SWORD BEACH. H+75 MINUTES. Remainder of Commando Brigade lands. Queen White 41 Royal Marine Commando plus personnel from Headquarters 4 Special Service Brigade Serial 256 is an LCI(S) carrying 88 men from 41 Royal Marine Commando. 2 men from 10 Commando. Liaison Officer and batman. 4 men with a handcart WT from 4 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop. This craft is required to beach on the right hand of this flight of LCI(S). Serial 257 is an LCI(S) carrying 84 men from 41 Royal Marine Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. 4 men from Forward Observation Party attached to 4 Special Service Brigade. Serial 258 is an LCI(S) carrying 83 men from 41 Royal Marine Commando. 2 men from 10 Commando. Serial 259 is an LCI(S) carrying 83 men from 41 Royal Marine Commando. 12 men MMG section from 41 Royal Marine Commando. 2 stretcher bearer from 41 Royal Marine Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. Serial 260 is an LCI(S) carrying 82 men from 41 Royal Marine Commando. Includes padre and batman. 1 man from 10 Commando. Serial 261 is an LCI(S) carrying 16 men with an airborne motorcycle from Headquarters 1 Special Service Brigade 4 men from 10 Commando. 21 men with an airborne motorcycle from 1 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop. 29 men with 2 airborne trailers from Royal Marine Engineer Commando. 1 man from Special Service Group Postal Section. 4 men from 1 Special Service Group LAD REME. 6 airborne motorcycles with 6 crew from Special Service Group Provost. 1 man from Air Support Signals Unit. Tentacle. 9 men from 2 LAA Air Landing Regiment 41 Commando was due to land on Queen White but in fact landed on Queen Red about H+75 minutes. They disembarked under heavy fire and then had to move along the beach to Queen White still under heavy fire. Casualties were considerable with the Second in Command being killed and five other officers wounded. One troop alone lost an officer and twenty five men. The Commanding Officer assembled the remaining troops into one group and continued towards Lion sur Mer. Strongpoint Trout at Lion sur Mer was still holding out and a message from ‘A’ Company 1 South Lancashire Regiment said that they were held up by an enemy position slightly inland. An attempt to outflank the opposition was unsuccessful. Partly this was due to the lack of supporting fire. The Forward Observation Officers party were all wounded and their sets destroyed. The Forward Observation Officers own set was also damaged so there was no means of getting naval fire support. The Forward Observation Officer and his party were wounded on the beach and the Centaurs which should have been in support were also largely casualties. Queen Red. 6 Commando plus personnel from 1 Special Service Brigade Headquarters. Some personnel for 6 Airborne Division also land and will accompany the Commandos and join their unit. 1 Special Service Brigade, with 3, 6 and 45 Royal Marine Commandos but less 4 Commando, was to land and move rapidly to cross the River Orne in the vicinity of the bridge at Benouville. They were as far as possible to avoid enemy positions holding out West of the Orne. On crossing the river they were to come under the command of 6 Airborne Division with the task of clearing the coastline East of the Orne. Serial 262 is an LCI(S) carrying 16 men with an airborne motorcycle from Headquarters 1 Special Service Brigade 4 men from 10 Commando. 21 men with an airborne motorcycle from 1 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop. 29 men with 2 airborne trailers from Royal Marine Engineer Commando. 2 men from Special Service Group Postal Section. 5 men from 1 Special Service Group LAD REME. 5 airborne motorcycles with 6 crew from Special Service Group Provost. 8 men from 2 LAA Air Landing Regiment. For 6 Airborne Division. Serial 263 is an LCI(S) carrying 86 men from 6 Commando. 3 men from 10 Commando. 4 men from E Bombardment Troop. Attached to 1 Special Service Brigade Serial 264 is an LCI(S) carrying 65 men with an airborne motorcycle from 6 Commando. 4 man from 10 Commando. 4 men from Forward Observation Party attached to 4 Special Service Brigade. Serial 265 is an LCI(S) carrying 87 men from 6 Commando. 6 men from 2 LAA Landing Regiment. For 6 Airborne Division. Serial 266 is an LCI(S) carrying 84 men from 6 Commando. 4 men from 1 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop 1 man with an airborne motorcycle from Special Service Group Field Security Section. Serial 267 is an LCI(S) carrying 84 men from 6 Commando. Includes padre and batman. 5 men from 2 LAA Landing Regiment . For 6 Airborne Division. 1 Special Service Brigade Headquarters landed in two parts. Advanced Headquarters landed at H+30 on Queen Red and made contact with 2 East Yorkshire Regiment. Radio communications were established with 6 Airborne Division who confirmed that Orne bridges had been captured intact. Main Headquarters landed H+75 minutes. 6 Commando also landed at H+75 minutes and set off for the Forming Up Place 100 yards inland and just south of Colleville. This took about an hour since they were held up by marshy ground and enemy fire. 3 and 45 Commandos had landed and caught up. After regrouping 6 Commando led an advance to Benouville. Together with some tanks from 13/18 Hussars they cleared some enemy positions and then headed for St Aubin. They then continued the advance to Benouville with 45 and 3 Commando following. The leading troop of 6 Commando arrived at the Benouville bridges and joined 7 Parachute Battalion of 6 Airborne Division about H+300 minutes. At this point the brigade passed to 6 Airborne Division and out of this account.
The last pic of the first of the two posts with pics shows a Sherman towing a porpoise onto an LST. Not many pics of that! Chris
IWM captions are sometimes misleading: Photo 2 (9 Transit Area.jpg) shows a Sherman V (see the dvr and co-dvr hoods) and 13/18 Hussars had none. This is probably an OP tank from an artillery regiment. Photo 3 (10 Transit Area 2.jpg) shows several Sherman III from the Staffordshire Yeomanry, also from 27 Armd Bde but the only Regt in the Bde to have retained their smoke projectors on the turret sides. The large clear marking on the hull side of the second Sherman is also typical of the Staffs, who had the tank name painted in large yellow outlines in this location. On some prints of the same photo something like "ARGYLL" or "ARGYLE" can be guessed, indicating A Sqn. Fortunately most IWM captions are correct, and Photo 7 (14 D+4.jpg) does show No.69 of 2 Tp C Sqn 13/18 Hussars, also visible behind No.71 on Photo 3 of the previous post (4 Gosport.jpg). That Photo 3 is a nice illustration of what Mike says about the arrangement of craft loads. No.68 was to land first, followed by No.69 and No. 71, therefore this line of tanks waiting for embarkation is in the opposite sequence: No.71 is followed by No.69 and No.68. These last two tanks where however unloaded from LCT 610 (LTIN 212), visible on Photo 7 of the previous post (7 Loading 3 June.jpg), and then loaded aboard a reserve craft (LCT 898, also from 41 LCT Flotilla) in the afternoon of 3 June, as noted by Mike. Incidentally, the tank (No.11) seen reversing aboard LCT 610 and towing a Porpoise on Photo 7 could not be started on D Day and had to be brought back to UK. Fortunately it did not prevent the other vehicles from landing. Michel
SWORD BEACH. H+75 Minutes The Field Regiments RA land. Landing Craft Group 4 consisted of the three self propelled field artillery regiments. These departed from the Leaving Point at H - 65 minutes and followed the assault infantry into the beach, giving fire support as they approached. They did not however land at this time but turned away and circled off shore, to return at H+75. The Landing Tables show both 76 and 33 Field Regiments landing half on White and half on Red this was changed by D Day so that all of 76 Field landed on White and all of 33 Field Regiment should have landed on Red. In the event 33 Regiment also landed on White. Group 4A carried 76 Field Regiment to support 8 Brigade. Group 4B carried 33 Field Regiment to support 9 Brigade. Group 4C carried 7 Field Regiment to support 185 Brigade. Each Group consisted of six LCT4 and one Landing Craft Control, a Fairmile ‘B’ Motor Launch. Self propelled guns were loaded with one troop per LCT to allow normal fire control methods to be used. Loads included the four self propelled guns, Sherman Observation Post and Gun Position Officers tanks, plus M14 ammunition halftracks. 120 rounds per gun were carried in the LCT so that the guns had a full load of ammunition when they land. Any ammunition remaining after the shoot should be dumped at sea. At H-90 minutes the LCTs passed the Lowering Point and the flotillas took stations for the run in shoot. 7 Field Regiment was in the centre with 33 and 76 Field Regiments 400 yards to either side and 400 yards behind. The three Field Artillery Regiments fire a barrage from LCTs following the assault waves from H-35 minutes. They should then be some 4,000 yards out. They will fire three rounds per minute until H Hour. They may begin ranging at H-42 minutes. Forward Observation Officers in LCP(L)s will observe the fall of ranging shots and order corrections if necessary. From H-10 minutes one gun per troop will be prepared to fire smoke if required (which it was not). At H-5 minutes the guns will lift their fire 300 yards. When the assault wave beaches the LCTs will retire and come back to land the self propelled artillery when the beach exits are ready. Fire was predicted and tables were issued showing the correct elevation for each salvo as the range shortened on the run in. The fall of shot was observed by Forward Observation Officers in LCP(L)s. These reported directly by wireless to their regiment so that errors could be corrected. Regimental Adjutants acted as fire control officers and were in M14 wireless halftracks loaded on the Flotilla Leaders LCT. The Adjutant was in wireless communication with the batteries in his regiment and with the Regimental Commanding Officer on the Landing Craft Group Control Craft, the Fairmile ‘B’ Motor Launch. The Flotilla Leader was in wireless contact with his other five landing craft and the Deputy Senior Assault Group Commander (RN) on a Landing Ship Headquarters. The Commander Royal Artillery’s representative was on the Motor Launch acting as Control Craft for the Commander 27 Armoured Brigade. The Commander Royal Artillery was with the Divisional Commander on the Headquarters Ship. 76 Field Regiment RA. Queen White. Serial 272 is an LCT4 carrying 2 M14 Halftrack from ‘D’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘D’ Troop. 