ISSUE
NO. 21 FEBRUARY 2004
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Commemorating The 60th ANNIVERSARY of the SECOND ARMY Landings June 6th NORMANDY 1944
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The Path to Victory 1944 June 6th The Assault – Normandy 1945 Jan 13th Sittard |
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Les Chemins de la Liberté - The Paths to Freedom by ‘Jean’
(The above, framed and illustrated, was presented to the Creully Club by the Deputy Mayor of Creully Madame Tanniou, Creully 2002)
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D Day 60 years on 6th June 1944 -2004
The Regiment, as part of the 8th Armoured Brigade, landed on GOLD BEACH in Normandy; ‘B’ and ‘C’ Squadron landing 5 minutes before H (attack) Hour at 0720 hrs in amphibious D D Sherman tanks. ‘B’ Squadron supported the 6th Battalion Green Howards, ‘C’ Squadron the 5th Battalion East Yorkshire Regiment. ‘A’ Squadron landed later with the 7th Battalion Green Howards and following a route through CREPON on the first day liberated CREULLY. This small town is where the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Memorial is situated. The Regiment took part in the bitter fighting at CRISTOT against elements of the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend. The advance by the Regiment proceeded via VERRIÈRES and LINGÈVRES towards the enemy centre of resistance - TILLY SUR SEULLES. It was at LINGÈVRES, faced by the crack German Panzer Lehr Division, Sgt W Harris DCM with his gunner Tpr I D Mackillop, Mentioned in Dispatches knocked out five Panther tanks with five shots. The Regiment then pursued the enemy south via CAUMONT and JURQUES and then the ‘Great Swan’ commenced via AMIENS and ARRAS driving the enemy NorthEast. The Regiment was first over the Seine at VERNON and took a major part in the liberation of LILLE. The Regiment then entered Holland and took part in Operation Market Garden. Although a small detachment of tanks reached DRIEL near ARNHEM, because of strong German resistance, were unable to reach the paras who were at ARNHEM. The Regiment then fought their way into Germany through the REICHSWALD FOREST and GOCH and on May 8th 1945 escorted 51 Division in triumphant entry into BREMERHAVEN. The Regiment was equipped with Sherman tanks and despite the fact that they were inferior to their German counterpart, morale always remained high, and the enemy was pursued relentlessly until final victory was achieved and Europe freed from Nazi tyranny. |
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The President’s Seasons Greetings Seasons greetings and best wishes has been sent to all members by our President, Robert and his wife Caroline and they are looking forward to meeting everyone on 4th April 2004 at the Service when Robert will be unveiling the plaque. |
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Membership
The Club is pleased to welcome Thierry Chion, Ulrich Pfaff, Derek Gasper, Margaret Tohill, Derek Trasenster, Francois Lemarchand and Peter Hughes. |
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Friends Remembered It is with deep regret that we report the death of John (Slim) Millbrook. Slim died of pneumonia on the 26th September 2003 at the age of 85 and was cremated on the 3rd October at the Grenoside Crematorium, Sheffield. Members of the Creully Club who attended were Dickie Swift and Ron Scruton The R.D.G. Association sent a wreath. He joined the Regiment in 1938 when it was a cavalry unit and served in France in 1939/40 returning from Dunkerque. He was a tank driver in 1st Troop, ‘B’ Squadron in the period leading up to the invasion and during the following campaign was presented to General Montgomery for his courage in battle. Slim was demobbed in 1946. He leaves two sons and three daughters. Ron Scruton
We send our sympathy to his family. |
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A.G.M.- Vince Vincent
Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Roebuck Inn, Alcester on 8th November 2003 at 1500 hours
Present – Secretary, Cecil Newton, Geoff Cresswell, Bernie Glanfield, Alan Gregson, Fred Guyatt, Roy Swain, Vince Vincent.
Apologies for Absence - Charles Batkin, recovering from an operation, Joyce & Ralph Butcher, Sid Dalley, Mike Griffiths, Dave Hart, Eric Johnston, Noel Santry, Ron Scruton and Tom Welton. The Secretary read out emails from Ron Scruton who sent his best wishes and from Noel Santry ‘I just wanted to wish you and the Creully Club members a successful AGM and dinner’. Noel adds that he and Jean are looking forward to being with us next year.
Minutes of the Last Meeting – They were read and approved.
Matters Arising – The lopping of overhanging trees adjacent to the Memorial and the cleaning of the flag poles had been carried out satisfactorily in time for the June 2003 ceremony at Creully. The question of legal responsibility for the Creully Memorial, including insurance, had been addressed by HHQ who undertook to take this on board. The attaching of plaques to the Memorial recording the names of the fallen was also being dealt with. The Secretary reported that he had vigorously pursued the idea of a Regimental Band performing at the 60th anniversary commemoration but there was no possibility of this happening.
Financial Report – The Secretary, who also acts as Treasurer, explained each item and recorded a balance of £1174.04 as on the 31st August 2003, which is the end of the financial year for the Creully Club. The Secretary explained that the rise in the expenditure was partly due to the high cost of computer cartridges. He made particular reference to the donations for the Ver-sur-Mer plaque, which had resulted in an excess of £150.00, which he had temporarily transferred to the Memorial Fund which stood at £2855.03 on 31st August. Geoff Cresswell commented on the cost of the June 2003 pilgrimage to Creully, with special reference to the cost to the Creully Club of the RDG representation, before moving that the Report be accepted with a note of thanks to the auditor, Mr Alan Scutt who gives his services voluntarily.
