History of the 10th, 1939 - 1969 - Major Roland Pillinger

History of the 10th

1939 - 1969

Bibliography

The Tenth Royal Hussars in the Second World War

Compiled under the Direction of a Committee of Officers

Chairman: Brigadier D Dawnay D.S.O.

Gale & Polden Ltd. 1948

1939

Colonel V. J. Greenwood Succeeds Colonel Viscount Hampden As Commander. The regiment cannot join the BEF because it is very under-equipped therefore the Tenth moved to Newmarket in November where training continues. Officers here also enjoy good shooting and become regulars to the horse training stables. Bitterly cold winter proves hard even in their billets.

1939

1940 January

The 1st Armoured Division released from East Coast defence, and the regiment moved to Wimborne, taking part in a divisional exercise on the way, spending a night at Dunstable in the bitter cold. On arrival at Wimborne the regiment was dispersed , and the tanks and transport was slowly built up to war scale.

1940 January

May

On the 21st May at 1600 hrs the Regiment sailed in s.s. Amsterdam and s.s. Vienna for Le Havre but mid-journey this was changed to Cherbourg as the former was reported to have fallen to the enemy. Several of the 2-pounder guns for the cruiser tanks were still in crates and are fitted on arrival. The Tenth trained from Cherbourg to Pacy being ready to move north by 1900 hrs. Ordered to attack the German position near Huppy, in order to establish a bridgehead over the Somme, the regiment was instructed to advance at 0500hrs with the Bays on their right and a preceding artillery barrage from French guns a few minutes before. The Tenth started the advance at 0500 hrs as ordered, but no artillery was fired, and the Bays were delayed by one hour. The Tenth therefore were attacking a well-entrenched enemy on their own and several tanks were lost. Every attempt at attack was met with heavy anti-tank fire, damaging many tanks. The enemy lines were penetrated by some 600 yards but to hold the ground was not possible. Late in the day orders were received to withdraw to Ramburelles. This day saw a loss of two Officers killed, two Officers taken POW, six O.R. killed, nine missing and seven wounded. On the 31st May the regiment moved back to Les Hogues.

May

1940 June

It now appeared that the 1st Armoured and 51st Highland divisions were the only British troops still in France, the B.E.F. having been moved to Dunkirk and most evacuated. The Tenth had no tanks but began reorganising into lorried infantry. June 7th withdrew to a position south Of The Seine. After several small skirmishes the Tenth were ordered to take and hold the bridge at El Beuf, and keep it open for the 9th Lancers to retire. On the 9th June at 0115 hrs the bridge was blown. The town of Louviers was then defended for a few hours on the 9th June until the regiment, with the 9th Lancers were driven back. At 0100 hrs on June 15th orders to move to Brest were received. By 1800 hrs on June 16th the Regiment was within fifteen miles of Brest having travelled near 250 miles. On the 16th June the Tenth embark onto the Manxmaid for Plymouth. 4 Officers and 17 O. R. Killed, 5 Officers and 3 O. R. wounded and 32 O. R. captured. Move To Wiltshire.

1940 June

1940

Training And Anti-Invasion Duties. June sees Lt.-Colonel C. B. Harvey Appointed To Command. The regiment made several trips for exercise and training to the rivers Rother and Aran in Sussex for defence purposes because of the rising threat of invasion.

1940

1941

In the spring of 1941 Winston Churchill, with Generals de Gaulle and Sikorsky witness a mock tank battle on Thursley Common, and a fine display of "cavalry dash" was given. Anti-invasion measures were continued throughout the early summer in 1941.

1941

1941 Oct

The Regiment sailed, as part of the 1st Armoured Division to the Middle East, embarking on the City of Paris at Greenock, in a huge convoy of liners, merchantmen and naval escorts. The route was into the mid-Atlantic, to avoid the enemy, and via Cape of Good Hope to Egypt. Time was used to train in the use of the sun compass and equitation of time by the sun and stars. The convoy called at Cape Town and Durban where they were made most welcome. It arrived at Aden on November 3rd where a last Regimental Polo match was enjoyed. The City of Paris then moved on to Port Tewfik (Suez) arriving at 1530 hrs. on the 27th November, and the Tenth disembarked, entraining to the Western Desert camp at Amartya, a dust-ridden spot near Alexandria.

