Bracken

Hi Alex. Thank you for posting reply. :-)

The turret number of my father's tank in the photo is 56 (he is the one sitting astride the gun. I have an original copy of the same photo). Alas, I am not sure if his tank carried the same number on DDay, or of the name. Obviously, I know it begins with a letter 'B'.

Thank you also for reference to film and book. Do you happen to know the name of the film.

I plan to visit Bovington Tank Museum and the IWM this autumn, and the Grand Bunker Museum next spring. I am also hoping to follow his path through Europe over the next 2/3 years.

Bracken

Bracken, you are quite right...indeed, my comment is incorrect (kind of stupid as I was working on a scale model of a B Squadron DD tank at the time:blush:)...it was C Squadron that was equipped with wading tanks, and A and B that had the DD tanks.

As Adrian mentioned there are some good pictures of "C" Squadron going onboard the LCT's...and also movie footage at the IWM of them landing in Normandy, with one of the LCT's on fire.

 

Do you happen to know the turret number or name of the your father's tank?

 

There is film footage of the DD's in action in and around Ouistreham...Also the "Gold, Juno, Sword" book of Georges Bernage has some pictures of the DD's taken in Ouistreham, which I think are also displayed in the Grand Bunker museum in Riva Bella.

 

Alex

Dear Alex, re: your statement that only A Company had Sherman V DD's, my father was a tank driver in 5th Troop, B Squadron and swam ashore in his Sherman DD.

The DD tanks from 'A' and 'B' Squadrons of 13th/18th Royal Hussars were launched 2.5 miles (4 km) from shore. Five could not be launched as the leading tank on its LCT tore its screen – they were later landed directly on shore – one tank sank after being struck by an LCT.

Discovered this photo when visiting the HMVF site today. I have the same photo, a piece of the memorabilia left by my late father. He is the one sitting astride the gun on tank 56 in the centre of the picture. I am keen to find out any information on the exploits and journey of 5th Troop B Squadron 13/18 Royal Hussars from his time of joining the Royal Armoured Corps on 30/09/1942 until his transfer to the Royal Army Reserve on 28/05/1947 as I am looking to retrace his journey. If anyone has photos or information, maps, postcards (my father collected many during his travels), I would be extremely interested in connecting with you. Many thanks.

I am the son of a Trooper in 5th Troop B Squadron 13/18 Royal Hussars. My father landed on Sword Beach on D Day in a Sherman DD tank and survived the war to produce me. Sadly he died in 2001 and I am currently seeking information on his exploits and journey throughout his time in the conflict. Now retired, I am keen to retrace his journey and would welcome any information. Many thanks.:wave: