War Diary of G Battery (Mercer's Troop), Royal Horse Artillery 1943

January 1943 Commanding Officer: Maj J.A. Norman R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
20 miles E	1st		Recce made for battle positions in area WADI TAMET (726) in case of enemy counter attack.
of W., TAMET
	2nd		On 30 mins move for 24 hrs.
	5th		Practice regimental concentrations with live shell.
			Night march with 3 R.T.R.
	8-9		Practice regimental targets & course shooting.
	10th		Maj J.A. Norman rejoins battery. Lt. Col. G.P. Gregson R.H.A. having taken over command of regt.
	12th	0830	Advance to area Y0565 with 3 R.T.R. regimental group. Harbour for night. Mileage – 38 miles. Enemy aircraft engaged by own planes.
	13th	0900	Advanced 9 miles over WADO GHERBIT to Y8060.
		1800	Formed up for night march to area Y7363 (12 miles).
			Total 59 miles.
Y7363	14th		Enemy fighter over leaguer area at 50 ft & dropped delay action bombs. No casualties. Night march 18 miles to area X46.
	15th		Advanced at first light & on crossing the BU NGEM road ~~shelling~~ were shelled by the enemy. Dropped both troops in action west of of X46 & stepped troops up to a final position 400620. B.C. was controlling six O.P’s – ‘A’ Troop (Capt Noble) ‘B’ Troop (Capt Pitt) – two from 146 Fd. Regt. – 2 from 7th Medium.
			Many targets principally A/T guns & infy were engaged. It was soon apparent that the enemy had a main position in the area west of the road supported by artillery & tanks. A main tank battle developed in the afternoon. In regimental leaguer at last light.
	16th	0800	Enemy evacuated the position during the night & we advanced 42 miles to area R.90.
			The further opposition was met with & battery dropped into action to support 3 R.T.R. Antitank guns & infy engaged by both troops.
		1400	Stuka attack – no casualties - two planes shot down. Leaguered for the night. Flares & bombs dropped by enemy with no damage.
	17th	0730	Enemy pulled out by night & advance continued & was held up by WADDI NFED west of SEDADA (R19).
		0900	Group bombed by Stukas. Gnr. Robinson W.A. killed, Dvr Fairbairn & Gnr Dunlop wounded & evacuated. Three trucks damaged but repaired by fitters. At 1000 hrs advance continues to area 5657 some 50 miles.
	18th	1000	Leading troops contacted enemy south of TARHUNA. 3 R.T.R. group ordered to demonstrate west of the road. The battery had to come into action in the open in order to support the tanks – no other pstns being available. A troop L Sub B:Q8599. Later there were moved when it became possible. All positions were heavily shelled throughout the day especially when moving. We were fortunate to have the doctor & padre to keep spirits up! Excellent shooting by both O.P.’s who plastered everything they saw. A number of vehicles hit but patched up.
	20th		Advanced by a very difficult route in an objective on the TRIPOLI road 5 miles West of TARHUNA. At 1000hrs dropped into action to deal with slight opposition some 4 miles short of this & then advance about 2½ miles to a good position astride a road but very well covered. The country had now changed & we almost ?????? by contrast with the desert. Some good shooting by O.P.’s who dealt faithfully with everything they say. At last light the B.C. went forward with Maj Howard (The Buffs) on a recce to the main road TARHUNA – TRIPOLI to see that it was clear & a router fit for wheels. The group went into leaguer by the main road. The Buffs were ordered to put in a night attack astride the main road to try & take the pass.
	21st	0400	B.C. orders to move up the road to support the Buffs at first light. A recce was made by moonlight. Country very close & difficult/ Eventually B troop were put on action in a deep ravine with A troop some 200 ft above them in a small wood. At F.L. targets were engaged including M.G.’s & mortars.
			At 1200 hrs B.C. assumed temporary command of regt, Lt.Col, G.P. Gregson having been wounded.
Ref 1/200,000	21	1400	Major J.R. Kynaston RHA took over the battery vice Major J.A. Norman RHA who took temporary command of the Regiment owing to the C.O. Lt-Col G.P. Gregson M.C. RHA being slightly wounded.
TRIPOLI			A Difficult afternoon – the battery was sites in very steep wadis which made shooting very difficult. There was a considerable amount of hostile shelling particulary in the evening though fortunately no on the battery area.
L 7815			During the day the 3 R.Tanks were trying to cover a Sapper recces to fill in a ‘blow’ in the road and find a way round. The battery supported by engaging hostile guns & suspected OPs. Effects were not great as HBs were extremely difficult to hit when sited in a very steep wadi.
			Visibility was limited by the type of country. RB broke a track in soft sand at the bottom of one wadi. This was repaired next day.
		1800	Orders received to fire concentrations at a time to be notified in support of 131 Bde who were forcing the pass & then to move behind 3 R.Tanks in the continued advance on Tripoli.
	21	2042	Orders received to fire at 2045. Just did it. A Tp then pulled out of action.
		2315	Orders to move – the battery formed up on the road behind the tanks.
			The advance was slow at first owing to several blows in the road which the REs had to fill in or make a detour. The 131 Bde has met no opposition and the pace quicken as we reached the plain in front of Tripoli.
			The following casualties were received during the shelling of A Troop later on the day: - Killed – Gnr Savage W.H.T
			Wounded:- Lt D.C. Rawson RHA. Dr ic Crotty T.C.
			Gnr Clegg H. W/Sgt Gibson W.
			Gnr Severn S. Gnr Coad K.F.
			Gnr Appleton F. (died in ADA 24 Jan)
			Amn expenditure – 620 HE 16 smoke.
L5923	22	0400	A longish hold up due to a bad blow with mined detours. There were several tank & RE casualties before the way was cleared.
		0730	One 88mm shot at leading tanks – A troop dropped in action L 4832, B remained on wheels. A few rounds were fired and after about an hour the situation clarified & the enemy had withdrawn.
		1000	B troop came into action L473325 and was joined by A Troop. 3 Tanks took up position facing west south & west of Rd junc L43
		1300	Orders for 3.R.Tanks Regimental Group to move North astride the road to CASTEL BENITO. Contact was made about 2-3 miles South of CASTEL BENITO and battery dropped into action.
			The rest of the day was spent in engaging suspected 88mm & A/T guns. Owing to the close nature of the country observation was very limited.
		1830	Orders to be prepared to fire concentrations to support 131 Bde attack if the Hun had not pulled out & then follow up 3 R.Tanks to TRIPOLI.
		2100	Learnt it was unlikely we should have to fire.
		2345	Formed up on the road ready to follow the tanks.
			Amn. Expenditure:- 80 H.E. 7 Smoke
	23	0300	Started to move on TRIPOLI – once clear of CASTEL BENITO moved at a good pace along the main road without hindrance.
		0500	Tanks leaguered & guns dropped into action about KILO 4 from TRIPOLI. It was understood that the 3 Tank Regtl Group was the first group to enter the town.
L 5267		1015	Prepare to move to an area on coast road west of TRIPOLI.
		1045	March began along the route starting TRIPOLI. An eventful march through an unattractive bit of semi-countryside with many inhabitants line up watching & waving to us. Natives predominated. Once on the coast road the country improved though there were several ‘blows’ to detour.
		1400	Occupied a defensive position with guns in action L295635.
		1700	A few rounds of machine gun fire landed in OP area – the probable location of the M.G. was registered but nothing more transpired. Armoured Car patrol reported the fire had come from a 15 cwt truck.
		2000	A listening post was put out by the OP. Amn expenditure 9 H.E.
L 5267	24		Everyone settled down to cleaning & maintenance after the first night’s sleep in 3 nights. It appeared that we might remain where we were for some time
		1400	A message from 3 R.Tanks warning us to be ready to move forward by 1500 hrs.
		1500	Information received that the tanks were not moving but that the Regiment was to support the Buffs.
		1610	Orders issues by O.C. Buffs - G Bty to support A Coy which was in the lead. Head of company to pass S.P. 1 mile west at 1715. Objective to push the enemy rearguard back & if possible reach ZAUIA by dusk.
L 2160		1800	Leading armoured cars were shell on reaching L1558. B Troop dropped into action L2160 & engaged probable gun areas – the object being to get rounds on the ground & shown the enemy we were there.
			Troop leaguered in position with Bty HQ – A Troop remained on the road on wheel. BC & RB moved forward after dark with infantry to area L0857 where they leaguered for the night. Amn expenditure 52HE. 2 Smoke.
	25	0845	Advance continued, contact being made west of L0356 where some fairly heavy shelling was encountered by the leading infantry & OP in area of level crossing & immediately east.
L 0656			The battery came into action L0656 & engaged infantry MT & suspected gun positions all day. The Regiment moved up in rear & linked up. Ops were in the general area of level crossing though attempts were made to get a better view from trees & to the flank. Observation was limited by the close country. B Coy Buffs sent out a patrol at 2200 hrs – the battery leaguered in position ready either to support the patrol or move forward the next morning. Amn expenditure 168 HE 28 Smoke.
			Gnr Hennessey W.J. was evacuated sick.
	26		Patrol successful but was fired upon whenever it moved after first light.
		0800	BC & RB moved up road to area P98956 where a certain amount of shelling was encountered.
Ref 1/200.000		0900	Recce parties were ordered to area ~~P9856~~ L0156 under Regimental arrangements, ‘G’ moving last.
ZAURA		1000	Bty in action ~~P9856~~ L0156 – RB with B Coy Buffs & OPs from K & CC about P9657.
~~P9856~~ L0156			RA area P9758 & BC contacted Notts Yeo south of Rly
			Several tgts were engaged mainly infantry positions and one HB by RA which was afterwards taken by whole Regt.
	26	1700	RB contacted 6 Queens who were taking over from 1 Buffs & RA was instructed to contact 40 R. Tanks who were relieving Notts Yeo. However they were not located until the following morning as they were not in the location given
			B Tp was shelled on road on way to position in morning, BSM Lungley being slightly wounded (not evacuated) & the G.P.O. Lt. J.S. Fielding RHA being struck by splinters which did not penetrate. The Bty remained in action during the night. Amn, expenditure 120 H.E. 6 Smoke.
			WOII Weddle A & W/Bdr Thorburn W.R. rejoined the Bty.
	27	0600	BC moved up to 6 Queens Bn HQ at P9657 ready to move forward with RB with Bn HQ at first light.
		0730	Infantry moved forward without meeting opposition – B TpCmdr & BC had some trouble in following infantry on foot with their vehicles.
P7744		1600	Infantry proceed unopposed to area P7565 where they took up a position for the night- Bty in action P7744 after dropping in action east of SABRATHA on the way along. No firing OP at rd junc P76.
	28		No movement all day. Enemy had withdrawn west of MELLITA but advance was held up by holes in the road across a salt marsh.
		1600	Recce parties forward to try & move the battery & 7 Queens to MELLITA, going impassable owing to heavy rain most of the day.
	29	0730	Recce parties forward to MELLITA, going improved after a dry night but not considered fit for guns before 1200hrs. Contact made about 4 Kilo west of MELLITA.
		1100	B Troop moved up to P597689 – two guns moving on railway & two on track south of road. Guns on rly took 3 hours – A troop followed up along track. Any vehicles which went of the track promptly got stuck. Rly v. slow & congested with infantry lorries etc.
		1500	Bty in action complete. RB had been registering several targets & engaging pill boxes & occasional MT with 2 guns. Bty remained in action with DF tasks in front of the infantry. Amn. expenditure 108 HE 6 Smoke.
P7744		1800	Orders to be prepared to support an attack by 6 Queens & 40 R.Tanks at 0300 hrs if patrol find enemy still in position.
	30	0245	LO reported Concentrations would be required.
		0430	Fired concentrations. Am ammunition crisis as 2 amn lorries had broken down & FAP was 15 miles back over v. bad going.
			All HE available 40 r.p.g. was used, but as firing finished at 0500 two RASC lorries arrived & the loads of our own 2 lorries were soon received.
			Attack was unsuccessful & the enemy was not dislodge. Suspected gun positions, pill boxes & any movement seen was engaged all day without marked effect. An infantry patrol with an 18 set tries to spot target for OP but through poor communications & disruption of targets was not very successful. Amn expenditure 520 HE 16 Smoke.
			Dr i.c. Swift K.H & Gnr Kershaw L.A. rejoined the Bty.
	31	0930	Patrols during the night had not made contact. Infantry & armoured cars began to feel forwards and OPs were soon in ZUARA with armoured cars and carriers. No opposition was encountered beyond the usual holes in the road.
		1030	Bty moved to P5671. A certain amount of shelling was encountered on front edges & in ZUARA from positions some distance west. RB remained in observation on western edge of ZUARA & RA went a little way forward with 40 R Tanks. A battery position was recced on eastern edge of ZUARA but not occupied, K & CC only being moved up.
		1600	OPs were called in & the battery leaguered complete & out of action.
			Gnr Smith H. rejoined & W/Sgt Spence W. was evacuated sick. Amn expenditure NIL.

February 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C. RHA
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Ref 1/2000,00	1		A day of rest devoted to maintenance of men and equipment and some men bathing. Sat state of the M.T. was reviewed. The Bty has on 8 Quads left two of which will not tow guns: several 3 tonners are on their last legs & only 8 trailers remain.
ZUARA			It is with difficulty that 100 r.p.g can be carried in our transport.
P.5773			However a pool of 5 x 3 Ton from the tank Regiments in 8 Armd Bde has been formed to help case the situation.
			A slight bombing raid by MEs during the afternoon; no damage or casualties though several booms in the leaguer area.
	2		Continues rest and maintenance.
		1500	Orders received by R/T that we are at 20 minutes to move to probable area ZELTEN P28. No more transport.
	3	0800	Move does not appear imminent but still at 30 minutes notice.
		1400	Information received no move today: move early tomorrow to take over 407 Bty (of 146 Fd Regt) position in ZUARA MARINA. Gnr Coad rejoined.
	4	0745	G Parties moved to new area followed by the battery at 0800.
		0845	In area P4977, leaguered with trucks on the ground – command post in a house – the first for ages.
		0945	A party sent to exchange vehicles with 3 RHA our worst 2 quads, 3 x 3 ton & one 15 cwt for 2 quads 7 x 3 ton 4 x 15 cwts and 2 Honeys. Two new 3 Tonners arrived from TRIPOLI and a driver sent to collect a quad.
			Notification of the following immediate awards were received – Military Cross, Major J.R. Kynaston RHA – Military Medal L/Bdr Pugh & L/Bdr Sharples.
	5		A peaceful day. Capt. C.P. North RHA was posted from K Bty to command A Troop.
		1630	Orders received for a move at 0900 tp REGDALIN to concentrate with part of 8^th Armd Bde in order to continue the advance.
	6	0900	Moved to leaguer in REGALIN area.
		2000	Verbal orders for move into action in area O 9979 in support of 1 Buffs.
			Order of march Buffs B Bty with 2 Tps 268 A/T Bty under command, Tac Bde HQ, Staffs Yeo, CC, K, 242 Medium Bty, 258 A/T Bty less 2 Troops, Main Bde & RHQ, FAP, Bde Rec Sec.
	7	0820	Moved off behind Buffs, considerable difficulty getting out of leaguer area owing to heavy rain over night.
		1300	In action 9879, OPs Point 14 & 19 with a & C Coys of Buffs.
			Infantry & gun positions engaged during afternood & several Regimental targets on gun areas. Not much movement or hostile artillery activity at last light. Bty remained in action BC & Ops leaguering with Buffs.
			Amn expenditure HE Smoke
	8	0730	Ops moved out RA to Pt 14 & RB with B Coy Carriers
		1030	Bty moved to O9684. RB crossed salt marsh into TUNISIA. NO opposition.
		1400	BC & 1 Buffs Bn HQ moved across salt marsh without difficulty though some vehicles were sticking. No opposition though armoured cars some way ahead were shelled.
			Buffs formed a bridge head covered by Staffs & CC Bty: G remaining on East side able to reach FDL for defensive fire.
			BC & Ops leaguered with Buffs in TUNISA – Bty in TRIPOLITANIA. Amn expenditure – NIL.
	9	1000	Orders from C.O. to move battery across salt marsh. After complete recce it appeared that the shortest way by the Bde C.L. would take the longest time & the battery was moved across further north – the majority of the vehicles had to be towed by the Honey tanks.
		1600	In action O 9386 OP all day in area O 8888. Little movement seen & all well out of range.
O.9386	10		No change. OP in area O.8888 little movement until evening when a few tanks appeared out of range.
O.9386	11.		No change. A sniping troop was moved to O8786 with an OP at PT 17 O 8493 but no targets were seen.
O.9386	12.		No change. B1 echelon still east of salt marsh waiting for the causeway to be complete by the REs. Only essential supply trucks can cross & normally have to winched. Capt Pitt evacuated after an accident when he shot himself in the hand.
O.9386	13	1200	No change. Causeway still not complete. Bombed by 4 MEs – Command Post straddled no casualties but M1 (15 cwt) knocked out by splinters through engine. Lt J.S. Fielding evacuated as result of traffic accident a week ago, Concussion & twisted cartilage.
		1800	Orders from C.O. for move tomorrow at 1230. 8 Reinforcements received
			Gnrs. Patterson, Eeely, Lloyd, Know, Lawton, Benge, Harrop & Edwards.
	14	1145	Moved with 8 Armd Bde to concentration area O.8282 arriving 1345.
			A short journey across bad going in a sandstorm. Close leaguered at last light ready to move on BEN GARDAN the following morning.
O.8282	15	0915	Moved off in desert formation direct on X tracks J.6302. Order of march Staffs Yeo. CC Bty. Tac Bde, G.K with Buffs & 258 A/T Bty on flanks. Main HQ.
		1215	An uneventful march. Dropped into action O.6697 while tanks were working forward.
		1330	Moved to J 6301 with OP with tanks. A at J 5904, B 5705. Two HB’s silenced.
			Several infantry positions engage with good effect & OPs forced to move. Remained in action at night with D.F. tasks covering the Buffs. Amn Expenditure HE 216 Smoke 6.
			Gnr Potts joined the Bty & Gnr Severn rejoined.
Ref Sheet	16		OPs at first light reported no signs of the enemy.
1/500,000 PISIDA		1200	Orders to be ready to move 1400 hrs. Moved at that hour:- going was fair though heavy but after about five miles it became impassible for guns.
J 6202			After a long recce over very bad going a position was found about J 5204. The guns were brought in on another route arriving just before last light with the Brigade taking up position along the WADI FESSI. One O.P. slept with the Buffs who were covered by D.F. tasks.
		2130	Orders to be ready to move 0930 the next day to area J 30.
	17	0930	Moved off in column of router along wadi for about 4 miles & then moved N.W. across very heavy going.
		1430	Bde took up a defensive position with battery in action A 0257.
			One OP with Buffs but no contact with enemy. Lt Hussey joined.
	18		Remained in same area while 8 Armd Bde was being relieved by 22 Armd Bde. This regiment was not relieved.
A.0257	19	A.M.	Arrangements made for some course shooting. B.C. attended conference at RHQ & following promotions were made to Sgt, L/SGt Shaw, to L/Sgt. Bdrs Warren, Thornburn, Walker & Beesley, to Bdr L/Bdrs Humphrey & Armitage.
		1300	Warning order probable night move to MEDENIN area – practice cancelled.
			The battery affiliated to 5 R. Tanks. Ready to move at 1900 hrs following 5 Tanks.
			A dearth of orders until 10 minutes before moving at 1945 hrs. Moved in column of router along road to leaguer in area Pt 104 E8281. 5 R. Tanks Regt Group were to work round the north of MEDENIN the next morning to force the enemy to withdraw from the high ground overlooking MEDENIN from West.
	20	0630	Moved in action just out of leaguer area E8281 – a position unmaped but under cover – hade been recced by moonlight.
		0800	Tanks moved on through a bridge head made by 2RB (no opposition) over a wadi north west of position. There was no opposition until the tanks were well in view of the high ground about METAMEUR.
		0930	The bty followed up & came into action E8084 later moving to E ~~808~~ 7586. OPs in area 6689 tried to engage enemy infantry & guns but own to poor visibility & smoke from enemy shells little result was seen until the afternoon. An attempt was made to move the battery forward during the afternoon as the range was becoming very long but owing to enemy OPs on the high ground it was impossible to move the battery before the light failed ~~As it~~ without meaning heavy casualties. As it was the recce parties were shelled. Gnr Urquhart being wounded
		1900	Moved & remained in action for the night. Amn expenditure 82 HE 11 Smoke
E 7088	21		Enemy had pulled back virtually out of range. OPs at 6290 & 6587 had little to report except occasional shelling particularly in the forward area.
			Bty remained in action all day without firing
	22	AM	No change. During afternoon positions were recced & surveyed in area E.6889.
		1800	Orders to pull out at last light & leaguer on top of the WADI ready to occupy the positions recced previously by first light.
		1930	Pulled out into leaguer. Clocks put back one hour at midnight – putting us on English time.
E.6889	23	0630	Moved into position E 6889. Rather a squeeze to get everything in, but it turned out quite well when dug in & camouflaged. OP (Capt North) at 6292 in a Jeep : not much movement but spasmodic shelling all day – HBs located by sound only & mostly out of range. One engaged by as Regtl target. Amn expenditure 21 HE.
	24		No change. OP (Lt Harvey) 6292, little to report. OP (Capt Noble) in Jeep went to E5987 – more like a Jeep patrol as accompanied by an officer, from CC Bty in another Jeep – both well armed.
		1400	Warning order to move by 1^st light to area 6284, later changed to move at 2100 hrs.
		1815	Bty pulled out & formed up for night march.
		1830	Move cancelled - bty leaguered in present position. Amn Ex 24 H.E.
E.6889	25		No change – OPs as for yesterday. Spasmodic shelling through none very near the battery. One regimental target engaged. Amn 21 H.E.
	26	0615	A troop moved out to do some sniping into two section parties at 648920 and 642930. OPs, RA (Capt North) at 6292 and RB (Lt Noble) in a jeep in same area moving later to 5994. Little to shoot as the enemy had pulled back – a few infantry & some guns behind a ridge engaged.
		1700	Troop moved back to E6889 – one excitement during the afternoon, one ME short down by Spitfires crashed between left section & the waggon lines & exploded. No one hurt.
		1800	Amn. Ex. 60 HE 2 Smoke. Warning order for move at 0900 hrs tomorrow to area south west of ME.
	27	0830	Formed up ready to move but did not start until about 1000hrs.
		1200	In action area E6579. The Brigade in a defensive position on left flank of line. No enemy withing sight. One OP (Lt Noble) with 5 R. Tanks.
		1800	Orders to ‘stand to’ daily 0545 – 0645 and 1815 – 1915.
E 6578	28		No change. OP in area 6477 with 5 R. Tanks. Nothing to report.
			Gnr Gee & Slack joined the battery. A day of rest and maintenance though the battery is at 15 minutes notice to move. It appears the Brigade will probably stay on this area for about 3 weeks while the supplies for attacking the MARETH LINE are being built up.
			A good rest would be pleasant though it is probably a forlorn hope.