2 Carriers OP from ‘D’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘D’ Troop. 6 motorcycles from ‘D’ Troop. Loaded on tanks. 74 men from ‘D’ Troop. 1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment RA), Divisional Signals Serial 273 is an LCT4 carrying 2 M14 Halftrack from ‘C’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘C’ Troop. 3 Carriers OP from ‘C’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘C’ Troop. 5 motorcycles from ‘C’ Troop. Loaded on tanks. 73 men from ‘C’ Troop. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment RA), Divisional Signals. Loaded on tanks Serial 274 is an LCT4 carrying 2 M14 Halftrack from ‘F’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘F’ Troop. 3 Carriers OP from ‘F’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘F’ Troop. 6 motorcycles from ‘F’ Troop. Loaded on tanks. 73 men from ‘F’ Troop. Queen Red Serial 275 is an LCT4 carrying 2 M14 Halftrack from ‘E’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘E’ Troop. 3 Carriers OP from ‘E’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘E’ Troop. 5 motorcycles from ‘E’ Troop. Loaded on tanks. 74 men from ‘E’ Troop. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment RA), Divisional Signals. Loaded on tanks Serial 276 is an LCT4 carrying 2 M14 Halftrack from ‘A’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘A’ Troop. 2 Carriers OP from ‘A’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘A’ Troop. 5 motorcycles from ‘A’ Troop. Loaded on tanks. 72 men from ‘A’ Troop. 1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment RA), Divisional Signals. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment RA), Divisional Signals. Loaded on M14 Serial 277 is an LCT4 carrying 2 M14 Halftrack from ‘B’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘B’ Troop. 3 Carriers OP from ‘B’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘B’ Troop. 6 motorcycles from ‘B’ Troop. Loaded on tanks. 74 men from ‘B’ Troop. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment), Divisional Signals. Loaded on tanks Reconnaissance parties under the Regimental Second in Command, Battery Commanders and Forward Observation Officers landed with the assault infantry from H+20 minutes. The LCTs carrying the gun troops came in on White Beach at H+75 minutes. As there were not yet sufficient beach exits opened the guns deployed in shallow water on the beach. 302 Battery. This suffered most from enemy action while landing. One LCT had a direct hit and vehicles were set alight. Only three guns were able to disembark. A second LCT was hit and struck a mine. Only two guns were able to disembark at this time, the other two having to wait for the LCT to dry out when they were landed with the help of a BARV. Thus only five guns were in action at 0840. These each fired 50 rounds per gun while on the beach. 303 Battery. This battery landed safely but two guns of ‘C’ troop became water logged and ‘D’ troop came into action in three foot of water, there being little room on the beach. The Forward Observation Officer was killed on landing with 2 East Yorkshire Regiment and two of his party were wounded. Only two rounds were fired while on the beach. 454 Battery. One troop was delayed in landing when its LCT was hit but the battery landed safely. Because of congestion on the beach the guns moved along the beach before coming into action. Snipers were dealt with by firing five rounds at a range of 100 yards and the guns fired 45 rounds per gun while on the beach. 33 Field Regiment SP RA Queen White. Serial 278 is an LCT4 carrying 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘B’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘B’ Troop. 2 Carriers OP from ‘B’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘B’ Troop. 70 men from ‘B’ Troop. 4 men from 7 Field Regiment SP RA. Reconnaissance party. 1 man from ‘K’ Section (185 Brigade), Division Signals. Carried in 33 Field Regiment Transport. Serial 279 is an LCT4 carrying 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘A’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘A’ Troop. 2 Carriers OP from ‘A’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘A’ Troop. 71 men from ‘A’ Troop. 1 man from ‘G’ Section (33 Field Regiment RA), Division Signals. Carried in 33 Field Regiment Transport. Serial 280 is an LCT4 carrying 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘C’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘C’ Troop. 2 Carriers OP from ‘C’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘C’ Troop. 71 men from ‘C’ Troop. 4 men from 7 Field Regiment SP RA. Reconnaissance party. Queen Red Serial 281 is an LCT4 carrying 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘D’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘D’ Troop. 2 Carriers OP from ‘D’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘D’ Troop. 70 men from ‘D’ Troop. 4 men from 7 Field Regiment SP RA. Reconnaissance party. Serial 282 is an LCT4 carrying 2 M14 Halftrack from ‘E’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘E’ Troop. 3 Carriers OP from ‘E’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘E’ Troop. 70 men from ‘E’ Troop. 4 men from 7 Field Regiment SP RA. Reconnaissance party. Serial 283 is an LCT4 carrying 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘F’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘F’ Troop. 2 Carriers OP from ‘F’ Troop. 4 M7 SP 105mm howitzers from ‘F’ Troop. 75 men from ‘F’ Troop. 4 men from 7 Field Regiment SP RA. Reconnaissance party. The Commanding Officer landed at 0835 and the guns followed at 0910. The regiment should have landed on Red Beach but actually landed on White Beach. At that time the beaches were still congested and 76 Field Regiment was in action at the waters edge. 109 Battery. After a delay of 20 minutes this battery was first to move off the beach and it came into action in a cornfield some 300 yards inland. 113/114 Battery. Unable to move through the exits this battery came into action on the beach. 101 Battery. This battery eventually cleared the beaches and moved inland. It came into action more or less as planned just east of Hermanville, about 1000 yards inland. Regimental Headquarters was also located there. More vehicles for the two Field regiments will land at H+120 minutes.
SWORD BEACH. H + 105 MINUTES. 1 Special Service Brigade lands. Headquarters was already ashore at this time. 1 Special Service Brigade. Queen Red. Serial 284 is an LCI(S) carrying 80 men and a handcart from 45 Royal Marine Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. Serial 285 is an LCI(S) carrying 78 men and an airborne motorcycle from 45 Royal Marine Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. 1 Airborne Motorcycle with 1 crew from Special Service Group Field Security Section. 6 men from 2 LAA Landing Regiment. For 6 Airborne Division. Serial 286 is an LCI(S) carrying 89 men and a handcart from 45 Royal Marine Commando. 3 men from 10 Commando. 4 men from Forward Observation Officer Party attached to 1 Special Service Brigade. 2 men from 1 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop. Serial 287 is an LCI(S) carrying 82 men and a handcart from 45 Royal Marine Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. 4 men from ‘C’ Bombardment Troop attached to 1 Special Service Brigade. 2 men from 1 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop Serial 288 is an LCI(S) carrying 78 men and a handcart from 45 Royal Marine Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. 5 men from 2 LAA Landing Regiment. For 6 Airborne Division. Serial 289 is an LCI(S) carrying 78 men from 3 Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. 6 men from 2 LAA Landing Regiment. For 6 Airborne Division. Serial 290 is an LCI(S) carrying 82 men from 3 Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. 5 men from 2 LAA Landing Regiment. For 6 Airborne Division. Serial 291 is an LCI(S) carrying 78 men from 3 Commando. 2 man from 10 Commando. 4 men from ‘C’ Bombardment Troop 4 men from 1 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop Serial 292 is an LCI(S) carrying 87 men and an Airborne Motorcycle from 3 Commando. 1 man from 10 Commando. Serial 293 is an LCI(S) carrying 80 men and an Airborne Motorcycle from 3 Commando. 2 men from 10 Commando. 1 Special Service Brigade Headquarters landed in two parts. Advanced Headquarters landed at H+30 on Queen Red and made contact with 2 East Yorkshire Regiment. Radio communications were established with 6 Airborne Division who confirmed that Orne bridges had been captured intact. Main Headquarters landed H+75 minutes. 6 Commando also landed at H+75 minutes and set off for the Forming Up Place 100 yards inland and just south of Colleville. This took about an hour since they were held up by marshy ground and enemy fire. 3 and 45 Commandos had landed and caught up. After regrouping 6 Commando led an advance to Benouville. Together with some tanks from 13/18 Hussars they cleared some enemy positions and then headed for St Aubin. They then continued the advance to Benouville with 45 and 3 Commando following. The leading troop of 6 Commando arrived at the Benouville bridges and joined 7 Parachute Battalion of 6 Airborne Division about H+300 minutes. At this point the brigade passed to 6 Airborne Division and out of this account.
