RECONNAISSANCE REGIMENT
The Reconnaissance Regiment was the 1944 version of the cavalry reconnaissance unit that had been a part of a division-sized force for centuries. Originally divisional reconnaissance regiments were horsed cavalry regiments but they were mechanised before WWII and were equipped with light tanks and Scout Carriers. Early in the war all reconnaissance units became a part of the newly formed Reconnaissance Corp but in late1943 all reconnaissance units except the Reconnaissance Regiment (and airborne reconnaissance units) had reverted to the Royal Armoured Corp.
Total personnel
Lieutenant colonel
Major, second in command
4 X Major
Captain, adjutant
Captain, Technical Officer
6 X Captain
26 X Subaltern
Quartermaster
Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
Mechanist Quartermaster Sergeant
4 X Squadron Sergeant Major
4 X squadron quartermaster sergeant
3 X sergeant mechanist
Orderly rooms sergeant clerk
Provost sergeant
Signal sergeant
Transport sergeant
Sergeant technical storeman
61 X sergeant
107 X corporal
567 X trooper
Total 796
Plus
Medical Officer RAMC
Shoemaker RAOC
4 X armourer REME
15 X cook ACC
Trades included
4 X carpenter and joiner
8 X clerk
131 X driver mechanics
95 X driver operator
2 X electrician
2 X equipment repairer
4 X gun fitter
5 X storeman (technical)
12 X vehicle mechanics
14 X batman
20 X batman driver
Butchery dutyman
64 X driver IC
36 X gun number
6 X intelligence duties
4 X medical orderly
30 X mortarmen
22 X motorcycle orderly
Postman
4 X sanitary dutyman
5 X storeman
3 X transport corporal
Total vehicles
55 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
10 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
12 X 15cwt GS
4 X 15cwt water
33 X armoured 15cwt
22 X 3ton 4 X 4
12 X Loyd Carrier
69 X Universal Carrier
28 X armoured car
24 X light reconnaissance car
Organisation.
The regimental headquarters of a reconnaissance regiment was designed to allow the Commanding Officer to form a small command group that could operate on the move in a fluid situation. It would need to be far enough forward to maintain contact with the reconnaissance squadrons while remaining in contact with divisional headquarters. The heart of the command group was the two armoured 15cwt trucks, which might be White 4 X 4 or half-tracks. They would normally be accompanied by another armoured 15cwt, which was a signal truck and could be used as a command vehicle. Nearby there would also be a Royal Signals armoured 15cwt with a rear link set to Division Headquarters. The Commanding Officer had the Humber 4 X 4 car as his transport for long journeys and for use as an office or sleeping vehicle. When away from the headquarters he could use the jeep or Light Reconnaissance Car as appropriate.
The office truck, 15cwt GS and regimental police would normally form a separate headquarters group
Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
Commanding Officer, batman, driver IC
Light Reconnaissance Car
Driver operator, driver mechanic
For the Commanding Officers use in action.
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Signaller, driver operator
From the signal troop for the Commanding Officers use.
Light Reconnaissance Car
Technical Officer, driver operator, batman driver
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Major, Captain Adjutant, 2 X driver operator, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Signaller, driver operator
From the signal troop for the second in commands use.
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Regimental Sergeant Major, sergeant orderly room clerk, 2 X clerk, intelligence trooper, driver IC
Armoured car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Provost sergeant
Motorcycle
Intelligence sergeant
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
15cwt GS
Sergeant cook, 2 X cook, driver IC
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Medical Officer, medical officers orderly, driver IC
Headquarters Squadron
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Major, Squadron Sergeant Major, driver operator, clerk, batman driver
Motorcycle
Majors orderly
Light Reconnaissance car
Captain, driver operator, batman driver
Motorcycle
Captains orderly
Signal troop
Motorcycle
Signal sergeant
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Corporal signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep)
Signaller, driver operator
15cwt GS
Captain Signal Officer, batman driver
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
4 X driver operator, driver IC
Mortar troop
Subaltern
4 X sergeant
5 X corporal
32 X private
Platoon headquarters
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver
Section1
Motorcycle
Sergeant
15cwt
Private, driver
Carries 72 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carrier
Sergeant, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Carrier
Corporal, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Section2
Motorcycle
Sergeant
15cwt
Private, driver
Carries 72 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carrier
Sergeant, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Carrier
Corporal, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Section3
Motorcycle
Sergeant
15cwt
Private, driver
Carries 72 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carrier
Sergeant, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Carrier
Corporal, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Anti tank battery
Captain
Subaltern
4 X sergeant
6 X corporal
41 X private
Headquarters
15cwt truck GS
2 X fitters REME, driver batman
Carries fitters stores and 6pdr ammunition
Troop1
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver
Motorcycle
Orderly
15cwt truck GS
Platoon sergeant, driver IC
Carries stores and 6pdr ammunition
Section 1
Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
Section 2
Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
Troop2
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver
Motorcycle
Orderly
15cwt truck GS
Platoon sergeant, driver IC
Carries stores and 6pdr ammunition
Section 1
Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
Section 2 Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
The 6pdr anti tank guns were seldom used. Of course they were essentially defensive and for most of the campaign 21 Army group units were on the offensive. However they were kept in service by units until the end of the campaign. In March 1945 most units replaced their Loyd carriers with Universal Carriers.