March 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C. RHA
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
E6579	1	1000	5 RHA Operation Order No 35 received. Capt T.J. Cooke RHA awarded the M.C. a periodical award which appeared first in the Egyptian Mail.	Appendix No. 1
		1500	Warning order to move tomorrow to 681805 in rear of CC Bty,
			A recce of the area was carried out. It appeared somewhat cramped & on very hard ground. Lt Dunlop was evacuated to MDS suffering from athlete’s foot. Gnr Gee & lack joined.
	2	0600	Warning order to be ready to move by 1800 hrs to area 6587 with the brigade. Move to 681805 cancelled.
			“Stand to” order from 1800hrs today.
		1400	Recce parties moved to marsh area, part returning later as guides.
		1830	Moved at last light & leaguered in area E7085 near battery area.
			5 RHA O.O. No 36 received.	Appendix No. 2
	3	0530	Reveille & moved into action 705858. BC & Ops with 5 R.Tanks in area 7087. 5 Tanks in reserve. Spasmodic gunfire during the day well away from battery area. A small German attack was put in on 51(H) Div at about 1800. BC & OPs leaguered with 5 Tanks & battery remained in action with 6 D.F. tanks covering a lot of the front.
705858	3		Areas MANSE & WOLFE were recced during the afternoon
	4		No change – “stand to” still in force. By evening all the Panzer divisions 10, 15 & 21 were reported in the area.
	5		No change, Lt D. Alton-Nagel joined the battery & was posted to A Tp as G.P.O. vice Lt P.A.L. Wilson who returned to B Troop as Tp leader.
	6	0700	From reports coming in it appeared the Hun was attacking or preparing to attack. Both OPs & BC remained with the 5 Tanks who were in reserve. Later in the morning when it appeared that the main threat from being from the left RB (Lt Noble) went to area 6586 but was unable to get good observation.
			Throughout the day the enemy continued to attack on the left with tanks & infantry, though the infantry attacks were often broken up by artillery concentrations before they materialised. The 5^th Tanks remained in position & were not in action all day.
E.705858			The battery did a considerable amount of shooting on regimental and divisional targets mainly tanks or infantry in area 6284, No observed shooting was done by the battery thought CC Bty initiated several concentrations resulting in the brewing up of at least one tank & causing the enemy to abandon several vehicles & one 50 mm.
			The battery had fired 725 HE by dark. Lt V.C.J. Potter joined. Dv Beardman R. joined from R.A. Base Depot, He had just completed a course in the “Priest’ – the 105 mm S.P. Gun. A possible omen.
	7		At intervals throughout the night D.F. fire was put down on orders from RHQ, usually when the forward troops heard movement in front of the, - in all 240 HE were fired. There is no doubt that this fire prevented the enemy from recovering his knocked out tanks, as the great majority were still there in the morning when the sappers went to blow them up.
			Preliminary reports indicate a bay of some 30 for a loss of none of ours. No attacks were made during the day & the battery did not fire. RA (Capt North) was at 635855 but no movement could be seen though there was spasmodic shelling in that area.
	8	0700	All quiet. RB (Lt Hussey) remained with 5 Tanks, BC & RA (Capt North) returned to the battery
		1000	Codeword ‘VAPEX’ received. The battery “stood down” though remained at 15 minutes notice.
			No OP was manned though one officer remained with 5 Tanks for liaison.
			Officers Mess was put up & some fresh mutton enjoyed – the result of a foraging expedition to TRIPOLI. Lt Noble proceeded to TRIPOLI for a short rest to try & rid himself of desert sores & also to replace office equipment for RHQ whose office truck had been blown up by a direct hit from a bomb. Lt Hussey took over B Troop, Lt Wilson G.P.P & Lt Potter Troop leader.
E.705858	9		No change, Parties of ten went on a “battle field tour”. The M.O. (Capt Martin) gave a lecture on ‘Malaria’ to all ranks. We area approaching a very malarious region
	10		Started a week’s training programme, signalling classes & a cadre class for NCOs – probably optimistic as any programme usually means a move/
			A week can be very profitably employed for overhauling vehicles & general smartening up.
	11	am	No change. A recce by BC and Bty Capt to find a suitable troop position for some practice with 11 Hussars (Armoured Cars) acting as OPs/
		pm	BC’s conference & signs of coming battle. Recce’s laid on for tomorrow for battle positions.
	12	0730	Recce parties prepare a battery position in square E6292.
		0800	B Troop moved to E 665837 to do some practice shooting with observation by 11 Hussars. System seemed to work well though slow owing to 18 sets used by Armoured Cars working indifferently. Method was for 11 Hussars personnel to walk to the top of a hill with an 18 set – wireless observations to the 19 set in A car at the bottom & from the car to the battery. Amn expenditure 31 HE.
		1200	B Troop returned to Bty position. Dvr Wray evacuated sick.
	13	am.	Orders to dump 160 r.p.g. in position recce in 6292.
		1700	Dumping party of 5 lorries from FAP & 3 from the battery left under Bty Capt (Capt Cooke) to dump by moonlight & dig in the amm. A small guard was left – the position was in front of our FDLs.
			L/Bdr Laing and L/Bdr (M/M) Alder rejoined the battery. One OP (Capt North) to E 635852 to cover 2 Bn Scots Guards. Warning order move to battle position night 14/15 Mar.
	14.		Lt V Hussey posted to 22 Armd Bde as L.O. Gnr Chapman & Whitcombe joined from R.A.B.D.
		2045	Moved by moonlight to area E628925 getting into action soon after 2300 hrs.
E.6292			Most of the remainder of the night was spent on digging in & camouflaging guns & vehicles. Position well forward & somewhat exposed though flash cover from the gun. Strict orders issued for no movement of vehicles & minimum of personnel during daylight.
		1700	Ammunition vehicles forward remained in WADI ZESSOR about E6593. 5 RHA Op Ins No 37 received,	App III
	15	0545	A check up to ensure that maximum protection from view from ground & air had been obtained. Results appeared fairly satisfactory
		0600	Capt North returned as our responsibility for S.Guards front had ceased.
			A quiet day with virtually no enemy shelling a Gnd OP at Pt99 manned
		1800	5 RHA Op Order No 38 & barrage tracing received.	App IV
	16		Continued to lie up & prepare for barrage tonight.
		2045	Started firing to mark the line for infantry (210 Guards Brigade) though barraged did not start for about another hour.
		2302	Barrage finished without incident or retaliation. Success signals had been seen & the battery laid out on SOS lines.
E6292	17		Two DF calls were answered during the early hours of the morning.
		0700	It appeared that attack had not been successful on the left – the Coldstream Guards had gained a foothold on one part of the objective but we were allowed to shoot on the other.
		0800	Warning order for a divisional smoke screen – this was fired by at least 2 Regiments & lasted for about 1½ hour. Object to allow the Guards to disengage & pull back. This was achieved. The rest of the day was quiet. One OP (Capt Noble) with Scots Guards engaged a few parties of infantry.
		1800	Points for a “mythical” barrage requested - the idea to try & persuade the enemy we were registering for another attack tonight – in point of fact the line was pulled back a little. Amn expenditure including 1164 H.E. 267 Smoke.
			D.F. tasks were allotted covering the Guards front & OPs (Capt North & Lt Potter) slept with Scots Guards & 5 R.Tanks respectively.
E6292	18		Continued to lie up in same position. Amn allotment reduced to 10 r.p.g. Only one OP (Lt Potter) as liaison with 5 Tanks. OP with Scots Guards relived by CC Bty OP. Amn Ex 21 H.E..
			The following rejoined the battery: L/Bdr Golding, Dv Stone, Dv Olds Gnr Ince, Gnr Jeavous, Gnr Sinclair
	19	0600	Capt North returned to Scots Guards & remained on observation all day engaging on one target
		1300	Lt Gen Horrocks, 10^th Corps Cmdr visited the battery.
		1600	Lt Noble relived Lt Potter as 5 Tanks are due to relieve C.L.Y. tonight & moved up on our left.
		1730	Some shelling in the battery area – all lines cut but no damage or casualties. Amn Ex. 25 HE.
	20	0600	Capt Noble relieve by CC Bty OP. Some shelling in battery area -
		0930	Several rounds in B Troop position. Gnr Potts wounded & one limber caught fire, but luckily on a few charges burnt & these were quickly put out.
		1415	Alternative positions surveyed at 6493 (approx) – impossible to move before dark owing to exposed position now in.
E6292			A dumping programmed (only 75 r.p.g_ laid on for last light.
		1900	Moved to 6493 & fired concentrations from 2145 to 2355.
		2130	Orders to move to area E7292 immediately after firing programme was finished. This was due to end 0245 but was cut down.
		0005	Moved, Ammunition expenditure 615 H.E. 38 Smoke.
E7292	21	0330	Leaguered by roadside – when the light came we found ourselves in the middle of Army HQ.
		0600	Moved to leaguer in WOLFE area – this occupied by 20 Corps HQ – however we found room on the flank.
			Lying up all day & close leaguer at night with 5 Tanks at Z7002.
Z 7104	22	0600	Moved out into open leaguer 7104 – OPs remaining with tanks.
		1500	Recces for area to cover C Sqn who was to support 151 Bde in bridgehead in MARETH LIINE 6210. A suitable position found at 6305 in a minefield. REs cleared a patch in which the guns could be placed with waggon lines some 1500 yards back.
		2300	Moved to area, by now the plan had changes & both heavy sqns & RHQ 5 Tanks with 2 FOOS were to go ~~through~~ into bridgehead.
Z 6305	23	0100	In position. The expected attacked by our infantry did not materialise & Hun counter attacks liquidated the bridgehead. Moving found the battery in action 630053 with FOOs Capt North & Lt Noble with the tanks in battle line in square 6208. There they remained all day being heavily shelled at intervals. Several enemy tanks, infantry & gun positions were engaged.
			RA received a direct hit from a 50 mm damaging the driving sprocket but not putting the tank out of action.
			The tanks remained out all night. OPs & BC, remaining at RHQ 625085.
			Amn Ex 312 HE, 10 Smoke, Gnrs joined the Bty
	24	0430	1sr Tanks relieved 5^th Tanks. Lt Noble remained with 1^st Tanks in same area. BC & Capt Noble moved with 5 Tanks to E6598. Bty remained in same position.
		1600	Lt Noble engaged inf, mortars & OPs at intervals throughout the day. Recce parties at area E 6695 at last light.
		2230	Move completed Bty in area E 6695. Amn expenditure 320 HE.
E 6695	25	0730	Recce parties to old area WELLINGTON E7056868 – Bty moved to 1000 hrs & was in by 1200 hrs, No OPs but a L.O. with 5 Tanks. Remainder of day spent in rest & cleaning.
E7056868	26	0700	Recce parties to E6182. Bty standing by to move from 1000hrs,
E6182		1300	In action E6182 supporting 1 RB – one OP (Lt Noble) 580867 no movement seen but poor visibility owing to sand.
			Fire plan at 1530 on SAIHRA while CLY & carriers of 1 RB made a demonstration to bluff the enemy out. No sign of retaliation or movement. Plan for 2^nd60^th & 1RB to clean up SAIKRA & REMTSIA & 131 Bde high ground further west during the night.
			We are to fire concentrations for 5 minutes at 0520 hrs. Ammunition Expenditure 302 HE.
	27	0520	Concentrations fired. Attack successful & 1 RB gained the summit of SAIKRA taking about 140 P.W. from PISTOIA Div but suffering fairly heavy casualties from mines.
			Lt Noble occupied OP in a Jeep in area 820867 – no hostile movement was seen though there was some mortar & gunfire during the morning. By evening it appeared that the enemy had pulled out. Amn expenditure 220 HE 25 Smoke.
E6182	28	0600	One OP to 580867 reported no movement. 201 Guards Brigade were taking over from 1RB & OP was relieved by midday.
			Battery remained in position awaiting orders. The news was good as it appears that the enemy is pulling out of the MARETH LINE.
			Dvr Wood F wounded & evacuated when his truck hit a mine in the waggon lines.
	29	0800	Order to send 2 tonner to salvage empties left on previous positions – Regiment now at 6 hours notice to move – delay probably due to clearing mines in MARETH LINE.
		1600	Warning order to be ready to move early tomorrow to area South East of GABES. Lt D.G. Rawson rejoined the Bty & took over Troop Leader A Troop from Lt Gardner.
E6182	30	0800	Formed up to tee in behind 5 Tanks & moved in column of router through MARETH LINE to Z 4106 & leaguered there at 1500 hrs, Remaining there for the night.
Z 4106	31	0900	Moved in column of route to area Z 3515 where we leaguered with 5 Tanks/ Lt Noble promoted Capt – Capt Cooke left the battery & joined RHQ tp understudy & take over Adjutant.
		2100	Warning Order for recce parties to be ready from 0630 hrs tomorrow. Battery to move night 1/ 2 ~~March~~ April & 300 r.p.g. to be dumped by 0001 hrs 2 Apr/
			Order of battle Officers:-
			Bty HQ Maj JR Kynaston BC A. Troop. Capt C.P. North B.Troop. Capt J.P. Noble
			Lt C.D.M. Peal CPO Lt. D. Alton Nagel Lt. P.A.L. Wilson
			Lt K.D. Jamieson A.C.P.O. Lt D.G. Rawson Lt V.C. Potter
			Lt A.E. Gardner B.echelon

SECRET
5 RHA OPERATIONAL ORDER NO.35	Copy No. ..1

(Ref map TUNISIA 1/200,000, Sheet 29.)		28 Feb 43

INFORMATION.

1. Enemy.

(a)

The enemy is holding the MARETH line from ZARAT to TOUJANE with an outpost line on high ground WEST of WADI ZEUSS ending at a defended locality on the DJEBEL RENTSIESE 5386. Covering his right flank is a forces holding the HALLOUF pass E 47, E46

(b)

His dispositions are believed to be as follows:-

German
15 Armd Div		WEST of WADI ZEUSS SOUT of rd MARETH-MEDININ, as far as DJEBEL REMTSIA
90 Lt Div		ARRAM and MARETH line WEST of main rd.
164 Lt Div	)	In MARETH Line EAST of TOUTAI E 4991 and in hills area TOUJANE -Bj ZELTANE - HALLOUF
Italian	)
XII Corps	)
PISTOLA
TRIESTE
XX Corps		MARETH line EAST of ARRAM
SPEZIA
YOUNG FASCISTS
Battle Gp of 15 Armd Div, PGR Africa, one coy A.Tk guns from 21 Armd Div and CENTAURO battle gp are believed to be returning to this front from KHASSERINE area, and will probably arrive about 27 Feb.

(c)

The enemy is now receiving considerable reinforcements of men and materials, and will the calling off of the advance towards TEBESSA, will probably hold his present posns more strongly. He has definitely broken contact in the KHASSERINE area and may concentrate his forces against us in the hope of dealing a blow before we have built up our fill strength.

(d)

Details of the enemy's defences and strength will be issued separately. C/B information shows his main gun area to have been 27 Feb from E 5600 to % 4898 with some guns EAST of WADI ZIGAOU in general area of X tracks E 5495. His FDLs follow general line of high ground E 5795 0 E 5491 - E 5689 - E 5183.

2. Own Troops.

(i)

7 Armd Div are scouring Pt 214 feature E 5986, TAJJEFAS E 7078 and HARBOUB E 7574 L.Gs and protecting left flank of 30 Corps.

(a)	131 Bde	is holding a defensive posn on general line E 6088 - E 5986 - E 6484 and observing enemy between inter div bndy and E 85 northing grid.
(b)	22 Armd Bde	is ready to occupy battle posn MOORE E 6580 at 15 mins notice. It is reconnoitring as far WEST as possible, and is prepared to counter-attack any enemy adv NORTH or SOUTH of MOORE.
(c)	1/Buffs	with 75 A.Tk Regt less one bty under comd have formed an A.Tk screen SOUTH from incl MOORE battle posn to protect MEDNIN L.Gs
(d)	4 Lt Armd Bde	is protecting left flank of 7 Armd Div, and observing the rds leading EAST from TOUJANE.
(e)	12 L	are observing enemy between E 85 NORTHING and incl rd METAMEUR - TOUJANE.

(ii)

51 (H) Div is disposed as followe:-

(a)

153 Bde

in posn on line WADI ZEUSS NORTH of line E 6799 - Z 6203 with one Bn EAST of WADI ZESSOR. If heavily attacked are to withdraw to line of WADI ZESSOR, which will be held.

(b)

152 Bde

are maintaining firm base on high ground area E 6596 with outpost on WADI ZEUSS. One bn is being kept mobile EAST of WADI ZESSOR.

(c)

154 Bde

is holding area E 6292 - ABDELLA E 7592.

(d)

23 Armd Bde

50 R.Tanks area E 6596.

40 R.Tamks area E 7592

A Fighting French force (Force L) under comd General LECLERC is operating WEST of 4 Lt Armd Bde.

201 Guards Bde are arriving about 2 Mar and may take over area held by 154 Bde.

8 Armd Bde are arribing about 2 Mar and are to be in Corps Reserve area MEDININE, prepared to occupy battle position are E 6972.

RAF are carrying out extensive bombing by day and niht and intensifying attacks on enemy air force. HARBOUR L.G. (E 7472) is in use by fighter and it is hoped to operate MEDININE WEST L.G. (7077) shortly.

One Bn I.M.P is deployed for immediate defense of MEDININE L.Gs.

Inter Div Bndy incl 51 (H) Div X tracks E 630873 - ABDALLA E 6089 - excl GLIEB ET TINE E 5691 - incl X tracks E 538949.

Med Arty 69 Med Regt area E 6387 and 7 Med Regt area MEDININE under comd CAGRA.

10.

Minefields.	(i)	CRE is laying a marked minefield in WADI ZEUSS NORTH of E 85 Northing Grid
	(ii)	CRE is laying unmarked scatted minefields across tracks at foot of the hills area E 57.
	(iii)	CRE is laying marked dummy minefields in front of our FDLs

INTENTION.

11.

5 RHA will support 22 Armd Bde

METHOD,

12.

5 RHA under comd CRA, in support of 22 Armd Bde, while in MOORE posn, but revert to 22 Armd Bde if the latter are ordered to move from this posn.

13.

Btys are allotted to Armd Regts as follows, in the event of any move:-

G Bty RHA	. .	5 R.Tanks
K Bty RHA	. .	4 CLY
CC Bty RHA	. .	1 R.Tanks

14.

(i)

5 R.Tanks are prepares to occupy battle posn from excl rd METAMEUR - TOUJANE at Pt 140 (E6580) to excl track METAMEUT - GAETTAR at E 6677.

(ii)

4 CLY are prepared to occupy battle posn from E 6582 to incl rd METAMEUR - TOUJANE at Pt 140.

(iii)

1 R.Tanks in reserve, in rear of 5 R.Tanks.

15.

Gun area 6570, 6679 6779.

16.

Z.L. 280°

17.

O.Ps.

(i)

Each bty will maintain one OP on a static posn, to cover zones as follows:-

G Bty - West of 67 Easting Grid and South of 80 Northing.

K Bty - Right of 6387 to 5092: Left Track 6879 to 5072.

CC Bty - West of 67 Easting Grid and North of 80 Northing.

(ii)

Each bty will maintain one FOO with the Armd Regts they are supporting at nights.

18.

(i)

D.F. Task for MOOR posn:-

G Bty :- E 63000 80200 to a point 100 yds due North.

K Bty :- E 63000 80300 to a point 100 yds due North.

CC Bty :- E 63000 80400 to a point 100 yds due North..

(ii)

D.F. wil be fired on orders from this HQ, and will be answered by 2 mins Rate 5 followed by 3 Mins Rate 3.

19. State of Readiness.

(i)	All units at 15 mins notice to move
(ii)	Alarm Signal: RED - WHITE - RED, on receipt of which all units will stand to immediately, and will not stand down until orders from this HQ.
(iii)	Code work for stand to:- "PYGMALION", on which all units will stand to until receipt of "VAPEX" (stand down).
(iv)	All units will stand to from 0545 - 0645, and 1815 - 1915 hrs daily. All vehicles will be started at stand to.

20.

Patrolling.

(i)

5 R.Tanks and 4 CLY will be maintaining patrols both by day and night on line rd E 5577 - 6284, keeping contact with 12 L on right, and with ROYALS on lef.

(ii)

Patrols of 12 L and ROYALS will be returning through own lines after last light and going out before first light each day.

21.

A.A. 145 Lt AA Bty at present under comd CRA, and operating on area basis, but reverts to command 22 Armd Bde on move from present area.

22.

Amn.

(i)

The Regt is officially limited to 20 rpg for Div HB policy, and 10 rpg for other tgts. Btys will therefore bear this in mind, if engaging tgts (not HBs) and will notify this HQ if the expenditure starts to exceed this, that that extra allotment can be requested.

(ii)

All echelons to be kept full and on wheels until further orders.

23.

B Ech - under Bde control in area E 8575.

24.

Replenishment - normal.

25.

Rec. LAD at E 6679 (in area of G Bty WLs).

26.

Med. RAP with CC Bty.

Further admin information when available

INTERCOMN.

27.

L/T to Btys, 22 Armd Bde, RA 7 Armd Div

28.

R/T	(i)	Listening watch on Bde Rear Link.
	(ii)	Regtl net checks not 0600 hrs daily, otherwise listening watch.
	(iii)	RA Rear Link as ordered.

29.

(i)	Tac and Main RHQ at 673798 wef 0930 hrs 1 Mar.
(ii)	22 Armd Bde HQ E 6878.	(iii)	Main 7 Armd Div E 7180.
(iv)	Rear 7 Amrd Div E 7777.	(v)	Main 51 (H) Div E 9394
(vi)	Main 30 Corps E 9083

ACK.	Capt.
T.O.S. 0751/A	Adj.

Distribution.
G Bty........1	LAD........................5	OO...........................9
K Bty........2	145 Lt AA Bty.........6	QM.........................10
CC Bty.....3	CO...........................7	MO.........................11
Sig Sec......4	CO2.........................8	W/Diary...................12/13
		File...........................14

S E C R E T

14 Mar 43.

5 RHA OPERATIONAL ORDER NO.37

Copy No. ...

(Ref map 1/50,000 TUNISIA, 91.NE, 91.SE, 92.NW, 92.SW

INFORMATION.

1. Enemy. As issued to L.Os 14 March.

2. Own Troops.

(i)

(a)	210 Gds Bde (less 2.S.Gs) occupying area 630945 - 610920 approx night 14/15 march. This move will take place as soon after last light as possible.
(b)	4 C.L.Y are moving into the area Southern half Square 6291, night 14/15 March, to act as left protection to 201 Gds Bde.
(c)	22 Armd Bde (less 4 CLY) remain prsent area.
(d)	1 S.Gs and 1.RB. are holding origina 201 Gds Bde fron (i.e. approx 6384 - 6579) until relieved by 2 Armd bde, 0001 hrs 16 Mar.
(e)	7 Indian Inf Bde, less 1 Bttn, relieve 131 Bde South from excluding ABDALLA to 6385, night 15/16 Mar.
(f)	131 Inf Bde take over Southern portion of 154 Bde front from approx 603891 to 615916, night 15/16 March.

7 Armd Div artillery is moving into area 6292, 6392, 6492and South and East of this, to support subsequent attack of 201 Gds Bde on "HORSEHOE" feature (582956 - 575956 - SIDI EL GUELAA 5694 - ZEHMOULA 5793).

INTENTION.

(i)	5 RHA will move to battle position in area 6292, as already recce'd, on night 14/15 March
(ii)	5 RHA will support 22nd Armd Bde throughout.

METHOD,

Zero line 270º

Depart present area:- K.Bty - 2000 hrs 14 Mar: CC.Bty - As soon at tail of K Bty is clear: G.Bty - on receipt of code word "DANDELION" (unless previously notified that this will no longer apply, in which case, will move when tail of CC.Bty is clear, see para 8 below

Route. As recce'd a.m 14 March to x tks 649922, thence to Bty posns. the route will be lighted at intervals by 22 Armd Bde Pro. Div TCP will be established at x tks 649922, and leading vehicle of K.Bty will report to TCP that they are the first vehicle of 5 RHA. G.Bty will detail one officer to travel in read of their column, who will report to TCP when tail of Regt is clear.

D.F.

(i) Regt is at present responsible for DF on front 2 S.Gs (D.F 1000) 121 Fd Regt are however, to take over this task as soon as possible. This relief may be completed prior to commencement of move, in which case Regt will have NO DF responsibilities during the move: F.O.O from G Bty at present at present with 2 S.Gs may return to his Bty as soon as relieved by F.O.O from 121 Fd.

(ii) Should this relieve NOT be completed prior to 2000 hrs 14 Mar, G Bty will continue to be prepared to engage D.F 1000 and will NOT depart present area until receipt of "DANDELION". This code word will be given by K.Bty and will indicate that K.Bty is in action and ready to engage DF 1000. F.O.O from G.Bty will remain with 2 S.Gs until relieved by 121 Fd. Similarly G and CC Btys will be prepared to engage this D.F if required on arrival.

(iii) On arrival new area, K.Bty will contact HQ 201 Gds Bde and ascertain DF task arranged with 58 Fd Regt RA (who are responsible for close support of 201 Gds Bde until 1000 hrs 16 Mar, when this responsibility is taken over by 3 RHA.) As soon as the Regt is relieve of responsibility of D.F 1000, S.O.S task will be as required by 201 Gds Bde.

9. F.O.Os.

(i)

1 F.O.O from K.Bty will contact 4 CLY by 1800/14 and remain with them until further orders.

(ii)

F.O.Os from CC Bty will contact 1 R.Tanks and 5 R.Tanks respectively and will remain with them in present area.

(iii)

F.O.O from G.Bty with 2 S.Gs until relieved by 121 Fd.

(iv)

F.O.O from K.Bty with 201 Gds Bde (less 2 S.Gs) as soon as possible after completion of move, night 14/15.

10.

Minefields.

R.E. are supposed to have lifter all mines in 154 Bde's sectop, less field from 635925 to 632917..

11.

Speed and Density. 80 v.t.m 4 m.i.h

12.

No Halts.

13.

Wadi crossing by TCP at 649922 is ONE WAY only.

14.

Btys will report immediately all guns are in action by coder word "BUTTERCUP".

15.

All guns will be dug in and vehicles camouflages, and slit trenches dug, by 1st light 15 March. During hours of daylight 15 & 16 March MINIMUM movement allowed around gun positions, and NO movement of vehicles unless operationally essential.

16.

A.A. Tps Lt.A.A. with Btys. All A.A. guns will be sited below crests.

17.

B.1 Echelons Bty B.1 Echelons will move under Bty arrangements to area WADI ZESSAR between 93 and 94 Northing Grid. All Echelons to be under an officer and to have R/T communication with their Btys.

ADMIN

18.

B.Echelon remains present area.

19.

Ammn 160 r.p.g dumped battle positions. 1st line ammn with Btys on wheels

20.

Med. RAP with TAC RHA.

21.

Rec. LAD remains present area, but will move fwd to new Main RHQ area when latter moves.

INTERCOM.

22.

Regtl net opens 1830 hrs 14 Mar; then listening watch until connected by L/T in new area.

23.

F.O.Os with Armd Regts will newt on Regtl frequency at 1830 hrs, as follows:- K.Bty F.O.O with 4 CLY ... "F.5 Orange". CC.Bty (a) FOO with 1 R.Tanks ... "F.6 Orange 1", (b) FOO with 51 R.Tanks ... "F.6 Orange 2".

RHQ will maintain one set open, to answer calls from FOOs; FOOS will come up to check net at 2000 hrs, 2200 hrs, 14 Mar; and subsequently 0545 hrs, 0900, 1200, 1500, 1800 and 2200 hrs daily.

24.

Tac RHQ closed present location 1830 hrs 14 Mar and opens 628930 on arrival.

25.

Main RHQ Will recce area 6587 (being vacated by 4 CLY, night 14/15 Mar) and will move to that area p.m. 15 Mar if possible.

26.

Synchronisation. R/T or Lt. 0630 hrs daily

ACK.	Captain RHA.
T.O.S	Adjutant.

