Quote:
Originally posted by John Tapsell
Two Fireflies were landed on Sword Beach via LCT (CB) 2337 at H+5 minutes. They belonged to 13/18 Hussars
|
John;
Just a note, there is no mention at all of these 'Two Fireflies' of the 13th/18th Hussars, in their Regimental History.
According to their history:
History of the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (Queen Mary's Own), 1922-1947, on 6 June, 1944 - "A" and "B" Sqns were the 'Assault Squadrons', being equipped with 75mm Sherman D.D. tanks - which landed across 'Queen Beach White' ("A" Sqn) and 'Queen Beach Red' ("B" Sqn). Neither of these Squadrons had 17pdr Fireflies on their charge.
According to the Regimental history, the 4x 17pdr tanks that the Regiment had on charge 6 June, 1944, were held in "C" Sqn (one per Troop), which was the Regiment's 'Wading' Sqn on 6 Jun, and who landed across 'Queen Beach White' at H+45 minutes.
No where in their history is any mention made of these 'tasked CB Fireflies', according to their history, the 4x 17pdr 'Fireflies' of the Regiment, landed along with the rest of "C" Sqn at H+45 minutes, with "C" Sqn itself tasked with the support of 1st Suffolks.
Attached is the table of Organization of the 13th/18th Hussars for 6 June, 1944, as it appears in their Regimental history and a map of the Regiment's landings.
Cheers
