War Diaries of 4th (Queen's Own) Hussars
1942
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January 1942 Missing |
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February 1942 CO: Lt Col RB Sheppard DSO |
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| 3/2/1942 | ABBASSIA. Two Tps of ACs employed on special duty under Capt Green. |
| 8/2/1942 | Lt FS Fryer posted to Regt from RAC Base Depot. 2Lts Grove, Wheeler and Downes (attached) posted to the Regt wef 14 Jan 42. |
| 11/2/1942 | Lt AC Telford to be LO with 7th Armd Div. |
| 12/2/1942 | Lt NB Newton detached for special duty in Western Desert. Regt to be re-equipped with Stuarts and Grants. Lt JJC O’Brien promoted A/Capt. |
| 13/2/1942 | Capt Heaps posted to No 3 Inspectorate of Equipment. |
| 16/2/1942 | Regt moved to Q Camp, COWLEY ZONE, MENA. |
| 17/2/1942 | Regt to make one Sqn up to strength for attachment to 8th Hussars. B Sqn, OC Major Knight, made up to strength with 20 ORs from A Sqn and 57 ORs C Sqn. Sqn to be equipped with Grants. |
| 21/2/1942 | Lt CS Bailey posted HQ 8th Army wef 5 Jan 42.y the LAD. The total mileage covered on the exercise was about 130 miles. |
| 26/2/1942 | Regt visited by GOC in C BTE. |
| 27/2/1942 | Lt Newton rejoined the Regt from detached duty. |
| 28/2/1942 | Lt EP Jones posted to Regt from RAC Base Depot. |
| Summary:- Strength of the Regt is now 30 Officers, 343 ORs.At the start of the month the Regt were training in preparation for re-equipping with A 15’s. since the 12th this training has been for re-equipping with Stuarts and Grants. A Sqn continue to train as the Sqn which will have Stuarts. B Sqn are continuing individual training. C Sqn have now no personnel available for training. | |
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March 1942 CO: Lt Col RB Sheppard DSO |
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| 9/3/1942 | Sqn for attachment to 8th Hussars no longer required. |
| 24/3/1942 | Draft of 120 ORs posted to unit from RAC Base Depot, consisting of 40 Driver/Mechs, 33 Driver/Ops, 37 Gunners, 4 clerks, 4 MM’s and 2 fitters (potential). |
| Summary:- Since B Sqn were no longer required for attachment to 8th Hussars, personnel attached to B Sqn have been re-posted to their Sqns. Training has proceeded with limited facilities. Officers and SNCOs have witnessed several field firing shoots with Grant Tanks, from which much benefit has been obtained. During the month five 3-tonners, six MCs and one Water carrier have been taken over. The strength of the Regt is now 30 Officers and 456 ORs. | |
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April 1942 CO: Lt Col RB Sheppard DSO |
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| 15/4/1942 | Draft of 5 Officers (additional to establishment) 9 NCOs and 139 Tprs posted to this unit from RAC Base Depot. |
| 29/4/1942 | One Officer posted to unit from RAC Base Depot. |
| Summary:- During the month 20 Stuarts, 19 Grants (2 of these being training Tanks) have been taken over. Two training Stuarts have been handed in. With the arrival of the draft on the 15th, the Regt was brought up to the new establishment for an Armd Regt. Training during the month has progressed considerably due to the availability of War equipment. Approximately 90 of the new draft were unfit to be classified as qualified wheeled drivers. The training of these men has been slow, owing to the limited number of wheeled vehicles available for driving instruction. Discussions were held on the Armd Bde Grp, which dealt with march order, methods of attack, withdrawal and harbouring. Representatives of the 1st foresters and the 104th RHA attended these discussions. The new map reference code was taught to a cadre class and training to troops was ordered to be instituted forthwith. The strength of the Regt is now 33 Officers and 586 ORs. | |
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May 1942 CO: Lt Col RB Sheppard DSO |
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| 27/5/1942 | The Regt were warned at 0200 hours to stand by to move to the Western Desert at six hours notice. |
| 29/5/1942 | Road party left Cowley Camp at 0900 hours. B vehicles were complete except for 2 Scout cars. |
| 21/5/1942 | Train party left Giza station for Western Desert complete to WE in Tanks. Road party arrived 6 miles West of Capuzzo having lost 1 scout car on route. Two Officers and 15 ORs posted to RAC Base Depot. |
