January 1942

Commanding Officer: Lt. Col. F Brown DSO

Sid Bishr Alexandria

1.1.42

Personnel strength  -  17 officers  390 ORs   B vehicles on charge 7

Attd. RAOC  -  16 ORs

Attd. RAMC  -  1 officer

Attd. RCoS  -  11 ORs

  - do - 

3.1.42

First leave party rejoined from leave in Cairo.  Capt. F M Wainman RAMC joined unit as RMO

  - do - 

9.1.42

Capt A S Reid RAMC, after two years as unit RMO, left for duty at a Military Hospital.

  - do - 

13.1.42

A sqn moved to Mustapha Barracks and took over garrison duties.

  - do - 

21.1.42

Regiment came under command 1st Armd Bde (located Cairo area) but still administered by HQ 32 Army Tank Bde.   2/Lt R B Jordan posted to unit from RAC Base Depot.

  - do - 

24.1.42

B sqn moved to Dock Area Alexandria, to take over guard and picquet duties.   Accommodated in General Motors' Building near 18 Gate.

  - do - 

25.1.42

Regiment ceased to be administered by 32 Army Tank Bde on that formation proceeding to Palestine

  - do - 

26.1.42

Capt D M St C Thom posted from 7 RTR.

February 1942

Commanding Officer: Lt. Col. F Brown DSO

Strength as at 1 Feb 42  

1st

RHQ, A and C sgns on garrison duties.

A vehs. nil

B sqn accommodated in General Motors' Building near 18 Gate, Docks.

5th

All officers attended lecture by RIO on IS and anti-paratroop orders.

Demonstration of tent dyeing by RE Camouflage unit.

Breda 6.5mm m.g. range firing by selected gunners.

All officers attended lecture by Lt. M Sheppard "The First Fourteen Days of the Libyan Campaign Nov 1941".

7th

All officers attended lecture by Lt. M Graham; "Administration Problems of the Libyan Campaign Nov 41"

1 RTR OO No 1 of 1942 Recces in connection during Jan and Feb (Appx 1)

10th

Three officers joined from Depot: Lt G J W Pedraza, 2/Lt H Sassoon and Lt J H Vaughan-Williams.

11th

All officers attended lecture on Signal Security given by Capt A Edwards. 

15

Special Order of the day received.

19

A sqn relieved of garrison duties Mustapha Barracks.

24

18 ORs joined from Base Depot, all tradesmen: 3 Clerks, 3 Electricians, 7 Fitters, 8 Motor Mechs.

Commanding Officers for month of Feb Lt.Col. F Brown DSO

When on duty in Cairo, unit commanded by Maj.A L T Sassoon

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY 

BY 

LT GEN A R GODWIN-AUSTEN CB OBE MC,

 COMMANDER 13 CORPS.

On handing over command of 13 Corps to General Gott I wish to offer more gratitude than I can express to those who have so loyally served me during my tenure of command.

All troops under my command have invariably fought with the highest courage and wherever they have met the enemy have either driven him from his positions or, if outclassed by him in mechanical means, inflicted serious loss upon him.

The fact that a temporary withdrawal has been necessary is entirely due to the enemy having been reinforced with tanks of a more efficient type than our own.   These tanks we shall, therefore, fight and destroy from positions chosen by us and protected by minefields.

With the courage with which you have met and defeated him before, you will defeat him again.

I am proud and honoured to have had you under my command. am proud to feel that I am handing over so stout a command to General Gott whom I know you will serve as loyally.

Sgd A R Godwin-Austen Lt Gen, Commander, 13 Corps

In Lieu of A.F.O. 2118 

WAR DIARY MARCH 1942

Under formation 1 Armd. Bde. Gp.

Stationed, ALEX & CAIRO

In Lieu of A.F.O. 2118 

WAR DIARY APRIL 1942

Under formation 1 Armd. Bde. Gp.

Stationed, COWLEY CAMP - CAIRO

4.4.42

Capts N G Crouch and E P H Gane to AFV Tactical School for Sqn Commdrs Course.

5.4.42

12 ORs to ME RAC Schools on following: - 4 Driver/Ops, 1 Gunnery, 7 D.M. Courses.

6.4.42

Lts. A T Hughes, H Sassoon and C S Cameron to Junior Leaders' Course for 3 weeks.

8.4.42

1 NCO to ME Gas School - 16 day course. 1 NCO to FAC School for PAD Course.

13.4.42

2/Lt R B Jordan to ME RAC Schools WIT Instructors course - 7 weeks. 32 ORs (Tradesmen) to No 2 BOW for instructional attachment. 15 ORs to RAC Schools for 7 days Gun Layer's course.

15.4.42

5 officers and 79 ORs joined from RAC Base Depot.

25.4.42

Lt J H Vaughan Williams to RIOs course of 4 weeks.

ME Revised Establishment, Armoured Regt - April 1942

B Vehicles

Unit

LAD

Total

Motor cycles

4

2

6

Cars 2-seater Bantam

4

1

5

Cars sedan

3

3

15 cwt GS

15

1

16

WT

1

1

Office

1

1

Lorries 3 ton GS

59

1

60

Store

4

4

 Derrick engine stand

1

Scout cars

5

5

Slave batty carrier

1

1

Water carts

4

4

Breakdown

1

1

Totals

101

7

108

Trucks 8 cwt

5

1

6

Lorry 3 ton store

-

1

1

Gained

Cars Bantam

5

Cars Sedan

1

Scout cars

2

LAD 3 ton GS

1

LAD 3 ton Derrick

1

In Lieu of A.F.O. 2118 

WAR DIARY MAY 1942

Under formation 1 Armd. Bde. Gp.

Stationed, COWLEY CAMP - CAIRO

With unit    -         33 officers             566 ORs

Detached                6 officers               49 ORs

Attached                3 officers               25 ORs

1 May

Evening hours of work commenced.

5/8 May

Rifle firing for Sqn B echelon personel under sqn arrangements.

7 May

CinC visited the unit. Sand table exercise at 1 Sherwood Foresters. CO, 2 i/c and sqn commanders attended.

8 May

Officers WIT exercise on No 19 set. Procedure and changing Net.

9 May

Bren gun range firing for B echelon personnel. Lt D A Geneve proceeded to METPO, HQ, BTE on posting.

