Royal Scots Greys - Grants at Salerno

Discussion in 'Italy' started by Tom OBrien, Aug 27, 2017.

  1. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Hi,
    I've been looking at the Greys' war diary for Salerno and noted that they took 3 Grants to Salerno which was a surprise. I had thought they would have been an all Sherman outfit by then.

    Has anyone ever seen a photo of them in Italy?

    The battleworthy tank state for 31 August was:

    49 Sherman diesel
    3 Grant diesel (one for CO & Adjt, one for Sigs Offr, not sure about the other)
    1 Stuart
    10 Carriers (universal)
    14 Scout Car Daimlers
    5 White Armd Cars
    (WO169/934)

    Regards
    Tom
     
  2. ClankyPencil

    ClankyPencil Senior Member

    The Grey's had 4 tanks aboard L.C.T. 391 which was hit by an enemy shore battery during the landings, which set the LCT on fire and forced them to abandon ship. It sank approx 30 mins later.

    Unfortunately, the 'Casualties at Sea' (WO361/479) file doesn't state what types of tanks they were. Similiar files (like the one for L.C.T. 572) sometimes give a full list of crew, personel carried & equipment etc, but not this one.

    I don't have any other info about the Grey's at Salerno other than this file, so sorry i can't help you any further.
     
  3. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Hi CP

    Thanks for the reply.

    According to the war diary it seem to have been 5 tanks on the LCT which was lost. There are some loading tables in the war diary, I'll see if they include this LCT.

    I think all the Grants were with RHQ, which only landed later in the day.

    Regards
    Tom
     
  4. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Tom.

    Would you mind posting the WDs for Salerno 9-16 Sep 43 on here. I am looking at the Royal Scots Greys too.

    Regards

    Frank
     
  5. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Frank,

    Sure, no problem - give me a couple of days to sort them out.

    Regards

    Tom
     
  6. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Cor, yes please.

    F
     
  7. BFBSM

    BFBSM Very Senior Member

  8. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    Mark,

    Thanks - not seen that first one before.

    Regards

    Tom
     
  9. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    1 September 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt.Col. Sir R.T.W. Fiennes.

    A, B and C Sqns were loaded on L.C.Ts and L.S.Ts in TRIPOLI Harbour. The personnel for X11 and X12 (M.T. ships), who went to 201 Rest Camp on 28th Aug are still there and no further word as to their loading has been received. The C.O. and Adjt visited several ships in the harbour, which the Regt is on.



    2 September 1943

    The C.O., Adjt and Q.M. visited several of the Regtl ships outside the harbour and distributed issue cigarettes and soap; this if the first issue of soap for some time. Lt. Gen. McCreery, G.O.C., 10 Corps visited the Regt and remained to lunch.

    R.H.Q. left for the staging area by trucks; this is the last of the Assault Scale to leave. The remainder – 1st Follow-up and balance to W.E. will remain in the camp area until a later date, under command of Maj. W. Halswell (1st Follow-up), and Capt. Sir A. Bonham Bart., (Balance to W.E.).



    3 September 1943

    R.H.Q. moved from the staging area to the docks. Before leaving the Padre said prayers, as today is the 4th anniversary of the war, and a National day of prayer.

    The C.O. was made O.C. Troops and the Adjt., Ship’s Adjt on board Serial P/301. The ships moved out of harbour and lay at harbour outside.



    4 September 1943

    All Sqns and R.H.Q. sailed.



    5 September 1943

    Church Services were held on all L.S.Ts.

    One R.H.Q. ship put in at BISERTA at 21.00 hrs while the other put in at SOUSSE.



    6 September 1943

    R.H.Q. remained in port.

    A Sqn put in at TERMINI, SICILY. B and C Sqns spent the day at sea.

    There was an air raid on the convoy in BISERTA during the night, but no damage was sustained.



    7 September 1943

    Pontoons were fixed to R.H.Q. ships and they left port and joined of[f] N.E. coast of TUNIS.