Distribution.
G Bty........1
K Bty........2
CC Bty.....3
CO...........4
O.O..........5
File............6

April 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C. RHA
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Z 3525	1	0600	Recce parties left for recce positions Z 1847. Bty expecting to move & dump ammo during evening.
		1700	Orders received no dumping or move tonight.
		1800	Orders to move to lying up area Z 2535 before occupying recced positions later.
Z 3525	2	0730	Moved as a Regiment to the new area in column of route arriving by 0930.
Z 2535		1400	160 r.p.g. dumped in new area – 3 x 3 ton lorries handed over to 3 RHA leaving us only 17!
		1445	Orders to move to new area at 1745.
		1740	Started to move – main road packed but managed to get along just as light failed. Bty in action Z193475 by 1930 hrs.
Z193475	3		Lying up all day. A further 140 r.p.g. dumped during the morning.
			One OP (Lt Wilson) with a “survey” role to get the lie of the land.
	4		Lying up all day. Capt Noble in survey OP. Some enemy air activity.
			Quite a change - & some shelling though not in the immediate neighbourhood.
Z183475	5		Continue lying up. Plan for attack given to BC’s at 7 Armd Div HQ. An attack on a 3 divisional front by 4 Ind. 50 & 51 Div supported by some 14 & 4 Medium Regts.
		1630	Fire pan received see App I	App I
	6	0445	Guns opened on a timed programme firing until 0721.
			OPs has no responsibilities but watched Capt North & BC from 1751 & Capt Noble from 2055. Attack went according to plan & no targets were engaged by observed fire except a repeat of one concentration quieting 2 M.G.s.
		1300	Revered to command 22 Armd Bde & instructed to join 5 Tanks at 1939 – moved off & contacted them to way to cove left flank of 5 Ind Div – moved to 1142 & dropped into action from the night. Ammunition expenditure 1640 HE 124 Smoke.
			B Troop had a premature when emptying guns during morning – no casualties.
			Sgt Spence joined & Gnr Gibson joined.
Z 1142	7.	0930	Moved with 5 Tanks to 1854 prepared to cross the WADI AKARIT & minefields – leaguered until a second gap was made & moved through at 1500 hrs. Enemy out of touch of us & retreating.
Z 1570			Moved to 1570 & dropped into action though enemy just out of range – leaguered with tanks at last light.
Z 1570	8	0800	Moved with 5 Tanks behind Bde HQ being in reserved. Good going & moved in open formation. A quiet day as far as we were concerned as tanks were not engaged. We halted at intervals while other armoured regimental groups dealt with rearguards.
		1700	Group halted at 2495, the battery dropped into action & tried to engaged some guns ~~at extreme range~~ which were shooting at the forward troops – range too great. Leaguered with tanks. Amn expenditure 15 HE.
	9	0600	Brigade moved 2 up 1 R Tanks left 5 R Tanks Right on the following C.L. Z 2495 – U 3602 – U 4204 – U4411 – U5331 – U 6232 – U 6842 – V7251. An interesting day; the first enemy were sighted after about 10 miles but they quickly withdrew.
			After a few more miles more resistance was encountered & one troop dropped into action. From then on until dark the battery was continually on the move or firing giving the tanks close support.
			The going was bad for guns – olive groves & plough – whenever possible the guns were moved in columns of router all the C.L. when it was a road or track. Several lorries were ‘brewed up1 & guns silenced & PWs gave themselves up to Capt Noble.
			At the end of the day Lt. Hutton O.C. 5 Tanks expresses his satisfaction at the quick & accurate support he had received.
			Amn. Expenditure 420 HE 12 Smoke – mileage 36/
U 5332	10	0600	Continued the advance over bad going but without encountering any opposition: The guns kept up well
		1200	Halted in area 7748 where it was expected the tanks would maintain. Ordered to produce one troop (B troop) to go on a column with a Coy of 1 RB.
		1400	B Troop got ready & formed up in area 7747. Order to move at 1430 – this was closely followed by stand fast & order for the troop to return o the battery at 7748.
		1515	Warning order to get ready to move. This was closely followed by order to concentrate about 7845 with the rest of the regiment to go out on a column consisting of 1RB & 5RHA with A/Tk guns etc.
		1615	Order to return to tanks as column was off – this was followed immediately by order to leaguered somewhere where we were.
			No further movement or orders & battery leaguered in olive grove about 7845 - a fine day for the practical joke department.
U78	11		A day of rest & maintenance – no movement.
	12.		No movement – bathing & sight seeing parties went to SFAX.
		1600	At BC’s conference plans were made for a week’s training. At the end of the conference the telephone rang – BM with a warning ordering to be ready to move tomorrow!
	13.	0900	Moved by road to area 10 miles south of KAIROUAN P1317.
			Travelled as regiment with ????dent arriving about 1700 hrs – a distance of 84 miles
P1317	13		Formed open leaguer,
	14.	1600	Maintenance, Warning order to move tomorrow morning.
	15.	0840	Started to move as a Regiment by road to area P 0665 – long delay at S.P. & a slow march arriving without incident about 1600 hrs.
P 0665		1930	Formed open leaguer. Warned to be prepared to join 5 Tanks as they are liable to be called upon to help 131 Bde at short notice.
	16	1000	Warning order to be ready to move at 1100hrs with 5 Tanks.
		1130	Moved to P 0473 & dropped into action about 1000 yards South of the tanks. Recced tanks battle positions. Remained in action during the night. 5 Tank Groups role is support of 131 Bde.
P 0473	17		One OP (Capt Noble) in a jeep went to area P 1385 mainly in a watching capacity as the range is to great to do much. Another OP (Capt North) went with I Coy 1RB who took over from 6 Queens in area P0375.
			Little to report beyond some sound bearing on a few guns & the odd German armoured car. Linked up with 146 Fld Regt RA for D,F, tansk.
	18		No change. Position recced at 1377 but not occupied
P 0473	19	0900	Warning order to be ready to move with 5 R. Tanks at 1400hrs.
		1200	5 RHA Operation Order No 38 received (App II). B Troop waggon lines were shelled while orders were being issued – no damage.	App II
		1430	Moved off – a sticky march was completed as it was all over open ground however it passed off without incident.
			Lay up in area P 1474 until last light & then occupied positions 132763 at last light. D.F.s to cover 131 Bde during their attack – these were not fired.
P 1376	20	0430	OPs & BC moved with tanks to general area 1382. Bty moved in to action 1278.
		0500	OPs Capt North 128820, Capt Noble 125846. Little activity to begin with.
		1000	Moved 1 section A Tp to 137810 – an exposed route but arrived without incident. Some flashes & suspected infantry were taken on by this section.
		1500	2^nd section moved up. Some infantry and A/Tk gun engaged.
P 137810	20	1930	B Troop moved up & 100 rpg dumped for concentrations for 131 Bde attack.
			Attack was put off but some concentrations were fired, Orders from RHQ to move battery back to 1376 at 0430 hrs. Amn expenditure excluding concentrations 385 HE 10 Smoke. Concentrations 320 HE.
	21	0430	Bty moved to 1276 only to find 5 Tanks were note moving.
		0900	Here range was too great to do much good. B Troops moved to 137810 followed by A Troop two hours later. A few infantry engaged. Capt Noble in same place. Capt North at 113842.
			Some infantry & suspected gun positions during day. Amn expenditure 220 HE.
137810	22.		Bty remained in action in same position with Capt Noble at 125844 & Capt North with Cruiser patrol up as far as 105870. Guns & infantry engaged during the day.
			Amn expenditures 253 HE 3 Smoke. Harassing tasks during the night used 243 HE,
P 137810	23	0500	Moved one section of B Tp to forward position 126825. OPs Capt Noble in usual place, Lt Peal in a jeep in 11 Hussars (armoured cars) on left flank about 090879. This OP had an excellent days shooting on infantry, guns & M.T. – Capt Noble also had some good shoots on infantry & guns.
			The forward section fired over 160 r.p.g. Total expenditure 558 HE 3 Smoke. During the day some unused charges in A troop caught fire badly burning L/Bdr Pugh & Gnr Roberts
		1915	Section returned to main position.
	24.		Same as yesterday – a section of A troop forward & Lt Jamieson with 11 Hussars & Capt North at 125844. The armoured cars were shelled off the OP & ~~which~~ moved south on the left flank.
			A number of targets were engaged included some HBs which were silenced. Amn 309 HE 2 Smoke.
			B Troop were heavily shelled in the evening but no casualties. L/Bdr Peacock was killed & Gnr Gibson injured in a traffic accident. When they were being driven to B echelon from workshops. B Troop leaguered with tanks.
137810	26	0430	5 Tanks were relieved from 1^st Tanks & the battery took over CC Bty OP responsibilities. A Troop moved to 134827 & B troop dropped into A troop gun pits. One OP maned on 131 Bde front (Lt Alton-Nagel) at 154840. A day in OP in the infantry front line – a good view & several targets were successful engaged including infantry, HBs & MET. Amn expenditure 378 HE.
	27		As for yesterday – B Troop moving forward & Lt Wilson at OP.
			Little activity – enemy appears to have thinned out. Several shoots were taken by an air OP.
		1300	Movement table attached (App ).	App
		1930	Moved at last light to 139743 where leaguered for night – Amn expenditures 177 HE.
139743	28	0900	Moved to SP but held up by 131 Bde for about 2 hours.
		1200	Arrived area 2677 where we open leaguered with 5 Tanks.
			Remainder of the day spent in maintenance.
P 2677	29		A day of rest and maintenance.
P 2677	30	1100	Warning order that we are at 1 hours notice to move from 1500 hrs but unlikely to move before dark. “Honeys” to move with 5 Tanks on transporters. Destination unknown but it must be 1^st Army.
		1600	Route received. AMOR – almost to KAIROUAN – OUESSELTIA – SILIANA – LE KRIB. SP AMOR – head of Bde to pass at 2030 hrs.
		1900	Move to area near S.P. & wait turn to move. Move at about 2145 & continue all dark. A difficult march pitch dark & no moon.


	5 RHA OPERATION ORDER No 38	COPY NO 1

Ref Maps 1/200,000 TUNISIA		Sheet.5 TUNIS
		“ 6. LA GOULETTE “ 7. MAKTAR “ 8. SOUSSE

INFORMATION 1. Enemy. As issued to L.Os. 2. Own Tps and 10 Corps plan. As issued to L.Os. 3. 7 Armd Div plan. A. 131 Bde is to – (i) Concentrate in area SI NASSRI (P.1519) – Pt.171 P1377 – South of these points and establish a firm base by first light 19 Apr. (ii) Advance with right on boundary with 4 Ind Div in conformity with 10 Corps attack, left on general line P1315 Easting grid, and capture following objectives by time shown. (a) Rd ENFIDAVILLE – DJEBIBINA Code nae RHAD (2130 hrs D.Day) (b) Line of yk AE EL HAMRA P1585. Code name RUTH. (c) Line SIDE BU DAROI (P1787) – Pt.237 (P1588) Code name NAOMI (first light D + 1 day). (d) KEF EL HADJ – Pt.261 P1597 – Rd Junc P1788. Code name RACHEL. B. 4 Lt. Armd Bde is to – (i) Protect left flank on axis of rd DJEBIBINA – KAIROUAN, taking over from 131 Bde 2000 hrs 18 Apr. C. 11 Hussars, less A.Sqn (under cmd 22 Armd Bde) will remain in Divisional reserve. 4. Boundaries (a) Right boundary with 4 Ind Div all inclusive 7 Armd Div. SI NASSRI P1578 – XXXXXXXX OUADI EL KAID to Bend in Rd P1788 – thence due NORTH to WADI OUED P1785 – line of WADI to Rd and WADI crossing P1793. (b) Left boundary with 19 French Corps O.8557 – O.8971 – K.2307. 5. R.A.F Full scale support by light bombers and fighter-bombers. 6. Code Name for this operation – ORATION. 7. 22 Armd Bde is to protect left flank of 131 Bde as follows - A. Concentrate in area WEST of OHADI EL KETEN and SOUTH of 75 Northing grid by last light 19 Apr. 5 R.Tanks – P.1277 by 1800 hrs. 1 R.Tanks – P.0975 “ “ “ 4 CLY. - P.0974 Bde.HQ. – P.100750 by 1830 hrs. 1 RB. (less-1 Coy & 1 A/Tk Pn under Cmd 5 R.Tanks) P.1075 by 1830 hrs. B. Advancing with 5 R.Tanks on left of 131 Bde, and 1 R.Tanks, 4 CLY and 1 RB, ready to move forward to area P1383. INTENTION 8. 5 RHA will support 131 Bde and 22 Armd Bde. METHOD 9. Bty areas as recce’d by CPOs 18 Apr. G Bty will have recce parties to meet CO2 in same area as 18 Apr, at 1500 hrs, and will lie up in area 1277 if necessary before moving into action. 10. Route (a) G Bty move independently with 5 R.Tanks; remainder of Regt move by 131 Bde Axis at 1530 hrs. Order of march – Tac. RHQ, CC.Bty, K.Bty. Main RHQ with LAD and FAP will move under orders of Orderly Officer. 11. O.Ps. (a) All Btys will keep one OP with each Armd Regt from 1430 hrs 20 Apr. These OPs may move forward on 20 Apr, provided touch is maintained with Armd Regt concerned and the OPs are readily available to rejoin their Regts. (b) K and CC Btys will each provide one OP to move at first light to support the attack of 131 Bde. Further details later. ADMIN 12. Med. RAP with Tac RHQ. MDS with Main Bde HQ. 13. LAD. Moves behind Main RHQ. 14. FAP Moves with Main RHQ. INTERCOMM 15. Regtl net opens at 1500 hrs 19 Apr. 16. RHQ Tac closes 1530 hrs present location and moves to area P1476. 17. Main RHQ closes present location 1630 hrs and moves to area in rear of Bde HQ (P1075.) ACK
T.O.S 1100 hrs		Capt. RHA
Distribution.		Adjutant.

G.Bty…..1	OO…..6
K.Bty…..2	QM…..7
CC.Bty…3	War Diary.. 8 & 9
41 Lt.AA.4	File….10.
CO…….,5


APP/APR/3

SECRET	7 ARMD DIV ARTY MOVEMENT TABLE				Appendix “A” to RA 7 Armd Div Op Order No 18 of 27 Apr 43

ROUTES.	RED:	Track junc P 162717 – AMOR P 199737 – track junc P 226720.
	GREEN:	Track junc P 143738 – AMOR P 199737 – track junc P212751.

S.P.	RED:	Track junc P 192717
	GREEN:	Track junc P 143738

Dispersal Pt.	RED:	Track junc P 226720.
	GREEN:	Track junc P 212751.

TPs.	1,,,,,,AMOR P 199757			3…….SP GREEN P 143758.
	2……SP RED P 162717			4……..Dispersal Pt Red P 226720
		5……..Dispersal Pt Green P 212751.
Serial No.	Date.	Formation or unit	No of Vehs.	ROUTE.	TPP Mins	VTM.	MIH.	MINS PAST S.P.		TIME PAST. DIS PT.
								Head	Tail	Head	Tail
1.	27 Apr.	4 Fd Sqn. 21 Fd Sqn	122	RED.	56	40	5.	0800	0836	0903	0939.
2.	27 Apr.	Main Div HQ.	100	Red to TP 1 then GREEN	30.	40	5	1100	1130	1154	1224.
3.	27 Apr,	22 Armd Bde (incl one Sqn 11 H) less 5 RHA, 1 R.Tks, 1 RB, 258 A.Tk Bty, 41 LAA Bty less one Tp.	258	RED to TP 1 then GREEN	80	40	5	1500	1520	1554	1714.
4.	27 Apr.	1 RB. 258 A.Tk Bty.	211	RED to TO 1 Then GREEN	63.	80.	2.	2000	2103	2215	2318.
5.	28 Apr.	131 Bde incl 146 Fd Regt.	457.	GREEN to TP 1 then RED	132.	40.	5.	0600	0812	0709	0921.
6.	28 Apr.	5 RHA, 1 R.Tks 41 LAA Bty, less one TP.	267	GREEN.	82.	40	5.	0900	1022	1000	1122.
7.	-----	11 H less one Sqn	70	DETAILS LATER.

May 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C. RHA
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
	1		By 0400 hrs we had covered 37 miles but were badly split up.
		0600	52 miles on the clock & had collected together again. There was a four hour halt owing to congestion or hold ups in front – 131 Bde were in front of us.
			The rest of the day was spent dawdling along until we leaguered some 8 miles beyond OUESSELTA having covered 82 miles. We were all in by 2130 hrs.
	2	0500	Continued the march until 1200 when we leaguered having covered 127 miles in all. A bad march – driving all night & then drifting along by day seems unnecessary.
O 2095			The rest of the day spent in maintenance – 2 quads 1 x 3 Tonner & 1 x 8 cwt had fallen by the wayside – 2 mechanical & 2 through running into the vehicle in front.
	3		No change – rest & maintenance. The move into the first army area has brought us into really green cultivated land – quite like France.
	4.		No change. B.C. went to look at the enemy in the MEDJEZ EL BAB sector as we are to go through on that sector on 6 May.
O 2095		1600	B.C. attend a talk by Div Cmdr explaining the plan – the main outline was 4 Ind & 4 British Divs were to make a bridgehead north of MEDJEZ – TUNIS road – 7 A.D. & 6 A.D. were to go through directed on TUNIS. A though fight was expected.
	5.	1000	5 RHA OP order No 39 a march table received (App 1& 2). We moved at 1300 hrs with 5^th Tank Regt Group along router to which was the main road to MEDJEZ EL BAB. We leaguered in column of route just off the road about 4 miles S.W. of MEDJEZ ready to move forward at first light the next morning.	App 1, 2.
			We were rationed and watered for ~~eight~~ twelve days & quite prepared to have our communications cut on the way to Tunis.
	6	0500	Moved off so as to have the head of 5 Tank Group which was leading the Bde on the start line by 0700. All went well & we had a long enough pause at the S.P. for Breakfast.
			From then on the tanks worked steadily forward – the 4^th Indian Division cleared all their objectives without much difficulty though 4^th British Div on the right were not quite up to time.
			The Regtl Group moved through the bridge head meeting a light screen of anti-tank guns & tank in front & some more opposition from the left flank. The battery supported the tanks throughout the day often by leap frogging troops as it was essential to keep well up behind the tanks.
			Capt Noble was working with the cruiser squadron & Capt North usually working to one of the flanks with the heavy squadrons.
			The battery came under occasional shelling from the flanks during the advance, one one party of 18 Bostons did their best to wipe out A Troop. However they missed by about 250 yards & no damage was done, The next lot were persuaded to leave us alone by use of yellow smoke by I Coy of the Rifle Bde.
J 8345		1500	The battery now reached Sidi ACHOUR & was in action together some 500 yds behind Tank RHQ. The battery remained in this position the rest of the day & received a certain amount of attention from some 75 mm, an 88 mm & a 150 mm. Gnr Willians was killed in B Troop & A Troop were forced to move about 1000 yds to the right rear. However no further damage or casualties was received.
			The battery remained in action during the night with D.F. covering a battalion of 131 Bde who had taken over the ACHOUR feature. The tanks leaguered in front. The following damaged was inflicted on the enemy & confirmed:- 2 MT abandoned owing to shelling, 1 x 10 Tonner & small ammo dump blown up, 1 x 3 Tonner brewed up, 2 German P.Ws, 1 x 25 pdr captured 4 x 105 mm silenced. Ammunition expenditure 312 H.E.
J 8345	7	0500	The advance continued – the battery remaining in actions to cover the tanks forward. Troops were leap frogged forward; but little opposition was encountered and the whole battery moved to a position under the high ground N.E. of ST CYRPIEN 8951. Some opposition was encountered here from infantry & guns. 4 x 88 mm were engaged of which two were abandoned & two pulled out.
			The tanks pushed on to the edge of the high ground overlooking Tunis & the battery move to 9354. From here some guns & some MT on the DJEDEIDA road were engaged. It was from there that the first & only rounds were fired in Tunis – 6 in all fired with troops at maximum elevation. Results could not be observed but we were informed later that the first round had fallen on a brothel,
			At 1500 a patrol of tanks & carries proceeded to the cross roads at K 0356 followed by the rest of the group at 1530.
			The guns did not come into action again though the OPs assisted the tanks in rounding up prisoners some of which showed resistance. Capt Noble was the first tank to enter Tunis as his patrol had stopped to mop up & he had pushed on. At one time this officer was chasing motor cycles & half track vehicles.
			The battery leaguered in BARDO, a suburb of TUNIS. Bag for the day 2 x 88mm abandoned after being shelled, 2 pulled out, 2 X M/C K.O., 1 x 10 Tonner K.O., 1 half track damaged, 1 officer & 7 Hun ORs shot: prisoners German 2 offrs & 55 ORs, Italians 4 Officers and 143 ORs. Ammunition expenditure 195 H.E.
BARDO 0256	8	0500	Moved off through TUNIS with the tanks to mop up north of the town. In spite of the early hour the streets were packed. It was like a triumphal procession – flowers were showered upon us – everyone’s main idea seemed to be to have a ride on the vehicles & wine was haned out ad lib.
			It required considerable thrusting from all vehicles to get through at all. At the cross roads 0757 the group divided in two column – the right had one consisting of the light Squadron, B Tp & a motor platoon was diverted on CARTHAGE & LA MARSA & to clear up CAP GAMART – the left hand column consisting of the remainder of the Regtl Group was to clear the high ground up to K 0571.
		0900	The left column passed through ARIANA, a village with a mainly Jewish population here the welcome was even more enthusiastic than in TUNIS. The battery halted first clear of the village remaining on wheels while the tanks with the OP (Capt North) worked along the high ground meeting no opposition but collecting a certain number of prisoners beside find a large petrol dump completely undamaged.
		1030	The battery less B Troop moved to K 0567 & dropped into action with OP about 0472 – from this position the track along the coast was registered in case the enemy should try and escape that way. No other firing was done during the day. The OP however had a party with some Italians on his immediate front – collecting with his Honey, 26 P.W.s, 12 lorries in running order & 2 mobile multiple A.A. Guns.
			An account of the right column’s days work is given by Lt P.A.L. Wilson RHA in App III, also in App IV Capt Nobles account of an O.P. during the last three days. Ammn. Ex. 145 H.E.	App III & IV
			By 1600 the area upto CAP GAMART was reported clear – some 3000 PWs having been taken. The column was then ordered to rejoin the rest of the group. By 1800 hrs B Troop joined A Troop & remained on wheels.
K 0567			The battery leaguered with the tanks closed by the position. Sgt. Gibson. W & L/Bdr Symons rejoined the Battery
	9	0600	Reveille – the first time we had got up after the sun for a very long time. A troop of tanks went onto the high ground at first light while the rest of the Group remained in open leaguer resting and cleaning up.
		1200	Order to move back through TUNIS to a Brigade Concentration area. We were to rejoin the rest of the Regiment at J 9159.
		1400	Moved in rear of 5^th Tanks – another triumphal march through TUNIS. The streets were still line with clapping crowds but there was not quite the wild abandon of the first morning.
J 9159		1700	Leaguered with Regiment at J 9159 awaiting developments.
	10.	0800	B.Cs conference. 7^th Armoured Division is now non-operational – a most unusual state!
			Ordered to move at 1100 to a better piece of ground a few miles away. Daily leave parties to be sent into Tunis – guns to be painted & burnished. It was thought we might be remaining in this area about a week.
		1100	Moved to J 9656 & leaguered with all 24 guns of the regiment in line.
	11.		Rest – clean up – parties in TUNIS. Dv. Higgins & Bdr McKay rejoined the Battery.
		1800	Warning order – move about midday tomorrow to BOU ARADA area.
	12	1200	Started move – route DJEDEIDA – TEBOURBA – MEDJEZ EL BAD – EL AROUSSA – BOU ARADA. A very long slow move to DJEDEIDA. Then it improved except for MEDJEZ which was packed with PWs driving their own lorries three abreast in all directions.
J. 4421		1900	Leaguered just south of TESTOUR after about 40 miles
	13		Continued the march arriving in new area J 5802 about 1200 hrs.
J 5802			Length of stay forecast four to five days. All resistance in North Africa ceased.
	14-17		Cleaning up – painting & burnishing guns for Divisional Commander’s inspection. Leave to Tunis for 24 hours – 60 at a time.
			Lt Dunlop. Gnr Benge & DV King rejoined the Bty on 15th
	18		Inspection of divisional artillery by Divisional Commander. Considering the difficulties over paint & clothing turn out of men and guns was excellent.
			Warning order that the division was moving to Tripoli area 19/20. We move 19^th.
	19		Due to move at 1100 hrs - by 1600 had not moved out of area as 131 Bde was taking up all the road.
			1600 orders issued “no move today”.
	20	0500	Moved – router PONT DU FAHA – DJEBIBINA – KAIROUAN thence by ‘Y’ track to coast south of MEDENINE thence to TRIPOLI area. Covered 161 miles in the first day.
	21	0600	Started – luckily track ahead was reported flooded & we were diverted onto the coast road at MAHARES. Road crowded – RAF insisted on overtaking us at all possible & impossible positions.
		1900	Leaguered near METAMEUR after covering 146 miles. We had taken to the track again near GABES.
	22	0600	Continued hitting to the main road 10 miles East of MEDENINE – a great relief to be finished with dusty & bumpy tracks. Capt Lanyon evacuated sick.
		1900	Leaguered near SABRATHA after covering 150 miles. The RAF has been more troublesome than usual. We learned our area was near HOMS some 80 mikes beyond TRIPOLI.
	23	0600	Continued – fair to TRIPOLO which we by-passed then very slow owing to many deviations to avoid blow bridges
		1830	Leaguered 15 miles west of HOMS after doing 126 miles.
	24	0600	Continued & arrived in new area by the sea about 15 miles east of HOMS at 0830 hrs. A trop of 619 miles in just over 4 days – all vehicles arrived – only three on tow.
			A week’s rest was decreed with no parades or training, 24 hrs leave to TRIPOLI & daily leave to HOMS where there is a JERBOA Club, cinema, NAAFI, etc.
			Remainder free to bathe, sleep etc after 0830 squad parade.
	25-27		No change. 20 NCOs & men went to a rest camp near TRIPOLI for 4 days. The battery is at least getting a well earned rest after moving & fight from ALAMEIN to TUNIS without a break.
			Casualties in this period & the period upto ALAMEIN were TEN killed & 44 wounded (see App V) - very light considering the battery had been continuously in action since December& for a fair amount of the period JULY – DECEMBER.	App V
			Sgt Rattley posted to Norfolk Yeo A/Tk Regt.
	28		No change. During the afternoon a party from the SUDAN Defence Force fired one of our guns into the sea & went for a ride in a Honey. In the evening they gave a show of wrestling & dancing. Gnr Potts G.E. posted to 11^th Field Regt RA.
	29	0815	Lecture by 10 Corps Commander to officers, WOs & Sgts, on the fighting from AKARIT to the end of the campaign.
			Lt D. Alton-Nagel & Lt Gardner posted to 1^st Army.
	30		No change. Dv Kempson & Gnr Roner rejoined the Battery.
	31		Individual training commenced – working in mornings only.