12 May

Lt. R Q E F Etait-Gardner assumed the duties as RTO. Bde Signal exercise attended by OC B echelon and QM.

13 May

Regimental B echelon exercise.

15 May

A sqn plus RHQ light tanks carried out range firing.

18 May

C sqn plus RHQ 1 mediumd tank carried out range firing. Sqns carried out TSMG and revolver firing during period 15th to 17th.

19 May

B sqn plus 1 medium tank RHQ range firing.

18 May

Major A C Doyle MC and 5 ORs from 5 RTR attached to give tactical experience on American tanks. Major Goslin, 104 RHA attached for liaison purposes. Training team of 2 American sergeants and British ORs attached to instruct D & M and Gunnery on American tanks.

21 May

Regimental Group Harbouring scheme.

22 May

RIO and Tnt Sgts attended LRDG Astronomical Navigation course at Bde HQ period 22/26 May. B echelon scheme included in harbouring exercise.

23 May

Q signal exercise attended by OC B echelon and QM.

25 May

Lt. J M Vaughan-Williams proceeded on an interpretation of Air Photos course. Regimental group exercise with co-operation from 104 RHA, 1 Foresters and 12 Lt Fd Amb. During this exercise the regiment carried out Battle Practice.

27 May

Bde signal exercise attendedby Rear Link, RIO, RSO MajorA G Cruikshank and Major A L T Sassoon CO chief umpire.

28 May

0140 Warning order received from HQ 1 Armd Bde Gp to prepare to move by 0700hrs.

0700 All B echelon vehicles ready to move with B echelon personnel plus CO, Adjt., RIO and Sqn commanders.

0730 Leave Cowley Camp and proceed to Amiriya (Cairo 1:500,000) via Cairo-Alex Rd.

1000 Column halted for 30 mins to allow stragglers to rejoin column.

1030 Unit continued en route for Amiriya.

1330 Arrived Amiriya - refuelled and remained for lunch.

1500 Continued along Cairo-Alex-Matruh road.

1750 Arrived Imayid and harboured for night 28/29.

29 May

0500 Continued en route, speed 15 mph, 100 yards between vehicles, each vehicle with an air raid sentry.

0830 Arrived El Daba and remained for 90 mins to allow unit to refuel and breakfast.

1000 Left El Daba and continued en route for Qassaba.

1220 Arrived Qassaba and remained approx 90 mins to refuel and lunch.

1520 Arrived at Matruh from Qassaba and remained night 29/30. (Kilo 12 Sidi Barrani Rd)

30 May

0530 RIO, Tnt Sgt and 1 Tpr left Matruh as advance party with HQ 1 Armd Bde Gp to select site for unit leaguer in Cappuzo area. (Ref. Map 1:250,000 Sollum-Tobruk)

0830 Main road party left Matruh and proceed Sidi Barrani via coast road. (Ref Map 1: 500,000 Matruh)

1330 Arrived at Sidi Barrani and refuelled and stayed for lunch.

1500 Left Sidi Barrani en route for Capuzzo.

1900 Arrived at Fort Capuzzo, met by RIO, who guided column to area 505375. Harboured for night.

2300 First party of tanks arrived at railhead and subsequently arrived at leaguer area.

31 May

0300 Remaining tanks arrived at railhead and thence to leaguer area.

1400 Ordered by HQ 1 Armd Bde Gp to move on bearing 2790 for approx 18 miles.

1600 Arrived at destination but almost immediately were recalled to previous position by 1 Armd Bde Gp and informed that unit was to move to Ed Duda under command of 4th Armd Bde. Tanks to be conveyed by transporters.

2100 The RIO and party left area to make contact with HQ 4th Armd Bde.

2350 Unit commenced move to Ed Duda via Capuzzo, Bardia along coast road.

June 1942

Commanding Officer: Lt. Col. F Brown DSO

Road.

Ref. Map.

With unit    -         32 Ofrs                  508 ORs

Detached                3 Ofrs                   73 ORs

Attached                3    "                      38 ORs

RHQ. Sgn      2          2              -           -                     -           -              -            -

"A"     Sqn    16.         -

"B"     Sqn      1.       10

"C"     Sqn      1.       11

Total.            20 U  23.

Nominal roll of battle casualties during month attached                                                          

Appx 1.

1.6.42

0300

Regiment bombed and strafed on coast road between Bardia and Gambit One petrol lorry hit and completely destroyed. Four members of crew killed and one wounded. One transporter conveying Grant tank disabled (not unrepairable). Enemy air activity continued throughout the hours of darkness but the regiment reached Ed Duda without further casualties.

0700

All tanks unloaded from transporters and work commenced on preparing them for action. During these preparations the regiment was visited by a War Correspondent with cine camera who took shots of various phases of the preparations.

1230

Regiment moved in two parties. Tanks with full crews and LAD B echelon under command Major A L T Sassoon started shortly after tanks.

1400

B echelon met by the RIO and guided to area 497395 where they remained whilst commander received orders from Rear HQ 7th Armd Div.

Area 407395

1230

Tanks arrived south of B 721 in area 401403 with the loss of one loss on one STUART T.37905 (Sgt Page) which hit an unchartered minefield. This tank was almost immediately replaced.

1350

B echelon split into two parties, A and B. A echelon vehicles were taken by the RIO to 4 Armd Bde Gp HQ at N 705, and B echelon under Major Sassoon remained in their present area.

2.6.42

0600

Reveille. 

0900

A echelon joined up with tanks south of B 721 (401403).

1100

Came under direct command of 7th Armd Div and 1 officer sent to perform duties of Liaison Officer (2/Lt Cameron). Nothing further of importance to report before the hours of darkness.

2150

Leaguered same area.

3.6.42

0545

Reveille.

1159

Liaison officer arrived from HQ 7th Armd Div with orders for a representative to go to 22 Armd Bde Area at 384405.

1400

Regiment came under command 23 Armd Bde. Unit representative returned from 22 Armd Bde with orders for the regiment to proceed to the area north of 22 Armd Bde.

1800

Notified by Bde that after a changeover between 22 Armd Bde and 10 Inf Bde 1 RTR would move to join 4 Armd Bde.

1820

Reconnaissance party sent out to view area of a possible counterattack by the enemy from B 230 (378408) and northwest of this area.

