wide at 169264, two tracked exits between 163263 and 165263 and one wheeled entry at 176265.
- Take over the maintenance of wheeled exit from No 1 Platoon.
- Clear mines and booby traps.
- Construct a tracked exit at 152266.

No 1 Platoon.
- Construct and maintain one wheeled exit at 174265 byH+6 hours.
- Clear mines and booby traps and repair all roads by H+6.
- Reconnoitre and mark minefield 168264 to 169264 by H+10 hours.
- Clear mines an booby traps by H+10 hours.
- Establish water point at 175253 before 1200 D+1.

23 Stores Section.
- Offload trailers bogged down below high water mark and carry stores above high water mark. One section of pioneers allocated to 1 Platoon may assist.
- Assist offloading of stores from LCMs.
- Clear RE Beach Dump Area near wheeled exit on Jig Green West.
- With Pioneer Labour and 90 Field Company transport ferry RE stores to RE Beach Dump Area.
- Layout and organise RE Beach Dump.


The reality was close to the plan. There were delays caused by enemy action and weather but 90 Field Company and its associated units worked hard to clear obstacles and construct exits. It seems that despite enemy action the work was carried out in the planned locations, although more slowly than planned.

At H Hour reconnaissance officers were to land from LCT(A)s carrying Centaur SP guns. The craft were overcome by rough weather and the reconnaissance officers arrived two or three days later.

At H+30 2 and 3 Platoon reconnaissance officers landed with the reconnaissance and mine clearing parties. They landed on time and found Le Hamel still strongly held. Never the less parties, using whatever cover they could, got on with the reconnaissance of exits and clearance of mines.

At H+60 2 and 3 Platoon working parties were due to land but some were late. Bulldozers towing RE stores were also due to land. Work was held up by enemy fire from the village for an hour.

At H+90 the Officer Commanding landed. His truck was drowned and he waded ashore. Wheeled transport also landed but it was put down on the wrong side of a runnel, on clay and among underwater obstacles with a four foot sea running. Most of this transport was drowned and was overcome by the rapid rising tide. One man was drowned. The Company commenced constructing beach exits on Jig Green East.

At H+120 minutes the reserve platoon, stores section and marching party of the company headquarters were due to land but arrived late. No 2 Platoon commenced construction of one wheeled and one tracked exit on Jig Green East. No 3 Platoon commenced construction of one wheeled and one tracked exit on Jig Green West, re instating a crater and widening the main coast road.

At H+5 hours No 1 Platoon reconnaissance party landed and endeavoured to reach the village to breach the sea wall but failed as the village was still held by the enemy. The Company constructed one DUKW entrance and exit on Jig Green West. The Headquarters Platoon landed and assisted 2 and 3 Platoons on Jig Green Beach.

At H+6 hours No 2 Platoon commenced one wheeled and one tracked exit on Item Beach. For the remainder of day the rest of the company maintained Jig Green East and West.


RE Stores.
These were largely trackway stores.

At H Hour seven LCM each land 200 yards Sommerfeld or chespale track and 12 yards Pierced Steel Planking.

At H+60 minutes LCT(IV)s land trailers loaded with trackway material and towed by RE dozers. Two Freihof trailers for No 2 Platoon and three for No 3 Platoon. Each trailer is loaded with
50 yards Pierced Steel Planking on double hessian.
75 yards Sommerfeld track on double 4’ 6” chespale.
25 yards Sommerfeld track on hessian.
One 26’ set Amacore 1’ 6” diameter.
6 sledgehammers
8 flexiboards
150 X 2’ pickets.
50 X 3’ pickets.
Picks, shovels and wirecutters.

At H+90 minutes two more Freihof trailers towed by tractors of 25 Recovery Section REME land trackway material for No 3 Platoon. Each trailer carries
300 yards Somerfeld track on hessian.
150 X 2’ pickets.
50 X 3’ pickets.
Picks, shovels and wirecutters.

Two dumpers land, one for each of Nos 2 and 3 Platoons. Each carries 50 yards of 4’ 6” chespale track.

Two 20 ton trailers towed by Matador MATs, one for each of Nos 2 and 3 Platoons, land. Each carries.
25 yards Pierced Steel Planking on double hessian.
250 yards double 4’ 6” chespale track.
250 yards Somerfeld track on CI.
100 yards Somerfeld track on hessian.
One 26’ set Amacore 1’ 6” diameter.
20 sledgehammers
12 flexiboards
525 X 2’ pickets.
175 X 3’ pickets.

At H+6 hours twelve 3ton GS lorries from 305 GT Company RASC land. Each carries
50 yards of Somerfeld track on chespale.
50 yards of Somerfeld track on hessian.
150 X 2’ pickets.
50 X 3’ pickets.
2 sledgehammers.

A tipper from 90 Field Company lands loaded with explosives.
16 Wades.
50 Beehives.
250 lbs of ammonal.
500 lbs of 808.
224 lbs of guncotton.

Nos 2 and 3 Platoon each unload two Freihof trailers before H+90 minutes. HQ and 3 Platoon winch trucks will report to 3 Platoon on landing and stand by to ferry stores to above High Water Mark. Nos 1 and 2 Platoons winch trucks will on landing stand by to ferry destroyed underwater obstacles. (These were drowned on landing so were not available. However there were few cleared obstacles to move.)

 

JIG LSTs.

H + 6 Hours
A group of five LST (Serials 2916, 2917, 2918, 2919 and 2920) with more vehicles were timed to arrive and unload onto Rhino Ferries. This time is when the LSTs should be waiting at the Lowering Point. They will be called forward when the beaches are ready to receive the vehicles. Even in ideal conditions it would take a considerable time to discharge all vehicles onto ferries. Those on the tank deck should make one ferry load and then the vehicles on the upper deck must be transferred to the tank deck ready to discharge onto the ferry when it returns. Conditions were far from ideal and unloading was considerably delayed.

These were all scheduled to land on Jig Green.

Four of the LSTs were US ships with six davits for small craft (LCVP). Each towed a Rhino Ferry and carried the men and equipment to operate it. The fifth LST (Serial 2920) was fitted for casualty evacuation and did not tow a Rhino Ferry. It did carry a ten man Casualty Embarkation Party.

Most of the vehicles and personnel carried were overheads for 50 Division and XXX Corps.

Serial 2916 is an LST towing a Rhino and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D 7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 RB 19 Excavator from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
On the Tank Deck
6 DUKW with 14 crew from 705 General Transport Company RASC.
2 6pdr AT guns with 8 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
2 6pdr AT guns with 8 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 Car 4seater 4 X 4 with 2 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 8 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from 50 Division Signals
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from 50 Division Signals
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 crew from 305 General Transport Company RASC
1 Tractor LAA with 2 crew from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
1 Motorcycle from 320/93 LAA Battery RA (Carried on vehicle above)
1 M14 Halftrack with 7 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew from 24 Airfield Construction Company RE
2 Motorcycle with 2 crew from 24 Airfield Construction Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from Headquarters CRE 50 Division
14 men from Headquarters CRE 50 Division
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from 693 Road Construction Company RE
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 693 Road Construction Company RE
1 15cwt GS Truck with 2 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
1 Tractor Class II with 2 crew from 689 Road Construction Company RE
1 Breakdown Tractor with 4 crew from 30 Corps Troops Workshop REME
I Jeep with 2 crew from 10 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
45 men with 6 handcarts and 3 bicycles from 10 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
On Main Deck
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 147 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
2 3ton Tipper with 4 crew from 486 Tipper Company RASC
4 Carrier Universal with 16 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 3 ton 4 X 4 GS from 50 Division Signals
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle from 50 Division Signals
1 Jeep from 50 Division Signals
2 Motorcycles from 50 Division Signals
19 men from 50 Division Signals
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 5 Detail Issuing Detachment RASC
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from 209 Pioneer Company
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 5 crew from Headquarters 76 Anti Aircraft Brigade RA
1 Car 2 seater 4 X 2 with 3 crew from 24 Airfield Construction Company RE
1 Ambulance 4 Stretcher with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew from 30 Corps Troops Workshop REME
3 Jeeps with 9 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area Signals RS
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 108 Beach Section RAF
4 men from 108 Beach Section RAF
1 15cwt Wireless House with 3 crew from Air Support Signals Unit
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew from 6 Border Regiment
53 men from 6 Border Regiment
1 Jeep and a handcart with 2 crew from 244 Petrol Depot RASC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
2 crew for D7 Tractor (on Rhino) from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
2 crew for RB 19 excavator (on Rhino) from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit


Serial 2917 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D7 Tractor from 953 Inland Water Transport Company RE
2 DUKW from 705 GT Company RASC
On the Tank Deck
6 DUKW with 14 crew from 705 GT Company RASC
2 15cwt GS and 2 6pdr AT guns with 10 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
2 15cwt GS and 2 6pdr AT guns with 8 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry
1 Sherman OP tank with 4 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 crew from 305 General Transport Company RASC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 7 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 50 Division Defence and Employment Platoon
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from Headquarters CRE 50 Division RE
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle with 3 crew from 30 Corps Signals RS
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle with 4 crew from H Section 50 Division Signals RS
3 Jeeps and trailers with 6 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
2 Jeeps with 2 crew from 391/113 HAA Battery RA
2 Motorcycles with 2 crew from 391/113 HAA Battery RA
16 men from 391/113 HAA Battery RA
1 15cwt Water with 1 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
On the Main Deck
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 82 Assault Squadron RE
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from 209 Pioneer Company
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 Stretcher with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 3ton Tipper with 4 crew from 486 Tipper Company RASC
3 3ton 4 X 4 with 6 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle from 50 Division Signals
1 3ton Breakdown from 50 Division Signals
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Jeep from 50 Division Signals
4 Motorcycles from 50 Division Signals
20 men from 50 Division Signals
2 3ton 4 X 4 Winch with 9 crew from 69 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew from 69 Field Company RE
2 Carriers Universal with 8 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
2 Carriers Mortar with 10 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 2 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Jeeps with 6 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area Signals RS
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 305 GT Company RASC
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew from 6 Border Regiment
37 men with 3 handcarts and 1 bicycle from 6 Border Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 7 Beach Signals RN
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 356 Searchlight Battery RA
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 356 Searchlight Battery RA
1 Car 2 seater 4 X 2 with 3 crew from 16 Airfield Construction Company
2 crew for D7 Tractor (on Rhino) from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
4 crew for 2 DUKWs (on Rhino) from 705 General Transport Company RASC
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit




Serial 2918 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D7 Tractor from 953 Inland Water Transport Company RE
2 DUKW from 705 GT Company RASC
On the Tank Deck
6 DUKW with 14 crew from 705 GT Company RASC
2 15cwt GS and 2 6pdr AT guns with 10 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
2 6pdr AT guns with 8 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew from 2 Devonshire Regiment
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry
2 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Sherman OP tank with 5 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 from 305 General Transport Company RASC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from Headquarters CRE 50 Division
8 men from Headquarters CRE 50 Division
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 8 crew from Westminster Dragoons
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
1 Jeep with 3 crew from Headquarters 76 AA Brigade RA
1 Breakdown Tractor with 4 crew from 30 Corps Troops Workshop REME
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Tractor Class II with 2 crew from 689 Road Construction Company RE
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from 19 Field Security Section
9 Motorcycles with 9 crew from 19 Field Security Section
1 Jeep with 3 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
On the Main Deck
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 82 Assault Squadron RE
2 Carriers Universal with 8 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
2 Carriers Mortar with 10 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
2 3ton Tipper with 4 crew from 486 Tipper Company RASC
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 25 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 15cwt GS from 25 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher from 25 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Motorcycle from 25 Field Dressing Station RAMC
39 men from 25 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 crew from 42 Field Surgical Unit RAMC
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 522 Brigade Company
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 2 crew from Headquarters CRA 50 Division
1 Car 2 seater 4 X 2 with 2 crew from 19 Movement Control Group RE
2 men from 19 Movement Control Group RE
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
2 3ton Winch with 9 crew from 69 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Compressor with 2 crew from 69 Field Company RE
2 Jeeps with 6 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area Signals RS
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 152 AA Operations Room RA
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 152 AA Operations Room RA
6 men from 152 AA Operations Room RA
2 men from 17 Movement Control Group RE
2 crew for D7 Tractor (on Rhino) from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
4 crew for 2 DUKWs (on Rhino) from 705 General Transport Company RASC
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit



Serial 2919 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D7 Tractor from 953 Inland Water Transport Company RE
3 DUKW from 705 GT Company RASC
On the Tank Deck
6 DUKW with 14 crew from 705 GT Company RASC
3 15cwt GS and 3 6pdr AT guns with 10 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 2 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 from 305 General Transport Company RASC
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew from 16 Airfield Construction Company RE
2 Motorcycles with 2 crew from 16 Airfield Construction Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from 689 Road Construction Company RE
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 689 Road Construction Company RE
2 Jeeps and trailers with 4 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
2 D7 Tractors and Fruehauf trailers with 8 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 3ton Office and trailer with 2 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
11 men from 231 Pioneer Company
On the Main Deck
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 346 Brigade Company RASC
4 Carriers Universal with 16 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 31 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 15cwt GS from 31 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher from 31 Field Dressing Station RAMC
37 men from 31 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 crew from 41 Field Surgical Unit RAMC
2 3ton Tipper with 4 crew from 486 Tipper Company RASC
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from 30 Corps troops Workshop REME
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from 209 Pioneer Company
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade Defence Platoon
17 men from 56 Brigade Defence Platoon
2 men with 1 bicycle from ‘A’ Interrogation Section
1 Jeep with 3 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
2 Jeeps with 6 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area Signals RS
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Army Photographic Interpretation Section
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 War Artist
3 men from Pioneer Smoke Section
2 crew for D7 Tractor (on Rhino) from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
6 crew for 2 DUKWs (on Rhino) from 705 General Transport Company RASC
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit


Serial 2920 was a LST without a Rhino Ferry. This LST is fitted for Casualty Evacuation.
On the Tank Deck
15 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 30 crew from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 12 crew from 306 General Transport Company RASC
1 M14 Halftrack with 7 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 147 Field Regiment LAD REME
1 3ton Breakdown with 2 crew from 147 Field Regiment LAD REME
14 men with 2 crew from 147 Field Regiment LAD REME
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
1 White Scout Car with 4 crew from GHQ Liaison Regiment (Phantom)
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 391/113 HAA Battery RA
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 391/113 HAA Battery RA
12 men from 391/113 HAA Battery RA
1 D7 Tractor and Freuhauf trailer with 4 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 2 crew from H Section 50 Division Signals RS
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from H Section 50 Division Signals RS
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
10 men Casualty Embarkation Party.
On the Main Deck
4 3ton Tipper with 8 crew from 486 Tipper Company RASC.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 346 Brigade Company RASC
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew from 689 Road Construction Company RE
3 15cwt GS with 8 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 243 Provost Company
1 15cwt with 5 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 505 Field Company RE
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 2 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 5 crew from Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 6 Border Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 30 Corps Signals RS
2 Jeeps with 6 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area Signals RS
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 203 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 men with a balloon and handwinch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit


The height of the tides together with the slope of beach made it impossible to unload for two hours either side of low water. Landing will now pause until the next tide when LSTs will be called in as required. These will carry the last remaining vehicles and personnel of 50 Division. Other formations may then land.

LST loads by unit.

Headquarters, 50 Division.
2 Car 4 seater 4 X 4.
2 Jeep.
1 15cwt GS.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
32 men.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 50 Division Defence and Employment Platoon
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from Headquarters CRE 50 Division RE
50 Division Signals
4 Jeep.
8 Jeep and trailer.
2 Car 4 seater 4 X 4.
2 15cwt GS.
1 3 ton 4 X 4 GS.
2 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle.
1 3ton Breakdown.
6 Motorcycles.
74 men.

Headquarters CRA 50 Division.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 2 crew.
‘H’ Section, Commander Royal Artillery, 50 Division Signals RS.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4.
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle.
1 Motorcycle.
7 men.

Headquarters CRE 50 Division.
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew.
22 men.

30 Corps Signals RS
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle with 3 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.

Miscellaneous.
1 15cwt Wireless House with 3 crew from Air Support Signals Unit
1 White Scout Car with 4 crew from GHQ Liaison Regiment (Phantom)
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from 19 Field Security Section
9 Motorcycles with 9 crew from 19 Field Security Section
1 Car 2 seater 4 X 2 with 2 crew from 19 Movement Control Group RE
2 men from 19 Movement Control Group RE
2 men from 17 Movement Control Group RE
2 men with 1 bicycle from ‘A’ Interrogation Section
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Army Photographic Interpretation Section
1 War Artist

Brigades.
1 3ton Office and trailer with 2 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade Defence Platoon
17 men from 56 Brigade Defence Platoon
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 2 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade

2 Essex Regiment.
6 15cwt GS and 6 6pdr AT guns with 32 crew.
2 Gloucestershire Regiment.
6 15cwt GS and 6 6pdr AT guns with 32 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
2 South Wales Borderers.
3 15cwt GS and 3 6pdr AT guns with 18 crew.
3 15cwt GS with 6 crew.
2 Devonshire Regiment.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew.

Note that these units have 6pdr anti tank guns towed by 15 cwt GS trucks. Presumably these are 4 X 4. This was common in Italy but Universal Carriers were generally used in Normandy assault divisions.

61 Reconnaissance Regiment.
2 M14 Halftrack.
1 Jeep.
1 Motorcycle.
12 Carrier Universal.
4 Carriers Mortar.
1 15cwt Water with 1 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
87 men.

Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
2 Sherman OP tank with 9 crew.
Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
27 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 54 crew.

3 15cwt GS with 8 crew from 50 Division Provost Company

2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 8 crew from Westminster Dragoons

AA
Headquarters 76 Anti Aircraft Brigade RA.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 5 crew.
1 Jeep with 3 crew.
152 AA Operations Room RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew.
6 men.
320/93 LAA Battery RA
1 Tractor LAA with 2 crew. Carries a Motorcycle.
Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 5 crew.
391/113 HAA Battery RA
3 Jeeps with 6 crew.
3 Motorcycles with 3 crew.
28 men.
356 Searchlight Battery RA.
1 Jeep with 3 crew.
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew.

RA
90 Field Regiment SP RA.
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew.
147 Field Regiment SP RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 147 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
147 Field Regiment LAD.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew.
1 3ton Breakdown with 2 crew.
14 men.

30 Corps Troops Workshop REME.
2 Breakdown Tractor with 8 crew.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew.



Beach Group.
6 Border Regiment.
4 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 8 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
90 men with 3 handcarts and 1 bicycle.

10 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
I Jeep with 2 crew.
45 men with 6 handcarts and 3 bicycles.

1 15cwt with 2 crew from 243 Provost Company
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 7 Beach Signals RN
11 Jeeps with 33 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area Signals RS

RAF.
4 men from 108 Beach Section RAF
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 108 Beach Section RAF
10 men with 5 balloons and hand winches from 55 RAF Balloon Unit

RE
82 Assault Squadron RE.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew.
953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE.
4 D7 Bulldozer with 8 crew.
80 men.
961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE.
32 men.
51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE.
1 RB 19 Excavator with 2 crew.
3 D7 Tractor and 3 Freuhauf trailer with 12 crew.
689 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Tractor Class II with 4 crew.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew.
693 Road Construction Company RE.
2 M14 Halftrack with 8 crew.
2 Motorcycle with 12 crew.
69 Field Company RE.
4 3ton 4 X 4 Winch with 18 crew.
2 15cwt Compressor with 4 crew.
505 Field Company RE.
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.
16 Airfield Construction Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew.
2 Motorcycles with 2 crew.
1 Car 2 seater 4 X 2 with 3 crew.
24 Airfield Construction Company RE.
1 Car 2 seater 4 X 2 with 3 crew.
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew.
2 Motorcycle with 2 crew.

56 men from 243 Pioneer Company
2 15cwt GS with 6 crew from 209 Pioneer Company
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from 209 Pioneer Company
11 men from 231 Pioneer Company
3 men from Pioneer Smoke Section

RASC
35 DUKW with 70 crew from 705 GT Company RASC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 305 GT Company RASC
30 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 64 crew from 305 General Transport Company RASC
12 3ton Tipper with 24 crew from 486 Tipper Company RASC
14 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 28 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 12 crew from 346 Brigade Company RASC

1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 5 Detail Issuing Detachment RASC
1 Jeep and a handcart with 2 crew from 244 Petrol Depot RASC

RAMC
203 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 Ambulance 4 Stretcher with 2 crew.
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew.
200 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew.
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew.
31 Field Dressing Station RAMC
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
1 15cwt GS.
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher.
37 men.
41 Field Surgical Unit RAMC.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 crew.
25 Field Dressing Station RAMC
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
1 15cwt GS.
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher.
1 Motorcycle.
39 men.
42 Field Surgical Unit RAMC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 crew.
200 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 4 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 2 crew.
203 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 Stretcher with 2 crew.
1 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 2 crew
2 Jeep Ambulance with 4 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.

 

JIG LSTs

Second Tide.
A further five LSTs arrive. Delays in discharging these makes timings meaningless but the first were timed to arrive at the Lowering Point at H + 12 Hours.

Serial 2921 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 RB10 Excavator from 1035 Port Operating Company RE
On the Tank Deck
3 Stuart Light Tank from 24 Lancers
10 Sherman Tank from 24 Lancers
1 Sherman ARV from 24 Lancers
1 M14 Halftrack from 24 Lancers
1 Scout Car from 24 Lancers
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 24 Lancers
2 Motorcycle from 24 Lancers
82 men from 24 Lancers
1 Sherman OP Tank with 5 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
3 men from 8 Armoured Brigade Signal Squadron (on above vehicles) RS
1 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 2 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
1 Motorcycle carried on the above vehicle
1 Tractor LAA from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 SP 40mm AA gun from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
4 Motorcycle from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
37 men from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 10 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
3 Motorcycle from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment (carried on the above vehicles)
1 Carrier Mortar and trailer with 4 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew from 147 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
On Main Deck
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 505 Field Company RE
1 3ton 4 X 4 Winch from 505 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Compressor from 505 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack from 505 Field Company RE
4 Motorcycle from 505 Field Company RE
47 men from 505 Field Company RE
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 24 Lancers LAD REME
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
2 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
3 Motorcycles from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC (carried on above vehicle)
12 men with 4 bicycles from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 24 Lancers
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 24 Lancers Signals Section RS
2 Jeeps with 6 crew from 8 Armoured Brigade Signals RS
1 15cwt with 4 crew from Headquarters CRASC 50 Division
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 from Headquarters CRASC 50 Division
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 2 Devonshire Regiment
1 Motorcycle from 2 Devonshire Regiment (carried on one of above vehicles)
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 2 Devonshire Regiment
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 15 crew from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 Motorcycle from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry (carried on one of above vehicles)
2 Carrier Universal with 5 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 3 crew from N Section 50 Division Signals RS
1 3ton with 6 crew from 90 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
2 Jeep with 4 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
2 crew for D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
10 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 crew for RB10 Excavator from 1035 Port Operating Company RE
16 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
2 men with a balloon and handwinch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit



Serial 2922 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 RB10 Excavator from 1035 Port Operating Company RE
On the Tank Deck
3 Stuart Light Tank from 24 Lancers
11 Sherman Tank from 24 Lancers
1 M14 Halftrack from 24 Lancers
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 24 Lancers
80 men from 24 Lancers
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 24 Lancers LAD REME
1 Sherman OP Tank with 5 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
1 Scout Car from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
2 Motorcycle from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
10 men from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 men from 8 Armoured Brigade Signal Squadron RS
1 Motorcycle from 8 Armoured Brigade Signals Squadron RS (on above vehicle)
1 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 2 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Tractor LAA from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 SP 40mm AA gun from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 Motorcycle from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
32 men from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 11 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 Carrier Mortar and trailer with 5 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
On Main Deck
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 505 Field Company RE
1 3ton 4 X 4 Winch from 505 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Compressor from 505 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack from 505 Field Company RE
4 Motorcycle from 505 Field Company RE
47 men from 505 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from Headquarters 56 Brigade
2 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Motorcycles from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC (carried on above vehicle)
12 men with from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 24 Lancers
2 Jeeps with 6 crew from 8 Armoured Brigade Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from Headquarters CRASC 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
4 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 10 crew from 2 Devonshire Regiment
1 Motorcycle from 2 Devonshire Regiment (carried on one of above vehicles)
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 13 crew from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 Motorcycle from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry (carried on one of above vehicles)
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
2 Carrier Universal with 5 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Interpreter
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade Signal Section RS
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle with 5 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 3 crew from Headquarters CRA 50 Division
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from Headquarters CRASC 50 Division
2 crew for D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
10 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 crew for RB19 Excavator from 1035 Port Operating Company RE
16 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
2 men with a balloon and handwinch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit



Serial 2923 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 RB19 Excavator from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
On the Tank Deck
3 Stuart Light Tank from 24 Lancers
11 Sherman Tank from 24 Lancers
1 Scout Car from 24 Lancers
1 M14 Halftrack from 24 Lancers
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 24 Lancers
82 men from 24 Lancers
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 24 Lancers LAD REME
1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from 24 Lancers Signal Section RS
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
2 Motorcycle from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade (carried on above vehicle)
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 56 Brigade Signal Section RS
1 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 2 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Tractor LAA from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 SP 40mm AA gun from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 Motorcycle from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
32 men from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 12 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
3 Motorcycle from 2 Essex Regiment
1 Carrier Mortar and trailer with 5 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
On Main Deck
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 505 Field Company RE
1 3ton 4 X 4 Winch from 505 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Compressor from 505 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack from 505 Field Company RE
3 Motorcycle from 505 Field Company RE
47 men from 505 Field Company RE
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
4 3ton 4 X 4 GS with10 crew from 1 Hampshire Regiment
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 1 Hampshire Regiment
2 Motorcycle from 1 Hampshire Regiment (carried on above vehicles)
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 231 Brigade LAD REME
2 Jeeps with 6 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 3ton 4 X 4 Technical with 6 crew from Headquarters CRA 50 Division
1 Motorcycle from Headquarters CRA 50 Division (carried in above vehicle)
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters CRA 50 Division
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from Headquarters CRASC 50 Division
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
11 Men from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 crew for D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
10 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 crew for RB19 Excavator from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
16 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
15 men from 243 Pioneer Company
2 men with a balloon and handwinch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit


Serial 2924 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 RB19 Excavator from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
On the Tank Deck
2 Stuart Light Tank from 24 Lancers
11 Sherman Tank from 24 Lancers
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 24 Lancers
2 Motorcycle from 24 Lancers
70 men from 24 Lancers
1 Tractor Breakdown with 5 crew from 24 Lancers LAD REME
1 15cwt with 3 crew from 24 Lancers Signal Section RS
1 Scout Car with 2 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
1 3ton Breakdown with 10 crew from 56 Brigade LAD REME
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 7 crew from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Motorcycle from 168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC (carried on above vehicle)
1 Tractor LAA from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 SP 40mm AA gun from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
2 Motorcycle from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
30 men from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 9 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 8 crew from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
2 Motorcycle from 90 Field Regiment SP RA (carried on above vehicle)
1 3ton 4 X 4 Technical with 5 crew from 90 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle with 5 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Carrier Mortar and trailer with 5 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
On Main Deck
2 Jeeps from 505 Field Company RE
2 Carrier Universal from 505 Field Company RE
1 M14 Halftrack from 505 Field Company RE
52 men from 505 Field Company RE
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 3 crew from 56 Brigade Signal Section RS
1 15cwt FFW from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 15cwt Water from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 M14 Halftrack from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 Motorcycle from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
16 men from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade LAD REME
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew from 1 Hampshire Regiment
1 Motorcycle from 1 Hampshire Regiment (carried on above vehicles)
1 3ton 4 X 4 Winch with 4 crew from 295 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 295 Field Company RE
17 men from 295 Field Company RE
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew from 22 Field Hygiene Section RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 22 Field Hygiene Section RAMC
12 men from 22 Field Hygiene Section RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
2 Jeep Ambulance with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
12 Men from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 15cwt with 4 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Motorcycle from 2 Cheshire Regiment (carried on above vehicles)
2 crew for D7 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
13 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 crew for RB19 Excavator from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
16 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
15 men from 243 Pioneer Company
2 men with a balloon and handwinch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit


Serial 2925 is an LST without Rhino Ferry carrying
1 Sherman OP Tank with 7 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
1 15cwt Wireless with 3 crew from 8 Armoured Brigade Signal Squadron RS
10 Sherman Tanks with 50 crew from 24 Lancers
1 M14 Halftrack with 6 crew from 24 Lancers
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 17 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
2 Motorcycles from 2 South Wales Borderers (carried on the above vehicles)
2 3ton Coles Cranes with 4 crew from 73 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
2 15cwt Water from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
1 Jeep from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
6 Motorcycles from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
19 men from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
1 3ton 4 X 4 Lorry Command Vehicle with 5 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Tractor LAA from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
3 SP 40mm AA gun from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
2 Motorcycle from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
30 men from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 243 Provost Company
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 Carrier Mortar and trailer with 7 crew from 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 3 crew from Regimental Headquarters 102 AT Regiment RA
2 Jeeps with 4 War Correspondents
On the Main Deck
1 M14 Halftrack with 6 crew from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
1 15cwt Wireless with 3 crew from 8 Armoured Brigade Signals Section RS
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from 2 South Wales Borderers
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
1 3ton Breakdown from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
1 15cwt Water from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
1 15cwt Machinery from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
6 Motorcycle from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
23 men from 90 Field Regiment SP RA
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 7 crew from 1 Dorsetshire Regiment
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 1 Dorsetshire Regiment
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 50 Division Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 from 50 Division Signals RS
4 Motorcycle from 50 Division Signals RS
17 men from 50 Division Signals RS
2 Jeep Ambulance with 4 crew from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
12 men from 200 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 3 crew from Headquarters CRA 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 2 Essex Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 2 Gloucestershire Regiment
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew from 147 Field Regiment SP RA
2 men with a balloon and handwinch from 55 RAF Balloon Unit


By Unit.
Headquarters CRASC 50 Division.
4 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 16 crew.
1 15cwt with 4 crew.

50 Division Signals RS
3 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS. Carry 4 Motorcycles.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4.
17 men.
N Section 50 Division Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 3 crew.

1 Interpreter
2 Jeeps with 4 War Correspondents

Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
3 Sherman OP Tank.
1 M14 Halftrack. Carries 3 men from 8 Armoured Brigade Signal Squadron.
2 Scout Car.
1 15cwt Water.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS. Carry 2 Motorcycle.
2 Jeeps.
37 men.
8 Armoured Brigade Signals RS
4 Jeeps.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS. Carries a Motorcycle.
2 15cwt Wireless.
26 men.

24 Lancers.
11 Stuart Light Tank.
53 Sherman Tank.
1 Sherman ARV.
5 M14 Halftrack.
2 Scout Car.
12 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
2 Jeep.
3 Motorcycle.
326 men from 24 Lancers
24 Lancers Signals Section RS
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 15cwt with 3 crew.
24 Lancers LAD REME.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 12 crew.
1 Tractor Breakdown with 5 crew.
1 15cwt GS.

Sherwood Foresters Yeomanry
2 M14 Halftrack.
9 3ton 4 X 4 GS. Carry 3 Motorcycle.
1 15cwt GS.
1 15cwt FFW.
1 15cwt Water.
2 Jeeps.
60 men.

Headquarters 56 Brigade.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 7 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
56 Brigade Signal Section RS.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 3 crew.
56 Brigade LAD REME.
1 3ton Breakdown with 10 crew.

Headquarters 231 Brigade.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew from Headquarters 231 Brigade Signal Section RS
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 11 crew from 231 Brigade LAD REME

2 Gloucestershire Regiment.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 10 crew. Carry 3 Motorcycle.
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew.
3 Jeep with 5 crew.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 11 crew.
2 Devonshire Regiment
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 6 crew. Carry a Motorcycle.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
2 Essex Regiment.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 12 crew. Carry 3 Motorcycle.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
5 Jeeps with 10 crew.
1 Hampshire Regiment
7 3ton 4 X 4 GS with16 crew. Carry 3 motorcycle.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 Dorsetshire Regiment.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 7 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
2 South Wales Borderers.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
2 Jeeps with 4 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 17 crew. Carry 2 Motorcycles.

2 Cheshire Regiment (MG).
7 Carrier Mortar and trailer with 36 crew.
4 Carrier Universal with 10 crew.
3 15cwt with 6 crew. Carry a motorcycle.

RAMC
200 Field Ambulance RAMC.
4 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 8 crew.
5 Jeep Ambulance with 10 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 2 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
4 Motorcycles (carried on above vehicles)
59 men with 4 bicycles.
168 Light Field Ambulance RAMC.
2 Ambulance 2 Stretcher with 4 crew.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 4 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 7 crew.
2 Motorcycles (carried on above vehicles).
22 Field Hygiene Section RAMC.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 4 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
12 men.

RA.
Headquarters CRA 50 Division.
2 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 with 6 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Technical with 6 crew. Carries a Motorcycle.
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters CRA 50 Division
90 Field Regiment SP RA.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS. Carry 8 Motorcycles.
1 3ton Breakdown.
1 15cwt Water.
1 15cwt Machinery.
23 men.
90 Field Regiment Signal Section RS.
1 3ton with 6 crew.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Technical with 5 crew.
147 Field Regiment SP RA.
2 15cwt Water.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS. Carry 6 Motorcycles.
1 Jeep.
19 men.
147 Field Regiment Signal Section RS.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 5 crew.
82/25 LAA Battery RA.
3 Jeeps.
11 motorcycle.
4 Tractor LAA.
12 SP 40mm AA gun.
4 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
135 men.

1 Jeep with 3 crew from Regimental Headquarters 102 AT Regiment RA

RE.
505 Field Company RE
2 Jeeps.
2 Carriers universal.
4 M14 Halftrack.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
3 3ton 4 X 4 Winch.
3 15cwt Compressor.
1 M14 Halftrack.
12 Motorcycle.
193 men.
295 Field Company RE.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Winch with 4 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
17 men.
953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
4 D7 Bulldozer with 8 crew.
43 men. men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
10 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
10 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
13 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1035 Port Operating Company RE.
2 RB10 Excavator with 2 crew.
961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
64 men.
51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE.
2 RB19 Excavator with 2 crew.
73 Mechanical Equipment Section RE.
2 3ton Coles Cranes with 4 crew.

243 Pioneer Company
58 men.

1 15cwt with 2 crew from 243 Provost Company
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company

55 RAF Balloon Unit.
10 men with 5 balloons and handwinches.

 

H+12½ Hours.

Three LST2 of Force ‘L’ arrive off Jig Beach in time for the DUKWs on the Tank Deck to be launched to swim ashore and vehicles on the Main Deck to be lowered to the Tank Deck in time to start unloading at H+12½ Hours. These LSTs carry 30 Corps overheads.

None of these LST are towing Rhino Ferries and so must wait until the earlier arrivals have discharged and ferries become available.

Serial 3500 is a LST2 carrying
23 DUKW including 2 on davits from 703 GT Company RASC.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Water from 703 GT Company RASC.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from 703 GT Company RASC.
99 men from 703 GT Company RASC.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
3 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
24 men from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
2 3ton GS from 152 AAOR.
1 3ton 4 X 2 Mobile Operations Room from 152 AAOR.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Radar No4 from 152 AAOR.
36 men from 152 AAOR.
1 M14 Halftrack with 7 crew from CE 30 Corps.
1 Jeep from 1 AA Squadron RAFR.
1 tender 3ton from 1 AA Squadron RAFR.
1 tender water 350 gallon from 1 AA Squadron RAFR.
6 3ton GS (in lieu of LAA Tractors) towing 6 40mm Bofors LAA guns from 1 AA Squadron RAFR.
75 men from 1 AA Squadron RAFR. ‘A’ echelon for 1 RAS.
1 3ton tender from 16 AFS Construction Section.
1 30cwt tender signals 430 from 16 AFS Construction Section.
12 men from 16 AFS Construction Section.
1 Tender 3ton from ‘B’ Echelon, 1 P and S Unit.
1 Jeep from ‘B’ Echelon, 1 P and S Unit.
5 men from ‘B’ Echelon, 1 P and S Unit.
1 Jeep from ‘A’ Echelon, 17 MC Group.
1 2 seater 4 X 2 PU from ‘A’ Echelon, 17 MC Group.
30 men from ‘A’ Echelon, 17 MC Group.
2 men from 13 Army Field Survey Depot.
110 men from 280 Pioneer Company.

Serial 3501 is an LST2 carrying
8 DUKW including 2 on davits from 703 GT Company RASC.
29 men from 703 GT Company RASC.
2 RB19 Cranes with 4 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
7 Medium Tractor from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer, generator from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar No3 MkII from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII Tx from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII RX from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
4 X 3.7” HAA guns from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
111 men from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber from Regimental Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from Regimental Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Wireless House from Regimental Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS from Regimental Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer 15cwt Water from Regimental Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment RA.
28 men from Regimental Headquarters 113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Jeep with 4 crew. Press Correspondents.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 152 AAOR.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Mobile Operations Room from 152 AAOR.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Wireless No4 from 152 AAOR.
1 Trailer, generator from 152 AAOR.
43 men from 152 AAOR.
4 15cwt GS from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Machinery from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
4 3ton 4 X 2 Stores from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
2 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
1 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
1 Tractor 6 X 4 Breakdown, Ward Le France, from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
1 Trailer 7½ ton recovery from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
89 men from 1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
1 Car 2 seat 4 X 2 Standard with 5 men from MC Pool.
85 men from 230 Pioneer Company.

Serial 3502 is an LST2 carrying
2 DUKW davits with 7 crew from 703 GT Company RASC.
29 men from 703 GT Company RASC.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
7 Medium Tractor from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer, generator from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar No3 MkII from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII Tx from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII RX from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
4 X 3.7” HAA guns from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
111 men from 391/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from 336 Searchlight Battery RA.
4 3ton 6 X 4 Searchlight from 336 Searchlight Battery RA.
52 men from 336 Searchlight Battery RA.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber from Battery Headquarters 395/120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from Battery Headquarters 395/120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Battery Headquarters 395/120 LAA Regiment RA.
2 Tractor LAA from Battery Headquarters 395/120 LAA Regiment RA.
9 men from Battery Headquarters 395/120 LAA Regiment RA.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Pioneer Smoke Company.
52 men from Pioneer Smoke Company.
2 3ton 4 X 2 Stores from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME.
4 3ton 4 X 4 Binned from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME.
30 men from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 Trailer, 15cwt water, from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 Trailer 7½ ton recovery from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 trailer 8 wheeled low loading from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 Trailer, 2 wheeled, 1 ton from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
2 Tractor 6 X 4 Breakdown, Ward la France from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
20 men from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
14 men from 280 pioneer company
1 Jeep from 78 RAFR AA Squadron.
2 3ton tender from 78 RAFR AA Squadron.
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS (in lieu of LAA tractors) from 78 RAFR AA Squadron.
6 40mm Bofors LAA guns from 78 RAFR AA Squadron.
78 men from 78 RAFR AA Squadron.
1 3ton tender from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
1 tender signals type 430 from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
12 men from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
1 Jeep from 1 P and S Unit RAF.
1 3ton from 1 P and S Unit RAF.
5 men from 1 P and S Unit RAF.


