Commemorating the Regiment’s Historical Connection with

LESSINES, BELGIUM

The first reference to Lessines in the Regimental History is that our predecessor regiment the 7^th Dragoon Guards (Black Horse) went into winter quarters there in November after the Battle of Dettingen 27^th June 1743. Then in May 1745 the regiment were again in camp at Lessines after the Battle of Fontenoy

On November 11^th 1918 just before the Armistice was declared the 7^th Dragoon Guards galloped into Lessines and liberated the town.

In 1940 on 19^th May there was the heroic defence of the Pont de Pierre by 3^rd Troop ‘C’ Squadron 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards

In 1944 the Regiment entered Belgium 6^th September. and was fighting to the north reaching the Albert Canal on 8^th September

The Resistance at Lessines started to take action on 2^nd September by attacking German convoys with petrol bombs

On 3^rd September the Resistance continued attacking enemy troops in the town and at 1330 hours the first elements of British armour arrived.

On 4th September there was heavy fighting in the suburb to the south of Lessines, - Ollignes - which ended by 1300 hours.

Lessines 1918 – Report on Seizing the Crossings of the Dendre on 11^th November

By Major General D E Cayley, Commanding 29^th Division, 13^th November 1918

Orders as to the importance of getting on as far as possible by 11.00 hours and if possible, taking the crossings of the Dendre at Lessines by this hour, only reaching Brig General Freyberg, OC Advanced Guard, about 09.30 hours. He immediately got 'A' Squadron 7th Dragoon Guards, attached to him, under way.

He accompanied them, and the Squadron moved as fast as possible (at a canter for most of the distance) towards Lessines. They arrived outside the town at about 10.45 hours and were met by machine gun fire. It was decided to rush the place, which was immediately done, a few of the enemy being killed and 2 Offices and 98 Other Ranks being captured. The Squadron pushed on over the road bridges which were intact and established bridgeheads over the river, capturing two companies of the enemy on the East Bank, but as it was now after 11.00 hours these were allowed to march out, after a request by the Commander that they should receive protection against the inhabitants. This was refused unless they laid down their arms and surrendered. They decided to march out.

Considerable difficulty was experienced in Lessines in protecting the prisoners captured in the town from the fury of the people.

That the important road crossings over the Dendre were seized by 11.00 hours was entirely due to the energy of Brig General Freyberg, and to the dash and leadership of 'A' Squadron 7th Dragoon Guards, under the Command of Major Chappell.

Lessines 1940  – Regimental War Diary for 19^th May

Visited early by CO of AT Regiment to explain that the Troop who should have been with us had got lost. He went off to find them, but the Troop did not appear. Sergeant Waters sent out to 'creep' up to canal bank in his tank to see if he could see in what strength the Germans were. His idea of 'creeping' did not coincide with either his Troop or Squadron Leader's, both of whom were almost but not quite speechless with agitation in the background. However, he returned much as he had gone, giving the impression of supreme, if misplaced confidence in his tank.

By 0930 hours, good shooting being had by all. German Infantry coming on to far bank of canal presenting grand target, which was being made full use of by the Carrier Troops and the MG Coy.

By 1000 hours, the 3rd Troop was having a very sticky time in Lessines with the Germans trying to enter the town by a bridge which was only partly 'blown' and also working round their left flank. They were also being harried considerably by 5th Column activities. They not only held the enemy but also put an enemy AT gun out of action and killed the crew.

By 1045 hours, this Troop was being heavily shelled. 2nd Lieutenant Sewell was killed. Corporal Blewitt, Lance Corporal Brown, Troopers Marsh, Charman, Heys, Johnson, Grigg and Ridgeon were wounded and 8 ORs wounded.

2nd Lieutenant Gill, Sergeant Broom, Trooper Bomber, and Trooper Harrison ('A' Squadron) were the only members of this party left unwounded, but they managed to hold on till relieved by the 2nd Troop (Thompson).

The 3rd Troop had fought magnificently. Lieutenant Gill was subsequently awarded the Military Cross, and Trooper Charman the MM. Corporal Blewitt, Lance Corporal Brown and Trooper Charman showed outstanding determination and courage under shellfire. With the assistance of a 15 cwt Truck belonging to the Cheshire Regiment and our Regimental Ambulance, the wounded were got away. (At the time of writing Lance Corporal Brown, Trooper Marsh and Trooper Ridgeon are still unfortunately unaccounted for, and must be regarded as 'missing').

The Squadron were able to hold on till orders were received at 1145 hours, to commence the retirement. The Machine Gun Coy of the Cheshire's was withdrawn. 1st Troop (Riley) sent back to keep line of retirement open from enemy, who were known to have worked round the left flank. All Troops broke off action successfully with 2nd Troop (Thompson) acting as rearguard. 2nd Troop missed turning to starting point. Major Byron took Squadron on to rendezvous, while Riley and Williams went back to have a look. They did not get far before being shot at by German Medium Tanks, and having turned round broke all previous records for Light Tanks - Riley doing some very good Map Reading at speed.

In this action the 3rd Troop lost one Carrier blown up and one ditched. The 1st Troop one Tank ditched.

The DRs had again done magnificent work. Lance Corporal Hartley doing good work getting ammunition up in the sidecar and both Morgans and Cuff showing great determination in getting their messages through, though again handicapped by being without large scale maps.

The Squadron crossed the River Scarpe at Tournai at 1500 hours and went into billets at Genech. Had a much needed 'night's rest'.

