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War Diaries
For

3rd County of London Yeomanry
(3rd Sharpshooters)
1941
Grant Tank

January 1941CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Jan 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/1/41 Dorking, Surrey.
Regimental strength:-
38 officers, 557 ORs.
Total of A vehicles:-
    6 Cruisers Mk IVa,
    38 Light Tanks Mk VIb,
    1 Light Tank Mk VIc,
    3 Light Tanks Mk VI,
    1 Light Tank Mk IIIb,
    6 Humberettes,
    10 Scout cars    Total = 65
Total of B vehicles:-
    1 3-ton breakdown (LAD),
    29 3-ton GS, (1 LAD), 2 surplus to establishment, 1 for use of Rear Party (impressed),
    13 30cwt, GS (1 LAD), 2 surplus to establishment, 1 for use of Rear Party, (both impressed),
    15 15cwt GS (3 LAD), 1 15cwt water, 1 15cwt office, 1 15cwt W/T,
    3 Humber utility,
    4 Austin utility,
    3 M/C combinations,
    14 M/C solo (2 LAD)    Total = 853
Light Tanks Mk VIc received from 9th Lancers. 3 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 9th Lancers.
Capt. S Reddish relinquishes appointment of Regimental Weapons Training officer. 2Lt J Hiddleston assumes this appointment wef 1/1/41.
2/1/41 Squadron training. 2 Light Tanks Mk VIc received from 10th Hussars. 6 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 10 Hussars.
3/1/41 Squadron training.
4/1/41 Squadron training.
5/1/41 [no entry]
6/1/41 Squadron training.
7/1/41 Squadron training. 1 Light Tank Mk VIb transferred to 9th Lancers. 2 3-ton GS (impressed) transferred to OO Guildford. 1 30cwt GS transferred to OO Guildford.
8/1/41 Squadron training.
9/1/41 Squadron training.
10/1/41 Squadron training.
11/1/41 Squadron training. 2Lt RC Davies posted to unit wef 11/1/41. (WO letter 112/RAC/454. AG 17b 7/1/41). 2Lt JTM Childs posted to unit wef 11/1/41. (WO letter 112/RAC/454. AG 17b 10/1/41).
12/1/41 One squadron of tanks co-operated with 5th Bn Home Guard (Surrey) in an exercise the purpose of which was to familiarise HG personnel with the advance of tanks against road block etc.1 Light Tank Mk VIb transferred to 9th Lancers. 2 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 10th Hussars.1 Humber utility received from OO Chilwell.
13/1/41 Squadron training.
14/1/41 Squadron training.
15/1/41 Squadron training.
16/1/41 Squadron training.
17/1/41 Squadron training. I Light Tank Mk VIb transferred to 9th Lancers. 1 Light Tank Mk VIb transferred to 4th Hussars.
18/1/41 Squadron training.
19/1/41 140685 2Lt JS Hansen-Bay posted to 101 OCTU (RAC Wing). WOUPT P/140685 31/12/40.
20/1/41 Squadron training.
21/1/41 Squadron training.
22/1/41 Squadron training.
23/1/41 Squadron training.
24/1/41 Squadron training. 85452 2Lt HM Matthews appointed Acting Captain wef 1/1/41. (1st Armd Div Order No 6, 21/1/41. Appendix A)
25/1/41 Squadron training.
26/1/41 [no entry]
27/1/41 Squadron training.
28/1/41 Squadron training. 4 Humberettes transferred to Dutch contingent in United Kingdom.
85466 2Lt RM Keane posted to GHQ Recce Unit wef 27/1/41. (WO 112/Gen/4786/78. AG 17b)
29/1/41 Squadron training.
30/1/41 Squadron training.
31/1/41 Squadron training. Regimental strength 38 officers, 547 ORs.