| Note. The train arrived Capuzzo on the night 1st/2nd June. All the Tanks were immediately handed over to 30 Corps TCD EL DUDA. Just before arrival at CAPUZZO a train accident occurred resulting in the deaths of LCpl Dunning and Tpr Walters. 3 ORs were also injured. Strength of the Regt before departure on 29th May was 35 Officers and 583 ORs. | |
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June 1942 CO: Lt Col RB Sheppard DSO |
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| 2/6/1942 | Tank party arrived CAPUZZO 0030 hours, but Tanks were taken away from the Regt and sent to 30 Corps. Just before arrival the train met with an accident resulting in the death of Cpl Dunning and Tpr Walters and injury to 3 ORs. Capt P Crichton posted back to the unit from 1st Armd Bde. |
| 3/6/1942 | B Sqn ordered to standby from 2000 hours to take over Tanks. Regt called upon to provide semi-permanent guard at CAPUZZO PoW Cage consisting of 5 NCOs and 30 ORs. Anti-parachute force (Taylor Force) was formed at 2000 hours, consisting of HQ, 2 Bantams and 1 scout car, 4 Tps each of three 3-tonners (12 men in each), mobile reserve of two 15cwt trucks, 1 cooks lorry. This force consisted in all of 7 Officers and 163 ORs armed with 8 Bren guns, 26 Tommy guns and 128 rifles. |
| 4/6/1942 | PoW escort sent to MERSA MATRUH consisting of 1 Officer, 2 NCOs and 20 troopers. |
| 5/6/1942 | The Regt, less B Sqn, received orders to move to EL DUDA to re-equip. BSqn expected to join Regt in concentration area. |
| 6/6/1942 | 2Lt DL Grove returned to Base Depot on medical grounds. Regt ceased to be under command of 1st Armd Bde which moved to EL DUDA at 1300 hours to take over Tanks. Taylor force disbanded at 1500 hours having seen no action. PoW guard relieved at 1300 hours. PoW escort from MERSA MATRUH arrived back at 2300 hours. One Officer and 15 ORs of the US Army attached to the Regt. Intention is that these men should be placed in our Tank crews. |
| 7/6/1942 | Regt, less B Sqn, moved to EL DUDA arriving at 1600 hours. B Echelon arrived at the Regtl leaguer at 2000 hours. |
| 8/6/1942 | B Sqn Tanks arrived 1000 hours and the Sqn, complete with B Echelon left at 1430 hours and moved to BIR EL MER. It was then under 1st Armd Div and was ordered to join the 4th CLY on the 9th. This Sqn was commanded by Major R Knight with HAM Johnson MC as 2i/c. |
| 9/6/1942 | B Sqn were ordered to join the 2nd Armd Bde and were attached to the Bays. Tanks of the Sqn moved to MAABUS ER RIGEL. No action took place. B Sqn A Echelon, under 2Lt SJ Saunders, moved to Pt. 193 382428. B Echelon under Capt C Daggett moved to 424416. |
| 10/6/1942 | A Sqn received 2 Stuarts from TDS EL DUDA. B Sqn. During the afternoon the Sqn Ldr, SSS, and 1Tp (Lt AG Curwen) shelled enemy positions near Knightsbridge. 1Tp Tanks ran over our own minefield, but were recovered later in the day and evacuated to EL DUDA. LCpl Brown, injured was the only casualty. |
| 11/6/1942 | A Sqn received 4 Stuarts from TDS. B Sqn. The Tanks moved to BELLEFAA and were attached to 3rd CLY, 22 Armd Bde. US Army personnel left the Regt to join 4th Armd Bde. |
| 12/6/1942 | RHQ, C and HQ Sqns left EL DUDA at 0630 hours for CAPUZZO area, arriving 1500 hours at BIR BEDER. A Sqn, 6 Stuarts, with 4 Stuarts, 3 Grants and 1 Crusader attached, remained at EL DUDA as rearguard to TDS. At EL DUDA the Sqn was machine gunned by one of our own fighters, resulting in the death of Sgt Shill, LCpl Duckering and LCpl Leigh. One OR was wounded. The deceased were buried at approx 428412. B Sqn. At 1430 hours, the Sqn (10 Grants) with 1 Crusader (3rd CLY) attached, was ordered to engage 8 Armd Cars and 9 M13’s at MADURET EL GHESCEUASC. Whilst engaging these, approx 12 Mk IIIs and 8 MK IVs, supported by 8 x 88mm and a number of 50mm guns, appeared from the direction of B.702 384402. From this action only 1 Tank succeeded in escaping. This was 2Lt Cartmell. Apart from this crew, only 2Lt RGH Walker and Cpl Murray have returned, both wounded. Nothing further is known about the rest of the Tank crews. A Echelon was attacked by high level bombers at 384416. Tpr Hyde and Tpr Hilliard were killed and were buried on the spot. No personal effects could be recovered. LCpl Chattaway, LCpl Vyse and Tpr Deacon were wounded. LCpl Chattaway died of wounds later the same day. |
