War Diary of 4th Country of London Yeomanry 1944

War Diaries of 4th County of London Yeomanry

(The Sharpshooters)

1944

(January to July)

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	1942	1943

January 1944 Commanding Officer: Lt Col The Viscount Cranley, MC.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Jan		Still at sea. Course all day about NE. Calm sea, speed about 14 knots.
	2		Our course more Easterly, sea rougher. Divine service held.
	3		Sighted North coast of Ireland this afternoon. Weather rough and much colder.
	4		Moored in the Clyde off Greenock. Visit from GOC who spoke to all officers on board.
	5		Sailed up the Clyde and moored at King George V Docks.
	6		Disembarked. Travelled to our new home station, HIGH ASH CAMP near THETFORD, Norfolk by two rail parties.
	7 - 8		Organising the camp and settling in.
	9		Divine Services held. Orders received from higher command for the Regt to go on disembarkation leave immediately.
	104		Two leave parties left at 0815 and 1130. Capt Scott mentioned that a unit of 500 would be taking over part of the camp in 2 or 3 days time.
	11		Huts to be cleared for the above unit. QM of 439 Bty called, approx 300 coming in.
			3 more leave parties left. Sgt Austin and Tpr Durbin arrive, having unloaded baggage at Manchester, from Cairo. They disembarked New Year's Eve. Baggage now at Cambridge.
	12		Two more leave parties left. There is only a maintenance party of approx 50 left in the camp area.
	13 - 14		NTR
	15		Two trucks left for Cambridge to pick up baggage. Returned in afternoon- baggage dumped until return of unit.
	16		Orders received to send 4 men on the 17th to IRVING, Ayrshire, 1 man to CHERTSEY and 3 men to SEVENOAKS to pick up lorries.
	17		Three 3-ton Bedfords arrived from SEVENOAKS during the evening. One missing having had a petrol stoppage on the way - two bolts on wheel nuts also sheared - lorry now off the road. Lorries are re-conditioned and not new. Difficulty in finding fatigue men and drivers with most men away on leave.
	18		NTR
	19		Four 15cwt arrived from CHERTSEY. Only 2 of the 3-ton lorries used, rest of the vehicles have been parked and the radiators drained. Two LAD men detailed to maintain the parked trucks. Drivers also detailed in case use of the trucks necessary.
	20		NTR
	21		Four Austins arrived from Scotland, parked with other trucks.
	22		Lt Woolacott arrived.
	23		439 Bty left.
	24		2Lts Ingram, Ambridge and Harrison joined the unit from 100 OCTU RAC (Sandhurst). 2 M/C picked up from Whittlesey.
	25		First 2-week leave party picked up from the station.
	26		Driver left to pick up water cart from Aldershot. Second 2-week leave party picked up from the station. One absentee from first leave party.
	27		Water cart arrived. Six absentees from second leave party.
	28-29		NTR
	30		Divine Service held.
	31		NTR

February 1944 Commanding Officer: Lt Col The Viscount Cranley, MC.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Thetford	1 Feb		Orders received to start sending 15 of the Regt on privilege leave.
	2		NTR
	3		Six training Cromwells arrived.
	4 - 5		NTR
	6		69 ORs posted from 15/19th Hussars and 1st F&F Yeomanry.
	7-15		As parties return from disembarkation leave, Sqn training commences and arrangements are made to start Regtl D&M and wireless courses.
	16		Rehearsal parade for C in C's visit to the Div tomorrow.
	17		The Regt paraded and marched down to DIDLINGTON HALL for the C in C's visit to the Div.
	18		49 ORs posted to the Regt.
	19		Special Order of the Day received from GOC 7th Armd Div complimenting all ranks on the keenness and soldier-like bearing of the troops.
	20		Major HC Stockdale (late Northants Yeomanry) appointed Sqn Leader HQ Sqn.Capt BG Rose appointed Adjutant. Capt PRM Scott to be Major Sqn Leader A Sqn.
	21		NTR
	22		Eight Cromwells arrived.
	23		Ten Cromwells arrived. The Bde Comd carried out rehearsal for "PLUTO" tomorrow.
	24		Visit of His Majesty The King who inspected the camp and tanks and was given refreshment in the mess at 1115. A number of officers were presented to His Majesty and all ranks turned out to cheer him on his departure.
	25		NTR
	26		Special Order of the day received from 7th Armd Div expressing the compliments and good wishes of His Majesty The King to all ranks.
	27		Divine Service held.
	28		Visit of GOC 7th Armd Div who inspected the camp and training.
			Four Centaur tanks arrived.
	29		NTR