    “A” Sqn left port, B & C Sqns still at sea.

    The plans for the forthcoming operation were disclosed to all troops. The route is via the N.W. corner of SICILY.



    8 September 1943

    “B” Sqn and R.H.Q. convoys joined at 08.00 hrs. “A” Sqn convoy was attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was done.

    A signal “ITALY has surrendered” was run up on the Commodore’s ship 19.00 hrs.

    R.H.Q. and B Sqn convoy had an air raid warning but no bombs were dropped.
     
  10. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Tom.

    Excellent. Keep it coming. Here is another photo of Royal Scots Greys at Salerno.

    upload_2017-8-30_10-24-34.png

    Regards

    Frank
     
    BFBSM likes this.
  11. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    9 September 1943

    “A” Sqn under the command of 167 Bde on the right assembled off the coast at 03.30 hrs, then moved forward to the beaches which they reached between 05.30 and 06.45 hrs. Coastal guns firing low over the water, also 88’s firing airbursts were much in evidence and Maj. Stewart’s L.C.T. was hit 5 times by coastal guns, the shot hitting Maj. Stewart’s turret on which he was sitting at the time set the ship on fire. Abandon ship was ordered. The ship, a mass of flames, blew up. All “A” Sqn personnel with the exception of 3 were picked up or swam ashore. Lt Hutchinson who had joined the Regt prior to leaving TRIPOLI, together with 2 O.Rs were killed. The ship was hit 150 yards from shore.

    The tanks assembled in an area for dewaterproofing.

    At 10.30 hrs the Sqn less five tanks under Capt Sir M.O. Williams, (Maj Stewart having been picked up by a M.L.), was ordered to take up battle positions facing S.E., S.W. to be prepared to meet every type of tank, from flame-throwers to Tigers. From the dewaterproofing area to battle position 8 tanks became bogged in the very soft cross-country going and were subsequently pulled out by bull-dozers.

    The Sqn was eventually able to take up their required positions but at 12.45 hrs was ordered to advance S.W. and to deal with 5 tanks or more which were reported to be attacking the 8 RF with flame-throwers. The Sqn advanced on one troop front, 2nd troop leading, made a wide detour in a S.E. direction and then swung in right handed to the buildings from which the flame-throwers were operating. Enemy armoured cars were reported by leading troop, crossing its front from the direction of the objective. The troop was ordered not to fire. On meeting St LUCIA rd 8019 leading tp turned right on it and proceeded towards the sea. On approaching the buildings the second tp pulled off the road to the left into an orchard, with part of the 4th tp. Sqn H.Q. went off to the right into a tomato plantation. 2nd tp leading tank reported Mk IV Special at 500 yards and stationary. Sgt. McMeeking who was still on the road knocked it out with two shots – he then withdrew off the road to the left, within 5 minutes 2 Mk IIIs came down the road, 10 yards apart, the leading tank was hit by Lt Compton head-on and by Lt Plewes and Sgt McMeekin, broadside on simultaneously, and at once brewed up; the second tank was hit by Sgt McMeekin immediately after the first, and also brewed up. The 2 Mk IIIs appeared to be the flame-throwers as they had what looked like a pipe in place of where the gun normally is mounted. Such personnel of these tanks who were able to evacuate were a mass of flame, more so than is normally the case, which leads one to suppose that [they] were covered with their flame throwing fluid. Sgt McMeekin’s tank was hit by a Mk IV and was penetrated through the lap gunner’s flap, killing the lap gunner. The Mk IV got away. The 2 Mk IIIs were hit at approximately 50 yards range. The 8 RF who had been attacked by these tanks had had their 6 pounders knocked out on the coastal road, while still being towed, they had therefore nothing to combat the enemy tanks. By 15.30 hrs the action was over and the Sqn less two tanks which were in the process of de-bogging remained on the objective unmolested. At 17.00 hrs the Sqn was ordered to support the Oxf and Bucks in an advance to BATTIPAGLIA. The Oxf and Bucks did not start moving until it was nearly dark, so the Sqn leaguered for the night in a field on the right of the road map ref. 8121. Maj. Bowlby M.C. arrived that evening to take command of the Sqn the following morning. Maj. Stewart also arrived with burns on hands and face.