1941 Oct

1941 Dec

After 16 days of completing the equipment at Amartya the Tenth moved their tanks by desert railway to Mesa Mutruh where the wheeled vehicles joined and started the 400 mile treck westward with about 150 tanks. Crossing the wire fence at the Egyptian boarder to Cyrenaica, all the time enhancing the regiment's navigation abilities. In the days after Christmas "B" Company 1st Rifle Brigade, "B" Battery, 11th R.H.A. and a troop of the 76th Anti-Tank Regiment formed the Tenth Hussars Regimental Group.

1941 Dec

1942 Jan

The trek towards Trabruk started early in the new year. Pausing at Bir Harman to replenish stores and then on, following the old camel highway towards Trish el Abd into scrub country, catching up with the forward troops of the Eighth Army at Antelat. During this movement H.R.H. The Duke of Gloucester sent us a message "Many best wishes and good hunting in 1942 --- HENRY" Arriving at Antelat we joined Headquarters, XIII Corps, the 7th Armoured division and the 27th Armoured Bridge. The enemy, under Rommel, had now retreated round the Aphelia corner behind the salt marshes. On the 12th January the supporting riflemen and gunners were taken away to form a raiding columned were replaced by inexperienced South African anti-tank regiment. On the 21st January Rommel sudden pounced back with about 90 tanks and a mechanised column. Early on the 22nd the Tenth moved some thirty miles south into a depression know as Saunna where there was a workshop repairing tanks. A few miles south of Saunna at midday. the regiment was ordered to turn east towards the coast road to intercept the enemy. The Brigade "B" Echelons had moved into the Saunna Depression overnight and the enemy encountered them during the darkness; considerable damage was done to the workshops and tanks under repair but some 30 Italian prisoners were captured. On the 23rd the 9th Lancers encountered the Germans and the Tenth was ordered to their left flank, with the Tenth becoming the new advanced guard. Under a smoke screen the regiment advanced, firing, whilst under intense anti-tank fire, and several tanks were hit and disabled. The enemy them advanced with 14 tanks towards Brigade Headquarters and "A" & "C" squadrons were ordered to attack. It became apparent that our tank guns, at 2 pounders and 37mm, were of little use beyond 500 yards whilst the German 75mm guns were fatal at 1,000 yards. In the ensuing fight the Germans had seven tanks knocked out but our own casualties were crippling. "A" & "C" squadrons lost nineteen tanks, with six officers killed and 12 O.R. killed, and 20 O.R. wounded and 8 P.O.W. Many wounded were collected under enemy fire by the efforts of Major Wingfield ( "B" squadron), finding Major Milbanke and his crew badly wounded in their burning tank. The remaining tanks rallied and rejoined the Brigade the following morning. "B" squadron then made their way back to Headquarters on foot travelling under darkness having abandoned their broken down tanks. On the 24th some damage was sustained by an aerial attack but one Stuka was shot down by small arms fire. On the 29th January the regiment withdrew to Mekili, followed by a further withdrawal to behind the Gazala position to Bir Lara near Tobruk. For the action at Saunna Major ADR Wingfield was awarded the Military Cross, as was Cape. RA Archer-Shee. RSM Davis was awarded the DCM and Trooper Henry, the Military Medal.

1942 Jan

1942

The regiment was now withdrawn further back to Fort Capuzzo to retrain and refit. It was here that we first heard the supply to at least one squadron of the new General Grant American tank was eminent. "C" squadron was chosen and trailing undertaken when we had again moved to an area south of Gambut. The Tenth was inspected by Colonel-in-Chief, Lieut.-General HRH The Duke of Gloucester in April.

1942

1942 May

The Gazala Line was now well defended by "box" formations, including the Knightsbridge track junction. When the enemy advanced through this area the Tenth's part in the battle was heroic but short-lived. Moving forward on the 26th May when the enemy's advance was imminent the regiment, leading the 2nd Armoured Brigade, was ordered to turn west and engage a screen of 88mm anti-tank guns. This was carried out successfully. Heading south on the morning of the 28th "C" squadron with the Grant tanks engaged some anti-tank guns but found that to bring their 37mm guns to bear they had to expose much of the tank body resulting in several casualties. Major Lovett and "B" squadron then headed an attack on the guns with their Crusader tanks. Launching at 1100 hrs. the first wave drove straight through the enemy guns and 35 Germans surrendered to the second wave of tanks. Aiming to drive the enemy into our minefields the regiment turned west for three miles. Engaging with the enemy in late evening the sun in their sight-line meant that it blinded the commanders and drivers, and "A" squadron went deeper into the enemy lines than was intended and a heavy toll was taken. Lieut. Du Pree and his crew were killed, whilst Major Archer-Shee and his squadron were taken prisoner. On the 29th the regiment went into action again 400 yds from the Knightsbridge Crossing. Engaging enemy tanks at 0730 hrs the regiment battled all day and by 1600 hrs the Tenth had no tanks fit to fight. On the 30th May eight battle worthy tanks were scraped together and joined the Brigade for further action. The enemy has been held and it turned out that Rommel had a white flag ready the deploy. The remained of the Tenth then withdrew to the Alamein Line.