March 1944 Commanding Officer: Lt Col The Viscount Cranley, MC.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Mar		Thetford
	2		NTR
	3		Most of the Regt went off to Scotland by rail at 1300 for firing on KIRKCUDBRIGHT ranges.
	4		13 Ford 15cwt collected.
	5 - 8		Main party returned from the ranges midday by rail.
	9		One Cromwell arrived by rail.
	10 -12		NTR
	13		Rear party arrived from Scotland by rail.
			Nine Humber scout cars arrived.
	14		12 Cromwell tanks arrived by rail and 2 Crusader AA.
	15		8 BSA M/C arrived.
	16 - 17		Sqns firing by turns on the AFV range at TITCHWELL
	18		Four Bedford 3-ton kitchens arrived.
	19		7 Cromwell tanks arrived.
	20 - 21		NTR
	22		10 Cromwell tanks arrived by rail.
	23		C Sqn out all day on exercise with 131 Bde.
			One ARV, one Stuart and one carrier TCP arrived by rail.
	24		Two Fireflies and 3 Cromwell ARVs also 4 carriers arrived.
	25		4 Crusader AA tanks arrived by rail, 11 Cromwells arrived by rail. B Sqn firing on BOYTON AVF ranges.
	26		A Sqn firing on BOYTON ranges.
			3 Cromwells arrived by road.
	27-28		NTR
	29		Bde exercise "KIWI" for Regt on STANFORD battle area, with K Bty RHA and A Coy 1st RB under command.
	30		Three Cromwell Close Support tanks arrived.
	31		NTR

			For the month, training under Sqn arrangements had been carried out. Regtl wireless course has been in progress. In addition, officers and ORs have been going away on courses in wireless, D&M, Gunnery, waterproofing etc.

April 1944 Commanding Officer: Lt Col The Viscount Cranley, MC.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Apr		Thetford
	2		NTR
	3		8 officers and 6 Sgts of 1st Northants Yeomanry arrive for a week's attachment for training.
	4		Regtl exercise on training area.
	5		All Sqns firing on AFV ranges.
	6 - 8		Sqn training.
	9		Three Cromwell CS tanks arrived by rail.
	10		17 Chevrolet 3-ton trucks collected.
	11		Regt moved into leaguer area in preparation for Bde exercise.
	12		Bde exercise "SPRINGBOK" on exercise area.
	13		Night again spent in leaguer followed by exercise "KANGAROO".
	14-19		Sqn training.
	20		A & C Sqns firing on AFV ranges at HOLKHAM.
	21		B Sqn firing at HOLKHAM.
	22		11 Stuart Mk V tanks and 5 Cromwell tanks arrived by rail.
	23		Drivers and tank commanders practise driving on/off LCTs at LOWESTOFT.
	24		C Sqn firing at BOYTON.
	25-27		NTR
	28		Visit of GOC Div who addressed all ranks on parade.
			A Sqn firing at BOYTON.
			AA tanks firing at towed targets at STIFFKEY.
	29		B Sqn firing at BOYTON..
			Tank drivers practised driving over scissors bridge
	30		Collected 7 White scout cars ½ tracked.

			Towards the end of the month we started sending our training tanks away.