    C Sqn under command of 169 Bde on the left landed at N7322 at 0630 hrs. 1st tp took part in an attack on landing ground (R)N7724 in support of 2/6 Queens at approximately 08.30 hrs, 3rd tp joining in later. 1st tp moved up the road which runs N.E. past the North of the landing ground (R)N7724. Sgt. McLouglin knocked out one 75 mm A/T gun and half-tracked tower, then captured an A/A gun and crew. Sgt Rich also knocked out another gun crew. 6 enemy tanks were reported coming in from the N.E. They were engaged by 1st troop. 3rd tp were meanwhile further back and had one tank K.Oed by gun fire. The remainder of 3rd tp now came up to join 1st tp. Lt Callender’s tank was knocked out on the road at N755238. Remaining tank of 3rd tp joined 1st troop and they fought enemy tanks until about 13.30 hrs when they were forced to withdraw. Sgt Rich’s tank was knocked out at approximately N765255. Lt T.B. Fitz-George Parker knocked out one Mk IV and had one probable. Sqn was concentrated for the night at ANGELO farm 746235.

    Additional booty claimed:-

    1 A/T Gun (calibre unknown) knocked out, 3 Lt A/A guns, one AFV (type unknown), 2 MET destroyed, 2 tanks probables.

    Two troop were employed in an attack by 2/5 Queens. They landed from L.C.Ts about 07.00 hrs and took 12 P.Ws in dewaterproofing area. During course of 2/5 Queens attack 2 troop K.Oed 2 enemy armd cars in area 7622. General direction of this attack was along N. side of R. LAMA.

    Casualties:

    Killed: Officers – nil. O.Rs – 6

    Wounded: Officers – nil. O.Rs – 8

    Missing. Officers – nil. O.Rs – nil.

    B Sqn under command 201 Gds Bde landed at RL7519 at 14.00 hrs and moved to CAT assembly area 7423 where they dewater-proofed and remained with 201 Gds Bde in reserve.

    R.H.Q. landed at 16.00 hrs RL7519, Maj. F.E.S. Bowlby M.C., Capt Downie and Lt Warrender acted as guides on the beach. RHQ Recce Tp and A Ech assembled in area RM 758198 after dewaterproofing. During the night there were a few enemy planes over, no bombs were dropped.
     
    minden1759, BFBSM and dbf like this.
  12. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    10 September 1943