From the information received at RHQ it appeared that the pressure began increasing at dawn. The order of arrival was first MCs with MGs on sidecars and armoured cars. Next some horsemen, who were probably escort to the AT Guns, which were early in action. Then heavy MG's and Mortars, which fired with great accuracy, and finally, infantry and field guns. In less than three hours the battle layout was complete. Air co-operation was good and fire was quickly corrected. No Allied aeroplanes were seen that day. By 10am the messages received from Squadrons became very serious. The CO had no reserve left. A reconnaissance was sent to see how far back the Infantry had got, and it was discovered that all roads to the West were clear for at least 12 miles.

At 11.15am a RT message was sent to 1 Corps asking if, in view of the critical situation, the time of withdrawal might be advanced. It was not, however, until 11.45am that a reply was received saying, "Infantry withdrawal most satisfactory. Use your discretion about leaving the river".

The Regiment moved back 20 miles, crossing the Scarpe at Antoing, just South of Tournai. Beyond the road junction where the Squadron routes converged the CO halted to watch the Regiment go by. It was a sight hard to bear. Everyone appeared to be deadbeat. Most of the vehicles had extra men clinging to them, and no Squadron seemed more than half strength. As a matter of fact the casualties had not been as heavy as it appeared, because some vehicles had already gone on and others turned up later.

Lessines 1940  – Military Cross

SECOND LIEUTENANT IAN GORDON GILL - 4th/7th DG

On the night of 18 May 1940 at Lessines 2Lt Gill and his troops occupied a position vacated by the infantry, who had orders to withdraw. At daylight his left flank was entirely unsupported, and the enemy were attempting to envelop him. All but three of the troop were killed and wounded. They had inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy. 2Lt Gill showed great personal courage in assisting the wounded out of action, and through his fine example they were able to hold on until orders were received that the infantry were safely away and the troop could withdraw. Had he not held on with such courage the whole position would have been lost.

Lessines 2007 – Inauguration of the Plaque, 23^rd September

Saturday 11^th August - Joy and I went down to Launceston, Cornwall to pick up the plaque, which the mason had crated, together with the rust proof screws and chromium caps

Friday 21^st September –We set off early at 0500 hours to catch the 1000 hours ferry from Dover to Dunkerque, as we had to be in Lessines at 1600 hours with the problem of circumnavigating the M25 and Lille. Luckily all the car drivers had decided to have a lie-in.

We arrived at the Grand Place at Lessines at 1500 hours with an opportunity to sit outside a café enjoying a coffee on a warm sunny afternoon. The Grand Place was very pleasant with its floral decorations and a species of poplar. The Hotel de Ville was at one end and there we waited. Promptly four members of the ‘Royal Front Unique des Associations Patriotique’ arrived – the President, M Jean Druart*, the Vice-President, M.Jean Van Wymersch+, and M & Madame Andre Neve and M Luc Delhove. After introductions and a chat the municipal employee arrived to collect the plaque for fixing early Sunday morning. We then went to the office of M.Jean Marie Degauque, the   Burgomaster for a formal welcome to Lessines. Afterwards we were shown the way to our hotel, ‘Le Vieux Moulin’ at Deux-Acren to find the bar in full working order where we were joined by club members Peggy and Ulrich Pfaff who were also staying at the hotel.

Saturday 22^nd September – Jean Druart and Luc Delhove called for us to take us on a tour of Lessines which started off at the church St Pierre.

The Church of St Pierre - ‘11^th May 1940, war was declared the previous day. A few people have gathered in the church for morning mass. Suddenly, smoke and sparks come down from the wooden vaults…Phosphorous bombs had been dropped by the German air force, hitting the church and setting fire to the old Romanesque and gothic carpentry. The congregation evacuate the building, carrying a few objects away from the flames. The roofing soon collapses into the church, spreading the fire to the furniture. The set of bells then crashed into the tower, which becomes an extraction chimney. The chancel, with its vaults, resists slightly longer.

The population, hiding in the shelters, helplessly watched the ruins of the church, which contained so many treasures and memories…. The ruins keep smoking for the next three days..’

 The Belgian Resistance in Lessines - In WW2 Lessines was liberated on 3^rd/4^th September 1944. by the Belgian Resistance with the Dorsetshire Regiment in action on the 4^th September. Beside the ‘Chausée de Gramont’ the main road into Lessines from the north there is a memorial to Commandant Fernand Barbaix of the Resistance who was executed by a German firing squad on 2^nd September 1944. On the opposite side of the road there is another memorial to two Soldiers of the Resistance, Alphonse Bauwens and Julien Van Loo who were killed on 4^th September 1944.

On a house in Lessines there is a plaque in memory of the Taverne Brothers ‘Heros et Martyrs de la Resistance’ who lived there. Theodore was shot by the Germans 23^rd August 1943 He was 25 years old. Valere his brother was killed in combat at Ellezelles on 4^th September 1944. He was 24 years old.

On another building a plaque commemorates Lieutenant Stekke Fernand who was founder and commandant of the ‘Armée Secrete Zone 1 Secteur 40’ who was arrested on 28 October 1942 and killed 23^rd March 1945 at Nordhausen Concentration Camp.

In a recess in the front garden wall of a modern house are two headstones side by side, in remembrance of Cpl John Newland of the 1^st Battalion Dorsetshire Regiment (buried in the Town’s New Cemetery) and Fleron Augustin Soldier of the Resistance, who were killed on 4^th September 1944 in what was then open fields before the development of the new housing estate. Poppy crosses were placed at the two headstones

In the park is a large memorial to 31 soldiers of the ‘Armée Secrete Zone 1 A 40’ who were killed in combat or executed by the Germans and the 29 who were killed in concentration camps at Nordhausen, Flossenburg, Orianburg, Sachsenhausen, Bergen-Belsen, Buchenwald, Dora and other camps not specified.