703 GT Company RASC.
One LST has DUKWs on the tank deck while all three LST have two DUKW on davits. All DUKWs were preloaded and were launched on arrival.
33 DUKW including 6 on davits.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Water.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
166 men.

AA.
113 Heavy Anti Aircraft Regiment RA.
For AA defence of the Beach Sub Area.
Regimental Headquarters.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Wireless House.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS.
1 Trailer 15cwt Water.
28 men.
391 Battery.
Headquarters
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber.
3 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery.
24 men.
Troop.
2 3ton 4 X 2 GS.
7 Medium Tractor.
1 Trailer, generator.
1 Trailer Radar No3 MkII.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII Transmitter.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII Receiver.
4 X 3.7” HAA guns.
111 men.
Troop.
2 3ton 4 X 2 GS.
7 Medium Tractor.
1 Trailer, generator.
1 Trailer Radar No3 MkII.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII Transmitter.
1 Trailer Radar No1 MkII Receiver.
4 X 3.7” HAA guns.
111 men
Troop.
152 Anti Aircraft Operations Room.
To control AA defence in the Beach Maintenance Area.
3 3ton GS.
2 3ton 4 X 2 Mobile Operations Room.
2 15cwt 4 X 2 Radar No4.
1 Trailer, generator.
79 men.
Battery Headquarters 395/120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
2 Tractor LAA.
9 men.
336 Searchlight Battery RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
4 3ton 6 X 4 Searchlight.
52 men.

Pioneer Smoke Company.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
52 men.

280 Pioneer Company.
209 men.

51 Mechanical Equipment Section.
2 RB19 Cranes with 4 crew.

‘A’ Echelon, 17 Movement Control Group.
1 Jeep.
1 2 seater 4 X 2 PU.
30 men.

21 Army Group Movement Control Pool.
1 Car 2 seat 4 X 2 Standard with 5 men.
Press Correspondents.
1 Jeep with 4 crew.

2 men from 13 Army Field Survey Depot.
1 M14 Halftrack with 7 crew from Chief Engineer 30 Corps.

1 Corps Troops Workshops REME.
4 15cwt GS.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Machinery.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
4 3ton 4 X 2 Stores.
2 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery.
1 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown.
1 Tractor 6 X 4 Breakdown, Ward Le France.
1 Trailer 7½ ton recovery.
89 men.

7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME.
2 3ton 4 X 2 Stores.
4 3ton 4 X 4 Binned.
30 men.

Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
1 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown.
1 Trailer, 15cwt water.
1 Trailer 7½ ton recovery.
1 trailer 8 wheeled low loading.
1 Trailer, 2 wheeled, 1 ton.
2 Tractor 6 X 4 Breakdown, Ward la France.
20 men.

RAF.
1 AA Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment. ‘A’ echelon.
For defence of 1 Refuelling and Rearming Strip.
1 Jeep.
1 tender 3ton.
1 tender water 350 gallon.
6 3ton GS (in lieu of LAA Tractors) towing 6 40mm Bofors LAA guns.
75 men.
78 RAFR AA Squadron.
For defence of 1 Refuelling and Rearming Strip.
1 Jeep from
2 3ton tender.
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS (in lieu of LAA tractors) towing 6 40mm Bofors LAA guns.
78 men.
16 Air Formation Signals, Construction Section.
1 3ton tender.
1 30cwt tender signals 430.
12 men.
‘A’ Echelon, 1 Provost and Security Unit. RAF.
2 Tender 3ton.
2 Jeep.
5 men.
‘B’ Echelon, 1 Provost and Security Unit. RAF
2 Tender 3ton.
2 Jeep.
5 men.
‘C’ Mobile Signals Unit. For 85 Group GCI.
1 3ton tender.
1 tender signals type 430.
12 men.

 

King LSTs

H + 6 Hours
A group of five LST with more vehicles were timed to arrive and unload onto Rhino Ferries. Only four LST tow Rhino Ferries. 2817 does not.

2814 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
2 DUKW from 536 GT Company RASC
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE

On the Tank Deck
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
2 motorcycle with 2 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater with 2 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
5 motorcycles with 5 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
3 6pdr AT guns with 15 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
5 motorcycles with 5 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
2 6pdr AT guns with 10 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 3ton GS with 1 crew from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
3 Carrier Universal with 3 crew from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
3 Motorcycle with 3 crew from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew from 11 Mortar Section 2 Cheshire Regiment
3 Carrier Mortar and Mortar Trailer with 12 crew from 11 Mortar Section 2 Cheshire Regiment
3 Motorcycle with 3 crew from 11 Mortar Section 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 3ton Breakdown towing Light Recovery Trailer with 5 men from Light Rec Sec 6 Recovery Company
1 Breakdown Tractor with 3 men from Light Recovery Section 6 Recovery Company REME
2 Tank Cruiser SP 20mm with 35 men from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
1 3ton GS with 4 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 M10 SP AT with 10 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt water with 2 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
5 DUKW with 10 crew from 536 GT Company RASC

On Main Deck
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank SP Battery RA
1 3ton GS with 7 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank SP Battery RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew from 73 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from 104 beach Sub Area Signals RS
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
29 men with 4 bicycles and 6 handcarts from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 3ton GS and 1 ton trailer with 7 men from 2 Detail Issuing Detachment RASC
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 15cwt with 4 crew from 7 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
26 men with 2 bicycles and 3 hand carts from 7 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
1 Jeep wit 3 crew from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 9 Beach Signal Unit RN
1 Jeep with 4 crew from Battery Headquarters 362/113 HAA Battery RA
6 3ton with 12 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 15cwt with 1 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
3 3ton with 6 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
5 Motorcycle with 5 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 90 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
4 crew for DUKWs from 536 GT Company RASC
2 crew for dozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
26 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
2 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 RAF Balloon Unit


2815 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
2 DUKW from 536 GT Company RASC
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE

On the Tank Deck
1 Sherman tank with 4 crew from Headquarters Squadron 8 Armoured Brigade
1 3ton Breakdown with 2 crew from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME
2 3ton Winch with 4 crew from 183 Field Company RE
38 men from 183 Field Company RE
5 DUKW with 10 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
1 Cruiser Tank 20mm AA SP with 24 men from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 24 men from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
3 motorcycle with 3 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 Car 4 seater with 4 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
5 motorcycles with 5 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal with 5 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
3 Carriers Universal towing 3 6pdr AT guns with 15 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
2 15cwt with 10 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
5 motorcycles with 5 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
2 6pdr AT guns with 10 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 Tank Cruiser 40mm AA SP with 23 men from 394/120 LAA Battery RA
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 394/120 LAA Battery RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area Signals RS
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt with 3 crew and 2 VHF sets
2 M10 AT SP with 10 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA

On Main Deck
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 183 Field Company RE
1 3ton GS with 7 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank SP Battery RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank SP Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 394/120 LAA Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area
6 men from 104 Beach Sub Area
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 56 Infantry Brigade Signal Section RS
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Car 4 seater with 4 crew from Headquarters 6 ARRE
1 3ton GS with 3 crew from 81 Squadron 6 ARRE
1 Tractor LAA with 7 crew from 320/93 LAA Battery RA
2 3ton GS with 4 crew from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from Naval FOB
1 3ton with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
1 3ton and trailer with 8 crew from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME
5 3ton with 10 crew from 15 Bridging Platoon RE
4 crew for DUKWs from 536 GT Company RASC
2 crew for dozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
18 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
10 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 RAF Balloon Unit


2816 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
2 DUKW from 536 GT Company RASC
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE

On the Tank Deck
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 151 Brigade Signal Section RS
1 3ton GS with 6 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT gun with 10 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
3 Carrier Mortar with 12 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
5 Motorcycle with 5 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
3 6pdr AT gun with 15 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
5 Motorcycle with 5 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
3 Carrier Universal with 6 crew from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
3 Motorcycle with 3 crew from A (MG) Company 2 Cheshire Regiment
2 Carrier Mortar and Trailer Mortar (4.2”) with 8 crew from 11 Heavy Mortar Pl 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 11 Heavy Mortar Pl 2 Cheshire Regiment
1 Scout Car with 2 crew from 24 Lancers
1 Jeep with 3 crew from Air Support Signals Unit
5 DUKW with 10 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
2 Tank Cruiser 40mm SP with 46 men from 394/120 LAA Battery RA
1 Motorcycle with one crew from 394/120 LAA Battery RA
3 men and a handcart from 394/120 LAA Battery RA
1 Tank Cruiser with 4 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade
3 M10 SP AT with 15 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank SP Battery RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank SP Battery RA
1 Carrier Starting and Charging with 4 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank SP Battery RA

On Main Deck
1 Jeep and trailer with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 3ton GS with 4 crew from C Squadron Westminster Dragoons
6 3ton GS with 12 crew from 305 GT Company RASC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 305 GT Company RASC
2 3ton GS with 4 crew from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 48 Field Surgical Unit RAMC
1 15cwt with 3 crew and two VHF wireless sets RS
5 3ton GS with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 74 Field Regiment RA
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 147 Field Regiment RA
45 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 2 crew from BAN RN
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from BAN RN
10 men with 5 handcarts from BAN RN
I Jeep with 3 War Correspondents
1 15cwt GS with 6 crew from Headquarters 6 ARRE
4 crew for DUKWs from 536 GT Company RASC
2 crew for dozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
18 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
10 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 RAF Balloon Unit


2817 is an LST without a Rhino Ferry carrying
On the Tank Deck
4 DUKW with 8 crew from 536 Company RASC
1 3ton Winch with 2 crew from 536 Company RASC
3 M10 SP AT with 15 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 D8 Tractor with 2 crew from Light Recovery Section 6 Recovery Company REME
1 3ton GS and 1 ton trailer with 4 crew from Light Recovery Section 6 Recovery Company REME
1 Breakdown Tractor with 3 crew from Light Recovery Section 6 Recovery Company REME
2 3ton Winch with 4 crew from 183 Field Company RE
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 183 Field Company RE
1 3ton Breakdown with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA LAD
1 3ton GS with 5 crew from 243 Petrol Depot RASC
6 3ton GS with 15 crew from 305 GT Company RASC
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 2 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 149 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle and HF 33 set with 6 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade

On Main Deck
1 Carrier Universal with 5 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Light Recovery Section 6 Recovery Company REME
1 3ton GS with 3 crew from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
30 men with 4 bicycles and 6 handcarts from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 Jeep with 4 crew from 7 Armoured troops Workshop REME
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 35 Field Dressing Station RAMC
1 3ton GS with 4 crew from C Squadron Westminster Dragoons
1 3ton with 3 crew from 81 Squadron 6 ARRE
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 Jeep with 2 crew from RHQ 102 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 3 War Correspondents
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 104 Beach Sub Area
5 men from 104 Beach Sub Area
1 3ton GS with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 15cwt water with 2 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 74 Field Regiment RA
1 15cwt with 3 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
5 3ton GS with 10 crew from 305 GT Company RASC
5 3ton GS with 10 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
29 men with 2 bicycles and 3 handcarts from 7 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 15 Bridging Platoon RE
3 men from 15 Bridging Platoon RE
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 RAF Balloon Unit


2818 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 Crane RB19 from 1035 Port Operating Company RE

On the Tank Deck
5 DUKW with 10 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
1 3ton Winch with 2 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
2 M10 with 10 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Breakdown Tractor with 4 crew from Light Recovery Section 6 Recovery Company REME
1 3ton Breakdown and Light Recovery Trailer with 2 crew from Light Recovery Sec. 6 Recovery Co.
1 Breakdown Tractor with 4 crew from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 15 Bridging Platoon RE
1 15cwt GS 4 crew from Battery Headquarters 394/120 LAA Battery RA
1 Car 4 seater with 4 crew from Regimental Headquarters 120 LAA Regiment RA
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
5 Motorcycles with 5 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
2 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
2 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 243 Provost Company

On Main Deck
1 3ton GS with 8 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
5 3ton GS with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
3 3ton with 6 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
7 3ton GS with 14 crew from 15 Bridging Platoon RE
3 men from 15 Bridging Platoon RE
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 Car 2 seater with 2 crew from 19 Movement Control Group RE
3 men from 19 Movement Control Group RE
1 15cwt with 3 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 15cwt with 3 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from BAN RN
12 men with 4 handcarts from BAN RN
3 men from 107 Beach Section RAF
3 men from Advanced Park Section 180 Workshop and Park Company RE
5 men from Headquarters 51 Mechanical and Electrical Section RE
61 men with 7 bicycles and 11 handcarts from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
38 men from 183 Field Company RE
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 1035 Port Operating Company RE
1 Jeep with 3 War Correspondents
1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from 505 Field Company RE
2 crew for dozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
18 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
14 men from 243 Pioneer Company
10 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
2 crew for RB19 Crane from 1035 Port Operating Company RE
2 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF


By unit.
3 Jeeps with 6 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 3ton Lorry Command Vehicle and HF 33 set with 6 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from Naval FOB
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 Car 2 seater with 2 crew from 19 Movement Control Group RE
3 men from 19 Movement Control Group RE
3 Jeep with 9 War Correspondents

Infantry
Headquarters 151 Brigade.
3 Motorcycle with 3 crew.
2 3ton GS with 4 crew.
3 Jeep and trailer with 6 crew.
2 Jeep and trailer with 4 crew.
2 Car 4 seater with 6 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
3 motorcycle with 3 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
Headquarters 69 Brigade.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 56 Infantry Brigade Signal Section RS

6 Durham Light Infantry.
10 motorcycles with 10 crew.
3 6pdr AT guns with 15 crew.
3 Carrier Universal with 13 crew.
3 Carriers Universal towing 3 6pdr AT guns with 15 crew.
2 15cwt with 10 crew.
8 Durham Light Infantry.
3 Carrier Universal with 12 crew.
2 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT gun with 10 crew.
3 Carrier Mortar with 12 crew.
5 Motorcycle with 5 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 3ton GS with 6 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
9 Durham Light Infantry
15 motorcycles with 15 crew.
7 6pdr AT guns with 35 crew.
2 3ton GS with 4 crew.
2 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.
2 Cheshire Regiment.
A (MG) Company.
6 Carrier Universal with 12 crew.
6 Motorcycle with 6 crew.
1 3ton GS with 1 crew.
11 Heavy Mortar Platoon.
5 Carrier Mortar and Trailer Mortar (4.2”) with 20 crew.
4 Motorcycle with 4 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew.

RAC
Headquarters 8 Armoured Brigade.
1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew.
1 Tank Cruiser with 4 crew.

10 3ton GS with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Scout Car with 2 crew from 24 Lancers
2 3ton GS with 8 crew from C Squadron Westminster Dragoons

RA
120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 Car 4 seater with 4 crew. Regimental Headquarters.
394/120 LAA Battery RA
1 15cwt GS from Battery Headquarters
3 Tank Cruiser 40mm AA SP.
2 Motorcycle.
1 Jeep.
80 men and a handcart.
320/93 LAA Battery RA.
3 Tank Cruiser SP 20mm.
1 Motorcycle.
1 Tractor LAA.
67 men.
82/25 LAA Battery RA
2 Jeep with 6 crew.
198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 3ton GS with 8 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
362/113 HAA Battery RA
1 Jeep with 4 crew. Battery Headquarters

73 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew. Headquarters.
198/73 Anti Tank Battery RA.
12 M10 SP AT with 60 crew.
3 Carrier Universal with 12 crew.
2 3ton GS with 14 crew.
1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew.
1 Carrier Starting and Charging with 4 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
102 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from RHQ
288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA.
3 15cwt with 9 crew.
99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 15cwt GS with 3 crew.

74 Field Regiment RA.
2 Carrier Universal with 8 crew.
86 Field Regiment RA
8 3ton with 20 crew.
10 Motorcycle with 10 crew.
1 15cwt water with 2 crew.
1 3ton with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment Signal Section RS
1 3ton Breakdown with 8 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA LAD
90 Field Regiment RA.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
147 Field Regiment RA.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.

RAMC
186 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 3ton GS with 6 crew.
2 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 4 crew.
2 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 4 crew.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
149 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 4 crew.
1 15cwt water with 2 crew .
1 15cwt with 2 crew.
32 Field Dressing Station RAMC
6 3ton GS with 12 crew.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew.
2 Ambulance 4 stretcher with 4 crew.
48 Field Surgical Unit RAMC
1 3ton GS with 2 crew.

RE
For Rhino ferries.
953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE.
4 Bulldozer with 8 crew.
80 men.
961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE.
42 men.
1035 Port Operating Company RE.
4 Crane RB19 with 8 crew.
1 Jeep with 3 crew.
243 Pioneer Company.
56 men.

183 Field Company RE
4 3ton Winch with 8 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
76 men.
15 Bridging Platoon RE.
13 3ton with 26 crew.
6 men.

1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from 505 Field Company RE
3 men from Advanced Park Section 180 Workshop and Park Company RE
5 men from Headquarters 51 Mechanical and Electrical Section RE

Headquarters 6 ARRE.
1 15cwt GS with 6 crew.
1 Car 4 seater with 4 crew.
81 Squadron 6 ARRE.
1 3ton GS with 3 crew.
1 3ton with 3 crew.


RASC
522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC.
14 3ton. GS
1 Jeep.
1 15cwt.
30 men.
536 GT Company RASC.
30 DUKW.
2 3ton Winch.
3 3ton GS.
72 men.
305 GT Company RASC.
17 3ton GS.
1 Jeep.
39 men.

REME.
7 Armoured Troops Workshop REME
1 3ton and trailer with 8 crew.
1 3ton Breakdown with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 4 crew.
1 Breakdown Tractor with 4 crew.
Light Recovery Section 6 Recovery Company REME
1 D8 Tractor with 2 crew.
1 3ton GS and 1 ton trailer with 4 crew.
3 Breakdown Tractor with 9 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
2 3ton Breakdown and Light Recovery Trailer with 7 crew.


2 Hertfordshire Regiment.
3 3ton GS.
126 men with 15 bicycles and 23 handcarts

Headquarters 104 Beach Sub Area.
2 Jeep with 4 crew.
11 men from 104 Beach Sub Area
104 beach Sub Area Signals RS
2 M14 Halftrack with 8 crew.
2 15cwt with 3 crew. Each carry and two VHF wireless sets.

Naval Officer in Charge. (BAN RN in the tables).
2 Jeep with 4 crew.
2 Motorcycle with 2 crew.
22 men with 9 handcarts.
RN Signals.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
7 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC
1 15cwt with 4 crew.
55 men with 4 bicycles and 6 hand carts.

1 3ton GS and 1 ton trailer with 7 men from 2 Detail Issuing Detachment RASC
1 3ton GS with 5 crew from 243 Petrol Depot RASC
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 243 Provost Company

RAF.
3 men from 107 Beach Section RAF
10 men with 5 balloons and hand winch from 54 RAF Balloon Unit

 

Serial 2819 is a Headquarters Ship which will land 151 Brigade Headquarters Group at the discretion of the Brigade Commander.
4 men from Headquarters 151 Brigade
5 men from 151 Brigade Signals RS
2 men from 2 Hertfordshire Regiment
1 man from Movement Control Pool 21 Army Group
1 man from 17 Movement Control Group RE
1 interpreter


The height of the tides together with the slope of beach made it impossible to unload for two hours either side of low water. Landing will now pause until the next tide when LSTs will be called in as required. These will carry the last remaining vehicles and personnel of 50 Division. Other formations may then land.

 

King LSTs

Second Tide. H + 12 Hours onwards.

2820 is an LST towing a Rhino Ferry and carrying
On the Rhino Ferry
1 DUKW from 536 GT Company RASC
1 Bulldozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 Crane RB19 from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE

On the Tank Deck
27 men with bicycles from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
8 Motorcycles with 8 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
5 M14 Halftrack from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
3 Armoured Cars from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
9 Carriers Universal from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 3ton GS from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
3 Cars Light Reconnaissance from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
79 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
5 X 3ton GS with 10 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 3ton GS with 3 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
2 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 4 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 Jeep Ambulance with 4 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 3ton GS with 3 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
27 men from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
2 15 cwt GS with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
3 3ton GS with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
2 3ton GS with 6 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC

On Main Deck
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
3 3ton GS from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 M14 Halftrack from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Jeep from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Motorcycle from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
24 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 3ton with 6 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards LAD REME
4 3ton GS from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 3ton Breakdown from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 Jeep from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 Car 4 seater from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 15cwt water from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 15cwt GS from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
30 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 15cwt water with 2 crew from 147 Field regiment RA
1 Jeep with 3 crew from 74 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
2 crew for DUKWs from 536 GT Company RASC
2 crew for dozer from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
15 men from 243 Pioneer Company
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 crew for RB19 Crane from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
4 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 RAF Balloon Unit



2821 was an LST carrying
On the Tank Deck
38 men with bicycles from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
9 Motorcycles with 9 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
6 M14 Halftrack from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
3 Armoured Cars from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
9 Carriers Universal from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
2 3ton GS from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
3 Cars Light Reconnaissance from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
53 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
6 DUKW with 12 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
1 3ton GS with 3 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Car 4 seater with 3 crew from Regimental Headquarters 102 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 3ton GS with 10 men from 102 Anti Tank Regiment LAD REME
1 Carrier Universal with 3 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 M14 Halftrack with 6 crew from 288/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC

On Main Deck
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 99/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew from 6 Green Howards
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from 6 Green Howards
11 men from 6 Green Howards
10 3ton GS from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 15cwt Water from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Jeep from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 Motorcycle from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
36 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards
1 3ton with 6 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards LAD REME
1 15cwt Machinery with 2 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards LAD REME
1 3ton Breakdown with 6 crew from 69 Infantry Brigade LAD REME
1 3ton GS with 5 crew from Army Photographic Interpretation Section
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 107/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
4 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 RAF Balloon Unit


2822 was an LST carrying
On Tank Deck
1 3ton Breakdown with 6 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment
2 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
3 Jeep Ambulance with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
6 DUKW with 13 crew from 536 GT Company RASC
1 3ton GS with 6 crew from 234/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 M14 with 5 crew from 107/102 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 3ton Breakdown with 11 crew from 102 Anti Tank Regiment LAD REME
7 3ton GS with 26 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
8 3ton GS with 16 crew from 346 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 3ton GS with 6 crew from 50 Division Postal Unit

On Main Deck
3 3ton with 6 crew from 6 Green Howards
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
7 3ton with 24 crew from with 2 crew from 186 Field Ambulance RAMC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 346 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
6 3ton with 12 crew 346 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
1 Carrier with 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 15cwt Water with 4 crew 86 Field Regiment RA
2 Jeeps with 5 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 55 Electrical and Mechanical Section
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 82/25 LAA Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
4 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF


2823 was an LST carrying
On Tank Deck
6 DUKW with 13 crew from 705 GT Company RASC
2 3ton GS with 12 crew from 234/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
11 men from 233 Field Company RE
7 15cwt GS with 14 crew from 6 Green Howards
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 6 Green Howards
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 6 Green Howards
3 3ton GS with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
2 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
2 Motorcycle with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
3 3ton GS with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
3 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt water with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
2 Motorcycle with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 151 Brigade Defence Platoon

On Main Deck
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
4 15 cwt GS with 2 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
1 15wt water with 2 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
3 3ton GS with 2 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
9 3ton GS with 18 crew from 346 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from 69 Brigade Signals
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 74 Field Regiment RA
4 men with a balloon and a hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF


2824 was an LST carrying
On the Tank Deck
6 DUKW with 13 crew from 705 GT Company RASC
1 3ton GS with 4 crew from 151 Brigade LAD REME
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 151 Brigade LAD REME
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from Headquarters 151 Brigade RS
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 15 cwt and trailer with one crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
2 Motorcycle with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
19 men from 6 Durham Light Infantry
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 9 Durham Light Infantry
19 men from 9 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt Wireless with 2 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards Signals RS
5 15cwt GS with 10 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
3 3ton GS with 6 crew from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
13 men from 5 East Yorkshire Regiment
2 3ton GS with 6 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC

On Main Deck
1 Jeep with 1 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards Signals RS
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards Signals RS
7 3ton GS with 14 crew from 346 Brigade Company RASC
4 3ton GS with 12 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 90 Field Regiment RA
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 295 Field Company RE
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 295 Field Company RE
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 505 Field Company RE
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 505 Field Company RE
1 Car 4 seater wit 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
1 Scout Car Humber with 2 crew from Regimental Headquarters Westminster Dragoons
4 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF


2825 was an LST carrying
On Tank Deck
1 3ton GS with 2 crew from 151 Brigade LAD REME
1 3ton Breakdown with 6 crew from 151 Brigade LAD REME
3 3ton GS with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
3 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
1 Motorcycle with 2 crew from 6 Durham Light Infantry
3 15cwt GS with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
3 3ton GS with 2 crew from 7 Green Howards
19 men from 7 Green Howards
16 3ton GS with 44 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
1 3ton Winch with 2 crew from 233 Field Company RE
6 men from 233 Field Company RE
1 3ton GS with 4 crew from Regimental Headquarters Westminster Dragoons
1 3ton GS with 3 crew from 4/7 Dragoon Guards

On Main Deck
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 car 4 seater with 2 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 151 Brigade Signals RS
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
3 3ton GS with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
3 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 15cwt with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
6 3ton GS with 12 crew from 346 Brigade Company RASC
3 3ton GS with 9 crew from 522 Brigade Company RASC
1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 69 Brigade
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
2 Jeeps with 4 crew from Headquarters 50 Division
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 8 Durham Light Infantry
6 men from 50 Division Postal Unit
4 men with a balloon and hand winch from 54 Balloon Unit RAF


By Unit.
HQ.
Headquarters 50 Division.
5 Jeeps with 10 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 50 Division Signals RS
1 3ton GS with 5 crew from Army Photographic Interpretation Section
1 3ton GS with 12 men from 50 Division Postal Unit
1 Car 4 seater wit 2 crew from 50 Division Provost Company
2 Jeep with 4 crew from 50 Division Provost Company

Headquarters 69 Brigade.
2 Jeep with 14 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew
3 Jeep with 6 crew from 69 Brigade Signals RS
1 3ton Breakdown with 6 crew from 69 Infantry Brigade LAD REME

Headquarters 151 Brigade.
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew.
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 151 Brigade Defence Platoon
151 Brigade Signals RS.
1 Jeep and trailer with 1 crew.
1 Jeep with 1 crew.
1 car 4 seater with 2 crew.
2 Motorcycle with 2 crew.
1 15 cwt and trailer with 1 crew.
151 Brigade LAD REME
2 3ton GS with 6 crew.
1 3ton Breakdown with 6 crew.
1 Motorcycle with 1 crew.