    The Oxf and Bucks were to take BATTIPAGLIA as main objective, but on the way were to destroy what was thought to be 2 x 88’s which had shot up their patrols the previous night at 8320. “A” Sqn were ordered to support these attacks leaving ST. LUCIA 8121 in the rear of the Oxf and Bucks at 07.30 hrs. Within the first 500 yds the leading tank of the leading tp (4th Tp) became bogged. The road deteriorated into a marshy track forcing Sqn to leave it and to cut across country roughly parallel to the West of the track. 4th tp was up with 2 tp doing protection right; the going was very steep and the fields divided by dykes which slowed up progress considerably. By 09.00 hrs the Oxf and Bucks were asking for assistance in dealing with an 88 mm and also some enemy tanks. Maj. Bowlby M.C. who was now commanding “A” Sqn decided that as assistance was needed as quickly as possible, it would be as well to try and get back into the track in order to speed progress up. The leading tank having regained the track was shortly blown up on a mine. The remainder of the Sqn continued across country after Maj. Bowlby had made a personal recce and liaised with the Oxf. and Bucks. By 10.15 hrs the Sqn had reached the first objective FARINA farm 8320. 2 tp took up a position in very close country facing roughly S.E. SW, the far side of the farm. 4th tp was covering the area to the side of the farm and was able partially to protect 2 tp’s right flank. 4 tp was in position just NW of the farm buildings. The 3 tp was slightly NE of farm looking out in SE direction – Sqn HQ was by the farm itself. Shortly after taking up these positions Lt Compton 4 tp Ldr knocked out an 88 mm, half-tracked vehicle and immobilised the gun from range of 200 yards. The 2 tp was able to push forward a little before coming into contact with an unknown number of enemy tanks estimated at 5 and also an A/T gun thought to be an 88mm. 2 tp left hand tank had reached the position of the knocked out 88mm when the troop was fired at from an extremely close range. It was impossible to see where the shots were coming from and the troop was forced to fall back a little. It was decided that the 4 tp plus 2 of 3 tp tanks should take over from 2 tp and that 2 tp together with the remainder of the Sqn HQ should move round SE to reach the BATTIPAGLIA road and endeavour to outflank the opposition. The present position could not continue as there was no field of fire of move of [than] 100 yds at the most. The Oxf and Bucks through lack of orders or inclination did not intend to move forward of the tanks. If they could have done this timely warning of a location of enemy tanks could have been given and would have been invaluable. No orders had come through to the rear link tank from Bde, whose frequency was so close to Sqns that in order that rear link Officer could hear Bde, the Sqn had to keep off the air. It was not known whether to proceed further or whether the infantry would take over the position, which was well nigh impossible to hold by tanks. The 2 3 tp tanks moved forward to take over from Ack and Beer tanks of 2 tp. Both tanks moved forward too fast towards their position considering that visibility was so restricted. The leading tank was fired at, at once presented itself a broadside on target and was once knocked out at a range estimated at 100 yds. The 2nd following behind was hit from approx the same range, killing the gunner and operator. The commander extricated the tank and returned towards St LUCIA. The Ack tank of 2 tp whose commander was on his feet was hit from 75 yards, all the crew escaped but with two badly injured. The Tp Ldr of 2 tp, Lt Plewes who was on his feet about to direct the two 3 tp tanks into position, returned to his tank and was ordered to withdraw with his remaining tank towards the farm. In withdrawing, the troop Ldr’s tank was hit but not knocked out by a Mk IV Special. This tank was knocked out in turn by the remaining 2 tp tank from a range of 75 yards, the commander of this tank had in the meanwhile accounted for an enemy M/C and sidecar with his tommy-gun while making a recce on foot. On the 2 tp reaching the area of the farm the Sqn withdrew approx 200 yards behind a line of tall reeds and so out of sight of any enemy. Here it remained with all round observation until ordered to return to St LUCIA again at 17.00 hrs. 2 Mk IVs were sighted at 16.00 hrs and were fired on by 4 tp at extreme range, no results being observed. The whole action was marked by a complete lack of cooperation by the infantry, and lack of any order from Bde. The shortness of the field of fire made it virtually impossible for tanks to remain on the position without incurring more casualties with nothing to show in return. Sqn HQ was in an unsatisfactory position though a better one was difficult to visualise. H.Q. was subjected to A.P through the walls of the farm building. An interesting observation was made when an Infantry Officer pointed out the two leading tanks of 2 tp as being Mk IV Specials, and that at a range of 150 yards. The Sqn leaguered at 3 miles NW (marginal question mark) of St LUCIA in an open field off the coast road.

    B Sqn moved to an area VERDESCA 7722 to counter threatened advance by 6 enemy tanks. No tanks were seen and the position offered no good visibility. Sqn moved to supporting position in orchard at cross roads 789235. 201 Gds Bde advancing in front towards railway to the North. There was no action here. The Sqn moved down road to SE turned left at 793230 thence through MORELLA in an attempt to neutralise resistance in the railway station. The country was impossibly close. The leading tank 4 tp hit by an A/T gun when 300 yds from station at very close range, 3 killed. The Sqn retired to find way round left flank, and went back to cross roads and thence along the road to NE. At 17.30 hrs one tank 1st troop knocked out and one man was killed. The Sqn returned to original area cross roads. Information of impending attack from direction BATTIPAGLIA was received. The Sqn was ordered to support Grenadiers and Fusiliers the latter having suffered heavy casualties. The Sqn advanced down the road to SE thence left along track running NE on North bank of the TUSCIANO to main road 18. 1 tp advanced down main road towards bridge at BATTIPAGLIA and remained in observation until after dark. One German tank tried to cross bridge, but was hit and retired. At 20.00 hrs Sqn retired to leaguer area in orchard at 820238. Much mortar and MG fire was experienced from 3 sides during the night.