		S E C R E T
	5 RHA OPERATION ORDER No 39	COPY NO 1


INFORMATION 1. Enemy. As issued to L.Os. 2. Own Tps. (And 9 Corps) As issued to L.Os. 3. 22nd Armd Bde. Plan (a) 22nd Armd Bde will cross the start line about 65 Easting Grid at 0700 hrs D.Day, and pass through 4 Ind Div as soon as possible after capture of final infantry objective, and if necessary fight a way through or round enemy opposition on 4 Ind Div front. (b) Secure in turn DJEBAL ACHOUAR Feature, then high ground North East of St.Cuprien bounded by following points.—Tk junc 907522 = Rd and Tk crossing 920495 – Rd and Tk crossing 896483 – Chapel 886496 – and establish firm based in xxxxxxx these areas. (c) Take up posns to dominate all approaches to and exits from TUNIS on the West. (d) Finally, be prepared to exploit into TUNIS if opportunity occurs. INTENTION 4. 5 RHA will support 22nd Armoured Brigade. METHOD 5. (a) Btys will be with their Regimental Groups. (b) Tac HQ will move with xxxx Tac Bde on “O” Tk behind 1 R.Tanks; (c ) Main Bde and RHQ (less 25-pr section FAP and ETp 169 )75 A/Tk)) will move to area J5527 where it will remain during the battle. 6. Axis of Advance. After passing through final infantry objective X Tks 713413. X Tks 741425. Pt.122. 777442. Rd junc 813463, Rd junc 841478, and the East parallel and North of MEDJEZ EL BAB and TUNIS Rd. 7. Report Lines. (i) Rd FRENDJ 7540 to Farm 735444 – TINKER. (ii) Rd junc 801426 to Rd and Tk junc 790457 – TAILOR (iii) Rd EL AMRI 829441 to Rd junc 805465 – SOLDIER. (iv) Rd junc 856453 to Rd and tk jun 831494 – SAILOR. (v) Rd junc 897452 to Rd junc 867531. – THIEF. 8. Bounds. (i) High ground N.W. of DJ ACHOUAR - WELLINTON. (ii) High ground N. of ST. CYPRIEN – WOLFF (iii) FRENDJ – BLACKBIRD. (iv) NASSICAULT - ROBIN (v) DJ MAKRINE – PARTRIDGE. (vi) DJ ACHOUAR - - PIGEON (vii) BONDJ EL HAFSIA – 8554469 – PLOVER (viii) BONDJ SADOC EL KAALEI – PEACOCK (ix) TUNIS - EAGLE (x) ST. CYPRIEN - SEAGULL 9. Marking and Lighting of Routes. (a) “O” and “L” tks will be marked and lit as far as 70 Easting Grid. Forward of 70 easting grid, Div axis signs up to final objective. Bde signs forward of this point. INTERCOMM 10. (a) Wireless silence will not be broken until Z on D.Day. (b) All call-signs and codes will change daily at 0001 hrs. 11. Code Words. (a) EZRA – Report of arrival of heads of 1 R.Tanks and 5 R.Tanks on line of present FDLs morning D.Day (b) NOAHR – Tks to be used by Division clear of mines and obstacles up to Tk 721427 – 727404. (c) DANIEL – Tks to be used by Division clear of mines and obstacles up to Tk 732439 – 768394. (d) JOANNA - Tks to be used by Divn clear of mines and obstacles up to Tk 753437 – 758419. (e) SHEBA – Passing cut through positions held by 4 Ind Div on final infantry objective. 12. Pamela Code. present location 1630 hrs and moves to area in rear of Bde HQ (P1075.) (a) Pt of origin – 705355. Numbers Left to Rt. Letters South to Nth Pamela will be used as much as possible. 13. Letter Code. Not yet received. Army code will remain in force. 14. D.Day --- 6 May. Zero Hour ----- 0300 hrs. 15. Synchronisation. B.B.C. ADMIN 16. FAP will travel with Tac HQ as soon as the situation permits on D. Day Truck with charging plant – ditto. 17. Rations. Btys will hold 12 days rations. Normal replenishment will continue on 8 May 18. P.O.L Btys will top up on night D.1 Day/D Day and despatch their 2nd petrol lorries to B.Ech who are moving to area J.51. Btys will go forward with full tanks and 1 petrol lorry. Replenishment on 6 May on a “Can for Can” basis. 18. Med. Casualties in 22 Armd Bde will be evacuated to 2 LFA and onward to131 Fd Amb or nearest 9 Corps Med unit on TUNIS – MEDJEZ RD. 19. REME Bde W/Shop at J5105 20. Main Div at J5527.
T.O.S 1144hrs		Capt. RHA
NRV.		Adjutant.
Distribution Btys. CO. CO2. Adj. OO. QM. Sigs.O War Diary File


APP/May/2

			7 ARMD DIV ARTY MOVEMENT TABLE								SECRET		Copy No..3..
				Appx “O” to RA 7 Armd Div OO No.200 dated 27 Apr 43


	ROUTES.	L. LE KNIB O3996 – TEBOURSOUR – TESTOUR – SLOUGHIA J 5188.
		O. LE KNIB – fork rds O 2788 – GAFOUR O 3696 – X rds J 4704 – rd and track junction J 3323

	VTM: 40	MIH: 10.
	TPs:	L Route: 1. KNIB					2. Rd junction J 2702			3. SLOUGHIA

		O Route: 4. Rd junction O 2793					5. GASOUR X rds		6. Rd junction J 4708.
		7. Rd junction J 4704					8. Rd and track junction J 5523


Serial No.	Formation or unit				No of Vehs.	ROUTE.	SP	TPP .		Time past SP
										Head		Tail

1.	Main Div HQ.				100	L	J 2702	15		1200		1215
2.	131 Bde Det				15	O	O 1995	5		1215		1220
3.	131 Bde Det				18	L	O 1995	5		1220		1225
4.	4 Fd Sqn less one Tp.				28	O	O 1995	6		1228		1234
5.	21 Fd Sqn less one Tp.				28	L	O 1995	6		1234		1240
6.	22 Armd Bde Gp (Part)				390	O	J 2702	80		1250		1350
7.	22 Armd Bde Gp (Part)				380	L	J 2702	80		1300		1400
8.	One Sqn 11 H				33	O	O 1995	6		1359		1405
9.	11 less two Sqns				58	L	O 1995	10		1405		1415
10.	131 Bde Gp (Part)				440	O	O 1995	70		1430		1530
11.	131 Bde Gp (Part)				390	L	O 1995	50		1530		1630

			APP/MAY/V
Subject :- Casualties				Ref :- G/A/32.

To The Adjt 5th Regt. R.H.A.
		Herewith list of casualties as requested in your telephone message.

PERIOD 1.
815121	P/A/L/Bde.	Dick J.	22.7.42. ɸ
818992	Gnr.	Dunlop. W.	22.7.42.
	W/Bdr	Revell. G.	24.7.42. x
802906	P/A/L/Sgt	Thurburn. W	24.7.42. ɸ
106833;1	W/Sgt	Wrighty. W.	24.7.42. ɸ
821913	U/A/L/Bdr.	Wilson	24.7.42. ɸ
813180	W/Cpl.	Underwood. G.	24.7.42. ɸ	A.C.C. Att.
3521163	W.Bdr.	Armitarge. J	30.7.42. ɸ
2027871	Gnr.	Haynes. G	1.9.42. ɸ
981119	Gnr.	Hallgarth. S.	1.9.42. ɸ
5105960	P/A/L/Sgt.	Gwynn. W.	1.9.42.

PERIOD 2.
851549	Gnr. (Ftr)	Walker. A.	25.10.42.
	Dr.IC.	Hall	28.10.42. x
1092676	Gnr.	Wilson. G.C.	28.10.42.
805253	Gnr.	Newby. W.	28.10.42. ɸ
970396	Gnr.	Archer. W.	28.10.42. ɸ
790396	W/Bdr.	Turnbull. W.	30.10.42.
98171	Gnr.	Horrocks. J	30.10.42. ɸ

PERIOD 3.
1088581	Gnr.	Burnikell. A.	14.12.42
816165	W/Sgt.	Bartle. R.A.	14.12.42
933120	Dr.	Cherry. O.B.	14.12.42 ɸ
797778	Dr. IC.	Herring. G.	14.12.42 x
824596	Gnr.	Hope. A.	14.12.42
5118987	Gnr.	Jeavon. R.	14.12.42 ɸ
770700	Gnr.	Trainer. S.	14.12.42
893008	W/Bdr	Lewry. W.	14.12.42
1133511	Gnr.	Oliver. J.F.	14.12.42
987437	Gnr.	Dickson. R.	15.12.42 ɸ
1072880	W.O.11	Weddle. A.	29.12.42 ɸ

PERIOD 4.
987002	Gnr.	Jones. J.E.	16.1.43.
982197	Gnr.	Dunlop. J.	17.1.43.
984790	Dr. IC.	Fairbairn. D	17.1.43.
3767996	Gnr.	Robinson. W.A.	17.1.43. x
959752	Gnr.	Savage. W.	20.1.43. x
835637	Dr. IC.	Crotty. T.G.	20.1.43.
934994	Gnr.	Clegg. H.	20.1.43. x
802596	W/Sgt.	Gibson. W.	20.1.43. ɸ
984217	Gnr.	Appleton. F.	20.1.43. x
1135898	Gnr.	Coad. K.F.	20.1.43. ɸ
831631	Gnr.	Mitchell. R.	20.2. 43. ɸ
987457	U/A/L/Bdr.	Urquhart. W.	20.2.43. ɸ

			To SHEET 2.

			SHEET 2.
821348	U/A/L/Bdr.	Potts. H.G.	19.3.43. x
1131314	Gnr.	Benge. J	26.3.43 ɸ
5895619	Dr. IC.	Wood F.	27.3.43.
895126	Gnr.	Roberts. R.E.	22.4.43.
1092511	P/A/L/Bdr.	Pugh. S	22.4.43.
892200	Gnr.	Gibson. T.	23.4.43.
4387035	U/A/L/Bdr.	Peacock. W.	23.4.43. x
808613	P/A/Sgt.	Jones. H.	28.4.43.

PERIOD. 6.
1092590	Gnr.	Williams. R.	7.5.43


		OFFICERS.
	Capt.	Nicholson. G.N.	15.12.42. x
	Lt.	Rawson. D.G.	20.1.43. ɸ
	Lt.	Fielding. J.	13.2.43.
	Lt.	Pitt. R.A.	15.2.43. ɸ


	x Killed or died of wounds
	ɸ Men now with unit

25.5.43.				Major. R.H.A.
hh		Commanding “G” Bty (Mercer’s Tp.) R.H.A.

June 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C. R.H.A.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
On coast	1		Individual training during the morning- swimming and games during afternoon and evening : two 3 tonnes daily to HOMS for cinema etc
15 miles E	2		Gnr Morgan rejoined
of HOMS	3		Our best Jeep only - two held- sent to 10th Corp veh park- are we going to lose our best vehicles? Gnr Burnett evacuate is sick.
	4		Gnrs Robson & Coad, Signallers Remmy & Furnell posted away- destination uncertain
	5		Last Jeep taken away from us.
	6-10		No change. General Montgomery lectured all officers in Tripoli at 1100 hs 7 June.
	12	am	The Divisional Commander & CRA Maj Gen Erskine & Brigadier Mews visited the battery and had a look at the training classes.
	14		Warning order that we would be inspected by a high personage on 19th, West of TRIPOLI - 7 officers & 117 men of battery to take part.
	15		Orders receipts for inspection re App I. In view of this Mercer's day celebrations was postponed to 22 June.
	16	1200	Orders received- no move before 18th. Parachutist had been dropped the evening before at CASTEL BENITO and BENGHAZI. A double guard was mounted at night and all ranks slept with their arms handy. Lt Wilson sent his advance party for inspection.
	17	1100	Orders received that we should probably start for the inspection before 0400 hours 18 June. This was closely followed by a message saying- no move on 18th. Inspection properly on 21st. Mercer's Day again postponed to Sat 26th June.
		1400	instructions for parachute defence received and rhq and put into effect App II
			Gnr Burnett rejoined from hospital.
1/200,000	18		Normal day – owing to the fluctuation of the date of the inspection, it was impossible to hold Mercer’s Day celebrations today.
TRIPOLI	19	1800	Warning order – move to inspection at 0700hrs tomorrow.
Sheet 3		2000	Final orders received – 117 men to go in 7 x 3 ton lorries/
MISURATA			Router HOMS – CUSSABAT – TARHUNA – CASTEL BENITO – turn left & then by minor router to Kilo 25 on road TRIPOLI – ZUARA.
M6725	20	0645	Moved off – slow and congested march as far as CUSSABAT – thence a good steady pace was maintained throughout.
		1730	Arrived & leaguered a few hundred yards South of main road opposite Kilo 25.
	21		Morning spent in cleaning up for the inspection which was to take place at 1600 hrs with the Regimental lined up on in two ranks on East side of the road.
		1400	Paraded for inspection.
		1600	H.M. The King drove down the road between stopping to speak with the C.O. on the way.
		1700	Started back for HOMS prepared to drive all night.
	22	0300	Reached leaguer area after an un eventful march.

	23-5		Individual training continued.
	26		Mercers Day celebrations were held – water sports on the morning – light lunch & a race meeting on the afternoon following by dinner at 1830. After dinner the Divisional Band played.
	28-30		Battery training commenced but was rather interrupted by a showing of Desert Victory at 1100 on 29 in HOMS.
			~~The whole battery attended~~ 100 all ranks attended only to find that the sound apparatus was not working.
	30	0800	However another showing was put on on 30^th which all went well.

August 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C. RHA
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
Kilo 22	1		New I.P. Armoured car received for B,C, in lieu of a White Scout car.
East of HOMS	2	1100	Lecture at Leptis Magna for all officers on Combine Ops by a member of the training team attached to 7 Armd Div.
	3.	0830	T.E.W.T based on yesterday lecture.
	4.		8 new guns received – two of them turned out to be worse than our present ones. 3 more Quads received. Painting of vehicles began with black & light mud – only the former paint available.
	5-6		Normal training.
	7.		The whole battery practised getting into an L.S.I & disembarking in HOMS harbour.
	8.		Guns calibrated.
	10.		Full regimental signal exercise; for the first time enough vehicles were available to carry all the sets.
	11	pm.	Practice for all drivers & detachments in driving guns & vehicles on and off L.C.Ts in HOMS Harbour. Suppressive treatment for malaria started MEPACRINE.
	12.	pm.	Whole battery on foot were show a full size beach land out for landing by 131 Bde HQ at LETPIS MAGNA.
	13.		Battery drill order – the first full one to be held – though we are still handicapped by a shortage of some five light trucks besides motor cycles of which have none. Orders for Exercise Tortoise received (App I)	AppI
	14.	pm	Lecture at LEPTIS MAGNA down to troop commander on the “Dryshod” exercise to be held on Monday 16^th.
	16.	0900	Exercise “Tortoise” – the exercise worked well everything to plan though going was very bad due to soft sand & in the concentration area, rocks. However all vehicles completed without serious mishap.
	17		Battery signal exercise. 5 RHA Admin instruction No 1 received.	App II
	18	1400	Demonstration of a “forward body” consisting of 1 Sqn 1 R Tanks, 1 Coy 1/7 Queens & 1 Bty 3 RHA attacking down a road near CUSSABAT – attended by BC. Dv Pearse rejoined & L/Bdr Smith joined.
	19		2 motor cycles & 1 Jeep received – all new.
	20		Zeroing of the guns was carried out locally.
	21		Regimental static wireless exercise
	22		Honeys went to 22 Armd Bde for waterproofing/
			Dv Bowers & L/Bdr Leyton evacuated sick.
	24		Old crock vehicles evacuated i.e. 2 x 15 cwt, 1 x 3 Ton and 2 Italian civilian cars all not runners. We now have the correct number of first line vehicles though more new engines & M/Cs are required.
	25		Regimental exercise for practising shooting in the Regt, on a datum point known as “Mefa Gnd”.
15 miles E	28		L/Bde Dray evacuated sick. Normal training & preparation for overseas continues.
of HOMS			Three new engines received for Quads.
	29		5 RHA Admin Order No II (App II) and provisional loading table. A race meeting held at HOMS by 8^th Armoured Bde Race Club for Arab horses & riders – A very popular meeting. Sgt Rowe evacuated sick.
	30	0930	Lecture by Div Cmdr at LEPTIS MAGNA to all Offr, WOs & Sgts – main outlines of forthcoming events were given.
			Bdr Tyle (reduced from BQMS by FGCM) posted to 155 Transit Camp.


APPI Aug
		MOST SECRET Copy No 1

	7 ARMD DIV EXERCISE “TORTOISE”

1. OBJECT (a) To rehearse the landing of an Armoured Division from a follow-up convoy and its movement over a beach through a transit area to a concentrations area. (b) To study Amin problems arising from the above. (c) To study signal communications involved. 2. TPS TAKING PART (a) 7 Armd Div represented by Unit Cadres. (b) 4 Beach GP with under cmd CTC Beach Commando RN. (c) Control Staff. 3. BRIEF OUTLINE OF EXERCISE (a) On arrival at the dispersal point units or sub-units will be directed by Pro to the assembly area, where they will form up in columns of three vehicles on markers, bearing the numbers of their LST. Under orders from control, LST Gps will proceed to anchorage, where there will pick up a coxswain and approach the beach as ordeed by ANCHORAGE CONTROL OFFICER. LST’s will disembark personal and vehicles which will move to the DE-WATERPROOFING AREA where Cmdrs will ensure that drivers go through the detailed motions of de-waterproofing Stage 4. Drivers must be able to show the umpires exactly what they are doing to their own particular type of vehicle. Personnel and vehicles will move through this area to TRANSIT AREA which will be recce’d initially by the first adv party. From the TRANSIT AREA, Units or sub-units, units will be despatched to the CONCENTRATION AREA. As soon as Units are complete or as circumstances dictate, O.C. CONCENTRATION AREA will order Units or sub-units to return to their own Unit Lines. (b) THE TRANSIT and CONCENTRATION AREAS will be controlled by first adv party A/Q reps, in consultation with formation or unit commanders concerned. Relief of these representatives may be made at the discretion of A/Q. (c) THE TRANSIT AREA will be laid out in a series of marked spaces as follows. Personnel and vehs will report to the first control post and from there directed to one of the lettered spaces. As ordered by OC TRANSIT AREA in consultation with formation or unit commands concerned they will move the CONCENTRATION AREA. 4. PRELIMINARY LECTURE All officers down to the level of Sgn Ldrs, Bty Comds, Adjts, QMs, Sigs Offrs, Transport Offrs will attend the preliminary lecture which will be given by Major BRASIER-CREAGH at LEPTIS MAGNA at ~~0630~~ 1730 hrs 14 Aug. Tp Cmdrs 5. BEACH ORGANISATION 4 Beach Gp will be disposed by 1200 hrs 13 Aug as in the KEY PLAN of MIKE SECTOR shown on map att as Appx C. [1 copy being circulated] 6. 1ST ADV PARTY Composed as in Appx D, will RV at the ASSEMBLY AREA at 0800 hrs 15 Aug. 7. CONVOYS (a) March tables are att for moves of convoys to ASSEMBLY AREA. They will be loaded into pens representing LST as follows: FIRST CONVOY – 15 Aug. LSTS 1 – 4 1200 hrs “ 5 – 7 1500 “ “ 8 – 11 1800 “ “ 12 – 13 2100 “ SECOND CONVOY “ 14 – 18 0400 “ 16 Aug. “ 19 – 21 0700 “ “ 21 – 25 1000 “ “ 26 – 30 1300 “ “ 31 – 34 0700 “ “ 35 – 37 0700 “ “ 38 – 42 0700 “ SECOND CONVOY “ 43 – 46 0400 “ 17 Aug. THIRD CONVOY “ 47 – 48 0400 “ 17 Aug. (b) On arrival in the ASSEMBLY AREA offrs or NCOs in Comd of units or sub-units will report to the Controller Assemble Area, from whom they will receive orders for “Loading” and movement to the ANCORAGE. 8. IDENTIFICATIONS The following identification signs which with the exception of arm bands, will be illuminated at night, will be used:- (a) CONTROL STAFF White arm band on right arm. (b) CONTROL POSTS 3’ x 2’ board below which is suspended two petrol tins. (c) ASSEMBLE POSTS Petrol tin marked (BY LSTS) with LST number. (d) CROSSING OVER SMALL Petrol tins marked WADI IN ASSEMBLY AREA according to the number of the crossing. (e) LST PENS There will be five pens numbers of which will be shown on petrol tins. (f) KEDGING OFF POSN Board 3’ x 2’ which at night will have two lamps suspended from two lower corners. 9. SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR ALL VEHICLES. (a) Every veh will have marked in large figures on the windscreen or turret the number of the LST to which it is allotted. (b) During the hours of darkness vehs will travel to the ASSEMBLY AREA with side and tail lights. From the ASSEMBLEY AREA to the CONCENTRATION AREA all vehs will display a tail light only. From CONCENTRATION AREA to unit lines both side and tail lights will be used. (c) To avoid damage, a minimum interval or distance of 8 yds between vehicles will be retained in movement. (d) Dingoes will not be taken on the Exercise. 10. SPECTATORS All spectators will report to Control Offrs at ASSEMBLY AREA.. They will enter by the track 150 yds on the HOMS side of Kilo 141 and from there will be directed to Pro 11. LOADING (a) Vehicles need not be fully loaded. 12. RATIONS (a) B.Cs will make their own arrangements about rations. The course is in the area due South of the LAD, and it is anticipated that any serial will be away for more than a maximum of 3 hours. 13. ALLOTMENT OF VEHICLES AND MEN (a) The allotment of vehicles by Btys has been done by Divn and not by this Headquarters, and it is necessary that the complement of vehicles ordered is completed. The number of men, however, is merely the maximum total which may be sent in any serial, and need not be filled. Btys will leave sufficient personnel behind for guards etc, but as many people as possible should attend, 14. GUNS AND TRAILERS (a) In the loading tables, one gun will mean one Quad, Trailer and gun complete. One Quad means either one quad and trailers or quad separately. One gun and trailer counts as one vehicle. Two trailers equal one vehicle. A Jeep counts as one vehicle. 15. LOANS TO CONTROL STAFF RHQ. The Signal Section will provide Jeep and two Drivers for use of Control Staff, to R.V. at ASSEMBLY AREA 1415 hrs 13 Aug 43. 16. One troop of CC Bty is purposely omitted. 17. B.Cs will forward to this office by 1200 hrs Sunday 15 Aug a copy of their detailed load for each serial. Information required is- Name of vehicle, type, number of personnel. 18. The splitting up of the Btys in the various serials has been done by Div. It is hoped that on the next landing table the splitting up will be done by this HQ. Any improvements to the present distribution should be XXXXXXXXXX included in the return called for in para 17 and every endeavour will be made to put them right in subsequent tables.
12 Aug 43		Capt RHA
		Adj 5th Regt RHA

Distribution.
G Bty
K Bty
CC Bty QM
C.O. Sigs O.
C.O.2 EME

					MOST SECRET
		APPENDIX “A”
		LOADING TABLE BY CRAFT
		Convoy No. 1
Serial No.	LST No.	Unit.	Personnel.	Vehs.	Remarks	(To include)
(a)	(b)	(c)	(d)	(e)	(f)
11	11	5 RHA Adv.party.(2 i/c) Also Tac 22 Bde. Dets. R.E. 2 L.F.A.	5	1

		Convoy No. 2
8	21	Tac R.H.Q.	10	2	2 Armd Cars.
					(Z & Z.3)
		Tac R.H.Q.	20	4
		K.Bty. RHA	28	7	2 guns ~~& quads~~
		Also C.Coy. 1 R.B.			1 sec Quad

10	23	K.Bty. RHA	45	13	2 guns ~~& quads~~
		Also. A Sqn 1 RTR			1 sec Quad.
		B.Ech 1 RTR
		A.Coy 1 R.B
		B.Ech C.Coy
		15 L.A.A. Bty Tac HQ.

11	24	K.Bty. RHA	120	30	2 Tks. ~~6 Quads~~
					4 Guns.
		RHQ	30	8
		Also 1 Troop 15 L.A.A.

12	25	G.Bty(Mercer’s Trp)RHA	150	36	1 Tank. 1 Armd
		Also 4 CLY. RHQ & Recce			Car or Tank 4
		4. CLY.			Guns & quads
					1 Sec quads.

4	27	G.Bty(Mercer’s Trp)RHA	48	9	4 guns. 1 tank
		RHQ.	44	14
		Also A. Sqn. 4 CLY.
		B. Ech. 4. CLY.
		1 Troop 15 L.A.A.

15	28	R.H.Q. and L.A.D.	23	5
		CC.Bty. RHA	46	15	1 Armd.Car or tk.
		Also B.Coy. 1 R.B.
		Div.Sigs.
		2 L.F.A.

16	29	CC.Bty RHA.	92	23	~~6 quads~~, 4 guns
					and 1 tank.
		Also 4 CLY. B.Sqn.
		“ B.Ech.
		Adv Party 146 Fd.
		4 Fd. Sqn Recce Party.

				APP/II/AUG

		APPENDIX “B”
		LOADING TABLE BY BATTERIES
	Serial	Time of Landing	Personnel.	Vehicles.	LST.	Beach	Remarks.
RHQ. )	11	-	5	1	11	-	(Adv Party
Sig.Sec )							Convoy No.
& LAD )							1.)

	8	-	30	6	21	-	Tac.
	11		30	8	24
	14		44	14	27
	15		23	5	28		LAD.

G.Bty	12		150	386	25	-	-
	14		48	9	27

K.Bty	8	-	28	7	21	-	-
	10		45	13	28		-
	11		120	30	24

CC.Bty	15	-	46	15	28
	16		92	23	29

APPENDIX “C”

EXERCISE “TORTOISE”.