Administrative troop
15cwt GS
Quartermaster, corporal postman, batman driver
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Subaltern, Mechanist Quartermaster Sergeant, sergeant storeman (technical),
Vehicle mechanic, batman driver.
15cwt GS
Clerk, driver IC
Motorcycle
Transport sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Motorcycle
armourer
Motorcycle
armourer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X vehicle mechanic, storeman technical, 2 X electrician, equipment repairer,
Driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
storeman technical, gun fitter, 3 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Sergeant armourer, armourer, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Carpenter and joiner, equipment repairer, corporal shoemaker, storeman,
Driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
storeman, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Squadron quartermaster sergeant, sergeant cook, corporal cook, 4 X cook,
Butchery dutyman, driver IC
15cwt water
Water dutyman, driver IC
Reconnaissance squadron.
The squadron was the basic unit and was as self contained as possible. It was intended that squadron headquarters should control the forward scout troops and that each scout troop should advance on a different road. Ideally the squadron headquarters should advance in bounds behind the scout troops.
The Commanding Officer in his Light Reconnaissance Car could travel forward to visit the forward troops while keeping in touch with squadron headquarters by wireless.
The second in command in his armoured 15cwt truck formed the squadron command post. He received information from the scout troops, sorted it, evaluated it and then sent it back to regimental headquarters.
Light Reconnaissance Car
Major, driver operator, driver mechanic
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Captain, driver operator, driver IC
Motorcycle
Orderly
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Squadron Sergeant Major, driver IC
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Clerk, 2 X driver operator, driver IC
The squadron had a medical orderly and driver in an armoured 15cwt since the squadron would usually be operating well ahead of other medical services.
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Medical officers orderly, batman driver
The squadron echelon would travel behind the squadron headquarters and be called forward when required.
15cwt GS
Carpenter and joiner, driver IC
15cwt water
Water dutyman, driver IC
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Mechanist sergeant, 2 X vehicle mechanics, driver IC
3ton GS
Sanitary dutyman, driver IC
3ton GS
Transport corporal, driver IC
3ton GS
storeman technical, storeman, gun fitter, driver IC
3ton GS
4 X driver operator, driver IC
3ton GS
Squadron, quartermaster sergeant, 2 X cook, driver IC
Mortars and 6pdr anti tank guns could be added from regimental headquarters. Mortars were very useful for flushing out the enemy and neutralising anti tank guns. The anti tank guns were seldom used.
The Scout Troops.
The armoured cars would move forward while the carriers held a firm base. Then the cars would halt and the carriers would catch them up to form another firm base from which the cars could advance further.
The troop leader was responsible for keeping up a steady flow of information back to squadron headquarters.
Armoured cars and light reconnaissance cars were road bound and the carriers, whilst capable of cross-country movement, had little dismountable manpower. Thus the assault troop in White armoured trucks or half-tracks was required to clear opposition such as anti tank guns.
When required the carriers could travel across country to carry out reconnaissance. The assault troop might be required to go ahead on foot. This would most often be at night, when the presence of infantry was suspected or the view was obscured by hedges, trees etc.
Scout troop 1
Armoured Car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Reconnaissance section
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, batman, driver mechanic
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Scout troop 2
Armoured Car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Reconnaissance section
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, batman, driver mechanic
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Scout troop 3
Armoured Car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Reconnaissance section
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, batman, driver mechanic
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier section
Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier section
Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Assault troop
15cwt half-track
Subaltern, sergeant, driver operator, 2 X Mortarman, batman driver
Motorcycle
Orderly
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
The Reconnaissance Regiment was the 1944 version of the cavalry reconnaissance unit that had been a part of a division-sized force for centuries. Originally divisional reconnaissance regiments were horsed cavalry regiments but they were mechanised before WWII and were equipped with light tanks and Scout Carriers. Early in the war all reconnaissance units became a part of the newly formed Reconnaissance Corp but in late1943 all reconnaissance units except the Reconnaissance Regiment (and airborne reconnaissance units) had reverted to the Royal Armoured Corp.
