jcd38 Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 i was reading through and the 805th TD was mentioned.. my father was in recon with the 805th from the begining (Kasserine Pass) through Po Valley. I can confirm that they did have the M18's starting 6/44. If you guys have any other questions about the 805th, i might be able to answer them. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wartgamer Posted May 20, 2005 Share Posted May 20, 2005 Didnt that TD battalion start out towed and then re-equipped? Was your Father in an M8 armored car? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Yeide Posted May 22, 2005 Share Posted May 22, 2005 105th Antitank Battalion redesignated 805th Tank Destroyer Battalion on 15 December 1941. Arrived in England 18 August 1942. Landed at Algiers 17 January 1943 equipped with the M3 TD. Actions included Kasserine Pass and Gafsa. Converted to towed 3-inch gun battalion in October 1943. Debarked in Italy 28 October 1943 at Bagnoli. Shipped to Anzio beachhead 12 March 1944. Served largely as artillery even after re-equipped with M18s in June–August. TDs were part of advance guard at capture of Bologna and Brenner Pass. Attached to: 34th, 85th, 91st Infantry divisions. Cheers, Harry 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcd38 Posted May 23, 2005 Author Share Posted May 23, 2005 Harry explained they're history pretty well. We've been fortunate enough to get some stories from my father and have attended a few of the reunions. We have copies of a few of they're battle records, some pictures and hope to get the rest of them someday. There's about 11 boxes of battle records still in the archives that no one has got copies of yet. It's very interesting to hear them tell they're stories. My dad started with the unit when it was still the 105th. He was in a M3, Company B Recon, when Kasserine started. He was part of the group that made the stand on the road to Thala. After Kasserine they went to towed guns. Recon's history is interesting, as they pretty much were trained as commandos and were used in in varying roles; towed, infantry, artillery, m18's and even put in Shermans. They split up the 805th, especially recon, quite frequently when the got to Italy. My dad was at Salerno, Anzio, Cassino, when they took Rome, I think Bologna and Brenner Pass. Cheers to all of you! Jack 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.