A poppy cross was placed at the Memorial

At the base of the war memorial in the town is a casket with the inscription: -

Lessines 1940 – On a wall next to a main road out of the town there is a plaque

Pilot Officer Llewellyn Lister Appleton 79 Sqdn was aged 23 and is remembered on the Runnymede Memorial. His body could not be recovered

A poppy cross was placed below the plaque next to another one that had been there for some time

Le Pont de Pierre – We were taken to a stone quarry, which can be seen from a viewing platform from the road above the quarry. The quarry is huge with hewn stone terraces circling the sides. The stone is taken to a crushing plant at road level, which converts the rock to chippings and then loaded into railway trucks.

The present bridge has brick parapet walls and in 1940 there were railings. In 1918 the bridge was in danger of demolition by Germans sappers. 9 men of the 7^th Dragoon Guards charged the bridge and prevented this happening and it was saved intact. presumably with its railings which the bridge had in 1940. In a letter by a Mr W K Embleton to M Andre Neve he says his father was one of the nine men and was awarded The Belge Militaire 2^nd Class.

The bridge might have been of stone in the dim and distant past but most likely it acquired that name before the advent of railways because it was on the route from the stone quarries

The Town’s Cemeteries  - There are two cemeteries, the Old Cemetery and the New Cemetery.

Our first visit was to the Old Cemetery. where 8 British soldiers are buried – 5 from the Royal Ordnance Corps with the date 5^th December 1918, one from the Machine Gun Corps dated 25^th December 1918 and 2 from the Middlesex Regiment with the date 5^th November 1918 who were taken prisoner at Ypres and died in captivity.

At the New Cemetery there are the graves of the 3 casualties from 3^rd Troop, ‘C’ Squadron  - 2/Lt David Sewell, Albert Grigg and George Ridgeon. Also a soldier from the Cheshire Regiment with the date 19^th May 1940, a soldier from the Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders dated 18^th May 1940, an Unknown Soldier, Cpl J E Newland from the Dorsetshire Regiment (mentioned before) with the date 4^th September 1944 and a soldier from 53^rd Worcester Yeomanry and Tank Regiment with the date 18^th May 1944

Poppy crosses were placed at all the graves and in addition Chris Petter, MBE had arranged for a black marble tablet inscribed ‘Lest We Forget’ and a single red rose to be placed at the graves in the New Cemetery

Jean Druart took us back to the hotel and that evening we were joined by Margaret Tohill, niece of Albert Grigg, husband Dave and son Bob. also by Major (Rtd) David Sewell, Grenadier Guards and his brother Percy who are the nephews of 2/Lt David Sewell. A week before the visit to Lessines, with the help of the Internet, I contacted David and at very short notice they attended the inauguration of the plaque. (I have also contacted George Ridgeon’s sister-in-law through the Internet)

That evening 9 of us sat down to have the evening meal together  

Sunday 23^rd September - Ulrich and Peggy very kindly ferried us down to the Town’s War Memorial, which was the rendezvous for the start of the parade. The members of the Patriotique Front arrived with family and friends and spectators (about 150 attended). Also a brass band, ‘The Prisoners of War Band’ in smart light khaki uniforms

The ceremonies commenced at the Town’s Memorial with Joy laying a rose in commemoration of those who were deported from Lessines and were killed in concentration camps and I laid a poppy wreath in memory of the Belgian soldiers killed in two world wars.

Those present then lined up and marched behind the band to Pont de Pierre. The Regimental Banner was carried by Raphael Roëls. Here Jean Druart gave an address in French and translated into English. The deputy Burgomaster then gave an address in French and English.

The plaque was covered by the Regimental flag and the unveiling then took place followed by an address by your secretary in French and English. The exhortation was read, followed by a Minutes Silence. The band then played the two National Anthems

Afterwards there was the Vin d’honneur in the fine Salle de Fêtes which was very well attended by local people, during which I presented on behalf of the Colonel of the Regiment, Brigadier Clendon Daukes, a 19^th century original watercolour of a mounted 4^th Dragoon Guard, date 1818, to the Burgomaster, M. Jean Marie Degauque. He had served in the Belgian cavalry. As 2/Lt David Sewell’s father was Brigadier-General Horace Somerville Sewell, C.M.G, D.S.O. of the 4^th Dragoon Guards it was an appropriate gift. I presented to the four members of the Patriotique Front Regimental ties from Home Headquarters and promoted them on the spot to rank of Colonel (without pay)

24 members of the Patriotique Front sat down for lunch at 1300 hours with the Tohills and Newtons as guests – Ulrich, Peggy, David and Percy had to get away early (and missed a really delicious meal)

Monday 24^th September – We arrived home in the afternoon after a trouble –free journey

We should like to thank our Belgian friends most sincerely for their exceptional kindness and hospitality. Also our thanks to Ulrich and Peggy for their local taxi service and for translating for us and also to. Raphael Roëls for carrying the Banner

Lt Sewell was an accomplished young artist but a defect at birth prevented him from volunteering for the army. However he underwent surgery by the eminent plastic surgeon Sir Archibald McIndoe and was accepted. David was commissioned, joined the successor to his father’s old regiment the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards, and soon after landed in France with the BEF.  He was killed on 19^th May at Lessines

*Jean Druart, a volunteer, served as a sergeant in the 15^th Battalion Fusilliers. A unit in the 75^th (US) Division Ninth Army 12^th Army Group but attached to the British Second Army for operations under the command of General Montgomery and the British VIII Corps for administration. Jean took part in the advance from the town of Venlo just within the Dutch border to the Rhine.

