War Diary of 5th Royal Tank Regimemt 1943


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- January 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col W M Hutton. MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1		“A” & “B” Sqns. on range with 111 Fld. Regt. RA.
	2		“A” Sqn. & HQ Crusaders shooting on range. New training programme.
	3)		No event. Heavy sandstorm.
	4)
	5	1000	Lecture by RE’s on mines to all tank and echelon commanders.
		1400	Gunnery conference in HQ Mess. Attended by Col. Newton-King D.S.O., and Brigade Major Joly, M.C.
	6	1000	CO holds sand-table for officers of 5 RTR; 1 RB; and 111 Fld. Regt. RA.
		1200	Conference on 2^nd Brigade pamphlet re tanks
		1400	Continuation of CO’s sand-table. Reconstruction of Himeimat and Fuka Battle.
	7		No event.
	8	1100	CO’s Griff talk to Bn.
		1200	Conference for Sqn. Comds. to discuss move to new area.
	9	0730	All tanks and crews leave on M track for Matratin where transporters awaited them to move forward to 20 Kms. west of Sirte.
		0900	CO and Adjt. leave for new area.
	10	0730	“B” Echelon leaves for new area on “0” track. Leaguer for night after 50 miles in westerly direction.
	11	0830	Continue westward march on “O” track. Took bearing of 340 degrees from Ref. Y 6638 for 16 miles.
		1930	Arrived in leaguer; Tanks arrived previous day.
	12	1715	CO holds conference for all officers. Information re latest Army Intention.
	13	1500	CO talks to troops on the coming Battle for Tripoli. 17.45 hours. Conference for Sqn. Comds. to issue final orders re forward move.
			New MO Capt. M.C. Fulton, M.C., arrives.
	14	0830	Bn. moves on bearing of 180 degrees for 6 miles then turns 45 degrees right making for “O” track 3. Half a mile ahead.
		1800	Arrived new leaguer X 7873.
		1830	No. 1 party for information re change of plan.
	15	0745	Bn. moves on bearing of 273 degrees grid to Sonda. X 6175.
		0830	Anti-tank line and guns reported over Brigade net.
		1030	“A” Sqn. in contact with enemy, X 6075. Some firing. No further event. Close march leaguer at dusk.
	16	0845	Open leaguer.
		1100	Scout Troop of “A” Sqn. brings in American Pilot who baled out in front of our lines. He was evacuated by MO.
		1200	CO goes to Brigade for conference.
		1220	Sqn. Comds. conference.
		1230	Bn. moves on bearing of 271 degrees for 12 miles. Encountered Dummy minefield en route at X 3776. Change direction to 259 degrees for 12 miles bringing Bn. to X 1874 in Wadi Zem Zem, passing very rough country on the way.
		1630	Change of bearing due north S 1584. Bn. leaguer.
S 1614	17	0715	Bn. continues advance northwards and halts at 10.00 hours.
		1430	Continue advance on bearing of 346 degrees for 12 miles. Change to due north for 6 miles; then to 302 degrees aiming for Bir Dufan.
		1745	Bn. leaguered S 0447. TAC Army moving with Brigade; (5 RTR leading).
	18	0800	Depart for Zliten. Arrive 15.00 hours..
		1800	Leaguer for night. M 7510.
	19		Stayed in leaguer doing maintenance
			Tank state:-
			“A” Sqn. 15 Crusaders. “B” Sqn. 12 Grants and Shermans. “C” Sqn. 12 Grants and Shermans. RHQ 4 Crusaders.
	20		No event.
	21	1015	Bn. lines up for road move via Zliten along coast road to Homs.
		1630	Regimental Group leaguered for night 5 miles west of Homs. M 4537.
	22	0735	Continue advance to Tripoli. Order of march: TAC Army – TAC Brigade HQ – 5 RTR Group. From L 8754 onwards Coast road blown up in many places, necessitating detours through difficult sandy country hardly suitable for wheels. At Gasr Garabulli aerodrome 5 RTR Group takes over lead and passes through 12 L to lead coastal drive on Tripoli. Towards late afternoon Bn. is held up owing to A/tank and mortar fire.
			About 1,000 yards short of Tripoli Perimeter road was blown up; high bank on left and mined on right. Railway embankment running at land side of road was also blown. As RE s started to clear mines the leading troop of “A” Sqn. reported defensive positions and people walking about. “A” Sqn. then deployed left. No. 5 Troop 500 yards south of road and forward of the block, No. 8 troop 1,500 yards south. As soon as No. 5 troop showed themselves over a ridge they came under mortar and MG fire. Three tanks of “B” Sqn. were then ordered up in support, taking over No. 5 troop positions who then moved 300 yards south along ridge. T
			he enemy were in close country among shrubs and dunes, just west of two deep A/tank ditches. 300 yards south of the road a wood ran away to the SW for 2,000 yards. “A” Sqn. located 2 - 50 mm and 1 – 75 mm also several heavy mortars. A Snipe shoot started by the Sherman tanks and inflicted casualties on enemy. Situation remained like this until dusk. Just before the light failed “A” Sqn. reported a good shoot on some MT in a small Wadi, but when the Shermans got there it was too late, visibility being insufficient.
	22		Some 25 pdrs. of the 111 Fld. Regt. RA attached to the Bn. opened up at 10,000 yards, that being the nearest they could get at the time owing to damaged roads.
		1900	Bn. closed in to March leaguer. Lt. Burt of “A” Sqn. was the only casualty with a scalp wound and was evacuated. 1 RB sent out on patrol.
		2200	Bn. moves on again.
			Object:- Forinace Gate; Tripoli by first light. (5 RTR leads 22 Armd. Brigade). Progress was rapid in spite of two A/tank ditches with bridges blown and a road demolition. The enemy thoughtfully left a good supply of railway sleepers which facilitated the job.
	23	0430	Bn. arrives at objective.
		1200	CO goes on recce with Brigade HQ which forms part of first official military entry into Tripoli.
		1230	Bn. moves to new leaguer area outside Tripoli. L 5561.
	24)
	25)		No event.
	26)
	27	1800	Sqn. Comds. conference in RHQ Mess.
	28)		No event.
	29)
	30		Rehearsal for Church Parade.
	31		5 RTR send 60 ORs under Major A. Biddell and Lt. Gordon to represent Bn. in 8^th Army’s first Church Parade in Tripoli. General Sir B.L. Montgomery, C.-in-C. took salute at the march past.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- February 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col W M Hutton. MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

Tripoli	1		No event.
	2	1930	Welfare cinema show.
	3		Rehearsal for GOC in C’s inspection. Capt. J.C. Messent, new MO arrives.
	4	0930	Bn. had a position of honour in the Castle Square of Tripoli and was reviewed by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Winston Churchill, General Sir Allan Brooks, General Alexander and General Montgomery. CO was presented to the Prime Minister.
		1430	CO attended conference Muddan Hotel, Tripoli.
			Capt. Fulton (MO) returns to MDS.
	5	1830	Sqn. leaders conference to discuss promotions and other matters.
	6	1600	New received of move to forward area. CO goes to Brigade for conference.
			Tanks to be ready to load on transporters at 09.00 hours tomorrow.
	7		No event..
	8	0730	Heavy tanks and 8 2-pdr Crusaders moved forward to Zuara.