MOST SECRET.

MARCH TABKE NO. 2 FROMCAMPS TO EXERCISE ASSEMBLY AREA (CONVOY No.2)

1. Routers: (1) HOMS SOUK EL CHEMIS KILO 141 (M 6323)

(2) 22 Armd Bde HQ Rly M 3630 to M 630230.

(3) (for RA) Entry to Unit Leaguer, via Main Rd to Dispersal Pt M 632232 via K.141.

2. SP where entry to leaguer joins rd.

3. Wheels: 40 vtm, 15 mih day 40 vtm 7½ mih by night. Tracks: 40 vtm 10 mih day and night.

4. Lights will be used for all night moves.

Ser

ial

Unit

Date

LST

No,

Route

No.of

vehs

Time

Past

Disp Pt

Time

Disp

Past

Time due

At Assembly

Head

Tail

Head

Tail

Area

(a)

(b)

(c )

(d)

(e)

(f)

(g)

(h)

(j)

(k)

(l)

(m)

(n)

22 Armd Bde

5 RHA Tac HQ

No.3

Entry to

0545

0550

M 632232

0555

0600

0700

& K Bty

leaguer

15 LAA.

RHQ, G Bty & K Bty

23, 24

No.3

0915

0925

0935

1000

15 LAA

5 RHAQ G.CC

Btys

27, 28

No.3

1220

1230

1225

1235

1300

Adv Party No.2 proceed independently to D.P. to arrive by 1740 hrs 15 Aug.


	APP/II/AUG

		BIGOT
	5 RHA INSTRUCTION NO.1.	BUTTRESS
		MOST SECRET.

GENERAL 1. The following instructions show the procedure that will be adopted from the time the Division leaves its present area until it embarks. Final details will be given when available. ASSEMBLY 2. The Regt will move to the Div Assembly Area, where it may remain up to 10 day. During this time vehicles will be waterproofed at REME waterproofing points which are adjacent to the areas. LSTs. 3. As the shipping allotment in entirely LSTs, personnel will remain with their vehicles at all times. ASSEMBLY AREA 4. These areas will be cramped, owning to the necessity of being within five miles of the port. EMBARKATION 5. Movement Control will call forward Serials from the Assemble Areas to the place of embarkation. The whole of the Regt will probably be on No.2 Convoy (less Adv Party), as in Exercise “TORTOISE”. LOADS OF VEHICLES. 6. As far as possible full G.1098. For overall weight and dimensions of vehicles see App ‘B’. 7. Camouflage nets will be carried for all vehicles. STORES, SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. 8. Dangerous cargo such as Demolition Explosives, Acids, etc., will be declared on arrival at ship’s side, and will then be offloaded and give special stowage in ship. 9. Vehicles Batteries. No batteries will be disconnect without special orders from Movements. 10. Skid Chains. All 4 x 2 rear wheel drive vehicles will be fitted with skid chains after arrival in dock area. 10 Corps is providing a special squad with jacks and tools to assist. 11. POL. (a) All spare petrol must be carried in jerricans or similar containers. (b) All vehicle tanks will be 90% full and 100 miles’ reserve will be carried on each vehicle. (c) Oil changes will be carried out as follows:- (i) BEFORE WATERPROOFING. Engine oil change only. (ii) AFTER WADING. Engine oil gearbox and transmission oil changes. Oil for the latter will be carried on each vehicle. 12. M.Cs. Theses must be carried in vehicles with oil sumps full and petrol tanks empty. 13. SURPLUS UNIT STORES. Stores which cannot be carried in vehicles, but are required early, should be marked with unit markings and lettered “XX”. The other priorities are “A” and “B”. Spare teenage should go priority “B”. 14. SUPPLIES. The following supplies will be carried by all ranks on embarkation:- (a) 1 emergency ration, 1 mess tin ration (48 hrs) for consumption day of landing plus 1. (b) In unit transport, 1 day compo (14 ration pack) to be held centrally in echelon transport to prevent unauthorised consumption. One compo ration will be taken by Z2 adv party. (c) Second line transport, two days compo ration. 15. RUM One issue will be carried by Btys and may be issued after landing at discretion of convoy commanders. 16. D.I.D. BRICK D.I.D. will probably issue to units on day of landing + 1. This will allow the rations shown in para 9 (b) and (c) to be held in reserve. 17. WATER (a) One water bottle full on embarkation to be refilled before landing. (b) In unit transport, one can per man at 1 gallon per day. 18. MEDICAL (a) Bush nets or bivouac tents on a scale of 100% (one per 2 O.Rs) will be taken. Btys will ensure that these are mosquito proof. (b) All ranks will carry dual containers of Mepacrine tablets and mosquito cream No.2. Btys weill carry one week’s supply of Mepacrine tablets. (c) All ranks will carry one mosquito veil. 19. CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT (a) Two pairs of boots per man. One pair to be dubbed in case of men having to dismount from their vehicles before reaching the shore. (b) Two blankest per man. (c) K.D. trousers in the event of cold weather. (d) Personal A.G. clothing only to be taken. Capes will be worn in rolled position as a protection against the weather. 20. WATERPROOFING Waterproofing of vehicles will be carried out in two stages. (1) Stages (1) and (2) at the Assembly Area by REME (2) Stage (3) on board ship. Further instructions in Appendix “A” 21. AMN Full 1st and 2nd line amn will be carried. 22. A.A. Btys will have AA.LMG crews available for duty on LSTs if ordered by Ship’s Master. 23. MARKING OF VEHICLES AND STORES Vehicles will be marked as follows before leaving this area:- (a) On bonnet and left front wing LST number (if known by then) and priority for discharge, i.e. 1/2 means LST No.1 and second vehicle for discharge. (b) Unit serial number of right wing. (c) M/Cs will be similarly marked. (d) All Stores, whether accompanied or not, will be marked with serial number and colour markings. 24. VEHICLE SHIPMENT CARDS (a) Loading cards W.5180 are not required. (b) Officer i/c of vehicles for each LST will take a list in duplicate of vehicles by type giving length, width, xxxxxxxxx height and dead weight of loaded vehicles. Which will be handed to Movements in the Assembly Area. These are prepared by This HQ. 25. WINDSCREENS Windscreens of vehicles on top decks of LSTs will be covered to prevent reflection of sun or moonlight. (Camouflage nets) 26. LOADS IN VEHICLES All stores will be carefully packed and firmly secured to the vehicle. NO stores will be packed as to protrude beyond the overall dimensions of the vehicle. 27. E.F.I NAAFI stores will probably not be available for 25 days after landing. A double issue has been asked for before embarkation.
17 August		Capt. RHA.
ACK		Adjutant.

Distribution.
G.Bty……………1 K.Bty………… ..2 CC.Bty………….3 C.O……………..4 C.O.2 .………….5 O.O.…………….6 Q.M……………..7 EME.……………8 File ……………..9

September 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
15 miles	1		A regimental exercises on the ranges to practise quick firing of the Regiment on a common grid
East of			- followed by battery course shooting.
Homs			Gnr Gillman posted from 155 Transit Camp.
	2		News received that were are unlikely to send our vehicles for waterproofing until 20 Sep
			24^th Field Regt RA joined the division. They are equipped with ‘Priests’ & will support 22 Armd Bde in our place – a sad blow.
	3		National Day or Prayer – church parade in the morning followed by normal training.
	4-6		Normal training. Gnrs Crowley and Macarthur posted from 155 Transit Camp
	7		Div. Cmd. Maj-Gen Erskine paid a surprise visit to the battery – all officers and most of the battery were out on the ranges. Gnr Hallgath rejoined
	8	1730	A fair held in front of our lines by K & CC Batteries
		2230	a popular show especially as it coincided with Italy’s surrender
	9		Normal training. Sgt Rowe promoted BQMS – two 3 tonners & one 15 cwt for new engines – all vehicles requiring new engines have received them.
	10		Battery Drill Order – a White Scout Car received from H Truck.
	12		5 RHA Admin Instruction No 3 received – no waterproofing to be done.	App I
	13	2200	Information that we move to assembly area on 17^th.. Battery order of battle by vehicles & troops attached.	App II
	14	2000	5 RHA Movement order No 1 received – move put forward to 16^th.	App III
	15		Packing up & preparation for move meeting held at 1430.
			The following promotions were made.
			to Sgt L/Sgt Frodsham, to L/Sgt Bdr Stainer, to P/LBdr U/L/Bdrs Gammon, Laing, Wilson and Field,
		2000	Move for morning advance to 0615 at SP.
	16	0630	Past SP & uneventful march to TRIPOLI arriving 1230 hrs & leaguerd about 1 kilo South of the town
TRIPOLI	17		Remained in assembly area & cleaned up last moment troubles i.e. one new 25 pdr & 15 cwt & new engine for 2 tonner.
	18	1900	Assembled in groups for LST. The battery was chiefly in LST 357 & 379 with a few vehicles in 3 others.
	19	0530	Moved to dock area.
		1230	Began to load some five hours late.
		1730	LSTs moved out of harbour.
		2000	Convoy sailed.
At sea	20		A peaceful day’s sailing – the LST is American & considering the numbers (some 250 ORS & 12 Offrs) is comfortable.
	21	1000	Sighted Mt ETNA.
		0430	Sailing through Straits of MESSINA – many small landing craft ferrying stores & vehicles from SICILY to Mainland.
AMALFI	22	1230	Landed at Green Beach South of SALERNO & proceed to assembly area about N8026
Sheet 197		1845	All the battery less a few vehicles die to arrive to-morrow,
N2026			We are prepared to move anytime under Cmd 22 Armd Bde.
			7 Armd Div is to pass through 46 Div on SALERNO – VIETRI – CDAVA road & back into the Naples plain.
			F Sub blew the wheel of a gun on a Hawkins mine in the assemble area – no one hurt.
	23	0900	No sign of move – remainder of the battery rejoined.
		1430	Recce parties called forward to kilo 68 West of BATTIPAGLI and they proceed to try & find a Regtl area in MANGO N7133, but there were no possible positions.
		1530	Battery moved to N 788248 where it leaguered the night.
			The 46 Div attack appeared to have made no headway.
N 788248	24	1300	No sign of movement – no attack last night & no posns yet found to deploy in.
	25-26		Remained in same location at 4 hours notice to move. A noisy place as we are by an aerodrome which has a constant stream of Spitfires going up & down.
	27		The first muddy wet night we have had. – the going would make movement difficult though by midday it had dried up a lot.
		1200	Placed at 2 hours notice to move.
		1900	Placed at 1 hour notice & immediate notice from 0600 hrs.
	28	0815	Moved on C.L. through SALERNO – NOCERA – SCAFATI. Progress extremely slow – 16 miles in 10 hours.
			We are moving at the tail of K Bty behind 22 AB.
5933		1800	Leaguered on road at CAVA DI TIRRENI 5933 – very wet night.
529395	29		Ready to move at first light – actually moved at 1025, Progress equally slow – billeted for night at PAGANI – 6 miles.
	30	0600	Moved one mile & halted then one more mile & halter until 1600 hrs. Some slight shelling of the road, Gnr Marshall, Robinson F & Dv Jeavous wounded.
		1515	Recce parties forward to 4239
		1600	Guns moved into action at 421399 – no firing but laid on D.F. for night. Capt Noble spent night with 23 Armd Bde prepared to cover their advance on NAPLES to the limit of our range.


App I Sep		MOST SECRET
		BIGOT AVALANCHE
		Copy No…1…
	5 RHA ADMIN INSTRUCTION No 3.	5 RHA
		11 Sep 43

1. Waterproofing This will not now take place. The Regt may spend only 24 hrs in the assembly area. 2. Skid Chains All vehicles will be issued with one pair of skid chains as part of vehicle winter equipment. 3. E.F.I. It is not yet known whether a further supply will be available. There will be no supply after landing for minimum of 28 days. 4. Postal The new postal address will be C.M.F. instead of M.E.F. Post cards will be issued on the basis of one per man for notification of change of address. This information will not be passed on until after sailing. These cards will be despatched by the fastest means available. The cards state “C.M.F”. wiil be inserted by the A.P.O. THIS INSTRUCTIONS WILL BE DISREGARDED and the whole address will be inserted. There will be no other changes in postal arrangements. Large supplies of 3d stamps should be brought before leaving this area. 5. Spare Tentage Spare teenage will be handed in, under arrangements of QM. on arrival at TRIPOLI. 6. Marking of vehicles. Vehicles will be marked before leaving the assemble area the assembly area with LST number on the bonnet and near side wing. 7. Rations. Every man will embark with the unexpired portion of that day’s ration Voyage rations will be placed on board by HQ & Tn. 8. Water. All water trucks, containers and water bottles will be embarked full. 9. Medical. All cases with hospital expectancy of over 7 days will be evacuated initially to Sicily and subsequently to TRIPOLI. All cases likely to take over 90 days will be sent to PHIILLPPEVILLE. Casualties on LSTs will be treated by medical staffs on the ship. 10. P.W. German wounded will be evacuated, and remainder, including the civil population, will be treated locally. 11. Hygiene. All precautions will be taken against malaria and dysentery. Proper latrines will be dug whenever possible in all concentration and transit areas where there is a congestion of troops. 12. AMGOT. The main function of the Allied Military Government of Occupied Territories is to see that the existing civil authorities continue to run the country so that the fighting troops may not be hindered. Within the theatre of operations AMG are not responsible for the following services, which are the responsibility of the arm or service concerned; AMG, Bty will give every assistance possible (a) Electrical & gas installations (b) Water supply. (c) Railways. (d) Docks. (e) Roads and bridges. (f) Telephones, telegraphs, cables and radios. CIVIL SUPPLIES. 13. No civil food stocks may requisitioned or purchased without authority from Corps HQ, owing to the shortage of food. No meals of locally produced food may be taken in civilian hotels, restaurants or cafés. 14. It will be probably be necessary to import food supplies into the country quite soon after occupation, but this will not be done until absolutely necessary, or to the prejudice of the Allied Forces. BILLETING. 15. Billets will be obtained on application by a billeting officer to the local authorities. No payments will be made except where occupants are turned out and suffer hardship. Application for payment will be made to the Hiring Officer and will only be made with the concurrence of the C.A.O. of the area. 16. The use of property of religious or charitable institutions will be avoided if possible. 17. Private property, whether occupied or not, must be respected. 18. Pay and Finance. Rate of exchange will be – 1 Pound Sterling = 4 dollars = to be notified later. It is important that no sterling, dollars, or N.African currency is taken into an enemy country. Only BMA will be taken 19. Discipline. All possible steps will be taken to prevent pilferage in Docks, Depots and maintenance areas. All offences, however minor, will be tried by court martial. 20. ADMIN RETURNS. These will be included in Appendix “A”, to follow. arrangements which will require careful organisation as existing arrangements are totally inadequate.
		Capt
		Adj

Distribution.

	APP/SEP/II
		“G” BATTERY (MERCER’S TROOP) R.H.A
		ORDER OF BATTLE.
BATTERY H.Q.
1.	2.	3.	4.	5.	6.
Tac Sign.	Type.	Make.	W.D. No.	Load.	PERSONNEL.
X.	Armd Car.	Chev. 4x4	169938	T.S.M.G 2 sets.	Major J.R. Kynaston. L/Bdr. Jenner. Bdr Manley Dr. Mollison
X2	Jeep.	Willys Knight 4x4	2187051	Fts for W/T.	Dr. Young (Driver) Dr. Morrifield
K1.	8 cwt W/T	Morris.	4446783	T.S.M.G 1 set	Capt. Lanyon. Gr Green L/Bdrs Dick & Pritchard.
H.	Armd 15cwt W/T	White.	170460	T.S.M.G 2 sets.	Lt. Peal. L/Bdr Urguhart Gnr. Dickson. Dr Wray.
Y.	15 Cwt	Ford.	4627830	T.S.M.G C.P. Stores.	Lt. Jamieson, L/Bdr Droy, L/Bdr. Laing. Dr Ford,
M1.	15 cwt	Dodge.	4741017	T.S.M.G Signal Stores.	L/Sgt. Thornbur, Gnrs. Davies, Beckwidth, Dunlop. DR. Clarke,
K2.	30 cwt 4x4	Ford.	4575168	Bren L.M.G. Bty. Office Forward Q.	Bdrs. Markham Humphrey, Harrington. Dr Palmer, Gnr. Paterson.
A3.	3 ton.	Chev. 4x4	4631142	112 rds HE. E/R Stores.	BSM. Lungley, Sgt. Weare L/Sgt. Paterson. Gnr. Yardy, Dr, Shaw.
A6	3 ton	Ford. L.N.	4723067	ChargingPt. Spare Acid. Spare Detld Water. Bren.	Sgt. Walker, Gnr. Piggin, L/Bdr. Smith, L/Bdr. Spring, Sgm. Duckham, Dr. Bibby.
P.	3 ton.	Chev. 4x4	4630659	640 gls Petrol Oil.	L/Sgt. Crisp, Gnr. Lloyd, L/bdr French, Dr. Stone
F.	3 ton	Ford. 4x4	47155222	Fitter & M/M Stores.	L/Sgt. Wallace, D/Ms Needle, Warren, M/M. Alder, Gnr. Mortimer Dr. Cogley.
Q1.	3 ton	Chev.	4721487	Q Stores. Bren L.M.G.	BQMS, L/Bdr. Gammon. Gnr. Harrop. Dr. Kempson.
Q3.	3 ton	Ford. L.N.	4723203	Cooks.	Cpl. Underwood. Dr. Hancocks. Dr Saunders, Dr Thompson, Gnr Mason
Q4.	3 ton.	Ford. L.N.	4722186	Officers Mess, T.S.M.G.	Bdr. Reynolds, L/Bdr. Monger, Gnr. Collins, Gnr. Gillman, Dr. Chatfield, Dr. Pearse.
Q5	15 cwt. Water Cart.	Dodge.	4976236	W/Cart.	L/Bdr. Symons, Dr. Killiott.
MC1.		B.S.A.	4665831	Forward HQ Orderly	Dr Wood.
MC1.		B.S.A.	4700949	A Echelon. Orderly.	Dr Foulger.
J1.	Jeep.	Willys. Knight. 4x4	5185906	Surv. Stores.	Bdr. O’Connor. Gnr. Lambert.
P		Ford	4722835		(2)


	“G” BATTERY (MERCER’S TROOP) R.H.A
		ORDER OF BATTLE.
“A” TROOP.
Tac Sign.	Type.	Make.	W.D. No.	Load.	PERSONNEL.
RA	Tank.	Stuart.	T.28070	2 sets.	Capt. North, Dr. Op. Lewis Bdr. McDonald,Dr. Op. Hobbs
GA	15 cwt	Ford.	4833290	1 set. GPOAs Stores	Lieut Dunlop. L/Bdr Wood, Gnr. Pirie. Dr. Dove.
TLA	15 cwt	Dodge.	4738618	1 set.	Lt. Rawson, Bde. Billing, Dr. Herman, Dr. Powell, Gnr. Haynes.
A Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	4527454	16 HE (Quad) 20 HE (Limber) 8 Smoke (“) 12 AP. (“)	Sgt. Shaw, L/Sgt. Stanier, L/Bdr. Sharples, Gnr. Gee, Gnr. Hallgath, Dr. Smith. L/Bdr. Pugh.
B Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	4546527	-DITTO-	Sgt. Gibson, Bdr. Whalley, L/Bdr. Turner, Gnr. Watts Gnr. Lloyd, Gnr. Burnikell, Dr. Beardmore.
C Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	4523243	-DITTO-	Sgt. Rothwell, L/Sgt. Warren. Gnr. Kyte, Gnr. Kershaw, Gnr. Romer, Gnr. Archer, Dr. Davies. N.
D Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	4513449	-DITTO-	Sgt. Spence, L/Sgt. Beesley, L/Bdr. Guild, Gnr. Fowls, Gnr. Slack, Gbr. Newby, Dr. Comley.
A1.	3ton.	Ford.	4971132	164 H.E.	TSM. Callum, Gnr. Chiddicks, Gnr. Robinson, D/M. Grimshaw. Dr. Norris.
A4.	3 ton	Ford.	49719401	148 HE 16 Smoke. Fitters Heavy tools.	Bdr. Armitage, Gnr. Benge, Gnr. Knox, Gnr. Barratt, Dr. Roach.
M2.	15 cwt.	Bedford	4761558	M/Ms Tools.	Dr. Seagrave, M/M Ibbotson, D/M. Mulhall, xxxxxxxxxxx.
M/C5		Norton.	4318271		L/Bdr. Myerthall.
M/C 9		“	4587366		Dr. Holey.
Rt. Sec Quad.	Quad.	Chev	4527619	15 HE (Quad) 43 HE (Limbers) 16 Smoke ( “ )	Dr. Johnson, Gnr. Willox, L/Bdr. Fox, Gnr. Edwards.


		B TROOP ORDER OF BATTLE.
1.
Tac Sign.	Type.	Make.	W.D. No.	Load.	PERSONNEL.
RB	Tank.	Stuart.	T37381	2 sets.	Capt. North. L/Bdr. Oldfield. L/Cpl. Sadler.	3
GB	8 cwt	Dodge	Z1306175	-	Lt. Wilson. L/Bdr. Gwinnell. Sig, Gibson. L/Bdr. Golding.	4
TLB	15 cwt	Dodge	Z4767318	-	Lt. Potter. Sig, Mitchell. Sig. Chapman,	4
E Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	H4527666	16 HE 24 Cart.	Sgt. Riches. Bdr. McKay. Gnr. Brown. Gnr. O’Connell. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx Gnr. Johnson. Dr. Pettitt	7
F Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	H4513406	16 HE 24 Cart	Sgt. Walby L/Bdr. Wilson. L/Bdr. Meakin. Xxxxxxxxxx Gnr. Hardman. Gnr. Horrocks. Gnr. Sillitto. Dr. King.	7
G Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	XXXXXXXX H4546412	16 HE 24 Cart	L/Sgt. Dryden L/Sgt. Walker T. L/Bdr. Morgan. Gnr. Smith. Gnr. Hough. ~~Pte. Adams~~. Dr. Howden. Gnr ELEABY.	7
H Sub.	Quad.	Chev.	H4255640	16 HE 24 Cart	~~Sgt. Rowe~~. L/Sgt FRODSHAM Bdr. Fost. L/Bdr. Pescod. L/Bdr. Stacey. Gnr. Dean. Gnr. Andrews. Dr. Whitcomb.	7
Rt. Sec	Quad.	Chev.	H4413294	16 HE	Bdr. Taylor Dr. Swift. Gnr. Ridley. Gnr. Haskill. Dr Jeavons	5
A2.	Ford 4 x 4	3 ton	4620661	164 HE 180 Carts	L/Sgt. Emery. ~~Gnr. Ellaby.~~ PTE ADAMS Gbr. Kirkham. Dr Alcock.	4
A5.	3 ton	Chev 4x4	4741711	Fitters Kit 148 HE 16 Smoke 164 Cart	Ftr. Walker A. Gnr. Hennessey. DR TOZE Gnr. McCleane. Dr Preece.	4
M3	15 cwt	Ford	4736511	MM. Kit. Spare Octane.	Bdr. Howard, L/Bdr Perry. D/M Hopkins, D/M Cherry. ~~Dr Toze.~~	5
MC6	M/C	BSA			~~TSM. Wright~~ or L/Bdr PEPPEY ~~Ftr Walker A.~~
J3	JEEP	))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
		WILLYS KNIGHT			TSM. Wright