February 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Feb 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/2/41 Dorking, Surrey.
Regimental strength:-
38 officers, 547 ORs.
Total of A vehicles:-
    6 Cruisers Mk IVa,
    23 Light Tanks Mk VIb,
    6 Light Tank Mk VIc,
    3 Light Tanks Mk VI,
    1 Light Tank Mk IIIb,
    2 Humberettes,
    10 Scout cars    Total = 51
Total of B vehicles:-
    1 3-ton breakdown (LAD),
    1 3-ton GS (6 wheeled LAD),
    26 3-ton GS, (1 LAD),
    12 30cwt, GS (1 LAD), 1 surplus to establishment,
    15 15cwt GS (3 LAD),
    1 15cwt water,
    1 15cwt office,
    1 15cwt W/T,
    5 Humber utility,
    4 Austin utility,
    3 M/C combinations,
    14 M/C solo (2 LAD)    Total = 831
Humber utility sent to Ministry of Supply, Farnham. (Damaged in accident, new car received in lieu during January)
2/2/41 Codeword FILIBUSTER 0800 hours received. Regiment moved off at 0900 hours and proceeded to Baynards Park Q5156 via Cranleigh Q4958 where it went into harbour. At 1500 hours the Regiment returned to billeting area.
3/2/41 Squadron training. 2 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 9th Lancers.
4/2/41 Squadron training.
5/2/41 Divisional Exercise. Regiment was warned to be at starting point at 0900 hours from where they moved to Concentration Area map ref Q509562. Map ref of starting point Q464575. At 1015 hours the Regiment advanced on centre line Rudgwick Q5253 - Bucks Green Q5252 - Five Oaks Q5347 - Billingshurst Q5245 - Pulborough Q4837 - Watersfield Q4535 - Bury Q4432 - Whiteways Lodge Q4230 - Slindon Q3927. At 1400 hours the Regiment was in the area Bury Hill Q4431 when it was ordered to turn eastwards in order to locate and destroy enemy on South Downs between rivers Arun and Adur.
22nd Armd Brigade advanced with 3rd Sharpshooters on left, on line - Amberley Station Q4622 - Downs Farm Q4751 - Amberley Mount - Rackham Hill Q4821 - Kishurst Hill Q5131 - Chantry Hill Q5231 Highden Hill Q5431. Area Highden Hill reached at 1730 hours. Regiment then rallied at Pulborough Q4837 and went into harbour in areas Kirdford Q4545, Idehurst Q4644, Battlehurst Farm Q4542, Marshals Farm Q4543 at 2100 hours. At 0900 hours 6/2/41, the Regiment returned to billets.
6/2/41 [no entry]
7/2/41 Squadron training.
8/2/41 Squadron training.
9/2/41 [no entry]
10/2/41 Squadron training. 2 Light Tanks Mk VIc received from 10th Hussars.
11/2/41 Squadron training.
12/2/41 Squadron training.
13/2/41 Squadron training.
14/2/41 Squadron training. Capt. DR Holden attached to unit for all purposes wef 12/2/41 for duty (temp) as MO.
15/2/41 Squadron training.
16/2/41 [no entry]
17/2/41 Squadron training. 3 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
18/2/41 Squadron training.
19/2/41 Squadron training.
20/2/41 A proportion of transport and administrative personnel left by road for AFV range, Castle Martin, nr Pembroke, South Wales.
21/2/41 3 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell. 58936 Capt. JR Robertson RAMC ceased to be attached to unit on appointment as DADMS 1st Armd Div wef 19/2/41.
22/2/41 Tank crew personnel entrained at Witley station for Castle Martin, AFV range.
23/2/41 [no entry]
24/2/41 24 -28 Feb Tank crew personnel at AFV range (as above)
25/2/41 [no entry]
26/2/41 [no entry]
27/2/41 2 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
28/2/41 Regimental strength:- 38 officers, 593 ORs.

March 1941CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Mar 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/3/41 Dorking, Surrey.
Regimental strength:-
38 officers, 594 ORs.
Total of A vehicles:-
    8 Cruiser tanks Mk VI
    6 Cruisers Mk IVa,
    21 Light Tanks Mk VIb,
    8 Light Tank Mk VIc,
    3 Light Tanks Mk VI,
    1 Light Tank Mk IIIb,
    2 Humberettes,
    10 Scout cars    Total = 59
Total of B vehicles:-
    1 3-ton breakdown (LAD),
    1 3-ton GS (6 wheeled LAD),
    26 3-ton GS, (1 LAD),
    12 30cwt, 1 surplus to establishment,
    15 15cwt GS (3 LAD),
    1 15cwt water,
    1 15cwt office,
    1 15cwt W/T,
    4 Humber utility, 1 surplus to establishment.
    4 Austin utility,
    3 M/C combinations,
    14 M/C solo (2 LAD)    Total = 831
Cruiser tank MK VI received from Chilwell. 4 6-wheeled GS received from Albion Motors.
2/3/41 [no entry]
3/3/41 Tank crews returned from AFV range Castle Martin. 1 Cruiser tank MK VI received from Chilwell.
4/3/41 Squadron training.
5/3/41 Squadron training. Major OH Dickens struck off strength of unit (absent from unit 21 days)
6/3/41 Squadron training.
7/3/41 Squadron training. 15 15cwt GS & 1 30cwt GS received from Ford works.
8/3/41 Squadron training. 2 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
9/3/41 3 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
10/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Humber utility transferred to Min of Supply.
11/3/41 Squadron training. 2 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
12/3/41 Squadron training. 4 3-ton GS transferred to 61st Light AA Regiment.
13/3/41 Squadron training.
14/3/41 Squadron training.
15/3/41 Squadron training. 130221 A/P/Capt. C Moncreiff RTR, to be temporary Capt. 24/2/41.
16/3/41 [no entry]
17/3/41 Squadron training.
18/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell. 5 Light Tanks Mk VIc received from 4th CLY. 8 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 10th Hussars.
19/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk V received from Chilwell. 1 Humberette transferred to Royal Dutch Army. 1 30cwt GS transferred to 13th Field Regiment RA, 1 30cwt GS to 102nd OCTU RAC.
20/3/41 Squadron training.
21/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell. 1 Light Tank Mk VIc received from 9th Lancers. 11 15cwt GS transferred to 1/4 South Lancs Regiment. During the absence of Lt Col RK Jago the Regiment will be under command of Major AP Grafftey-Smith.
22/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI & 5 Cruiser tanks Mk V received from Chilwell. 3 Light Tanks Mk VIc received from 10th Hussars.
23/3/41 [no entry]
24/3/41 Squadron training. To be W/S Lieutenant under provision of ACI 229, 1941:- wef 1/1/41 85477 2Lt RC Bett, 90770 2Lt DH French, 87651 2Lt JC Holcroft, 85452 A/Capt. HM Matthews, 85463 2Lt AD Wigan, wef 5/1/41 2Lt the Hon GC Carew.3 15cwt GS transferred to Chilwell.
25/3/41 Squadron training.
26/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell. 1 Light Tank Mk IIIb transferred to 28th Armd Brigade.
27/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell. 3 Light Tanks Mk VI transferred to Chilwell.
28/3/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell. 2Lt J Aitken joined unit.
29/3/41 Squadron training.
30/3/41 [no entry]
31/3/41 Squadron training. Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD, resumes command of the Regiment wef 30/3/41.Regimental Strength 39 officers, 591 ORs.