1942 May

July - Sept

Arrived at Bir Victoria, 40 miles north of Cairo on July 1st. to refit and retrain but were pushed forward on 7th July to the Alamein Line as each squadron was resupplied with tanks. Enemy attacked on the 31st August and 1st September but was beaten off at the Battle of Alam Halfa Ridge. General Montgomery assumes command of 8th Army bringing significant reinforcements. The enemy attacked in the south of the line on the 1st September. Following command confusion we withdrew with the enemy following closely. With aid from the 22nd Armoured Brigade the enemy was halted just before dark. On the evening of the 4th the regiment was attacked from the air and one vehicle was destroyed and two men wounded. Adjutant Capt. Greville Clark died after being struck by a ricocheted 88mm shot from the battle area some miles away.

July - Sept

1942 Oct

"A" & "C" Squadrons re-equipped with Sherman tanks. A Reconnaissance Troop was formed with 12 scout cars under Capt. G. A. Singer. H.Q. and "B" squadron remained equipped with Crusader tanks. October was spent learning about the layout of the enemy minefield and the passage through it as well as new gunnery techniques. Advance Under Fire; General Thoma, German Commander Captured. Lt-Colonel Archer-Shee Wounded. Major Wingfield Takes Command, Appointed Lt.-Colonel.

1942 Oct

Battle of Alamein

23rd October orders were recieved to prepare for battle that night. A deception that the main attack was to come in the south of the line diverted the enemy from the actual attack in the north. Tracks through minefields were laid by 2nd Rifle Brigade and 2nd Armoured brigade, with Lieut. Leigh's troop of "B" squadron being part of this force. The main regiment moved off at 2100 hrs. and at 2200 hrs the opening bombardment began. The infantry moved off at 2300 hrs. and at midnight the regiment passed through the gunnery area. Moving slowly forward early the next morning the new gunnery methods proved themselves with the Shermans taking a toll on the enemy. The RAF dropped accurate bombs on the enemy 88s who raised their barrels to return fire, so giving away their position to our Sherman tank commanders. A new attack started at 1500 hrs to link up with the !st Gordons and here Lt.-Col. Archer-Shee was wounded in the hand, being evacuated once victory had been achieved. A new objective was attacked at 1700 hrs on the 25th C Squadron's ten tanks successfully without loss. On the morning of the 26th the Regiment was able to close up to the Highlanders at Objective Pierson. During this time tanks were refuelled and re-armed as many as three times a day, with their lorry drivers showing great courage. On the 28th the Regiment was ordered to move 1000 yards to their side below a ridge where it had been unable to advance. Late in the evening the Tenth was ordered to hand over their position to the 10th Royal Tank Regiment and withdraw to the Qatar track and the 29th was spent resting and re-organising. Casualties sustained were one officer and five O.R. killed, six officers and 19 O.R. wounded; we claimed 27 German and four Italian tanks burnt out, 15 German and four Italian tanks knocked out but not burnt. Two 88mm guns, two 76mm guns, ten other anti-tank guns, three self-propelled guns and nine lorries destroyed. On the 30th October the Tenth was ordered back to six miles to Springbok Road. At 0200 hrs. on the 2nd November Operation Supercharge was started. Moving through a mine field Lt.-Col. J.P. Archer-Shee ran into an enemy squadron of tanks in the smoke laid down by the Germans but these were soon dispensed, and by 800 hrs the Regiment had joined up with the 2nd Armoured Brigade. On November 3rd advance again was made by A & C Squadrons during which Lieut. N Watson was killed. The Tel-el-Aqqaqir objective was thus taken and the enemy withdrew. Again, enemy tanks put up resistance on a ridge but six German tanks were eventually knocked out. It was here that Capt. Singer captured General von Thoma. On the 4th November Lt.-Col. Archer-Shee was evacuated with Major R.M. Milbanke who was also wounded. Major Wingfield assumed command. On the 5th November the Tenth lead the advance to Bir Wanda. Coming under 88mm attack Cpt. Singer, Lt Drew and two O.R.were killed. Advancing toward Bir Kilda on the 6th November by 1800 hrs tanks began running out of fuel as heavy rain made fuel delivery almost impossible. Finally at 0900 hrs the following morning the coast road was cut to the west of Charing Cross. The next two days spent resting, re-organising and bathing in the sea, and on the 12th the regiment moved on west. By the 15th the regiment had reached El Adem near Knightsbridge where they were joined again by A Squadron. Thus finishes the Battle of El Alamein for the Tenth.