October 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
421399 Ref 1/100,000	1	0600	OP with 23 Armd Bde reported no opposition & that they were pushing on Capt North & B.C. as for PORTILI 2956 before returning to the battery. It was not unlike the entry into TUNIS with the population all over the streets & covering the vehicles with grapes & flowers.
Sheet 184		1055	Bty pulled out & moved up C.L. POMPEI – BOSCOREALE 4041 – SAN GUISEPPE 4348 – OTTIANO 4050 – SONNA VESUVIANA 3853 - SAN ANASTASIA 3352 = POMILLIANO 3257 – AFRAGOLA – CAIVANO – AVERSA – CATUA.
		1630	Movement slow & spasmodic – halted for night 4141
4141	2	0630	Slow & spasmodic movement all day – 22 AB was due to pass through 131 Bde in line NOLA - SONNA VESUVIANA – two up 1 R Tks right 4 CLY left. We only reached OTTIANO – a move of 9 miles. Head of 1R. Tks had reachd AFRAGOLA.
OTTIANO	3	0615	Moved first via MARIGLIANELLA 3658 to LICIGNANO 3057 when after a hasty breakfast we went in action at 283561.
283561			Capt North installed himself on a roof top in AFRAGOLA – owing to wooded nature on the country it was impossible to see anything below the tops of trees. A considerable ~~away~~ amount of indifferent shooting on gun areas, MG etc was done. A barrage was fired on CARDITO for an attack by 2 companies of 1 RB – attack was successful & by nighty 1 RB held the southern edge of the village which appeared to empty.
			Amm. Expenditure 797 HE 2 Smoke.
283561	4		Capt Noble went out with 1 R.Tks at first light & gradually pushed on up the C.L.
		0900	Bty pulled out & continued up C.L. swinging wide on the east of CARDITO. Went into action 207606 - fired many concentrations including covering an attack by 2/5 Queens to gain a bridgehead at 1969.
207606			Wireless was very difficulty owing to screen from the woods & houses. Amm Ex 557 HE.
	5	0700	Capt North out with 1 R Tks in area 161732 – Bty moved to 176676 & later moved to 191710
		1700	A small amount of shooting during the day – Amm expenditure 92 HE.
191710	6	0530	Capt Noble with 1 R Tks is area 161732 – the enemy is almost entirely N. of R. VOLTURNO & difficult to get observation on.
			A few “stonks” & “murder” on suspected gun areas & one shoot on suspected OP.
		1200	OP moved to 115745.
		1400	CPO to recce battle position are 1573 to cover attack by 131 Bde for a bridgehead at GRAZZANISE 0876 in a day or two.
		1440	A troop position shelled – Gnr Pine killed, L/Bdr Perry & Gnr Barrett wounded. Moved to alternative posn.
		1630	Put under cmd 5 R Tanks – BC & Capt North joined the tanks & leaguered with their RHQ at 177735 – Capt North going to C & Capt Noble to A Sqn
			Amn expenditure 100 HE 10 Smoke. Gnr Lloyd evacuated with malaria.
	7		Capt Noble at ST MARIA LA FOSSA & Capt North at 161732. Observed shooting on HB & mortars from first light – one brew up in a mortar position,
			Only smoke & sound bearings could be observed & mediums were frequently called in to assist.
			A troop position shelled twice during the late afternoon – no damage or casualties.
			Amn Expenditure 427 HE. Sgt Spence evacuated with malaria.
	8	1100	We were relieved by 22 Bty of 24 Field Regt – their OPs taking over.
		1230	A troop pulled out – the operation was started at 0530 but owing to mud it took 7 hours & 10 quads to moved them – B troop was a slightly easier job.
		1400	Bty all out & moved to a concentration area in ALBANOVA 1080.
		1500	BC & CPO to recce an area 1273 – to be occupied tonight.
		1800	Battery – ready, 8 guns & 2 ‘G’ trucks moved into action – not an easy position but with winching & pushing were in by 2115 hrs. Remainder of the battery slept in ALBANOVA.
			Amm expended on battery targets at first light 55 HE.
128727	9.		Day spent in preparing the positions as well as the land would allow – a bulldozer being used to prepare exists.
		1600	Nothing more was to be taken forward in ammo etc; guns left for night with 2 men each – remainder sleeping in the dry at ALBANOVA. The battery though in action is not operation & is there for covering the crossing of VOLTURNO – delay in attack due to the Hun thinning out or bad weather?
			We do not know.
128727	10		No change.
	11		TEWT for BC at AFRIGOLA on the lessons of the action fought round CARDITO.
			184 r.p.g. dumped on position during afternoon.
	12		Preparation or firing a barrage this evening. Concentrations & barrage were mainly bluffs as the Queens (131 Bde) on our front were only sending fighting patrols over the VOLTURNO & not attacking in earnest.
		2030	Barraged timed to start - just before there was a lot of chopping & changing.
		-0030	It was as well no attacked depending on it. Ammunition 1305 HE 18 Smoke.
			Capt North at 111746 with HQ 1/5^th Queens.
	13.		Capt North remained with 1/5 Queen for liaison & to handle the fire of the Regiment to be utilised when required.
			A few concentration were fired – expenditure 124 HE.
128727			Orders received to send OP with 1 RB to reinforce 46 Div who were being heavily counter-attack, north of the VOLTURNO in the CANCELLO area.
	14	0530	BC went to 1 RB HQ to find out the form – one battalion of the Foresters had been driven back across the river & 1 RB were holding the South bank astride the road & railway by ARNONE 0274.
			Capt Noble installed himself in a house in ARNONE & reported D.F. task just over the river – there were no further excitements. BC remained with 1RB at 043718 with a medium OP & liaison officers from 46 Dib CRA in case fire was required.
		1100	Lt Rawson relieved Capt North with 1/5 Queens
		1900	Ammunition expenditure 340 HE 3 Smoke. Harassing fire was carried out shortly after dark.
128727	15	0530	Capt North took over from Capt Noble & REs began a bridge at CANCELLO.
		1400	1 RB relieved by 46 Div Recce Regt. BC & OPs returned to the Bty.
			Lt Rawson remained with 1/5 Queens all day & did some OP work from 145762 – chiefly for smoke bearings.
			Harassing firing carried out during the night.
			Ammunition expenditure 460 HE.
	16		Lt Peel evacuated sick. Lt Potter relieved Lt Rawson.
			The Queens have now a small bridgehead in GRAZZANISE area. 56 Div & Americans have a class 30 bridge north of CAPUA & are doing well – 46 Div is pushing on towards the MASSICO feature. The battery is remaining in action to cover 131 Bde to limit if our range & then cross VOLTURNO at GRASSANISE. OPs with their Honeys were to join 5 R. Tanks to cross by CAPUA. Various concentrations were fired for 131 Bde.
			Amm expenditure 224 HE.
	17	0800	Capt Lanyon went forward to recce what was to be a leaguer area at first but later changed to a position in action in area 1476.
		0900	The battery was ordered to move my Regt before the recce was completed. It turned out that there was no room for the Regt as 121 Fld Regt & 56 Heavy were in the area – result after several waiting the battery had to get back into action in the same area – the gun pits were not occupied. A day of order & counter order & much wasted energy.
			Lt Potts was recalled from 1/5 Queens & Lt Rawson was sent as L.O. to CRA 46 Div. Amn. Ex. 3 Smoke – attempted registration of D.Fs by K Bty.
	18.	0900 1000 1300	Recce R.V. at 124765 to find area south of VOLTURNO – no success & the battery was ordered to leaguer in a German ammunition dump – or rather the remains of one at 149750
		1430	Recce to RV at 158788 to find position in area 1579 & the Regt was to be ready to move at 1500, G leading – route via GRAZZANISE.
		1450	Orders – no move tonight – G Bty hear to be at 166764 at 0630 hrs tomorrow. No further changes were made. The CPO & G parties remained in the new area.
			OPs had joined 5 Tanks at AVERA expecting to move 0530 hrs – actually by 1100 19 Oct they were still there!
	19	0550	Bty move to RV & continued across the river into action in area 158788 – arriving 0700hrs
158788			Even now we are almost out or range. No move ordered until tomorrow when it is expected we moved to area 1081.
		1100	Capt North contact the battery & both OPs were ordered to make their own way across the river & rejoin the battery,
		1700	Recce parties laid on at 0730 hrs tomorrow for area 1183.
		2100	Recce parties cancelled. Gnrs Hennessy & Preece evacuated sick (V.D.)
	20.	1200	Recce parties to area 1183.
		1300	Battery moved to 110834.
		1430	In action – local OP at 102837 selected – not manned.
			An excellent view & plenty of chicken & pork available.
110834	21	0730	Local OP manned by Lt. Dunlop.
		1130	B.C. contacted 5 R. Tanks in area 122853
		1400	Capt Noble liaised with C Sqn & remained with 5 Tks during the night. Some regimental concentrations were fired. Amm Ex 208 HE 3 Smoke.
	22	0440	Fired concentrations to assist attack by 169 Bde.
		0530	B.C. & Capt North joined 5 Tanks HQ area 114855. Capt Noble O.P. work C Sqn at 089964 – C Sqn pushing along the main road towards SPARANISE.
		0815	Capt North relieved Capt Noble – on the way up Bde Macdonald was slightly wounded by shellfire.
		1030	Capt North & Sig Lewis killed by a burst in a tree immediately over the turret. Dv OP Hobb was dazed by the blast but managed to bring the tank to 5 Tank HQ before passing out – a Gallant effort.
			Capt Noble replaced Capt North in area 082860 & engaged several HBs, mortars & anti guns & odd infantry in SPARANISE area.
			Capt Noble returned to RHQ 5 Tanks with BC for the night.
			Amm expenditure 1299 H.E.
	23		Capt Noble with A Sqn at 089979 – some shooting at suspected HBs.
		1500	One tank of A Sqn lost a track in area 078887 & the crew were pinned by Spandau fire – a small fire plan 3 guns HE 1 Smoke fired for ¾ hour to help another tank recover it without success.
			A Sqn leaguered in this area & the Regiment has laid a D.F. task covering it. This was called for & fired shortly after midnight. Results highly successful as the tank was intact by the morning. Amm Expenditure 664 HE 78 Smoke.
		1700	Dv Op Chapman evacuated sick. Bty moved to area 10824 as it had been shelled ~~Capt Noble to area 073888 with A Sqn – but later moved to hill above SPARANISE~~ during the morning without damage or casualties, but the area seemed well taped
100824	24		Capt Noble to area 073888 with A Sqn – but later moved to hill above SPARANISE.
			\|An excellent OP but little to be seen of the enemy. Attempts were made for RA with Lt Dunlop who had taken over A Troop temporarily to relieve RA – however RA got badly ditched & was not in working order again for 24 hours. 5 Tank HQ moved to 088867 where BC & Capt Noble spent the night.
			Lt Dunlop joined them in TLA after dark. Amm. Ex.378 HE 7 Smoke.
	25	0545	X went out with BC & Lt Dunlop as Op in area 053867 – later as things were quiet TLA took over as OP truck.
092860		0745	Bty moved to area 092860. A quiet day – a few targets were requested & suspected MT engaged.
			Amm. Ex. 199 HE 18 Smoke.
092860	26		5 Tanks were relieved by 40 R. Tanks & 46 Div had taken over the sector from 22 Armd Bde. 22 Armd Bde were to move to sector between 012805 & the sea mainly along the line of the canal.
		0520	CPO & G Parties to recce area S. of VOLTURNO about CANCELLO.
		1130	Bty moved to new area via GRAZZANISE.
027746		1300	In action area 027746. No shooting, but D.F. tasks for 1 RB who were holding sector near the sea – most D.Fs would require supercharge.
	27.	am	Rest & maintenance.
		pm.	C.P.O recced area 9373 to which we are to move tomorrow night as part of the route is open
	28	1330	G Patrol moved to area 9373
		1530 1600	Battery moved across CANCELLO pontoon bridge & halted with head at 012748 to wait until dark before moving along route to new area.
		1900	In action area 924726 – one sniping gun from B troop was dropped off at 966738.
924726	29		BC recced for OP area & installed Lt Wilson at 931751 – this O.P. was used by K Bty. We took it over completely at 1300 hrs.
			There was no movement to be seen though a few targets were register. 1 RB were busy patrolling forward of the canal. OP connected by line.
		1630	A few rounds were fired around the battery area without doing any harm. Amm. Expenditure 32 HE 7 Smoke.
	30.		OP manned by Capt Lanyon & Lt Jamieson in turn. During the morning B troop complete spent a morning on the 105 mm. S.P. guns of 24 Fld Regt – doing gun drill & practicing driving. A troop were to do the same in the afternoon but this was cancelled as the “Priests” had to move across the canal.
			Some stonks were fired in the MONORAGONE (9079) area to assist 1 R. Tanks & 1 RB who were working up the coast.
		1500	Capt Noble forded the canal & waited by the pontoon bridge 9274 until we crossed. RA tank was loaned to CC Bty. The plan is to support the Queens to the MONORAGONE & CICOLA features. We are responsible for 1/6^th Queens. 40 HE.
	31	0600	B.C. & Capt Noble contacted C.O. 1/6^th Queens, at their HQ at 921778. B troop jeep was fitted with wireless & with 3 x 38 sets was kept up with B.C. Capt Noble went B Coy & moved up to MONORAGONE & later with C Coy to 924905.
			No movement was seen though a number of concentrations were fired on calls from 1 R Tanks.
		1030	BC moved up to St ANGELO with 1/6 Queens.
		1300	Recce parties called to MONORAGONE & battery moved to pontoon bridge over the canal. Both bridge & MONORAGONE area were being heavily shelled & BC decided to put the Battery in S. of the Canal in 928748 were they remained the night.
			Amm. Ex. 255 HE 6 Smoke.

November 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
1/50,000	1		No O.P. at first light as Queens only wanted one on ROCCA MONDRAGONE – this was supplied by M Bty 3 RHA.
Sheet 171/1		1000	Capt Noble to ~~866873~~ 920810 to try & see towards GCOLA to help 1/5 Queens who were held up by spandaus & mortars
SESSA		1200	Capt Nobel went on foot with B Coy of 1/6 Queens to St. Anno 868873. Communications by 38 set to the tank & then 19 Set to Battery.
928748			A step up 38 Set was required & communications became very difficult towards evening.
			Bty was not moved through the range was long for all except shots fairly close in. Some observed shooting was done & many stonks & murders.
		1800	Capt Noble & BC slept at 1/6 Queens HQ 907803.
			Amm Ex. 1314 HE.
			During the night DF fire & harassing tasks were fired for the Queens, resulting in their advance to GCOLA feature & capturing of 4 x 105 mm Field Guns.
928748	2	0430	Lt Dunlop went with C Coy to 901822 on foot with 38 Set.
919789		1000	Recce parties to 9078 & position allocate by BC. Battery moved up at once & was in action by 1130 hrs.
			Some registration by Lt Dunlop who had an excellent view but there was little to shoot at this side of R.GARIGLIANO. He engaged several guns areas with the mediums & scored one brew up.
		1700	Our responsibilities with 1/6 Queens end as they were relieved by 1/7 Queens. BC & OP returned to battery area for night.
	3.		No OP responsibilities – BC recced forward at 9289 but no movement of the battery. The day was spent in rest & maintenance.
919789		1600	Relieved of all operational responsibilities & gunners taken off the guns. Lt Dunlop posted to K Bty to command D Troop in place of Capt Tacey who is missing. Major St John (O.C. K Bty was killed yesterday).
	4.	1000	Sitrep received – App1 Day of maintenance.
	5.	1115	All officers to RHQ where the C.O. read out a messaged from the Dib Cmdr. The gist was that the division was being withdrawn into Imperial Strategic Reserve, would hand over its equipment to a Canadian Armoured Div shortly arriving in NAPLES and would return to GREAT BRITAIN to re-equip.
		1400	A full battery muster parade when the B.C. passed on the news to the general satisfaction of all.
	6.	0700	One Jeep, 2 x M/W, 2 x 15 cwt handed over. One 3 tonner sent into NAPLES with a party for day leave.
919789		0830	Advance party (C.P.O. (Lt Jamieson) in H went to VILLA LITTERNO (063676) to recce for a billeting area.
VILLA LITTERNO	7.	0700	Bty moved via CANELLO bridge reaching VILLA LITTERNO arriving 1430 hrs. The battery was crowded in a large block of flats near the station. The vehicles in soft standings in the rear.
	8.		Information received that we are likely to hand over directly to the Canadians in this area in about three days time. Day spent in cleaning & maintaining all equipment for handing over.
	9		Leave parties into NAPLES. B.C. & Lt Wilson on recce to META area N 3626 to find billets for the battery after the hand over. Italian inhabitants were to be warned to move out & eviction orders were obtained. Vehicles dispersed round neighbouring houses to find hard standings for washing down
VILLA LITTERNO	10	am.	Lt Wilson & 3 ORs left as holding party for META area.
	11		Maintenance continued. CO & BC from 17 RCA – our opposite numbers – came over from AFRIGOLA & looked round. Probably date of hand over 16 Nov.
	12		BC went over to 17 RCA with other BC for passing on useful tips to Canadians. 2 x 3 ton handed over. Leave party to NAPLES.
	13	1030	Div Cmdr addressed all officers, WOs & NCOs of the Regiment – a good pat on the back.
		1300	Lt Potter relieved Lt Wilson & party at META. A party of Canadian Officers & ORs came over to talk to their opposite numbers.
	14	1145	4 x ME109s bombed & straffed area – one RASC lorry brewed up. No other damage.
			5 RHA Admin Ins No 5 received.	App
		2130	Orders to send 60% personnel to META tomorrow as RASC transport arrangements seem to be doubtful quantity.
	15	0930	Bty less BC, 2 offrs & 62 OPs left for META area.
		1400	Spare kit sent to kit store in NAPLES to wait until boat arrives.
VILLA LITTERNO	16	0900	The Canadian representation of 17^th Regt R.C.A. arrived to take over the guns and vehicles. Pouring rain made the handover an unpleasant operation – but the Canadians expressed themselves as extremely pleased with everything.
			The hand-over was completed by 1700 hrs: the only things left to the Bty were our personal weapons, and 2 3-Tonners, 1 15-cwt, and a spare Quad, on loan as transport for the new area. The Canadian party spent the night in our billets.
	17	0720	Bty (less The Battery Commander, who in his capacity as Regtl 2^nd i/c was proceeding as Regtl Advance party officer, and the B.Q.M.S. – as Bty representative on the Adv party - ) moved out to proceed to Sorrenton : 4 R.A.S.C. 3-Tonners were borrowed to carry us.
PIANNO		1300	Bty reached Sorrento, and found the billets prepared for us the party that had proceeded down 2 days previously. The remainder of the day was spent in cleaning up.
			At 1500 hrs, the Bty Commander reappeared, his vacancy in the Adv pat having been cancelled ; at 1800 hrs, however, he was told to report back to Rear Div H.Q. by 0830 hrs the next morning! Space has apparently been found for him.
			Various Sgts and O.R’s were dispatched on leave to Sorrento and Naples.
	18.		The Corps Commander (Lt-Gen R.L. McCreevy C.B., M.B.E.) lectured to the Officers on the Division in the Theatre at AVERSA. He gave much valuable advice, reminding us that we were going home for a definite job – and not for a holiday!
			The Bty went for a route-march in the morning, and spend the rest of he day on settling in.
	19.	0845	The Bty Captain, now commanding the Bty, lectured to all ranks on the Corps Commander’s point. The first of a long series of bath parties were despatched to bath at CASTLAMARE. Arrangements were made for the loan of a footfall ground nr SORRENTO for 2 hours in the morning, three days a week.
	20.		Lt P.A.L. Wilson went to AVERSA, and after a great deal of difficulty, arranged for a party to visit the American Ord. Depot there and examine a “Priest” on Monday.
			A 10-cet W/T van which had originally been held by the Adv part nr SORRENTO was handed over to the Canadians.
	21.	0930	Church parades at R.H.Q. in the morning. The Regt area now included SORRENTO, and men were allowed out until 220 hrs.
	22.	0800	“A” Tp departed under Lt Rawson to visit a “Priest” at AVERSA. “B” Tp used the football pitch to good advantage. In the afternoon, Lt Wilson commenced the first of a series of lectures round a magnificent “mock-up” Priest.
		1400	Warning was received that the Div Comdr would inspect billets the next morning.
	23.	1130	Brig W.R.N. Hind D.S.O., commanding the Division in the absences of General Erskine, who hand proceeded to U.K., came round the billets: he expressed himself as satisfied with what he saw, both with the cleanliness and the condition of the web-equipment.
			In the afternoon both parties proceeded to CASTELLAMARE, when arrangements had been made for the Bty to get baths fairly frequently.
	24.	0830	A Tp went down to play football at the Convalescent Depot ground at Sorrento.
			We had arranged to play there from 9 to 11 on three days a week, and although an official “programme” was later produced, which would have given us the ground once a month, we succeeded in keeping up the three games a week!
	25.	1100	Major W.R. Holman lectured to the Bty on his Steeple-chasing experiences.
			Gnr Lambert was evacuated sick.
PIANNO	26.	1100	A party of about 25 O.R’s under Lts Jamieson and Rawson proceeded to Pompeii to see the ruins, and some shopping in the town. Although the weather (as usual) was very wet in the morning, it cleared a little in the middle of the day, and the party enjoyed their trip.
			The Bty Captain and Lt Wilson departed on 3 days leave to the Divisional officers leave hotel at RAVELLO. Capt J.P. Nobel M.C. remained in charge.
	27.		A S/Sgt Fitter from 4 C.L.Y. lectured to all Dvrs and Fitters on the Radial engine, as used in the “Sherman” and the “Priest”.
	28.		Church – parades, as usual, and the first really fine day for three weeks! Otherwise, it had virtually rained (and sometimes hailed) every day. D/M Warren evacuated sick.
	29.	0900	40 O.R’s under Capt Noble and Lt Jamieson departed for the Isle of Capri, on 3 days leave.
			R.H.Q. had arrangd with a hotel there to accommodate 40 O.R’s and cook the rations for them, provide beds, bedding, etc ; and it was an ideal leave camp (far superior to the Corps Rest camps at NAPLES or ALMAFI.). The trip cost each man approx 250 Lire, (excluding extras for wine, etc.), and everybody who went enjoyed it to the full.
		1115	The remainder were inspected by the M.O.
	30.	1100	Bty proceeded on a short route march – and did succeed in avoiding getting wet!

								Appendix B.
		5^th REGIMENT ROYAL HIORSE ARTILLERY – HAND – OVER of VEHICLES
			to be handed over by					Total
Type of Vehicle		WE.	Already handed over	RHQ.	“G”	“K”	“CC”	Regt. RHA

Motor Cycles		44	7	1	2 3*	4	2	17
Cars Bantam 5 cwt		9	2	2	2	1	1	8	15 cwt
Trucks Utility (Pers.)		2	-	2				2	1 car & 1
Trucks HU (Computer)		2	-		1	1		2	30 cwt in lieu
Truck 15 cwt (Pers)		1	-					1	Chev 8 cwt
Truck 15 cwt GS		16	3	1	6	4	4	22	X – See below
Truck 15 cwt Water		4	-	1	1	1	1	4
Truck 15 cwt W/T		21	3	1	3	3	4	14	XX – See below

Lorries 3 ton GS		24	6	4	4	4	6	24
Tractors FA 3 ton GS in lieu		36	-	10	10) 2)	10) 2)	10) 2)	30 plus 6
Tractors arty No. 27 3 ton GS in lieu		48	-		(12 ( 2	(12 ( 2	(12 ( 2	36 plus 6

Carriers		6	-	1 GMC	1 GMC	1 GMC	1 GMC	4 GMC
					1 White	1 White		2 Whites.
Tanks		3	-		1	1	1	3

X	-	RHQ hand 1 15-cwt and 5 8-cwts. “G” hand 4 15-cwts and 1 8-cwt. “K” hand 4 15-cwts. “CC” hand 4 15-cwts.
XX	-	RHQ hand 1 10-cwt. “G” – 1 15-cwt. 1 10-cwt, 8-cwt. “K” 2 15-cwt, 1 10-cwt.. “CC” 1 10-cwt, 3 8-cwts.


Field.							Captain. R.H.A.
14^th Nov 1943						Adjutant 5th Regiment R.H.A.

December 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
PIANNO	1.	0900	Rifle shooting was commenced on 50 yd range in the hills behind the Regtl area. On successive days, and between downpours of rain, we succeed in getting almost every man a shoot
	2.	0845	A Map- reading scheme in the local area gave most people some fairly vigorous exercise.
			Gnrs Trussle, Abbs, and Stevenson were posted to the Corps Reinforcement Camp. Having only let the U.K. in July of this year, they could not be retained, although we succeeded in finding reasons to retain two of the other reinforcements who had not quite achieved a year’s foreign service.
			Dvr Preece rejoined the Bty from hospital. The leave party of Capri returned.
	3.	0845	All N.C.O.’s and a proportion of O.R’s attended an excellent lecture, throughout the morning, given by an R.E. N.C.O. on mine-lifting. It was extremely well given, and most instructive.
	4-5		Inspections and Church parades. During Sunday afternoon. The Regtl side played No 7 Cdn Depot at Football, and beat them after an excellent game, 2 – Nil. This was a fair achievement as they had not played together sinces HOMS, and the Cdn Depot had not been beaten this year.
	6.		Lt Wilson and 2 O.R.’s proceeded on a 2-Day Divisional cookery course. Remainder of the “Not-wanted-on-voyage” baggage was dispatched to NAPLES.
			Lt Potter and a party of 30 O.R.’s were despatched at a few hours notice to 10th Corps, in order to act as working party from the Divisions at present in the fighting line, and assist them with supplies. The Division sent 500 from the Div R.A. for this purpose.
	7-11		Normal training continued throughout this period. On the 11th the working party returned, very tired and weary after 5 days of heavy work which took them right up into the front line.
	11 Dec		They lorried supplies up and down hills and mountains, including ammn and water, and averaged only a few hours sleep a night.	APP/1/DEC/43
			The work they did was invaluable, apparently, at a very difficult stage in the operations round Mount Camion	APP/2/DEC/43
			The Battery gave an impromptu concert in the evening; the show, which included 7 sketches was a great success.
	12 Dec		The Bty adv party for the move to the Divisional transit camp at CASORIA, left under Lt Rawson. It consisted of 1 N.C.O. and 7 O.R’s.
	14 Dec		Remainder of the Baggage other than kitbags and officers valises was sent to the Div Dump at NAPLES. Lt Wilson relieve Lt RAWSON at CASORIA, the latter returning to report progress with the pitching of the camp.
	16 Dec		The first party of 40 O.R’s, under Lt Potter, proceed by road to CASORIA. The problem facing the Bty had been to get 170 all ranks to the transit camp at CASORIA, the facilities available being a train from CASTELLAMARE to CASORIA (though CASTELLAMARE was 12 miles away), and the Bty transport – 1 3-Ton lorry, 1 Quad, and one 15-cwt truck !! As it included all the mens kitbags and all the officers baggage, it will be realised that this was no mean task. The party despatched on the 16th went in our own 3- Tonner and one borrowed from the local R.A.S.C. and the Quad and 15 cwt went to carry extra kitbags.
	17 Dec	0600 – 0830 hrs	By stint of borrowing the use of an American A.A. units ration lorry (which picked up 20 men at 0600 hrs), and R.A.F. coal truck, and our own 3-Tonner, with again the Quad and 15-cwt which were somewhere still “on the road”, we transported 50 O.R.’s and all the remaining kitbags to CASORIA.
			That left us 70 O.R’s to be got to CASTELLAMARE the next day.
	18.	0900 hrs	The remainder of the Bty was transported the CASTELLAMARE in two shifts – R.H.Q. were by then able to spare us one 3-Tonner for a single lift, and our own transport did the rest. We are accommodated in a large factory, which were previously the billets of 1st Bn R. Tanks.
CASTELLAMARE	19.	0730 hrs	The Bty marched to the station and entrained. Lt Rawson and the baggage and cooks, with rations, proceeded by road in the Bty’s transport. By now, all the latter had been officially handed over to Dvrs of 5 (Canadian) Armd Div, who had been staying with the Regt for a few days, but remained under our control.
			The train reached CASORIA at 1030, and her our transport again met us, to the baggage and packs to the camp: half an hour’s march brought us to “York 3” Camp where the Regt was accommodated. All the camps lay on the main CARDITO – NAPLES road, on which the traffic averaged 50 vehicles every half-hour and nearly as many all-night! They Bty’s accommodation consisted of one large marque, one small marque, and 4 Bivvys!!
CASORIA	19 Dec	1500	Lt Potter proceeded to the docks in the afternoon, with one N.C.O. per Tp, in a Regtl party to ascertain the arrangements for kitbags. Capt Noble had proceeded direct to NAPLES in the morning, with a small adv party, where they loaded baggage under direction of Major Wildbore-Smith D.S.O., M.B.E., who was i/c Regtl advance party. They were able to get on board at 17 hrs, but had great difficulty with the baggage due to the ship’s total stay in the port being 24 hours, including disembarking 3000 Canadians.
	20 Dec	0200	The Battery, less 20 O.R’s, and a Baggage party of 5 per troop, marched to the docks at NAPLES. Departing 0350 hrs, we reached our forming up point in the VIA UMBERTO at 0630 hrs, after a march in the moonlight. The Baggage proceed in two shifts, the first under Lt Potter being our own transport carrying kitbags only, and the second our 3-Tonner with the aid of an R.A.S.C. 3-Tonner, which lifted the remaining 20 men and kitbags
			A Regtl cooks lorry had gone ahead, and met us in the VIA UMBERTO, and by 0830 all ranks had breakfasted. We moved into the docks at 0930, and embarked at 1015 on the troopship “ORMONDE”.
			Conditions on the ship were crowded, as she was carrying 3.600 (Div R.A., Div H.Q., and two Fd Sqns R.E.) and was only 14,000 tons.
			Troops were in messdecks, with the Sgts on a special messdeck and W.O.’s in “dormitories”. The ship was well provided with weather decks, and was definitely an improvement on the “BORINQUEN”!
NAPLES AT SEA	20 Dec	1630	The convoy consisting of five ships, moved out of NAPES
	23 Dec	1230	The convoy arrived at ORAN. In the afternoon we moved in from the bay and moored alongside the mole at MERS-EL-KEBIR.
			Nobody was allowed off the ship.
	24 Dec		We remained alongside, and were glad to see a proportion of Xmas fare come aboard, as the ship was rather short of food!
	25 Dec		Christmas Day was not spent on board in quite the traditional manner as conditions did not permit. However, church service where held in the morning, and Christmas dinner was done in the traditional style, the officers and W.O.’s acting as Mess Orderlies. A double rum issues was provided by the Bty, and a ration of 100 Cigarettes a man, produced by the ship were subsequently paid from out of Bty Funds. The ship provided a good Christmas dinner and the Div Catering Advisor had secured some Algerian wine to aid the morale. In the afternoon the ship’s cinema gave a performance and in the evening Capt Stone organised one of his excellent shows, specially adapting it to broadcasting as the small amount of space only permitted a limited number of spectators, and it was broadcast over the ships loudspeaker system.
			During the afternoon, the ship pulled out and anchored in the Bay.
	27 Dec	0530	Our convoy, less one ship not carrying troops, moved out. At 0830 we were joined by another convoy of 8 troopships, and the whole proceeded West, passing through the Straits of GIBRALTAR at 0400 the next morning.
AT SEA	27-31 Dec		The voyage proceeded uneventfully: weather conditions were surprisingly mild, and hardly a man was sick. Normally the only training done was miscellaneous lectures on a troop basis during boat stations each morning.
			On New Year’s Eve a rum ration was issued, and another – and definitely eventful – year ended in the Bty’s history.