SWORD BEACH H+120 MINUTES. Queen White. 1 Suffolk Regiment. A flight of LCTs arrive with the priority vehicles for 1 Suffolk Regiment plus 8 Brigade Headquarters and vehicles for the Beach Group. Serial 296 is an LCT4 carrying 1 Carrier Universal towing a 6pdr AT gun from AT Platoon. 1 Jeep from AT Platoon. 9 men from AT Platoon. 2 Carriers Mortar from Mortar Platoon. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc from Mortar Platoon. 9 men from Mortar Platoon. 1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from ‘A’ Company. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc for Pioneer Serjeant. Carried on Carrier from ‘A’ Company. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from ‘A’ Bombardment Troop. Serial 298 is an LCT4 carrying 1 Carrier Universal towing a 6pdr AT gun from AT Platoon. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc from AT Platoon. 9 men from AT Platoon. 2 Carriers Mortar from Mortar Platoon. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc, from Mortar Platoon. 9 men from Mortar Platoon. 1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from ‘B’ Company. 1 Carrier Universal from Battalion Headquarters. Carries Driver Mechanic and Liaison Officer from 13/18 Hussars. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc, with Despatch Rider from Signal Platoon. Serial 299 is an LCT4 carrying 2 Carrier Universal towing 2 6pdr AT gun from AT Platoon. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc from AT Platoon. 11 men from AT Platoon. 2 Carriers Mortar from Mortar Platoon. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc from Mortar Platoon. 9 men from Mortar Platoon. 1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from ‘C’ Company. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc, with Despatch rider from Signal Platoon. Carried on Carrier from ‘C’ Company. Serial 300 is an LCT4 carrying 2 Carrier Universal towing 2 6pdr AT gun from AT Platoon. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc from AT Platoon. 11 men from AT Platoon. 1 Carrier Mortar from Mortar Platoon. 4 crew plus a Signaller from Signal Platoon with No 18 set. 1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from ‘D’ Company. 1 Motorcycle, 125cc, with man from Intelligence Section. Carried on Carrier from ‘D’ Company. 1 M14 Halftrack with 2 orderly room clerks and 2 men from ‘J’ (8 Brigade) Section, Division Signals. 1 Jeep with 2 men from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment. 2 Middlesex Regiment MMG A Platoon from ‘A’ Company to support 1 Suffolk Regiment. 4 Carrier Universal and 4 MMG with 24 crew from ‘A’ Company. 17 Field Company RE. 1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew. 1 Carrier Universal with 3 crew. 1 15cwt Air Compressor 4 X 4 with 2 crew. 36 men and 6 airborne bicycles. 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. 1 Jeep with 1 crew. Contact Detachment to report to commander 185 Brigade when he lands. 3 men. Contact detachment to report to commander 185 Brigade when he lands. 106 Bridge Company RASC. 3 3ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII with 9 crew. 2 3ton GS Lorry (Ford) with 2 crew. Headquarters 8 Brigade. 4 Jeeps with 4 crew from Headquarters 8 Brigade. 16 men from Headquarters 8 Brigade. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 2 Warwickshire Regiment. Liaison Officer at Headquarters 8 Brigade. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from 1 Norfolk Regiment. Liaison Officer at Headquarters 8 Brigade. 1 Scout Car Humber with 2 crew from Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from Headquarters 185 Infantry Brigade. Carried in above vehicle. 1 15cwt GS 4 X 4 with 2 crew from 8 Brigade Defence Platoon. 12 men from 8 Brigade Defence Platoon. ‘J’ Section 3 Division Signals. 2 M14 Halftrack with 8 crew. 2 Jeep carrying 2 airborne trailer. 2 Jeep with 4 crew. 4 men with a handcart. 1 Car Heavy Utility Humber 4 X 4 with 2 crew. 7 men and 1 handcart. 7 Field Regiment SP RA. 1 Carrier Universal with 3 crew from 17 Field Battery Commanders carrier. 4 Special Service Brigade. 1 Jeep with 1 crew from 4 Special Service Brigade Signal Troop. 1 Jeep with 1 crew from ‘C’ Bombardment Troop. Attached to 4 Special Service Brigade. 4 Jeeps carrying 2 Motorcycles with 7 crew from 41 Royal Marine Commando. 5 Jeeps with 6 crew from 41 Royal Marine Commando. Beach Group. 5 Kings Regiment. 3 6pdr AT guns and 10 men from AT Platoon. Carried on 3ton vehicles of 39 GT Company RASC. 4 men from Headquarters Company. Stretcher Bearers for ‘A’ Company. 7 men with 1 Motorcycle, 1 bicycle and 1 handcart from Signal Platoon. 20 Beach Recovery Section REME. 1 Scammel Breakdown Tractor with 3 crew. 1 Sherman III ARV with 4 crew. 3 Tractor Crawler Class I D8 with 9 crew. Tow Jahn trailers from 50 Mechanical Equipment Section RE loaded with trackway material. 1 Jeep with 2 crew. 4 men. 15 Field Park Company 1 Tractor Crawler Class IV TD9 with 3 crew 1 Angledozer D4 with 5 crew. Tows 7½ ton light recovery trailer with 2 crew from 9 Brigade Workshop REME. Carries engineer stores. 50 Mechanical Equipment Section RE. 3 Trailer Jahn from Towed by D8 Tractor of Beach Recovery Section. Carries engineer stores. 241 Headquarters Provost Company. 2 Jeep with 4 crew. 2 15cwt GS with 6 crew. 4 bicycles and 3 motorcycles. Carried in above vehicles. 7 men. 9 and 12 Field Dressing Stations RAMC. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 9 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 12 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 20 and 21 Field dressing Stations RAMC. 1 Amphibious Jeep with 1 crew from 21 Field Dressing Station RAMC. To proceed to Queen Red on landing. 1 Amphibious Jeep with 1 crew from 20 Field Dressing Station RAMC. Ordnance Beach Depot. 39 General Transport Company RASC. An LCT lands with 200 tons of ammunition which the five lorries will move to the Beach Dump. Three of the lorries are carrying AT guns and personnel from 5 Kings Regiment and will land these first. 5 3ton GS Lorries with 15 crew. Including Officer. 292 Company Pioneer Corps. 13 men to handle the ammunition above.. 44 Ordnance Ammunition Company RAOC. 5 men land to supervise the storage and issue of the ammunition above. 11 Ordnance Beach Detachment. 8 men with 2 handcarts and 1 bicycle land with 1 ton of re equipment stores to replace equipment lost in the landing. 8 Stores Section RE. 1 man for re equipment centre. To issue replacement RE equipment. Queen Red. 7 Field Regiment RA. 1 Sherman MkV with 4 crew. Commanding Officers Tank. 2 Motorcycles. Carried on above tank. 1 man from ‘E’ Section, 3 Division Signals. In Commanding Officers tank above. 33 Field Regiment RA. 1 M14 Halftrack from 33 Field Regiment SP RA. 5 Carrier AOP from 33 Field Regiment SP RA. 2 Jeeps from 33 Field Regiment SP RA. 3 3ton GS 4 X 4 Austin from 33 Field Regiment SP RA. 55 men from 33 Field Regiment SP RA. 2 M14 Halftracks with 12 crew from ‘G’ Section, 3 Division Signals. 2 Jeeps with 4 crew from ‘G’ Section, 3 Division Signals. 4 men with a trailer 10cwt from ‘G’ Section, 3Division Signals. Trailer manhandled not towed. 76 Field Regiment RA. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 76 Field Regiment SP RA 5 M14 Halftrack with 18 crew from 76 Field Regiment SP RA. 3 Motorcycles with 3 crew from 76 Field Regiment SP RA. Carried on Halftracks above. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 76 Field Regiment SP RA. 10 men from 33 Field Regiment SP RA. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment), 3 Divisional Signals. 1 Jeep and a 10cwt trailer with 3 crew from ‘F’ Section (76 Field Regiment), 3 Divisional Signals. 106 Bridging Company RASC. 3 3ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII with 6 crew from 1626 Platoon,. 3 3ton GS Ford with 3 crew from 1629 Platoon. Carries stormboats. 6 foot over normal length. 8 Field Ambulance RAMC. 10 Jeep from with 10 crew. 10 light ambulance 2 stretcher with 20 crew. 3 15cwt GS with 9 crew. 8 bicycles. Carried in above vehicles. 3 3ton 4 X 4 GS Austin with 6 crew. 185 Brigade Headquarters. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 185 Brigade. Liaison Officer with 8 Brigade. 2 Motorcycles from Headquarters 185 Brigade. 1 Carrier Universal with 2 crew from ‘L’ Section (185 Brigade), 3 Divisional Signals. 2 men from Staffordshire Yeomanry. Liaison Officer. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment for 1 Suffolk Regiment. 2 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. 2 Carrier Universal with 5 crew. 9 Brigade Workshop REME. 1 Scammell Breakdown with 3 crew. 17 Field Company RE. 12 men with 6 airborne bicycles. 2 3ton winch (Karrier) with 11 crew. 1 3ton winch (Karrier) with 5 crew. 3 Division Provost Company. Attached to 8 Brigade. 2 Motorcycle with 2 crew. Carried in vehicle of 106 Bridge Company. 1 Jeep with 2 crew. 2 Motorcycles and 2 crew. 3 Motorcycles and 3 crew. 246 Field Company RE. 1 Car Light Reconnaissance, Humber MkI with 3 crew. 15 Field Park Company RE. 8 men. 4 Special Service Brigade. 3 Jeep with 3 crew from 3 Commando. 7 Jeep with 8 crew from 4 Commando. 2 airborne motorcycle with 2 crew from 4 Commando. 3 Jeep with 3 crew from 6 Commando. Beach Group. 5 Kings Regiment. 1 Amphibious Jeep with 3 crew from Battalion Headquarters. Adjutant and RSM HQ 5 Beach Group. 1 Amphibious Jeep with 2 crew from Battalion Headquarters. Headquarters 5 Beach Group. 5 men with a handcart from Battalion Headquarters. Headquarters 5 Beach Group. 5 men including Second in Command and batman, Intelligence Officer, Padre and a serjeant. 12 men with 1 bicycle and 2 handcarts. For Sector Store Dump. 2 15cwt GS 4 X 4 with 6 crew from Signal Platoon 5 Kings Regiment. Beach Group. 13 men with 1 bicycle, 1 motorcycle and 1 handcart from Signal Platoon 5 Kings Regiment. Beach Group. Carried in above 15cwts. 20 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 1 Amphibious Jeep with 1 crew. 1 3ton GS 4 X 4 with 2 crew. 19 men. 21 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 1 Amphibious Jeep with 1 crew. 1 3ton GS lorry (Austin) with 2 crew. Carries 2 bicycles. B13 Signal Section. 1 Jeep with handcart loaded on bonnet with 2 crew. 4 Motorcycles and 4 crew. Loaded on lorries of 106 Bridge Company RASC. 1 man. For Second in Command 5 Beach Group. B10 Beach Signal Section. 8 men and 2 handcarts. Proceed to White Beach on landing. 5 men with a handcart. To proceed to White Beach on landing. 73 LAA Regiment RA. 1 Crusader SP 40mm LAA with 7 crew from ‘A’ Troop 218 Battery. 1 Bofors LAA Tractor towing 40mm LAA gun with 2 crew from ‘A’ Troop 218 Battery. 10 men from ‘A’ Troop 218 Battery. 19 men from ‘C’ Troop, 218 Battery. Balance of gun crews. 20 Beach Recovery Section REME. 1 Sherman III ARV with 4 crew. 2 Tractor Crawler Class I D8 with 6 crew. 2 Jahn trailer from 50 Mechanical Equipment Section RE. Towed by tractors above. Carried engineer stores. Beach Ordnance Depot. Serial 302 is an LCT4 carrying 100 tons of ammunition and three 6pdr AT guns from 6 Beach Group. Other personnel carried are for the Beach Ordnance Depot. 1 Buckinghamshire Regiment. 6 Beach Group. 3 6pdr guns from AT Platoon. Carried on vehicles of 39 GT Company below. 10 men from AT Platoon. Includes officer. 11 Ordnance Beach Detachment. 8 men with 2 handcarts and a bicycle from Ammunition Section. 1 ton of re-equipment stores. 8 Stores Section RE 1 man from. For re equipment centre. 44 Ordnance Ammunition Company. 5 men to handle ammunition. 292 Company Pioneer Corps. 13 men. Labour for the Beach Ordnance Depot. 39 GT Company RASC. 5 3ton GS Lorries (Austin) with 15 crew from Includes 2 NCOs. 241 Headquarters Provost Company. 8 men with 4 motorcycles and 4 bicycles. All 8 Brigade Group are now ashore, except for administrative vehicles which will arrive over the next few hours, days and even weeks. 1 South Lancashire Regiment and ‘B’ Squadron 13/18 Hussars are holding Hermanville and the junction with the main lateral road. 2 East Yorkshire Regiment are still engaged in clearing the ‘Cod’ strongpoint which is still holding out although no longer seriously hindering the operation of the beaches. They have not yet cleared the ‘Sole’ and ‘Daimler’ strongpoints on the left flank. 1 Suffolk Regiment are about to advance to assault the ‘Morris’ and ‘Hillman’ strongpoints inland. Control of the beach now passes to 185 brigade who will pass through and advance towards Caen. The advanced elements of the Beach Groups and Beach Sub Area are establishing themselves on the shore and just inland. 5 Kings Regiment provided the basis for 5 Beach Group which has now established a Headquarters in the dunes in the centre of the beach, together with its signals platoon. A section has also landed to open a sector store dump behind the dunes, also in the centre of the beach. Two Beach Companies have personnel ashore and have set up headquarters in their respective beaches. An advanced party from 101 Beach Sub Area Headquarters has also landed. A Royal Navy Beach Commando and its Beach Signal Section is ashore and already guiding craft into the beaches. Army Beach Signal Sections have established an Advanced Beach Signal Station which will gradually grow and develop into the Main Beach Signal Station. Two Beach Recovery Sections are ashore to recover vehicles from the beach and exits. Light AA guns are established on the edge of the dunes. Field Dressing Stations are being established in the villas, gardens and orchards just behind the beaches. Each beach has received a LCT loaded with 200 tons of ammunition plus ordnance personnel and pioneers to handle it. The main effort on the beaches is now to improve the exits. The high tide is preventing further work on obstacle clearance and clearance personnel are assisting at the exits. Air photograph of Queen White about H+120 Minutes.