Total personnel
Lieutenant colonel
Major, second in command
4 X Major
Captain, adjutant
Captain, Technical Officer
6 X Captain
26 X Subaltern
Quartermaster
Regimental Sergeant Major
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant
Mechanist Quartermaster Sergeant
4 X Squadron Sergeant Major
4 X squadron quartermaster sergeant
3 X sergeant mechanist
Orderly rooms sergeant clerk
Provost sergeant
Signal sergeant
Transport sergeant
Sergeant technical storeman
61 X sergeant
107 X corporal
567 X trooper
Total 796
Plus
Medical Officer RAMC
Shoemaker RAOC
4 X armourer REME
15 X cook ACC
Trades included
4 X carpenter and joiner
8 X clerk
131 X driver mechanics
95 X driver operator
2 X electrician
2 X equipment repairer
4 X gun fitter
5 X storeman (technical)
12 X vehicle mechanics
14 X batman
20 X batman driver
Butchery dutyman
64 X driver IC
36 X gun number
6 X intelligence duties
4 X medical orderly
30 X mortarmen
22 X motorcycle orderly
Postman
4 X sanitary dutyman
5 X storeman
3 X transport corporal
Total vehicles
55 X motorcycle
1 X car 4 seater 4 X 4
10 X car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
12 X 15cwt GS
4 X 15cwt water
33 X armoured 15cwt
22 X 3ton 4 X 4
12 X Loyd Carrier
69 X Universal Carrier
28 X armoured car
24 X light reconnaissance car
Organisation.
The regimental headquarters of a reconnaissance regiment was designed to allow the Commanding Officer to form a small command group that could operate on the move in a fluid situation. It would need to be far enough forward to maintain contact with the reconnaissance squadrons while remaining in contact with divisional headquarters. The heart of the command group was the two armoured 15cwt trucks, which might be White 4 X 4 or half-tracks. They would normally be accompanied by another armoured 15cwt, which was a signal truck and could be used as a command vehicle. Nearby there would also be a Royal Signals armoured 15cwt with a rear link set to Division Headquarters. The Commanding Officer had the Humber 4 X 4 car as his transport for long journeys and for use as an office or sleeping vehicle. When away from the headquarters he could use the jeep or Light Reconnaissance Car as appropriate.
The office truck, 15cwt GS and regimental police would normally form a separate headquarters group
Car 4 seater 4 X 4 (Humber FWD).
Commanding Officer, batman, driver IC
Light Reconnaissance Car
Driver operator, driver mechanic
For the Commanding Officers use in action.
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Signaller, driver operator
From the signal troop for the Commanding Officers use.
Light Reconnaissance Car
Technical Officer, driver operator, batman driver
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Major, Captain Adjutant, 2 X driver operator, batman driver
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Signaller, driver operator
From the signal troop for the second in commands use.
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Regimental Sergeant Major, sergeant orderly room clerk, 2 X clerk, intelligence trooper, driver IC
Armoured car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Provost sergeant
Motorcycle
Intelligence sergeant
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
Motorcycle
Intelligence trooper
15cwt GS
Sergeant cook, 2 X cook, driver IC
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Medical Officer, medical officers orderly, driver IC
Headquarters Squadron
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Major, Squadron Sergeant Major, driver operator, clerk, batman driver
Motorcycle
Majors orderly
Light Reconnaissance car
Captain, driver operator, batman driver
Motorcycle
Captains orderly
Signal troop
Motorcycle
Signal sergeant
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Corporal signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Motorcycle
Signaller
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (Jeep)
Signaller, driver operator
15cwt GS
Captain Signal Officer, batman driver
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
4 X driver operator, driver IC
Mortar troop
Subaltern
4 X sergeant
5 X corporal
32 X private
Platoon headquarters
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver
Section1
Motorcycle
Sergeant
15cwt
Private, driver
Carries 72 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carrier
Sergeant, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Carrier
Corporal, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Section2
Motorcycle
Sergeant
15cwt
Private, driver
Carries 72 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carrier
Sergeant, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Carrier
Corporal, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Section3
Motorcycle
Sergeant
15cwt
Private, driver
Carries 72 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carrier
Sergeant, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Carrier
Corporal, 3 X private, driver mechanic
Carries 3” mortar and 66 round of 3” mortar ammunition
Carries Wireless set No38
Anti tank battery
Captain
Subaltern
4 X sergeant
6 X corporal
41 X private
Headquarters
15cwt truck GS
2 X fitters REME, driver batman
Carries fitters stores and 6pdr ammunition
Troop1
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver
Motorcycle
Orderly
15cwt truck GS
Platoon sergeant, driver IC
Carries stores and 6pdr ammunition
Section 1
Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
Section 2
Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
Troop2
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Subaltern, batman driver
Motorcycle
Orderly
15cwt truck GS
Platoon sergeant, driver IC
Carries stores and 6pdr ammunition
Section 1
Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
Section 2 Loyd carrier
Sergeant, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Corporal, 3 X gun numbers, driver mechanic
Carries 24 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in 4 boxes
Tows 6pdr Anti tank gun
Loyd carrier
Lance corporal, gun number, driver mechanic
Carries 30 rounds of 6pdr ammunition in boxes and Bren gun
The 6pdr anti tank guns were seldom used. Of course they were essentially defensive and for most of the campaign 21 Army group units were on the offensive. However they were kept in service by units until the end of the campaign. In March 1945 most units replaced their Loyd carriers with Universal Carriers.