    C Sqn remained concentrated at ANGELO farm N746235 as a mobile reserve to 169 Bde.

    RHQ, Recce Tp, and A Ech remained in the same area. The C.O. visited Sqns in their various sectors.

    The objectives which were to have been reached last night were not taken – having been held up by 16 Pz Div, split into small groups of 2 – 5 tanks, Mk III’s and IV’s and 64 P.G.R. The left flank made progress with the right flank of 46 Div but the right flank was held up as the Americans who are on the right are unable to get far forward.
     
  13. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    11 September 1943

    Maj. Stewart had returned the previous night to take command of A Sqn. The Sqn was ordered to the area of cross roads 6121 to take up position to support an infantry advance over a short distance. There was no real plan, except that the sqn should advance up the road towards BATTIPAGLIA, as the country either side of the road was unsuitable to tanks. The sqn advanced approx 500 yds, when the infantry said they were going no further, and that they had mined the road against enemy tanks. The Sqn withdrew to the cross roads and in so doing lost one commander with head wound from mortar shrapnel. At 19.00 hrs the Sqn was ordered by the Brigadier to leaguer area for the night. When half way to the area L.O. at Bde reported our infantry and A/T gunners fleeing in confusion on the road behind us towards the sea pursued by enemy tanks. The Sqn was ordered to return immediately to hold the canal NE of cross roads 8122 at all costs. On returning to area of cross roads there was no sign of enemy tanks or enemy of any description. The infantry and A/T gunners returned later to find their guns still intact and the line was again stabilised. The Sqn leaguered on the West bank of the canal in an orchard. The 9 RF had remained in their position throughout the incident.

    1 tp B Sqn and 2 tp returned to observation of bridge while remainder of Sqn were in observation of country to the N. and N.E. from leaguer. Houses in the neighbourhood were infested with snipers. One tank was sent to reduce a house near Bn HQ where a sniper was causing trouble. 3 tp was sent to support 1 and 2 tps. The enemy tried to advance across the river behind a smoke screen. One Mk IV tank tried to cross the bridge but was knocked out by 1 tp and blocked the road preventing further vehicles from crossing. An A/T gun knocked out another tank approaching the bridge from NW also causing a road block. At 2000 hrs 2 tp extended line to the left so that all the Sqn was now on line of the road between bridge and T roads at 823240. They remained in observation all night.

    At 11.30 hrs C Sqn was ordered to support B and D Coys 2/6 Queens in an attack on Pt 210 (N803283). Sqn Ldr, 2 i/c and 3 Tp Ldr went forward in a Jeep to do a recce while the sqn was moved up to an area beside the main road NW of L.G. The Sqn’s task was to provide right flank protection to the 2 Coys during their advance. The Sqn Ldr with 1 and 4 tps, Lts Parker and Howard, moved up to St VITO (N799277) between track and V. FERARRELLI. 2 tp and remainder of Sqn HQ (2 i/c and rear link tank) remained in area (N)775263 covering the right flank of forward tps. The attack was unopposed. After infantry Coys had gained their objective 2 enemy armd cars were reported by the infantry to the SE of Pt 210. This was approx 16.00 hrs. 4 Tp Lt Howard were sent out to try and locate and destroy them but he was unable to do so as the country was too heavily wooded. He had difficulty in getting about and could get no observation. The Sqn leaguered in an area N772258.

    R.H.Q., Recce Tp and A Ech still in the same area.