INTERLUDE 2. There will be an interlude while I process more posts and amend some already posted. Of course there was no interlude at this point on D Day. The complicated and detailed arrangements could not be altered once under way. There was no means of calling in groups of craft out of sequence, or of holding back groups. They would arrive as arranged come what may. There was provision for 'stopping the clock' later in the day, and this was done at H+270 Minutes. Because of congestion on the beaches all groups were held for 30 minutes. There was a lull at H+6 hours when the tide was considered to be too low to allow further landings for four hours. There were arrangements in the case of serious problems. If the beach proved unsuitable there was an alternative plan for diverting the second tide arrivals to Juno, along with 6 Beach Group. In the case of very serious problems the troops ashore could be evacuated using all available craft. In this case 5 Beach Group would provide a rear guard. This would be a good time for members to offer suggestions, additions, corrections etc. Over 1000 have viewed this thread in the last two weeks. (Actually at least 50 views were me but Mike
SWORD BEACH. H+150 MINUTES. 185 Brigade. 185 Brigades primary task was to capture the town of Caen and secure a bridgehead south of the River Orne. It was to advance with speed and boldness to overcome local enemy reserves and establish a defence against counter attack. When Caen was secure the brigade was to push forward a covering force of one company of infantry and one squadron of tanks. 185 Brigade starts to land at H + 150 minutes. The beaches should now be clear and the brigade can move straight to the exits and move to assembly areas in woods and fields along the road to Hermanville. The units will then prepare for the advance inland to reach the town of Caen. 2 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry, 2 Royal Warwickshire Regiment and 1 Royal Norfolk Regiment land at the same time. Staffordshire Yeomanry land in support. HQ 185 Brigade. While still at sea 8 Brigade Headquarters was on HMS Dacre, a destroyer modified to provide accommodation for staff and signals. Stand By Headquarters, 3 Division shared the accommodation. Brigade personnel will land at the discretion of the Brigade Commander. Despatch boats 520 and 521 (Fairmile ‘B’ Motor Launches) will be available to transfer personnel. 8 men from Headquarters 3 Division. 2 men from 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool. Assistant Military Landing Officer attached to Q 3 Division. 2 men from Headquarters RA 3 Division. Brigade Major Royal Artillery. 1 man from Headquarters RE 3 Division. Commander Royal Engineers, GHQ Troops Engineers. 1 man from 3 Division Signals. Second in Command Divisional Signals. 2 men from Headquarters 101 Beach Sub Area. DAA and QMG 5 men from Headquarters 185 Brigade 2 men from 7 Field Regiment RA. Commanding Officer 2 men from ‘E’ Section 3 Division Signals. 3 men from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment. 7 men from ‘D’ Section, 3 Division Signals Vehicles will land at H+240 minutes. Advanced Headquarters landed at H+150 minutes and Headquarters was established at Hermanville by H+210 minutes. 9 Landing Craft Infantry (Large) carry the three battalions of 185 Brigade plus Brigade Headquarters. Queen White. 2 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. An LCI(L) is the Battalion Headquarters craft and carries 174 men and 47 airborne bicycles. This includes 2 men from Brigade Headquarters. 2 men with a handcart from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. Carries a 22 set. For Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. 1 man from Brigade Headquarters. Padre for 2 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. 2 LCI(L) carrying 367 men and 66 airborne bicycles. 2 Royal Warwickshire Regiment. An LCI(L) MkII is the Battalion Headquarters craft and carries 176 men and 33 airborne bicycles. This includes 2 men from Brigade Headquarters. 2 men with a handcart from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. Carries a 22 set. For 2 Warwickshire Regiment. 1 man from Brigade Headquarters. Padre for 2 Warwickshire Regiment. 2 LCI(L) carry 363 men and 80 airborne bicycles. Queen Red. 1 Royal Norfolk Regiment. An LCI(L) MkII is the Battalion Headquarters craft and carries 170 men and 34 airborne bicycles. This includes 2 men from Brigade Headquarters. 2 men with a handcart from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. Carries a 22 set. For Royal Norfolk Regiment. 1 man from Brigade Headquarters. Padre for 1 Royal Norfolk Regiment. 2 LCI(L) carry 348 men and 79 airborne bicycles. The battalions all landed on schedule. The sea was still rough and troops landed in water four to five foot deep in places. The beaches were still being shelled but small smaller weapons had been neutralised. Three LCI were hit by shellfire and there were some casualties. The battalions moved quickly inland and by H+240 minutes all companies and headquarters were in the assembly areas but the vehicles were still held up at the beach exits.
SWORD BEACH H+185 MINUTES. 11 Landing Craft Tank carry the Staffordshire Yeomanry plus elements of other units.. Staffordshire Yeomanry. Staffordshire Yeomanry landed in a single wave on Queen White. They proceeded to the assembly area and were timed to complete their assembly by H+230 minutes. They were then to support the advance of 185 Brigade towards Caen. For this operation 185 Brigade were to form a Mobile Column of: 2 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry A Self Propelled M10 troop from 41 Anti Tank battery RA. A Forward Observer Bombardment party. A Contact Detachment from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. A Section from 223 Field Ambulance. In support: Two troops of Westminster Dragoons ( Flails),which landed with Staffordshire Yeomanry. A section from 17 Field Company RE. Staffordshire Yeomanry lands the following vehicles 48 Sherman III 12 Sherman Vc Firefly 3 Sherman III ARV 11 Stuart 4 M14 4 Carrier Universal 4 Motorcycles 35 Porpoises Assume troop is three Sherman III and one Sherman Vc Squadron is four troops plus three Sherman III at Squadron HQ. Regiment is three squadron plus three Sherman III at RHQ. Each Squadron HQ and Regimental HQ has one M14, One Carrier and one motorcycle. Porpoises are towed to the Assembly Area or to a designated Porpoise Point on the main lateral road. Planned start time was H+240. At that time the Staffordshire Yeomanry were still held up on the beach. By H+265 one and a half squadrons were clear of the beach but were held up by a minefield. - ‘C’ Squadron was clear first and was sent to secure Point 61 on Periere Ridge. - The Brigade Commander ordered that ‘A’ Squadron be sent to assist 8 Brigade in clearing strongpoint Hillman. - ‘B’ Squadron and Regimental Headquarters then moved along 185 Brigade axis. It lost five tanks and an M14 when an 88mm gun opened fire. It silenced the gun and was then sent to relieve ‘C’ Squadron at Point 61. - ‘C’ Squadron took the lead and reached a stream which two troops crossed but the remainder were held up. - H+520 minutes. The reconnaissance troop reported enemy tanks approaching. ‘A’ Squadron rejoined ‘C’ Squadron. They engaged the enemy and destroyed six Pz MkIV Specials. The enemy was also engaged by ‘B’ Squadron who destroyed three more. - The regiment rallied and leaguered for the night west of Bieville. Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. Valentine Scissors Bridge laying tanks from 27 Armoured Brigade were to accompany the Staffordshire Yeomanry in order to maintain forward movement if obstacles were met. 3 Valentine Scissors Bridge with 9 crew. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. 1 man for Headquarters 3 Division. 185 Brigade Headquarters. 3 men with 3 motorcycles from Brigade Headquarters. Carried on tanks of Staffordshire Yeomanry. ‘L’ Section (185 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 3 men with 3 motorcycles. Carried on tanks of Staffordshire Yeomanry. 13/18 Hussars. 4 men and 4 motorcycle. Carried on tanks of Staffordshire Yeomanry. See also three Stuart light tanks for 3 Division HQ listed below. 22 Dragoons. Eight Sherman Flails were to accompany 185 Brigade and Staffordshire Yeomanry, mainly to clear mines from the cross country routes to be taken by the tanks. They landed on time but were slow to exit the beach because of congestion at the beach exits. 1 Sherman V with 5 crew. 8 Sherman Flails with 40 crew. 3 Division Provost Company. 14 men with 14 motorcycles. Attached to 185 Brigade. Carried on tanks of Staffordshire Yeomanry. 14 men with 14 motorcycles. For Division Headquarters. Carried on tanks of Staffordshire Yeomanry. 76 Field Regiment RA. 1 M14 Halftrack from 1 Carrier Universal from 76 Field Regiment RA. 7 men from 76 Field regiment RA. 1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from 76 Field Regiment RA. Headquarters 3 Division. 13/18 Hussars provided a section of Stuart light tanks. 1 Stuart with 3 crew from 13/18 Hussars. For Headquarters 3 Division. 1 man from Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade Signal Squadron. Carried in Stuart. 1 Stuart with 2 crew from 13/18 Hussars. For Headquarters 3 Division. 1 man from Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. Carried in Stuart. 1 man from Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade Signal Squadron. Carried in Stuart. 1 Jeep with 4 crew from Headquarters 3 Division. Reconnaissance party. 1 Jeep with 4 crew from Headquarters 3 Division. For Canadian Liaison Officer. 1 Motorcycle from Headquarters 3 Division. Carried on Stuart above. For Liaison Officer. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 3 Division Signals. General Officer Commanding’s ‘Rover’. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from Headquarters 3 Division Signals. For Forward Group Signals. 1 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from Headquarters Commander RE, 3 Division. Command Post. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from ‘H’ Section (CRA), 3 Division Signals and one man from Headquarters Commander RA, 3 Division. 3 men and a handcart from ‘H’ Section (CRA), 3 Division Signals 3 men and a handcart from ‘H’ Section (CRA), 3 Division Signals . 1 Jeep with 4 crew from ‘A’ Bombardment Troop. Forward Observer Bombardment with Tactical HQ RA. 20 men with 2 handcarts WT from 3 Division Signals. Includes reserve lateral remote controls and 12 linemen. 13 men with 3 handcarts WT from 3 Division Signals. Includes Reserve Corps WT, Reserve Divisional ‘A’ wave and section commander. 12 men with 3 handcarts WT from 3 Division Signals. Includes Reserve Corps WT, Reserve Divisional ‘B’ wave and section commander. 8 men with 2 handcarts WT from 3 Division Signals. Reserve pool. 71 Field Company RE. 1 White M3A1 4 X 4 with 4 crew Reconnaissance party. 17 Field Company RE. 17 men. 253 Field Company RE. 34 men. Beach Group. 5 men from administrative platoon, 5 Kings Regiment. Beach Group. 3 men from Staff Captain’s Increment. Beach Group. 14 men with 3 handcarts and 2 bicycles from ‘A’ Company, 5 Kings Regiment. 5 men with 2 bicycles from Signals Platoon, 5 Kings Regiment. 11 men with 2 bicycles from pioneer platoon, 5 Kings Regiment. To dig alternative Command Post. 17 men with 4 handcarts and a bicycle from ‘C’ Company, 5 Kings. To report Red Beach on landing. 4 men from 21Army Group Movement Control Pool. Attached to 5 Beach Group. Includes Assistant Military Landing Officer II to reconnoitre transit areas, White Beach. 2 men from Staff Captain’s Increment, 5 Beach Group. Includes Brigade Ordnance Warrant Officer. 2 men from 21Army Group Movement Control Pool. Attached to 5 Beach Group. Includes Assistant Military Landing Officer I to reconnoitre transit areas, Red Beach 3 men from Port Operating Group Representatives Increment. 30 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 2 men from Casualty Evacuation Post, Beach Group. 20 and 21 Field Dressing Stations. 2 3ton GS Austin with 4 crew and 2 bicycles from 20 Field Dressing Station. 1 3ton GS Austin with 2 crew from 21 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 223 Field Ambulance RAMC. 49 men and 6 bicycles. 20 men. ‘P’ RN Beach Commando. 6 men. 20 AT Battery. 1 Carrier Universal with 4 crew from Reconnaissance party. 3 men. Reconnaissance party. 101 General Transport Company RASC. 101 GT Company would operate the DUKWs on Sword. The first would be arriving around H+330 minutes, having been launched from LSTs. 20 men from Reconnaissance Party for General Transport Park.