+Jean Van Wymersch was a prisoner of war in Germany for six years.

The President’s Seasons Greetings

Robert and Caroline Ford send Season’s Greetings and best wishes to all members.

Membership

The Club is pleased to welcome Nigel Jones  (1989-2005) and Jim Pearce (1946-1961).

Friends Remembered

It is with deep regret that we learnt recently of the death, of Edwin (Ted) Henry Freegard on 6^th July 2006, Peter Aizlewood on 16^th October 2007, W.J. (Steve) Stevens on 9^th December 2007 and Ralph Butcher on 1^st January 2008

Ted Freegard – Austin Baker writes - 'When I was operator on 'C Squadrons A.R.V. (Armoured Recovery Vehicle) from early April until June 23rd '44 Ted Freegard was one of the crew, as a fitter. I knew him only vaguely before that time, and I don't recall seeing much of him later, but we were obviously close for a brief period. He was a very nice, easy-going chap - unrelentingly cheerful. I can still picture him clearly and hear his voice’

Captain Peter George Dennis Aizlewood – Peter, born 8^th June 1923, was the only son of Major General J.A.Aizlewood, M.C, D.L He played cricket and racquets for Winchester College in 1941. He was commissioned into the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards in 1943, having been awarded the belt of honour at the R.M.A. O.C.T.U.

He was severely wounded on D-Day 1944, and lost a leg. Whilst recovering from his wounds, he instructed at the Royal Armoured Corps O.C.T.U. in 1945 and was appointed A.D.C to the C. in C. M.E.F. in 1946.

In 1947 he attended the Royal Agricultural College, and became a dairy farmer, taking over from his father in Gloucestershire, and maintaining a very successful Jersey herd. In spite of the loss of his leg, he continued to ride and play cricket as a wicket keeper.

In July 1951 he married Phayre Marion Margaret daughter of H.W. Standring, O.B.E. of Warwick. Sadly she predeceased him. He is survived by two daughters, Susan who married the Reverend Andrew Wingfield Digby, and Sarah who married John Baillie, and two sons Robin and Johnny.

The funeral was held in his local church at Chastleton. The church was packed with many people standing; the service was taken by the local parson and Andrew Wingfield Digby.

(Obituary by Derek Trasenster)

W. J. (Steve) Stevens – Steve joined up at Bovington in 1940 and the Regiment in 1941, leaving in 1945 and was demobbed in 1946. Steve served throughout his time in the Regiment in ‘B’ Squadron as a driver and landed on Gold Beach, D-Day, driving a Duplex Drive amphibious Sherman tank and took part throughout the campaign in NW Europe.

Ralph Butcher – Ralph joined the Regiment at Keighley January 1943. He served in ‘A’ Squadron throughout his time, in 5^th Troop and various Troops during the campaign in N W Europe. From October 1945 he was on loan to the Royal Military Police until his ‘B’ Release in January 1946. In civilian life Ralph was very much a part of the Lowestoft fishing industry for fifty years except for his time with the Regiment. (Newsletter No 22 – News of Members) Joyce, his wife, who is a member of the Club, survives him.

We extend our sympathies to the families.

A.G.M. by Vince Vincent

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at the Kings Court Hotel, Alcester November 10^th 2007

Present  - Secretary Cecil Newton opened the Meeting at 15.05 hours welcoming Phil Berry attending for the first time. Others present were Charles Batkin, Alan Gregson, Fred Guyatt, Ron Scruton, Les Scull, Roy Swain, Trevor Swain, Nathan Swain and Vince Vincent.

Apologies for Absence – were received from Noel Santry, (Chairman, Regimental Association), Geoff Cresswell, Jo Mumford, Bernie Glanfireld and Eric Johnston.

Minutes of the 2006 AGM  - The Secretary referred to the visit which he and Joy had made to Lessines in Belgium in September 2007 to attend the ceremony at which a plaque commemorating the heroism of three soldiers of 4^th/7^th R.D.G. was fixed to the bridge which they had died defending in May 1940. In this connection he was glad to report the niece of Albert Grigg, one of those killed, had been able to be present at the ceremony together with her husband and son, and that a nephew of 2^nd/Lt D Sewell, also killed, had been traced via the internet and had attended with his brother. The Secretary reported a marvellous reception at Lessines. The plaque is displayed in a fine position on the bridge. A full account of Cecil’s visit to Lessines will appear in the February Newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report – Wearing his Treasurer’s cap, the Secretary reported that whilst Old Comrades Associations as such are not eligible for charity status, those bodies in connection with memorials can claim this privilege and there is a possibility that the Creully Club could reclaim tax when the present Memorial Fund investment matures

There are now 144 members of the Creully Club.

The financial situation is healthy  - donations alone in the last financial year accounted for an extraordinary £698.50. The balance at 31/08/2007 stood at £1045.43 with the Memorial Fund at £3213.46

The Constitution  - The Secretary expressed his gratitude to Les Scull, present at the meeting, for agreeing to be one of the Trustees appointed last year.