Infantry
6 Green Howards.
9 15cwt GS with 18 crew.
6 3ton GS with 12 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew.
11 men.
7 Green Howards
6 15cwt GS with 12 crew.
6 3ton GS with 12 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
19 men.
6 Durham Light Infantry.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
6 3ton GS with 12 crew.
4 Carrier Universal with 8 crew.
3 Motorcycle with 3 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
19 men.
8 Durham Light Infantry.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
6 3ton GS with 12 crew.
4 Carrier Universal with 8 crew.
3 15cwt with 6 crew.
3 Motorcycle with 3 crew.
9 Durham Light Infantry.
6 3ton GS with 12 crew.
4 Carrier Universal with 8 crew.
2 15cwt GS with 4 crew.
3 Motorcycle with 3 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
1 15cwt water with 2 crew.
19 men.
5 East Yorkshire Regiment.
9 15 cwt GS with 2 crew.
1 15wt water with 2 crew.
6 3ton GS with 12 crew.
13 men.

RAC
61 Reconnaissance Regiment.
65 men with bicycles.
17 Motorcycles.
11 M14 Halftrack.
6 Armoured Cars.
18 Carriers Universal.
3 3ton GS.
6 Cars Light Reconnaissance.
122 crew.
1 3ton Breakdown with 6 crew from 61 Reconnaissance Regiment LAD.
4/7 Dragoon Guards.
19 3ton GS.
3 Motorcycle.
1 M14 Halftrack.
1 Jeep.
1 15cwt Water.
1 Jeep.
74 crew.
4/7 Dragoon Guards Signals RS.
1 15cwt Wireless with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 1 crew.
1 M14 Halftrack with 2 crew.
4/7 Dragoon Guards LAD.
2 3ton with 12 crew.
1 15cwt Machinery with 2 crew.

Regimental Headquarters Westminster Dragoons.
1 3ton GS with 4 crew.
1 Scout Car Humber with 2 crew.

RA
102 AT Regiment.
1 Car 4 seater with 3 crew from Regimental Headquarters 102 Anti Tank Regiment RA
1 3ton GS with 10 men from 102 Anti Tank Regiment LAD REME.
1 3ton Breakdown with 11 crew from 102 Anti Tank Regiment LAD REME
99 AT Battery.
2 3ton GS with 6 crew.
2 Jeep with 4 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
288 AT Battery.
1 3ton GS with 3 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 3 crew.
1 M14 Halftrack with 6 crew.
107 AT Battery.
1 M14 with 5 crew.
1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew.

3 3ton GS with 18 crew from 234/73 Anti Tank Battery RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 82/25 LAA Battery RA

2 Jeep with 4 crew from 74 Field Regiment RA
1 Carrier with 4 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
2 15cwt Water with 4 crew 86 Field Regiment RA
1 Jeep with 2 crew from 86 Field Regiment RA
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew from 90 Field Regiment RA
1 15cwt water with 2 crew from 147 Field regiment RA

RAMC.
186 Field Ambulance RAMC.
4 Ambulance 2 stretcher with 4 crew.
5 Jeep Ambulance with 10 crew.
8 3ton GS with 27 crew.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
27 men.

RASC
536 GT Company RASC
13 DUKW with 27 crew from 536 GT Company RASC.
12 DUKW with 26 crew from 705 GT Company RASC.
522 Infantry Brigade Company RASC
41 3ton GS.
1 Jeep.
1 Car 4 seater.
3 15cwt GS.
1 15cwt water.
1 3ton Breakdown
141 men.
346 Infantry Brigade Company RASC.
36 3ton GS with 72 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.


RE
1 Bulldozer with 2 crew from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
20 men from 953 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
8 men from 961 Inland Water Transport Operating Company RE
1 Crane RB19 with 1 crew from 51 Mechanical Equipment Section RE
295 Field Company RE.
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
505 Field Company RE.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 Jeep with 2 crew.
233 Field Company RE
1 15cwt GS with 2 crew.
1 15cwt Water with 2 crew.
1 3ton Winch with 2 crew.
17 men.

1 Jeep with 2 crew from 55 Electrical and Mechanical Section

15 men from 243 Pioneer Company

20 men with 5 balloons and hand winches from 54 Balloon Unit RAF.


This completes the landing tables for 50 Division on D Day. Other units were landing over Gold Beach before the end of D Day and there were still several 50 Division units to follow, plus some vehicles and personnel from the units that had already landed.

 

H + 12 ½ hours.
Five LST2 of Force L arrive. They will unload DUKWs which will swim ashore and then transfer vehicles from the upper deck ready to be discharged by Rhino Ferry at H+12½ Hours. None of these LSTs tow Rhino Ferris so must wait until the earlier arrivals have discharged their loads and ferries are available. In the event the programme was soon badly behind schedule.

Serial 3503 is a LST(2) carrying
23 DUKW (including 2 on davits)
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 536 GT Company RASC.
1 Jeep from 536 GT Company RASC.
55 men from 536 GT Company RASC.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber
2 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from BHQ, 364/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 water from BHQ, 364/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS from BHQ, 364/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery from BHQ, 364/113 HAA Regiment RA.
24 men from BHQ, 364/113 HAA Regiment RA.
5 Jeep from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
3 M14 Halftrack from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Lorry Command Vehicle from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
57 men from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 15cwt Van from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
2 3ton tender from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
2 tender signals type 314 from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
2 tender signals type 315 from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
1 tender signals type 346 from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
2 tender signals type 347 from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
2 tender signals type 372 from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
37 men from 1 ‘C’ MSU. For 85 Group GCI.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 135 Pioneer Company.
171 men from 135 Pioneer Company.
3 3ton 4 X 2 Stores from 30 Corps Troops Workshop REME.
2 3ton 4 X 4 Stores from 30 Corps Troops Workshop REME.
1 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown from 30 Corps Troops Workshop REME.
27 men from 30 Corps Troops Workshop REME.
2 2 seater 4 X 2 Utility from ‘A’ Echelon 17 MC Group RE.
29 men from ‘A’ Echelon 17 MC Group RE.

Serial 1504 is an LST(2) carrying
4 DUKW (2 on davits) with 10 crew from 536 GT Company RASC.
29 men from 703 GT Company RASC.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
3 Medium Tractor from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer, generator from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar No3 MkII from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
2 X 3.7” HAA guns from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
52 men from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
2 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from RHQ, 120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Wireless House from RHQ, 120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Office from RHQ, 120 LAA Regiment RA.
25 men from RHQ, 120 LAA Regiment RA.
4 jeeps from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Jeep and trailer from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.. For Link with US V Corp.
3 M14 Halftrack from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Lorry Command Vehicle from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
3 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Sherman tank from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
70 men from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Jeep with 5 crew from 16 ACG. For RRS Group Headquarters.
1 Jeep from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt GS from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt water from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
5 3ton 4 X 4 Tipping from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
3 Tractor 4 X 4, Medium, from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
3 Trailer 8 wheeled, 18 ton Low loading from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 Tractor Class II from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 Scraper 8 yard from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 motor grader from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
70 men from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
75 men from 231 Pioneer Company.
20 men from Advanced Park Section, 180 Workshop and Park Company REME.
2 Jeeps from US 155 SP battalion.
1 15cwt Weapons Carrier from US 155 SP battalion.
1 1ton trailer from US 155 SP battalion.
3 2½ ton 6 X 6 from US 155 SP battalion.
2 M30 ammunition carrier from US 155 SP battalion.
4 M12 SP 155mm from US 155 SP battalion.
72 men from US 155 SP battalion.

Serial 1505 is an LST(2) carrying
2 DUKW on davits with 5 crew from 536 GT Company RASC.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
4 Medium Tractor from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer, generator from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar AA No1 MkII Tx from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Trailer Radar AA No1 MkII Rx from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
2 X 3.7” HAA guns from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
59 men from 362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
1 Jeep from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA.
2 Tractor LAA from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA.
9 men from 394/120 LAA Regiment RA.
4 jeeps from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
2 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
3 M14 Halftrack from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
2 Lorry Command Vehicle from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Sherman tank from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
68 men from Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
1 Jeep with 5 crew from 24 ACG. For RRS Group Headquarters.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Ford from MC Pool 21 AG. For AQMG(M) HQ 2 Corps.
1 Jeep from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt GS from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt Office from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
5 3ton 4 X 4 Tipping from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Tractor 4 X 4, Medium, from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Trailer 8 wheeled, 18 ton Low loading from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Blade Grader from 689 Road Construction Company RE. Carried on trailers above.
2 Tractor Class II from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Scraper 8 yard from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
1 motor grader from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
74 men from 689 Road Construction Company RE.
104 men from 231 Pioneer Company.
2 Jeeps from US 155 SP battalion.
1 15cwt Weapons Carrier from US 155 SP battalion.
1 1ton trailer from US 155 SP battalion.
3 2½ ton 6 X 6 from US 155 SP battalion.
2 M30 ammunition carrier from US 155 SP battalion.
4 M12 SP 155mm from US 155 SP battalion.
72 men from US 155 SP battalion.

Serial 1506 is an LST(2) carrying
2 DUKW on davits with 5 crew from 536 GT Company RASC.
4 3ton 6 X 4 Searchlight with 47 crew from 356 Searchlight Battery RA.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 62 men from Pioneer Smoke Company.
1 Tractor 6 X 4 Breakdown
1 Trailer 7½ton
5 men from Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 28 men from 231 Pioneer Company
3 Jeeps with 13 crew. Press Correspondents.
1 Jeep from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt GS from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt Water from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
5 3ton 4 X 4 Tipping from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
3 Tractor 4 X 4, Medium, from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
3 Trailer 8 wheeled, 18 ton Low loading from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
3 Rollers from 693 Road Construction Company RE. Carried on trailers above.
2 Tractor Class II from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Scraper 8 yard from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 motor grader from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
70 men from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
3 Jeeps from US 155 SP battalion.
2 15cwt Command Reconnaissance from US 155 SP battalion.
4 15cwt Weapons Carrier from US 155 SP battalion.
1 1ton trailer from US 155 SP battalion.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6 from US 155 SP battalion.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6 SWB from US 155 SP battalion.
1 Diamond T Recovery from US 155 SP battalion.
78 men from US 155 SP battalion.
1 jeep from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for RRS.
1 3ton tender from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RRS.
1 water Tender 350 gallon from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS in lieu of LAA Tractors from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
6 40mm Bofors LAA from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
75 men from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
4 Cromwell with 20 crew from 4 CLY.
1 AA Tank with 4 crew from Headquarters 22 Armoured Brigade.
45 men from 231 Pioneer Company.

Serial 1507 is an LST(2) carrying
2 DUKW on davits with 5 crew from 536 GT Company RASC.
3 Jeeps from US 155 SP battalion.
2 15cwt Command Reconnaissance from US 155 SP battalion.
4 15cwt Weapons Carrier from US 155 SP battalion.
1 1ton trailer from US 155 SP battalion.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6 from US 155 SP battalion.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6 SWB from US 155 SP battalion.
1 Diamond T Recovery from US 155 SP battalion.
78 men from US 155 SP battalion.
2 jeep from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
2 3ton tender from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS in lieu of LAA Tractors from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
6 40mm Bofors LAA from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
78 men from 2 AA Sq RAFR, ‘A’ Echelon for 1 RAS.
4 Cromwell with 20 crew from 4 CLY.
45 men from 231 Pioneer Company.
1 Jeep from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt GS from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 15cwt Office from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
5 3ton 4 X 4 Tipping from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Tractor 4 X 4, Medium, from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Trailer 8 wheeled, 18 ton Low loading from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Tractor Class II from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
2 Scraper 8 yard from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
1 motor grader from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
74 men from 693 Road Construction Company RE.
2 15cwt 4 X 2 GS from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop
2 15cwt 4 X 2 Machinery from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop
4 3ton 4 X 2 Stores from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop
5 3ton 4 X 4 Binned from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop
3 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop
1 Trailer welding from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop
1 trailer 7½ ton recovery from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop
88 men from 7 Armoured Troops Workshop.