		1500	Tanks arrive in leaguer. CO attends conference at Muddan Hotel Tripoli.
	9	1400	A 1 and “A” Echelons arrive in leaguer. P 7046.
		1500	General Montgomery C.-in-C. Eighth Army speaks to all available officers of 30 Corps at Miramar Theatre, Tripoli. CO and Adjt. attend
	10	1200	CO and Adjt. return from 2 day conference in Tripoli.
		1730	CO to Brigade for conference.
	11	1000	Bn. leaves for Uotia 30 miles south. (Q) P 3014.
		1530	Bn. arrives in leaguer.
	12	0800	Lt. Robinson and Lt. Ridley go with IO on recce of the going to Sidi Toui. IO reported to Brigadier on return.
	13	1630	CO holds Griff parade.
		1730	CO to Brigade conference.
		1815	Sqn. leaders conference.
	14	0900	Bn. moves to Sidi Toui Ref. O 7960.
			Order of march:- CLY Group. - TAC Brigade - TAC 57 Fld. Regt. RA – TAC 87 Lt. AA – TAC RE – TAC RB – 57 Fld. Regt. – 1 RTR Group - 5RTR Group - 225 A/Tank - 21 Fld. Sqn. RE - Brigade HQ “A” Echelon and “A” Echelon of Regts. Route:- El Uotia – SW to Bir Besoil O 813- NW to track at O 7021, N along track to Sidi Toui.
		1315	Crossed border into Tunisia.
	15	1245	Moved to Taghelmit, 15 miles N. O 7587
		1600	Arrived leaguer.
			Sent out RB patrol to recce two routes to the west.
	16	1200	CO to conference at Brigade re exchange of old tanks.
	17	1830	CO to Brigade conference.
	18	1000	Bn. moves to Neffatia Ref. A 0764 where 22 Armd. Brigade take over from 8 Armd. Brigade.
			Received 3 6 pdr. Crusaders. and 1 Sherman from Staffs Yeo.
	19	2030	Bn. moves to concentration area Pt. 104 on Medenine – Zarzis road.. (Y) E 8380
			CO’s orders on arrival.
	20	0730	Brigadier visits CO and takes him on short recce.
		0815	Bn. starts advance on Medenine. Move planned in five bounds.
			Object is to cut Medenine – Mareth road at (Y) E 6488.
			Method:- Right flank attack round Medenine via pass El Aine. (Y) E 7587. 5 RTR leads 22 Armd. Brigade and is moving protection front. Bn. advances at speed and makes very good progress.
		1000	Bn. comes under slight shell fire in area (Y) E 7387.
		1020	Enemy fire increasing continually mostly from guns out of view probably behind Tadjera Khir in (Y) E 68.
		1040	Bn. moves round some wadis to the right of centre line in order to try and get out of range of enemy fire and to obtain a certain amount of cover.
			“A” Sqn. comes under heavy fire and “B” Sqn. is sent out to try and neutralise the enemy gun positions with HE. “B” Sqn. take up good hull down positions at (Y) E 6688 overlooking main road about 2,000 yards away to south. Have good shoot on one enemy gun and some MET.
		1130	“A” Sqn. patrol push on to west of “B” Sqn. position, about 2 miles. Bn. now on frontage of about 5 miles. Remainder of Brigade about 3 to 5 miles behind Bn. CO asks Brigade for assistance in cutting road as Bn. is extended and good chance of capturing some enemy.
		1200	“B” Sqn. shells road in area and knocks out a half track towing a 88 mm. Several enemy tanks seen and fired at at long range. They made off in a SE direction.
		1340	Forward patrols of “A” Sqn. report MET streaming down road in NW direction. The patrol is 300 yards from objective but cannot stop enemy from getting away as the Bn. is too spread out to do the job single handed. Brigade again asked to send assistance.
		1426	Scout Car patrol of “A” Sqn. reports taking prisoner 23 German Officers and men with 5 vehicles and asks for assistance. “A” Sqn. tries to reinforce Scout Car patrol but owing to fewness of tanks and extended front this is difficult. One troop of tanks does manage to get near to Scout Car patrol, but runs into 88 mm A/tank screen and loses 1 tank. The other tank gets on to the road but is too late to assist scout car patrol which is overpowered.
(Y) E 8380.		1435	Bn. continues to fire on road and 2 lorries and some men shot up. Lt. Sqn. 4 CLY comes up on left of “A” Sqn. and helps to cut the road plus assistance from 1 RB. Most of enemy escape by this time but a few PW and some MET captured.
		1600	Enemy opposition and shelling decreasing, signs of withdrawal.
		1900	Bn. leaguers. .
			Casualties:- Enemy, 1 half track, 2 lorries.
			Own:-
			3 ORs killed, 1 OR wounded,
			1 Officer and 1 ORs missing.
			2 Crusaders, 1 Scout Car, 1 lorry
(Y) E 6988	21		Remain in observation all day. No special event.
	22		No event.
	23		Changed leaguer with 1 RTR. New area (Y) E 7188.
		1000	Sent 2 Sgts. and 10 ORs experienced Sherman crews to 1st Army by air.
		2200	Sent a further 2 drivers to 1st Army.
	24	1300	CO goes on recce with Brigadier.
		1800	Bn. ordered to move at 21.00 hours.
		2030	Move cancelled.
	25		CO goes on recce of now Bn. area.
	26	1400	“A” Sqn. demonstrate concealed position of observation to all tank Comds.
	27	0730	Bn. moves to new area to act as left flank protection to 7 Armd. Div.
		100	Arrived in new area, (Y) E 6678, 2 miles SSW of Metameur.
		1730	CO goes to Brigade conference.
		1830	No. 1 Party. Bn. is at 15 minutes notice to move into battle positions. Code word for stand to “Pygmalion” for stand down “Vapex”. Alarm signal Red-white-red. Verey lights.
	28	1830	CO holds No. 1 Party to give out orders on 22 Armd. Brigade operation order No. 1.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- March 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col W M Hutton. MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

(Y) E 6478	1	0600	Bn. moved one mile westward in to more favourable position for taking up immediate battle line position known as MOORE. Still at 15 mins notice.
	2	2000	Bn. moved to Wellington position. (Y) E 7087
	3		CO recces alternative battle positions and liaises with 1 RTR and 4 CLY. 6 new Scout Cars arrive, 4 with No. 19 W/T sets.
	4		Capt. Whitty returns with 12 Shermans and 10 Crusader tanks. Lt. P.C. Burt promoted to Captain and appointed 2 i/c., “A” Sqn.
			Strength:- 33 Officers & 555 ORs.
	5		No Event.
	6		Stood to all day, prepared to move to any of the battle positions. Reports come in over Rear Link set of German tanks and Inf. attacks to the W and SW of Bn. position on our Inf. FDLs. Reported bag of 37 German tanks.
	7		No event.
			Received Army Commander’s message re giving enemy a “Bloody Nose” This appears to have been achieved.
	8		CO meets Army Comd. on Hill (E 6688) which Army Comd. said would in future be know as 5^th Royal Tanks Hill, having been captured by the Bn. on Feb. 20^th when Medenine was taken.
	9		CO goes to 30 Corps HQ to hear an address by Army Comd.
	10	1430	CO gives Griff talk to Bn.