May 1944 Commanding Officer: Lt Col The Viscount Cranley, MC.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Thetford	1 May		Bde holiday.
	2		Bde holiday.
	3 - 5		NTR
	6/		Collected 11 3-ton trucks and 10 Jeeps. Recce Sqn firing on AFV ranges at DUNWICH. Officers dance at OXBOROUGH HALL, which was lent to the Regt by Lady Bedingfield for the occasion. We had some 200 guests from throughout the Div.
	7		NTR
	8		Moved by road to concentration area in Camp R5, ORWELL PARK SCHOOL, near IPSWICH. Residue remained at Thetford to rejoin us overseas later. B Echelon concentration area is in WEST HAM STADIUM.
	9		Started to waterproof all tanks and vehicles.
	10-16		Waterproofing continued.
	17		GOC Div visited the Regt this morning.
	18		NTR
	19		Collected ten Sherman Mk Vc tanks.
	20-26		All waterproofing now complete, except for the finishing touches to some vehicles.
	27		All ranks now confined to camp area.
	28		Officers briefed by GOC regarding the forthcoming operation. Maps issued under seal.
	29-30		All vehicles marshalled on the IPSWICH-FELIXSTOWE road ready for loading.
	31		NTR

June 1944

Commanding Officer: Lt Col The Viscount Cranley, MC.

Place

Date

Hour

Summary of Events and Information

References to Appendices

1 Jun

First party of Regt moved at 1630 to docks at FELIXSTOWE; loading of LSTs and LCTs commences.

Loading continues.

Ships anchor in rivers ORWELL and STOUR when loaded.

Delay of 24 hours due to weather; remained at anchor.

Move out from river at 0915, move along coast of SE England, passing STRAITS OF DOVER in darkness.

D Day. Pass BEACHY HEAD in morning, arrive at bridgehead and anchor at 2200. Slight aerial activity. Some tanks of the Regt unloaded.

Aerial activity 0400hrs. landing continues by RHINOS and beaching. Move to concentration area 813806. 3 AFVs drowned. 1 OR wounded.

CO makes recce as ordered in instructions for 8th Jun, sent out evening 7th Jun. 4 CLY in support of 151 Bde. Recce Sqn sent patrols out, no clashes with the enemy. Patrols reach area 810740.
1 OR wounded in action.

Regt remains in concentration area. Sqn Leaders go out to recce battle positions in support of 151 Bde.

1900

C Sqn move up to support 6 DLI, 151 Bde area 815740. No contact with enemy.
Bde Comd issues orders for move 10th Jun.

Lt GE Moxon killed by shellfire in the evening.

Regt advanced through 6 DLI area 813745; Recce Sqn leading, followed by A Sqn left, B Sqn right, C Sqn reserve on centre line. Advance very slow. C Sqn take up position protection right, area JERUSALEM 8172. C Sqn KO Mark IV at 809719. Two Cromwells A Sqn KO'd by friends area 830720. Impossible to cross stream South of road, try and work round right flank.Locations in evening:-

B Sqn	East of MARCEL	827694
A "		830705
C "	North of St. BAZILE
RHQ		828707

One Cromwell B Sqn KO in evening. Leaguer at 830707. One Coy Gloucester Regt in support, who mine bridges at MARCEL (829693) and at 833697.

Enemy infiltrated into BUCEELS during the night.

Casualties:
Lt G Milford-Cottam wounded in afternoon, 4 ORs killed and 4 ORs wounded.
3 Cromwell IV and 1 Stuart V knocked out.

Recce Sqn advance to bridges at first light. Bridges held by enemy, but kept under observation. Attack by two Coys Gloucester Regt on left hand bridge; one Coy Gloucester Regt with C Sqn in attack right hand bridge. Both attacks successful and the first objective, the road parallel to river at 834695, gained. A & B Sqns remain in reserve area BUCEELS. Two patrols Recce Sqn pass through infantry, but held up at 839687 by two Panthers, one disabled on road and one covering. 2Tp C Sqn go round to left and destroy disabled Panther; infantry with PIAT destroy other. C Sqn advance to short of village TILLY-SUR-SEULLES in support of Gloucester Regt, who entered TILLY (8468). C Sqn withdraw to outflank town to right; close country encountered and one troop is ambushed area 832690 (3 Cromwells, 1 Firefly under Lt TS Vine).