SWORD BEACH H+195 MINUTES. Queen Red. 7 Field Regiment SP RA. 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘F’ Troop. 2 Carriers AOP from ‘F’ Troop. 4 M7 Priest 105mm SP from ‘F’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘F’ Troop. 7 motorcycles from ‘F’ Troop. Carried on above vehicles. 70 men from ‘F’ Troop. 1 man from Survey Troop ‘A’, Survey Battery, 9 Survey Regiment. In vehicles above. 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘A’ Troop. 2 Carriers AOP from ‘A’ Troop. 4 M7 Priest 105mm SP from ‘A’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘A’ Troop. 7 motorcycles from ‘A’ Troop. Carried on above vehicles. 70 men from ‘A’ Troop. 5 men from ‘E’ Section (7 Field Regiment), 3 Division Signals. In vehicles above. 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘C’ Troop. 2 Carriers AOP from ‘C’ Troop. 4 M7 Priest 105mm SP from ‘C’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘C’ Troop. 7 motorcycles from ‘C’ Troop. Carried on above vehicles. 70 men from ‘C’ Troop. 2 men from ‘E’ Section (7 Field Regiment), 3 Division Signals. In vehicles above. 1 man from Survey Troop ‘A’, Survey Battery, 9 Survey Regiment. In vehicles above. 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘D’ Troop. 2 Carriers AOP from ‘D’ Troop. 4 M7 Priest 105mm SP from ‘D’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘D’ Troop. 7 motorcycles from ‘D’ Troop. Carried on above vehicles. 70 men from ‘D’ Troop. 5 men from ‘E’ Section (7 Field Regiment), 3 Division Signals. In vehicles above. 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘B’ Troop. 2 Carriers AOP from ‘B’ Troop. 4 M7 Priest 105mm SP from ‘B’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘B’ Troop. 7 motorcycles from ‘B’ Troop. Carried on above vehicles. 70 men from ‘B’ Troop. 1 man from Survey Troop ‘A’, Survey Battery, 9 Survey Regiment. In vehicles above. 3 M14 Halftrack from ‘E’ Troop. 2 Carriers AOP from ‘E’ Troop. 4 M7 Priest 105mm SP from ‘E’ Troop. 2 Sherman V from ‘E’ Troop. 7 motorcycles from ‘E’ Troop. Carried on above vehicles. 70 men from ‘E’ Troop. 1 man from Survey Troop ‘A’, Survey Battery, 9 Survey Regiment. In vehicles above. One of the above serials will be designated Control Craft and will carry the Officer Commanding 7 Field Regiment RA. The vehicle below will be loaded onto that serial. 1 Jeep and 3 men from 3 Canadian Division. RCA Liaison Officer. 3 Division Signals. The following are carried in the LCTs of 7 Field Regiment RA but have no connection with that unit. These are for Main Divisional Headquarters. 8 men and 2 airborne trailers from 3 Division Signals. For signal office. 4 men and 1 airborne trailer from For cipher office. 4 men and 1 airborne trailer from 3 Division Signals. For Tactical Reconnaissance and ABC (Naval Area Broadcast) nets. Listening only. 4 men and 1 airborne trailers from 3 Division Signals. For security office.
SWORD BEACH. H+215 minutes. This one gave me trouble but I think I have it correct now. In the original tables there was a considerable number of men still on the LSIs waiting to be landed by LCT3s of the Ferry Service. According to naval sources this was changed before D day to provided two groups of LCI(L) to land the remaining personnel. The original tables did not give precise timings but said they should land ‘by H+210’ and ‘by H+240. Again naval sources give the times of landing as H+215 and H+230. Six LCI(L) land with mainly Beach Group personnel land at H+215 Minutes. These include remnants of 5 Beach Group and the advanced elements of 6 Beach Group. From LSI(L) S70 Glenearn. Queen White. 178 ‘G’ (R) Detachment. To set up a decoy beach on Band Beach. 14 men. To work with 1 Special Service Brigade. Since the Commandos had not secured the beaches east of the River Orne this decoy could not be set up. Press. 2 men from Press. Attached to 3 Division. 5 Beach Group. 5 Kings Regiment. 10 men. Headquarters 5 Beach Group. 48 men from ‘B’ Company. To work in sector stores dump. 292 pioneer Company. 115 men. To work in sector stores dump. 11 Ordnance Beach Detachment. 17 men. To work in sector stores dump. 53 Pioneer Company. 39 men. 303 Pioneer Company 65 men. For medical labour. 6 Beach Group. Reconnaissance parties from 6 Beach Group arrive to carry out a reconnaissance of the areas designated for the main dumps to be established inland. This was not possible as the areas were not clear of the enemy. Temporary arrangements had to made with 5 Beach Group. 21 Army Group Movement Control Pool. 2 men. Assistant Military Landing Officer for 185 Brigade attached to 6 Beach Group. 138 Detail Issue Detachment RASC. 2 men. Reconnaissance for 6 Beach Group. Report to Command Post on landing. 96 Detail Issue Detachment RASC. 3 men. Reconnaissance party. 299 General Transport Company RASC. 5 men with 2 bicycles. Reconnaissance for 6 Beach Group. Report to Command Post on landing. 12 Ordnance Beach Detachment. 2 men from Reconnaissance for 6 Beach Group. Report to Command Post on landing. 101 Beach Sub Area. 1 man. Deputy Assistant Provost Marshal. Queen Red. 5 Kings Regiment. 49 men from ‘B’ Company, 5 Kings Regiment. To work in sector stores dump. 292 pioneer Company. 115 men. To work in sector stores dump. 11 Ordnance Beach Detachment 16 men. To work in sector stores dump. 53 Pioneer Company 39 men. 30 Field Dressing Station. 35 men. For Casualty Evacuation Post. 303 Pioneer Company 65 men. For medical labour. 102 Pioneer Company. 179 men. 101 RAF Beach Section. 9 men. Press. 2 men. Attached to 3 Division. 250 British reinforcements.
SWORD BEACH. H+230 Minutes. Queen Red. 5 Beach Group units. 5 Kings Regiment. 19 men from Carrier Platoon. For transit areas and traffic control. 13 men from anti tank platoon. 40 men from ‘D’ Company. 19 men from Administrative Platoon. 53 Company Pioneer Corps. 50 men. 71 Field Company RE. 86 men. 20 Field Dressing Station RAMC 46 men. 21 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 60 men. 1 Field Sanitary Section. 1 man. 303 Pioneer Company. 60 men. For medical labour. 3 Division units. 2 East Yorkshire Regiment. 96 men. Headquarters 185 Brigade. 20 men. 185 Brigade Defence Platoon. 23 men with 23 bicycles. 129 Pioneer Company. 90 men. Reinforcements. 150 men. Arrangements were made to land reinforcements (replacements for casualties) for 5 Beach Group units. It was expected that casualties would be heavy and keeping these units up to strength was a priority. Queen White. 5 Beach group units. 5 Kings Regiment. 20 men from Carrier Platoon,. For transit areas and traffic control. 4 men from Staff Captains increment, 5 Beach Group. Includes Staff Captain. 13 men from anti tank platoon. 49 men from ‘D’ Company. 19 men from Headquarters Company. Includes stretcher bearers for ‘C’ Company. 53 Pioneer Company. 51 men. 303 Pioneer Company. 65 men. For medical labour. 71 Field Company RE. 87 men. 102 Pioneer Company. 104 men. 237 Petrol Depot RASC. 4 men. Reconnaissance party. 3 Division units. Headquarters 3 Division. 10 men. 1 South Lancashire Regiment. 82 men. 3 Division Defence and Employment Platoon. 44 men. 101 Beach Sub Area units. 101 RAF Beach Section. 9 men. Commander RE, GHQ Troops Engineers. 10 men. 6 Beach Group units. 1 Buckinghamshire Regiment. 3 men. Reconnaissance Group for 6 Beach Group. To rendezvous at command post on landing. 238 Petrol Depot 2 men. Reconnaissance group for 6 Beach Group. To rendezvous at command post on landing. 299 General Transport Company RASC. 5 men with 3 bicycles. Reconnaissance Group for 6 Beach Group. To rendezvous at command post on landing. 245 Headquarters Provost Company. 1 man. Reconnaissance group for 6 Beach Group. To rendezvous at command post on landing. 12 Ordnance Beach Detachment. 2 men. Reconnaissance party. Advanced Park Section 180 Workshop and Park Company. 4 men with 4 bicycles. Reconnaissance party. 129 Pioneer Company. 50 men Reinforcements. 100 men British Arrangements were made to land reinforcements (replacements for casualties) for 5 Beach Group units. It was expected that casualties would be heavy and keeping these units up to strength was a priority. These craft came from USN LCI Flotilla 2. Most of the flotilla were assigned to Omaha Beach but some were assigned to Sword to become serials 411 to 424. Group 13 on the Sword landing schedule were six USN LCI with serials 411 to 416. These were scheduled to touchdown at H+215 on White. They landed on time without casualties or damage. Group 14 on the Sword landing schedule were seven USN LCI with serials 417 to 424.These were scheduled to touchdown at H+230. They were five minutes late and beached under fire with three craft being damaged. USN sources list ten LCI. Pennant numbers 9,12,13, 14, 15, 16, 33, 35, 193 and 283. Most were early craft which were veterans of the Mediterranean landings. The numbers do not agree so perhaps there were additional craft which were not part of Flotilla 2.