1845

Orders received to stand by to move to join 4 Armd Bde.

1830

Unit arrived Bir Hellefaa (385411) ????? ????? ????? en route.

2010

Arrived Trig 205 as ordered. Regiment leaguered for night one mile south of this point. Commanding officer remained at 4 Armd Bde HQ for night.

CYRENAICA

4.6.42

0630

Reveille

Regiment ordered to move first light to area north of Eluet el Tamar (374245) to take up position facing south-west.

0720

Regiment in position with A sqn (Major A G Cruickshank) in observation south and south-west on ridge 374425. One battery 25-pdrs and one troop A/T guns 1 RHA in support. A and C sqns facing south on north of ridge.

1200

Regiment ordered to carry out a patrol in a south-easterly direction towards Bir Regal (377419). This patrol carried out without contact with the enemy. Regiment leaguered for night in area 372427.

5.6.42

Action

0330

Reveille. 

0400

Sqn leaders' conference.

0413

Move off in direction B 134 (370425).

CYRENAICA

0530

Regiment arrived in the area 374425. Regiment ordered to perform protection left with remainder of 4 Armd Bde during an attack from the north by 32 Army Tank Bde on concentration of enemy tanks in area 365420. A sqn ordered to patrol from B 154 to area south-west Bir Regal. B and C sqns ordered to take up position in observation of enemy concentration.

0630

A sqn advance to patrol area.

0730

T 37878 (Lt M Sassoon) was hit by A/T fire in area 373420 and immediately burst into flames. The commander, suffering from wounds and shock, was removed from the tank by Cpl. ??????, the Dvr.Op. Two ORs killed.

0800

Whilst attempting to move round this A/T obstacle to continue patrol T 37953 (Sgt Whiteland) was hit and and abandoned. The whole crew evacuated safely. A sqn continued this patrol without further loss.

1200

The attack by 32 Army Tank Bde did not take place owing to unforeseen circumstances and the regiment remained in position of observation until the hours of darkness.

2300

The regiment leaguered in area of previous night.

CYRENAICA

6.6.42

0600

Moved from leaguer area to B 154. Received orders to move from present location to Trig.137 ??????.  The route 600 for two miles, then 1010 for four miles and to take up position facing south. B sqn (Major B I Bouverie-Brine) plus artillery moved on ahead of regiment.

0800

Remainder of regiment moved but orders were changed to amend route to 383418 via 187. Contacted B sqn en route and regiment swept south with Stuarts (A sqn) well ahead, and Grants on escarpment 377414.

1000

The enemy on and south of next escarpment 374414 attacking Knightsbridge (380411)

1100

Orders received to move to Trig 171 (388404) via Bir Hellefaa.

1115

Worked way round east via 604 (389410) Trig 171 and came under fire from 88mm multi-purpose gun. B sqn on right in line facing west moved round to south and advanced. C sqn held up 1000 yds west of 171 by A/T fire. B sqn were by now well ahead with A sqn protection left.

1800

Regiment advanced on 200 to attack enemy on Hacheim track with object of relieving force in Bir el Adlame box.

Reveille

TANK STATE

0600

The Regiment ordered to move area Trig.171 and take up position facing S.W.

No replenishment of “A” Echelon overnight.   3 R. Tank sent petrol and ammunition, filling up delayed start.

0730

“A” moved into position.  Move cancelled.  3. R. Tanks holding area B.743 (388409).

0930

Regiment and 1/K.R.R.C. adopt frontal position at 171.  Remain in this positions all morning.

1315

Reports of 30 MT moving towards position S.W. proved friendly. Nothing on importance occurred remainder of the day.

2200

Leaguered one mile EAST of Trig.171.

1900

Regiment engaged enemy concentration of tanks, guns and MT in area 320407 until 2l00hrs.

2125

Firing ceased and regiment withdrew to leaguer area 385406. Results of action - 1 RTR accounted for 2 tanks, 1 field gun and two ammunition lorries without loss to personnel or equipment.

9.6.42

0600

Reveille

TANK STATE

0600

Broke leaguer area and faced southwest.

0620

Ordered to move forward to Trig HACHEIM (377405)

0840

C sqn moved off followed by RHQ and B sqns.

0905

RHQ at 382405 then to barrel 163.

1000

55 enemy tanks reported approaching from west.

1015

C sqn engaging enemy. Visibility very bad due to convection All tanks remaining in observation on line 379406 to 380404 curving slight west in the centre.

1522

A sqn reports one mile North of Bir El ASLAGH, men walking in line approx due north, stopping every two or three hundred yards.

1608

A sqn states that he is almost sure that men are laying a minefield.

1810

Numerous reports from A sqn report and confirm much activity of tanks, armoured cars, MT and men in area Bir El ASLAGH.

1700

Orders received not to move forward but to be prepared for an attack by the enemy. Reports confirm 50 enemy AFVs lined up ready to advance or meet an attack from us.

1720

Enemy remain quiet with no considerable movement up to the hours of darkness.

2100

Regiment withdrew and leaguered area 385405.

10.6.42

0600 

Reveille 

Tank State

0630

Received verbal orders from 4 Armd Bde that ?????? 4 Armd Bde would advance to ?????? with Knightsbridge. 1 RTR ?????? centre line 373409 - 6 RTR 385407 centre line ??????. 1 RTR will protect left flank of 6 RTR. Method - A sqn protection front and left followed by C sgn, RHQ, B sqn and A echelon. One battery 1 RHA in support. Start Line 382410-380406. Time of crossing 0830hrs.

0800

Regiment left leaguer area but liaison arrived, changing zero hour to 0930hrs.

0815

A sqn reports enemy movement of tanks and MT in vicinity of Bir el Aslagh. Target engaged by A sqn but range too great.

0940

A sgn reports concentration of tanks two miles ahead of them in area 377408.

0949

C sqn commander (Major W G S Benzie) reports that he has lost a track by enemy A/T fire and is immobilised, orders his 2 i/c to take command and calls for reinforcement from B sqn.

0950

B sqn (Major J I Bouverie-Brine) advance to reinforce C sqn.

1030

A sqn (Major A G Cruickshank) reports movement of tanks along Hacheim track on left flank of regiment, near B 231 (377405).

1106

Commanding Officer warna regiment of A/T guns in area of Barrel 230.