 The question of the annual placing of a wreath at the Memorial in Creully in future when there are no surviving trustees was raised. It had been thought that the British Legion could be entrusted with this task for an annual fee but an alternative would be for a solicitor to organise the provision of a wreath each year.  The Secretary said that the way forward would have to be decided by the trustees at the appropriate time. 

Arrangements for the weekend – At the Service of Remembrance on Sunday morning Fred Guyatt would carry the Banner and Phil Berry lay a wreath. Roy Swain thought he might be able to recruit his son or grandson to act as banner-bearer next year in the event of Fred Guyatt being unable to undertake the task

Future Events 2008 – The Studland Bay Memorial Ceremony would take place on 4^th April.

The annual visit to Creully was being organised by HHQ, but the small number likely to attend in June 2008 meant the hire of a coach was not viable. This was disappointing but as an alternative HHQ were arranging transport by private cars.

It was agreed that the Reunion in November 2008 would be at the Kings Court Hotel.

Appointment of Secretary – The Meeting gratefully approved the appointment of Cecil Newton

Any Other Business – There being no other business the Meeting closed at 16.10 hours.

Club Report

There is a web site for Le Plessis Grimoult – www.roynel.com The Regiment had not been included in the account of the liberation of the village. The web master has been contacted and this has now been rectified. A short message has also been included – ‘During the liberation of Le Plessis Grimoult two Troops of ‘B’ Squadron with the 5^th D.C.L.I made a feint attack round the flank, while the main body of infantry just charged straight down the hill on to the village with tremendous dash and took a number of prisoners and the first ”King Tiger” of the war’

2007 was a busy year with Joy and I keeping the (Regimental) flag flying at Gisors, Rugles and Lessines where we received very warm welcomes.  The remembrance of the campaign in 1940 at Lessines concludes the placing of plaques.

The Reunion Weekend November 10^th/11^th   2007 at the Kings Court Hotel, Kings Coughton, Alcester by Vince Vincent

The business of the A.G.M. held on Saturday afternoon is reported elsewhere.

On the Saturday evening those who attended the A.G.M. are joined by Nora Berry, Peggy Gregson, Brenda Scruton, Kathleen Scull, Winnie Swain and Mary Vincent for dinner at the hotel.

L Fred Guyatt, Les Scull, Kathleen Scull, Winnie Swain,
Trevor Swain, Nathan Swain, Brenda Scruton
R. Ron Scruton, Charles Batkin, Roy Swain, Vince Vincent,
Alan Gregson, Mary Vincent, Nora Berry.

After breakfast we sign out of the hotel and make the short drive to the car park behind “The Swan” in Alcester. The weather is cold enough for many to opt for overcoats but a threat of rain fortunately does not materialise.

At around 10.30 hours six veterans of the 4th/7^th R.D.G. (three more veterans went direct to the church) together with Trevor and Nathan Swain led by ex-4^th/7^th member Fred Guyatt with the Regimental Banner and Phil Berry with the wreath, take their place just behind the Alcester Royal British Legion contingent near the front of what will be a very long column. Led by the Alcester Silver Band we step off for the Church of St Nicholas at the far end of the main street. Everyone in step, the only sounds are those of the marching feet and the band, which always sets just the right pace. The pavements on either side are filled as usual for the length of the main street with men, women and children. They stand silently watching the long, long procession of former and serving members of the Forces, men and women of the police and fire services, nurses and medics, cadets, scouts, guides and the singular all-male body of Alcester civic officials wearing their colourful medieval robes of office.

This procession, always impressive, is even longer this year and the onlookers even more numerous. There is a very poignant reason for this: only a few days previously four young firemen have tragically died fighting a large fire at nearby Atherstone-on-Stour. Two of theses men are from Alcester and they and their two comrades are included in the tribute being paid this day to all those men and women who have given their lives in the service of their country and community.

At the Church of St. Nicholas the Service of Remembrance follows its usual pattern. At the War Memorial in front of the church the names are read of the 78 men of Alcester who died in two world wars, and this year the names of the four firemen are added: Ian Reid, John Averis, Darren Yates-Badley and Ashley Stephens. The several standards are slowly lowered as a trumpet sounds the Last Post followed by a profound silence of two minutes honouring the supreme sacrifice of those known and unknown to us. The many wreaths are placed carefully and reverently at the foot of the Memorial, including one laid by Phil Berry on behalf of our Regiment.

For the second longer part of the service the church is so crowded that many of the congregation cannot find a seat. We conclude the morning’s ceremonies with a march past at which the Marquis of Hertford takes the salute. Before we dismiss the Chairman of the Alcester British Legion warmly thanks all those who have participated, making particular reference to the exceptional numbers attending this year.

We make our leisurely way to the 17^th Century Town Hall to lunch with our friends from the Royal British Legion. Then it is time to voice our thanks and say our farewells to them and to each other before setting off for home.

Focus on Feedback

Les Scull – ‘I am most impressed and humbled by Ulrich and Peggy Pfaff’s efforts on the 4^th/7^th RDG’s behalf with regard to our fallen comrades; their latest letter was read with great interest’

Roy Setter –‘I was very surprised to read in your newsletter that a memorial at Noyers Bocage commemorates the names of 151 Typhoon pilots who died in Normandy.  I followed this up by going to the Military History Encyclopaedia Website which has a record of every weapon used in WW2.   I read that by 1943 there were 20 squadrons of Typhoons, totalling 300 aircraft.  As a ground attack aircraft it was highly effective, but also managed to shoot down 103 aircraft in Normandy, including the formidable Fokker 190.  The Typhoon had four cannons and, ultimately, could also be equipped with two 1000lb bombs.  As a vehicle and bunker buster it was superb.  Altogether 200,000 rocket projectiles were fired.  Most of the planes that were shot down were victims of anti-aircraft fire.  Production of the Typhoons totalled 3,300’.