SWORD BEACH H+250 MINUTES. In the original table this group was scheduled to land at H+240. LCTs land with priority vehicles for 185 Brigade. Queen White. 185 Brigade Headquarters. Serial 337 is a LCT4 acting as the standby headquarters ship for 185 Brigade. It will now land the following. 3 Jeeps with 10 crew from Brigade Headquarters. 1 Jeep with 3 crew from Brigade Headquarters. Canadian Liaison Officer. 3 men from Brigade Headquarters. Includes General Staff Officer Grade 3 and Brigade RASC Officer. 20 men from Brigade Headquarters. 23 men with 23 bicycles from Brigade Defence Platoon. 1 M14 Halftrack from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. For Rear Link to Headquarters 3 Division. 1 M14 Halftrack from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. For Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. 1 M14 Halftrack from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. For 2 Warwickshire Regiment. 3 Jeeps from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. 1 Heavy Utility 4 X 4, Humber from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. 3 Handcart from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. 25 men from ‘L’ Section, 3 Division Signals. Photographic evidence suggests that one of the jeeps from ‘L’ Section was in fact a Weasel for use as the Brigadiers ‘Rover’. 1 M3A1 White Scout Car with 5 crew from ‘A’ Bombardment Troop. Forward Observer Bombardment. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from Air Support Signals Unit. Tentacle. 1 Humber Scout Car with 2 crew from Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. Liaison Officer. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment. The priority vehicles for the infantry battalions of 185 Brigade will land and go to the assembly area where they will join the marching parties. 2 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. 1 Carrier Universal. For Commanding Officer. 4 Carrier Universal. For Company Commanders. 6 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT guns from Anti Tank platoon, 7 Carrier Mortar from Mortar Platoon 6 Carrier Universal from Carrier Platoon. 1 Jeep from Anti Tank Platoon. 111 men. 1 White M3A1 Scout Car with 2 crew from ‘A’ Bombardment Troop. Forward Observer Bombardment for 2 Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. 2 Royal Warwickshire Fusiliers. 1 Carrier Universal. For Commanding Officer. 4 Carrier Universal. For Company Commanders. 6 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT guns from Anti Tank Platoon. 6 Carrier Mortar from Mortar Platoon. 1 Jeep. 91 men. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment for 2 Warwickshire Regiment. 1 White M3A1 Scout Car with 2 crew from ‘A’ Bombardment Troop. Forward Observer Bombardment for 2 Warwickshire Regiment. 1 Royal Norfolk Regiment. 1 Carrier Universal. For Commanding Officer. 4 Carrier Universal. For Company Commanders. 6 Carrier Universal towing 6pdr AT guns from anti tank platoon. 7 Carrier Mortar from Mortar Platoon. 1 Jeep. 111 men from. Includes 14 men for Battalion Headquarters party. 2 Middlesex Regiment, MMG. 1 Carrier Universal from Battalion Headquarters 1 Jeep from Battalion Headquarters. 3 motorcycle from Battalion Headquarters. 10 men from Battalion Headquarters. 5 Carriers Universal with 25 crew from ‘C’ Company 1 Carrier Universal from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 6 Carrier Loyd towing mortar trailers from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 1 motorcycle from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 35 men from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 1 Carrier Universal from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 6 Carrier Loyd towing mortar trailers from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 1 motorcycle from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 35 men from Heavy Mortar Platoon. 41 Anti Tank Battery RA. 4 M10 SP AT 3” guns 2 Carrier Universal. 34 men. 17 Field Company RE. 1 Carrier Universal with 1 crew. 71 Field Company RE 1 M3A1 White Scout Car with 4 crew, Reconnaissance party. 253 Field Company RE. 1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew. 1 D7 Armoured Angledozer with 3 crew. 2 men. 1 Trailer Carrimore 18 ton from 15 Field Park Company. Towed by D7 above. Carries engineer stores. 241 Headquarters Provost Company. 1 Jeep with 1 crew. 233 Field Ambulance. 1 man. Officer Commanding. 1 Special Service Brigade. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from Air Support Signals Unit. Tentacle for 1 Special Service Brigade. 3 Jeep with 3 crew from 4 Commando. 2 Jeeps with 2 crew from 6 Commando. Headquarters 3 Division. 1 man from Headquarters 3 Division. Padre. 2 men with 2 motorcycles from 33 Field Security Section. Beach Group units. Serial 341 is an LCT4 carrying two hundred tons of ammunition stores and one ton of re equipment stores. The following also land to handle the stores. 11 Ordnance Beach Detachment RAOC. 8 men with a handcart and a bicycle from Ammunition Section. 44 Ordnance Ammunition Company. 5 men. 8 Stores Section RE. 1 man from For Re equipment Centre. 292 Company Pioneer Corps. 13 men. 39 General Transport Company RASC. 6 3ton GS 4 X 4, Austin, with 15 crew. 5 Kings Regiment. 3 6pdr AT guns from AT Platoon. Carried on RASC lorries. 10 men a handcart from AT Platoon. 17 RN Beach Signal Section. 5 men with a handcart. 1 15cwt GS with 1 crew from 20 Field Dressing Station RAMC. Queen Red 7 Field Regiment RA 2 Jeeps 3 3ton GS Austin. 5 Carriers AOP. 55 men. 2 Jeeps from ‘E’ Section (7 Field Regiment), 3 Division Signals. 2 M14 Halftracks from ‘E’ Section (7 Field Regiment), 3 Division Signals. 1 10cwt trailer GS from ‘E’ Section (7 Field Regiment), 3 Division Signals. 5 men from ‘E’ Section (7 Field Regiment), 3 Division Signals. 1 Breakdown Tractor, Ward La France, with 3 crew from Light Aid Detachment REME, 7 Field Regiment RA. 1 Motorcycle with 1 crew from Light Aid Detachment REME, 7 Field Regiment RA. Motorcycle carried in tractor. 9 Survey Regiment RA. 3 Jeeps with 8 crew from Survey Troop ‘A’, Survey Battery. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from Survey Troop ‘A’, Survey Battery. 13/18 Hussars 2 3ton GS Austin with 10 crew. 15 Field Park Company RE 1 Jeep with 2 crew. 1 Tractor, Medium Artillery with 4 crew. 17 Field Company RE. 1 3ton Winch, Karrier. 1 3ton GS Austin. 1 M14 Halftrack. 10 men. 253 Field Company RE. 1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew. 1 15cwt 4 X 4 Air Compressor with 2 crew. 1 3ton GS Austin with 6 crew. Headquarters 9 Brigade. 1 Jeep with 2 crew Liaison Officer with 185 Brigade. 1 man from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. With Liaison Officer above. 223 Field Ambulance RAMC. 2 Jeep with 2 crew. 2 3ton GS Austin with 4 crew. 2 Light Field Ambulance, 2 stretcher, with 4 crew. 3 Division Provost Company. 2 men with 2 motorcycles from. Attached to Headquarters 9 Brigade. Carried on vehicles of 17 Field Company RE. Beach Group units. 5 Kings Regiment. Beach Group. 14 men with a handcart from Headquarters, Support Company. 8 Stores Section RE. 5 men with 1 motorcycle. For RE Dump. ‘F’ RN Beach Commando. 1 Jeep with 1 crew. By now the follow up brigade with its tactical vehicles plus attached armour and artillery should be ashore and moving inland. The routes should be being cleared of mines and obstacles and the beach organisation should be developing. 6 Beach Group has landed reconnaissance parties to assess the sites selected for dumps and assembly areas. The reserve brigade will now start to land.
SWORD BEACH H+300 MINUTES. In the final plan this group was scheduled to land at H+270 Minutes. Because of the congestion on the beaches all further landings were now to be delayed by thirty minutes. 9 Brigade (the Reserve Brigade) now lands. 9 Brigade was mobile, having two cycle battalions. It was to move rapidly to its concentration area from where, depending on the situation it might: - Move to the right flank to prevent infiltration between 3 Division and 3 Canadian Division. - Move to attack Caen from the west if 185 Brigade failed to penetrate the defences from the north. - Move to secure some of 3 Canadian Divisions objectives if their advance was delayed. - Mop up any positions not already secured by the assault brigade. The brigade was to move straight to the beach exits and then move to unit assembly areas before moving to its concentration area. The Brigade Staff Captain will have landed with 185 Brigade together with unit reconnaissance parties and attached provosts. They will have prepared the assembly areas and signed the routes. Headquarters 9 Brigade. Landing at the request of the Brigade Commander. Queen Beach. Serial 364 is a gunboat, Locust, acting as Brigade Headquarters Ship. It will land the following by LCT at the request of the Brigade Commander. 5 men from Headquarters 9 Brigade. 3 men from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 3 men from East Riding Yeomanry 3 men from 33 Field Regiment RA. 2 men from 18 Movement Control Group RE. Including Military Landing Officer, 9 Brigade. 3 men from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment for 9 Brigade. 9 LCI(L)s will land the personnel of the Reserve Brigade. They should beach simultaneously in one wave, each battalion accompanied by detachments of Field Ambulance RAMC, Divisional Signals and Field Company RE. Queen White. 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers Serial 388 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Serial 389 is an LCI(L) acting as Battalion Headquarters Craft and carrying 138 men with 138 airborne bicycles from 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. 35 men with 19 airborne bicycles from 9 Field Ambulance RAMC. Section of Headquarters plus one light section. 2 men with a handcart from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 man from Headquarters 9 Brigade. Padre. 14 men with 14 airborne bicycles from 253 Field Company RE. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. Serial 390 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. 2 Royal Ulster Rifles. Serial 391 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from Royal Ulster Rifles. Serial 392 is an LCI(L) acting as Battalion Headquarters Craft and carrying 143 men with 133 airborne bicycles from Royal Ulster Rifles. 40 men with 19 airborne bicycles from 9 Field Ambulance RAMC. Section of Headquarters plus one light section. 2 men with a handcart from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 man from Headquarters 9 Brigade. Padre. 13 men with 13 airborne bicycles from 253 Field Company RE. 3 men from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment as detailed by Brigade Headquarters. Serial 393 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from Royal Ulster Rifles. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. Serial 394 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 121 airborne bicycles from 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. Serial 395 is an LCI(L) acting as Battalion Headquarters Craft and carrying 145 men with 8 airborne bicycles from 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. 39 men from 9 Field Ambulance RAMC. Section of Headquarters plus one light section. 2 men with a handcart from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 man from Headquarters 9 Brigade. Padre. 13 men with 13 airborne bicycles from 253 Field Company RE. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. Serial 396 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 10 airborne bicycles from 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft.