	11		Training starts including NCO’s cadre course.
	12	1430	Training continues. CO holds No. 1 Party giving OO followed by Sqn. Leaders conference on promotions. Bn. now under 10 Corps.
			Strength:- 34 Officers & 553 Ors.
			Strength Tanks:- 16 Crusaders, 19 Shermans, 9 Grants.
	13		Bn. on range shooting in area Gourine. (T) Z 7711 “A” Sqn. from 07.00 to 10.00 hours. “B” Sqn. from 10.00 to 14.00 hours. “C” Sqn. from 14.00 to 18.00 hours.
	14)		No event.
	15)
	16	1700	;CO goes to Brigade conference.
		1800	No. 1 Party. Bn. to be at immediate notice to support either 131 Brigade or 201 Brigade from 05.45 hours tomorrow
			Strength:- 34 Officers & 554 ORs.
	17		No event.
	18		Bn. now at 3 hours notice.
	19	1100	10 Corps commander, Lt. Gen. B.J. Horrocks, D.S.O., M.C., visits Bn.
		2300	Bn. moves to Ref. E 6291 taking over protection of 201 Guards Brigade from 4 CLY.
	20	0200	Arrived in leaguer.
		0430	Reveille. Tanks moved into battle positions making much noise between 04.45 and 0.500 hours. for diversionary purposes.
		1400	CO gives out plan for coming battle
		2300	Bn. ordered to move immediately to Ref. E 6900 taking Perth tracks.
	21	0400	Arrived in leaguer. E 6900.
		1000	CO goes on recce to 50 Div. Battle area Ref. (T) Z 6308.
		1500	CO returns and holds No. 1 Party.
		1600	CO goes to Brigade and Div.
		1800	No. 1 Party. Bn. may act as independent in support of either 50 Div. or 4^th Ind. Div.
	22	1000	CO takes Brig. on recce and liaises with 151 Brigade.
		1300	Enemy launches counter-attack on 151 Brigade.
		1400	CO returns and holds No. 1 Party. Bn. to act as reinforcement of Bridgehead made through Mareth defences in area Z 6010 – Z 6311 by 50 Div.
		2300	RHQ, “B” and “C” Sqns. move to Ref. (T) Z 6308 N of 151 Brigade. It is proposed to hitch 6 pdr. onto the backs of the Sherman tanks and tow them across the gap in wadi Zigzou.
		2400	Above order re 6 pdr. guns cancelled.
	23	0500	Bn. .less “A” Sqn. goes into action on Chet Meskine ridge between Pt. 24 – Pt. 16 in (T) Z 6208 – (T) Z 6209 facing NW.
		0800	“A” Sqn. joins Bn. Very heavy shelling and mortar fire also some MG and AP during most of the day. 26 Mark IV tanks sighted in area of high ground (T) Z 6110.
		1030	One Sherman tank from “C” Sqn. brewed up probably by 105 mm HE
		2100	Bn. liaises with 154 Brigade HD who are relieving the 151 and 69 Brigades.
			Casualties:-
			1 OR killed, 1 Officer – wounded, 2 ORs – wounded.
	24	0530	Bn. relieved by 1 RTR and moves to area (T) E 6994.
		1500	No. 1 Party (Griff talk).
			Strength:- 33 Officers & 551 ORs.
	25	1100	Bn. moved back to Wellington position. At immediate notice to support any part of Mareth Line proper (See via Mareth to Tadjeras) in case of enemy counter-attack.
	26	0900	No 1 Party (Latest news and situation) LO’s make recce and contact the 6 Brigades (3 – 51 Div., 2 – 50 Div., and 201 Brigade) holding Mareth Line.
	27)		No event.
	28)		Strength:- 33 Officers & 565 ORs.
	29)
	30	0645	No. 1 Party. Information re move to Gabes area. 07.00 hours. 15.00 hours.
		0700	Bn. Gp. moves with 22 Armd. Brigade. Order of march:- 4 CLY, TAC Brigade, TAC RA, Troop RE. 1 RTR, 5 RTR, 258 A/Tank, and main Brigade. Route:- New Div. Axis (E 6083 – Kradra E 4891 – X tracks E 4596 – X tracks Z 4207 – Si Brahim Z 3814 – El M’dou Z 3124).
		1500	Leaguered at Z 4362, 7 miles short of destination due to congestion in forward areas.
	31	0900	Bn. continued march in same order.
		1100	Arrived in leaguer.
		1600	No. 1 Party. CO gives 7^th Armd. Div. plan for future operations in Wadi Akarit.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- April 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col W M Hutton. MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

Z 343166	1)		No event.
	2)
	3.		CO, Adjt, 2 i/c and Sqn comds go to demonstration of “I” tank work by 1 RTR
(T) Z 2118	4	0900	Bn leaves for range, shooting in area (T) Z2118, B & C Sqns firing. Leaguered in same area.
			10 heavy tanks sent to workshop.
			Tank strength:- 18 Shermans 12 Grants 18 Crusader
	5	0800	CO and Sqn Ldrs to 7 Armd Div Conference.
			A & HQ Sqn firing.
		1500	CO gives “Griff” talk to Bn, giving out plan for attack on Wadi Akarit going in tonight.
	6	1000	CO gives out Operation order.
		1200	Bn moves forward via B track to Z 1935, but on the move receives orders to push on and protect left flank of 10 Corps by going to Cross Roads Z 0845.
			This is later altered to Z104432 where Bn leaguers for night.
	8	0630	Received Bde order of the day: WHIPS OUT!.
		0730	Moved forward, 5 RTR is in reserve. At Z 1881, 300 Italian POW with 2 x 105 mm, 11 MET and much SA comes in. Many long halts. Took 4 POWs from PGR 115 who were part of a unit scattered by the RAF’s bombing of previous day.
			Leaguered at Z 2294.
	9	0600	Bn moved forward protection front, 2 Bns up, 5 RTR right, 1 RTR left. Centre line:- Z2294 - U 3602 - X tracks U 4411 - Junc U 5221 (Code word - Job) - U 6231 (Mark) - U 6342 (Rum) - Junc U 7146..
		0800	Bumped enemy tank guns at U 4003 probably 20 and 50 mm. Took several POWs from 164 Div. One gun brewed up
		1715	Bumped further line of enemy anti-tank guns and field guns. “B” Sqn sent round right flank. Over on enemy Inf Coy, position XXX 1 x 75 MM gun destroyed. 12 POWs; from 164 Div and SA equipment captured. Leaguered for night; enemy firing until last light from third position. In spite of extremely bad going in parts,
			Bn advanced 35 miles during day, fighting rearguards all the way.
			Day’s bag: 40 POWs, including one officer; 1 x 75 mm destroyed 2 x MT brewed up; 1 x car Brewed up; 2 x MT captured; 1 x car brewed; and a number of enemy killed.
	10	0600	Continued advance through close country and reached objective (the cutting of Sfax-Tenioui Road). Took up battle position in area U 7850. Sent out scout car patrol to recce area La hencha.
			Found road blown in various places.
