9th Royal Tank Regiment
Encyclopedia
The 9th Royal Tank Regiment (9 RTR) was an armoured regiment of the British Army
during the Second World War. It was part of the Royal Tank Regiment
, itself part of the Royal Armoured Corps
. It was reformed in late 1940 as a hostilities only regiment.
Through the remainder of the War, the 9th were used to great effect, using the tactics they learnt at Cambrai. The Battalion were awarded the Croix de Guerre avec Palmes
as a regimental decoration, an honour that is shared with only three other units in the British Army
, all of which are infantry.
The 9th were also awarded the honour of wearing the badge of General Bourgon's French 3rd Division. A replica of the badge was worn on the sleeve of everyone serving in the 9th Battalion, and later by everyone in the 9th RTR. The 9th took their unofficial motto from this badge: "Qui s'y frotte, s'y brule" which translates to "Touch me, and you burn".
Although the exact details are not known, the 9th were disbanded after the war ended.
The road to the 9th's reformation started in May 1940 when the majority of the 3rd Battalion RTR was destroyed near Calais, with only 8 men returning. A number of the reinforcements intended for the 3rd Battalion RTR were split off to become "a detachment of the 3rd Battalion", a Home Details Unit. Soon after this, in November 1940, the 9th Battalion RTR was reborn.
, that the 9th received the tanks it was to use in its role as a Heavy Tank Unit. The 9th RTR was one of the first units to be equipped with Churchill Tanks
. The Churchills they were issued were almost identical to those used by the Calgary Regiment
of the Canadian Army at Dieppe
in 1942.
Between 1941 and 1944 the regiment moved around the country, from Otley, to Eastbourne
, South Lancing
, Charing
, and eventually Aldershot
. Along with this, the regiments tanks and tank crews often moved around the country to various gunnery ranges, such as Bovington Camp
and Castlemartin
in Wales amongst others.
The 9th finally went into action shortly after D Day as the weather conditions had not permitted the unit to land. Some of the regiment was able to get on shore on 19 June, but a large part was held up for another two days.
Shortly after arrival in Normandy, 9th RTR (as part of 31 Tank Brigade)was involved in Montgomery's
Operation Epsom
, the push inland to secure the Normandy Beachhead and the city of Caen
. The regiment was part of the right hand attack towards Grainville
and Colleville, supporting 15 (Scottish) Infantry Division.
After Epsom, the 9th, was part of Operation Jupiter, the attack on Hill 112. The Hill was defended by elements of the 502nd SS Tiger Battalion, which lead to heavy losses for the regiment, although eventually the Hill was retaken from German Forces.
The next major engagement for the 9th was the Falaise Pocket
. The regiment supported the 1st Canadian Army for the first part of the battle. However, the regiment was soon returned to British command for the push east across the north of France, to take bridges across a number of rivers in the area.
Following the rapid push east, the 9th RTR took part in the capture of Le Havre
as part of Operation Astonia
. In a combined assault of land, naval and air forces, the port city of Le Havre was taken in three days, despite being considered "one of the strongest fortresses of the Atlantic Wall
". Unlike previous operations, the regiment took very light casualties. The end of Operation Astonia led to a fortnights rest for the regiment, after they had been fighting for around 100 solid days.
After their rest period, the 9th RTR moved into Holland and took part in the enlarging of the Nijmegen Salient in support of 51st (Highland) Division and 49th (West Riding) Division. Later on in the Dutch campaign then 9th participated in Operations Rebound and Thruster which lead to the capture of Roosendaal, and aided the clearing of the banks of the River Scheldt
.
During late December 1944 to the end of January 1945 the 9th RTR aided in the victory in the Ardennes
, acting as a defensive force near Liege
, under the command of the First US Army.
After the Ardennes, the 9th were attached to 53rd Canadian Infantry Division for the battle in the Reichswald
, during early to mid February 1945. Following this, the 9th, in support of the 52nd Lowland Division pushed further into Germany.
Between March and April, the 9th had an extended period of refitting and maintenance, repairing or replacing Tanks that had travelled Thousands of miles and participated in countless engagements, anticipating the final push across the Rhine. The push never truly came, and the final tasks for the 9th was to clear and secure a small area of Germany.
Alongside the Fighting elements was the recce troop, equipped with Jeeps
and Scout Cars
, and the Supply Section, who were in charge of supplying the regiment, including equipment, food and spare parts for the regiments tanks.