| 13/6/1942 | B Sqn B Echelon remained in the same area as the 12th. C Sqn received 3 Grants and 2 Dingos from TDR CAPUZZO. |
| 14/6/1942 | RHQ and HQ Sqn left CAPUZZO at 1930 hours for area MISCHEIFA. C Sqn remained at CAPUZZO to equip. 2Lt CR Hidden also remained to help the Sqn wireless. B Sqn Echelon as for 13th. |
| 15/6/1942 | RHQ and HQ Sqn arrive MISCHEIFA at 1700 hours. B Sqn Echelon ordered to rejoin the Regt. |
| 16/6/1942 | RHQ and HQ Sqn moved to 59693453. |
| 17/6/1942 | A Sqn B Echelon rejoins the Regt, having less 4 lorries, one smashed at TOBRUK the remainder remaining with the Tank force. |
| 18/6/1942 | B Sqn B Echelon rejoins the Regt. C Sqn B Echelon rejoined the Regt. C Sqn were never issued with Tanks and had moved from CAPUZZO to BUQ-BUQ. The Tank crews were attached to 3rd and 4th CLY. |
| 19/6/1942 | The Regt was ordered to join 2nd Armd Bde. The remainder of A Sqn, less one Tank crew commanded by Cpl Mackenzie, rejoined the Regt. Since leaving the Regt on 12th June, A Sqn first moved to MARASSUS, leaving there on the 15th. Two Tps, each of 3 Tanks, plus Major Blackett, were then attached to 4th Armd Bde, and Cpl Mackenzie’s crew remained with 4th Armd Bde. |
| 20/6/1942 | The Regt moved with 2nd Armd Bde to area Kilo 55, SIDI BARRANI road. |
| 21/6/1942 | The Regt moved to area MERSA AUGEILA. C Sqn Tank crews rejoined with the exception of 1 Officer and 17 ORs attached to 10th Hussars and 1 Officer and 13 ORs attached to 3rd CLY. |
| 22/6/1942 | The Regt left at 1300 hours, arriving BIR KANAYIS at 1930 hours. |
| 23/6/1942 | Major Kidd, Capt Blackett and Capt Benjamin join the Regt. Strength – 22 Officers and 196 ORs |
| 24/6/1942 | Regt left the FUKA area arriving AMIRIYA 1430 hours. 2Lt Cartmell and crew reported safe. This was the first news received about any of the B Sqn Tank crews. |
| 25/6/1942 | Regt left 1115 hours, arriving 8 miles East of FUKA 1900 hours. 2Lt Cartmell and crew rejoined the Regt. Major Blackett and Capt Daggett admitted to hospital. |
| 26/6/1942 | A Sqn left the Regtl area 0930 hours for SIDI HANEISH to re-equip. the Sqn was commanded by Major Knebworth (the Bays) with Capt JJ O’Brien as 2i/c and was itself under command of the Bays. The Sqn consisted of 6 Officers and 115 ORs. Regt, less A Sqn left the FUKA area arriving 14 miles East of DABA at 2015 hours. |
| 27/6/1942 | Regt moved to EL IMAYED, arriving 0830 hours. |
| 28/6/1942 | Regt ordered by 2nd Armd Bde to have one Grant Sqn (C Sqn) standing by to equip with Tanks in the next day or so. |
| 30/6/1942 | RHQ and HQ Sqn left at 1300 hours for KHATABA. C Sqn remained in order to equip; the Sqn placed under command of 9th Lancers. Strength of the Sqn was 6 Officers and 146 ORs. The MO and Padre remained with them.Strength present with the Regt 12 Officers and 152 ORs. |
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July 1942 CO: Lt Col RB Sheppard DSO |
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| 1/7/1942 | 1400 – Regt arrived in KHATABA area, less A & C Sqns. C Sqn moved to AMIRIYA to re-equip. |
| 2/7/1942 | A Sqn in reserve to 22nd Armd Bde. Then moved to right flank of the 4th CLY EL ALAMEIN area where the Sqn came under heavy fire from enemy Tanks. LCpl Clarke was killed and 2Lt DU Rawcliffe, Tpr Noble and Tpr Horrocks seriously wounded. Cpl Knowles and Tpr Bean badly burned. L/Sgt Cummin and Cpl Knowles showed great gallantry in rescuing the crew of 2Lt Rawcliffe. 1630 – C Sqn fully equipped with Lee Tanks. 1700 – C Sqn joined 9th Lancers at 460902. |
| 3/7/1942 | A Sqn remained in reserve with 22nd Armd Bde all day. C Sqn leaguered at 892887. |
| 4/7/1942 | Remainder of A Sqn placed under command 9th Lancers. During an engagement with enemy Tanks area of EL ALAMEIN, Major Knebworth was killed, also Cpl Beeching, Tpr Fry and Tpr Hawed. LCpl Wills died on 6th July. Tprs Grindred, Morris and Jordan were wounded. C Sqn moved at first light to 889887. Five enemy Tanks definitely knocked out and 2 probables. Later in the day an additional Mk III KO'd. Enemy Infantry attack beaten off, 50 PoW taken and a number killed. 1800 – C Sqn moved to ridge 885886. After shooting at some enemy Tanks in a wadi to the South, Major TI Taylor, the Sqn Ldr, was severely wounded (dying early the next morning), whist out of his Tank. Capt Jones was killed after getting out of his Tank to attend to Major Taylor. Major FA Green assumed command of the Sqn. The Sqn lost 1 Tank during the day and leaguered 432892. |