C Sqn and Recce withdrew to battle positions North side of river (830695) to support Gloucester Regt who were being counter-attacked. Leaguer North of BUCEELS 830705.

Casualties:

Lt TS Vine missing, 17 ORs missing, 2 ORs wounded.

Recce Sqn ordered to advance down CL. Order of march B Sqn, RHQ, A Sqn, C Sqn. VERRIERES (815692) strongly held by enemy. Recce withdrew to high ground to North. B Sqn left in battle positions on ridge 810708-820712.

New orders in afternoon - Regt move at 1600 to outflank to right. Orders given verbally. Opposition encountered at LIVRY 735613. A Coy 15 Rifle Brigade attack, supported by B Sqn on right. Village cleared by last light. Leaguer at Xrds 733617.Casualties:
Lt FD Mortimer wounded.

Regt move forward at first light towards VILLERS BOCAGE 8157, A Sqn leading, followed by A Coy RB. No opposition and A Sqn reach feature East of VILLERS BOCAGE (area 8358). Column split at 823578 by two Tigers, RHQ brewed up completely. A Sqn continue and take up battle positions. B Sqn hold town but unable to get through to A Sqn. 1000 - A Sqn surrounded and attacked by Tigers and infantry. Call for immediate assistance, but none could get through.

1030

CO, who was with A Sqn, reports position untenable, withdrawal impossible.

1035

All stations go off the air. B Sqn ordered to hold village at all costs. 4Tp B Sqn, with infantry and A/Tk guns under Lt L Cotton MM, after a 6 hour street battle, destroy 4 Tigers and 3 Mark IV.

1600

B Sqn reports village still held by us, but infantry in area 820575. 1/7th Queens attack, but fail to clear opposition. B Sqn Leader (now acting CO) ordered to withdraw Regt to 780580. This carried out without further loss. C Sqn cover withdrawal.

Major I B Aird takes over command of Regt, Major EP MacColl 2i/c, Capt FA Jarvis MC commands B Sqn, Capt KH Hiscock commands C Sqn.

Missing:- Lt Col The Viscount Cranley MC (CO), Major A Carr (2i/c), Major PMR Scott MC & Bar (A Sqn Leader), Capt BWG Rose (Adjutant), Capt RRB Brown, Capt AR Smith, D Colvin, Lt WF Garnett, Lt DL Sellars, Lt LP Hurley (UDF), Lt PH Strode, Lt RSA Ingram.

Wounded:- Lt JSW Simonds MM, Capt HIC MacLean (remained at duty), Capt P Dyas (remained at duty)

76 ORs missing, 1 wounded in action, 4 killed in acton.

Veh Casualties. 13 Jun: 20 Cromwells, 4 Fireflys, 3 Humber scout cars, 3 Stuarts, 1 ½- track.

Regt in reserve, two troops forward covering A/Tk guns. Nothing during the day.

2000

Enemy infantry attack at 785576. C Sqn go forward to seal break through. Enemy driven back with heavy losses. 2230 Position restored, C Sqn withdraw to reserve.

0015

Regt withdrew to 730612. One Firefly drops out, but recovered later. One Stuart lost due enemy action.

Still in reserve. Reorganisation on two Sqn basis. Nothing to report,

In reserve

Shelled at 0030hrs; 2 ORs killed, 2 ORs wounded.

Capt FA Jarvis MC, to be Major commanding B Sqn; Capt KH Hiscock to be Major commanding A Sqn (temporarily commanding C Sqn until arrival of new CO). Lt L Cotton MM, to be Captain.

A Sqn re-forms and organises on a two troop basis.

19-20

NTR

Recce by CO of battle positions of 1 RTR, area 752645-756645-758651.