1125

No 3 Troop informs OC A sqn that Bir el Marmat is a strong point for enemy infantry.

1200

Information received that enemy are using captured 25-pdrs and using tanks as OPs.

1230

Commanding Officers orders regiment to take up a better battle position with the object of getting enemy tanks if they come over the ridge east of Hacheim track.

1252

2 i/c (Major F W D Sturdee) reports that he is going up with his tank to try and bring back our wounded and evacuated. 

"A" Sqn narrative of battle   -

"B"    "          "       "    "        " . 

"C"   "          "       "    "        ".

APP.2.

APP.3.

APP.4.

1310

2 i/c picks up several survivors of T ?????(Major W G S Benzie) under intense A/T fire leaving Major Benzie and one OR. During another attempt to pick up remainder of crew T 24267 was hit by A/T fire and evacuated.

1400

Capt D M St C Thom returns with one OR to A echelon stating that his own  T 37210 and T 37934 (Sgt Kirkpatrick) were both knocked out by A/T fire and subsequently burned out. Remainder of the two crews still missing but thought to be taking cover in slit trenches near enemy lines.

1500

Requests made for the MO to attend members of the crews wounded near the enemy's line but 10 troop (C sqn) assures CO that it is absolutely impossible to get MO down, owing to intense fire, without the aid of smoke.

1515

Smoke was laid but owing to unfavourable weather conditions was not a success. However, according to eyewitness accounts the MO (Capt F M Wainman RAMC) was seen attending wounded on the battlefield under intense mg fire.

1539

T 24749 (Major J I Bouverie-Brine) returns to A echelon with both guns out of action and towing T 23631 (Sgt Beeden) which had its right track shot away. Major Bouverie-Brine stated that he saw four Grants go up in smoke, T23572 (Capt E P H Cane) T 23576 (Lt Sproull) T 23567 (Sgt Hirry)  and T 22552 (Sgt Shinnis)

1720

The regiment rally on COs tank. Ordered to move with A echelon one mile east of Trig 171 after handing over to the Bays. Major W G S Benzie C sqn states that he saw T 23528 (Sgt Weller) hit and burst into flame after seeing some of the crew evacuate. Eye witness accounts also state and confirm that at approximately the same time T 23574 (2/Lt H M Hayter) was hit and subsequently burned out. No information re crews yet received.

2000

Claim received from OC 9 Troop (Lt C A Smith) one enemy tank knocked out, one enemy tank probably knocked out, one A/T gun silenced by mg fire and one ammunition lorry hit and set on fire by 75mm.

2010

Sitrep No 1 to 4 Armd Bde from 1 RTR states:-Regiment advanced 0930 hrs and engaged enemy in area 380405-388406, Results - one 50mm A/T gun, two lorry loads of infantry and three tanks hit and destroyed, two A/T guns silenced. Our losses: - 9 Grants, 2 Stuarts - Killed, one officer and 1 OR - Wounded one officer and three ORs -Missing one officer and 35 ORs. Regiment in leaguer area.

11.6.42

0600 

Reveille 

Tank State

Losses by enemy action - RHQ 1 Grant, A sqn 2 Stuarts, B sqn 4 Grants, C sqn 4 Grants

0600

Major E C Mitford MC took over command of the regiment from Lt Col F Brown DSO. Regiment remained in same area all morning.

1400

Received orders to move to Trig 169 (395405) and arrived destination 1445 hrs. RHQ troop at 39574050.

1600

Visited by the YMCA canteen.

1720

Received information that an enemy mobile column, including tanks, was advancing north east from Hacheim area.

1830

A sqn reports 80 enemy tanks moving south of our position (395402).

1840

Grants take up hull-down position on ridge near Trig 169 facing south. A echelon withdrew to 398408.

1920

Grants engage enemy tanks which approach within range. Crew of one enemy tank seen to evacuate.

1930

Enemy subject area 189 to intense shelling.

1940

A echelon withdraw further north-east. Reinforcements of tanks and guns arrive from west including remaining units of 4 Armd Bde.

2100

Tanks withdraw to leaguer area and efforts made to contact A echelon without success. Received three Grants with American crews, and efforts were made to get sufficient men to man them. Only two crews could be raised.

12.6.42

0600 

Reveille 

Tank State

0600

Tanks broke leaguer and took up position of previous night near Trig 169.

0630

American crews, at their own request, re-man the three Grants.

0700

A echelon arrive plus replenishment 2000 yds north of tanks and replenish regiment.

0730

A sqn report enemy tanks consisting of Mk Ills and Mk IVs and some French tanks, some stationary and some moving in area 396403.

0900

A sqn send 1 tp as protection to C sqn.

0913

A sqn report a general movement, east along ridge south of our position, of MT and a few AFVs.

1020

A sqn report possibility of a flanking movement by 7 tanks which were observed to move west from main concentration.

1054

C sqn report enemy firing SOmm AlT guns and receiving several direct hits on Grants.

1100

T 24235 (Major W G S Benzie) hit and caught fire. Commander and 1 OR killed. T 23577 (Lt C A Smith) hit and caught fire. All crew evacuated safely but a number suffering from severe burns.

1230

Enemy tanks threatening both our right and left flank. A sqn ordered to keep observation but find this difficult owing to the use of smoke by the enemy.

1400

A echelon received orders to move. Proceeded due north to B ????65 - west along track to B 654 then down escarpment and formed up in area 393424.

1500

Enemy tanks with considerable artillery support forcing us to withdraw slightly, but tanks on our right, believed 6 RTR, are putting in an attack.

1600

A sqn report that people on right have been ordered north to take up another position.

1610

Regiment withdrew on a bearing of 3150 in view of enemy pressure and to take up another position and arrive in area south of A echelon just before sunset.

2100

Tanks plus A echelon move to area 392426 and leaguer for night 12113.

13.6.42

0530

Reveille

Tank State

0530

Broke leaguer and moved to area Trig 186 (398424). Regiment ordered to proceed to area Bir Regal (377419) and join battle with 6 RTR. Contacted enemy at approx 388419 , formed line facing west on right of Bays. Grants advanced and engaged enemy. Visibility very poor due to sever duststorms.