Administrative troop
15cwt GS
Quartermaster, corporal postman, batman driver
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Subaltern, Mechanist Quartermaster Sergeant, sergeant storeman (technical),
Vehicle mechanic, batman driver.
15cwt GS
Clerk, driver IC
Motorcycle
Transport sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Motorcycle
armourer
Motorcycle
armourer
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
2 X vehicle mechanic, storeman technical, 2 X electrician, equipment repairer,
Driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
storeman technical, gun fitter, 3 X vehicle mechanic, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Sergeant armourer, armourer, sanitary dutyman, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Carpenter and joiner, equipment repairer, corporal shoemaker, storeman,
Driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
storeman, driver IC
3ton lorry 4 X 4 GS
Squadron quartermaster sergeant, sergeant cook, corporal cook, 4 X cook,
Butchery dutyman, driver IC
15cwt water
Water dutyman, driver IC
Reconnaissance squadron.
The squadron was the basic unit and was as self contained as possible. It was intended that squadron headquarters should control the forward scout troops and that each scout troop should advance on a different road. Ideally the squadron headquarters should advance in bounds behind the scout troops.
The Commanding Officer in his Light Reconnaissance Car could travel forward to visit the forward troops while keeping in touch with squadron headquarters by wireless.
The second in command in his armoured 15cwt truck formed the squadron command post. He received information from the scout troops, sorted it, evaluated it and then sent it back to regimental headquarters.
Light Reconnaissance Car
Major, driver operator, driver mechanic
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Captain, driver operator, driver IC
Motorcycle
Orderly
Car 5cwt 4 X 4 (jeep)
Squadron Sergeant Major, driver IC
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Clerk, 2 X driver operator, driver IC
The squadron had a medical orderly and driver in an armoured 15cwt since the squadron would usually be operating well ahead of other medical services.
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Medical officers orderly, batman driver
The squadron echelon would travel behind the squadron headquarters and be called forward when required.
15cwt GS
Carpenter and joiner, driver IC
15cwt water
Water dutyman, driver IC
15cwt 4 X 4 armoured truck
Mechanist sergeant, 2 X vehicle mechanics, driver IC
3ton GS
Sanitary dutyman, driver IC
3ton GS
Transport corporal, driver IC
3ton GS
storeman technical, storeman, gun fitter, driver IC
3ton GS
4 X driver operator, driver IC
3ton GS
Squadron, quartermaster sergeant, 2 X cook, driver IC
Mortars and 6pdr anti tank guns could be added from regimental headquarters. Mortars were very useful for flushing out the enemy and neutralising anti tank guns. The anti tank guns were seldom used.
The Scout Troops.
The armoured cars would move forward while the carriers held a firm base. Then the cars would halt and the carriers would catch them up to form another firm base from which the cars could advance further.
The troop leader was responsible for keeping up a steady flow of information back to squadron headquarters.
Armoured cars and light reconnaissance cars were road bound and the carriers, whilst capable of cross-country movement, had little dismountable manpower. Thus the assault troop in White armoured trucks or half-tracks was required to clear opposition such as anti tank guns.
When required the carriers could travel across country to carry out reconnaissance. The assault troop might be required to go ahead on foot. This would most often be at night, when the presence of infantry was suspected or the view was obscured by hedges, trees etc.
Scout troop 1
Armoured Car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Reconnaissance section
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, batman, driver mechanic
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Scout troop 2
Armoured Car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Reconnaissance section
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, batman, driver mechanic
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier section Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Scout troop 3
Armoured Car
Subaltern, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Subaltern, 2 X driver operator, driver mechanic
Motorcycle
Sergeant
Motorcycle
Orderly
Reconnaissance section
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, batman, driver mechanic
Armoured car
Sergeant, driver operator, driver mechanic
Light Reconnaissance car
Corporal, driver operator, driver mechanic
Carrier section
Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier section
Carrier Universal
Sergeant, corporal, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Carrier Universal
Corporal, trooper, driver mechanic
Assault troop
15cwt half-track
Subaltern, sergeant, driver operator, 2 X Mortarman, batman driver
Motorcycle
Orderly
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
Section
15cwt half-track
Corporal, lance corporal, 5 X trooper, driver IC