    The C.O. visited Brig. Arkwright, Commander 23rd Armd Bde, under whom the Regt comes when its present commitments are fulfilled. The C.O. again visited Sqns.
     
  14. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Tom.

    Lovely jubbly. Thank goodness for cut and paste.

    F
     
  15. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    12 September 1943

    A & C Sqns remained in their areas until they joined RHQ. At 0730 hrs B Sqn 2 tp covered the bridge. More smoke was observed and the enemy made an attempt to advance which was discouraged by Browning and small arms fire. At 11.00 hrs 2 tp was relieved by 3 tp and returned to leaguer area. At 17.00 hrs the enemy threatened from the NW enemy tanks were reported at 7922. The troops were positioned for all round defence. 2 tp and one tank 3 tp moved to position at 810230 to cover withdrawal of infantry at 20.30 hrs; the infantry safely passed the 2 tp. The tp then rejoined the Sqn further down the track to the South. All the Sqn moved to the Regtl area at 780180 and now reverts to Regtl command.

    The C.O. attended a conference at 56 Div HQ at which the future plan of making a firm base of ground already gained was given. The Sqns with Bdes would be released today and would come under command of the Regt in area RN 7818. RHQ and Recce Tp moved to area RN 779179. Sqns joined them during the afternoon and evening.

    7 Bn Oxf and Bucks were withdrawn from 167 Bde front and went to 169 Bde; this thinned out the defences of 167 Bde area. At 18.00 Recce Tp, A and C Sqns went up to the area the Oxf and Bucks had left – the 2 Sqns taking up fire positions in area RN 8021 and RN 8119 with the Recce in the latter area.

    B Sqn and R.H.Q. remained in the Regtl area as reserve.
     
  16. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    13 September 1943
    There were no developments during the night and Sqns leaguered in their areas by 10.00 hrs except one tp C Sqn (Lt Parker) which remained behind in area RN 8122 in case of a counter attack by enemy tanks; the rest of the day being spent in maintenance and rest. In the evening 2 tp C Sqn and 2 tp C Sqn [??] took up the same positions as last night with Recce Tp on the right as before.

    14 September 1943
    At 0145 hrs a message was received from 167 Bde that enemy tanks were approaching their front along the road at RN 805223. The remainder of Greys who had not gone up before were ordered to reinforce their line. B & C Sqn tps joined their respective sqns on the front. RHQ moved to farm RN 799215, ‘A’ Sqn coming behind in reserve. 201 Gds Bde knocked out 2 SP guns on 167 Bde’s left. Otherwise there were no other developments during the night. At first light the Regt returned to its usual location except for 1 tp C Sqn (Lt M Hall) which will remain where Lt Parker’s tp were yesterday. The Regt came under command of 23 Armd Bde. At 12.00 hrs a message was received from Bde saying that the Americans had been driven back by tanks on the right and that the Greys with under command one sqn 44 Recce Regt and one bty “Priests” would counter attack in area RN 8416. Sqn Ldrs recced approaches to this area in the afternoon. If the Regt was not ordered to counter attack by 19.30 hrs it would move into the same area as last night in the same role. This in fact happened except that A & B Sqns changed positions. During the day 167 Bde and 8 RF moved to 46 Div area where they will join up with 7 Bn Oxf and Bucks. There [sic] front will be taken over by 23 Armd Bde who have under command, Greys, 44 Recce Regt, 9 RF, 2/4 Hants.

    15 September 1943
    After a quiet night the Regt returned to its usual location at first light. Brig. Arkwright commander 23 Armd Bde visited the C.O. at 09.00 hrs and told him the Regt would still have to be prepared to be used in a counter attack role should the Americans be attacked. The counter attack this time would be in an area (R)N 8020 and was not to be more than 2 miles in depth. The Regt had to supply 12 Sherman crews to look after 12 Sherman diesels which are coming for TDT. When TDT these tanks will be handed back.
    At 20.00 hrs a message was received that enemy half-tracked personnel carriers have overrun the infantry on the road at (R)N 801222 and that 2 had crossed the bridge Northwards at RN 799223. There was general alarm along the Bde front. B Sqn was in the process of taking that part of the front over from Lt Hall’s tp (C Sqn). A Sqn were in position at farm (R)N 810195. B Sqn got into position without further alarm and the rest of the night was quiet, one half tracked vehicle was burned out at bridge (R)N 799223.