Battle of Alamein

1943

The Regiment now had a period of inaction for several months and was therefore able to recover from the intense action at El Alamein. Christmas was spent at Tmimi. German tents and hospital were used as excellent mess rooms and turkey enjoyed. Battle honours recieved were Major Kaye, DSO; Major Le Grand (Attached from Belgium Army) DSO; Corporal Brown, Military Medal; Major Errington, Military Cross; Cape. Lancaster MC (RAMC Attached) bar to Military Cross. Major Rothwell visited the battlefield at Saunna discovering our tanks and personnel casualties untouched by the Germans. Capt. Reeves and Rev. Morton were sent to construct a Regimental cemetery near the site of the battle. The Regiment was once again completed with tanks during the early months of the year. On 28th February orders were received to move to Ben Garden because the 10th German Panzers Division had some success against the Americans at Gafsa and a German attack was considered likely against the Eighth Army in the Mareth Line. On the 6th March the attack started at Medicine but the attack was beaten off with heavy losses to the enemy. A counter attack by the Eight Army began on the night of the 20th March near the coast as a diversion, and once successful the Regiment moved to Four Tatahuin in the early hours of the 24th. the Tenth were assigned the protection of the rear of the advance ensuring the safety of the "soft-skin" vehicle of the support group. The advance started at 1800 hrs and a sandstorm began. Once the New Zealanders had achieved their objective the Tenth drove through them and at 1945 hrs the enemy fire ceased and the Brigade halted about 15 miles from El Gamma. At midnight the moon rose and the advance continued and it soon became clear the enemy lines had be broken. The advance was halted suddenly by enemy anti-tank fire about two miles from El Gamma and the Tenth was assigned to engage the enemy tanks but they withdrew as we positioned on a higher ridge. The next morning the Regiment was ordered to move to the right of El Haam towards the coast in order to cut off the enemy who were now in retreat. 400 yards form the Kabili road the enemy attacked B Squadron and Lieut. Watney was mortally wounded. A Squadron came up to allow B Squadron the withdrawn the oasis was severely beaten by B Battery RHA. The enemy now withdrew from El Gamma. On the 29th El Hamma was slowly occupied because of minefields that were difficult to traverse, and the Tenth took up high ground about four mile NE of El Hamma. On advancing further north the Tenth had to cross a dry salt-pan and some tanks became bogged down in the soft ground, but regimental headquarters and tow Sherman squadrons crossed safely. A metal road now lead to a pass in the Fatnassa and under heavy fire and four shells hit the commanding officer's tank, the crew escaping. The regiment was withdrawn. By the 17th April the pass had been cleared by infantry, and the Tenth led the advance towards the Mahares - Maknassy railway. Ordered to take Metzzouna the terrain was very difficult and enemy fire was fortunately inaccurate, however in the darkness further advance was not possible over the deep wadis and the attack called off. At first light the next morning Mtzzouna was found to be abandoned by the enemy. Orders were received to re-stock and move on towards Sfax which was occupied by the 51st Highland Division at 1100 hrs on the 10th April.