1745

Enemy tanks reported advancing along bottom of escarpment, supported by heavy artillery fire. A sqn contacted own infantry who appeared to be very confused and somewhat shaken. Shortly afterwards the whole line withdrew slightly east. A sqn endeavoured to continue line to south facing west, but were beaten off by heavy A/T fire. T 37801 (Sgt Whitlam) was hit, the commander being wounded in shoulder and attended by the MO who was quickly on the scene. This tank was recovered by Sgt McGregor who drove the tank out of action.

1800

Visual contact lost between tanks and sqns owing to sever duststorm.

2000

Regiment reforms and orders A echelon to advance on a bearing of ?????? until they are on top of a hill overlooking 'Field of Play'

2300

After much difficulty the regiment contacted A echelon in approx ?????? unfortunately close to a minefield. Leaguered same area.

14.6.42

0500

Reveille

Tank State

0530

Broke leaguer, Moved to B 672 (386476) and contacted A echelon who had moved from leaguer area before tanks.

0800

Tanks and A echelon advanced to Trig 190 (393426) and formed up facing south.

1030

Came under command 6 RTR. Moved to left of 6 RTR and ordered to form line from 392421-399418 facing south.

1500

A echelon moved to area 390429.

2130

A echelon prepared to leave area for move Contacted tanks of regiment and travelled along Axis Road. all night.

15.6.42

0400 

Arrived on Tobruk perimeter with loss of 24728 (Lt L D Munson) which hit a minefield. Remained in present location until dawn.

Tank State

15 June

0800

Passed through gap in perimeter and proceeded along track towards ex Fort Pilastrino (407431).

0800

Stopped for breakfast in area 405430

1000

Handed over to 7 RTR T 37801, T 37777, T 37913, T 37838, and T 24728. Details of A sqns activities during period 14118 June shown in Appx ?

1320

Arrived Kilo 90 Bardia Rd.

1400

A sqn left area to make contact with 6 RTR.

Information: Duda reported clear of enemy but strong enemy column reported moving east along Trig Capuzzo.

1510

A echelon left area for 6 RTR area and arrived at l745hrs (area 436417).

2120

A echelon leaguered in present location.

16.6.42

0530

Reveille

Tank State

1000

Left for area B 501 (446391).

1545

Contacted regimental B echelon in 4 Armd Bde area (B 501). Formed open leaguer, Remained night 16117.

17.6.42

0530

Reveille

Remained in same location.

1800

Ordered to move five miles east with the 4 Armd Bde B echelon, owing to a threat from an enemy column.

2100

Arrived in approximate area 465395 where Bde formed up in columns of regiments facing east. Spare tank crews sent to Bde HQ

2300

Information - an enemy motorised infantry column threatening our lines of communication. Ordered to move under 4 Armd Bde on 208° for 19 miles and subsequently travelled all night.

18.6.42

0300

Arrived in area 451358 and remained in close leaguer until dawn.

0500

Reveille. Dispersed in same location.

2000

A sqn personnel returned to regiment having handed over to 6 RTR nine Stuarts. Spare crews which had been sent to 4 Armd Bde HQ on 17th June returned to the regiment.

2130

Remained in same location and formed close leaguer at nightfall.

19.6.42

0515

Reveille and dispersal in same location. Ordered to standby to move any time after 1100hrs. Remained in present location all day and leaguered same area at 2130hrs.

2130

Received orders to prepare to move at 0815hrs 20.6.42.

20.6.42

0515

Reveille

0630

Regiment left area 455350 on 1150 and halted in area 474341 for approx one hour.

1100

Advanced on same course and passed through Egyptian frontier wire 1300hrs (area 494337).

1500

Arrived approx one mile south of Bir Kreigat (519340)

2130

Leaguered in same area for night 20/21.

21.6.42

0600

Reveille. Remained in same area.

0900

Received orders to be ready to move to Bir Enba (589342) by 0945hrs.

1000

Commenced to move to above destination. Halted in area 546335 at 1300hrs to hand over to 4 Armd Bde 10 B Vehicles.

1430

Advanced east along top of escarpment. Arrived in area 580338 and remained night.

22.6.42

0600

Reveille

1000

Continued move in general direction east and arrived approx one mile north-west Fuka station.

24.6.42

0600

Reveille. Remained in same area all day and night 24/25. During the morning bathing parades were organised for the whole of the regiment.

25.6.42

0600

Reveille. Remained in same location.

1400

Received 118 ORs from TDR.

1430

Regiment less C sqn moved to 7 Kilo point south of Matruh on Matruh-Barrani road.

1945

Received 36 Stuart tanks from Sherwood Rangers. A and B sqns equipped with 16 each. RHQ four. Remained in present location night 25/26.

26.6.42

0500

Reveille. Ready to move at first light.

Tank State - All tanks fit

1000

Regiment less C sqn moved to area Bir Qa' im (717312).

1530

Arrived in the above area with the loss of T 27981 (A sqn) which came to grief in a tank trench.

1615

Proceeded under orders to area 701310.

1900

Orders received from 4 Armd Bde to move to area 701311. Leaguered in same area for night 26/27.

27.6.42

0500

Tank State at dawn

27.6.42

0615

Moved under orders to area 702311.

0900

C sqn with 12 Grants rejoined regiment.

1400

Regiment moved to area Minqar Sidi Harriza for possible exploitation against enemy armed forces advancing along escarpment (east).

1800

Regiment moved towards Bir Khalda (724293) and formed leaguer at 2l00hrs at 725295 but ordered by Bde to stand by for orders.

28.6.42

0100

Tank State

0130

Received orders to be prepared to move 40 miles east.

0315

Regiment moved and continued until first light. Stopped for quick breakfast and then continued. Arrived in area 798300 and formed up in air formation at 1500hrs.

1800

C sqn with 12 Grants attached to 6 RTR and A sqn 6 RTR (17 Stuarts) attached to this unit thus making this unit a complete light tank regiment. Passed remainder of day in same area and leaguered 2l30hrs.

29.6.42

Tank State at Dawn.

All Stuarts

29.6.42

0515

Reveille and dispersal.

0615

Proceeded under orders to area 780292 and arrived at destination 1000hrs. During this march A sqn 6 RTR were ordered back to their regiment, who were also retaining our C sqn Grants. We are now a column of two Stuart columns and one battery RHA, one troop A/T guns, KRRC, 1 p1 infantry, KRRC. Engaged enemy on ridge 778295 east and west. Enemy strength 15 Mk III and Mk IV being used as a screen for a large column moving east, west of our position.

