Information on British tank numbers in NA please

[atiff]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to find some info about tank numbers and models in the various battalions of the RTR in the North African campaign (specifically from Sept 1940 to the start of Op Crusader/end of 1941). Basically, I want to know which battalions were equipped with what tanks (light tanks, models of Cruisers, or Matilda IIs or Valentines, etc).

Any pointers to websites or just general info posted here would be greatly appreciated.

[ December 28, 2003, 05:53 AM: Message edited by: atiff ]

[atiff]

(double post)

[Kingfish]

Here is info on the 4th Armored brigade.

[atiff]

Thanks, that helps. Anything more out there from anyone?

[JasonC]

http://www.btinternet.com/%7Eian.a.paterson/battles1941.htm

You need to specify not only the unit but the date, to get info on the tank type used.

Brevity period - "At this time the British forces consisted of the Support Group of 7th Armoured, the 11th Hussars, the motorised 22nd Guards Brigade, along with some artillery, plus the 2nd RTR from the 7th Armoured Brigade (equipped with reconditioned A9 and A10 Cruiser tanks) and 4th RTR (equipped with Matildas)."

Battleaxe period - "On 12th May 1941 a convoy codenamed "Tiger" arrived in Alexandria, bringing 135 Matildas, 82 of the new Crusader tanks (armed with 2-pdr guns) and 21 light tanks. This was a total of 238 new tanks for the desert war. All the Crusaders and the Light tanks were destined for 7th Armoured with the Crusaders being used to equip 6th RTR. The 4th Armoured Brigade was given the Matildas, so they could support the 4th Indian Division, recently returned from its triumphs against the Italians in East Africa. With this new equipment General Wavell planned his next offensive, "Operation Battleaxe"."

Crusader period - "Along with the fresh troops came new tanks in the shape of the British Valentine and American General Stuart, nicknamed the 'Honey' by the British. The 4th Armoured Brigade was re-equipped with the 'Honey', while the 7th Armoured Brigade was brought upto strength with the addition of the 7th Hussars. The 7th Armoured Brigade was equipped with mainly Crusaders, but still retained some older A10's and A13's. Another addition to the Division was the inclusion of the 22nd Armoured Brigade, with 3rd & 4th County of London Yeomanry (CLY) and 2nd Royal Gloucestershire Hussars (RGH), which were all equipped with the Crusader tank. The 11th Hussars were re-equipped with Humber Armoured cars."

For the Gazala battles, the new thing was Grants and Honeys. For El Alamein, Shermans, Grants, and Valentines.

[ December 28, 2003, 11:12 PM: Message edited by: JasonC ]

[Michael Emrys]

Originally posted by JasonC:

Battleaxe period - "On 12th May 1941 a convoy codenamed "Tiger" arrived in Alexandria, bringing 135 Matildas, 82 of the new Crusader tanks (armed with 2-pdr guns) and 21 light tanks. This was a total of 238 new tanks for the desert war. All the Crusaders and the Light tanks were destined for 7th Armoured with the Crusaders being used to equip 6th RTR. The 4th Armoured Brigade was given the Matildas, so they could support the 4th Indian Division, recently returned from its triumphs against the Italians in East Africa. With this new equipment General Wavell planned his next offensive, "Operation Battleaxe"."

I was given to understand that none of the Tiger Convoy tanks made it into Battleaxe due to the necessity for extensive modifications being required to make them desert-worthy. Also many of them arrived with their engines and other gear worn out due to having been used extensively in training back in the UK.

Michael

[atiff]

Thanks Jason, good link. Pity it only deals with 7th Armoured in greater detail. More info still appreciated.