Correspondence

Dr Peter Liddle FRHistS – Peter has written to say he is retiring as Director of the Second World War Experience Centre and adds ‘I have appreciated our link’ I have written to wish him a long and happy retirement.  Friends of the Centre will appreciate his hard work over the years and the interest and information obtained from the Centre’s excellent journal chronicling all aspects, both armed forces and civilian, of WW2

Vince Vincent – ‘Many thanks for the Newsletter. One minor correction – the Mayor’s wreath at Verrières was laid, I think, by Aurore and Audrey Fiant grand-daughters of our farmer friend’

M Jean Druart, President Royal Front Unique des Associations Patriotiques, LESSINES – ‘In the name of the patriotic associations of Lessines and on behalf of my staff, I want to thank you for your excellent initiative. The realization of this commemorative tablet and your participation to the ceremony are particularly pleasant to us and deserve our gratitude’

Mr W K Embleton (to the Front Patriotique, Lessines dated 19/08/97) – ‘I am writing in the hope that you may be able to help in my research into the Battle for your town of Lessines which took place on 11^th November1918.

A squadron of the 7^th Dragoon Guards attacked the town under machine gun fire, a troop of Dragoons were sent to prevent the bridge from being destroyed. This when the story becomes vague, as far as I can make out, this troop of 9 men charged the bridge (Pont de Pierre) thus preventing the German Sappers from blowing the bridge, the charges having already being laid. Do you have any records of this encounter, any eyewitness accounts, etc?

My father was one of the men that charged the bridge for which he was awarded The Belge Militaire 2^nd Class’.

Contact Corner

Michelle Wright – Hi!  I would love to hear from anyone who remembers my father, Edwin Henry Freegard (Ted) who was in 'C' Squadron 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards. It is with great sadness that he passed away peacefully aged 91 years old on 6^th July 2006. Sadly missed by his loving daughter and family.
RIP Dad x

Email – mwfoot1@hotmail.com

Lessines Plaque

A donation has been received with our grateful thanks from David and Percy Sewell.

The Sherman Tank

For the campaign in NW Europe the Regiment was equipped with M4 Sherman tanks. which was a direct descendant of the M3

M3 - General Lee

Main armament - a M2 75mm gun, muzzle velocity 1850 ft/sec, housed in a right-hand side hull sponson with limited traverse.

Engine combinations -        

Wright radial 9cyl, petrol

Continental radial 9 cyl, petrol

Guiberson, radial 9 cyl, diesel

Chrysler 5Xa57, 370bhp, multibank, petrol

M3 – General Grant - The commander’s cupola was removed in many cases from the General Lee by the British. Main identification, overhang sides and back of the turret. Although referred to as a medium tank it was in fact conceived as an infantry support tank.  The British were the major users and it was an answer to the German PzKpfw tanks at that time in the Western Desert.

Armour – Max 37mm.  Min 12mm

M4 – Sherman (British Sherman I)

Production – 6748 July 1942 - January 1944

Main armament – M3 75mm gun, muzzle velocity 2050 ft/sec firing AP and HE (NB German Panther tank  - L/70 75mm gun, muzzle velocity 3070 ft/sec)

Engine – Wright radial 9cyl petrol

Welded upper hull

Homogenous cast steel turret

Armour – Max 75mm. Min 12mm  [hull thickness  + or – 25mm - varied with model]

(NB German Panther tank – Max 120mm. Min 20mm)

M4A1 – Sherman (II)

Production – 6281 February 1942 – December 1943

Main armament and engine as M4

Cast upper hull

Homogenous cast steel turret

M4A2 – Sherman (111)

Production – 8053 April 1942 – May 1944

Main armament as M4

Engine – General motors ‘siamese-twin’ 12-cylinder two-stroke diesel engine 13,922cc (850 cu.in) capacity, which gave 375bhp net and a top speed of around 48kmp (30mph) – some 20% higher than earlier models.

The engine was two General Motors truck engines set side–by side.

Armour – as before

Main modifications – All steel track shoes replacing original tracks fitted with rubber pads

Substitution of one piece casting for the three piece transmission cover of the nose of the tank, known as the ‘Mary-Ann’ as its profile resembled the profile of a young worker at the Detroit factory {could it have been the same person who included a letter in the packing case for a component of our DD tank. It was never followed up – curses}.

M4A3 (IV)  - Sherman

Production – 1690 June 1942 – September 1943

Main armament – as M4

Engine – 18,017cc (1100cu.in) Ford GAA, a liquid-cooled petrol engine with eight cylinders arranged in a 60 degree V, which developed 450bhp. Considered the best all-round engine for the M4 series and kept for itself by the US. Army

M4A4 – Sherman (V)

Production – 7499   July 1942 – September 1943

Main armament as M4

Engine – Chrysler multi-bank with 5 six-cylinder units mated together (5 distributors, carburettors, fuel pumps and water pumps) to a single drive via a transfer gearbox. A very peculiar set-up.

M4A4 – Sherman (V) Firefly

Production started 30 December 1943

Main armament – 17 pounder 76.2 calibre, muzzle velocity 2980 ft/sec firing AP.