April 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Apr 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/4/41 Dorking.
Regimental Strength 39 officers, 590 ORs.
Total of A vehicles:-
    Cruiser tanks Mk IVa 6,
    Cruiser tanks Mk V 6,
    Cruiser tanks Mk VI 23,
    Light tanks Mk VIb 11,
    Light tanks Mk VIc 18,
    Scout cars 10,
    Humberette 1    ;Total 75
Total of B vehicles:-
    22 3-ton GS,
    4 6-wheeled GS,
    1 6-wheeled breakdown,
    1 6-wheeled stores,
    16 15cwt GS (3 surplus to establishment),
    1 15cwt water,
    1 15cwt office,
    1 15cwt W/T,
    3 Humber utility,
    4 Austin utility,
    14 M/C solo,
    3 M/C combinations    Total 82
2/4/41 Squadron training.
3/4/41 Squadron training. 2 Light Tanks Mk VIb transferred to 43rd RTR. 1 Light Tank Mk VIb transferred to 42nd RTR.
4/4/41 Squadron training.
5/4/41 Squadron training.
6/4/41 [no entry]
7/4/41 Squadron training.
8/4/41 Squadron training. 179596 2Lt JL Aitken posted to unit 14/3/41. (WO letter 112/RAC/454 12/3/41)
9/4/41 Squadron training. 75803 T/Capt. AW Grant to be A/Major wef 5/3/41. (1 AD order No 27 4/4/41)
10/4/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk IVa transferred to Field Stores Aldershot. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI transferred to HQ 22nd Armd Brigade.
11/4/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk IVa transferred to Chilwell.
12/4/41 Squadron training. 85453 W/S Lt AD Wigan to be A/Capt. Wef 5/3/41. (1 AD order No 27 4/4/41)
13/4/41 [no entry]
14/4/41 Squadron training. 85452 A/Capt. HM Matthews to be T/Capt. Wef 1/4/41. (WO order No 14 3/4/41)
15/4/41 Squadron training.
16/4/41 Squadron training.
17/4/41 Squadron training.
18/4/41 Squadron training.
19/4/41 Squadron training.
20/4/41 [no entry]
21/4/41 Squadron training.
22/4/41 Squadron training.
23/4/41 Squadron training. 1 Humberette transferred to 27th Lancers. 21 Cruiser tanks Mk VI trans-shipped. 2Lt EH New RTR posted to unit from 49th Bn RTR wef 22/4/41. (WO order 1504 16/4/41)
24/4/41 Squadron training.
25/4/41 Squadron training. 85453 A/Capt. AD Wigan struck of strength on posting to 23rd Hussars wef 22/4/41 (WO UPT B38/1031/153 18/4/41)
26/4/41 Squadron training.
27/4/41 [no entry]
28/4/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk IVa transferred to Field Stores Aldershot.
29/4/41 Squadron training. 51411 Lt HF Dodds joined unit for duty from TARO 28/4/41 (WO letter AG12a 21/4/41)
30/4/41 The Regiment took part in Exercise Armadillo (see Appendix 1). Each squadron was represented by a 15cwt GS truck fitted with wireless together with the CO & 2i/c as RHQ in separate vehicles.
These vehicles left the billeting area at 1000 hours, arriving in harbour at Baynards Park ref 1" OS sheet 124 Q5156 at 1100 hours. They were closely followed by A echelon. They remained there until 1910 hours when they proceeded to Crowhurst 125 R0953, arriving in harbour at 0315 1/5/41. Leaving A echelon in this harbour, they moved off at 0710 hours to contact the enemy. They were in action all day until 1800 hours when the end of the exercise was announced. They returned to harbour at Crowhurst, then, accompanied by A echelon returned to billeting area arriving at 2330 hours.
Regimental strength 39 officers, 605 ORs.