	11		Carried out much needed maintenance.
	12		No event
	13		Proposed visit of Div Comd cancelled due to move north.
		0900	Bn moves, order of march - 5 RHA - 1 RB - Bde - 258 A/Tk - Lt Fd Amb - 4 CLY - 5 RTR - 1 RTr - Recovery. Route - Bde axis to road junct at U 7146 - X rds 5262 - X rds 4555 - X rds U 1561, thence N to Kairouan Rd.
		1230	Arrived in leaguer 6 miles S of Kairouan.
	14		Carried out maintenance.
	15	1230	Bn moves to concentration area in (T) P06 Route; Kairouan road - Fork PO334, rd fork P0140 - X rds P0358 - El Alem (P 0656) thence N to leaguer area. P 0865.
	16	1130	5 RTR Gp only go in support if 131 Bde and leaguers in their area P0375, about 10 miles N of Bde, with a permanent LO at 131 Bde HQ.
		1400	CO and Sqn Comds go out on recce of forward posns.
			Light shelling.
	17		No event.
			Personnel strength - 34 officers, 557 ORs
			Tank strength: 18 Shermans; 12 Grants; 6 6-pdr Crusaders, 10 2-pdr Crusaders, 1 CS Crusader, 9 Scout cars.
			Slight shelling.
	18		No event; Slight shelling.
	19	0700	CO to Bde conference.
		1130	No 1 party, CO gives out plan for attack going in tonight. There are four objectives on Bn front. Bn to protect left flank of 131 Bde.
			1. Rd Enfidaville-Djebibina = Code Rahah 2. Line of track El Hamera P1583 = Code Rutj 3. Line of Sidi Boudaroi P1787 to Pt 237 at P 1588 = Code Naomi 4. Kef el Hadj P 1592 - Rd Junct P 1788 = code Rachel
		1400	Bn moves to 131 Bde new concentration area P1277 close leaguering among the cover of cactus and olive groves.
	20	0400	Reveille.
		0415	No 1 Party.
		0445	Bn moves forward in support of 131 Bde who are acting as left flank guard to 10 Corps. Remainder of Bde in reserve
		0530	Reached first objective, Rahab. Lt Sqn pushes on to Ruth remaining in observation all day. Some intermittent shelling from front and left flank. Capt Whittey leading C Sqn injured in head by shrapnel.
			During early afternoon Bn took 5 POWs from 164 Div.
		1720	3 tanks or guns reported in area P 1288, also 6 men.
			Close leaguered at dusk.
	21	0430	Reveille.
			Lt Sqn re-occupies same ridge for observation.
		0900	CO goes on recce of Bn’s right flank in area P 1883.
			Casualties:- IM killed, MQMS wounded, by shells falling in A1 echelon area
	22	0430	Reveille.
			A Sqn again pushes out to posns of observation and by noon had reached Pt 206 Si Zid in P 0887 with good view of road running from Saouaf (P 19) SW to Si Dhrine P 0588. Crusaders acted as OPs with good effect.
	23		During the day A Sqn were well forward again, observing enemy inf and acting as OP to gunners.
			A troop of Crusaders went out to prominent features form which they had drawn fire the previous day, making themselves conspicuous with the object of finding out if the enemy had withdrawn any of his guns.
			He had NOT.
	24	0340	Shots were heard from Bn’s immediate front. Immediate “stand-to” ordered. Report from standing patrol of inf at rd Junct 120836 that they had fired on some enemy who had come up from wadi on their left. The fire was returned and the Sgt in charge of patrol slightly injured in cheek by grazing bullet.
			Scout car patrol of A Sqn went out contact enemy but they had made off. The recce patrol sent out during the night reported that the Si Zid feature was occupied by enemy, also the ridge on which the OP had been during the day.
			Before first light, A Sqn + one troop of Sherman tanks moved forward to try and regain the previous day’s posns. They succeeded but lost one Sherman on mines which had obviously been laid by the enemy night patrol.
	25		A Sqn again resumed their posns of observation acting as OP for 5 RHA.
			Guns MET and inf engaged at various points. Patrols came in for a good deal of accurate enemy artillery and SA fire.
	26	0430	Bn is relieved by 1 RTR and returns to posn vacated by 4 CLY (Ref P 134734).
		1430	No 1 Party. Latest news.
	27	1400	No 1 Party. CO gives out route to new concentration area.
		1645	Arrived in leaguer. P 256780.
	28		No event.
			Personnel strength - 34 officers, 563 ORs
			Tank strength - 11 Shermans, 7 Grants, 3 - 6-pdr Crusaders, 7 - 2-pdr Crusaders.
	29		No event.
	30	1000	MajGen G W Erskine DSO, Comd 7 Armd Div visits Bn.
			Received new tanks.
			Strength now - 32 heavy tanks (Shermans and Grants); 17 Crusaders.
		2100	Bn A Ech leave for 1st Army front. Route - Div axis - Kairouan - Ousseltia - Siliana - Le Krib. Driving all night.
			Tanks to follow on transporters next day.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- May 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col W M Hutton. MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1		“A” Echelon still on the move to 1st Army Front.
			Tanks leave transporters via Kasserine Pass and Le Kef.
	2	1200	“A” Echelon arrives at Le Krib 2397 and leaguers leaving room for tanks to come in later.
	3	1000	CO goes on recce with Brigadier and visits Brig. Roberts Comd. 26th Armd. Brigade.
		1200	Tanks arrive in leaguer.
			Bn. also receives some new tanks and is now up to strength with 32 Heavy Tanks and 17 Crusaders.
	4	0945	CO holds Bn. Gp. conference on tactics, (Gunner, Inf. and A/tank Comds attend).
		1700	CO and Sqn. Leaders go to Divisional conference.
	5	1000	No. 1 Party. CO gives out operation orders and plan for battle for Tunis.
		1230	Bn. Gp. moves along “L” track (Main Medjez – El – Bab- Tunis road). To J 550310 and leaguers at side of road in line ahead, .
550310		1830	CO talks to all Tk. Comds.
	6	0500	Bn. Gp. moves forward to FDLs at J 7045. From here on Bn. moves protection front and in about 2 miles passes through line of Churchill tanks which are supporting the 4 Ind. Div. Bn. is ordered to hold back however and keep to left of CL.
		1530	1st objective DJ Achouar (J 8345) is reached. Lt. Sqn. pushes on and reaches line of 2^nd objective ( St. Cyprien – Djedeida road).
		1700	Several ;pockets of prisoners taken and sent back. Spasmodic resistance was encountered up to 1^st objective.
			Forward patrols were engaged as they advanced towards 2^nd objective. Bn. destroyed 2 M 13 tanks; 1 half-track; 2 – 75 mm guns and captured 10 MET, 1 – 150 mm gun, 1 – 25 pdr. , 1 – 20 mm, 1 – 88 mm, 1 – 50 mm, 1 – White (half-tracked). Also 76 German POWs (Incl. 2 Officers)
			Own casualties:- 1 NCO and 1 driver killed when A/tank gun penetrated scout car of forward patrol. Scout car was recovered during the night by the troop leader.
			1 OR wounded when a 75 HE shell burst on the back of a Sherman tank.
	7	0415	Bn. moves on before first light and continues advance, immediate objective being high ground above St. Cyprien. A certain amount of opposition was met with on our right front where there were some enemy A/tank guns in small woods firing on “B” Sqn.