Arrangements for the Weekend – The Secretary briefly reviewed the weekend programme with regard to the Dinner and the protocol for the Parade. Standard Bearer Dave Hart having fallen ill this week, members were informed they would be marching without the Regimental Banner, a situation which had to be reluctantly accepted in the absence of a volunteer substitute.
Future Events – Studland Bay, April 2004. There will be approximately 23 people attending the memorial service. The names of those members of the 4th/7th RDG who died in this tragic incident will be recorded on a slate plaque. The widow of Arthur Park, now Mrs Joan Brunt, has donated £25.00 to the cost of the plaque which she will unveil. The Secretary proposed that the excess of £150.00 from donations for the Ver-sur-Mer plaque referred to previously should go towards the cost of the plaque and this was agreed to adding a further donation of £100.00 from the Creully Club fund. (Ed: Any shortfall to the pledged amount of £300.00 will be met by the Secretary personally) Creully 2004 It was proposed and agreed that a request should be made to the French that the commemorative badge they are offering to veterans of the Normandy campaign be presented after the Regimental and French Memorial Services, at the Marie in Creully. The Secretary had spoken to a Mr Vic Butler about the possibility of his quintet of musicians playing at the Memorial Service. It was agreed that the Secretary should write to Mr Butler for a quote as to the cost. The Secretary reported receiving an e-mail from M. Alain Paysant, Mayor of Tessel, confirming arrangements for our visit on June 5th 2004. He had also received a letter from M Christian Marie, Mayor of Lingèvres confirming the invitation to our party of 50 people to lunch in the Community Hall in Lingèvres on June 7th 2004.
Appointment of Secretary. – The election of Cecil Newton is something we all take for granted with a sense of gratitude for the countless hours he devotes to the Creully Club and his willingness to continue. Thank you Cecil.
Any Other Business – The Secretary informed the meeting that he had received a letter from a M Bernard Masset acknowledging the enquiries he had made with regard to possible celebrations in 2004 commemorating the liberation of Lille. M. Masset could give no specific information at present. The Secretary had also received information about a ceremony which is held in Lessines, Belgium. from a relative of a member of the Regiment who died there in 1940. He undertook to print details in the February 2004 Newsletter. The Secretary had been asked if a list of all members of the Creully Club could be circulated and he undertook to print the names in the next Newsletter. Geoff Cresswell said he would like to see a list of the names of all those who were members of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards 1940-45. The Secretary said he would write to HHQ concerning this. The Secretary drew attention to an advert for beer displayed by the brewers Shepherd Neame which included references to the "Bottle of Britain", and a picture of a row of medals including a dangling bottle-opener. Roy Swain considered it offensive, a sentiment with which the meeting fully concurred. The Secretary reported that he had written to the brewers concerned to register his objection. Finally the Secretary reported that some necessary replacements of missing letters in the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards name-plate at the Creully Memorial and an inspection of the staining occurring in the stonework would be undertaken by the War Graves Commission. There being no other business the meeting closed at 4.40 pm. |
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Annual Reunion November 2003 by Vince Vincent
It was in 1997, that 16 members of the Creully Club attended the annual reunion for the first time at the Roebuck Inn, Alcester, which has been our chosen venue ever since. It was in 1998 that Secretary Cecil Newton volunteered me for the job of reporting the A.G.M. and the weekend events. This year there were only seven members at the AGM, a report of which appears separately, but Roy Willets and his son, Simon swelled the numbers to nine for the Annual Dinner on Saturday evening. This began with a toast to absent friends, and our thoughts were with those unable to attend for reasons of health, and with those sadly no longer with us save in spirit. Knowing they would not wish us to be despondent, we enjoyed our usual evening of comradeship and conviviality.