| 5/7/1942 | C Sqn moved to Pt. 97. No action during the day. |
| 6/7/1942 | A Sqn B Echelon rejoined the Regt. At first light C Sqn moved to 891887. The whole of the day was spent in observation. Leaguered 894888. |
| 7/7/1942 | A Sqn Tank crews rejoined the Regt.C Sqn moved back to Pt. 93 and spent the day in maintenance. |
| 8/7/1942 | C Sqn handed over its Tanks to 9th Lancers and 3/5th RTR. |
| 9/7/1942 | C Sqn rejoined the Regt. |
| 12/7/1942 | Regt moved to EL HAMMAM. On arrival Regt ordered to join 4th Lt Armd Bde and to be completely equipped with Stuart Tanks and to be ready for the field by the 15th. |
| 15/7/1942 | Regt moved to 4519893. |
| 16/7/1942 | 0030 – Regt ordered to be prepared to move operationally at first light. |
| 17/7/1942 | Regt ordered to move to area 442863 on the 18th July. |
| 18/7/1942 | 0900 – Moved to 444865. 4th Lt Armd Bde formed into columns, 4th Hussars, 11th Hussars and 12th Lancers. A Sqn attached to 11th Hussars column. |
| 21/7/1942 | 1345 – 4th Hussars column to 890254, 11th Hussars to 883256 and 12th Lancers to 885258. |
| 22/7/1942 | 2Lt DU Rawcliffe died as a result of wounds received on the 2nd July. This Officer was buried at TEL EL KEBIR. |
| 24/7/1942 | 1830 – 4th Hussars Grp moved to 887256. Sgt Cummin, A Sqn granted immediate award military Medal for gallantry, which had previously been mentioned on 2nd July. |
| 26/7/1942 | 4th Lt Armd Bde received orders to join 1st Armd Div and Bde to be concentrated in area 887257. Regt moved at 2230 and arrived 0320 hours on 27th. |
| 27/7/1942 | 0730 – Regt, having regained command of A Sqn, and the 8th Hussars Sqn, moved towards its start point. The Regt had 7 6pdr of the 9th Rifle Brigade’s and a section of the RE’s attached. 0800 – Regt halted at 884275. 1700 – CO learnt that the 1st Armd Div plan had been cancelled. 1800 – Regt ordered to return to their original area at 2130 hours. 4th Lt Armd Bde rejoined 7th Armd Div. 2320 – Regt arrived at 887256. |
| 29/7/1942 | 1430 – Regt moved to 884257. 4th Lt Armd Bde reorganised into different Groups. 4th Hussars Grp consisted of the whole of 4th Hussars, A Coy of the 9th Rifle Brigade, two A/Tk platoons of 9th Rifle Brigade and M Battery of 3rd RHA. |
| 30/7/1942 | 0530 – Patrols sent out to guard minefield running South from Pt. 116 878257. |
| 31/7/1942 | As for 30th July. A Sqn moved to area 880250. 4th Lt Armd Bde was at this time responsible for the front from 260 Northing southwards. |
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August 1942 CO: Lt Col RB Sheppard DSO |
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| 1-3/8/1942 | Regt still in area 884257. |
| 4/8/1942 | Regt moved to 887248. |
| 5/8/1942 | Local recces carried out. |
| 6/8/1942 | One Tp to be permanently attached to 11th Hussars to do southern patrol in area 880237. This Tp to be relieved every 3 days. |
| 8/8/1942 | Regt moved to 884249. |
| 9/8/1942 | 2Lt J Speight missing from area QARET EL HIMEIMAT. |
| 14/8/1942 | Regt formed practice leaguer. |
| 15/8/1942 | 0715 - “GAMEBIRDS” received. This was the codeword for all units to move into battle positions. 0915 – GAMEBIRDS cancelled. One Tp under command 2Lt RGR Walker sent on patrol to area 857238. No movement seen. |
| 16/8/1942 | 0900 – Half Sqn 8th Hussars under Capt J Ladenburg went on patrol South of EL TAQA Plateau. Reported finding one minefield. 1500 – patrol under command 2Lt AH Cartmell, consisting one Tp of Stuarts, one Bantam and 8 3-ton lorries, departed on a patrol to the QARA Oasis in order to report on the going. One RE Officer attached to this patrol. |
| 17/8/1942 | 0030 – Regt informed that attack on HIMEIMAT and MAGHRA at first light was imminent. |
| 18/8/1942 | 1200 – 2Lt Cartmell reached 791135. |
| 20/8/1942 | 1015 – 2nd Lt Cartmell reached QARA. 1315 – C Sqn Tank crews plus approx 40 Echelon personnel inspected by the Colonel of the Regt, Mr Winston Churchill at 13 Corps HQ. Lt A Hickson-Brown joined the Regt. |
| 22/8/1942 | 2Lt Cartmell’ patrol rejoined the Regt, no casualties to vehicles or personnel. 2Lt PJ Keane joined the Regt. |