1943

Battle for Tunis

On the 13th April the !st Armoured Division was temporarily transferred to the 1st Army and on the 14th Major Kaye lead a reconnaissance of the area of Le Key. All tanks were painted greens were the 1st Army vehicles, and the tanks moved off on transport on the evening of the 14th. "As we drove through Le Key First Army troops who were standing about outside the cafes in their blanched belts and gaiters gave their somewhat less orthodox and sandy brethren a cheer of welcome. One non-commissioned officer in the RASC even shouted "'ere comes the shiny Tenth" perhaps recognising our badge from Tidworth days. It must be admitted that we were not quite worthy of our nickname at this moment, with chickens hanging out of the back of three-ton lorries and the various other in signature worn by the Desert Army". We halted at El Crib where we met Major Kaye. We soon met t.-Col. d Dawnay who welcomed us along with Major S Ralli, another ex- Tenth. Over the next three days more Sherman tanks were allocated to the Regiment. Moving forward on the night of the 20th, the Regiment stopped in an olive grove previously occupied by a French mule company. The area was filthy and swarming with flees. The attack began on the 19th/20th with a diversionary attack. On the night of the 23rd the tenth moved into Goubellat Valley, an area of unfenced corn fields and scattered mines. The 9th Lancers leading were suddenly hit by well concealed anti-tank fire and the Tenth was ordered up to support them. Achieving higher ground we were able to engage the guns and some subsequent German infantry successfully. At 0200 hrs we were ordered to move to Bob Kournine, a high double-peaked feature to our south east. Here we relived the 17th/21st Lancers who were in a good fire position in a wadi. Advancing slowly, the lead tank of Lieut. P Hunt, was taken out as it topped a ridge, luckily no harm to the crew. We held this position for the next three days. On the evening of the 28th the Regiment was relived by the Bays and moved into reserve down the valley where it remained until the 2nd May when we relived the 9th Lancers at Sebkret Sidi Drabber. On the 5th May, with little changing we harassed some enemy tanks ahead with armour piercing shells. On the 6th May the final assault on Tunis was begun and the tenth moved up on the 7th as the enemy helpfully withdrew. As "A" and "C" Squadrons moved up "B" Squadron was ordered to sweep the countryside for prisoners and came back with about 250 from the Hermann Goering Division. On the 8th May the BBC announced that both Tunis and Bizerta were in our hands. Small scale skirmishes continued and by the morning of the 10th the enemy appeared to have withdrawn and the encirclement of the Axis forces was now complete. The Tenth was allocated the area around Grombalia putting up road blocks as prisoners came in large numbers. On the next day the "Master Race" began to give itself up en masse being moved in ten-ton lorries towing ten-ton trailers to the cage. Hostilites ceased officially on the 13th May when not one shot was fired in anger in North Africa.

Battle for Tunis

MAY '43- MAY '44

The Regiment was stationed in Solomon until 27th May and took part in the Victory Parade in Tunis. On the 27th the Tenth was ordered to return to Tripoli, arriving at Azzizia on the 30th May. The heat was intense with little shade, and the regiment was once again close with all squadrons together. Awards of the Military Cross were announced for Majors toller, Ford North and Lieut. P Hunt for their fighting from el Hamma to Grombalia. On the 15th June the Regiment was visited by General Montgomery who promised a move to the coast. On the 21st June His Majesty. the King, disguised as General Lion for safety, inspected the Eigth Army. The 1st Armoured Division was drawn up along the road to Tunis. On the 23rd June the Tenth moved to the coast west of Tripoli. Training for the fight for Europe was now the order. Colonel Wingfield left for Cairo and the Regiment was handed over to Major D Kayes DSO who was promoted Lieut.-Colonel. The Tenth then were moved to Algiers starting on the 1st August arriving at Medjez el Ben on the 5th. On the 10th Major W Peyton OBE moved from the 15th/19th Hussars to become 2nd in command, and four new subalterns joined. On the 30th September the move to Algiers, at Boufarik, began where we were accommodated on the upper floors of a wine store. The following months were taken up with training especially for closed country fighting. On the 11th December Major Morley, who left us in 1940, returned, and we were appointed a Regimental Chaplain in Father Withers. At the end of January 1944 we moved to Bouira, arriving on the 30th for tank battle training. Some local leave was granted during April 1944 before we were soon to move on the Italy.

MAY '43- MAY '44

To Italy

On May 15th 1944 the Regiment moved to the Blida Transit Camp and on the 25th embarked on the Durban Castle arriving at Naples on the 27th, moving to the Adriatic side of the country at Madera where we were joined by our tanks. On the 22nd June the Regiment was ordered to join the 1st armoured Division for training just South West of Rome On the 15th August the Regiment moved up to the battle area of the Gothic Line and by the 17th the Tenth was together near Civitonova, just south of Ancona. On the 31st August, with a strength of 23 officers, 600 O.R. and 63 tanks the Regiment moved north to a staging area at Senigallia on the way to the Gothic Line.