We have actually been joining the Remembrance Sunday Parade in Alcester since November, 1996 so this was the eighth consecutive year of this participation of veterans of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. The only variant on this special day appears to be the weather, which has on occasion been inclement to say the least. This year it was kind, certainly cool but thankfully dry. As for the Parade itself, very little appears to change from year to year. Cecil Newton appositely summed up Alcester, as "a time capsule". It is indeed a bit of Old England where traditions are preserved and observed. It is with a sense of belonging that we take our place behind the Alcester British Legion contingent as part of the long column of former or serving members of the forces, the police, the fire service, the nursing profession, the cadets, the scouts and guides, and, a colourful reminder of England’s history, the bedecked holders of ancient civic offices ranging from the High Bailiff to the Ale-Taster. The people of Alcester line the pavements in silent respect as the band leads the way to the church of St. Nicholas, where the service starts outside at the War Memorial. Hundreds join in the customary tribute to the fallen. The notes of the Last Post and the dipped standards herald Binyon’s exhortation to remember, and we stand in silence each with his own memories. The stirring notes of Reveille are followed by the laying of the numerous wreaths with that from the Creully Club, the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, placed by Alan Gregson. The service continues inside the large packed church. There are customary martial hymns. The Rector comments on the transitory wearing of poppies and wonders if a poppy badge that could be worn at any time would serve as a better reminder of the symbolism of the flower, which he associates with Faith, Hope and Charity or Love. He demonstrates his theme with the help of some of the many children present by creating from paper and card a very large red poppy which can be displayed in the church for a longer period of remembrance. After the service the parade re-forms outside the church and marches past the Marquess of Hartford who takes the Salute. Before we are dismissed the Assistant Marshall compliments the large turn-out and acknowledges the welcome presence of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. We are smaller in numbers now but those who can turn out are proud to be representatives of a Regiment honouring not only the memory of its fallen comrades but all those who gave their lives in the cause of freedom and peace. |
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occasion was made all the more special for me this year when at
the end of the meal I was presented with a fine glass tankard inscribed
with the Regimental badge. This was a most kind and generous expression
of thanks for the translating and interpreting I attempt in connection
with the annual visits to Normandy. I should like to place on record
my deep appreciation to all those associated with this gift and
assure them that the tankard will be treasured but will not be merely
decorative, and as I quaff my "Old Speckled Hen" from
it I shall drink their health.|
The Memorial Fund
A donation since September has been received from Dickie Swift with our thanks. |
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Club Report Since the September Newsletter there has been the Annual Reunion and Remembrance Parade reported in this Newsletter. Preparations are well under way for Creully 04 and the 60th anniversary of D Day which is being organised by HHQ. Members who have applied have been registered for the award of the badge by the Regional Council of Lower Normandy on their web site. It has been assumed that those who are eligible and have not applied to me have registered themselves. In April I will be going on another tour (by bike) to visit the Regimental Memorial at Creully and the plaques at Ver-sur-Mer, Verrieres, Cristot and Tessel The approaching June will be a very memorable time recalling the successful landing and the subsequent bitter fighting in Normandy in the dense bocage and the ruins and dust of the villages. A time to especially remember our friends who have always been in our thoughts for 60 years and who never returned to these shores; to remember the enthusiasm, courage and high morale of All Ranks of our fine Regiment, the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards who took part with so many others in defeating Nazi tyranny and in the liberation of Europe We will be joined at our Remembrance Services by our very good friends in France who suffered so much in World War 2 and who have given us unstinted hospitality and kindness on our visits to Normandy.
Vive la France Quis Separabit |
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Correspondence
Tony Chapman – LST & Landing Craft Association writes: - "There were two flotillas of LCTs assigned (May 1944) to carry in the DD Shermans on to Gold Beach on the morning of 6th June 1944, the 15th (Mk3) LCT Flotilla of ‘D’ LCT Squadron were assigned to Assault Group G1, the craft assigned being LCTs 442, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470 and 476, with them, still 15th Flotilla, were the second series Mk3*Star LCTs 7006, 7007, 7008, 7009 and finally 7013. With your group G2, assigned to carry in the DD tanks of the 4th/7th Dragoons were Mk3 LCTs of ‘L’ Squadron, the craft assigned being 427, 428, 429, 430, 432, 433, 451, 453, 454, 463, 475 and the Mk3* 7012. Having discharged her duties on Gold sector the LCT 427 returned home; at approx 0300 hours on the morning of June 7th H.M.S. Rodney left Spithead Gate running down and sinking LCT 427 in the process – all 12 crew lost. Wireman Sumner….. the only marked grave amongst 427’s crew, being interred at Haslar, his fellow crew all recorded ‘Lost at Sea’ …….. I discovered that on the morning of 6th June 1944, the American built, British manned tank landing craft the Mk5 LCT (A) 2121 of the 109th LCT (A)(HE) Flotilla touched down on ‘King Red’ sector, the easternmost flank of Gold Beach at La Rivière, the tanks she carried were Centaurs and Shermans of the 1st Royal Marine Armoured Support Group. The LCT (A) 2121 was one of some 48 craft that had been adapted for their part in the assault. To the fore of the tank deck(s) a purpose built ramp had been constructed, this facility allowing the tanks carried, mounted on the ramp, to fire over the bows of the LCTs as they approached the beach, thus, hopefully subduing resistance, at the same time providing support for the incoming assault infantry".
Bernie Glanfield writes - "Last week I was in Woodbridge, Suffolk and went over to see the Sutton Hoo excavations. The enclosed picture was on their Society notice board. Although the tank is not a 4th/7th it attracted my attention. The Regiment is mentioned in the article so I thought it might be of interest." The tank in question is a 75mm Sherman, one of a column of Shermans shown in the background and the caption reads ‘Sherman Tanks of ‘B’ Squadron, East Riding Yeomanry moving up in support of 51 Highland Division at Nederweert, in Holland, 20 November 1944. The tank in view had just crossed the canal-lock on a Sapper assault bridge and the picture shows clearly a Sherman’s capacity to plough up the ground in soft going. (War Office Photograph)’ The photograph and the article feature in ‘Saxon’ the Newsletter of the Sutton Hoo Society and is written by Ted Wright who was then a Lieutenant in the East Riding Yeomanry. An excerpt from the article reads as follows: - "At the time (1943) the Armoured Brigade (27th) in which my own regiment, the East Riding Yeomanry, were serving with the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards, and the 13th/18th Hussars, were billeted in the area round Sutton Hoo, we ourselves at Rendlesham Hall…….. The Regiment was then in the process of converting from the British Valentine tank to the American-made Sherman, which at 32 tons was about twice the weight…..Somehow it came to my ears that the mounds at Sutton Hoo were being used by the Brigade’s drivers for practising standing starts on the steep soft sand, and the tracks of course bit deeply." Eventually the area was cordoned off after Ted Wright had made a fuss although he does go on to say "So the mounds were saved for the time being, although it did not stop the Home Guard and presumably the South Wales Borederers from digging slit trenches and leaving mortar bombs and such like about the place." (Ed: Sutton Hoo – An Anglo-Saxon royal cemetery of at least eleven mounds. Two of the mounds were ship-burials, one containing magnificent grave goods and was thought to be that of Raedwald of East Anglia who was reigning as late as the year 610).