| 23-24/8/1942 | Local patrols. |
| 25/8/1942 | Lt Colonel RB Sheppard DSO relinquishes command of the Regt on being appointed 2i/c 24th Armd Bde. Major RCH Kidd promoted Lt Colonel and assumed command. Major JW Hackett, 8th Hussars, temporarily appointed 2i/c. |
| 26-30/8/1942 | Local patrols and recces. |
| 31/8/1942 | 0030 – enemy advance towards HIMEIMAT reported. Regt moved to battle positions. 0600 – Regt contacted the enemy. 0800 – commenced to withdraw to minefield in area 892252. 1300 – commenced to withdraw to GABALLA positions 432859. 1800 – withdrew to area BIR MSEILILK 453868. During the day the Regt lost through enemy action 2 Tanks, 3 lorries, 1 Officer injured (2Lt AH Cartmell), 5 ORs killed, 16 ORs injured, one of whom later died of wounds. Two enemy Tanks were probably KO'd, and many casualties inflicted on Infantry in the area 822353. As a result of this day’s fighting, the following were recommended for immediate awards:- Major RR Archer, 2Lt JA Downes, Sgt R Hoyle, Sgt H Healey, Tpr A Mansell. |
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September 1942 Missing |
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October 1942 CO: Col RCH Kidd |
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| 1-3/10/1942 | Regt in area 427855 |
| 4/10/1942 | A Sqn proceeded on practice of operation “Amazement” with 11th Hussars column. |
| 5-6/10/1942 | Nothing to report. |
| 7/10/1942 | Four enemy Stuart Tanks and 1 AC reached 89152425. Regt ordered to contact these, but no actual clash and no casualties to the Regt. |
| 8/10/1942 | Regt took over patrol duties of Household Cavalry Regt ACs South of 247 Northing to the edge of the escarpment approx 241 Northing. |
| 9/10/1942 | Nothing to report. |
| 10/10/1942 | A Sqn of the Greys, attached to the Regtl column, consisting of 7 Grants and 2 Stuarts. |
| 11/10/1942 | Nothing to report. |
| 12/10/1942 | Four enemy Stuart Tanks and one Portee reached 887241. This party was shelled by M Battery and A Sqn endeavoured to cut the party off. The attack almost succeeded and 1 enemy Tank was definitely hit. |
| 13/10/1942 | One Tp Northumberland Fusiliers (A/Tk) joined the Regtl Grp. |
| 14/10/1942 | Nothing to report. |
| 15/10/1942 | Battery HQ and the remaining two Tps of Northumberland fusiliers joined the Regtl Grp. |
| 16-17/10/1942 | Nothing to report.. |
| 18/10/1942 | Regtl Grp relieved in it role by 1st FFF Bde. |
| 19/10/1942 | Div exercise. |
| 20/10/1942 | Bde exercise. |
| 21/10/1942 | Regt moved to 435865. |
| 23/10/1942 | Regt advanced to concentration area. |
| 24/10/1942 | Regt halted area 887256, giving flank protection to HQ 7th Armd
Div during the course of the day. 1830 – Regt advanced slowly West in an endeavour to pass through the enemy minefields. |
| 25/10/1942 | 0700 – Regt halted area 884258, 3 Tanks having been lost
during the night on the February minefield. 1615 – Regt advanced against Pt. 101. This position was surrounded by unmarked minefields. A Sqn lost 10 Tanks on this minefield and the 8th Hussars Sqn 5. Casualties to personnel were 2Lt RGR Walker and 4 ORs missing; 9 ORs injured. Prior to the Regt’s Tanks blowing up on the minefield, considerable casualties to the enemy personnel were caused by SA fire. During the day 1 OR was killed by bombing. |
| 26/10/1942 | Moved to 88552580. |
| 27/10/1942 | Moved to 425863. |
| 28/10/1942 | No operational role. |
| 29/10/1942 | 0130 – 16 Tanks reported on QOR EL LEBAN. 0700 – These Tanks identified as belonging to 1st FFF Bde. |
| 30/10/1942 | Moved to 424863. |
| 31/10/1942 | 1700 – Regt took part in a dummy attack on February minefield. 2359 – Regt moved back to 424863. |
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November 1942 CO: Col RCH Kidd |
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| 1/11/1942 | Nothing to report. Regt under direct command of 13th Corps, on the departure of 7th Armd Div to the North. |
| 2/11/1942 | Regt moved to 888297, area EL ALAMEIN. Bde now under 10 Corps. |
| 3/11/1942 | Nothing to report. Bde now under 2nd New Zealand Div, 30 Corps. |
| 4/11/1942 | Regt left 888297 at 0700 hours, advanced to BIR ACQUIRA, thence to EL AGRAMIYA, arriving 1900 hours. During the night the Bde leaguer was fired on by SA fire from what was considered to be a small party of Italians. |