1300

This large column began to thin out and 22 tanks were seen approaching our position from north-east. Regiment engaged and during this action T 37843 (Cpl Thompson) was lost. One OR killed. Gunners engaged this target whilst B sqn withdrew to ridge 780293 - A sqn to ridge 781293 facing north-east.

1500

Situation reported quieter. Enemy moving north. Situation - we have lost one tank, enemy two. A echelon is coming up to replenish. Possibility of a move.

1630

Information from patrols report large column of MET and guns on road at 799230 also 5 Mk ?????? and 15 MET at 779298.

1845

Engagement with enemy on the ridge ceased with the withdrawal of enemy north. Results of action - two lorries destroyed.

2300

Leaguered in area 781290.

2359

Attacked in leaguer by an enemy column and forced to move leaguer area 1 mile east. No casualties.

30.6.42

0445

Reveille. Orders received to be prepared to move first light.

Tank State

0515

Advanced due west A sqn left, B sqn right on to ridge 781288 and engaged enemy who had attacked us previous night in leaguer.

0930

Broke off action. Results - 5 enemy lorries burnt out. No loss to ourselves. Moved to 820276 arriving at l300hrs.

1900

Moved to 820275. A echelon rejoined regiment after moving south when attacked in leaguer on night 29/30.

2230

Warning order received from Bde. Liaison Officer gone to 7 Motor Bde for orders. Remained in present location ready to move, until midnight. Special Order of the Day by CinC MEF attached. (Appx 6)

Appenixx One.

Killed in action

Wounded in action

Missing - Believed Prisoners of War

 M.E.F2                                                                                                                               Major

25.6.42                                                                               Commanding 1st Royal Tank Regiment

Killed in Action:

Wounded in action

Missing, believed POW

Summary

          K.I.A           -      2 Offrs,           12 O.Rs.

          W.I.A          -      6    "                 28

Missing/ bel. P.O.W. -   1 Offrr,            23 O.Rs.

                                      9.                    63..

APPENDIX  SIX

Special Order of the Day by General Sir Claude J E Auchinleck, DCIE, CB, CSI, DSO, OBE

COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE MIDDLE EAST FORCES

You have fought hard and continuously for over a month.  No throops could have fought better. You have had heavy losses and in spite of your efforts you have experienced the disappointment of giving ground before an enemy who had heavy losses. His units are much reduced in strength and he is a long way from his bases of supply.

The situation now calls for a supreme effort on the part of us all. We’re fighting the battle of Egypt, a battle in which the enemy must be destroyed. You have shown that you can stick it and I know that you will stick it right out until he can stand it no longer. Until he cracks the enemy must be given no rest He must be attacked and buried wherever you find him. The battle is not over yet and will not be over until we have defeated him, and defeat him we will.

July 1942

Commanding Officer: Lt Col E C Mitford MC

With Unit             12 officers,               506 ORs

Detached               7 officers,               130 ORs

Attached                3 officers,                30 ORs

   Fit.                                       Unit Repair

Stuarts                                      Stuarts

 RHQ                    4

 A Sqn                 14                    1

 B Sqn                  15

 Total                    33                    1

1/7/42

0115

Moved off from leaguer with attached troops NORTH to 250 grid then due east 390280.

0930

Arrived at destination with no miles in hand. Immediate steps taken to contact B echelon for petrol and ammunition, without result.

1235

Information received that 8 enemy tanks are moving east at 877290. Also two concentrations of 38 tanks and 28 tanks at 875281.

1230

A echelon sent off to try and find a petrol and ammunition dump as B echelon could not supply same.

1400

A echelon return and say that they have everything except petrol and ammunition.

1445

Bde report that B echelon commander is at Bde with petrol. A echelon ordered to proceed to Bde to see what they can get there. Meanwhile the tanks stand immobilised.

1530

A echelon report that they are returning with enough of everything to keep us going for the present. Commdg Officer Lt.Col. N C Mitford MC has gone to Bde, as LO and RIO have been looking for it for 3 hours. (We may get to the battle today now, after all.)

1230

Now under command 22 Armd Bde. Ordered to assit 4 CLYs on their left. Enemy withdrew on appearance of our tanks, who immediately commenced to follow up the enemy's withdrawal. A sqn. during this action lost T 37734 (L/Cpl Pulleyblank) and T 37942 (Sgt Horsfield) was badly damaged.

2200

Formed leaguer in approx area 389278.

2/7/42

0900

Considerable enemy MET, tanks and guns in area 884277 with tanks and guns as screen facing east.

1000

RHQ moved up behind B sqn. During remainder of morning activity was confined to patrols by A sqn. T 37933 (Sgt Horsfield) hit by A/T fire and abandoned. T 37842 (Cpl Hook) hit by A/T fire and recovered by crew. During afternoon enemy remained quiet except for a little shelling.

2000

Enemy intensified their shelling on our forward line. T 37370 (Sgt Robinson 6 RTR) hit by AR fire and burned out. Commander missing, one OR killed.

2015

T 37340 (Lt Smethurst) hit on track by HE shell. Commander wounded.

2200

Regt.moved back to leaguer area 392230. Remained night 213.

3/7/42

0600

Tanks left to take up positions of previous night.

0600

Enemy commenced an intensive shelling of our forward line and gun positions. A echelon withdrew two miles east.

0630

Enemy tanks and guns with infantry supporting were reported preparing for a breakthrough. Reinforcements of Grants moved up to strengthen our position. T 37357 (Cpl White) hit by A/T fire in gun mounting and brought out of action.

1200

A marked decrease in enemy shelling. During morning much aerial activity by both sides. Two 109s brought down by local AA

0545

All tanks except RHQ now under command B sqn (Capt B C Forster). B sqn moved out to position of previous night followed by HQ. Enemy remained throughout day remained quiet. Our patrols continue to harass his concentrations in area 380275. Much MET was destroyed by our tanks without loss to ourselves.

2300

Leaguered in same area as previous night.

0600

Remained in area all morning.

1515

B sqn (Capt B C Forster) with 10 Stuarts and B ech vehicles left area to contact 7th Armd Div in area 879267 for attachment to 7 Motor Bde.