Recce by Sqn Leaders of 1 RTR area. New CO arrives at 2100hrs. Lt Col W Rankin takes command of the Regt, Major IB Aird 2i/c, Major EP MacColl MC, OC B Sqn, Major KH Hiscock OC C Sqn.

B Sqn takes over from 1 RTR at 0800. Troops at areas 750645, 756645, 759651. Recce Sqn link troops at 750645 and 765654. Sqn HQ and reserve troop at 742657. RHQ move to 745662. C Sqn in area 750661. A Sqn with A2 Echelon area 733694. No enemy seen on B Sqn sector. B Sqn leaguer with Recce Sqn at 742657.

NTR

Slight mortar and MG activity on B Sqn. Cpl Hoar returned to our lines from VILLERS BOCAGE.

Relieved by 8th Hussars at 0800hrs; moved to 746692. Offensive on Eastern sector begins.

Moved to 748700 to make room for 56 Bde in the evening.

2Lt K Horsley BEM, joined Regt from 59 Training Regt, to B Sqn. 2Lt T Tunnicliffe from 57 Trg Regt, to B Sqn and 2Lt DPM Evans, from 59 Regt to RHQ.

Recce by CO of possible battle positions in case of armoured break through.

Lt NR Cleaver joined Regt, to A Sqn.

NTR. A Sqn still in process of re-forming.

NTR

		Appendix A
ORDERS. SECOND FRONT

1. Coast	CHERBOURG peninsula EAST to CARBOURG-LES-BAINS.
2. Order of Battle	US 1st Army right, British 2nd Army left (30 Corps, 1 Corps). 30 Corps: 50 Div, 7 Armd Div, 49 Div. 1 Corps: 3 Cdn, 3 Brit, 51 H Div)
3. Enemy	30 Corps Sector-
	716 Inf Div right, 711 Div left
	352 Inf Div reserve (several hours to organise)
	21 Panzer Div (about 300 tks – Panthers and Tigers)
4. Assault	Supported by aircraft (about 5000 fighters, 3500 bombers)
	50 Div assault
	7 Armd Div task to support 50 Div if in trouble, otherwise thrust through and make larger bridgehead.
5. Topography	3-4 miles coast inland flat, sloping up to hills about 500-1000 ft. Country closes in as continue inland: small fields, banks, hedges, trees. Two rivers, both insignificant in summer.
6. Strategy	British 2 Army protects 1 US Army left flank whilst US Army capture Cherbourg.
7. Task 30 Corps	50 Div + 24 ATM in support (2 Regts have 2 Sqns DD tks (floating)) (H+5mins) Sherwood Rangers,
Support	24 L, 4/7 DG in reserve
1 Corps	1 Bde with 3 Cdn Div (also DD tks). 33 ATB with 3 Brit. 4 Bde also in support. Marine Commandos to deal with guns in PONS LE BASIN.
8. Objective	(1) D Day: rd BAYEUX – CAEN. Main North rd PARIS – CHERBOURG.
	Hill features to South. Bde passes through 50 Div.
9. Naval	4000 ships involved. In support 6 battleships, 50 cruisers, 150 destroyers. Battleships shelling battery targets.

		Appx A (cont)
ORDERS, 22 ARMD BDE
Intention	Move to VILLERS, M PINCON - patrols
Method	Bde Cpmd and DAQMG H + 12 Right tracks, centre wheels, left personnel. Capt Smith meets CLY. Above responsible tide 2, after that Regts responsible. If impossible to land in Sqns etc, OsC ships will take charge. All vehicles leave transit area ready for action. All vehicles move off road to park. Alternative area 8882.
Beach marking.	Socks Wheels dark blue Heavy track 2 socks, black and white band. Light “ 1 “ “ “ “ “
	1 RB Coy join as soon as possible.