			The high ground on the left however was reached without much difficulty and various groups of prisoners taken besides some enemy equipment. Two half-tracked vehicles were brewed up.
		0730	Bombed and machine gunned by 6 ME 109s. No casualties. The 5 RHA of Bn. Gp. KO’d 2 – 88 mm guns at J 955540.
		1045	Bn. in high position on high ground above St. Cyprien, known as Moore position, 8951.
		1200	Bn. reaches Pt. 196 at J 9354 overlooking the outskirts of Tunis with view onto the town and bay and received orders not to move further without permission. Bn. KO 6 – 88 mm guns during morning’s advance.
		1430	CO sends a composite force of Crusaders, Shermans, and some Inf. under Major Ward into the town with orders not to go further than Bardo Station KO 356, where they arrived at 15.00 hours, thereby being the first British Troops and tanks to enter Tunis.
			This group met with quite a bit of opposition in the way of sniping and street fighting, particularly from upper storeys of houses. One private car full of Germans who shot at one of the leading tanks was brewed up. Some 75 HE fire on houses in which the enemy were holding out soon brought out the combatants.
		1530	Remainder of Bn. Gp. advanced into the town.
		1800	By 18.00 hours the Bn. had taken up to 2,000 prisoners. The street fighting was not facilitated by the cheering local populace trying to mount tanks and throwing flowers.
			Bn. leaguered the night close to Bardo Station at KO 28560.
	8	0500	Bn. crosses the town with the task of clearing up any more enemy opposition and particularly to secure the high ground to the north of Ariana and El Aouina aerodrome. Progress through the town was slow owing to the thousands of cheering civilians who persisted in climbing onto tanks.
			Some 100 or more prisoners were taken and sent back along Bn. Axis without escort. From Rd. Junc. KO 73575 the Bn. advanced in two sections. The main party under CO took the road north to Ariana and secured the high ground to the north without any opposition. Troop of Shermans and motor Pl. despatched to docks to clear area. This party took large number of POWs.
		1100	CO leaves main party under Comd. of 2 i/c Major Aldridge to continue clearing up the plain north of Pt. 174 (KO 468) and goes over to the other party consisting of “A” Sqn. and a troop of guns and 1 Motor Pl. under Comd. of Major Ward.
			This group had reported some opposition and “C” Sqn. had been sent to their aid about 10.00 hours to help bring in prisoners, as the Inf. could not cope with the influx. The opposition was encountered in the area of the X roads at K 1764, and consisted mainly of 20 mm Breda and SA sniping on the forward patrols.
			From these X roads “A” Sqn. switched north and across country to the high ground about PT 104 (Ref. 1868) overlooking beaches at La Marsa. At 09.30 hours Brigade had reported a ship laden with German Troops pulling out of port in this area but there was no sign of such a ship. A troop of “C” Sqn. was sent down to Carthage where they collected a further 1,000 POWs.
		1200	“A” Sqn. had reached PT. 56 at Cap Gamard (K 1969) where they took some POWs who were waiting for boats and by 14.00 hours they whole of the Carthage Peninsula was cleared of enemy. Total Bag:- 5,000 POWs (mostly German and large number of Luftwaffe personnel), 1 – 88 mm, 1 – 20 mm, several hundred lorries driven by enemy drivers to our cages. 2 – Aerodromes (El Acuina with about 100 damaged planes and Si D – Aoud with 5 planes intact,) 1 petrol dump, 1 transport vehicle park, 1 hospital with 150 patients.
		1430	CO returns to main body left under 2 i/c, who had by this time sent out patrols to Galaat El Andeless and the Medjerda Valley (J 98) and to the coast at K 0875 from all of which areas POWs were brought in
			This Party’s bag consisted of:- 1 – Italian hospital captured with 200 POWs. 4 – Officers and 118 ORs from German Signal Corps taken in a farm near Pt. 174. 1 – Aerodrome with 250 A/A personnel, 12 – multiple 20 mm MG and range finding outfits.
			50 more POWs taken by our Inf. near the coast at KO 875. 1 Large petrol dump on which A1 Echelon put a guard.
		1900	Bn. close leaguered in area K 0666.
	9	1400	Bn. moved to Brigade leaguer area on the other side of Tunis J 9259 where “B” Echelon joins Bn.
	10		Leave parties into Tunis begin.
	11)		No event.
	12)		Strength state:- 34 Officers & 562 ORs.
	13		0745; Bn. wheels section (“A” & “B” Echelon) move to area Bou Arada followed by tanks leaving at 08.00 hours. Move completed by 17.00 hours. Now 60 miles from Tunis. Leaguered at J 573034.
	14)
	15)		No event.
	16)
	17)
	18	1730	Tanks left on transporters for Tripoli.
	19		No event.
			Tanks still on the move via Le Kef – Maktar – Skhirra and then coast road.
	20		Bn. transport leaves for Tripoli, route:- Pont – du – Fahs – Djebibina – La Skhirra then coast road. Bn. transport leaguered 12 miles south of Kairouan.
	21		Bn. transport leaguered 6 miles north of Gabes.
	22		Bn. transport leaguered in Ben Gardane.
	23		Bn. transport leaguered 20 miles west of Tripoli.
	24	1830	Arrived in Bn. leaguer 4 miles east of Homs. (R) M 6328
	25	0645	Daily PT and swimming starts.
		0900	Sqn. parades. Organised sports commence. Lt. D.E. Cockbaine appointed Brigade sports officer. Capt. T. Fogarty of the Australian Army attached to Bn.
	26)
	27)		No event.
	28)
	29	0815	All officers and WO s attend a lecture given by Corps Comd. Gen. Horrocks. Subject:- Final stages of battle for Tunisia.
	30)		No event.
	31)		Strength state:- 34 Officers & 591 ORs.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 21
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- June 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col W M Hutton. MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1)		No event. M 6328.
	2)
	3		CO goes on leave. Major Aldridge assumed Comd. of Bn.
	4)
	5)		No event.
	6)
	7		All Officers attend Miramare Cinema to hear address by Army Commander, General Sir B.L. Montgomery. Bn. courses begin.
	8	0830	Inspection and address to all ranks by Div. Comd., Gen. G.W.E.J. Erskine.
	9)		No event.
	10)
	11		CO returns from leave and resumes Comd. of the Bn.
	12	0900	Brigade Comd. inspects all “B” vehicles and is very pleased with turn out.
	13		No event.
	14	1400	Brigade Commander inspects every tank in the Bn. and is again satisfied with results.
		2300	Received warning of enemy parachute troops being dropped at Benghazi and Castel Benito aerodromes.
			Extra 24 hour picquet mounted daily from now on.
	15		No event.
			Strength state:- 35 Officers and 591 ORs.
	16	1200	CO’s orders .
	17	1400	CO attends Brigade conference on “Road Movement in close country”.
	18		No event.
	19	1845	No. 1 Party. CO gives orders for road move to K 25 west of Tripoli for coming inspection of HM The King.
	20	0700	500 All ranks of Bn. leave on 30 lorries with 3 Cook-houses to K 25 west of Tripoli on Zuara Road. Route:- Tarmuna – Castel Benito – Suani – Ben – Adem – Bosco Mussolini. K 25 halts at 10.00 – 10.45 hours, 13.45 - 14.15 hours.