| 8/11/1942 | At 0600 hours the Regt left the leaguer in double line ahead, leaving
the Greys right. At first light 8th Hussars Sqn and C Sqn were ordered
to advance on a front of 3000 yards with A Sqn in reserve. Information
was given at about 0800 hours that 24 German Tanks were moving across
the line of advance in a SW direction.Regt remained in observation while
M Battery 3 RHA and the Greys engaged. About 7 enemy Tanks were accounted
for and the remainder moved off. The Regt continued the advance West meeting
with some shelling from the North, which was heavy enough to make it necessary
to swing left of the centre line. The two leading Sqns were halted by
88mm fire and HE shelling. C Sqn were ordered to recce left and 4 Tp intercepted
an enemy staff car in which were found 4 Italian staff Officers. 2Lt AH
Cartmell ordered them to drive in the direction of Bde HQ, which they
did, unescorted, and were later interrogated by the Brigadier. 1300 – The Derby Yeomanry, who had been acting as a recce screen, reported a mine field across the line of advance and that they had been engaged by guns and Tanks from behind it. Regt advanced to probe the minefield.Meanwhile a column of enemy MET was seen moving up fast from the SE and evidently trying to escape. 8th Hussars Sqn and A Sqn were ordered to intercept and succeeded in taking 150 PoW and 6 MET. South African ACs who had been chasing the fugitives coming up from the South, rounded up the remainder. The Derby Yeomanry had by this time found a gap in the minefield which, however, the enemy had registered with gunfire, and were covering by Tanks. 1500 – C Sqn was ordered through the gap. Enemy shelling was heavy but inaccurate, and the enemy Tanks with some MET were seen to be moving off North towards the road.The Regt refuelled and were heavily shelled before moving into leaguer for the night in area 781299. |
| 6/11/1942 | The Bde was now well ahead of the retreating enemy on the coast road and in spite of the fact that the leaguer was only some 10 miles South of it, the enemy made no attempt to harass or attack the leaguer during the night, neither was there any sight of them at daybreak. The Bde waited for the Echelon to refuel themselves and the Tanks, which was not completed until about 1300 hours and the advance was continued in a North Westerly direction. Heavy rain started to fall the going soon became very slow for the wheeled vehicles. Tanks were ordered to pull them out when they stuck; even Bde Tac HQ got into trouble, which caused considerable confusion. The whole Bde were soon hard at work towing their Echelon. About 5 Tanks became unfit for action, and the Regt leaguered at dusk in area 769315, having made little headway. |
| 7/11/1942 | 1000 – The Bde was ordered to move to area 730322. Owing to the heavy rain the Regt reached area 730316 at approx 1800 hours. During the day all B vehicles had to be towed at some time or other, and many of them most of the time |
| 8/11/1942 | 1300 – The Regt moved off and reached area 729321 at 1700 hours. Just East of this area the going again became very bad and all B vehicles had to be towed. At dusk the Echelon had still failed to arrive and there was a grave shortage of petrol in the Regt. The Echelon arrived at Bde at about 2330 hours. |
| 9/11/1942 | 0545 – The Regt having reached better going, which had also
dried out considerably during the night, a move was made across the desert
to CHARING CROSS, just West of which refuelling took place. For approx
15 miles West of CHARING CROSS the Regt was moving through other troops
of the 8th Army, incl 2nd Armd Bde. After about 15 miles the Bde was again
leading the advance of the 8th Army. 1130 – the Brigadier, having
gone on ahead of the Regt, made arrangements for 2 petrol bowsers of the
RAF to be made available for the Regt to refuel at Kilo 100. This was
