| Instructions regarding War Diaries and Intelligence
Summaries are contained in F.S. Regs., Vol. 1.
and the Staff Manual respectively Title pages
will be prepared in manuscript. |
WAR DIARY or INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY |
Army Form C.2118 |
| Unit: 15 (S) Reconnaissance Regiment, R.A.C. | ||
| Month and Year: July 1944 | (Erase heading not required). | Commanding Officer: Lt.Col. J.A. Grant Peterkin |
| Place | Date | Hour | Summary | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field | 10 | 'A' Sqn went forward on reconnaissance role in front of 46 Bde in direction VERSON - ETERVILLE - MALTOT and to reach line of R. ODON. It was thought that this area was fairly clear and 4 Armd Bde moved up to behind ETERVILLE in the early afternoon. The enemy was in fact in great strength on the reverse slopes behind ETERVILLE and 3 troop (Lieut Arundel) on trying to recce forward to MALTOT met heavy 88 mm fire from hull down tanks on crossing Rd CAEN – ETERVILLE. Both leading cars (Lieut Arundel and Sgt Ireland) hit and burnt. All Sgt Ireland's crew escaped, but Lieut Arundel and his driver, Tpr Griffiths, were killed, though this was not confirmed for about 10 days. The Carriers of this troop were brought back rather hurriedly and it is presumed that the Sqn Comdr went forward to take charge. It was afterwards discovered that his L.R.C. had received a direct hit from probably a 105 c.m. gun, and for 24 hrs he was missing. No. 2 Troop was in close contact with the Glasgow Highlanders in ETERVILLE where they were under very heavy fire and unable to move forward or gain any further information regarding the strength of the enemy. As dark fell the Sqn rallied back and harboured just south of VERSON under Capt Davies. The loss of the Sqn Comdr, Lieut Arundel, Lieut Rencher and other casualties both from enemy action and battle exhaustion had a very bad effect on this Sqn in its first days action, and an uncomfortable night was spent under moderate shell and mortar fire. They did, however, produce some valuable information for HQ 46 Bde even though they were sent out on false information as regards the strength of the enemy. Lieut Blair's troop, who must have proceeded forward very well, got into the outskirts of LOUVIGNY and caused casualties to German infantry to the north of the village. The Moral effect which a Troop Comdr can have on his troop was very clear on this day. The remainder of the Regiment less 'A' Sqn still at rest at PUTOT-EN-BESSIN. |
Source: The War Diaries of the 15th (Scottish) Infantry Division June 1944 - May 1945.
Disclaimer: This War Diary is based on its original, but typos might be corrected. Locations are calculated, so might not be in the correct place. For historical research, always check the originals.
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