The structure of the Fighting Element of the regiment is shown below:
Regimental HQ:
Fighting Squadrons:
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
during the Second World War. It was part of the Royal Tank Regiment
Royal Tank Regiment
The Royal Tank Regiment is an armoured regiment of the British Army. It was formerly known as the Tank Corps and the Royal Tank Corps. It is part of the Royal Armoured Corps and is made up of two operational regiments, the 1st Royal Tank Regiment and the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment...
, itself part of the Royal Armoured Corps
Royal Armoured Corps
The Royal Armoured Corps is currently a collection of ten regular regiments, mostly converted from old horse cavalry regiments, and four Yeomanry regiments of the Territorial Army...
. It was reformed in late 1940 as a hostilities only regiment.
History
The "original" 9th RTR was formed in December 1916 as the 9th Battalion, Heavy Branch Machine Gun Corps and was designated I Battalion. The Battalion served at the Battle of Cambrai where, along with III Corps of the Third British Army achieved complete surprise and pushed the German forces out of the Town.Through the remainder of the War, the 9th were used to great effect, using the tactics they learnt at Cambrai. The Battalion were awarded the Croix de Guerre avec Palmes
Croix de guerre
The Croix de guerre is a military decoration of France. It was first created in 1915 and consists of a square-cross medal on two crossed swords, hanging from a ribbon with various degree pins. The decoration was awarded during World War I, again in World War II, and in other conflicts...
as a regimental decoration, an honour that is shared with only three other units in the British Army
British Army
The British Army is the land warfare branch of Her Majesty's Armed Forces in the United Kingdom. It came into being with the unification of the Kingdom of England and Scotland into the Kingdom of Great Britain in 1707. The new British Army incorporated Regiments that had already existed in England...
, all of which are infantry.
The 9th were also awarded the honour of wearing the badge of General Bourgon's French 3rd Division. A replica of the badge was worn on the sleeve of everyone serving in the 9th Battalion, and later by everyone in the 9th RTR. The 9th took their unofficial motto from this badge: "Qui s'y frotte, s'y brule" which translates to "Touch me, and you burn".
Although the exact details are not known, the 9th were disbanded after the war ended.
The road to the 9th's reformation started in May 1940 when the majority of the 3rd Battalion RTR was destroyed near Calais, with only 8 men returning. A number of the reinforcements intended for the 3rd Battalion RTR were split off to become "a detachment of the 3rd Battalion", a Home Details Unit. Soon after this, in November 1940, the 9th Battalion RTR was reborn.
Service during World War 2
Despite forming in November 1940, it was not until mid 1941, when the regiment was based in OtleyOtley
-Transport:The main roads through the town are the A660 to the south east, which connects Otley to Bramhope, Adel and Leeds city centre, and the A65 to the west, which goes to Ilkley and Skipton. The A6038 heads to Guiseley, Shipley and Bradford, connecting with the A65...
, that the 9th received the tanks it was to use in its role as a Heavy Tank Unit. The 9th RTR was one of the first units to be equipped with Churchill Tanks
Churchill tank
The Tank, Infantry, Mk IV was a heavy British infantry tank used in the Second World War, best known for its heavy armour, large longitudinal chassis with all-around tracks with multiple bogies, and its use as the basis of many specialist vehicles. It was one of the heaviest Allied tanks of the war...
. The Churchills they were issued were almost identical to those used by the Calgary Regiment
The King's Own Calgary Regiment (RCAC)
The King's Own Calgary Regiment , or KOCR, is an armoured unit of the Canadian Forces Primary Reserve based at the Mewata Armoury in Calgary, Alberta....
of the Canadian Army at Dieppe
Dieppe Raid
The Dieppe Raid, also known as the Battle of Dieppe, Operation Rutter or later on Operation Jubilee, during the Second World War, was an Allied attack on the German-occupied port of Dieppe on the northern coast of France on 19 August 1942. The assault began at 5:00 AM and by 10:50 AM the Allied...
in 1942.
Between 1941 and 1944 the regiment moved around the country, from Otley, to Eastbourne
Eastbourne
Eastbourne is a large town and borough in East Sussex, on the south coast of England between Brighton and Hastings. The town is situated at the eastern end of the chalk South Downs alongside the high cliff at Beachy Head...