A British designed bigger turret with a cutout to the bustle at the back and an external armoured box to take the recoil of the gun. The bow co-driver was omitted to take additional ammunition. The Firefly was a tank v tank and not tank v infantry and could confront the German Panther. The US Army did not adopt the Firefly. It was a last minute expediency, which paid dividends. and typifies the lack of a ‘Mitchell’ in tank design until Major George Brighty conceived the idea of the Firefly.

Duplex Drive Sherman amphibious tank

Britsh tanks were converted primarily from the M4A2  - Sherman III and the M4A4  - Sherman V.

Fitted with a deck at top of track level and a flotation screen and driven by paired 660mm contra rotating propellers with drive from the tracks giving a speed of perhaps 5 knots (six mph).

The DD tank was used by ‘B’ and ‘C’ Squadrons of the Regiment for the D Day 6^th June landing at 0720 hours in support of the infantry

Within a week the majority of the tanks had been destroyed or broken down and the replacement tanks were the Sherman IIIs and Fireflies.

‘A’ Squadron landed later. with a limited number of wading Sherman Fireflies attached to the Troops

The Sherman's shortcoming and strengths

The Sherman was reliable and available in large numbers from a nation geared to mass production. It played a valuable contribution to the successful outcome of the war despite its hurried design.  It had powered turret traverse, accurate gun control. as well as stabilisation of the gun mount proved a telling advantage over the enemy. It had a good turn of speed, 30mph and a good suspension but the tracks were too narrow. The assault into Germany at Tripsrath by the Regiment was severely hindered by the Shermans getting bogged down in the soft ground due to heavy rain. ‘Grousers’ – track shoe extensions were fixed increasing the width by 990mm but fitting it took the crew a day’s hard work. ‘B’ Squadron was withdrawn after Tripsrath to fit these extensions.

The shortcomings of the tank were its vulnerability. The M3 gun was insufficiently powerful to fight the German armour on anything like equal terms and also the Sherman’s armour was proving deficient against the Panzer’s cannon and the infantry anti-tank weapons. In an effort to add further protection track shoes were welded on to the front transom of the tank and around the turret. To add to the vulnerability was the configuration of the tank with its vertical sides to the hull and also to the turret. The question has to be asked “Was the cast steel equal in strength to steel plate”

Sherman turret with armour piercing penetration

Once hit by an armour piercing shell the 3-turret crew had 5 seconds to exit the tank by one hatch before the tank burst into flame and became incandescent. The gun in the wrong position over a front hatch would block escape to those crew members.

*‘The Sherman tank was renowned for bursting into flames and had the nickname ‘Ronson Lighter’. The Germans called it ‘Tommy Cooker’. When they burnt, they burnt fiercely and it was unbelievable that a vehicle which was mostly of metal could be so inflammable’

Some 40,000 were produced in tank form and a further 19,000 were produced and modified for a wide variety of uses

The Regiment lost 93 tanks destroyed and 48 beyond local repair and returned to base.

There was a gross underestimate of what was required in tank design resulting in the needless loss of many young lives.

Bibliography -

‘The First and Last’ The Story of the 4^th/7^th Royal Dragoon Guards by Major J D P Stirling, 

‘Press on Regardless’ The Story of the Fifth Royal Tank Regiment by Edward Wilson, 

‘The Sherman Tank’ by Roger Ford,

US/British Sherman Duplex Drive Tank, Part 1 Revised 11/22/00: -www.kithobbyist.com/AFVInteriors/dd/dd1.html

* ‘A Trooper’s Tale’ by Cecil Newton

Exercise Smash 1, Studland Bay 4^th April 1944 by Ron Scruton

I was the wireless operator in Cpl Bayer’s crew with Bert Clarke, driver and Harold Mawby, gunner; Freddy Bayer the only non-swimmer. We launched at the appointed time and very quickly got into difficulties in the heavy swell. Fred who was steering by the tiller at the rear ordered Harold and myself to put our weight against the struts on the starboard side which was taking the battering from heavy seas.

Old Harry Rocks – Studland Bay

We kept shipping water so Fred ordered Bert to come out of the driving compartment as he was sitting up to his chest in water. This he did and operated the engine from the rear covers. We were very low in the water with the sea up to the top of the canvas screen, when we settled on to a reef  (Old Harry Rocks) as we were getting nearer to the shore. We were rescued by a naval PT boat and   taken to South Beach then marched up the cliff road to a three tonner (lorry) at the top and back to billets. Next morning when the tide ebbed our tank was stranded high and dry on the reef and had o be destroyed by naval gunfire before the top-secret Valentine Duplex Drive amphibious tank came on general view

(Sgt.Freddy Bayer who had been awarded the Croix de Guerre was killed in action at Materborn, Germany on 11^th February 1945).

Crossing the River Seine

The bridge at Vernon had been destroyed and two of our tanks were ferried across on 27^th August 1944, the remainder crossing on the 28^th August 1944 when the Royal Engineers had constructed their Class 9 boat bridge from Vernon to Vernonnet on the east bank. The ferry comprised a short length of Bailey bridge resting on two rafts, powered by outboard motors and manned by the 15^th (Kent) Troop RE.

The first tank to be ferried across was that of 2nd Troop ‘A’ Squadron, Troop Leader Lt M Trasenster* in Sherman Tank 27 (Winchester).  However the soft muddy bank trapped Winchester. A recce was made and a more promising landing site was found. L/Sgt Reg Cox+ was next across and towed Winchester out of the mud. The two tanks advanced to the north of the bridgehead alongside the River Seine to Presasagny L'Orgueilleux where they successfully supported the 5th Battalion Duke of Cornwall’s Light Infantry by engaging the enemy who had congregated alongside a barge, which the tanks blew up.