duly done and the Regt was able to proceed again with full tanks. 1300 – At Kilo 117 an enemy strongpoint was encountered. This strongpoint had been previously reported by the Derby Yeomanry and consisted of approx six 88mm guns, eight 105mm guns and several smaller A/Tk guns. This time A Sqn were the leading Sqn and was ordered to advance as far as possible. C Sqn was ordered to the South of the road in order to find the enemy flank. During the out-flanking movement C Sqn definitely destroyed one enemy 6pdr Portee (whose crew was also captured), 2 more guns and several MET. Two MET and 25 PoW were taken, all of whom were Germans from the 90th Lt Div. During this action, 2Lt AH Cartmell and 1 or were killed and 3 ORs wounded, 2 of whom died of their wounds. One Tank of C Sqn was set on fire. 1630 – The enemy were seen to be withdrawing from their strongpoint and M Battery 3rd RHA laid a concentration on the road. At the same time A Sqn, together with D Coy KRRC, advanced. Between them 150 PoW were taken, all from the 90th Lt Div. A Sqn continued their advance until they met considerable A/Tk fire in the area of the aerodrome at Kilo 126. By this time it was almost dusk and the Regt was ordered to leaguer North of the road at Kilo 120, approx 10 miles East of SIDI BARRANI. |
| 10/11/1942 | 0600 – Regt advanced due West leaving SIDI BARRANI to the
North. One Sqn of the Derby Yeo was in advance of the Regt as a recce
screen. 0900 – The enemy were contacted in area 575368. M Battery 3rd RHA immediately went into action and definitely destroyed one 88mm gun which was left burning in the road. A Sqn advanced West to find the enemy flank which it eventually succeeded in doing, and the Regt established itself astride the main road at about 1130 hours. However the Regt was unable to continue the advance owing to several Tanks being practically dry of petrol. 1500 – RASC petrol lorries arrived and the Regt was completely refuelled. During the time that the Regt had been halted spasmodic shelling of the Regt took place without any damage. The Greys advanced a short distance ahead of the Regt in order to probe the enemy position. 1530 – The Regt continued their advance and contacted the enemy in the area of the 547 grid on the SIDI BARRANI – SOLUM road. The enemy cleared out before any damage could be done to them. 1900 – The Regt leaguered at the foot of the HALFAYA PASS, C Sqn having lost 3 Tanks on mines at the foot of the Pass. One OR was wounded. At 2000 hours an enemy large calibre gun opened fire from the top of the pass onto the main road several miles behind the Regt. As far as is known no damage was done. 2130 – C Coy KRRC proceeded up the pass to ascertain if it was held in force or otherwise. This Coy together with the RE’s cleared 60 mines from the road, and reached the top of the pass, remaining there until the morning. |
| 11/11/1942 | 0600 – One Coy of the New Zealand Div proceeded up the pass
together with A/Tk guns. One of these guns exploded on a mine near the
leading Tank of C Sqn, and as a result of which 1 OR in that Sqn was wounded. 0700 – The Regt, C Sqn leading, advanced up the pass without incident and approx 5 miles beyond the head of the pass. A Sqn advanced a further 2 miles and took 50 PoW and destroyed 7 MET. The Sqn was then forced to halt owing to petrol shortage. 1100 – The Regt having been refuelled, moved by bounds to 495387 where it remained for the rest of the day. During the refuelling period at the top of HALFAYA PASS the Bde was twice attacked by enemy aircraft, 1 OR of the 8th Hussars Sqn being wounded. At the time the Bde was halted it was directed on GAMBUT to cut the road and destroy enemy MET which was reported by 11th Hussars to be pouring out of BARDIA. When the Regt reached this map reference, the New Zealand Comdr ordered the Bde to halt in case he required its assistance to help his Div capture BARDIA, which had been allotted to him as a Div task. The Bde Comdr then went to see General Lumsden, Comdr 10 Corps who placed the Bde under direct command 10 Corps, and 4th SAAC and the Royal under command 4th Lt Armd Bde. These two Regt were at this time in the general area South of EL ADEM and South of GAMBUT respectively. Bde orders were to advance due West leaving EL ADEM to the North and then to swing North through ACROMA, cutting the main road West of TOBRUK. |
| 12/11/1942 | 0800 – The whole Bde advanced due West and leaguered 387839. No enemy were encountered during the day. 4th SAAC reported considerable enemy demolitions in the area EL ADEM. The general pace throughout the day was limited to 10 mph in order to conform with the most economical speed of the Grant Tanks of the Greys. |