		1730	Bn. arrives in leaguer. (R) M 6328.
	21	1500	Bn. lines route 500 strong (Incl. 22 Officers)
		1620	King greets CO and Bn. gives three cheers for His Majesty.
		1715	Bn. returns to Homs camp via same route.
	22	0400	Bn. arrives back in camp.
	23		CO to Brigade conference on tank questionnaire. Some Bn. officers interviewed by Div. Comd. with view to Staff appointments.
	24		All Crusader tanks sent away to Tripoli on transporters.
	25		Received 10 new Shermans from 46^th RTR who brought them up from Cairo. Lost 2 more Jeeps and 1 – 8cwt. truck to Corps for operations.
	26		CO visits 8th Army HQ. Major Aldridge assumed command of Bn.
	27	1100	2 i/c holds conference on training.
	28	1200	Div. Comd. visits Bn. and inspects training.
	29		6 Sherman tanks arrived from 1 Armd. Div. for training purposes.
		100	Bn. conference on training.
	30		CO returns to Bn. but has to go to hospital for operation on his foot.
			Strength state:- 38 Officers & 605 ORs.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- July 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col W M Hutton. MC


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

555356	1)
	2)		No event.
	3)
	4		Major Doyle “C” Sq. appointed Brigade Gunnery Officer.
	5		2 i/c and Adjt. give lectures to all officers in Bn. subject:- Training.
	6	1000	2 i/c presides over Sqn. Leaders conference on allocation of tanks.
	7		No event.
	8		“C” Sqn. shooting on range.
	9		“B” Sqn. shooting on range.
	10		“A” Sqn. shooting on range.
	11	1030	Griff talk to all officers and WO s in Div. at Leptis Magna Forum by Corps Comd. – Gen. Horrocks.
			Subject:- Landings in Sicily and future operations.
	12	0900	All tank Comds. witnessed demonstration of Airburst and Troop “Stonk” shooting 2 miles SE of Coln Valdagno.
		1800	CO gives Griff talk to Bn. on operation in Sicily and at the same time announces that he is leaving the Regiment.
	13		No event. Strength state:- 38 Officers & 654 ORs.
	14		Bn. TEWT to practice movement on road in close country.
	15		Brigade shooting competition for light Sqns. won by “A” Sqn. 5 RTR tanks. Lt. Col. W.M. Hutton, DSO, M.C., leaves regt. and Lt. Col. R.N. Wilson assumes comd.
	16		No event.
	17		Conference on training.
	18		No event.
	19	1815	CO talks to all officers and tank commanders.
	20		“C” Sqn. shooting in Brigade contest.
	21	0900	Lecture by CO of 69 Med. Regt. RA and demonstration of Medium Gun Crew Drill.
		1400	Sand-table exercise for all officers and NCOs.
	22)
	23)		No event.
	24)
	25)
	26	140o	Lecture to all officers by Battery Commander 258 A/tank Battery, 65 A/Tank Regt. Subject:- New equipment M 10s.
	29	1200	CO gives talk to all ranks on “Points from Sicily”.
	30	0830	Bn. TEWT attended by officers from
			“G” Battery 5 RHA, 69 Med. Regt. RA, 258 A/Tank Battery RA, “I” Coy. 1 RB, 1/5 Queens. Div. Comd. and Brigade Comd. also attended.
			Subject of TEWT:- “Action of forward body immediately after landing”.
		1300	Tank crews practise loading of tanks on LCT.
	31		No event.
			Tank crews continue practising loading tanks.
			Strength state:- 40 Officers & 670 ORs.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- August 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col R. N. WILSON


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1		Major Aldridge 2 i/c Bn leaves to take up position as G II, GS I, 8th Army in Sicily.
	2.		Capt Whittey promoted major and assumes Comd “A” Sqn. Major Maunsell becomes 2 i/c Bn. Lt Stiddard joined Bn.
	3	0900	CO, Sqn and Ech Comds visit replica of invasion beach in 131 Bde area.
		1815	CO gives lecture on Composition of Forward Body of an Armoured Formation. CO of 1/5 Queens gave infantry view point.
	4		Bde Sherman 75 mm shooting competition won by A Sqn 5 RTR.
	5		0830. TEWT. RV Kilo 149, Ref M 7118. (Copy of narrative as Appx “A”)
	6	1815	Sandtable exercise Subject - Order of March of Armd Regt Gp in semi-enclosed country. Brigadier attended.
	7		No event.
	8	1600	HQ Sqn personnel practice transferring from LST to LST and to shore in Homs harbour.
	9	1400	Remainder of Bn to practise above, but owing to rough sea, exercise had to be postponed.
	10	0800	All ranks taken over “Brick” layout at 131 Bde.
		1230	CO had lunch at Bde to meet Corps Comd LtGen Horrocks
	11		No event.
	12		Brig and Div comd visit unit to inspect new infantry telephone fitted on back of Sherman tank.
	13	0830	Bn TEWT RV K 149 (copy of narrative as Appx B).
	14	1400	Remainder of Bn practise landing exercise which was postponed on Monday.
		1730	Lecture by Major Brazier Craig OC CTC to all officers of 7 Armd div explaining the forthcoming “Dry-shod” exercise.
	15		1530. 7 Armd div Dry-shod Exercise; Bn consisting of 18 tanks and all echelons started from leaguer area at 1530 hrs, tanks going over desert route to K 141, wheels along road to same area, where the Bn married up and took up its position in “boats2. Exercise was completed by 1800 hrs as far as Bn was concerned and all movements and timings went according to plan.
	16		All ranks go through gas chamber to test respirators. Bn Gas Officer, Lt Wilde in charge.
	17		No event.
	18	1400	CO and Sqn Comds attend exercise with troops conducted by 1 RTR to practise action of forward body of troops on meeting opposition in the nature if a small rearguard of enemy troops.
			The exercise necessitated the employment of a coy of 1/7 Queens. Area of exercise Homes-Tarhuna road Ref M 3633.
	19	0800	The same exercise as above repeated the opposite way at rd junct M4236.
		1800	Bn does 2z171 miles route march.
	20	1000	Funeral of Lt Lowe.
		1530	CO explains Div concrete model of 7 Armd div invasion beach to all A & B Sqn officers.
	21.		No event.
	22	1200	Demonstration of water-proofed tanks going into 5 ft of water of Bn beach. Brig and Techs Officers from 4 CLY, 3 RTR and Royals attend.
		1400	H Q and C Sqn officers are shown Div concrete model.
	23	0830	Bde Swimming Gala competition won by 5 RTR.
	24	0830	Demonstration carried out in 1/5 Queens area of a pl of inf being carried on 3 Sherman tanks. One Coy of 1/5 Queens demonstrated an attack on enemy strong point in close country for benefit of tank commanders.
	25		no event.
	26		Bn prepares to move. Capt B Harris. Methodist padre joins Bn. Capt Fisk joins Bn as new MO in place of Capt Messent who joins ADS.
	27		No event.
	28		Tanks move on transporters to Tripoli.
	29		Wheeled transport leaves camp for Tripoli area.
	30		Waterproofing of vehicles and tracks being carried out in Assembly area
	31		Continue waterproofing.
			Bn state:- 41 officers, 598 ORs
			Tank state:- 52 Shermans.