Mike, Could you advise on the waterproof confirmation markings which all vehicles should have had added before embarking. I joined the forum specifically to get info on that detail for the vehicles in my model Overlord military train. And although I have found the definition of the markings and have been scanning every picture of a D-Day vehicle, but am still unfulfilled in my quest. Your pictures of tanks are the clearest yet that I have seen, and we should expect to waterproof markings on the offside wing, as described below by the HMVF forum, All softskin vehicles were progressively marked as the three stages of waterproofing were completed on them with 3”X1” strips painted on the offside front mudguard behind the wing lamp – Blue for stage A; Yellow for stage B and Red for stage C. Alternatively a White strip only for vehicles which could not be waterproofed. Extract from 56 Inf. Admin Order "Waterproofing – B Vehs; Units will carry out stage ‘A’ of waterproofing in unit lines or in Concentration Areas not more than 200 miles from Marshalling areas ……..When the REME offr supervising waterproofing is satisfied that stage ‘A’ is carried out efficiently he will have a blue mark 3” X 1” painted on the offside front mudguard behind the wing lamp" Extract from “Detailed procedure for control of movements - Overlord” "VEHICLES NOT WATERPROOFED; Certain vehicles are not capable of being waterproofed, and will be so indicated on the staff tables. They will also be marked with a WHITE strip 3" x 1" painted on the off-side wing behind the wing lamp, in lieu of the BLUE, YELLOW and RED colour bars normally used to denote completion of the three stages of waterproofing" I know that there are not very many pictures of vehicles, but after several years of seeking it seems improbable that the troops did not comply with the order above. Thanks for the very interesting information on landings, it is a great source of info for modellers, David
SWORD BEACH H+300 MINUTES. In the final plan this group was scheduled to land at H+270 Minutes. Because of the congestion on the beaches all further landings were now to be delayed by thirty minutes. 9 Brigade (the Reserve Brigade) now lands. 9 Brigade was mobile, having two cycle battalions. It was to move rapidly to its concentration area from where, depending on the situation it might: - Move to the right flank to prevent infiltration between 3 Division and 3 Canadian Division. - Move to attack Caen from the west if 185 Brigade failed to penetrate the defences from the north. - Move to secure some of 3 Canadian Divisions objectives if their advance was delayed. - Mop up any positions not already secured by the assault brigade. The brigade was to move straight to the beach exits and then move to unit assembly areas before moving to its concentration area. The Brigade Staff Captain will have landed with 185 Brigade together with unit reconnaissance parties and attached provosts. They will have prepared the assembly areas and signed the routes. Headquarters 9 Brigade. Landing at the request of the Brigade Commander. Queen Beach. Serial 364 is a gunboat, Locust, acting as Brigade Headquarters Ship. It will land the following by LCT at the request of the Brigade Commander. 5 men from Headquarters 9 Brigade. 3 men from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 3 men from East Riding Yeomanry 3 men from 33 Field Regiment RA. 2 men from 18 Movement Control Group RE. Including Military Landing Officer, 9 Brigade. 3 men from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment for 9 Brigade. 9 LCI(L)s will land the personnel of the Reserve Brigade. They should beach simultaneously in one wave, each battalion accompanied by detachments of Field Ambulance RAMC, Divisional Signals and Field Company RE. Queen White. 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers Serial 388 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. Serial 389 is an LCI(L) acting as Battalion Headquarters Craft and carrying 138 men with 138 airborne bicycles from 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. 35 men with 19 airborne bicycles from 9 Field Ambulance RAMC. Section of Headquarters plus one light section. 2 men with a handcart from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 man from Headquarters 9 Brigade. Padre. 14 men with 14 airborne bicycles from 253 Field Company RE. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. Serial 390 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. 2 Royal Ulster Rifles. Serial 391 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from Royal Ulster Rifles. Serial 392 is an LCI(L) acting as Battalion Headquarters Craft and carrying 143 men with 133 airborne bicycles from Royal Ulster Rifles. 40 men with 19 airborne bicycles from 9 Field Ambulance RAMC. Section of Headquarters plus one light section. 2 men with a handcart from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 man from Headquarters 9 Brigade. Padre. 13 men with 13 airborne bicycles from 253 Field Company RE. 3 men from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment as detailed by Brigade Headquarters. Serial 393 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 200 airborne bicycles from Royal Ulster Rifles. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. Serial 394 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 121 airborne bicycles from 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. Serial 395 is an LCI(L) acting as Battalion Headquarters Craft and carrying 145 men with 8 airborne bicycles from 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. 39 men from 9 Field Ambulance RAMC. Section of Headquarters plus one light section. 2 men with a handcart from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 man from Headquarters 9 Brigade. Padre. 13 men with 13 airborne bicycles from 253 Field Company RE. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft. Serial 396 is an LCI(L) carrying 200 men with 10 airborne bicycles from 2 Lincolnshire Regiment. 2 men with a balloon from 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. To rig balloon on craft.
SWORD BEACH. H + 330 MINUTES. Queen White. East Riding Yeomanry. 3 men land from the Brigade Headquarters Ship, Locust. With other personnel of the command group they will land by LCT3 of the Ferry Service at the request of the Brigade Commander. The regiments tanks land in a single wave on Queen White. They were some thirty minutes behind the planned time. The LCTs came under fire on the approach and withdrew before landing at a different point. By H+420 minutes they were in the assembly area and de waterproofed. The regiment was to support 9 Brigade which was the reserve brigade and as such was deployed as the situation required. - ‘B’ Squadron supported 2 Lincolnshire Regiment in an advance to the west and by H+540 was in the outskirts of Lion sur Mer. - ‘C’ Squadron moved to the area of Point 61 where it destroyed an enemy anti tank gun but lost a tank in the process. - ‘A’ Squadron was initially in reserve but relieved ‘B’ Squadron at H+660. - The regiment was ordered to a concentration area a mile south east of Colleville and leaguer for the night. A signals halftrack and a reconnaissance party had already landed. Now all the tactical vehicles would land in one wave. 48 Sherman III 12 Sherman Vc Firefly 11 Stuart 3 Sherman III ARV 1 M14 3 Carrier Universal. 6 Motorcycle carried on tanks. 11 Porpoise The M14 is for Regiment Headquarters and the Carriers Universal replace 15cwt FFW at Squadron Headquarters. 1 man from ‘Z’ Troop 27 Armoured Brigade Signal Squadron. Carried in a tank above. 22 Dragoons. Sherman Crab Flails land to clear cross country routes for the East Riding Yeomanry. 4 Sherman Crab Flails with 20 crew. 90 Armoured Brigade Company RASC. The RASC Company for 27 Armoured Brigade. 7 man with 7 motorcycles from Carried on a tanks of East Riding Yeomanry. Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. 4 Sherman III. 1 M14 Halftrack. 1 Light Reconnaissance Car Humber MkIII. 1 Car Light Reconnaissance, Humber III with 2 crew. For Subaltern Liaison Office. 1 Car Light Reconnaissance, Humber III with 3 crew. For Second in Command Headquarters Squadron. 1 Jeep 1 Jeep for Deputy Assistant Adjutant and Quarter Master General. 2 Motorcycle. Carried on tanks above. 28 men from Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. 10 men from 27 Armoured Brigade Signals. Carried in vehicles above. Priority vehicles for 9 Brigade land in the same wave as East Riding Yeomanry. Serial 368 is a LCT4 acting as Headquarters Craft for 27 Armoured Brigade and Rear Headquarters Craft for 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. 1 Kings Own Scottish Borderers. 7 Carrier Mortar. 4 Carrier Universal. For Company Commanders 1 Carrier Universal. For Commanding Officer. 11 Motorcycles. Carried on Carriers. 1 Jeep. 77 men with 9 airborne bicycles. 1 Royal Ulster Rifles. 5 Carrier Mortar. 1 Carrier Universal. For Commanding Officer. 2 Carrier Universal. Company Commanders. 2 Carrier Universal. From Carrier Platoon. 8 Motorcycle. Carried in Carriers. 1 Jeep 14 Bicycles. 71 men. Headquarters 9 Brigade. Serial 366 was a LCT4 acting as Standby Brigade Headquarters Ship carrying 2 Jeep from Headquarters 9 Brigade. 3 Motorcycle from Headquarters 9 Brigade. 5 airborne cycle from Headquarters 9 Brigade. 11 men from Headquarters 9 Brigade. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. Contact Detachment for Headquarters 9 Brigade. 1 Carrier Universal from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 jeep from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 Heavy Utility, Humber, 4 X 4, from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 1 M14 Halftrack from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 3 Motorcycles from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 17 men from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. Also landing in the same wave were 5 men with 5 airborne bicycles from Headquarters 9 Brigade. 3 men with 3 airborne bicycles from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 2 M14 Halftrack with 4 crew from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 3 Division Signals. 21 men with 21 airborne bicycles from 9 Brigade Headquarters Defence Platoon. Headquarters 3 Division. 1 Jeep with 3 crew from Headquarters 3 Division. Includes 2 army officer interrogators. 6 men from Headquarters 3 Division. 1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from 3 Division Signals. Divisional ‘A’ net. 2 men with a motorcycle from Headquarters RA, 3 Division. Carried in M14 above. 3 men with a handcart from 652 Air Observation Post Squadron. With Headquarters RA. 1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from ‘H’ Section (CRA), 3 Division Signals. 1 man with a motorcycle from ‘H’ Section (CRA), 3 Division Signals. Carried in M14 above. 1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from 3 Division Signals. Corps ‘A’ net. 2 Cars Heavy Utility 4 X 4 Humber with 7 crew from 3 Division Signals. Carry Flank and Main radio sets. 1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew from Headquarters RE 3 Division. 2 men with 2 motorcycles from Headquarters RE 3 Division. 1 Jeep with 10cwt trailer from ‘A’ Squadron, GHQ Liaison Regiment. 1 M3A1 White 4 X 4 from ‘A’ Squadron, GHQ Liaison Regiment. 1 Jeep with 2 crew from 3 Reconnaissance regiment. Contact Detachment for Headquarters 3 Division. 3 Division Provost Company. 8 men with 8 motorcycles. Carried on tanks of East Riding Yeomanry. 2 Jeeps with 2 crew from 3 Division Provost Company. Headquarters 101 Beach Sub Area. 13 men. 2 Jeeps with 6 crew from Headquarters 101 Beach Sub Area Signal Section. 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF. Each craft carried 2men with a handwinch and balloon. These would be flown from the craft and then landed and flown on the beach. 24 men with 12 hand winches and 12 balloons. 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. 1 Jeep with 2 crew. Contact Detachment for Kings Shropshire Light Infantry. 318 LAA Regiment RA. 2 men with 2 motorcycles. Reconnaissance party. Motorcycles carried in carriers of infantry battalions.. 20 Beach Recovery Section REME. 9 men. 21 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 2 3ton GS Austin with 4 crew. To proceed to Red Beach on landing.