	D+1 Bde advances through 50 Div
	D+2 Continues.
AA	Very important at first or last light.
	When Bde moving 1 up, Ech may have to move on Bde CL.
Order of March	2 up
	Route BLOUSE (right)
	5 R Tks Gp + RE
	260 Bty (65 A Tk Regt)
	PANTS
	4 CLY Gp + RE
	Tac HQ
	Bty 5 RHA
	1 RB less 2 Coys
	Sqn 8 H flank protection
	if possible
	A2 Ech remain in concentration area
	Dividing line: R Aure to rd junc 792654 incl BLOUSE, then PANTS route incl; tps on that route
	Bounds (1) 7565 to X rds 7964 to 8265
	SOCKS
	(2) Box round VILLERS BOCAGE
	Pt 198 7656 rd junc 7754-8754-8358
	GLOVES
	(3) Pt 309 - LA CABOSSE 7249
	Pts 295 748478 – 7647
	SHIRT

Alternative -	1 up
	Order of March
	4 CLY leading, 5 R Tks right, 1 R Tks left
	Tac HQ follows 4 CLY. 8 H protection as above if possible.

Bound occupation of VILLERS BOCAGE feature
1 R Tks Gp	Feature MAISON CELLES – PELVEY 8055, to cut rds and tracks from South
5 R Tks Gp	Spue TRACEY BOCAGE 7657 to cut rds WEST and SW
4 CLY Gp	High ground NE VILLERS BOCAGE (Pt 213 835590) to cut rds from EAST and NE.

		Appendix B
EXTRACT OF ORDERS FOR 8 JUN 44

4 Sharpshooters will recce battle posns on the line the main rd above ST. MARTIN-LES-ENTREES 8178, code name for the battle posn BETA; and also in the area BUSSY 8077. DAMIGNY 8176 in sp of 151 Bde, code name GAMMA. In connection with above, 5 R Tks and 4 Sharpshooters will recce routers on to BLOUSE and PANTS respectively, so that they can move rapidly out.

Later orders issued by GOC:- 4 Sharpshooters battle posn GAMMA will now be in the area BLANY 805760. DAMIGRY, facing SE, and not as stated.


		Appendix C
	ORDERS ISSUED VERBALLY

Bde Comd gave orders for move 10 Jun, for Bde to capture HOTTOT and bridge at 849669; gist of orders as follows:-

Order of March
Left:	4 Sharpshooters Gp
	RE Recces
	Tac Bde
	Remainder RE
	Bty 5 RHA
	Bty A.Tk
	1 RB less two Coys
	1 R Tks
Right:	5 R Tks

Rd blocks at RIVER AURE to be provided by 1 R Tks as ordered by Bde Comd.

Start Line and Bounds
Rd railway crossing 7978 - WHITEBAIT
Rd FOLLIOTYT CORDE - TROUT
Rd LINGEVRES – TILLY - SALMON
Rd HOTTOT – JUVIGNY - HERON

Start Time – 4 Sharpshooters to cross WHITEBAIT 0630 hrs.


		Appendix D
	ORDERS ISSUED VERBALLY

Order of march, 22 Armd Bde
	1 Sqn, 8 Hussars
	4 CLY
	Tac Bde
	5 RHA
	1/7 Queens
	5 R Tks
	1 RB
	260 A Tk Bty

Order of march, 4 CLY
	Recce
	B Sqn
	RHQ
	A Sqn
	A Coy 1 RB
	C Sqn
	K Bty 5 RHA

Centre Line -	STE. BAZIRE 823709, LE BAS MOUGARD 748735. LA BUTTE 742695, STE. HONORINE DE DUCY 730655, LE MULOTIERE 727634, BRIQUESSARD 740598, VILLERS BOCAGE 815578.

Bounds & Report Lines
LA BUTTE – LA BELLE EPINE (7769) (“MORRIS”)
LE MULOTIERE – PORT MALOT (“AUSTIN”)
BRIQUESSARD – RUE DU MOUTIER (7760) (”LAGONDA”)

	LA BUTTE – MONDAY
	LE MULOTIERE – TUESDAY
	BRIQUESSARD – WEDNESDAY
	AMAYE SUR SEULLES (7758) - THURSDAY
	VILLERS BOCAGE - FRIDAY


PART B (ii) OFFICERS QUITTED DURING WEEK.