By unit.
Tactical Headquarters 30 Corps.
13 Jeep.
1 Jeep and trailer. For Link with US V Corp.
3 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
9 M14 Halftrack.
4 Lorry Command Vehicle.
2 Sherman tank.
7 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
1 Ambulance 4 stretcher.
195 men.

2 2 seater 4 X 2 Utility from ‘A’ Echelon 17 MC Group RE.
29 men from ‘A’ Echelon 17 MC Group RE.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Ford from MC Pool 21 AG. For AQMG(M) HQ 2 Corps.
3 Jeeps with 13 crew. Press Correspondents.


536 GT Company RASC.
Each LST carries two DUKWs on davits. One LST also carries 21 DUKWs on the tank deck. One LST carries two DUKWs on the tank deck.
33 DUKW
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
1 Jeep.
80 men.

29 men from 703 GT Company RASC.

RA.
362/113 HAA Regiment RA.
For AA Defence of the Beach Maintenance Area.
Battery Headquarters.
1 Car 4 seater 4 X 4 Humber
2 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 water.
1 3ton 4 X 2 GS.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery.
24 men.
Battery.
2 3ton 4 X 2 GS.
7 Medium Tractor.
2 Trailer, generator.
1 Trailer Radar No3 MkII.
1 Trailer Radar AA No1 MkII Tx.
1 Trailer Radar AA No1 MkII Rx.
4 X 3.7” HAA guns.
111 men.

120 LAA Regiment RA.
RHQ.
2 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Wireless House.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 Office.
25 men.
394 Battery
1 Jeep.
1 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
1 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
2 Tractor LAA.
9 men.
336 Searchlight Battery RA.
4 3ton 6 X 4 Searchlight with 47 crew.
Pioneer Smoke Company.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS with 62 men.



RAC.
Headquarters 22 Armoured Brigade.
1 AA Tank with 4 crew.
4 CLY
8 Cromwell with 40 crew.

REME.
Light Recovery Section, 6 Recovery Company REME.
1 Tractor 6 X 4 Breakdown
1 Trailer 7½ton
5 men.
7 Armoured Troops Workshop
2 15cwt 4 X 2 GS.
2 15cwt 4 X 2 Machinery.
4 3ton 4 X 2 Stores.
5 3ton 4 X 4 Binned.
3 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery.
1 Trailer welding.
1 trailer 7½ ton recovery.
88 men.
30 Corps Troops Workshop REME.
5 3ton 4 X 2 Stores.
1 3ton 6 X 4 Breakdown.
27 men.
180 Workshop and Park Company REME.
20 men from Advanced Park Section.

Pioneer
231 Pioneer Company.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
297 men.
135 Pioneer Company.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
171 men.

RAF.
1 ‘C’ Mobile Signals Unit. For Group GCI.
1 15cwt Van.
2 3ton tender.
2 tender signals type 314.
2 tender signals type 315.
1 tender signals type 346.
2 tender signals type 347.
2 tender signals type 372.
37 men.
2 AA Squadron Royal Air Force Regiment, ‘A’ Echelon for Refuelling and Rearming Strip.
1 water Tender 350 gallon.
1 jeep.
1 3ton tender.
7 men.
Battery.
1 jeep.
1 3ton tender.
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS in lieu of LAA Tractors.
6 40mm Bofors LAA.
73 men.
Battery.
2 jeep.
2 3ton tender.
6 3ton 4 X 4 GS in lieu of LAA Tractors.
6 40mm Bofors LAA.
73 men.

Army units to work with RAF.
24 Airfield Construction Group. For Refuelling and Rearming Strip Group Headquarters.
1 Jeep with 5 crew.
16 Airfield Construction Group. For Refuelling and Rearming Strip Group Headquarters.
1 Jeep with 5 crew.
689 Road Construction Company RE.
For Airfield Construction.
2 Jeep.
2 15cwt GS.
1 15cwt water.
1 15cwt Office.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
10 3ton 4 X 4 Tipping.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery.
5 Tractor 4 X 4, Medium.
5 Trailer 8 wheeled, 18 ton Low loading.
2 Blade graders. Carried on trailers above.
3 Scraper 8 yard.
3 Tractor Class II.
2 motor grader.
114 men.
693 Road Construction Company RE.
For Airfield Construction.
2 Jeep.
2 15cwt GS.
1 15cwt water.
1 15cwt Office.
2 3ton 4 X 4 GS.
10 3ton 4 X 4 Tipping.
1 3ton 4 X 4 Machinery.
5 Tractor 4 X 4, Medium.
5 Trailer 8 wheeled, 18 ton Low loading.
3 Rollers. Carried on trailers above.
2 Scraper 8 yard.
3 Tractor Class II.
2 motor grader.
114 men.


987 Field Artillery Battalion, US.
A Battalion of US Self Propelled 155mm guns landed on Gold to give fire support to XXX Corps’ planned advance.

The M12 SP 155mm was based on the M3 Grant tank chassis with an old M1917/18 155mm mounted on a pedestal at the rear. 100 were built and put into store as there was thought to be no requirement for them. In the planning for D day it was thought that they would be useful and 74 were refurbished and issued to a small number of US artillery battalions, some sources say five, others six.

Apart from the obvious advantages during the landing from LSTs the SP 155mm could come into action almost immediately, and pack up for movement just as quickly. In a trial a SP 155mm fired, moved six miles and fired again in 35 minutes. A towed 155mm took 3 hours.
Battery.
2 Jeeps.
1 15cwt Weapons Carrier.
1 1ton trailer.
3 2½ ton 6 X 6.
2 M30 ammunition carrier.
4 M12 SP 155mm.
72 men.
Battery.
2 Jeeps.
1 15cwt Weapons Carrier.
1 1ton trailer.
3 2½ ton 6 X 6.
2 M30 ammunition carrier.
4 M12 SP 155mm.
72 men.
Battery.
3 Jeeps.
2 15cwt Command Reconnaissance.
4 15cwt Weapons Carrier.
1 1ton trailer.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6 SWB.
1 Diamond T Recovery.
78 men.
Headquarters.
3 Jeeps.
2 15cwt Command Reconnaissance.
4 15cwt Weapons Carrier.
1 1ton trailer.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6.
2 2½ ton 6 X 6 SWB.
1 Diamond T Recovery.
78 men.

987 Field Artillery Battalion was to come into action in the centre of 5 AGRA’s area. Its role was to be General Support in the divisional sector with the primary tasks of Counter Battery and harassing fire on the approaches south of Bayeux.

 

FORCE G.

Naval Force G was the naval force charged with transporting, escorting, landing and supporting the forces landing on Gold Beach. Bombarding Force ‘K’ was under the command of Force ‘G’ and gave fire support.

Force G loaded at Southampton and moored at the western end of he Solent. On D-1 the various convoys sailed from the Solent via the Needles Channel and then headed eastwards to Area Z. They were then to proceed along Channels 5 and 6. As with other naval forces the entrance to the swept channels were marked by sonic buoys and HDMLs.

The channels were swept of mines by 6 Minesweeper Flotilla and 18 Minesweeper Flotilla, each with eight fleet minesweepers. They were preceded by Motor Launches equipped with light minesweeping gear. Being shallow draft and wooden construction it was thought that these craft could clear mines in advance of the fleet sweepers without themselves being mined. Nine Dan Layer trawlers followed to mark the channels with Dan Buoys. 150 Minesweeper Flotilla was to sweep the anchorages and inshore areas. This flotilla had ten BYMS (British Yard Minesweepers). 101 Minesweeper Flotilla, with ten MMS (Motor Mine Sweeper), was initially used to escort convoys before being employed on minesweeping for the Mulberry Harbour.

For escort duties Force G had two Hunt Class Destroyers, three sloops, two frigates, three corvettes and six anti submarine trawlers


HMS Bulolo was the Headquarters Ship for Force G and 50 Division.


To transport and land personnel and vehicles there were 290 assorted craft and ships.

LSIs were all large LSI(L). Seven were new Empire Weapon class and the eighth was the veteran HMS Glenroy.

Empire Arquebus, Empire Crossbow, Empire Spearhead, Empire Lance, Empire Mace, Empire Rapier and Empire Halberd were identical US Maritime Commission C1-S-AY1 designs. They were merchant ships with Merchant Navy officers and crew. Each was 11,650 tons, 417 foot long and had a top speed of 14 knots. Armament was one 4” gun, one 12pdr gun and twelve 20mm guns.

Empire Arquebus.
524 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
Empire Crossbow.
553 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
Empire Spearhead.
525 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
Empire Halberd.
539 Assault Flotilla. 16 X LCA. Carried 2 X LCA(LCOCU).
Empire Lance.
540 Assault Flotilla. 17 X LCA. Carried an LCA(LCOCU).
Empire Mace.
541 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
Empire Rapier.
542 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.

HMS Glenroy was one of a class of large and fast cargo liners built for the Glen Line in 1938/39. They were the largest and best equipped of the British LSIs and was manned by the Royal Navy. She was 9,800 tons, 483 foot long and had a top speed of 18 knots. Armament was three twin 4” guns, four 2pdr guns and eight 20mm guns. There was accommodation for 1,800 troops, 24 LCA and 3 LCM, although LCM were not carried on D Day.

HMS Glenroy.
554 Assault Flotilla. 11 X LCA. Carried an LCA(LCOCU).
559 Assault Flotilla. 12 X LCA.

LCA(LCOCU) were for the Landing Craft Obstacle Clearance Units.


Assault Group G1.
HMS Nith. Headquarters Ship.
A River Class Frigate.

LSI(L).
Empire Arquebus.
524 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
Empire Crossbow.
553 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
Empire Spearhead.
525 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
HMS Glenroy.
554 Assault Flotilla. 11 X LCA.
559 Assault Flotilla. 12 X LCA.

LCH 100 and 317.

Support Squadron.
332 Support Flotilla. 3 X LCF(4). 3 X LCG(L)(3).
108 LCT Flotilla. 6 X LCT(A). RMASR.
322 LCT Flotilla. 4 X LCT(R)(3).
591 Assault Flotilla. 17 X LCA(HR).

‘D’ LCT Squadron.
15 LCT Flotilla. 12 X LCT(3). DD Tanks.
24 LCT Flotilla. 11 X LCT(4).
28 LCT Flotilla. 12 X LCT(4).
33 LCT Flotilla. 17 X LCT(4).
53 LCT Flotilla. 12 X LCT(4).
25 LBF Flotilla. 7 X LBF.


Assault Group G2.
LSI(L).
Empire Halberd.
539 Assault Flotilla. 16 X LCA.
Empire Lance.
540 Assault Flotilla. 17 X LCA.
Empire Mace.
541 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.
Empire Rapier.
542 Assault Flotilla. 18 X LCA.

LCH 187 and 285.

Support Squadron.
332 Support Flotilla. 3 X LCF(4). 3 X LCG(L)(3).
109 LCT Flotilla. 4 X LCT(A).
322 LCT Flotilla. 4 X LCT(R)(3).

‘C’ LCT Squadron.
12 LCT Flotilla. 12 X LCT(3).
24 LCT Flotilla. 11 X LCT(4).
34 LCT Flotilla. 12 X LCT(4).
49 LCT Flotilla. 6 X LCT(4).
51 LCT Flotilla. 12 X LCT(4).
26 LBF Flotilla. 7 X LBF.


Assault Group G3.
LSTs.
USN LST Division 22. LSTs 1, 359, 377, 378, 379, 519.
USN LST Division 55. LSTs 30, 52, 264, 287, 493, 503.
USN LST Division 56. LSTs 44, 229, 279, 280, 293.
USN LST Division 65. LSTs 2, 308, 312, 344, 345, 370.
USN LST Division 101. LSTs 17, 21, 23, 72, 73, 520.

LCI(L).
264 LCI Flotilla. 6 X LCI(L). Canadian manned.
US LCI Flotilla 61. 6 X LCI(L).
US LCI Flotilla 62. 6 X LCI(L).
US LCI Flotilla 70. 3 X LCI(L).

‘U’ LCT Squadron.
55 LCT Flotilla. 11 X LCT(4).


Not attached.
HMS Adventure. LSE.
2 X LCP(R).
700 Assault Flotilla. 12 X LCP(L).
706 Assault Flotilla. 12 X LCP(L).
708 Assault Flotilla. 11 X LCP(L).

‘B’ Build Up Squadron.
805 Build Up Flotilla. 16 X LCVP.
806 Build Up Flotilla. 16 X LCVP.
807 Build Up Flotilla. 16 X LCVP.
808 Build Up Flotilla. 16 X LCVP.
809 Build Up Flotilla. 16 X LCVP.

‘E’ Build Up Squadron.
605 Build Up Flotilla. 14 X LCM(3).
606 Build Up Flotilla. 15 X LCM(3).
607 Build Up Flotilla. 12 X LCM(1).
609 Build Up Flotilla. 11 X LCM(1).
654 Build Up Flotilla. 16 X LCM(3).
605 Build Up Flotilla. 12 X LCM(1).

‘Z’ Landing Barge Squadron.
13 Landing Barge Flotilla. 8 X LBV.
14 Landing Barge Flotilla. 9 X LBV.
15 Landing Barge Flotilla. 12 X LBV.
4 Landing Barge Flotilla. 6 X LBV.

36 Landing Barge (S&R) Flotilla. 6 X LBE. 1 X LBK. 10 X LBO. 1 X LBW. Tugs Athenian, Milford King, Rugby, Ythanbraes.
38 Landing Barge (S&R) Flotilla. 6 X LBE. 1 X LBK. 10 X LBO. 2 X LBW. Tugs Congre, New Comet, Vidonia.

 

Sailing.
Sailing from the western end of the Solent the various convoys of Force G were timed to pass the Needles at fixed times. These times were arranged so that the various elements of the force would arrive at the Lowering Position at the correct time and in the correct order.

By the time that the assault groups sailed the minesweepers and dan buoy layers had swept and marked the channels. From the Needles the groups sailed to Area ‘Z’ off the Isle of Wight where the various channels were marked by MLs. Once in the correct channel there were buoys marking each side. The enemy minefield belt started at latitude 50 degrees north. The Lowering Points were at the end of the swept channels and were where the LSIs would lower their landing craft. It was also where the headquarters ships anchored and where all incoming groups passed and reported their arrival.

Force ‘G’ seems to have had no difficulty in finding and keeping to their allocated channels although some groups from other naval forces did get into Channels 5 and 6 in error.

By midnight 5/6 June the groups were strung along the channels with the minesweepers just completing their work and turning back, the first groups, 3 and 4, were still some twenty miles out and the later groups were still in the Solent. The Bombardment and LSI groups were well back but moving at more than twice the speed of the LCTs would soon overtake them and arrive first.

First to sail were the two forces of minesweepers, one for Channel 5 and one for Channel 6.

Group 1 consisted of 6 Minesweeping Flotilla and a division from 150 BYMS Flotilla. 6 Minesweeping Flotilla with eight Fleet Minesweepers was to sweep Channel 5 and arrive at the Lowering Point at H-245 minutes. The inshore minesweepers of 150 BYMS Flotilla were to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-210 minutes and sweep anchorages and inshore areas.

Group 2 consisted of 18 Minesweeping Flotilla and a division from 150 BYMS Flotilla. 18 Minesweeping Flotilla with eight Fleet Minesweepers was to sweep Channel 6 and arrive at the Lowering Point at H-275 minutes. The inshore minesweepers of 150 BYMS Flotilla were to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-240 minutes and sweep anchorages and inshore areas.

Group 3 consisted of
Eight LCT3 from 15 LCT Flotilla carrying DD tanks of Sherwood Forest Yeomanry for Jig.
Eight LCP(L). For smoke duties.
Two LCP(Survey). To assist with navigation on the run in.
Landing Craft Headquarters.
The group was to pass the Needles at H-20 hours and proceed along Channel 5 at 5 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-130 minutes which would allow time for the LCTs to move to the DD tank Launching Position, launch the tanks and for the DD tanks to swim ashore, landing at H-10 minutes.

Group 4 consisted of
Eight LCT3 from 12 LCT Flotilla carrying DD tanks of 4/7 Royal Dragoon Guards for King .
Three LCG(L),
Eight LCP(L)
Two LCP(Survey)
Landing Craft Headquarters.
The group was to pass the Needles at H-20 hours and proceed along Channel 6 at 5 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-130 minutes which would allow time for the LCTs to move to the DD Launching Position, launch the tanks and for the DD tanks to swim ashore, landing at H-10 minutes.

Group 5 was a large group for Jig containing
Six LCT4 carrying AVREs,
Eight LCT(A) carrying the Centaurs of RMASR and each towing an LCA(HR)
Three LCG(L).
Three LCF.
Twelve LCP(L).
LCH.
ML (Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-19½ hours and proceed along Channel 5 at 5 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-95 minutes and then to land at H hour.

Group 6 was a large group for King containing
Six LCT4 carrying AVREs
Eight LCT(A) carrying the Centaurs of RMASR and each towing an LCA(HR),
Four LCF,
Twelve LCP(L),
LCH.
ML (Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-19½ hours and proceed along Channel 6 at 5 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-95 minutes and then to land at H hour.

Group 7 carried SP Artillery.
Twelve LCT4 carrying SP artillery.
Four LCT(R)
Two LCT3
ML (Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-19 Hours and proceed along Channel 5 at 5 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-75 minutes.

Group 8 carried SP Artillery.
Six LCT4 carrying SP artillery.
Four LCT(R)
ML (Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-19 Hours and proceed along Channel 6 at 5 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-75 minutes.

Group 9 was a fast group containing LSIs for Jig and Headquarters ship Bulolo.
HMS Bulolo.
HMS Nith.
Four LSI(L).
LSI(H).
LSI(S).
Three ML (Navigation Leader).
This group was to pass the Needles at H-11 hours and proceed at 13 knots along Channel 5 until reaching the swept channel and then reduce speed to 8 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-135 minutes.

Group 10 was a fast group containing LSIs for King.
HMS Kingsmill.
Four LSI(L).
Three ML (Navigation Leader).
This group was to pass the Needles at H-11 hours and proceed at 13 knots along Channel 6 until reaching the swept channel and then reduce speed to 8 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-135 minutes.

Group 11 was a large convoy of LCTs carrying priority vehicles for the brigades ashore on Jig.
Twenty seven LCT4. For assault brigade.
Five LCT4. For reserve brigade.
One LST. Carrying DUKWs.
ML(Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-15½ hours and proceed along Channel 5 at 6 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-30 minutes although the first group was not timed to land until H+60 minutes and the remainder at H+3½ hours.

Group 12 was Bombardment Group ‘K’. It proceeded independently and would arrive before most of the other groups.

Group 13 was a large convoy of LCTs carrying priority vehicles for the brigades ashore on King.
Twenty four LCT4. For assault brigade.
Five LCT4. For reserve brigade.
Two LCT3.
One LST. Carrying DUKWs.
ML(Navigation Leader).
The group was to pass the Needles at H-15½ hours and proceed along Channel 6 at 6 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H-30 minutes although the first group was not timed to land until H+60 minutes and the remainder at H+3½ hours.

Group 14 was Bombardment Group ‘E’. It proceeded independently and would arrive before most of the other groups.

Group 15 carried the reserve brigade for Jig.
Nine LCI(L).
The group passed the Needles at H-7½ hours and proceeded along Channel 5 at 10 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H+90 minutes and land at H+150 minutes.

Group 16 carried the reserve brigade for King.
Nine LCI(L).
The group passed the Needles at H-7½ hours and proceeded along Channel 6 at 10 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H+90 minutes and land at H+150 minutes.

Groups 15 and 16 sailed in company until reaching the swept channel.

Group 17 was a LST group.
Eight LST each towing a Rhino Ferry.
The group passed the Needles at H+11½ hours and proceeded along Channel 5 at 6 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H+3½ hours and discharge its first vehicles at H+4½ hours.

Group 18 was a LST group.
Twelve LST towing seven Rhino Ferry.
The group passed the Needles at H+7½ hours and proceeded along Channel 6 at 6 knots. It was timed to arrive at the Lowering Position at H+7½ hours.

Three LST arrived as part of a Force L convoy carrying Army and Army Group vehicles and personnel.


On the first four tides it was planned that the following shipping would arrive.
Tide 1.
10 LST with 8 Rhino.

Tide 2.
19 LST with 7 Rhino.
4 Stores coaster
12 loaded LBV.

Tide 3.
12 LST.
6 MT Ships
4 MT Coasters.
4 Stores coasters.
15 loaded LBV plus 15 empty LBV.

Tide 4.
2 MT Coasters.
5 Stores coasters.

Below are two diagrams showing the arrangement of craft approaching King and Jig respectively. Both from the General Staff Battlefield Tour Series 'XXX Corps, D Day.'

View attachment Gold BFT.docx

 

Bombarding Force ‘K’.

Cruisers.
HMS Argonaut
A Dido Class AA cruiser. These were intended to be large AA escorts for the fleet. Argonaut had an armament of ten 5.25” High Angle guns in five twin turrets, plus eight 2 pounder AA guns. Argonaut was equipped as a flagship. She was 5,500 tons, 512 foot long and had a top speed of 33 knots.

HMS Emerald.
An E Class cruiser built in 1920. She was 7,550 tons, 570 foot long and had a speed of 33 knots. Armament was
seven single 6” guns, three 4” AA guns and two 2 pounder guns.

HMS Orion and HMS Ajax.
Leander Class cruisers built in 1932 and 1934. They were 7,000 tons, 555 foot long and had a speed of 32 knots.
Armament was eight 6” guns in twin turrets, eight 4” guns and eight 2 pounder guns.

HMS Belfast.
Belfast was a part of Bombardment Force ‘E’, supporting Juno, but was to fire on a battery inside the Gold area before being released to Force ‘E’. Built in 1938 she was 10,000 tons, 613 foot long and had a top speed of 32 knots. Armament was twelve 6” guns in four turrets, twelve 4” guns in six turrets and sixteen 2 Pounder guns.

HNMS Flores
A Dutch sloop with three 5.9” guns.

The cruisers were to bombard shore batteries. These had already been attacked by RAF bombers. The intention was to destroy any batteries in the open but it was not expected that serious damage could be done to batteries in concrete emplacements. It was expected that the bombardment would neutralise batteries by obscuring their vision and making it difficult to work the guns. After the initial bombardment the cruisers would remain available to neutralise their assigned batteries if they became active. Spotting would be by spotting aircraft since normal naval fire direction could not be used against targets on land.

The following describes the targets assigned to units of Force ‘K’. The words ‘were thought to have’ are used since the planning was based on intelligence which was not necessarily accurate.

Two batteries posed a particular threat since they mounted heavy, long range, guns in well protected casemates. They were also immediately behind King Beach.
Ver Sur Mer Battery. WN 32.
This battery was thought to have four 155mm guns. In fact it had four 100mm guns in individual H669 casemates. It was to be engaged from H-40 to H+140 by HMS Belfast of Bombardment Force E. Belfast remained off Juno and fired across the divisional boundary.

Mont Fleury Battery. WN 35a.
This battery was thought to have four155mm guns. In fact it had four 122mm guns in individual H679 casemates. It was to be engaged by HMS Orion from H-40 to H+50. It was expected that by H+50 the assault troops would have captured the battery since it was near the shore.


The following two batteries were some five miles to the west of the landing beaches and were to be engaged until H+320.
Longues Battery.
This battery was on the shore some five miles from the landing beaches. It was thought to have four 105mm guns. It was to be engaged by HMS Ajax from H-40 to H+320.

Vaux sur Aure Battery.
This battery was some three miles inland and guarding the approaches to Bayeaux. It was thought to have four 105mm guns. HMS Argonaut would engage it from H-40 to H+320.

Arromanches I Battery.
This battery was just inland from Arromanches at Puits d’Herode. It was thought to have four 105mm guns. HMS Emerald would engage it from H-40 to H+140.

Arromanches III Battery.
Near the shore at Arromanches this battery had only two 75mm guns. HNLMS Flores would engage it from H-40 to H+140.

HMS Scylla, Flagship Naval Commander Eastern Task Force, sailed along the coast to judge the progress of the landings. She fired forty rounds at Arromanches between 0924 and 0931. Scylla was a Dido Class cruiser but armed with eight 4.5” guns instead of 5.25” as in the rest of the class.


The Fleet and Hunt Destroyers were available to support specific brigades. Firing would be by observed shooting by Forward Observers Bombardment when they were ashore.

Fleet Destroyers.
HMS Jervis was J Class Fleet Destroyer with six 4.7” guns and equipped as a flotilla leader. Only Jervis and one other of this hard worked class survived in 1944. built in 1938 she was 1695 tons, 357 foot long and had a top speed of 36 knots.

HMS Grenville, HMS Ulster, HMS Ulysses, HMS Undine, HMS Undaunted, HMS Ursa, HMS Urania and HMS Urchin were all eight of the U Class Fleet Destroyers. Grenville was equipped as Flotilla Leader. All were built in 1942/3. They were 1,710 tons, 362 foot long and had a top speed of 36 knots. All had four 4.7” guns.

Hunt Class.
Hunt Class was a large class of smaller escort destroyers named after hunts. They were not identical. HMS Cattistock, HMS Cottesmore and HMS Pytchley were from Group 1 built in 1940 and each had four 4” guns.
ORP Krakowiak a Polish manned ship, was from Group II and had six 4” guns. Guns were dual purpose with a high elevation for AA work. They were 907 tons, 280 foot long and had a top speed of 26 knots.