Stan Brine has been in correspondence with Hugo Levels a historian in the Netherlands who is particularly interested in the period November to December 1944 and in Operation Blackcock January 1945. He would like details of equipment, daily life in the front line, problems with the weather, who were the commanders, and details of food and ammunition and members experiences. Address: Ulensvaaren 47, 6086 GC NEER, Holland
Rene Swankuizen emails " I’m investigating the role of the Dutch Waffen SS during 1944. It seems that there was an encounter in September 10th 1944 between the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards and the 1 SS Grenadiers Regiment ‘Landstorm Nederland’ near Leopoldbridge at the border of Belgium and Holland. I believe Lt. Col R.G. Byron was responsible for the period (while waiting for the Brigade Piron – including the Dutch Irene Brigade). Is there more information about the period 07-09-44 till 01-10-44." Address: 1, Valeriaan 57, Ijsselstein, 3401 I.D Holland Email address: rswankhuizen@tiscali.nl
Guy Pether writes – "….. I was his (Tony Macready) gunner for a period. Wonderful man"
Frank James writes – "Every time I read the Creully Club Newsletter it’s about the tank men, nothing about the A1 Echelon so I would like to put in the next Newsletter that on the 9th September 1944, the enemy found out that the A1 Echelon were right in their way as they tried to get to the bridge at Beeringen. The A1 Echelon put up a good show against the paratroop suicide squad. Ten members of the Echelon were captured, two wounded and two tank lads who were with us at the time were killed. The Echelon at one time took on the paratroopers at hand to hand fighting but they never got to the bridge. It was a short fight whilst it lasted. I still think of that morning now as we lost all the lorries which went up in smoke. I was one of the lucky ones. I got back to ‘B’ Echelon. I didn’t stay long there before I was sent back to A1 that had been made up after it had been hit".
Derrick Plume writes – "Whilst on holiday my wife was reading a copy of the Daily Mail when she reminded me of something she remembered as a girl. It concerns the 4th/7th and in particular the action in Lingèvres on 14th June 1944 and mentioned on page 68 of ‘The First and Last’ by Major J.D.P. Stirling. As I remember it from typing the Regimental Diary, Sgt W. Harris’ tank was stalking Panthers in Lingèvres and at least one was known to be in a wooden building. I thought it was a garage, but the record says it was a cowshed. However, Sgt Harris apparently drove in the village when the Panther drove out of the building and was hit in the side by a shell fired by Tpr. I.D. Mackilop. The story I heard was another Panther backed out of the same building and was also destroyed by Mackillop. Whereupon Mackillop ran back to his Sherman, swivelled the turret and shot up the other three tanks making FIVE Panthers in one morning. Mavis remembers her father bringing home a Daily Mail which portrayed the photograph of the burning Panthers with the caption ‘Tiger, Tiger, shining bright’, overlooking the fact that they were Panthers." (Ed – According to Jean-Pierre Benamou’s article in the journal – TACTIQUES. the first Panther is destroyed at 1130 hours by Sgt Harris’ tank. At noon a Panther destroyed Corporal Johnson’s Sherman and a Panther coming in from the east is destroyed by Sgt Harris’ tank. At 1400 hours Major Stirling destroys a Panther. Later a Panther that has bolted into the Town Square is destroyed by Sgt Harris’ tank and then another is destroyed which crashes into the War Memorial and yet another one on the small bridge to the west across the River Guilette. Has anyone a copy of the Daily Mail mentioned by Derrick please?)
Margaret Tohill’s Uncle Tpr A E Grigg, 3rd Troop, ‘C’ Squadron was killed during the engagement at Lessines, Belgium on 21st May 1940 and his grave is at the New Communal Cemetery, Lessines with that of two other members of the Regiment. Margaret or another member of the family visit Lessines for the Remembrance Service held on 8th May each year. An extract from a letter from Margaret is as follows: - "We…. came over in 1990 and had our own 50th anniversary ceremony at the graveside with a wreath and flowers. I talked to some townspeople about the events of 1940. They summoned the local museum curator who was very surprised to see us. We were the first and as far as I can tell, only relatives who ever made contact with the local people. Word got round about us and we came to the attention of the President of the local wartime veterans associations. He came to meet us the next time we were over in Lessines. The veteran’s association had an annual remembrance ceremony each year on 8th May, when they visited various local memorials in their district and held ceremonies of remembrance. They invited us to attend their next remembrance ceremonies, which we duly did and they began to include a ceremony at the British graves in their programme. We began to go to Belgium for 8th May ceremonies instead of later in the month as we had originally done. When the procession gets to Lessines cemetery we put down a wreath and poppy crosses at the British graves. The Belgians put down a basket of flowers and play the British National anthem in remembrance of the sacrifice the British soldiers made."