To Italy

1944 The Gothic Line

The Eigth Army planned to assault across the Metauro River on three fronts, with the Poles on the right, 1st Canadian Corp in the centre and V British Corp on the left. The aim was to drive the enemy chaotically in order to prevent them occupying the main defence positions in the line. The 1st Armoured Division, including the Tenth Hussars, were to be held in reserve to exploit the success of this attack, which started at 2300hrs on the 25th August. The Germans tried desperately to hold the ground south of the River Foglia. By the early hours of 31st August the main Gothic Line had been pierced in several places. The 1st Armoured Division had concentrated near Ancona and on the 2nd September moved under the command of V Corps into the valley of the River Po. At 2300 hrs the Regiment moved on, after a difficult advance to the north bank of the River Foglia. By 0800 hrs the following morning the south bank of the Conca had been reached. "B" Squadron, in he lead, reported a delay in crossing the river as it was blocked by some vehicles of the Divisional Headquarters. Lt. Col. Kaye went forward and found troops making tea and playing a gramophone. These were soon moved and the crossing cleared. Advancing another mile it was obvious that a fight was imminent as our tanks moved into the Po Valley. At 1330 hrs orders were received to attack. "A" and "C" Squadrons lead and soon came under heavy attack with Captain Viscount Ednam and Major M Morley wounded, as was Capt. C Gibb. Sgt Goodall subsequently died of his wounds. Sgt Parnell, trooper Houston and Sgt. Coalville were wounded and as veterans of the Desert could ill be lost. By evening the attack had failed and all retreated. On the 5th the attack was resumed. The Tenth was now moved to reserve. An artillery attack on Headquarters took the lives of Lt. Thorold, and Sgt. Brown, and Lt. Graham and Cpl. Ball were wounded. 43rd Gurkha Lorried Brigade was brought up to clear the Savino Ridge. The Regiment spent until the 9th September in minor skirmishes during which time Capt. Leatham was wounded as was Capt. Maylon and Sgt. Round. On the 12th the Gurkhas attacked, after some five days of careful reconnoiter and planning, and by first light the ridge was won. By 0500 hrs on the 17th the Tenth had cross the river Morano and moved to La Tomba. Next came the crossing of the River Marecchia and on the 22nd September the regiment was placed under the command of the Gurkhas. By first light on the 23rd the Regiment had reached the river bank under heavy fire to find no crossing had been marked. Once a route had been identified the crossing was executed but the Regiment was halted by a deep ditch some 1000 years ahead, with only a weak bridge crossing that collapsed after just two tanks had crossed. Crossings were constructed under heavy fire and the Tenth moved over. Engaging the enemy once again, the Germans moved back from their positions that same evening having suffered heavy casualties. On the 26th A & C Squadrons were removed from the front. During the month of September three Officers and four O.R. were killed, eleven Officers and twelve O.R. were wounded. The Gothic Line was well and truly broken.

1944 The Gothic Line

1943. Oct - Dec

The 8th Army had now entered the Po Valley and the advance up the valley continued until the end of the year. Heavy rain at the beginning of October hampered the advance and there are many waterways that had to be crossed. The Tenth were now under the command of the 46th Infantry Brigade, and was ordered to cross the River Rubicon and capture the Montigano - Longiano feature which was secured on the 8th October, the regiment being held in reserve for this attack. By the 14th the Tenth was moved up to a point west of Rubicon. At 0845 hrs on the 19th October the 16th D.L.I. had captured the convent at Madonna del Monte but heavy and accurate mortar fire from the enemy covered the area to the north-west. "B" Squadron were held up but eventually joined the D.L.I. and advanced with troops riding on the wings of the tanks. At the outskirts of Cesena some resistance was encountered but soon withdrew into the town. The tank troop briefly chased the enemy tanks in the town but they soon withdrew and the "partisan" soon produced wine, food and even prisoners. The D.L.I. troops then cleared the town. "A" Squadron had, in this time moved to the outskirts of Cesena which was cleared the next day, the 20th October, by the 4th Infantry Division. Meanwhile "C" Squadron had secured a small crossing of the River Savoy, suffering heavy casualties. With the Battle of Cesena over the Tenth was moved to Camerano on the 22nd October and returned to the 46th Infantry. Whilst resting for there week news of awards to Capt. Leatham (Military /cross) and Sergt. Hearn Serge. Press (Military Medal) was recieved. In mid November a leave party was granted to some troops who had not been home since 1941. On the 14th the tEnth were once again moved forward but heavy rain and road cratering impeded movement. On the 17th the 16th D.L. I. and "A" Squadron were ordered to cross the River Bolzanino and form a base in order to cross the Cosina Canal. "A" Squadron was alread involved supporting the 2nd/5th Leicesters at their bridgehead. The leading tank of Lt. E Clarke became stuck in soft ground in open fields and came under enemy fire when moving towards an enemy occupied building. The D.L.I Commander decided on a retreat and whilst dismounted Lt. Clarke was wounded. However, all tanks withdrew under the cover of smoke. A second attack on the 18th November was more successful and a temporary bridge across the Canal was installed, however soon an intact bridge was secured nearby. Once across objectives beyond the canal ere captured, and here Serge. Jones of "B" Company captured ten Germans including two sergeant-majors of the old Desert Afrika Corps. Serge. Jones was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal. The River Marten was crossed on the 24th November.