May 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
May 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/5/41 Dorking.
Regimental Strength 38 officers, 605 ORs.
Total of A vehicles:-
    Cruiser tanks Mk IVa 3,
    Cruiser tanks Mk V 6,
    Cruiser tanks Mk VI 1,
    Light tanks Mk VIb 8,
    Light tanks Mk VIc 18,
    Scout cars 10,    Total 46
Total of B vehicles:-
    22 3-ton GS,
    4 6-wheeled GS,
    1 6-wheeled breakdown,
    1 6-wheeled stores,
    11 30cwt GS,
    16 15cwt GS (3 surplus to establishment),
    1 15cwt water,
    1 15cwt office,
    1 15cwt W/T,
    3 Humber utility,
    4 Austin utility,
    14 M/C solo,
    3 M/C combinations    Total 82
2/5/41 Squadron training. 184235 2Lt P Pearson taken on strength on appointment to commissioned rank wef 19/4/41 (Auth WO letter 112/RAC/454(AG 17b) 16/4/41).
3/5/41 Squadron training.
4/5/41 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
5/5/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
6/5/41 Squadron training.
7/5/41 Squadron training.
8/5/41 Squadron training. 7 Carriers, tracked, personnel, received from Chilwell.
9/5/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
10/5/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
11/5/41 1 Light Tank Mk VIc transferred, destination unknown. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
12/5/41 Squadron training. 5 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
13/5/41 Squadron training.
14/5/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
15/5/41 Squadron training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
16/5/41 Squadron training. 130889 2Lt RH Murphy struck off strength on posting to HQ 22nd Armd Brigade (Auth WO UPT P/130889/226(AG 17b) 10/5/41). 97585 2Lt RH Nield struck off strength on posting to HQ 22nd Armd Brigade wef 23/4/41 for duty as Liaison Officer (Auth WO UPT P/97585/227 (AG 17b) 10/5/41)
17/5/41 Squadron training.
18/5/41 [no entry]
19/5/41 Squadron training.
20/5/41 Squadron training.
21/5/41 Squadron training. Advance party left for new billeting area.
22/5/41 Squadron training.
23/5/41 Squadron training.
24/5/41 Squadron training.
25/5/41 Regiment preparing for move to new area.
26/5/41 Regiment preparing for move to new area.
27/5/41 Road party left billeting area at 0800 hours to proceed to new area. Route: Chiddingfold - Elstead - Farnham - Odiham - Basingstoke By Pass - Andover - Market Lavington - Westbury. The party arrived at Westbury at 1700 hours and moved into new billets forthwith.
28/5/41 Personnel party under command of Major GGL Willis left Witley station 0100 hours and arrived at Westbury at 0630 hours. No. 1 Tank Party left Milford station at 2359 hours arriving Westbury 0700 hours. They were under command of Major RW Godson. No. 2 Tank Party were under command of Capt. C Moncreiff and left Witley station at 2210 hours arriving at Westbury at 0430 hours.
29/5/41 WestburyRegiment preparing new billets.
30/5/41 Regiment preparing new billets. 1 Light Tank Mk VIc received from Ministry of Supply, Brentford, to replace one transferred 11 May.
31/5/41 Regimental strength 38 officers, 589 ORs.