Harry Newman writes – "In answer to your letter regarding 5th Royal Berks Regt. No 8 Assault Beach Group, to start with we were incarcerated in Bitterne Park, near Southampton with the Canadians for approximately six weeks. Nothing went in or out during that time, not even sewage, everything was burnt. Boarding our boat, I believe the ‘Jersey; lifeboats removed and L.C.As (Landing Craft, Assault) in their place, we sailed approximately mid-day, 4th June and returned to port late afternoon as 5th June landing had been cancelled owing to weather conditions. Guns and grenades had to be disarmed. We sailed again on 5th June that night. I was caught for guard duty to stop personnel from smoking on deck. I suppose there were at least two thousand aboard and we had a grand stand view next morning. Boat anchored off ‘Juno’ (Beach) Bernieres-sur-Mer, the L.C.As launched and we had to go down nets to get into boats. We landed luckily between two pillboxes sustaining light casualties; ‘The Queens Own’ and ‘La Chaudiers’ landed in front and took the brunt of the fire. Our job, ‘S’ Company was to dig in and fortify the perimeter of the beachhead and protect the ‘Beach Master’, a Royal Marine commando. We were counterattacked in the afternoon by a squadron of ‘Tiger’ tanks etc. I believe it was the ‘Warspite’ that put paid to them – never seen such accurate shelling. First shell to the right – second shell took out one of the centre tanks – third took out an outside tank, then they scattered. You could see the shells coming over like dustbins. The duty Companies, ‘A’, ’B’, ‘C’, ‘D’s job was to unload, supplying 24 hrs per day to the Canadians. I have a War Office record of the tonnage. It was massive. This lasted for about a month until the harbours were intact. Then nearly all the Battalion was disbanded. Whole Companies were transferred to other Regiments. Myself, I went to the 43rd Division, 1st Worcestershire Regiment for the crossing of the River Seine at Vernon. The Royal Berks Battalion was rebuilt and did the same thing on the River Rhine crossing. Vehicles We landed with very few. Machine-guns, mortars, anti-tank guns, ammo, were all manhandled. PS. To finish my epitaph I met and married a wonderful girl from Caen, married in the Mairie near the Louvre in Paris, 1946 and had 48 years together". Alan Henshall writes "….. 5IINIS DG also have members buried there (Lessines). In fact the cathedral is the one that Jim Boardman had to go up the tower to make sure that a sniper had been taken out. I have been up there with him and it must have been terrible because as you go round the bend in the stairs you can only see two feet ahead and it is dark" (Ed – Lessines, 30 miles south west of Brussels, is a part of our Regimental history. After the Battle of Dettingen in 1743 the 7th Dragoon Guards went into winter quarters and again in 1745 to camp at Lessines. On 11th November 1918 at 10.35 hours the 7th Dragoons captured the town and on 21st May 1940 there was the heroic action by 3rd Troop ‘C’ Squadron, 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards’ tanks).
Fred Guyatt writes – "I am writing to thank you and the members of the Creully Club for allowing me the privilege of parading with you on Remembrance Day parade in Alcester last Sunday. It was the first Remembrance parade that I have attended with men who have experienced battle and the loss of comrades and friends; very moving. It was when I got home that I realised how much the parading of the banner meant to you all and very much regret that I did not volunteer for the job. I enjoyed the dinner and your company at the Roebuck and I look forward to meeting you all again next year when the banner will be paraded. Best regards"
John Buchanan Vice President, Warwickshire, Royal British Legion –’…Very good of you to take the trouble (Regimental button for the Alcester collection given by HHQ) which is much appreciated, especially since there are not too many of them left. I must tell you that the whole branch is really delighted that you came all the way to march with us on ‘The Sundays’ and we would love it if at least some of you could find time next year to stay long enough, after the parade, to come to the lunch we put on. You would be most welcome. Let me know a week or so before hand and places will be reserved for you. My wishes for a Happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year to you all. |
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Those we have known
SQMS W Harris DCM – Sergeant Harris had been a pre-war Regular, called back to the Regiment as a Reservist in 1939. Having survived the evacuation from Dunkirk he left the comparative safety of Transport troop in ‘A’ Squadron and volunteered as a tank commander. By ‘D’ Day on June 6th 1944 he was the experienced sergeant of fourth troop ‘A’ Squadron. Sgt Harris lived in Walsall and died there on 19 March 1988.