1943. Oct - Dec

Year's End

From the 14th December until 4th January 1945 "B" Squadron was in support of 169th Infantry Brigade holding defence of part of the River Lamont. On the night of the 14th December a diversion attack was made five miles east of Faenza whilst the main attack was to the west. The remainder of the Regiment spent Christmas in reserve near Foli. On Christmas Day "C" Squadron were involved in a skirmish capturing nine prisoners, with one tank damaged by a mine. Sergt. Ross won a Military Medal on Boxing Day for actions that saved many Fusiliers and enabled the attack to continue. "C" Squadron was relieved by "A" Squadron on 27th December with local attacks continuing north of Faenza.

Year's End

1945

A new attack was begun on the 4th January at first light between the River Senio and the Naviglio Canal. The Tenth on the right and the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment on the left advanced abreast, having been preceded by a heavy aerial bombardment. The attack was highly successful capturing more than 100 demoralised prisoners. Six men of the Tenth were slightly wounded and three of "C" Squadron's tanks became stuck in a narrow track. The following morning "A" & "B" Squadrons were withdrawn into reserve leaving "C" Squadron to support the 167th Infantry Brigade. Petrol and ammunition was held up for a while because of the cratered and mined roads. On the 11th January "A" Squadron replaced "C" Squadron but there was little action as the weather was bitterly cold and snow fell hard. On the 16th the tanks were loaded onto transporters and drove to Pesaro to rejoin the 2nd Armoured Brigade. Once settled we were able to send parties of 100 men on the 19th and 21st to enjoy the cities of Rome and Florence. However, on the 23rd January we were suddenly ordered to put the tanks into storage and hold the line as infantry. This news came on the day of the third anniversary of the Battle of Saunna.

1945

On Foot

A much needed pause now ensued to rest and reinforce troops, especially the infantry who had been fighting since August thus dismounted troops were called to the front. The Tenth therefore formed three dismounted squadrons and a machine-gun troop. The latter being the Reconnaissance Troop armed with 4 inch Browning Anti-Aircraft guns removed from the Sherman tanks. The remaining troops were armed with personal weapons and 3 inch Browning machine-guns also removed from tanks. The 105mm Sherman tanks were retained in action with the Regiment. Just over a week was allowed to return for our new role.

On Foot

Final Offensive

In front of the Eigth Army was the German Tenth Army, including a Panzer and Parachute Corps. Between the 1st and 3rd April the Tenth moved from a training area at Forli to five miles NW of Revenna where squadrons were allocated to support various brigades of the 56th Infantry Division. The attack began on the 2nd April with the 2nd Commando Brigade landing on the eastern side of Lake Comacchio, capturing 800 prisoners. The attack ground to a halt and over the next week the enemy were harassed by A Squadron's 105mm guns. On the west side of the lake B Squadron attacked across the River Senio on the night of the 5th/6th. Part of B Squadron crossed the river three miles to the east and joined the attack via a track along the waterfront. The remainder crossed by barge which was sunk by a bazooka from a pillbox on the far bank which was subdued at 9.00am the following morning having caused many casualties. The Umna Canal was reached under severe resistance by the morning of the 7th. During the 7th Cpl. Prasher was killed and LT. A B Hutchinson died of wounds, his brother having been killed at Sauna in 1942. On the 10th the Eighth Army's main attack was launched, preceded by heavy artillery and air bombardment, followed by heavy flame-throwing attacks to the far bank of the Senio. Over the following days the Tenth was engaged with a number of small but significant advances across various watrercourses where at times, stiff opposition was encountered. Six O,R. from the Tenth were killed and three wounded. On the 15th 167th Infantry and 78th Infantry joined up at Bastia and a bridgehead obtained over the Reno. Sgt. Beale's tank was patrolling near a treacle factory which had seen shelling and treacle spilled. Craters were hidden below the liquid and the tank ran into one, and the crew had to abandon ship. The tank was never recovered. Thus ended the Battle for Argenta Gap and the squadrons returned to regimental control. Meanwhile A Squadron was held back with the Buffs and on the 11th April were landed from Lake Comacchio some 2000 yard NW of La Pioppa meeting stiff opposition. It took until the 15th to clear the area of enemy resistance and moving forward the Commandos were held up by deep mud and enfilade fire and progress was checked by 900 hrs. By 900 hrs. on the 17th a canal crossing had been established and A Squadron had moved forward. A temporary truce was called on the 17th to allow evacuation of the wounded when it was discovered our tanks were within 50 yards of the enemy line.