    16 September 1943
    At 07.30 hrs a message was received that enemy tanks and infantry were attacking the infantry on the left of the Bde front. B Sqn were still in last night’s position. A Sqn remained in farm (R)N 810155 while C Sqn moved to cross roads (R)N 799221 and RHQ to St LUCIA (R)N 808207. The Sqn of 44 Recce Regt who were holding the centre were forced to withdraw. C Sqn was then ordered to do sweep over the bridge (R)N 800221 with objective at crossroads (R)N 818219. This was successfully carried out although they turned back to St. LUCIA just short of the objective. Lt J Howard’s tank and crew are missing, the tank believed knocked out but the crew are hoped to be safe.
    The following enemy equipment was also destroyed: 3 Mk IV Specials, 1 Armd Car, 1 x 75mm gun, 1 x 37 A/T gun and one half tracked vehicle.
    The infantry report that 200 Germans were killed. At 16.00 hrs “A” Sqn with a patrol of carriers from Recce Regt were ordered to move forward from the farm towards the main road at (R)N 833138 to mop up any enemy that might have advanced with the other flank. Soon after they started a message was received that the enemy had withdrawn to their original position and A Sqn then returned to the farm. B Sqn on the arrival of C Sqn at the crossroads 799221 were moved to the right flank where they attacked enemy guns and tanks in area (R)N 814205. By 19.00 hrs everything seemed back to normal with our infantry occupying their normal positions. The Recce tp under Capt. O.C. Berger successfully pushed forward in the centre sector and re-established the original infantry line at about 14.00 hrs. The Regt spent the night as follows: A Sqn in positions at farm (R)N 810195, B Sqn in position along canal from (R)N 805210 to crossroads 799221. RHQ & C Sqn in reserve at 806208.

    17 September 1943
    A quiet day, Sqns remained in areas in which they spent the night. At 11.00 hrs a message was received that the Bde front will be taken over by 131 Inf. Bde. with 5 RTR under command. 5 RTR will take over all Greys commitments by 17.00 hrs. The Greys and 23rd Armd Bde HQ will move to an area, RN7425.
    The Regt moved at 18.00 hrs by road to an area (R)N 757295. It was dark for most of the way but only two tanks were ditched, they were left till tomorrow to be pulled out.
    The last follow up under Maj. W. Halswell arrived today.
    2 ORs from C Sqn died as the result of burns incurred yesterday.
     
  17. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    On 25 September 1943, the war diary noted that:

    "The rear link Grant having done over 1,600 miles was changed for a Diesel Sherman."

    But the tank state for 30 September 1943 recorded that the Greys still had one Grant Diesel (as well as 41 Sherman diesels, 1 Stuart and Carriers.

    Regards

    Tom
     
  18. mhil

    mhil Member

  19. mhil

    mhil Member

  20. Quarterfinal

    Quarterfinal Well-Known Member

    Hi Tom,

    Saw at #1 that the Grant allocations were “one for CO & Adjt, one for Sigs Offr, not sure about the other” and indication at #17 that the latter seemed to be attibuted as Rear Link liaison.

    Recalled that “Montgomery used (his Grant) as a forward command vehicle. The turret 37mm gun was removed and it was replaced with a dummy barrel to enable extra communications equipment to be fitted”:

    Monty's Surviving British M3A5 Grant MkII Medium tank

    This is also covered in another site thread on Monty’s Grant. Perhaps this may have been the reason - command variant.

    The difference might also have offered an advantage for own squadrons to readily identify and form on CO in attack, albeit with an at risk trade off - the downside of a different type plus more aerials being potentially recognizable as a higher value target by the enemy.
     

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