Those who were at Vernon will remember the Forêt de Vernon on the steep hill on the east bank which at the time seemed a formidable obstacle not only to negotiate but as a dominant point for the enemy. The enemy retreated through this forest. The 7^th Battalion Somerset Light Infantry was on the right flank of the D.C.L.I and its task was to clear the thick woods towards Panilleuse, which was a bitter and hard struggle.

2 km to the southeast of Panilleuse is Tilly where, in support of the infantry the Regiment had one tank destroyed and Lt O Holmes and Tpr J Limbert ‘C’ Squadron killed.

From then on the enemy were in full retreat with the next stop for us Gisors then Beauvais and Lille

 Situated in a lay-by at Vernonnet on the east bank of the River Seine and opposite Vernon is the 1^st Battalion Worcestershire Regiment’s Memorial. Tilly is 5 kilometres the northeast. The Memorial comprises a large stone carrying a brass plaque. In addition there is a display board giving the following account of the battle for the bridgehead in both French and English.

There are 13 headstones at Vernon Communal Cemetery to those of the Worcesters who were killed securing the bridgehead on the east bank of the River Seine, including that of Major Benn killed in action 27^th August 1944. Central to the row of headstones is a larger one for Major Benn’s mother who died post war and wished to be buried near her son. When I visited the cemetery on Monday 30^th August 2004 a poppy wreath and poppy crosses had been laid and there was a spray of red roses in front of each headstone. Two headstones were side by side

*Lt M Trasenster - later Major Croix de Guerre (Belgian), Chevalier of the Order of Leopold with Palm, Commander-in-Chief’s Certificate.

+L/Sgt R Cox – later Sgt, Military Medal, Commander-in-Chief’s Certificate. Wounded Erichsof, Germany 15^th April 1945. Died 1995.

Then and Now (After the Reichswald) 1945) by Les Scull MM

Mid morning 25^th Sept. 07. comfortably seated in a modern 4X4, the precise instructions issued by a SatNav directed us to take the 2^nd exit from Bedburg Hau roundabout, ahead miles of tranquil comparatively flat open unfenced intensively farmed country revealed itself. A patchwork of newly sown fields, partially grown crops and vast areas of maturing 2 metre high corn surround the old isolated farmhouses and the overall landscape now punctuated by numerous widely scattered white towering active wind turbines.

How different in the late evening of 16^th Feb, 45 when, following a careful briefing at a location just 400 metres west of our present location I led the hurriedly formed column of three Sherman tanks and 3 infantry laden Kangaroos forward into this same, but then enemy occupied territory. Intention, before dawn to reach and occupy the little farmstead of Bergmanshof 4 miles to the rear of the enemy’s front line.

Now I studied with profound interest the passing countryside, to the left the receding Moyland Woods and nearing on the right 500 metres distant the Forest of Kleve, both were major German defensive positions supported by numerous other small outposts. Our present road route is almost parallel to the night intrusion executed 62+ years ago – how did I succeed in avoiding a disastrous engagement with any one or more of the scattered enemy positions and more importantly arrive at the desired objective?

Early hours 17^th Feb.45. the surprised enemy occupants of Bergmanshof were speedily overcome although shortly after, before the infantry had consolidated, a large inward German relief party temporarily upset the situation; an uneasy peace now reigned. The Sherman tanks hurriedly placed in perimeter counterattack support positions, our brief now required us to hold the farmstead for 48 hours while the infantry intelligence officer gathered useful information and await relief when the planned main Allied thrust passed through. In the interim period the enemy demonstrated his unhappiness regarding our intrusion with frequent vicious stonks but fortunately no counterattacks.

Farmstead Bergsmanhof

25^th Sept.07. In Bergmanshof once again this time by a more leisurely route, now an attractive cluster of cottages beside a renovated farmhouse, with  well-tended gardens, backing onto a scene of carefully controlled agriculture. I walked around with mixed emotions pinpointing the locations associated with specific memories including the counterattack positions of the tanks and where my solo altercation with approximately 10 Germans took place after their relief party slipped in. En route to Bergmanshof a visit was made to Halvenboom 2 kilometres eastward where my memories were further resuscitated.

20^th Feb.45. After virtually a non-stop series of tasks since the 16^th (during which our solo Sherman was also able to assist a ‘B’ Squadron attack by neutralising a very lethal enemy enfilade fire point using an indirect 17 Pdr. Shoot) radio instructions were received to assist the pinned down infantry in the eastern outskirts of Halvenboom. Responding to their very effective sniper was eliminated with the Browning MG only to find our tank subjected to a fusillade of A/Tk missiles; our hull down position in the local farm cesspit helped until one exploded on the turret top terminating my interest in the fray and consigning me to the superb care of the medics.

25^th Sept.07. Now a delightfully peaceful hamlet mostly of renovated wartime dwellings but including a few sympathetically added small residences scattered along Kohnen Strasse - Halvenboom was scoured on foot for the cesspit, I did eventually narrow down its location; perhaps because it contained numerous unexploded missiles it was obliterated. Apart from this, the scene looking towards the main enemy positions (now a garden centre) had experienced little change. A journey into the past is over, my companions and I returned to our hotel en route paying our respects to those, our comrades, who rest in the Reichswald Forest War Cemetery

(For this operation Les was awarded the Military Medal.  See Newsletter No 23, - Operation Clipper).