(Regimental Magazine Volume XL April 89). |
On
June 14th Sgt Harris commanded a Sherman
tank equipped with the new 17 pounder gun. Fourth troop had supported
the 9th Battalion of the Durham Light Infantry in their
capture of the Normandy village of Lingèvres. Sgt Harris
and his crew destroyed 2 German Panther tanks in the morning and
then later in the day were positioned to the flank of a heavy German
counter-attack lead by three Panthers, each of which was destroyed
by his gunner, Trooper McKillop (Mentioned
in Dispatches), on the road leading into the village. Commander
and gunner had destroyed 5 enemy tanks with 5 shots, and the village
was held. He was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for this
outstanding action. The action is immortalised in a painting by
David Shepherd, which was presented to the Officer’s mess by Major
General I G Gill. Sgt Harris
fought right through the Normandy battle and was promoted SQMS of
‘B’ Sqn in September 1944. He left the army shortly after the war
ended but always remained in contact with the Regiment. Shortly
before he died he visited the museum and presented a Nazi pennant
from one of his kills for display. He was presented to the Colonel
in Chief in 1987.|
News of Members
Joan Brunt keeps in touch and sent a generous ‘hospitality cheque’ in memory of her husband. Arthur Park. Thank you Joan and we will look forward to seeing you on the 4th April 2004 Vivien and Walter Saunders have bought an old house at Hoekwil in the hinterland between Knysna and George, South Africa. We send them our best wishes. |
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Photographic Record of Headstones We should like to thank Margaret Tohill for providing photographs of the three headstones at Lessines New Communal Cemetery, Belgium. In Belgium photographs are required at La Hulpe, Neville, Brussels and Essars. |
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Normandie Mémoire 60eme Anniversaire
The 60th Anniversary of D-Day and the Battle of Normandy
All the members who have applied to me have been registered for the badge and have received their certificate of confirmation
(Medals to be worn – Campaign, official awards and decorations and one button hole badge. The French Normandy medal ‘Médaille du Jubilé 1994’ only on the right hand side). |
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Regimental Casualties
Ron Scruton, Donald Brown and Fred Gooding have sent in information on the following Regimental casualties, which will be included in our Roll of Honour file for future reference. Khayat Beach War Cemetery - Israel Sgt S Berrington
Alan Gregson has sent information on: - Ramleh War Cemetery
Tpr C Webster |
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Setting the Record Straight
Tpr E J Rock – Page 17 of ‘The First and Last’ records ‘killed in action’. However the name of Tpr Rock is not included in the Regimental Casualty List or that of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission HHQ have looked into it and have given an account of what happened to Tpr Rock who survived the war. |
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Focus on Feedback
Austin Baker writes: - "………Incidentally, the picture illustrating Ron Scruton’s piece does not show ‘A’ Squadron Sgt Harris, as is implied, but Sgt Fred Harris of ‘C’ Squadron. I have a copy of it myself, and also the citation for the MM. he won at Hochheid and the letter of congratulations from the Brigadier, Errol Prior-Palmer. I saw quite a lot of Fred Harris and he took command of our tank for a few hair-raising minutes at Tessel Wood. He died in 1996. I was pleased to see the note about Ted Payne. He was widely known as ‘Panda’ Payne, by the way, after the innumerable 9th Armoured Div. signs he painted on vehicles. The ‘terrifying sergeant-major’ was Tommy Knox. I don’t think ‘C’ suffered much under him. Under a spectacularly intimidating exterior he was actually a very nice man and was kind to me on more than one occasion. I stood next to him when Eisenhower had a few words with him – the only time I ever remember Tommy showing signs of embarrassment".
Tom Tyreman writes - "I was sorry to read of the passing of Ted Payne. I have strong memories of him. In the days when we were in the 9th Armoured Division our sign was a Panda’s head. I was in HQ Tech Stores and Ted would come to me for paint to paint the signs on the vehicles. He was known as ‘Panda’ Payne. He was a lovely man"
Eric Johnston writes – "I did find your new booklets interesting and it got me reading your earlier one about the battle at Lingèvres. A small point about the photograph on page 9, the army photographer did not arrive at Lingèvres until 20 June, six days after the action, by which time the two Panther tanks had been bull-dozed into the hedge, as shown in the photograph. The painting of the action by David Shepherd shows one tank by the bridge and one in the foreground on the grass verge".
Ernie Wills (12th Battalion KRRC) writes - "For three days we held the line at Opheusden. Having decided amongst ourselves that being below strength owing to casualties etc that at nightfall we would sit quietly and not hassle the enemy. There were too bigger gaps between our slit trenches and indiscriminate firing would attract enemy patrols and they would pass through our positions without our noticing. We had a visit from a ‘big-wig’ from HQ and he told us we weren’t making enough noise and we should liven up the enemy more. A silly order which we ignored. On October 1st, a night of torrential rain we were relieved by the 501st US Airborne who as we left did liven up the Germans. I understand that they were over run." |
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Contact Corner
Derek Gasper would like to hear from members who knew his grandfather, the late Ted Hoare. Ted was a member of 4th Troop, ‘B’ Squadron. Email address: - djggasper@yahoo.com |
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Regimental Magazines
Vol. X No 39 June 1938 The editorial passes on the rumour that the Regiment might be moving to Hounslow from Edinburgh. – "any move southward will be welcomed by the Regiment, whose ties of kinship lie beyond the Border" Also that mechanisation is expected, with "its radical revision of our ideas of soldering" The editor does not know when that will happen. On the social events the editor announces "For the first time in some eight years, an officer in the Regiment has taken a wife" This was the marriage of Capt. and Mrs Barker on the 20th April 1938 at Chipping Camden, Gloucester. (Major Barker was second in command in June 44 and as Lt Col took command of the Regiment after Col Byron in September 1944. Col Barker was awarded the DSO) By all accounts guests from the Regiment were making up for the 8 lost years. . The article concludes with "After a lot of eating and drinking – mostly drinking! – the happy couple left for their honeymoon on Exmoor to the notes of a hunting horn, and the good wishes and hic-coughs of the assembled party followed them" The editorial is followed by an article ‘Australia to England in Twelve and a Half Days’. The author’s name is not given. The outward journey was by 10,000 ton ss Orford out of Tilbury to Sydney, New South Wales and took six weeks. The return journey was mostly by aeroplane which included a Handley Page ‘Hannibal’ and "one of Imperial Airways new four-engine flying boats, the last word in comfort – which cruise at 200 m.p.h." Stopping off at Sourabaya the author adds "I was greatly amused at Sourabaya, for the Dutch had decorated the town a month previously in anticipation of the birth of an heir to the throne of Holland. This was done at great expense, chiefly to impress the natives. However, when I passed through, Princess Juliana had still failed in her part, and the Dutch were very sore at having to renew their decorations, which by this time had become very bedraggled". There is a write up on the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards Seventh Reunion Dinner on Saturday 30th April "as usual" on Cup Final Day at the Chiltern Hall, Baker Street, London. It says that the attendance though not a record one, was highly satisfactory – two hundred Old Comrades and thirty officers – "despite the transport difficulties which always prevail on that day". A wreath was laid in the afternoon at the Cenotaph in memory 4th Royal Irish Dragoon Guards. The thirteenth anniversary of the service at the Cavalry Memorial, Stanhope Gate was on Sunday 1st May. There are photographs of a column of the 4th Dragoon Guards and the 7th Dragoon Guards, each led by officers in top hats, dark overcoats and rolled umbrellas. Amalgamation of the two Regiments was in 1922. An article ‘Among the Maoris’, again anon, gives an account of "the biggest Maori gathering for many years" on 18th March 1938 and there are the usual Squadron, Equitation and Sporting Notes. A photograph of ‘A’ Squadron football team, winners of the Inter-Squadron Football Cup includes the late Reg Cox - Reg survived the war but his brother, who was also in the Regiment was killed on D Day - A. G Morgan who was killed in France and Bill Hitchon at Colne Park, East Anglia both in 1940 (information provided by George Morse). The magazine concludes with the following: - A parson was deeply shocked to hear some appalling swearing by a driver as he strove in vain to crank his lorry. "You must not use language like that," he said, " even if your lorry won’t start". The driver looked at him contemptuously and then said, "Well, what ought I to do, pray?" "Certainly." "Well, you pray; it’s your job." The priest uttered a short prayer, the engine started at the next heave, and the driver went away rejoicing. He did not hear the priest mutter, "Well, I’m damned!" as the engine started. |
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Tain and Tarbatness January 1944
Dr James A Fallon writes - I am researching the D-Day training in the Moray Firth area from December 1943 to April 1944. I would be interested to hear from any members of your Creully Club about this period, especially the AFV firing range between Tain and Tarbatness and also amphibious landings there. We are planning a 60-year commemoration of D-Day up here on 6 June 2004, and I would like to give due prominence to the 4th/7th Dragoon Guards who trained here especially in Jan. 1944. E-mail address: jafportmahomack@tinyworld.co.uk |
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Exercise Smash 44/04 by John Pearson Studland Bay, Dorset. 3/4 April 2004
In the last few newsletters there have been several references to this event which Cecil Newton and I have been working on for several months.
Sixty years before to the day, in the early morning of the 4 April 1944 the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards in their amphibious Valentine "DD" tanks were launched from their landing craft for a live firing rehearsal for D-Day. The weather was marginal at launch and later deteriorated resulting in the loss of six lives and six tanks. As a result, on D-day the amphibious tanks (by then the American Sherman) were launched closer inshore than had been originally planned and in fact the 4th/7th were taken right to the beach. As a result few were lost in general and the only losses to the Regiment on D-Day were due to subsequent swamping when the tide came in. There was a notable difference between the British and American loss rates of amphibious tanks on D-Day largely because the Americans launched from the original distance from shore. The difference in fire support on the beaches also caused widely different casualty rates amongst the other assault troops.
The commemoration is to be in two separate but linked parts:
1/. On Sunday 4 April 2004, ex members of the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards, widows supporters and other veterans will hold a Remembrance service on the headland by Fort Henry, Studland. This will include the unveiling of a slate memorial recording the event and the lives lost. A wreath will be laid on the waters of the Bay from a Royal Marines landing craft with a bugler playing "Last Post" and "Reveille". There may then be an aircraft flypast. Fort Henry itself is the original viewing position constructed specifically for the high ranking audiences witnessing the D Day training exercises taking place there in 1943 and 1944.
2/. The other part of the event will be a military vehicle show which will be the first public appearance of the only surviving Valentine DD tank following a twenty year restoration by myself. This will be over both days of the weekend of 3/4 April 2004 and will be based on the beach at the Knoll, Studland that is about a half-mile from Fort Henry. It will be driven and demonstrated at regular intervals. There will also be other wartime vehicles on display including a Churchill AVRE (Armoured Vehicle Royal Engineers), Sherman, Stuart, Sherman based Beach Armoured Recovery Vehicle, artillery and other privately owned wartime vehicles and also modern Army vehicles including Challenger 2 and Scimitar. Also in attendance will be landing craft from The Royal Logistics Corps. It is anticipated that the Valentine DD and the Churchill AVRE will be brought to the beach by landing craft.
After the event, the Valentine DD will be placed on exhibition at the Tank Museum alongside their Sherman DD to enable comparisons to be made for the first time in about half a century.