, South Lancing
Lancing, West Sussex
Lancing is a town and civil parish in the Adur district of West Sussex, England, on the western edge of the Adur Valley. It lies on the coastal plain between Sompting to the west, Shoreham-by-Sea to the east and the parish of Coombes to the north...
, Charing
Charing
Charing is a small village and civil parish in the Ashford District of Kent, in south-east England. The parish population is 2,750 ; it includes the settlement of Charing Heath.It is situated at the foot of the North Downs...
, and eventually Aldershot
Aldershot
Aldershot is a town in the English county of Hampshire, located on heathland about southwest of London. The town is administered by Rushmoor Borough Council...
. Along with this, the regiments tanks and tank crews often moved around the country to various gunnery ranges, such as Bovington Camp
Bovington Camp
Bovington Camp is a British Army base in Dorset, England.It is home to The Armour Centre, formerly the Royal Armoured Corps Centre and includes Allenby Barracks and Stanley Barracks. Bovington Tank Museum is adjoining....
and Castlemartin
Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire
Castlemartin is a village, parish and community in the Hundred of Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire, West Wales.- Location :...
in Wales amongst others.
The 9th finally went into action shortly after D Day as the weather conditions had not permitted the unit to land. Some of the regiment was able to get on shore on 19 June, but a large part was held up for another two days.
Shortly after arrival in Normandy, 9th RTR (as part of 31 Tank Brigade)was involved in Montgomery's
Bernard Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein
Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein, KG, GCB, DSO, PC , nicknamed "Monty" and the "Spartan General" was a British Army officer. He saw action in the First World War, when he was seriously wounded, and during the Second World War he commanded the 8th Army from...
Operation Epsom
Operation Epsom
Operation Epsom, also known as the First Battle of the Odon, was a Second World War British offensive that took place between 26 and 30 June 1944, during the Battle of Normandy...
, the push inland to secure the Normandy Beachhead and the city of Caen
Caen
Caen is a commune in northwestern France. It is the prefecture of the Calvados department and the capital of the Basse-Normandie region. It is located inland from the English Channel....
. The regiment was part of the right hand attack towards Grainville
Grainville
Grainville is a commune in the Eure department in northern France.-Population:...
and Colleville, supporting 15 (Scottish) Infantry Division.
After Epsom, the 9th, was part of Operation Jupiter, the attack on Hill 112. The Hill was defended by elements of the 502nd SS Tiger Battalion, which lead to heavy losses for the regiment, although eventually the Hill was retaken from German Forces.
The next major engagement for the 9th was the Falaise Pocket
Falaise pocket
The battle of the Falaise Pocket, fought during the Second World War from 12 to 21 August 1944, was the decisive engagement of the Battle of Normandy...
. The regiment supported the 1st Canadian Army for the first part of the battle. However, the regiment was soon returned to British command for the push east across the north of France, to take bridges across a number of rivers in the area.
Following the rapid push east, the 9th RTR took part in the capture of Le Havre
Le Havre
Le Havre is a city in the Seine-Maritime department of the Haute-Normandie region in France. It is situated in north-western France, on the right bank of the mouth of the river Seine on the English Channel. Le Havre is the most populous commune in the Haute-Normandie region, although the total...
as part of Operation Astonia
Operation Astonia
Operation Astonia was a World War II battle fought from 10 September 1944 to 12 September 1944.The Allied objective of the operation was the capture of the German-held Channel port of Le Havre,France,coveted by the Allies to improve their supply system.The Allies hoped to find the port intact and...
. In a combined assault of land, naval and air forces, the port city of Le Havre was taken in three days, despite being considered "one of the strongest fortresses of the Atlantic Wall
Atlantic Wall
The Atlantic Wall was an extensive system of coastal fortifications built by Nazi Germany between 1942 and 1944 along the western coast of Europe as a defense against an anticipated Allied invasion of the mainland continent from Great Britain.-History:On March 23, 1942 Führer Directive Number 40...
". Unlike previous operations, the regiment took very light casualties. The end of Operation Astonia led to a fortnights rest for the regiment, after they had been fighting for around 100 solid days.
After their rest period, the 9th RTR moved into Holland and took part in the enlarging of the Nijmegen Salient in support of 51st (Highland) Division and 49th (West Riding) Division. Later on in the Dutch campaign then 9th participated in Operations Rebound and Thruster which lead to the capture of Roosendaal, and aided the clearing of the banks of the River Scheldt
Scheldt
The Scheldt is a 350 km long river in northern France, western Belgium and the southwestern part of the Netherlands...