Rank.	Name.	Regt or Corps.	Date	Cause.


W/LT	GE MOXON	RAC	9 JUN, 44	Killed in Acton.
“	G WILFORD-COTTAM	“	10 JUN, 44	Wounded in Acton.
“	PD MORTIMER	“	12 JUN. 44	" " "
“	TS VINE	“	12 JUN. 44	Missing
“	JSW SIMONDS MM	“	13, JUN 44	Wounded in Acton.
T/LT COL	VISCOUNT CRANLEY	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
WS/MAJOR	A CARR	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
T/MAJOR	PMR SCOTT MC	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
T/CAPT	RRB BROWN	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
T/CAPT	AR SMITH	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
T/CAPT	BWG ROSE	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
W/LT	DL SELLERS	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
“	RSA INGRAM	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
“ (UDP)	LT HURLEY	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
“	PH STRODE	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
“	D COLVIN	“	13, JUN 44	Missing
“	WF GARNETT	“	13, JUN 44	Missing


Appendix to A.F.C. 2118 DUPLICATE
June 1944	L.A.D. 4 CLY.

(a) The following embarked at Felixtowe June 3^rd and disembarked Le Hamel 7^th June
317092	LT W.W.SLU??
7935544	Cfm. Rudd
(b) The following embarked at N. Woolwich 5^th June disembarked Le Hamel June 9^th
1572448	S/Sgt Read
406429	Cfm Cowens
(c) The following embarked Tilbury 11^th June disembarked Le Hamel 13^th June.
7599274	S/Sgt Talbot. V
3966124	S/Sgt Vasil. E.
1979317	L/Cpl. He??ing J.
14663521	Cfm. Miller J.
7589237	Cfm. Green B.T
7649393	Cfm Ward E,
7619883	Cfm. Wattes B.
7987846	Dvr. Harrison J.
14281111	Cfm. Jenkins G.
14563308	???. Edwards H.