Final Offensive

1945

The opposition now became weaker. The regiment was put under the command of the 38th Irish Brigade, and at 1800 hrs. on the 20th B & C Squadrons moved to Gombi to establish a bridgehead over the Scolo Bolognese. The attack was launched on the night of the 20th/21st. April. Crossings were bulldozed over night. By 1400 hrs the Irish Fusilliers supported by C Squadron had captured Montesanto. On the right, B Squadron in open country found strong opposition. Lt. W G Waugh's tank was knocked out, with this officer killed as well as Trooper Potts, with the crew wounded. Then Sergt. Fairhill's tank was hit with the Sergeant killed and the crew wounded. The right hand objective was taken at 1500 hrs. The Brigade was then ordered to advance to the River Po, starting at 0200 hrs on the 24th April. At Soletta opposition was encountered with the village cleared by first light. the enemy was then fast retreating. A & C Squadrons fast advanced and reached their objective at Zocca during the 25th.

1945

The end of Hostilities

This had been our final action of the war with the "Cease Fire" announced a week later. Collecting and repairing tanks was accompanied by collecting horses for enjoyment as well as enemy vehicles for our convenience. We had, during the advance tied labels on the best horses and on returning to collect them we found the Irish had exchanged the labels to other horses and claimed the best as their own. Hostilities officially ended in Italy on the 2nd May when Field-Marshal Kesselring surrendered to Field-Marshall Alexander at Caserta.

The end of Hostilities

1945

The Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, announced in Parliament "It brings to a conclusion the work of as gallant an army as ever marched, and brings to a pitch of fame the military reputation of a commander who has always, I may say, enjoyed the fullest confidence of the House of Commons".

1945

The Tenth Royal Hussars in the Second Word War 1939 - 1945

Battle Honours

The Regimental Battle Honours were "Saunna", "El Alamein", "El Hamma", "Gazala", "Tunis", "Santarcangelo", "Coriana", "Valli di Commachio", "Argenta Gap".

Battle Honours

Casualties

The Tenth's total casualties during the war were: Killed: 29 Officers, 130 Other Ranks. Wounded: 44 Officers, 178 Other Ranks. P.O.W. 16 Officers, of whom several escaped, 77 Other Ranks.

Casualties

May 1945

In May 1945 the regiment moved to Trieste , leaving the 2nd Armoured Brigade at the end of the year, joining the 46th Infantry division in Austria. Moving again to the 49th Infantry Division near Menden and from there to Lubeck on the Baltic Coast.

May 1945

1946-47

Lt.-Colonel J.P. Archer Shee M.C. resumed command and the Regimental Gazette was re-started in the autumn. With the onset of the Cold War there was a steady stream of National Servicemen passing through the ranks for training. The old keenness for sport and horses continued with a regimental pack of hounds, racing and show jumping through 1947 and 1948, including a move to Iserlohn.

1946-47

1948-50

In 1948 Lt.-Colonel A Able-smith succeeded to the command and in 1949 Lt.General Sir Willoughby-Norrie was succeeded as Colonel by Lt.-General Sir Charles Gairdner. the Tenth changed in role from divisional reconnaissance to divisional anti-tank regiment. Sport continued to be well represented by the Tenth.

1948-50

History Timeline

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The Regiment was raised in Hertfordshire and surrounding counties by Brigadier Humphrey Gore in 1715, as the Tenth Regiment of Dragoons. This was in response to the Jacobite Rising. Mounts were to be no more than fifteen hands high. The Regiment never saw action against the Jacobites.

Law and revenue enforcement was the Regiment’s duty at home for the next 30 years. Pay for a Private was 1s 9p per day less the cost of food.

History Timeline

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History of the 10th

1939 - 1969

Postcards

Argentina

Canada

England

France

India

Ireland

Regimental

Suez to Aden

Suez to Aden

Ireland to Africa

India To England 1880-97