1800

RHQ with four Stuarts (CO Lt.Col R C Mitford MC and 2 i/c) left area for attachments to 6 RTR in area 889278.

2300

A echelon formed leaguer with 6 RTR in same area.

6/7/42

0530

Reveille. A echelon left leaguer area and formed up at 893275 to await orders. CO takes over command of 6 RTR.

1800

A echelon received orders to rejoin B echelon reached destination 2000hrs and leaguered in area 442273. night 6/7.

7/7/42

0600

Reveille. Remained in same area.

1000

Handed over 6 x l5cwt trucks to RA.

1600

Crews of tanks attd 6 RTR returned to regiment. CO (LtCol Mitford) remained in command of 6 RTR. Major P W D Sturdee assumed command of this regiment. Remained in area all day and night 7/8.

8/7/42

0600

Reveille

0700

Told to stand by to move by 0900hrs.

1100

Moved off north towards el Hammam.

1300

Arrived 5 miles south of el Hammam and remained 30 minutes.

1330

Continued on to Alex-Matruh road, then east, and arrived Amirita 1530hrs.

1550

Arrived in Mareopolis Camp.

1830

Part X orders issued. "The following appreciation received from Major D J Coulson MC commanding C sqn 6 RTR:- "I desire to place on record my sincere thanks for the invaluable services rendered by the men of 1 RTR under most difficult circumstances during their period of attachment to the 6 RTR."

2030

Rollcall

2215

Lights out.

9/7/42

0630

Reveille.                 No information receved reference regiment moving or remaining in same location. 

10/7/42

0630

Reveille. Arrangements made for a percentage of the unit to proceed on leave to Alexandria from 1330hrs to 2200hrs today.

1700

Lt.Col. G C Webb MBE arrived to take over command of regiment vice Major F W D Sturdee.

11/7/42

Routine as for 10 July.

0900

CO to Army HQ for conference.

1330

Leave party as for 10 July.

MAREOPOLIS

  Camp

12/7/42

0830

Regimental parade for COs lecture. CO speaks of the immediate future of the regiment. Three possible eventualities. Firstly, B sqn to return to regiment from 7 Motor Bde, and regiment then to go further back for complete refit. Secondly, regiment as it is at present to go further back and form nucleus of a new 1 RTR leaving all tank crews and transport with drivers to reinforce other units. Thirdly, RHQ, A and C sqns equipped with Stuarts to join B sqn operating in the desert south of El Alamein. It seems most probable, and it is hoped, that it will be the latter as B sqn cannot be relieved of their present role and the splitting up of the regiment is undesirable. Major F W D Sturdee left for Cairo to arrange reinforcements of officers.

1400

Lt J Mears and 2/Lt C S Cameron with 47 ORs joined regiment.

1500

Major J A Hotham arrived to take over C Sqn.

13/7/42

COs conference attended by Sqn Ldrs, SSMs and SQMSs, to arrange tank crews and allotment of transport. 

14/7/42

Routine as for 13 July.

15/7/42

1000

Lts W Myers and W B Campbell, 2/Lts J F V Cutting and J Reynolds joined regiment.

2000

Warning order to OC sqn to be ready to move at short notice as a Grant sqn.

16/7/42

0830

Visited by Maj.Gen. R L McCleery DSO MC MBE.

1430

C Sqn (Maj. J A Hotham) with complete transport and crews for 12 Grants left area for El Hammam there to be equipped with Grants and then to proceed to 6 RTR for attachments. Routine as for 15 July. No leave party for Alexandria.

17/7/42

1230

Lt J M Vaughan-Williams MSM with 22 ORs joined regiment.

1330

Leave party for Alexandria.

18/7/42

Training commenced for A echelon under Lt R Q E F Stait-Gardner. 

20/7/42

Lt J H Vaughan-Williams assumes the duties of RIO.

21/7/42

0800

Commanding Officer and Adjt left area to visit B and C in forward areas. B sqn attd 7 Motor Bde Gp. C sqn attached 6 RTR, 1 Armd Div.

22/7/42

Received one Stuart from TDR for training purposes.

2030

CO and Adjt returned from forward areas.

23/7/42

0830

Navigation course commenced for all available NCOs.

24/7/42

Letter of appreciation received from 7 Motor Bde Gp reference B sqn.

27/7/42

Major C A Holliman assumed command of A sqn wef 20 July.

0800

All available A echelon transport and personnel under Lt R Q E F Stait-Gardner left area for formation and leaguering exercise during day and night 27/28. Probable time of return 0700hrs 28th. Special Order of the Day by Gen Sir Claude J E Auchinleck GCIE CB CSI DSO OBEm C in C Middle East Forces. 

28/7/42

RHQ did not move.

29/7/42

Commanding Officer's conference. Advance party consisting of CO, Adjt, Ass Adjt, RIO and a Liaison Officer will move at 0900 hrs 30 July to be prepared to take over 6 RTR HQ, 1 Armd Div.

30/7/42

0900

RHQ Advance Party left area and arrived in 6 RTR area 436881 approx l600hrs. CO conferred with CO 6 RTR and visited 2 Armd Bde HQ. Remained in same area night 30/31. Capt D L Munson assumed appointment of Adjutant vice Capt H J W Pedraza, promoted Major.

31/7/42

0730

CO left area with LtCol E C Mitford MC commd 6 RTR, for reconnaissance of forward areas.

Ref Map.

EL DABA-EL

0830

Liaison Officer left area for Mareopolis Camp with orders from CO. A echelon to move up ready to take over from A echelon 6 RTR 1 August. A sqn will remain in present camp to continue training as a Grant sqn. B echelon will move up to take over from B echelon 6 RTR 2nd August.

ALAMEIN

1/250,000

Regiment Commanded by:Lt Col E C Mitford MC for period 1st to 7th July 1942

    "                "                 Maj F W D Sturdee for period 7th ti 10th July 1942

    "                "                 Lt Col G C Webb MBE for the remainder of the month of July

Appx. 3

Main HQ, 7 Armd Div

Commdg. Sqn 1 RTR

The GOC has directed me to express his appreciation of the excellent work which your Squadron is doing with 7th Motor Brigade. He sends his best wishes for the future.

Will you please make this appreciation known to all ranks of your squadron.