| 13/11/1942 | 0630 – The Regt advanced to Pt. 181 365435. During this advance, A Sqn leading, the Regt sighted an enemy column retreating and engaged without any observed results. From Pt. 181, the Regt advanced to the TOBRUK – DERNA road, which was reached at Kilo 117, about 40 miles West of TOBRUK. However, mines at Kilo 122 held up the advance for the rest of the day owing to the non-availability of the RE’s. during the afternoon the Regt was lightly shelled by enemy artillery |
| 14/11/1942 | 0600 – during the night the 8th Hussars Sqn, consisting of 8 Tanks, had been ordered to report to the Brigadier as part of a Bde column which was to advance to MARTUBA in order to capture the aerodrome. Owing to a certain amount of confusion in the orders, the Regt itself advanced along the main road at 0630 hours to Kilo 105 where they were halted by mines and shelling. Six prisoners from the 21st Panzer Div and the 90th Lt Div gave themselves up to the Regt, having been hiding in the escarpment during the night.Whilst the Regt was halted, the Bde column consisting of 8th Hussars Sqn, M Battery 3rd RHA, two Coys of 1st KRRC and one Tp of Lt Ack-Ack advanced through the Regt on its way to MARTUBA. Owing to the general shortage of petrol in the TOBRUK area, the remainder of the Regt was ordered to return to the top of the escarpment in area 363435, where it leaguered for the night |
| 15/11/1942 | 1430 – As ordered the Regt left the area on its way to TMIMI. 1715 – The Regt leaguered South of the road at Kilo 77, one mile East of TMIMI. |
| 16/11/1942 | Nothing to report. Efforts by 4th Lt Armd Bde to contact the Bde column which had preceded it to MARTUBA were unsuccessful until late in the evening. |
| 17/11/1942 | The remainder of Bde HQ advanced West to join the Bde column, the Regt being ordered to remain in its present position, and was placed under command of 7th Armd Div for admin purposes and 1st Armd Div for operational purposes. Major JB Harbord, commanding 8th Hussars Sqn, was killed in action in the area SLONTA. At this time the Regt (at TMIMI) had 16 fir Tanks on the road |
| 18/11/1942 | Nothing to report. |
| 19/11/1942 | Nothing to report. The CO contacted 10th Corps. |
| 20/11/1942 | On orders from 10 Corps the Regt moved to area SE of EL ADEM aerodrome where it handed over its 9 best Tanks to the Scots Greys. |
| 21/11/1942 | The remainder of the Regt’s Tanks were handed to 10 Corps workshops. |
| 22/11/1942 | Nothing to report. For admin purposes the Regt was placed under 22nd Armd Bde Rear who were at this time located at MRASSAS. |
| 23/11/1942 | The Regt moved to MRASSAS. |
| 24/11/1942 | Orders received via 22nd Armd Bde from 10 Corps that the Regt was to be re-formed as the 4th Hussars in the area of MRASSAS and completely equipped with Crusader Tanks. |
| 25/11/1942 | Acting on the previous day’s orders, B Sqn was reformed under command of Major PA Uniacke. |
| 26/11/1942 | 8th Hussars Sqn having reached BENGHAZI were ordered to return independently to SIDI BISHR. |
| 27/11/1942 | The Regt received orders to return to the Delta to reform and re-equip. The Regt prepared to move off with all its own transport. |
| 28/11/1942 | Orders from Corps to 22nd Armd Bde to strip Regt of all its transport were received and consequently the move of the Regt on the following day was postponed. The Adjt proceeded to Corps in order to sort out the problems as a result of which the Regt was allowed to keep sufficient transport to move the Regt to the Delta. |
| 29/11/1942 | The Regt handed over its surplus transport. |
| 30/11/1942 | Regt left MRASSAS across the desert for the Delta. The CO proceeded independently by car to CAIRO leaving the Regt under command Major FH Blackett. |
|
December 1942 CO: Col RCH Kidd |
|
| 1-3/12/1942 | Regt on march to Delta. |
| 4/12/1942 | 1145 – Regt arrived KHATABA camp and contacted advance party and pitched camp. Regt under command 10th Armd Div for admin purposes. Regt ordered to reform. CO rejoined the Regt. |
| 6/12/1942 | Leave parties to CAIRO begin. |
| 16/12/1942 | AA and QMG 17 Area – Lt Colonel Reynolds comes to visit Regt. |
| 18/12/1942 | Staff Captain 10th Armd Div visits Regt. |
| 19/12/1942 | CO admitted to hospital. Major Blackett assumes command of the Regt. |
| 30/12/1942 | Major FH Blackett and Capt HL White go to SIDI BISHR to 2nd RGH (disbanding) to pick men to come to Regt to complete our establishment. |
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