SWORD BEACH. DUKWs. H + 330/H+360 Minutes. The following DUKWs will land between H + 330 Minutes and H + 360 Minutes, having been launched from LSTs. The 88 DUKWs are from 4 platoons of 101 GT Company RASC. One platoon, 633, is for medical evacuation. Apart from the Medical Detachment all the DUKWs are loaded with ammunition which will be unloaded at an ordnance sector store dump. These will have been established by personnel of ordnance beach depots and ordnance beach company. A reconnaissance group from 101 GT Company has already landed and the beach group should have cleared a Transport Park so that the DUKWs can proceed to it. From Serial 381, an LST2 20 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW with 80 crew from 101 GT Company RASC. On Tank Deck. 2 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW from 633 Platoon (Medical Detachment). On Davits. From Serial 382, an LST2 19 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW with 71 crew from 101 GT Company RASC. On Tank Deck. 2 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW from 633 Platoon (Medical Detachment). On Davits. From Serial 383, an LST2 19 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW with 71 crew from 101 GT Company RASC. On Tank Deck. 2 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW from 633 Platoon (Medical Detachment). On Davits. From Serial 384, an LST2 2 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW with 10 crew from 101 GT Company RASC. On Tank Deck. 6 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW with 20 crew from 633 Platoon (Medical Detachment). On Tank Deck. 2 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW from 633 Platoon (Medical Detachment). On Davits. From Serial 385, an LST2 4 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW with 30 crew from 101 GT Company RASC. On Tank Deck. 2 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW from 101 GT Company RASC. On Rhino Ferry towed by LST. 6 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW with 20 crew from 633 Platoon (Medical Detachment). On Tank Deck. 2 Amphibious 2 ½ ton 6 X 6 DUKW from 633 Platoon (Medical Detachment). On Davits. The remainder of the vehicles and personnel carried on these LSTs will be landed later by Rhino Ferry.
SWORD BEACH H + 390 MINUTES. This group carries priority vehicles and stores for 9 Brigade. Departing from the Launching Point at H + 275 Minutes it is timed to land at H + 360 Minutes but is delayed by 30 minutes.. 12 Landing Craft Tank . Queen White. 3 Division units. 253 Field Company RE. 1 3ton Winch, Karrier, with 2 crew. 1 3ton GS Austin with 2 crew. 4 men with 4 motorcycles. Carried in lorries above. 1 M14 Halftrack with 5 crew. 1 Carrier Universal with 3 crew. 1 Car Light reconnaissance, Humber III, with 2 crew. 3 Reconnaissance Regiment. 1 Jeep with 2 crew. Contact Detachment as detailed by HQ 9 Brigade. 1 man. Padre. 106 Bridge Co. RASC. 10 3ton 6 X 4 FBE MkIII with 20 crew from 1626 Pl, For 185 Brigade. Landing Stage unit. 2 3ton GS Ford with 3 crew from 1626 Platoon. For 185 Brigade. Load 3’ over length. 4 3ton GS Ford with 5 crew from 1626 Platoon. Carries grillage and Pierced Steel Plank for 185 Brigade 2 3ton GS Ford with 2 crew from 1629 Platoon. Carries assault boats for 185 Brigade. 8 Field Ambulance RAMC 2 3ton GS Austin with 4 crew. 9 Field Ambulance. 7 Jeeps with 7 crew. 35 men with 8 bicycles. 65 Medium Regiment. 1 Jeep with 4 crew. Reconnaissance Party. 3 Division Signals. 1 Jeep and 10cwt trailer from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 2 Jeeps from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade). 1 Jeep from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade). Line laying vehicle 1’ 2” longer than normal. 1 Motorcycle from ‘K’ Section. Carried on Bridge vehicle. 1 M14 Halftrack from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade), 20 men with 5 bicycles from ‘K’ Section (9 Brigade). Air Support Signals Unit. 1 Jeep with 2 crew. Tentacle for 3 Division. 101 AT Battery RA 4 M10 3” SP AT guns with 20 crew. 2 Carrier Universal with 6 crew. 4 men with 4 Motorcycles. Carried on M10s above. 6 men. 17 Field Company RE 40 men. 15 Field Park Company RE. 1 Tractor Medium Artillery with 2 crew. 1 Tractor Class II HD10 with 3 crew. With blade and winch 1 Trailer 18ton Carriemore. Towed by Tractor above. Beach Group units. 5 Kings Regiment. Beach Group. 2 men with motorcycles from Signal Platoon. Carried on Bridge vehicle 4 men with 2 bicycles from Signal Platoon. 14 men with 2 handcarts and a bicycle from ‘D’ Company. Nucleus BAN Section RN. 15 men with a motorcycle, a bicycle and 3 handcarts. For MBSS. Line Telegraph Section RN. 1 Amphibious Jeep with 3 crew. 50 Beach Balloon Unit RAF 6 men with 3 balloons from. To rig balloon on craft. Queen Red 3 Division units. Headquarters 3 Division. 1 M14 Halftrack with 3 crew. 1 Heavy Utility, Humber, 4 X 4 with 2 crew. 1 man with 1 motorcycle. Carried in M14. 9 men. 2 men from 3 Division Signals. Driver and operator for M14 of 3 Division Headquarters. 3 Division Signals. 1 Jeep with 3 crew from ‘L’ Section (185 Brigade). Headquarters 27 Armoured Brigade. 1 Scout Car Humber III, with 3 crew. 1 Corps Signals. 1 Jeep and 10cwt trailer with 2 crew. For 9 Brigade. 17 Field Company RE. 1 3ton GS Austin towing a water purification trailer with 3 crew 2 3ton GS Austin with 1 crew from 17 Field Company RE. 4 men with 4 motorcycles. Carried on vehicles above. 1 Angledozer TD9 Unarmoured with 1 crew. With blade and winch 15 men. 246 Field Company RE. 1 3ton Winch, Karrier, with 5 crew. 2 3ton GS Austin with 10 crew. Carries mine stores. 1 3ton GS Austin with 5 crew. Carries mine stores. 5 men. 172 Infantry Brigade Company RASC. 4 3ton GS Austin with 11 crew. Carry ammunition for 185 Brigade ammunition point. 1 man with a motorcycle. Carried in vehicle above. 9 Field Ambulance RAMC. 2 Jeeps with 2 crew. 223 Field Ambulance RAMC. 1 3ton Austin with 2 crew. Civil Affairs Detachment. 1 15cwt 4 X 2 Bedford with 4 crew. 1 man with a motorcycle. Carried in vehicles of 9 Field Ambulance. 76 Field Regiment RA. 1 3ton GS Austin with 3 crew. 9 Survey Regiment RA. 1 3ton GS Austin with 6 crew from Survey Troop ‘A’ ,Survey Battery, Beach Group units. Headquarters 101 Beach Sub Area. 1 3ton GS Austin with 2 crew. 13 men. 5 Kings Regiment. Beach Group. 8 men with 2 handcarts and a bicycle from ‘B’ Company. 20 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 1 15cwt water Bedford with 2 crew. 1 Ambulance 4 stretcher Austin 4 X 2 with 2 crew. 21 Field Dressing Station RAMC. 1 15cwt GS with 2 crew. 1 15cwt water Bedford 4 X 2 with 2 crew. 93 LAA Regiment RA. 322 LAA Battery. 2 Crusader SP triple 20mm AA gun. 2 triple 20mm AA gun. 1 Tractor 4 X 4 LAA. 33 men. 3 SP LAA Bofors guns. 1 Tractor 4 X 4 LAA. 1 3ton 4 X 4 Austin. 2 motorcycles. Carried on vehicles. 32 men. 318 LAA Battery. 3 SP LAA Bofors guns. 1 Tractor 4 X 4 LAA. 1 Carrier Loyd. 2 motorcycles. Carried on vehicles. 32 men. 20 Beach Recovery Section REME. 1 Breakdown Tractor 6 X 4 Mack with 4 crew. 39 General Transport Company RASC. 1 3ton GS Austin with 2 crew. Line Telegraph Section RN. 2 Amphibious Jeep with 3 crew. 1 30cwt Lorry with 7 crew. 241 Headquarters Provost Company. 1 15cwt GS 4 X 4 with 2 crew. 1 Jeep with 2 crew. 3 men with 3 motorcycles. 2 men with bicycles. No more vehicles or personnel will land until the second tide. LSTs will then unload vehicles and personnel onto Rhino Ferries. 3 Division now has its tactical units ashore, although many of its vehicles will land on the second tide from LSTs. Responsibility for the beaches now passes to 101 Beach Sub Area and its Beach Groups. 5 Beach Group is already well established ashore and is developing the beach infra structure. 6 Beach Group has reconnaissance parties ashore and will carry out detail planning for the inland dump areas.
Phew! I have managed to get 3 Division ashore more or less safely. Still a little tidying to do. In particular some work to do on the Assault Regiment RE. David, Thank you for your kind comments. I am fairly sure that the waterproofing marking instructions were adhered to but they are not in a very prominent position. 'Behind the wing lamp' will not show in most photos. Also they are small. 1" X 3" is hardly bigger than a cigarette. Certainly the instructions were repeated in all the 'administrative instructions' that I have seen. I will keep an eye out for some photos. Mike.