Main points of the time tabling:
Saturday 3 April 2004 A.M. Scimitar CVRT driven from Bovington to the Knoll 09.00 Carpark at the Knoll open to the public and privately owned MV’s to arrive. 10.00 approx. Churchill and Valentine arrive in RLC landing craft, which are beached (*) 10.30 approx. Churchill and Valentine DD wade ashore and park with other vehicles on beach. (*) Challenger 2 may wade ashore or may remain on landing craft, depending on official decision. 11.00 to 18.00 Tanks are periodically displayed running and moving on sands, including embarking/disembarking once sea has receded.
Sunday 4 April 2004 09.00 approx. RLC landing craft returns. Programme similar to 3 April. (*) 10.00 to 10.30 Veterans, standards, (except 4/7 RDG standard) to assemble at Middle Beach Carpark, Studland. 10.30 Party to lay wreaths in Bay meet Royal Marines Landing craft at Sandbanks ferry jetty 10.45 Veterans and standards make their way to Fort Henry. This will have to be in single file due to trees. 4th/7th RDG standard party, piper, and official guests form up in Middle Beach Carpark. 10.55 Official party march to Fort Henry from Middle Beach Carpark 11.00 Commemoration Service and unveiling of plaque. Wreaths to be laid. Piper plays lament 11.30 Approx. Wreath laid on waters of Bay from RM landing Craft; Last post sounded by Royal Marines bugler on Landing craft 1 minutes silence Reveille sounded 12.00 Possible Flypast, number of aircraft and type to be confirmed. RM landing craft returns Bay wreath laying party to Sandbanks ferry jetty Veterans then invited to view vehicle display at the Knoll (followed by a visit to Tank Museum? Free entrance) 15.30 Valentine, Churchill embark on RLC landing craft for return to Hamworthy. 16.00 Landing craft leave, tanks disembarked at Hamworthy for road journey back to Bovington. Scimitar driven back to Bovington. Private MV’s disperse. Site closes 18.00
Monday 5 April Valentine DD placed in Bovington Tank Museum alongside Sherman DD for comparisons to be made.
NB: All RLC landing craft movements and timings (*) are dependant upon tides which have not yet been ascertained. All military involvement will be subject to Operational Requirements and in addition landing craft use will be dependent upon weather.
WHY?
Since starting this, I have been asked why? Why spend 20 years of your life restoring a vehicle and why spend an enormous amount of time (and some money) on organising the Commemoration when I have no personal connection to the 4th/7th? The restoration is easy to answer: my first career choice (and abiding interest) was mechanical engineering. Could there be a more fascinating vehicle than the only remaining Valentine DD with its supercharged two stroke engine, 3 clutches but only one set of springs and the fact that it is 60mm thick but floats? The reason for organising the Commemoration is subtler and is based on a story my late father told me. He was an infantry company commander in Normandy. As their landing craft was making for the shore there was an accident on board with a grenade and a man was killed. My father ordered that the man be taken ashore so he would be a registered as a battle casualty. Apparently his widow would receive better treatment including a better pension if he was a battle casualty than if he had died before landing or whilst training. The families of the men that lost their lives at Studland will have been treated in this less favourable way, despite the fact that their sacrifice saved untold lives on D-Day. It is only right that this is properly marked and commemorated and I could not think of a more appropriate occasion for my tanks first public appearance. |
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Fort Henry, Studland Bay
Fort Henry, was the largest and strongest World War Two bunker. At the present time it comprises a 30-metre long concrete bunker with an open fronted concrete emplacement behind it which originally housed a 4 inch gun. In this bunker are two display boards, one an account of Exercise Smash and the other an account of the role Studland Bay played prior to D Day. It was from here in April 1944 that Winston Churchill, King George VI, General Bernard Montgomery and General Dwight D Eisenhower watched the practice landings along Studland Beach. Exercise Smash was the biggest live-fire practice of World War Two and corridors had to be cleared for manoeuvres as more than 5,000 mines booby-trapped the beaches and adjoining shore. The sands of Studland Bay and Shell Bay were the closest in location and character to those on the other side of the Channel where D-Day landings took place on 6th June 1944. It can be truly said that the six members of the Regiment who were drowned during Exercise Smash 1 held on 4th April 1944 did not die in vain. It was from this Exercise that it was learnt that the Duplex-Drive tanks were not as seaworthy in rough weather as was originally thought. On D-Day because of the bad weather, the order was given for the DD tanks to wade and not swim in. The DD tank was essential for the landings and without them, the infantry would have had a much harder task than they already had to face. If the trials had not been held the outcome of Operation Overlord would have been very different. Orders came too late for the 741st US Tank Battalion to wade in and all the 31 tanks except two sank. The loss of these tanks was a tragic blow for the infantry trapped on the beaches. Following negotiations with the nearby Manor House Hotel, the site of the bunker was cleared of sycamores and scrub by the National Trust and re-opened to the public in April 2002, the 58th anniversary of Exercise Smash. (Extracts from the Daily Echo April 19 2002 sent in by Stan Brine). |
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The Memorial Plaque at Studland The plaque, which is being organised by John Pearson, is of slate size one foot ten inches by one foot five inches high and will be mounted on a natural stone ‘lectern’ at Fort Henry overlooking Studland Bay. Total cost is £596.31 will be paid by John Pearson less the amount donated by the Creully Club. John is to be most sincerely thanked for his generosity.
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