June 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Jun 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/6/41 Westbury.
Regimental Strength 40 officers, 589 ORs.
Total of A Vehicles:-
    13 Cruiser tanks Mk VI,
    6 Cruiser tanks Mk V,
    3 Cruiser tanks Mk VIa,
    8 Light Tanks Mk VIb,
    18 Light Tanks Mk VIc,
    10 scout cars,
    7 personnel carriers    total 65
Total of B vehicles:-
    No change from May total.
I Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
2/6/41 Squadron Training.
3/6/41 Squadron Training.
4/6/41 Squadron Training. 189785 2Lt P Hargreaves posted to unit wef 23/5/41 (WO letter 21/5/41). 158901 2Lt HC Crowther struck of strength on posting to Gunnery Wing, AFV School, Lulworth (WO UPT 31/5/41).
5/6/41 Squadron Training. 3 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
6/6/41 2 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
7/6/41 Squadron Training.
8/6/41 Squadron Training.
9/6/41 Squadron Training. Capt. GK Barber is appointed Regimental Gas Officer, Lt JC Holcroft relinquishes that appointment, wef 11/6/41.
10/6/41 Squadron Training.
11/6/41 Squadron Training.
12/6/41 Squadron Training.
13/6/41 Squadron Training. 98120 2Lt WJP Goodbody to be W/S Lt wef 2/3/41 (WO order Pt II(b) No. 23 5/6/41)
14/6/41 [no entry]
15/6/41 Squadron Training.
16/6/41 Squadron Training.
17/6/41 Squadron Training. 190615 2Lt RD Hinton, 190625 2Lt FGH Smith posted to unit wef 7/6/41 (WO letter 112/RAC/454 5/6/41)
18/6/41 Squadron Training.
19/6/41 Squadron Training.
20/6/41 Squadron Training.
21/6/41 [no entry]
22/6/41 Squadron Training.
23/6/41 Squadron Training.
24/6/41 Squadron Training. 1 Light Tank Mk VIb transferred to Min of Supply
25/6/41 Squadron Training.
26/6/41 Squadron Training.
27/6/41 Squadron Training. 1 Cruiser tank Mk VI received from Chilwell.
28/6/41 2 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
29/6/41 Squadron Training. 2 Cruiser tanks Mk VI received from Chilwell.
30/6/41 Squadron Training. Regimental strength 40 officers, 596 ORs.

July 1941 Missing

August 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Aug 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/8/41 Westbury.Personnel recalled from 7 days Privilege leave after 48 hours reported throughout day. Intensive preparation for move abroad commenced.
2/8/41 First 4-day Embarkation leave party departed.
3/8/41 Preparation for move.
4/8/41 Preparation for move. 2nd embarkation leave party.
5/8/41 Preparation for move. 3rd embarkation leave party.
6/8/41 Preparation for move. Personnel recalled from Privilege leave depart for 48 hour Embarkation leave.
7/8/41 Draft of 60 men from Training Regiments arrive to complete strength.
8 - 13 Preparation for move.
13/8/41 All vehicles not being taken abroad by the Regiment removed by RASC.
14/8/41 Regiment paraded under Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD, (Commanding Officer) for final inspection before embarkation. Regiment marched to Westbury station accompanied by the Band of 4th QOH. Entrained for port of embarkation at 0930 hours. Arrived Avonmouth and embarked on HMT Orion at 1230 hours.
Strength on Embarkation - 40 officers, 603 ORs.
Casualties - 1 OR put ashore before sailing as insane.
15/8/41 Avonmouth.1000 hours, Regiment sails. Anchors of Barry and sails again at evening. During night joins rest of convoy.
16 - 27 At Sea.Training under Squadron arrangements planned and commenced. Handicapped by limitation of space on board ship.
28/8/41 Arrived at Freetown, Sierra Leone.
29/8/41 [no entry]
30/8/41 [no entry]
31/8/41 [no entry]

September 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Sep 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/9/41 At Sea.Left Freetown
2 -10 Training under Squadron arrangements.
11/9/41 Arrived Capetown.
12/9/41 Capetown.
Route march. Shore leave 1300 - 2359 hours.
13/9/41 Route march. Shore leave 1300 - 2359 hours.
Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD, leaves unit and travels by air with Brigadier J Scott-Cookburn and COs of other units in the Brigade to final destination. Command of Regiment assumed by Major RW McC.Godson.
14/9/41 Sailed from Capetown at 1230 hours. One OR left behind in hospital.
15 - 25 At Sea.Training under Squadron arrangements.
26/9/41 1600 hours arrived Aden.
27/9/41 [no entry]
28/9/41 0600 hours left Aden
29 - 30 At Sea.Preparations for disembarkation.Changes of command during the month - Major RW McC.Godson assumes command of Regiment during absence of Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD, 13 September 41, and the assumption of acting command of 22nd Armd Brigade by Major AP Grafftey-Smith (Regtl 2i/c).

October 1941 Missing

3cly_asqn.jpg - 16797 Bytes
Mid day rest, Crusader tanks or A Squadron, 3rd County of London Yeomanry