30 June		W.W Sl??? Lt.
BWEF.		For O.C. LAD 4 CLY

July 1944 Commanding Officer: Lt Col W Rankin.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1 Jul	1030	Moved to 792731. Now in Corps reserve, battle role - 'long-stop' in case of enemy armoured break through.
	2		CO made recce of two possible battle positions 7971 and 8576. Normal training being carried our in Regtl school.
	3		Lt M Lewis joined Regt.
	4 - 16		Remained in location at JUAYE MONDAYE. Training at Regtl school continued. Tanks did extensive infantry with tanks co-operation for fighting in the 'bocage' type of country.
	17		Moved to CULLY preparatory to further action. Received Firefly to make up full establishment; Recce Sqn still down in Honeys.
	18		Moved as reserve Regt according to plan. Three Germans surrendered to B Sqn.
	19		Moved up in reserve to 3 miles East of CAEN at 095670 TROARN.
			Moved at 1700 to exploit 29 Bde's capture of BRAS and HUBERTS FOLIS. HUBERTS FOLIS was not captured until 2030hrs. Regt moved to position 1000 yards North of BRAS 0663. Strafed by enemy fighters, otherwise no enemy interference.
	20		Moved SW to attack VERRIERES feature 0460. 2Lt KG Horsley BEM, shot by sniper when advancing in recce vehicle. B Sqn established on Pt. 72. Met opposition of infantry and A/Tk guns and a Mark IV, which was forced to move. Heavy barrage put down in TROTEVAL 0561, and A Coy 1 RB moved on with tanks of C Sqn in support. Opposition proved too much, Coy withdrew successfully. A & C Sqns positions East of main road and NW of BRAS 0663.
		1615	Approx 7 Mark VI moved across our front to attack B Sqn. Engaged by Fireflys of A & C Sqns; 2 brewed and one hit and rendered immobile. Medium guns engaged those out of view to us. Later confirmed by Canadians that five KO. A & C Sqns strafed by enemy rocket planes, no casualties.
			Moved all troops East of road to make room for Canadians attacking in big offensive from IFS 0463 to VERRIERES 0561. Support given by two troops of C Sqn guarding left flank in the attack on TROTEVAL 052613. Fireflys remained in former positions, remainder of tanks moved back to 068648; remained there for the night.
		1830	C Sqn observed 8 Mark V tanks at 049614; engaged ineffectively by C Sqn at extreme range
		1930	C Sqn and Fireflys moved back to Regt area to leaguer for the night.
	21		Considerable enemy shelling brought on by location of Canadian artillery around us. Attacked by enemy fighters (approx 10), no casualties.
	22		Shelling continued. Regt moving for greater dispersion. Attacked by enemy fighters, one man seriously wounded, several slightly.
	23		Shelling continued.
	24		Liaison completed with Canadians operating on our right flank.
	25		Moved from old location to Pt.72, took up positions on right of 1 RTR. Enemy opposition met any attempt to advance in direction of VERRIERES 0560.regt deployed around the Pt.72 feature. Enemy infantry engages and several SP guns; 1 SP KO. Enemy tanks were seen moving about, but no claims were made. Heavy enemy shelling and mortaring was concentrated on Regt positions and A1 Echelon throughout the morning, and on Regt position throughout the day.
	26		Regt continued to engage enemy infantry and SP guns. Indirect (RHA) and direct fire was immediately brought down on any German infantry who showed themselves. An air OP, controlling Typhoons, brought down intensive rocket attacks on targets indicated by us, and on tanks etc behind the far ridge to which they withdrew out of sight whenever we fired at them.
			In the afternoon 1/5th Queens took over Regt positions and the Regt moved back to 1000 yards West of IFS. We claim one SP KO
	27		Enemy shelling of IFS and surrounding roads. Considerable ammunition was expended by the enemy shelling a block-house on the crest in front of B Sqn, it was unoccupied.
	28		Moved from old location to CARPIQUET, to commence the amalgamation of 4 CLY and 3 CLY.
	29-31		Remained at CARPIQUET, proceeding with details of amalgamation.

Dear Rankin

I am afraid I have bad news for you and I am therefore writing directly to you myself For reasons of which will be obvious to you I have got to cut down tank units, Sad as this step is I am sorry to say that it is impossible to keep on both Regiments of the CLY. The 4th CLY must therefore cease to exist as a separate unit and will be absorbed into the 3rd CLY, at any rate for the duration of this campaign. The combination of the two Regiments will be re-designated 3rd/4th CLY.

I weighed very carefully, a vast number of factors, including regimental seniority, present equipment, and availability of different types of tanks before reaching this decision.

When one considers the long and valuable service your regiment has rendered in the desert, in Italy, and here in Normandy, it can only increase the great regret which must be felt that its continuance as a separate entity is impossible.

In view of your regimental record in this war it is, I am sure, un-necessary for me to say there is no reflection what ever on the efficiency of the 4th CLY, and I would like to thank you for all that you have done in so many theatres of war to up hold the finest tradition of the Fighting British Soldier and especial of the RAC.

Yours sincerely, B L Montgomery.
Dated 17.7 1944.
From Tactical HQ 21 Army Group BLA.
Reference 21 AGP/1059/C IN C.
Marked secret and personal.

A personal memorandum in the Regimental Records from General Erskine to Colonel Rankin

Please convey to all ranks my sincere regret that it has been necessary to amalgamate the 3rd and 4th Sharp Shooters.

The great work which the 4th Sharp Shooters have done in the early days of 4l in Africa, Italy and France will not be forgotten. All ranks in this Division wish their old comrades in the 4th Sharp Shooters every good fortune in the future and wish them in the combined Regiment continued success. If operations permit I hope to pay you a short visit personally.

Other Appendices Pending

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