	APP 1/DEC/43
		MOST SECRET
	5 RHA ADMIN INSTRUCTION NO;5	Copy No ..1….
		10 Dec 43

SUBJECT 1. To embark the Regt. METHOD 2. Op takes place in four phases – (a) March to CASTELLAMARE from present area. (b) Proceed by train to CASORIA. (c) Stage at CASORIA. (d) March to docks. PREPARATIONs 3. Stores, vehs, etc. (a) Stores not accompanying Btys on embarkation, less those required up to las moment (i.e. cooking utensils and stoves, water containers) will be handed into ADOS Dump GRAGNANO by 14 Dec (b) Tentage and accommodation stores over by 1600 hrs 15 Dec. (c) Vehs. Dvrs from 17 RCA will report to Btys by 15 Dec. They will take over vehs and remain with units dismissed by the units. (d) Salvage. Btys will ensure all ranks realise the importance of salvage. It will be cleared by unit tpt to Salvage Depot, POMPEI STA. (e) Electricity meters. As in Rear 7 Armd Div letter 101/2/A dated 2 Dec. 4. Returns. (a) Marching out states will be render to this HQ in triplicate. (b) QM will prepare a list of vehs handed over to 17 RCA in duplicate, one to 17 RCA and one to AFHQ Adv Adm Ech. 5. Marking, of Baggage. (a) Offrs. Will bear name and unit serial number, also classified “Cabin”, “Wanted on Voyage” or “NOT wanted on Voyage”. (b) ORs. Kit bags or sand bag in lieu, number, name and unit serial number. (c) Unit baggage. Bty stores etc will have WO serial number and “Wanted” or “Not wanted”. (d) Colour strips, e.g. yellow-brown-yellow are NOT essential but need not be removed. 6. Arms and Equipment. To be stowed on board. (a) Btys will prepare labels for all SA and packs marked as ORs kitbag. Labels are being obtained by this HQ. (b) SAA boxes will be marked as for unit baggage incl boxes Mag Bren. (c) Drawing of Bren guns is being done by QM. 7. Returns. (a) The Regt will proceed to CASTELLAMARE STA by march routes, See App ‘A’ attached. (b) Staging. See App ‘B’ attached. (c) Move to Docks. Details later. 8. Adv Parties. (a) Adv party from Regt consisting of on Capt from K bty and HCO from RHA, G and CC Btys will report to Transit area CASORIA by 1600 hrs D – 5 in tpt provided by RHQ. (b) Ship’s adv party will be under Maj FB Wyldnore-Smith MBR RHA and will probably consist of one NCO from RHQ and each Bty. Further details later. (c) Baggage party will probably consist of one subaltern from CC Bty and one NCS and 3 ORs per Bty and RHQ. Further details later. (d) There will be an adv party of once Capt from G Bty and one NCO from RHA, K and CC Btys to precede the Regt to CASTELLAMARE. Further details later. 9. Cooking. Cook’s lorries will move by rd from present area under Regtl arrangements, in order to provide not meals on arrival at CASORA transit area and CASTEAMARE; also to provide all subsequent meals up to embarkation. All rail parties will require haversack rations. 10. Baggage. Btys will take valises and kit bags to transit area Orders re baggage for docks will he issued separately. It will be required to move on D – 5. 11. Pro. Pro is responsible for traffic and marshalling train parties, at CASTELLAMARE. DETAILS 12. NAAFI and Christmas Fare. Arrangements for purchasing Christmas Fare should proceed until further details of the nature of Christmas Fare to be provided on board ship are to hand. It is expected that a further NAAFI issue will be made available before embarkation. 13. Insurance of Baggage. Insurance of baggage against war risks is automatic up to L100 stirling. Over and above that amount should be done privately and AFHQ are supplying details, if available 14. Money. (a) Only BMA (not more that Ten Pounds per head) will be taken on board ship. No stirling is available and will not be issued. Bty should commence drawing BMA on from the Fd Cashier now and ensure all lire is exchanged for BMA before departure from this area. No cashiers will be available on board ship for exchange of money. (b) Closing Imprest Accounts. Details later. (c) There is no restriction to the amounts of Bty funds that can be taken. 15. Med. (a) No man will embark who has not been medically examined and found free from infectious disease. (b) Arrangements are being made for the embarkation of those evacuated sick who are able to travel. 16. Documentation. AFs W 5169 etc being prepare by this office. 17. Post. Instructions later. 18. Africa Star. Will be worn by all ranks entitled to do so once ship leaves port. D -1 with Serial 27 DETAILS 19. (a) HQRA moves ~~from present area D – 2 by march route see App ‘A’~~ (b) Div Adv Adm Post from 6 Dec in PORT COMMANDANT#’S OFFICER, NAPLES/ (c) Div Report Centre in TRANSIT AREA from 15 Dec. 20.. D day is day Div embarks..
ACK
Time of signature.1225…		Capt
		Adj

Distribution. G Bty…….1 K Bty……..2 CC Bty.….3 O.O……….4 Q.M………5 W/Diary..6/7 File………..8/9


	APP 2/DEC/43
		MOST SECRET
	5 RHA ADMIN INSTRUCTION NO;5	Copy No ..1….
		11 Dec 43

(To be read in conjunction with 5 RHA Adm Instr No.5)
	PART I

1. Stores to be taken. (a) Units will take aboard Bren guns and 300 rds .303 per gun. Brens will be carried up the gangway, properly marked and labelled and will be stored in the ship’s armory (b) Each man will take aboard personal arms equipment, 50 rds .303 or 18 rds .38 four blankets and personal clothing. (c) Present deficiencies of personal arms will not be made up until arrival in UK. Deficiencies of blankets and personal clothing will be made up before embarkation. (d) No restrictions have been placed in the weight of personal kits taken. ORs will, however, be limited to the amount that can be carried by each man up the gangway. (e) Blankets will be pack round kit bags with the groundsheet outside. Name number and 16030 will be clearly marked on the groundsheet. 2. Stores to be taken. All stores which are being handed over to 5 Cdn Div and are required up last moment Units will take be loaded on vehs on D day over when vehs are dismissed. PART III 3. Move of Div to Staging area – CASORIA (2556). (a) Btys and RHQ will convey as many personnel as possible from this area direct to CASORIA, starting on D: - 4 under their own arrangements. (b) The remainder will march to CASTELLEAMARE on D – 2 and entrain for CASORIA on D -1. Further details later. (c) Kit bags will be ferried to station in unit transport ~~assisted where necessary by CRASC~~, and will travel by train and be collect at destination. (d) Cooks lorries and unit transport will move under Regtl arrangements to staging area and will provide meals on arrival. Haversack rations will be taken by all train parties. (e) OC 3 RHA will be OC Arty Units in the staging area. (f) An officer from Div HQ will be available daily at CASTELLAMARE Stn from D – 4 to D – 1 day inclusive. (g) Major AW Carr 4 CLY is acting as OC staging Area and will be located at AGRICOLA map ref 257575. Capt Lawrence 3 RHA will be representative of Div Arty. 4. Supplies, Water, POL.. (a) CRASC is arranging for delivery to Unit Adv Parties of sufficient rations to cover their stay in staging area until D day incl. (b) POL and water are available CASORIA. 5. Heavy baggage – “NOT wanted on voyage” (a) There will be a separate store for baggage not wanted on voyage for ship D. Location later. (b) Capt GP Fisher DCM MM RHA, will report at Adv Div Admin Post Port Comd Office, PLAZZA G BOVIA, NAPLES by 1200 hrs 13 Dec and will remain in NAPLES from then on. He will be responsible for supervision and loading of all baggage of units in Ship D. (c) Baggage Party. 1 OR per Bty will leave here on 14 Dec under Sgt Epps with all baggage not accompanying Btys and RHQ to CASORIA. (d) Officer i/c Adv Admin Post is informing baggage Offrs of arrangement for accommodation of baggage parties. Each man will bring is loaded. PART III. MOVE OF DIV FROM STAGING AREA TO DOCKS. 6. Details of Move from staging area to Docks. (a) Order of march, 3 RHA, 5 RHA, 15 LAA. (b) Route – Main rd to NAPLES – PIAZZO CARLO 111 – VIA FLORIA – VIA DEL DUOMO for to ship, and PIAZZO CARLO 111 – CORSO GARIBADI – PIAZZO GARIBADI – CORSO UMBERTO for the other two ships. Routes will be clearly sign-posted. (c) The Regt will be on ship D and all ranks will be informed of this. (d) Roads VOA DEL DOURO and – CORSO UMBERTO are being cleared of all traffic on D day and will be used as forming up areas. Control posts will be placed at head of these roads. These posts will be informed when ships are ready to embark personnel and each ship load will march to its place on the docks (e) Haversack rations will be required on D day. 1 3 tonner for the Regt will convey cooks and utensils from CASORIA to the forming up area. (f) Kit bags and packs will be ferried from staging area to the quayside in unit tpt amd will be stacked in to piles. (g) Expected time of departure from CASORIA 0400 hrs D day. The first meal on board will be supper on D day. 7. OC Ship. (a) Lt Col T EUSTACE SMITH RA is OC all units travelling in ship D. The ship has in addition a permanent OC tps who remains permanently on board. (b) Each ship is carrying a minimum of one sec Div Pro.Order of march, 3 RHA, 5 RHA, 15 LAA. 8. Ships Adv Parties. RHQ & Btys will detail one offr and NCO per Bty and RHQ to act as ships Adv Parties, who will report to the Docks by 0900hrs D – 1 day. Major FB Wyldbore-Smith MBE RHA will be OC party. PART IV General. 9. Security. (a) No Jerboa signs will be used on Pro Notice plates in connection with any of these moves, and the Div symbol for this purposed will be a red circle. It is essential that all ranks are informed of this. (b) Jerboa signs will continue to be worn on the arm. (c) Every effort must me made to keep the actual date of sailing secret. 10. Financial Arrangements. (a) Btys will hold their last pay parade as soon as possible. An advance of 3 weeks may be made to ORs. (b) Only BMA may be taken and the total incl cash in funds accounts may not exceed the total strength of the Bty. (c) All balances of cash will ne handed in to Field Cashier for crediting to existing banking accounts in UK or ME. (d) The Field Cashier closes at 1200hrs on D – 2 day and will not re-open at CASORIA. No other Cashiers deal with BMA. 11. Post. (a) There will be a postal tracing Centre for re-direction of mail. (b) Divisional Post Office at 1600 hrs D – 2. There will be a a final collection of mail D – 1. Btys are requested NOT to make use of this if possible. (c) There will be a postal Detachment at the staging area. Last date of collection and despatch mail Am D – 1 12. Medical. (a) All evacuations will be to 92 General Hospital. (b) All ships have full medical arrangements and Sick Bays. 13. Recovery. If vehicles break down during these moves, Regts will inform 545 Hv Rec Sec (through CASTALLAMARE phone exchange) direct and will get assistance from them. 14. Messes and Canteens. NO Standing Orders forbid the consumption of alcohol on board. 15. Personnel required back by Units. (a) Arrangements have been made for personnel required back by units who are now in this country, Sicily, N.Africa, or MEF to be returned to units except for a few men who have already neem posted to special employments. If they have not rejoined by date of sailing, men from N Africa and MEF will be returned direct to UK. (b) A small rear party is remaining in this area for about a month to collect together all men still in Italy. These will return to UK as soon as shipping space is available.
ACK
TOS 1710 hrs		Capt
		Adj

Distribution. G Bty……. 1 Q.M………5 K Bty……..2 Major FB Wyldbore-Smith MBE RHA ……6 CC Bty.… .3 Lt DG Rawson RHA…….7 O.O……… 4 W/Diary..6/7/8/9 File………..7/8 10/11

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	Appendix. Mar. 2.

	5 R.H.A. OPERATIONAL ORDER No 36.
		2 Mar 43
(Ref Map Tunisia 1/200,000 Sheet 29).

INFORMATION. 1. Enemy. are expected to attack any time 3 Mar onwards, probably in the North and also down main rd or from TOUJANE. 2. Own Tps. – (i) 201 GDS BDE are under comd 7 A.Div, and are taking over as far North as excl E.640852 – E.628843 – E.623832. Also patrol line for 22 Armd Bde as given in 5 RHA operational order No 35. 257 A/Tk Bty remains with 201 Gds Bde. (ii) 8 Armd Bde concentrate area E.7488 to-day. (iii) 2 N.Z. Div concentrate area MEDENIN p.m. 3 Mar, and take over from 1 Buffs. 3. 7 Armd Div – (i) to destrory enemy’s thrust. (ii) to hold present 131 Bde area (iii) observe enemy between 51 (H) Div and “L” Force. 4. 8 Armd Bde – prepared to move to battle posn (a) WELLINGTON (area to be occupied by 22 Bde 2/3 Mar) (b) MOORE (area at present occupied by 22 Bde) (c) MANLEY (area E.7709 to E.7497, facing N.W.) (d) LICHFIELD (area E.7072 facing west) (e) BURSLEM (area E.7697 to E.7494, facing N.W.) (f) STOKE (area E.7488 facing North) 5. 22 Armd Bde (i) on codeword “BULLDOG-SOUTH”, adopt battle posn MOORE. (ii) on night 2/3 Mar are moving to battle posn WELLINGTON (area E.6892 – 6688 facing West) (iii) Recce battle posn WOLFE (area E7298 to 7096 facing N.W.) (iv) Recce battle posn MANSE (area E.7095 to 6893 facing N.W.) INTENTION. 6. 5 RHA will support 22 Armd Bde. METHOD. 7. Move to battle posn WELLINGTON from MOORE ion 2 Mar, as already detailed 8. Order of March CC, RHQ, K. G. 9. Depart present area 1730 hrs. 10. Density 20 v.t.m. during daylight, 80 v.t.m. as soon as it gets dark. 11. Readiness : all units will be at highest degree of alertness from 1800 hrs 2 Mar. 12. Units will leaguer night 2/3 Mar in gun area and will occupy posns at first light. 13. F.O.O’s will move with Armd Regts. ADMIN. 14. B.Ech new area A.0186. 15. L.A.D. with Main R.H.Q. 16. R.A.P. with CC Bty. 17. F.A.P. with Main RHQ & Bde A.Ech INTERCOMM. 18. Regtl Net listening watch until L/T laid, or otherwise ordered, in WELLINGTON posn. 19. Tac RHQ closes present area 1730 hrs Main RHQ at 726830. 20. Synchronise by R/T or L/T at 0630 hrs daily ACK T.O.S. 1125 hrs
		Adj. 5 Regt. R.H.A.
G Bty – 1 K Bty – 2 CC Bty – 3 File -- 4.


	App IV March.

	5 R.H.A. OPERATIONAL ORDER No 38.	SECRET
		15 Mar 43

INFORMATION. 1. Enemy. – Nothing further, except that posns astride main rd at 5895 are thought to be held by 90 Lt Div, (200 PGR). 2. Own Tps. – (a) 201 GDS BDE are capturing HORSESHOW advancing from high ground WEST of HACHCHANA WADI, (631940 to 610920) on night 16/17 Mar. Right – 6 Gren Gds – objective feature 574956. Left - 3 Coldstream Gds – objective Pt 153 (567947) (b) Attack will be carried out in 3 phases. Phase 1. Adv from HACHCHAMA WADU to S.L. (WADI ZESS 598951 to 592935) from Z-60 to Z-15. Pause in this line Z-15 to Zero. Phase 2. At Zero. Adv from S.L. to WADI BOU REML to reach by Z+36. Pause on this line from Z+36 to Z+46. Z+46, adv and capture objectives. Z+120, 2 S,G’s adv and occupy high ground EAST of WADI BOU REML. Phase 3. At Z+126. Both Bns fan out NORTH and SOUTH. Probable F.D.L. line then will be :- 586958 – X Tks 581963 – Pt 153. (5694) – 565932 – WADI BOU REML 580924. (c) 131 Inf Bde. At zero, 1/6 Queens adv to area WADI EL BAGUEL 5991. 1/8 Queens then occupy area 6189 with F.D.L’s on WADI MOUSSA, and 1/7 Queens in area 6190. (d) 4 CLY occupy battle posn sq 6191 by first light 17 Mar, to counter any enemy thrust. (e) 51(H) DIV. F.D.L’s in approx. line WADI 2588, 622000 to 600960. Thence they adv with 2 Bns to area 602980 - 620984 – 610957. (f) 7 Armd Div Arty are supporting attack of 201 Gds by concentrations and a barrage. INTENTION. 3. 5 RHA will support attack by barrage, and will be ready to move forward to new position from first light 17 Mar. METHOD. 5. See Barrage trace and instructions att. 6. Zero hour :- 1930 hrs, 16 Mar. All rds to land on lift (a) of barrage at Z+75. 9. G Bty right, K Bty left, CC Bty superimposed 150^x ahead throughout. 8. Codewords “STONE” – Inf establishing themselves WEST of WADI BOU REML “WOOD” – Inf capture objectives. “IRON” - Inf exploit NORTH AND SOUTH and consolidate. 9. Success Signal – RED-GREEN-RED, rptd. 10. L.O’s (i) CC Bty – with H.Q.R.A. 30 Corps, 0900/16 for 4 days. (ii) G Bty with H.Q.R.A. 7 Armd Div w.e.f. 1600/16, for 2 days. (iii) K Bty with H.Q. 131 Bde 1900/15 to 0200/16 (to have R/T, as arranged). 11. F.O.O’s As already arranged with 22 Armd Bde, on moving 17 Mar, 1 F.O.O. party will move forward adequately to engage opportunity tgts as much as possible. ADMIN. 12. Btys to report if, when ordered to move on 17 Mar, they have any unexpended dumped ammo which they cannot carry. 13. Med. R.A.P. with Tac R.H.Q. INTERCOMM. 14. L/T, net essential for open R/T at once if line goes down night 16/17 March. Check net 0545 hrs, daily, and at 1800 hrs 16 March. 15. Synchronisation in time for barrage - by L/T lines ACK T.O.S. 1920/15 hrs

G Bty – 1 K Bty – 2 CC Bty – 3 File -- 4.

BARRAGE TABLE
					SHEET ONE.
(Issued with ref to RA 7 ARMD DIV OP ORDER No. 9 date 14 Mar 43, para 6)					Scale 1/25,000.

Ref Map 1/25,000 MARETH Series, Sheet No. 2, E NEKKAR.

				CO-ORDINATES.
			A.	1959280		495380	75
			B.	1958190		493740	75
			C.	1958590		495680	70
			D.	1957790		494000	88
S.	1956476	495044	E.	1957060		496300	100
U.	1956568	495248	F.	1956270		494620	120
T.	1956663	495458	Width of Regtl lane is 500 yds.
p.	1957990	494420	Each lift from t to t is 100 yds
R.	1958092	494635
Q.	1958190	494840	For TIMINGS, AMN, etc., see Sheet 2.
M.	1958761	494151
L.	1958846	494356
N.	1958~~936~~ 885	494524


	TASK TABLE “D” ISSUES WITH TRACE “E”	MOST SECRET.
		Copy No: 69

1. Concentrations. 57 Fd Regt. - on WA – enemy defences centred 150584. Timings. 0415 – 0645 ) 0700 – 0730 ) Rate 1 rpgpm. Amn__ HE. 0800 – 0815 ) NB. 0530 – 0600 amn 10% smoke. 2. 58 Fd Regt. (a) One bty on E, F and G. Coordinates – E 12945576. F 12825602. G 12695620. Timings. – All open at 0415 ) Lift off E a0442 ) Rate 1 rpgpm “ “ F at0450 ) Amn. HE. “ “ G at0458 ) Bty turns on WB at 0500. (b) One bty on WB – defences centred 161578. Timings. 0415 - 0645 ) Rate 1 rpgpm. Amn. HE. 0700 – 0730 ) NB. 0530 – 0600 amn 10% smoke. 3. 127 Fd Regt. on WF. 128, 146 Fd Regt less one Bty – on WG. (a) Coordinates - WF 1240 ~~5870~~. 5770 WG 1300 ~~5918~~. 5812 Timings. 127, 128 Fd Regts. 0525 – 0545 Rate 1 rpgpm. Amn HE. 146 Fd Regt. (two btys). 0545 – 0615 Rate 1 rpgpm Amn HE. (b) One bty 146 Fd Regt on defence centred 183568 – WH Timing. 0530 – 0600 Rate 2 rpgpm. Amn HE. 10% smoke 4. Approach cover for 7 B.W. attack. Called on Code Word “JAMES”. Time. Task. Regt Rate. Amn. Responsible. ~~0651~~ JAMES + 30 ) to to WA. 57 Fd Regt. ) ~~0721~~ JAMES + 60 ) do. WB. 58 Fd Regt ) 1 rpgm HE. 1 gun per Bty smoke do. WH. 5 RHA. )

				BARRAGE TABLE
								SHEET TWO

(Issued with ref to RA 7 ARMD DIV OP ORDER No. 9 date 14 Mar 43, para 6)



BARRAGE TIMINGS.
a.	Z plus		75 to Z plus	91	k.	Z plus	172		to Z plus	176
b.			136	140	l.		176			180
c.			140	146	m.		180			184
d.			144	148	n.		184			188
e.			148	152	o.		188			192
f.			152	156	p.		192			196
g.			156	160	q.		196			200
h.			160	164	r.		200			204
i.			164	168	s.		204			208
j.			168	172	t.		208			212


AMN.
a.		Engage salvo from 9 guns = 4 mins in area
b – d.		Very slow
c – g.		Normal
h – i.		Very slow
k – o.		Normal
o – t.		Very slow

TASKS.
1.		31, 128, 146 Fd Regts and 5 RHA barrage H.E. *One Bty per Regt to be superimposed and remain 150 yards ahead throughout.
2.		Right gun of each Bty, less those superimposed, and left hand gun of the left Bty of 31 Fd Regt are the nine guns to fire on line a. This is to make a line 400 yds plus of inf Start Line
3		No guns will be rested during the barrage.
4		This trace is not accurate enough to shoot from.


* G Bty right, K Bty left, CC Bty superimposed plus 150 yds.


	TASK TABLE “D” ISSUES WITH TRACE “D”	MOST SECRET.