November 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Nov 1941 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1 - 16 [missing]
17 - 18 22nd Armd Brigade was disposed in leaguer about 2 miles South of Guaret Azzar 551301 with the 3 Armd Regiments in front. 3rd Sharpshooters right at Garet El Gawani, 2nd RGH centre, 4th Sharpshooters left. The mixed column was behind 4th Sharpshooters and the Echelon brigaded in rear.
Ariete Division was reported to be at BIR EL GUBI with 138 M13 tanks.
7th Armd Division was to advance one up, 4th Armd Brigade right, 7th Armd Brigade centre, 22nd Armd Brigade left, 7th Support Group on Div centre line behind Battle HQ.
3rd CLY O.O. No.1 was issued, in which the Regiment was ordered to secure a battle position in area 175 435354. They were to advance one up, A Squadron leading on Regimental centre line. Centre line was one mile north of Brigade centre line, on which marched 2nd RGH leading. Brigade centre line was 207 527295 - 82 508293 - 178 486303 - 179 452331. W/T silence was ordered until first contact.
All tanks were painted with three vertical bands, centre band red, other bands white. In order to deceive the enemy they were fitted with a camouflage structure which made them look like MT vehicles. These were known as sunshields.
The tank strength was 48 A15 Cruisers.
The Regiment moved off at 0610 hours with 46 tanks, and crossed the frontier wire about 0830 hours, having covered a distance of about 30 miles. It had been ordered to refuel in the area 478305 between 0900 and 1030 hours, and for this purpose was to be met by guides under 2Lt PW Pearson at a point on the centre line due north of 180 493298. Dumping was not completed until 0930 and 2Lt Pearson was then ordered to guide the RASC lorries back to the frontier wire. Afterwards he then proceeded to the meeting point, which he reached at 1000 hours, by which time the Regiment had passed. The Regiment, having seen no guide, and having halted at 1000 hours at 481308 was able to find the dumps, and refuelled by 1130. Battle positions were reached without event by 1615. During this time no wireless messages were received from Brigade and it was assumed that this was due to a deliberate policy. The other regiments were not in sight. Capt. S Buxton who was following the Regiment in charge of A Echelon saw 2nd RGH in rear. On arrival patrol were sent out which reported 11 tanks, probably German Mk IIIs, retiring rapidly to the NW in the failing light. Shortly before dusk a LO from Brigade arrived who stated that efforts had been made all day to get in touch with the wireless but without success. The Regiment was ordered to return about 7 miles and leaguer at 173 437343. The location of Brigade HQ was given as 435344. Efforts were made throughout the night to find it, without success. The Regiment was not refuelled that night owing to mechanical breakdowns.
19/11/41 At 0830 Lt SW Peel arrived with orders from Brigade to move forward to the original battle position and at 0908 the Regiment was ordered to go on to BIR DUEDAR 432362 where it took up battle positions and remained until 1340. The Regiment was then ordered to get in touch with, and move up on the right of 2nd RGH, who were reported heavily engaged round 181 423369. It advanced with A Squadron leading, C right, and B left, but finding no sign of 2nd RGH at Pt. 181 continued towards BIR EL GUBI. At 1500 the leading Troop of A Squadron (2Lt AR Lindsay) reported five M13 tanks in the area 421372 and Lt Col RK Jago ordered Major GGL Willis commanding A Squadron to attack. The strength of A Squadron at this time ??? tanks. Two tanks under 2Lts AW Henderson and P Hargreaves were sent up on the left to draw the enemy's fire and Mr Lindsay was ordered by Major Willis to attack from the right. Supporting fire was given by Major Willis from his Squadron HQ at about 1000 yards. The was completely successful, all five tanks being knocked out by Mr Lindsay's troop - and then set on fire. 25 prisoners were taken from the tanks and sent back under scout car escort together with 22 infantry and artillery prisoners. During this action C Squadron had been ordered to move up on the right of A Squadron, and B Squadron, consisting of five tanks under Major Godson, Capt. Vaughan, Lt JC Holcroft, Sgt Gregory and Sgt Medlar, to remain in a hull-down position 1500 yards behind A Squadron, to observe the left flank of the Regiment and to watch for 2nd RGH. From 1500 wireless touch was lost with B Squadron. This Squadron advanced from hull-down position to reconnoitre and was engaged by heavy anti-tank gunfire from the fort at BIR EL GUBI. Almost at once Major Godson's tank was hit and the track blown off. The tank continued to fire for a while and was then hit on the turret and silenced, Major Godson and his operator both being wounded.
Immediately after this Mr Holcroft's tank, which had gone further forward was hit on the turret at close range and all the occupants (Mr Holcroft, Tpr Mammen and Cpl Dixon) killed, except the driver, who brought the tank out of action. Sgt Hansford and Cpl Reddish treated Major Godson's wounds under fire and evacuated him from his tank. He was brought out of battle by a tank of 2nd RGH. In the meantime Capt. Vaughan's and Sgt Medlar's tanks were hit by anti-tank gunfire. At 1650 the Regiment received orders to encircle GUBI and accordingly rallied at 181 423369. B Squadron was still silent and did not come to the rallying point. The Regiment advanced to 42037 and deployed facing West. Visibility was becoming bad and at 1750 orders were received to close leaguer in the area 424375.