			All tanks given names commencing with letter E, being the 5th letter of the alphabet.
			List of names attached.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- September 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col R. N. WILSON


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

Tripoli	1)
	2)
	3)		No event. Waterproofing area.
	4)
	5)
	6)
	7	0830	Lecture by Major Devine on new Priest Gun to be used in co-operation with 5 RTR.
	8	0800	Lecture by 2 i/c and MO on Security, Loot and Malaria.
	9		No event.
	10	1100	Bn. transport moves to Marshalling area close to Port in Tripoli and is now grouped in LSTs. Tanks moved on Transporters to quay side.
	11		No event.
	12	1400	Bn. starts embarking after check by REME for waterproofing.
	13	0610	Bn. less “C” Sqn. and a small amount of transport which is to follow in next convoy sails for Italy.
	14		No event.
	15	1915	5 RTR lands on Italian soil on Sugar Beach in Salerno Beachhead.
(R) N 7421		2300	Bn. starts disembarking and proceeds with De-waterproofing. Troops get 1 to 2 hours sleep.
		0200	CO goes to 131 Brigade to get latest information.
	16	0500	Bn. now under command 131 Brigade. Proceeds to concentration area near 131 Brigade HQ and leaguers in area (R ) N 752265.
		1000	CO on recce of Salerno area sending “B” Sqn. leader to recce Alfani Road area Ref. 7329. “A” Sqn. leader contacts Brig. Lyons of 169 Brigade and liaises with him for purpose of relieving 40 RTR.
		1100	“C” Sqn. arrive on LST which left Tripoli 12 hours after main party. They sustained 3 casualties in unloading when the sudden jolt of the ship beaching killed 1 OR and wounded 2 others when two tanks collided.
		1300	CO reported on his recce to 131 Brigade HQ.
		2300	Warning order by telephone from 131 Brigade for 2 Sqns. of 5 RTR to contact 23 Arm. Brigade and come under their command.
			Strength 41 Officers & 591 ORs.
	17	0615	“B” & “C” Sqns. with respective “A” Echelons go to 23^rd Armd. Brigade area Ref. (R ) N 720200. RHQ and “A” Sqn. under command Regt. of AA, (without guns) as Inf. support becomes Corps reserve to be used in case of enemy attack on Salerno Road or Avalino Road sectors. 3 L/Cpl. fitters injured by airburst.
	18	0800	Gen. Erskine and Comd. of 22 Armd. Brigade RV 5 RTR HQ.
		1100	5 RTR HQs “A” Sqn. move to join “B” and “C” Sqns. in their areas. Greys take over from 5 RTR after first recceing Salerno and Avalino Road areas. Bn. is now under command of 131 Brigade who have 2 Bns. in position. 5 RTR locations:- RHQ and “A” Sqn. – 805208 - “C” Sqn. - 799215 - “B” Sqn. – 810195.
		1400	CO, 2 i/c & Adj. call on 131 Brigade TAC.
		1500	CO, TAC party (CO’s tanks – IO – LO (Scout Cars) move to 131 HQ where they will remain for coming operations.
N 7826	19	1300	CO meets Brig. 131 Brigade and goes on recce with him of new area which 131 Brigade is to take over to relieve 169 Brigade.
			5 RTR still in support of 1/5 and 1/6 Queens who occupy area from N 8326 to N 8028. 5 RTR occupy battle positions in area 7925 to 7826. 5 RTR TAC with 131 Brigade TAC at Ref. 775260.
	20		No event.
	21	1000	No. 1 Party
		1700	CO goes on recce to Vietri.
	22	0900	No. 1 Party.
	23	0700	Bn. ready to move under command 131 Brigade, “A” Sqn. in forward body supporting 1/7 Queens. CO and 1 section from recce group go forward to 7 Armd Div. TAC at Vietri Rly. station.
		1600	CO and recce section return to RHQ TAC.
	24		No event.
	25	0900	CO takes recce party to forward lines.
		1500	CO returns.
	26		TAC Party stayed all day at 7 Arm. Div. main.
	27		Very heavy rain during the night made fields muddy and wheeled transport was bogged until midday. Bn. moved 11.00 hours with various halts and eventually leaguered night on Vietri – Nocera road with head at 590397.
			"A” Sqn. forming forward body with 1/7 Queens. “
			A” Sqn. tank knocked out on mine.
	28	0630	“A” Sqn. and 1/7 Queens having taken over from 46 Div. forward troops, continue advance and attain first objective – Camerenne (N 3757) with little opposition.
			Troops of “A” Sqn. block all side entries into the Div. axis. Two of the troop had small actions with small German recce sections.
		0900	“B” Sqn. with 1/6 Queens pass through “A” Sqn. with objective Scafati Bridge over river Sarno and recceing villages of Nocera and Pagani on the way.
			They made extremely good time and the recce section of “B” Sqn. reported Germans laying mines on Scafati Bridge (444387) preparing it for blowing. A “B” Sqn. troop was rushed up to the bridge and saved it from being blown. Both the recce section under Lt. Beresford and the tank troop under Lt. Wilde were fired on by snipers and an A/tank gun covering the bridge.
			Lt. Wilde was wounded and evacuated. By last light “B” Sqn. and 1/6 Queens A/tank guns had blocked all main road junctions leading into town. “B” Sqn. recce section in advancing down the main road to Pompeii lost one carrier which was brewed up by a German tank from 800 yards range. Lt. Beresford and his crew managed to get clear.
			The main opposition had been three Mark III tanks – considerable infantry with mortars and some artillery. Enemy counter-attacked during the night with 20 tanks to re-capture bridge. All attacks were repulsed; Bn. (less “B” Sqn.) leaguered on road Nocera – Pagani 531380. “C” Sqn. tank hit on gun mounting. “C” Sqn. lost two tanks, one while attempting to recover an A/tank gun from 1/7 Queens hit by Sp. gun and burned out.
			The other hit on drivers hatch and complete loss. Drive killed. Co-driver and officer burned.
	29		“B” Sqn. and 1/6 Queens in the course of early morning cleared Scafati and continued advance along Div. Axis up to the Boscoreale Road (4041).
			“C” Sqn. with 1/7 Queens passed through Scafati and advanced up to Striano Road Ref. 457413 by nightfall. “A” Sqn. remained in reserve and were responsible for the defence of approaches to Div. Axis in Pisacane area 4341. “B” Sqn. in area Passanti 4241.
			Cpl. Harvey, “C” Sqn. killed, 2 officers and 1 OR injured.
			One “B” Sqn. tank knocked out by SP.
	30		By noon “B” Sqn. on S. Giuseppe road (Ref. 425458), “C” Sqn. area Poggiomarino 4544 where they had met tanks and infantry and were shelled. “B” Sqn. met some tanks on their front in Terzigno area (4145) which they engaged and drove off.
			Sgt. Thomas “B” Sqn. killed. 1 OR injured.
			Tank state:- 48 Shermans & 9 Carriers.
			Personnel state:- 37 Officers & 571 ORs.