1. Prelim. Bombardment. Coordinates W 1682 5743 U 1645 5716 X 1772 5646 V 1765 5620 Y 1763 5706 3 RHA and 5 RHA less one bty – WX. - G&K Height 25 126 Fd Regt – on WY. One Bty 5 RHA ~~print out start line UV~~. – CC B RV Timings 0445 0450 Rate 2 rpgpm Amn HE. ALV 0450 0500 1 rpgpm do. 2. Gapping. 3, 5 RHA, 126 Fd Regt Opening line UV Timings Line a. 0500 0503 Rate 1 rpgpm Amn Smoke. 5003 0506 ) b. 0506 0509 ) c. 0509 0512 ) 2 rpgpm d. 0512 0515 ) HE. N.B. 50 yd lifts. e. 0515 0518 ) 1 gun smoke. f. 0518 0521 ) per bty g. 0521 0524 ) per bty ghg. 0524 0530 ) gig. 0530 0536 ) 2 rpgpm HE. N.B. 5 RHA fire gjg. 0536 0542 ) 1 gun smoke. lhg. ghg. 0542 0600 ) per bty mig. njg. okg. Note. – line gkg is identical with WYX 3. Attack by 7 A and SH. WYX. 0600 – 0605. 2 rpgpm HE. V-AA-AB 0605 – 0620 2 rpgpm HE. 5 RHA fires AA – AB. 4. Barrage. – phase II. – on call code word “JAMES”. Coordinates. Q 1609 5737 R 1671 5820 Right 126 Fd Regt S 1507 5816 Left 3 RHA. T 1569 5898 Timings. JAMES JAMES plus to plus line a. 95 96 2 rds GF – smoke. b. 96 105 ½ rpgpm – HE. c. 105 107 ) c. 107 109 ) d. 109 111 ) e. 111 113 ) f. 112 115 ) g. 115 117 ) h. 117 119 ) Rate 2 rpgpm. i. 119 121 ) Amn. HE j. 121 123 ) 10% smoke if needed. k. 123 125 ) Smoke to be controlled by FOO l. 125 127 ) 126 Fd Regt. m. 127 129 ) n. 129 131 ) o. 131 133 )

APPENDIX “A” to 5 RHA OPERATION ORDER NO.38

Code Words for Operation ORATION.
1	ENFIDAVILLE	P.3284	LION
	TAKROUNA Feature.	P.2885	TINKER
	DJ EL OGLA Feature.	P.3086	TAILOR
	DJ EL FROUKR Feature.	P.2886	SOLDIER
	DJEBILATA Feature	P.267891 -
		P.279877	SAILOR
	DJ EL DEBOUA Feature.	P260885	RICHMAN
2	DJ BLADA Feature.	P.2487	POORMAN
	Complete GARCI Feature.	P.2187.	BEGGERMAN
	Complete DJ DJEDEKER Feature.
		P.2191.	THIEF


		APP/May/3
NARRATIVE OF AN O.P. IN THE BATTLE FOR TUNIS

(B, Troop “G” Battery (Mercer’s Troop) Royal Horse Artillery.)

Troop Commander: Capt. J.P. Noble RHA

One the morning of the 6th May we moved off with 5 R.Tanks in the 7th Armoured Division’s push for Tunis. We crossed the start line and deployed with the tanks. The first O.P. position was occupied – hull down – behind a ridge, for we were halted at this point by our own barrage which was still coming down. The latter was falling only 100 yds in front of the O.P. tank. Add the cessation of the barrage the first target was engaged - a farm to the North. This resulted in a brew up and half an hour later a large scale explosion. As we started to move forward, two German soldiers emerged from a slit trench in some high corn a few yards in front of the tank. They had been there throughout the occupation of the position, but apart from taking odd shots at the tank with a machine gun and a rifle, they kept themselves pretty quiet. They were the first two prisoners. We advanced to the next Ridge with the tanks who ran into the fire of a four 105's. The Troop dealt with them and they were silenced. The next advance again brought us under fire, this time from four 88's and we were forced to withdraw, back to the Ridge. From there the 88's were dealt with. The advance continued and a 25-pdr which was being used by the enemy in an anti-tank role was captured. We continued to advance, averaging fairly good speeds. There were times during rest the day when we were bombed by our own planes as it appeared they did not realise how far forward we had progressed. At 2230 hrs we league it and spent a peaceful night. We moved off with the tanks and crossed the report line “THIEF” at 0700 hrs, then getting up on the high ground East of that line. We saw considerable MT moved in front of us, and the Shermans brewed-up five half-tracked vehicles towing A/Tk guns. After this an 0;P. position was occupied and a tank and infantry position running over Pt.196 was shelled. The infantry withdrew and three Armoured cars brewed up. We then moved on to Pt.196 and saw Tunis for the first time. The city had four large fires burning which caused her thick black pall of smoke to obscure its higher buildings. Just before this the tanks were held up by fire from some 88 's. These were at once shelled and two were abandoned and two withdrew. At 1215 of the Troop fired the first and only rounds into Tunis. The range was set at 13,800 yds and in order to get the extra range the trails with dug down. The Bizerta - Tunis Road was covered with fast moving MT, very well dispersed. At 1530 hrs we were ordered to go on into Tunis itself. La body oh was reached by 1600 hrs. From then onwards things moved at a faster pace. Out O.P used all its personal arms including 37 mm gun, the two Brownings and small arms. At the first cross-roads the tanks commenced a series of private battles with Germans in houses. Our O;P tank went on down the road (sometimes at 40 mph) chasing two half-tracked vehicles and a bunch of motorcycles. The Browning were used and 1 motor-cyclists was killed and the half-tracks received several hits. By this time the city boundary was passed, and we went on down the road for another 1½ miles. We had met an Italian 10- Tonner and shot him up with our Browning AA gun. The next incident was when we came on upon 500 British and American prisoners in a POW cage. They were overjoyed at seeing us and expressed great surprised at the fact they that we were 8th Army. We released them, and they told us that they had had Italian guards who had ill-treated them, but these guards had been shot by the Germans that morning. With him preceded to round up approximately 300 prisoners who were hiding in houses and hotels. Some resisted arrest and were shot. The order then came through for us to return to the Battery, and we leaguered with them for the night. Next morning B.Troop and A/Squadron 1 TYanks went through Tunis towards Carthage. We had a terrific reception in spite of the fact that it was 5 o'clock in the morning. There are many Germans still around; we passed an aerodrome with some Stukas on the ground and 20 Germans still guiding them. They decided that they need guard no longer and became prisoners. We were told that there was a 7000 ton ship leaving the harbour we should get onto it is without delay. The Troop went into action and we took up at OP position on the high ground overlooking the sea to the North of Cathage. No ship could be seen, so we moved further East in order to be able to look out to the South and East. A position was taken up behind the ridge with two Crusaders. There was a track running parallel about 10 yards in front of us, and in five minutes a column of German half-tracks with guns came up the track. The surprise was mutual. The two Crusaders on a right were firing at the rear of this column, but they were unaware of the presence of the remainder of the column who were deploying ten yards away from them on their left. We were unable to help as we were turret down, the AA Browning had jammed, my driver was out of the Honey armed with an empty Verey pistol. This, however, was enough to knock the D.R. who is leading the column off his cycle. The sniping became so accurate and rapid that eventually the Squadron Leader ordered us to withdraw down the hill. In order to cover our withdrawal the troop was ordered to fire smoke until we were a certain distance down the hill and then fire H.E. This they did very efficiently over open sights. Undercover of this fire we went up the hill again and preceded to take about 3000 prisoners, the majority of whom were German sailors and soldiers. After this the business of taking prisoners continued unabated and soon another 3000 had been added to the growing bag, the last figures comprising mainly German sailors and airmen. Eventually the area was cleared of enemy, and the regimental group came together to get themselves organised.

		App/May/4

REPORT OF COLUMNS WORK. MAY 8th. B TROOP: GUNS

We broke close league at five o'clock I moved off through Tunis. We got throughthe streets after some difficulty. The crowds gave us a tumultuous welcome and assisted on climbing over the guns and vehicles. We left Tunis on the Carthage Road and after about five miles we were stopped by a machine gun firing across the road at the head of our column. This was dealt with and we moved into action at the foot of the hill on which Carthage stands. After watching our tanks manoeuvring on a ridge on our left we were suddenly ordered to fire smoke to cover their withdrawal; this was done and we did some open sight HE shooting on the ridge later switching over to a village on the right. Later in the day 3000 prisoners came out of the area that we had shelled.

		June App I
				SECRET
				0/8/G.
				14 Jun 43.

CEREMONIAL PARADE BY RA 7 ARMD DIV.

1. GENERAL. A visit by an important personage will take place on the 19th Jun 43 2. NUMBER TO PARADE Regts of the Div Arty will parade in following numbers :- (a) Offrs (incl MO) 25 per Regiment including C.O. (b) O.Rs. 400 per Regt (incl R.Sigs and LAD) 3. PLACE OF PARADE. The Div Arty will line the route with other units of the Div from Kilo 25 – Kilo 31 on the TRIPOLI – BEN GARDANE Rd. 4. TIME OF PARADE. Units will be on parade and ready by 1000 hrs. 5. METHOD. (a) Units will leave their present leaguer areas probably on night 15/16 Jun in order or seniority of units in accordance with March Table which will be issued. 1 BUFFS are moving first as they are parading with 8 Armd Bde who are lining the router from Kilo 37 – 39. (b) Tps will move on 3 ton vehs only and will be packed as tightly as possible. In addition eacg unit may take/small veh or cars. (c) Minimum kit will be taken i.e. 3 blankets (no bivouacs and minimum cooking utensils). (d) Units will carry in addition to full tanks, 200 miles POL, four days rations and water at half a gln per man per day. (e) Bivouac areas are being sited as far as possible immediately behind the section of the route which the unit is to line. Latrines to be made. (f) The DIv will be drawn up in two ranks on either side of the TRIPOLI-BEN GARDANE Rd from Kilo 25-32. Units will be formed up in order of seniority with the senior unit at the WEST end of the route. Offrs will be stations half a pace in front of the front ranks. Cos will stand on the NORTHERN side of the rd. (g) Spacing – details to be issued later. (h) The two westerly markers of each unit will hold a notice board, 3 ft long by 2 ft high, on a 6 ft pole, with a JERBOA and name of unit on it. Stencils may be had from PRO at BQMS. The writing must be legible at 25 yds distance. (i) Cos will be posted in the centre of their units. CRA will parade with Div Arty (j) The personage will drive slowly down the rd from WEST to EAST. Three cheers will be given by units when he reaches the centre of the unit. (k) A marquee is being erected on the EAST of the route. A list of officers to come to the marquee will be issues later. (l) PRO will arrange for a Car Pk in the vicinity of the marquee. 6. DRESS. No arms will be carried. Belts or equipment will be worn. Units will be uniformally dressed and as high a standard of turnout as possible will be achieved. 7. REHEARSAL. A rehearsal will be held at 0800 hrs 17 June 43. One rep from each unit will attend. Place will be notified later. 8. LEAVE, SPORTS, CONCERT’S ETC. One day leave on 17-18&19 Jan will be cancelled but NOT the four day leave at the Rest Camp. All sports, etc on these three days will be cancelled. 9. INTERCOMN. CSO will arrange for a line on the router from DIV HQ to units.
				Maj RA
				BMRA
				(Sgd GF KUP)

Distribution:-
3 RHA (4)	5 RHA (4)		146 Fd (4)		65 A Tk (5)
15 Lt AA (4)	A/Q Armd Div		Sigs 7 Armd DIv		CRA
BMRA	SCRA		IORA		War Diary (2)
		File (2)


		App/Jun/2.

Parachute Defence.

1. The following instructions will be carried out by Batteries until further orders. 2. Each Battery will have an Inlying Picquet of 1 N.C.O. and 9 men armed with 2 Bren guns at least Tommy guns. They will mount each evening at 2000 hrs and dismount at 0615 hrs the following morning. They will have no duties, except that they will sleep together, and will be permanently at 5 minutes notice to attack any hostile force, which may appear in Regtl area. 3. Battery Guards will be as normal and will with them, 1 Verey Pistol and 6 Red Cartridges. The alarm signal of 3 red lights will not be fired by anyone below rank of Sergeant. 4. HONEYS. All Honeys will be at 5 minutes call by day or night to attack any force that may appear at close range. 5. All men will sleep with their arms readily available besides them. 6. The Regtl. Orderly Officer will sleep on the end of a telephone, beside or near his Battery Inlying Picquet, which will be the Regtl. Picquet on duty in the event of any special task being required to be done at short notice.

The above will be taken into effect forthwith.

16.6.43		Signed ?????? Capt. R.H.A..
		Adjt., 5th Regiment. R.H.A.

July 1943 Commanding Officer: Major J.R. Kynaston M.C. RHA.
Place	Date	Hour	Summary of Events and Information	References to Appendices
1/200,000			~~Through~~ Throughout July battery training was continued with some emphasis on Signalling.
Tripoli	Sheet 3		One day a week was devoted to course shooting, otherwise movement was kept to a minimum owing to shortage of petrol and the vehicle situation.
MISUTATA	1 - 31		All Battleworthy vehicles were to be used as little as possible & the not battle worthy ones were frequently off the road - this particularly affected wireless trucks. One day a week H.A.B. was practised under C.R.A.
M6725			A considerable number of NCOs & men attended courses- training for “Priests” - 105 SP guns which we hoped to get soon. Two courses for drivers were run by 3 R. Tanks, one for .5 Browning at 5 tanks well Capt North, Lt Wilson, 8 Nos 1 or 2 i/c one GPO A & one fitter went to R.A. Base Depot for a 10 day course on this equipment. Towards the end of the month the chances of getting “Priests” before the next campaign dwindled rapidly until on 30 July we were informed they were definitely off.
			Other courses attended during the month were mine lifting- two NCOs – Cookery - 1 man – M.T. drivers- 4 drivers - malaria- Lt Wilson - combined operations – Capt Lanyon.
	4.		Gnr Hallgath evacuated sick.
	8		L/Bdr Sharples “ “ . Bdr Stokoe posted to UK on compassionate grounds.
	9.		The following ex - sick or wounded rejoined from R.A. B.D.
			L/Bdr Pugh, Gnr Bernikell, Dv Wray , Gnr Robinson R., Dv Wood F, Ftr Walker. A.
	11.		General Horrocks G.O.C. 10 Corps addressed all officers at Leptis Magna on the idea for the Italian Campaign which had started the previous night.
	12.		Capt Noble granted an immediate Military Cross & BSM Callum a Military Medal.
	20		Capt Lanyon attended a two day Combined Ops course.
			Signs that our period of training was drawing to close. One began to think of landing tables etc. No new equipment yet beyond the odd new engine or two.
			The rate of new engines was stepped up during the last week of this month & in addition one new jeep was received – also 3 x 3 Ton, 2 Quads & 2 x 15 cwts but these were ~~nearly~~ not new.


	APP/III/AUG

		BIGOT
	5 RHA INSTRUCTION NO.2.	BUTTRESS
		MOST SECRET.
		Copy No..1…..
		28 Aug 43

GENERAL 1. The Regt will move the Assembly Area near TRIPOLI for waterproofing and subsequent embarking. The Regt will move complete (less Adv Party) in serials of 75 – 100 vehs per day. WATERPROOFING 2. Vehs will have to report daily at 0600 hrs at REME waterproofing area. A bivouac area is being established nearby, which will be marked BIVOUAC AREA with Div sign. Location LM 590670, 10½ kilos E of TRIPOLI on N side of rd. 8 Armd Bde will provide a rep, who will meet convoys at Bivouac area and guide them to WP the following morning at times detailed by Offr i/c Area, Major CLOWES, 3 RTR. 3. On arrival at WP area, convoys will be guide into posns arranged by REME. The vehicles will then – (a) be inspected by Unit Maintenance Inspectorate. (b) be waterproofed. All vehs’ 412’s will contain the report made by the REME Inspectorate and all deficiencies or faults must be remedied before arrival at the waterproofing area. (c) move into assembly area, which is immediately adjacent to WP area. (d) Having reached assembly area, vehs will remain in their serials and will not move until called forward by Movs for embarkation. MOVE 4. (a) Route rd HOMS – TRIPOLI to Bivouac area, (~~approx. L5060, exact location later~~). (b) Bivouac area – rd junc 510669 to WP area L 502666. (c) From rd junc 510669 to WP area route will be marked with ~~with~~ axis signs. 5. Div SP – entrance to 7 Armd Div Veh Pk. Regtl SP – main rd at LAD. 6. Speed and density – 40 vtm, 30 m.i.2h. 7. Halts. Halting area is at Kilo 68 from TRIPOLI, where all vehs will pull right off the rd and halt for 20 mins. The area is marked “20 min halt area”. MAINTENANCE 8. (a) Btys will leave present area with unexpired portion of day’s rations + 2 days’ rations. (b) CRASC is arranging for supply of units in assembly area from 11 Corps D.I.D. Personnel will at all times have 48 hrs’ rations with them, as there may be long delays between assembly area and embarkation on to the ship. (c) Voyage rations. Amendment to Admin Instr. No.1 – Unit tpt will carry centrally two days’ compo rations. 9. Water A water point has been established in WP area. Scale for each man remains unchanged. 10. POL. The Regt will be topped up in the Assembly Area to scale laid down in Instr. No.1. Btys may carry on excess of this scale if they wish. Jerricans will be filled to finger’s length from top, to allow for expansion. STORES, SAFETY PRECAUTIONS. 11. All drivers will be in possession of AFW 5180 and will retain this card until the vehicle is disembarked. Each card will show – (1) No., rank and name of driver. (2) Unit serial number only. (3) WD number of vehicle. (4) Make and type. These cards are being forward to Btys. 12. Each serial comd will be in possession of one set of seven strength embarkation returns, AFW 5169, and will have seven blank copies in case the serial has to be split and a seven forms are required. 13. TENTAGE. All surplus tentage (e.g. EPIP etc) will be handed into RSD 500 AOD, TRIPOLI, under arrangements by the QM as soon as the Regt reaches the WP area. 14. 25-pr Ammn. Ammn lorries will precede the Regt by 1 day, to draw 1st line ammn from 501 AOD. 15. Adv Party. Z2 will proceed for waterproofing with 1 offr to be detailed later. Remaining Adv Party offrs will rejoin vehs in the waterproofing area at a later date. Z2 will leave on approx. 1 Sep.
		Capt
		Adt.

G Bty ……1	C.O. ……....6
K Bty .…..2	O.O. ……....7
CC Bty ….3	Q.M. ……...8
Sig Sec .…4	W/Diary.9/10
LAD …....5	File …..11/12


App III Sep	5 RHA ADMIN INSTRUCTION No 3	BIGOT AVALANCHE
		Copy No…1…
		MOST SECRET
		5 RHA
		14 Sep 43

MOVEMENT 1. 5 RHA will move to assembly area on 16 Sep leaving present area at approx 0830 hrs. (march table will follow when details are available); Major F.B. Wyldbore-Smith will be in command of the convoy. ADMINISTRATION now take place. The Regt may spend only 24 hrs in the assembly area. 2. Ammunition (a) Battery ammunition lorries will precede the Regtl convoy in order to draw ammunition at 501 A.A.D TRIPOLI and replenish the Regt in the minimum amount of time after arrival at the Assembly Area. (b) Spar 3-ton lorries will report to the entrance of RHQ lines at 1200 hrs 15 Sep, empty less ammunition personnel and G1098 equipment and stores. All ammunition limbers and quads will be fill as far as this is possible before leaving (c) O.C. “K” Bty will detail one officer to be in charge of the party, who will go in his usual truck. This officer will report to the Adjutant at 1145 hrs for detailed instructions. (d) 48 hrs rations will be taken by this party. 3. Rations. Q.M. will draw on 15 Sep 4 days rations for consumption prior to embarkation. 4. Stuart Tanks Transporters will load up Stuart O.Ps p.m. 15 Sep. 5. P.O.L. (a) All tanks and spare containers will be filled before leaving, and will be replenished under Divisional arrangements on the assemble area. (b) The oil change previously ordered to be undertaken after reaching the assembly area, may now be done in the area. The 2nd oil change previously ordered to be carried out after de-waterproofing will carried on vehicles as spare. 6. Communications. Wireless silence for the move. 7. Security. Btys will arrange for crests on doors to be temporarily covered. In most cases two small strips of “scrim” will be sufficient. These will not be removed before sailing.
		Captain RHA.
		Adjutant.


APPENDIX “A” TO 5 RHA MOVEMENT ORDER NO.1
		MOST SECRET
	MARCH TABLE	Copy No ..1..

1. Route HOMS – TRIPOLI Main coast rd 2. S.P. L.A.D. 3. Speed & Density. 30 m.i.h. 40 v.t.m. 4. D.P. (Where Officer i/c Abv Party will leave one guide from 1400 hrs onwards.) L5077667 X RDS 5. Halts. 1200 – 1230.Hrs. OC Convoy will decide exact area and time of halting, which will be dependant on the road verges. 6. Order of March. CC. RHQ. K. G. LAD. Head of CC Bty will pass LAD at 0945 hrs. 7. General. 15 Lt AA Regt will be approximately 3/4 hrs ahead of the Regt and will not be overtaken.
		Captain RHA.
		Adjutant.

Distribution. G…………1 K……..….2 CC……….3 OO………4 Sigs.O…....5 War Diary.6 & 7 File……….8


	Sitrep 1800hrs. 3. Nov.43.

No contact enemy forces except sniper shelling. Pursuit of 22.A.B. made steady progress despite very heavy demolitions. 1st tanks contacted 46 DV 942905 and after crossing river AQUANDAIA at 915896 reached 880913 on route 7. Bad blow this point. Diversion being made. Patrols 11 hussars reached 879910, 872895, 851891 last light. ???ing point 1 Sqn 1st tanks, 1 Coy 1 R.B. established CELLOLE 8789 and CARRANO 9289 with past road junc 928908. Last light road 877820, 928908, 880913 passable one way, wheels & tracks including bridge 924896. Good road 924894 to 895879 marked blue on map. Railway bridge 883895 blown. Bridges 882897 & 867877 O.K. Latter fully prepared for demolition, but demolition party complete to flight, by 24 Fd. Regt yesterday. 131 Bde report series of demolitions possibly ammo dumps MINTURNO. Otherwise N.T.R.


	Message from Divisional Commander

Divisional Commander wishes All Ranks informed of his appreciation of the fine spirit of determination shown by All Ranks in the last few days fighting. The captive of the MASSICO features by turning the enemys left flank was a fine performance of which all ranks and all arms who took part may be justly proud. This includes first over R.SARNO; first to Naples; first up to and firmly over the R VOLTURNO. WELL DONE 7^th Armd. Div. and supporting Corps Troops.
		Maj-Gen. Erskine


		MOST SECRET
		Copy No…1…
	5 RHA ADMIN INSTRUCTION No 5.

This instruction deals with handing over equipment to 17 RCA and the move of the Regt to the SORRENTO area. HANDOVER. 1. The date of the handover be November 16. Handover will take place in this area. 17 RCA will drive away the vehicles on Nov 17. 2. Vehicles equipment to be complete 17 RCA to G 1098 will be handed over direct to 17 RCA. SURPLUS EQUIPMENT. 3. Surplus stores such as Bren Guns, will be handed in to 511 AOD under arrangements of the Capt QM. SURPLUS ‘A’ VEHICLES. 4. ‘A’ Vehicles not being hand over to 17 RCA will be handed in to TRG NAPLES, less wireless sets and fittings. (This does not apply to Stuart OPs). SURPLUS ‘B’ VEHICLES. 5. All vehicles surplus to 17 RCA requirements will be handed in to 563 Vehicle Park. DOCUMENTATION. 6. Appendix ’A’ attached shows the necessary documents for the handover. VEHICLES FOR HANDING OVER. 7. Appendix ‘B’ shows vehicles which will be handed over to 17 RCA. MOVE TO SORRENTO AREA FOR HANDING OVER. 8. As this move to the new area will take place on Nov 17. Btys will send forward spare personnel on Nov 15. 9. RASC transport will be provided for the move on the scale of 16 ORs per 3-tonner. KIT DEPOT NAPLES. 10. There will be a kit depot established in Naples for stores not required at SORRENTO. Btys will provide one storeman each who will maintain a guard on this dump under orders from an NCO from RHQ. These men will be provided with 7 days rations on leaving this area. INTERCOM. 11. Each Bty will arrange to take one ringing telephone to SORRENTO. Sigs O will arrange for a line to be laid between Btys and RHQ. ADVANCE PARTY TO UK. 12. This party will consist of Major JR Kynaston MC RHA. RQMS and Clerk from RHQ 1 BQMS or WO per Bty. 1 batman. This party will be prepared to move between 15 Nov and 22 Nov and we will remain in this area. Arrangements will be made for 17 RCA to loan one truck to this party. Advance parties will have 5 days rations when Regt leaves this area. Any further rations will be drawn from DID CASTEL VOLTURNO. 13. SANITATION. Btys will pay careful attention to all the trimmings and hygiene arrangements which will require careful organisation as existing arrangements are totally inadequate.
TOS
	~~Adj.~~
	Capt.
	Adj

Distribution. G Copy No.1 K “ “ 2 CC “ “ 3 CO “ “ 4 OO “ “ 5 QM “ “ 6 EME “ 7 War Diary “ 8 & 9 File 10


		APPENDIX ‘A’

1. As soon as handover is completed, Btys will hand in four copies of G 1098 as originally issued by 1800hrs 16 Nov. 2. BQMS 's should bring these down by hand so that census records can be adjusted

		Capt.
		Adj.

			-MOST SECRET-
						App ‘A’ to 5 RHA Adm Instr No.5 of 10 Dec
			MARCH TABLE

					Train	Approx Time of
Serial	Date	Unit	Offrs	ORs	No.	Deptr.	Remarks

21	D – 1	3 RHA	38	583	7	0700 hrs	Length of Journey 5 hrs
22	do	5 RHA	35	616	7
24	do	HQ Sqn	20	258	8	0830 hrs
25	do	65 A Tk Regt	31	581	9	1000 hrs
27	D	15 LAA Regt & HQRA	33	729	10	0700 hrs


			App ‘B’ to 5 RHA Adm Instr No.5 of 10 Dec
		STAGING TABLE

Unit	Night	Accommodation held by	Taking over	Remarks
			From
3 RHA	D-2/D-1	5 R Tks in CASTELLAMARE	11H	HQRA will Stage with 15 LAA
5 RHA	do	1 R Tks	4 CLY

15 LAA	D-1/D	1 Rks & 4 Fd Sqn	5 RHA & 1 RB



Note-	(a) Last occupiers will ensure that property is left clean and tidy. (b) Adv parties from incoming units will contact outgoing units 24 hrs ahead and take over. (c) Hand over certificates are NOT required.