20/11/41 The role assigned to 22nd Armd Brigade was to secure the area NE of BIR EL GUBI. Information however reached higher command that 4th Armd Brigade, now in the area north of GABR MELIHA 4635, was likely to be heavily attacked by tanks at noon and 22nd Armd Brigade was accordingly directed to move eastwards with a view to operating with 4th Armd Brigade. 3rd CLY passed SP at Pt. 183 430372 at 1340 and reached GABR SALEH at 1620, having one troop of RHA under command. 200 MET were reported at 455375 and later 40 tanks and 30 B vehicles further South. There was some ineffective enemy shelling. At 1730 the Regiment put in an attack north eastwards from Pt. 191 461366 on enemy MET, but the action was broken off as darkness fell. The Regiment leaguered at Pt. 189 464363. The guns were withdrawn from command. No refuelling took place that night.
21/11/41 During the small hours a good deal of enemy movement was heard from the north. Enemy apparently moving from West to East. Between 0620 and 0730 columns of AFVs and MET were observed moving Southwest. These turned West on contact and 22nd Armd Brigade followed up in a NNW direction, being ordered to push on to SIDI REZEGH. At noon the enemy in the area 448382 were shelled. The Regiment reached Pt. 178 439380 at 1250, started refuelling at 1315 and moved on at 1445. At 1550 enemy opened fire from the right. An LO arrived from 7th Armd Brigade which was being hard pressed on our right. He was sent to Brigade HQ and we were ordered by Brigade NOT to become involved in this action. At 1610 the Regiment reached HAGFET EN NADURA and then turned due North. At 433389 LO from 7th Armd Brigade again arrived. 7th Armd Brigade could be seen engaged on right with many tanks on fire. The enemy had taken a hull-down position behind a ridge running East - West in the area. The Regiment then put in an attack North-eastwards, A Squadron left, C Squadron right. Light was failing and at 1750 the Regiment leaguered at 431391. C Sqn had taken the brunt of the fighting. Seven enemy tanks were destroyed. Our losses were one tank burnt out, six severely damaged but repairable.
Casualties:
Killed:2Lt JS Hansen-Bay C Squadron
Wounded: Tpr Connelly C Squadron
 Cpl Coppard C Squadron
 Tpr Rywell C Squadron
 Tpr Sloan C Squadron
22/11/41 After the battle at BIR ES SREUI the Regiment moved back to leaguer in the are 432392. At approximately 0700 the order came to move Northeast to engage enemy reported in the general area 433395. At 0725 a report came through of 50 enemy tanks at 431398 and shortly afterwards these were reported moving South. We engaged the enemy 433395 the action lasting until about noon. Tpr Richmond A Squadron wounded and Sgt Boothby'' tank damaged. No claims of damage to the enemy could be confirmed. At 1300 the Brigade, with the Regiment on the right, 4th CLY leading and 2nd RGH on the left were ordered to advance due North directed on to the ridge 433401 with orders not to move North of that ridge without direct orders. On arrival at the ridge orders to advance due North and to halt one mile South of the REZEGH escarpment were given by Brigade.
At 1400 a force of German Mk IIIs tanks reported a 40 in number were observed moving Southeast from the SIDI REZEGH ridge in the direction of area 433405. We saw 4th CLY go into action and we ourselves on the right flank engaged the enemy at 1000 yards. The battle lasted until dusk and the enemy maintained his hold on the SIDI REZEGH ridge. FIVE of our tanks came out action in battleworthy condition.
After receiving orders to move to our leaguer of the previous night we were ordered to move forthwith with all available tanks to the approx area 420401, where we were to form part of a composite regiment made up of the remnant of the 22nd Armd Brigade under Lt Col WG Carr. The five battleworthy tanks with 3 tanks from Brigade LRS moved off at about 2040. We leaguered in the area 426398 under orders given over the R/T. Capt. Reddish and Capt. Moncreiff missing and NOT heard of again.
23/11/41 At first light we completed the approach march and on arrival at 420401 Lt Col RK Jago reported to Lt Col WG Carr and was ordered to take up position on the left of the composite Regiment facing Northwest and to be prepared to receive an attack from the direction of EL ADEM. Our task in general terms was to protect the left flank of the 5th South African Brigade against an armoured attack from the Northwest.
At about 1400 it became clear that an enemy armoured force was moving Northwest from the area 423395 and the composite Regiment was ordered to face about, the 3rd CLY now on the right flank prepared to receive an attack from the Southeast. Enemy tanks were observed in the area 423395, stationary and apparently refuelling.