Sgd. ??? Lt.Col General Staff

I wish to record my appreciation of the splendid work done by Capt. Forster and his party whilst under my command.

They did all the tasks I asked of them and more. No task was too difficult and no day too long. They had several engagements, which were successful as a result of the splendid leadership of their commander Capt. Forster.

The keenness and dash displayed by the squadron was outstanding.

Appx. 4

SPECIAL ORDER OF THE DAY

To all ranks Eighth Army from CinC 25 July 42

You have done well. You have turned a retreat into a firm stand and stopped the enemy on the threshold of Egypt. You have done more. You have wrenched the initiative from him by sheer guts and hard fighting and put HIM on the defensive in these last weeks.

He has lost heavily and is short of men, ammunition, petrol and other things. He is trying desperately to bring these over to Africa but the Navy and the Air Force are after his ships.

You have borne much but I ask you for more. We must not slacken. If we can stick it we will break him.

Sgd. C L Auchinleck, Gen.

Battle Casualties for the month of July 1942

Date

Number

Name

Map Ref

Killed in Action

2.7.42

7887544

L/Cpl Jenkins

El Daba 874882

5.7.42

841906

Tpr Makin A S

Cairo 1/5000,000; 688258

7903944

Tpr Linden W (3 RTR)

“

8.7.42

7931341

Tpr Greenwood D

El Daba (14) 1/250,000; 688258

9.7.42

7885381

WS/Sgt Clarke G

“ 868262

7886127

L/Sgt Noon T

“ 867262

22.7.42

7944236

Tpr Haxby W

“ 883273

27.7.42

Major J A Hotham

878268

Died of wounds

2.7.42

Capt D M St C Thom

El Daba 1/50,000; 874282

4614678

Tpr Boothroyd R

“

7942076

Tpr Sheldon J

“

3.7.42

7889980

Tpr Gould G

El Daba 1/50,000; 878280

8.742

330161

Tpr Rafferty G

8th General Hospital

27.7.42

[unclear]

Tpr Fletcher H

875288

Wounded in Action

2.7.42

421287

Tpr Bell K

880270

7892147

Cpl Benson W

878280

7907880

Tpr Hilliker E

886274

7887570

Tpr Hall J

880270

L/Cpl Murison

884982

7887328

Sgt Horsfield G

880270

7905217

Tpr Kay (5 RTR)

?

7924048

Cpl Seedall G (5 RTR)

?

1558696

L/Cpl Tunney J

?

Lt Smethurst

?

4132720

Tpr Powell T

880270

7943137

Tpr Proffit G

880270

4133669

Tpr Smith G

880270

3524677

Tpr Sutton L

880270

7937041

Tpr Meecham H

874282

3.7.42

7931689

Tpr Spiden E (5 RTR)

?

558556

Tpr Lawton

?

7929917

Cpl Toy J

?

7882109

Sgt Hall S

?

7884548

Sgt Horry G

?

9.7.42

789? 7? 8

Tpr Quione V

?

7912795

Tpr Rawlings K

?

22.7.42

7933043

Tpr Day G A

875275

5724963

Sgt McCarty C

4536089

Tpr Green W

7899636

Tpr Knight R

875275

3770291

Tpr Sefton W

875275

23.7.42

7888103

L/Sgt Ackland K

876276

849134

Tpr Carstairs W

876276

3662347

Tpr Littlehales

876276

3064609

Tpr Brown P

876276

7886 ?46

L/Cpl Short A S

876276

27.7.42

7882860

Sgt Reeden MM

875288

23.7.42

7912086

Tpr Sanderson A

876276

7885079

L/Cpl Eacock B

Missing

2.7.42

4270607

Pulc Clough F (Attd 6 RTR)

79 ? 3322

Tpr Stewart L          “

7941094

Tpr WEmuss “

553308

Tpr Thompson J       “

7889281

Sgt Robinson J (6 RTR)

878280

7907924

Tpr Palmer l

Believed Wounded in action

9.7.42

7936556

Tpr Gillroy J (3 RTR)

7902505

Cpl Saloman G

7936331

Tpr Kirk F

27.7.42

7899636

Tpr Knight R

875288

7943054

Tpr Mouat ? W

Believed killed in action

7941 ? 51

Tpr Spittles W

875288

                                       Officers             Other Ranks

Killed in Action                     1                          7

Wounded in action                2                        33

Missing -                               -                        12

Died of wounds                     1                          5

       Total                              4.                       57.

August 1942

Commanding Officer: Lt Col G C Webb MBE

With unit            17 Officers        236 ORs

Detached             9     "               287   "

Attached              8     "               242   "

1100

Commanding Officer's Conference. Orders from 1 Armd Div - RHQ 1 RTR will take over from 6 RTR today by midnight, ready to mov eby first light 2.8.42 to join 22 Armd Bde.

1315

A echelon plus tank crews for RHQ arrive in area.

1400

CO and RIO to 22 Armd Bde for orders.

1530

RHQ commence to take over from RHQ 6 RTR. Taking over completed by 1615hrs.

1630

Stand to.

1645

CO and RIO return to area.

2000

Stand down. Remained in same area night

2/8/42

Regiment at one hour's notice to move during night.

                 Fit     Unit Repair

0500

Reveille.

0530

Stand to.

0630

Stand down. Regt at one hour's notice to move during day. Remained in same location all morning. Reinforcements of 7 Grants expected for C sqn 6 RTR now known as B sqn in composite 1/6 RTR under command LtCol G C Webb MBE 1 RTR.

1200

Orders received from 22 Armd Bde to move to 42978776 as soon as tank reinforcements arrive.

1400

7 Grants arrived. and one to C sqn (Major Coulson 6 RTR) 6 to B sqn (Major Pink)

1500

Orders received from 22 Armd Bde reference move. Regiment to be in position by 1630hrs 2/8/42.

1600

Reg left area and proceeded to 42948779 and formed up in open leaguer at 1630hrs. 

1630

Stand to until first hours of darkness. During night at one hour's notice to move.

                  Fit    Unit Repair

0500

Reveille

0630

Stand to as for 2/8/42.

0700

CO and RIO left area for a recce of an area of a possible area of attack. Reference 22 Armd Bde Operation Instruction No. 2.

0900

Major C A Hollinan MC arrived with crews for 9 Stuarts to man Stuarts taken over from Greys 2/8/42.