			In Lieu of A.F.C. 2116
WAR DIARY			Unit:- 5 R.Tanks
Month and Year:- October 1943			C..O.:- Lt. Col R. N. WILSON


Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information

	1		Steady advance all day against enemy rearguards. By nightfall “A” Sqn. with 1/5 Queens reached area Prison “B” Sqn. with 1/6 Queens area Somma Vesuviano 5237, “C” Sqn. with 1/7 Queens area S. Gennaro 5744. RHQ leaguered S Giuseppe 4248.
			Received two new tanks from Brigade.
	2		Bn. now back under command of 22 Armd. Brigade and in reserve.
		1030	Moved along Div. axis picking up the three Sqns. en route. Leaguered night on road side in area Somma Vesuviano 5237.
			Order of march now “A” RHQ, “C”, “B” Sqns.
	3	0630	Bn. moved on in rear on 22 Armd. Brigade. 1 Troop from each Sqn. acted as right flank protection on roads leading in from north east towards Div. axis and 22 Armd. Brigade TAC HQ situated just outside Afracola.
			Recce group carried out various recces for 22 Armd. Brigade. Bn. leaguered night Ref. 285565.
	4	0830	Bn. moved up Div axis in rear of 1/5 Queens who passed through Bn. route:- By passed Afracola on the east to X roads at 285613 main road to Caivano 2561.
			Bn. leaguered night at 205624, west of Atella Di Napoli.
	5	1800	“A” Sqn. moved into battle position at short notice, taking over from a 1 RTR squadron. “A” Sqns. objective was to protect bridge at Ref. N 195700.
	6		“A” Sqn. moved to S. Maria La Fossa (N 1076) and relieved a squadron 1RTR with three troops up, two watching the River Volturno and one blocking the road to Grazzanisn. This Sqn. was shelled and Nebelwerfer was put on most of the day and also during the night.
			“C” Sqn. covered area of X roads at N 1176 with two troops which was also shelled. At night “C” Sqn. pulled back to Luigi Razza. 1573 with one troop guarding canal at 157741. On recceing bridge area 195700 one scout car of recce group was blown up on mine.
			Driver and officer injured.
	7		Little change from yesterday. RHQ moved to 135745. Bn. is in support of 1/5 and 1/7 Queens as a mobile force in case of attack on 131 Brigade front.
	8	0700	“C” Sqn. troop which guarded canal at 157741 reported all ammunition dumps in area left by Germans fitted with charges and time clocks set to go off on the 18th day.
			Lt. Haywood and his troop sgt. removed about 8 “ticking” clocks from 8 different dumps. 1 dump had in addition a pull ignition fuse and charge.
		1400	Conference at Brigade for CO and Sqn. Comds. on plan for coming attack on Volturno Line. “B” Sqn. takes over from 40 RTR with Sqn. HQ at 110747. “A” Sqn. withdrawn to area 178736. Sgt. Birch, “A” Sqn. lost his foot on AP mine.
	9	1600	Bn. less “B” Sqn. and RHQ TAC pulled out into rest and maintenance area in Aversa at 173643 on main Aversa – Capua road. 5 RTR TAC remains at 135745. Area of TAC was shelled frequently particularly during night.
			One PW gave himself up to a troop of “B” Sqn. he was one of a patrol of 4 and was handed over to 1/7 Queens.
			1 OR injured during shelling of TAC.
	10	0630	Mortar and shellfire in TAC area.
	11	0700	CO goes on Brigade TEWT. RV 258584.
		0730	TAC moves to Bn. leaguer having handed over to 4 CLY.
		1800	“B” Sqn. moves to Bn. leaguer area having handed over to 4 CLY.
	12		Normal Regimental routine commences.
	13	0830	CO takes all tank and recce commanders on a TEWT. Ref. area 253599. Tank state:- 50 Shermans, 9 Carriers. Strength:- 35 Officers & 535 ORs.
	14)		No event.
	15)
	16	0830	Adjutant’s parade.
	17	0530	5 RTR less “B” and “C” Echelons move to Div. Conc. area. Owing to heavy traffic over river, Bn. was halted on roadside with head at 2179 Rly. Stn.
	18		Bn. still awaiting permission to cross river at 219811 later in day leaguered in S. Maria Ref. 221755.
	19		No event.
	20	1630	CO to conference at Brigade. No. 1 Party at 17.30 hours CO gives out plan for the attack of 56 Div. on high ground north of Francolise and Sparanise and explains task of 22 Armd. Brigade in protecting 56 Div. left flank.
	21	0530	Bn. moved from S. Maria Capua Vetere 221753 to protect 56 Div. left flank. Bn. crossed River Volurno by pontoon bridge at Capua at 06.00 hours.
		0730	Bn. leaguered at 116851 two Sqns. up, “C” on left and “A” on right “B” in reserve.
		1500	Bn. moved up to relieve Greys TAC HQ at 111858. Bn. leaguered at 111858 less 2 troops of “C” Sqn. who went forward over river Del Lanci, one troop each side of road.
	22	0530	“C” Sqn. crossed bridge and recce went forward to recce roads, (1) to Francolise. (2) to Sparanise. (3) Road SW to S. Andrea. Patrol to were fired on by 88mm and SA fire. Patrol to Sparanise entered town. Patrol to Francolise held up by blown road. “C” Sqn. sent 1 troop forward to watch where road was blown.
			“A” Sqn. moved up and try to get across rly. leading to Sparanise. “A” and “C” Sqns. leaguered night forward of the bridge. Scout car blown up on mine in “A” Sqn. leaguer. Cpl. Rossiter and Tpr. Clarke evacuated.
			One “C” Sqn. tank blown up on a mine, one track blown off. No one injured. “C” Sqn. held up by A/tank ditch 300 yards short of objective. “A” Sqn. pushes on towards Sparanise, one troop round to the right of Sparanise and one troop just behind it.
			Major V.E. Whitty wounded and evacuated. “B” Sqn. sent patrol to S. Andrea to contact 131 Brigade.
	23		“A” Sqn. HQ in Sparanise. All troops went forward up valley to right of Saparnise. Met opposition of Spandau MG posts and these were cleared up by recce and No. 1 troop of “A” Sqn. Recce took 5 prisoners. In afternoon two carriers and one tank lost a track each.
			At night enemy infiltrated towards these vehicles DF brought down by G Baty. 5 RHA and enemy withdrew to high ground. “C” Sqn. pushed on down Francelles road and gained objectives on high ground south of Sparanise. “B” Sqn. established firm base south of Sparanise. Carrier hit mine; Lt. Payne wounded, driver killed and operator died of wounds.
	24		“A” Sqn. cleaned up two Spandau MG nests and moved forward onto final objective of high ground. Enemy had withdrawn during the night. “C” Sqn. sent two troops forward to support 1 RB who were to capture high ground south of Sparanise by Francolise.
			Objective was captured. TAC HQ moved up to 085862. “A” Sqn. moved back to support left flank of RB south of Sparanise. “C” Sqn. moved north of Francolise.
	25		Positions unchanged patrols kept out. 40 RTR came up to recce ready to take over from 5 RTR.
	26		40 RTR take over.
		1130	Bn. moves back to leaguer at Villa Literno
	27		No event.
	30		CO’s conference re move across Volturno to protect 46 Div. left flank.
	31	0430	Tanks moved – head at Capua Bridge by 07.00 hours. Wheels – head at Cancello Bridge 09.00 hours. Bn. leaguered in new area 019761 at 09.00 hours.

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