At 1530 the enemy tanks attacked and the number was estimated at 60. In the ensuing battle we engaged the enemy at 800 yards range and all but FOUR of our tanks were destroyed. The battle culminated in a charge, led by Lt Col WG Carr from right to left across the enemy's front. The enemy did not relax his pressure and the surviving tanks rallied at approx 428400. At last light the enemy was seen to bring up his lorried infantry and it appeared that the bulk of the 5th South African Brigade had been overrun.
The officers taking part in the action were:-Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD, Major GGL Willis, Capt. GK Barber (taken prisoner), Capt. AW Grant, Lt JG Caunce, 2Lt AR Lindsay (taken prisoner), 2Lt ID Zvegintzov and 2Lt RO Davis.
24/11/41 The only tanks from the Regiment which had reached the Brigade leaguer were those of Capt. AW Grant and 2Lt ID Zvegintzov (on tow) and in the morning of 24th November Capt. Grant's tank moved out to join the composite Regiment commanded by Lt Col WG Carr which spent the day in the area REGHEM in observation, using the Brigades guns to shell enemy concentration. This body was later in the day joined by Lt Col Jago, Major Willis and 2Lts Hiddleston and Aitken who had got out of touch with the Brigade and had to leaguer separately. This day was the first day of "Echelon Stakes" i.e. Rommel's drive into Egypt. The Brigades B Echelon was driven back and the composite Regiment was serviced by a small party of 3rd and 4th CLY led by Capt. Bett 3rd CLY and Capt. Sutton 4th CLY. A large part of B echelon was captured, but the greater portion of the men under command Major CA Rich including Lts Andrew and Carew, escaped after 2 days in enemy hands. Lt Dodds was captured separately - [unreadable]. Yet another party nearly overrun by the Germans were those with broken down tanks following the SIDI REZEGH battle. These included Majors Grafftey-Smith and Dickens who escaped, and 2Lt Bowling-Smith, who with 2Lt Henderson, fought an action in broken down tanks with Brigadier Plenaars 1st SA Brigade, against German tanks and was subsequently awarded an immediate MC.
25/11/41 During this day the "Echelon Stakes" were continued and Capt. Tatton was killed. The composite Regiment still commanded by Lt Col Carr spent the day in observation in area SAUSENNA.
26/11/41 This was another day of comparative inaction at NBEIDAT. B Squadron 4th CLY (Major Walker) attacked a column of German MT and destroyed 2 lorries and took prisoners.
27/11/41 The composite Regiment was ordered to take up battle position in area Pt. 187 and Pt. 192 to overlook TRIGH CAPUZEO along which Panzer troops were moving East to West. 3rd CLY Squadron under command Major GGL Willis was on left and German tanks were engaged at about 1500 hours. The engagement was heavy and 3rd CLY Squadron lost 2 tanks set on fire. 2 German tanks and one large gun were destroyed by 3rd CLY Squadron.
Killed Sgt Clancey A Squadron
Officers taking partLt Col RK Jago, MM TD  Major GGL Willis  Capt. AW Grant  2Lt JL Aitken  2Lt PR Hargreaves
28/11/41 Lt Col Carr 4th CLY having been wounded on 27 November Lt Col RK Jago took command of 22nd Armd Brigade composite Regiment. In the morning enemy tanks were engaged in a running fight in which 22nd Armd Brigade fell back until 4th Armd Brigade were contacted on our right. Enemy then threw screen of anti-tank guns and appeared to be moving slowly Westwards.
In afternoon 4th Armd Brigade moved across to the left flank and both Brigade 25pdrs shelled the enemy very heavily in the area of MUFTAH. The enemy tanks stood off and fired at long range. Lt Col Jago's tank was involved in a collision and he was concussed and went to the rear, so Major Kitson 4th CLY took command of the composite Regiment with Major GGL Willis commanding 3rd CLY tanks which were taken in on two charges to 800 yards and out under smoke.
Wounded Capt JN Vaughan
Officers taking part Major GGL Willis
  Capt. AW Grant
29/11/41 The Brigade commenced its withdrawal to TRC but remaining tanks spent the day in area S.MUFTAH. In the afternoon the composite Regiment went to the support of 4th Armd Brigade on the ridge overlooking the MOHHAT SIDI REZEGH from the South.
The Squadron under Major Trevor (2nd RGH) went into action against MET in the valley. That night the Regiment withdrew into close leaguer about 5 miles South of S. MUFTAH.
30/11/41 Battleworthy tanks under command of Major OH DICKINS were placed under command of 4th Armd Brigade. Remainder of 22nd Armd Brigade withdrawn to TRC in area.

December 1941 CO: Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD
Dec 41 3rd County of London Yeomanry
1/12/41
Strength:Officers 26, 3 attached from other arms
 WO Class 11
 WO Class 27
 SQMS4
 Sgts35
 Cpls48
 Tprs429
Total  524
Attached from other units 22 (specialists).
These strengths are for the end of the reorganisation period.
The Brigade having been withdrawn except for a Squadron under Major OH Dickens, the 3rd Sharpshooters went into open leaguer in reforming area 458330. Lt Col RK Jago, MM TD, was granted sick leave and the Regiment was commanded by Major GGL Willis in the absence of Major AP Grafftey-Smith. B Echelon was brought 3 miles behind the Brigade and spare crews were brought up. The Regiment received tanks from Ordnance and reformed into squadrons. Capt. RL Maton left the Regiment for LOB, his position of Tech Adjt being taken by 2Lt EH New. Major AP Grafftey-Smith assumed command of the Regiment and…………[remainder missing]

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