.
During late December 1944 to the end of January 1945 the 9th RTR aided in the victory in the Ardennes
Ardennes
The Ardennes is a region of extensive forests, rolling hills and ridges formed within the Givetian Ardennes mountain range, primarily in Belgium and Luxembourg, but stretching into France , and geologically into the Eifel...
, acting as a defensive force near Liege
Liege
Liège is a municipality and a city of Belgium. The term Liège or Liege may also refer to:* Liege, a party to the oath of allegiance in feudalism .* Liège Island, in the Antarctic...
, under the command of the First US Army.
After the Ardennes, the 9th were attached to 53rd Canadian Infantry Division for the battle in the Reichswald
Reichswald
A Reichswald designates a historic woodland under imperial protection and usage in the lands of the former Holy Roman Empire. It may refer to:* Nürnberger Reichswald — an old cultivated forest with near Nuremberg, which is today a nature reserve....
, during early to mid February 1945. Following this, the 9th, in support of the 52nd Lowland Division pushed further into Germany.
Between March and April, the 9th had an extended period of refitting and maintenance, repairing or replacing Tanks that had travelled Thousands of miles and participated in countless engagements, anticipating the final push across the Rhine. The push never truly came, and the final tasks for the 9th was to clear and secure a small area of Germany.
Organisation
The main fighting element of the 9th RTR was split into the Regimental HQ consisting of six tanks, and three suqadrons, further split into Squadron HQs made up of 4 tanks each, and 5 Troops each with 3 tanks. In total, the 9th had 63 tanks, served by over 300 crew.Alongside the Fighting elements was the recce troop, equipped with Jeeps
Willys MB
The Willys MB US Army Jeep and the Ford GPW, were manufactured from 1941 to 1945. These small four-wheel drive utility vehicles are considered the iconic World War II Jeep, and inspired many similar light utility vehicles. Over the years, the World War II Jeep later evolved into the "CJ" civilian...
and Scout Cars
Daimler Dingo
-external links :*** has a Daimler Dingo in its exposition.* wwiivehicles.com**...
, and the Supply Section, who were in charge of supplying the regiment, including equipment, food and spare parts for the regiments tanks.
The structure of the Fighting Element of the regiment is shown below:
Regimental HQ:
| CO | 2 I/C | I.O | Adjutant | OP Tank 1 | OP Tank 2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iron Duke | Ironside | Iron Ration | Ironclad | Invincible | N/A |
Fighting Squadrons:
| A Squadron | B Squadron | C Squadron | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| O.C | Inverness | O.C | Iroquois | O.C | Incredible |
| 2 I/C | Invergordon | 2 I/C | Imperator | 2 I/C | Ich Dien |
| R.O | Inverary | R.O | R.O | ||
| ARV | Iron Lung | ARV | ARV | ||
| 1 | Impudent | 6 | Intact | 11 | Incisive |
| 1A | Imp | 6A | 11A | Intensive | |
| 1B | 6B | 11B | Impassive | ||
| 2 | 7 | 12 | Ibn El Kelb | ||
| 2A | Iceni | 7A | 12A | Infamous | |
| 2B | 7B | 12B | Ibn Saud | ||
| 3 | 8 | Infernal | 13 | ||
| 3A | Irate | 8A | Inferno | 13A | Independent |
| 3B | Impetuous | 8B | Infidel | 13B | |
| 4 | 9 | Inspire | 14 | Indomitable | |
| 4A | Illusive | 9A | Immune | 14A | Indefatigable |
| 4B | Ibex | 9B | Impulse | 14B | |
| 5 | Iraq | 10 | Intercept | 15 | Ilford |
| 5A | Ismaila | 10A | Immortal | 15A | Ilkley |
| 5B | India | 10B | Imprint | 15B | Irlam |
Officers of note in the 9th RTR
- Regimental Commanding Officer: Lieutenant ColonelLieutenant colonelLieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Sir Nugent Everard, Bart - Regimental Commanding Officer (European Campaign): Lieutenant Colonel Peter Norman (Berry) Veale
- Regimental Quartermaster: Lieutenant Quartermaster Roland Patrick
- A Squadron Commanding Officer: Major James Douglas Haddow Ballantine
- B Squadron Commanding Officer: Major Michael Reynell
- C Squadron Commanding Officer: Major Ronnie Holden (DSODistinguished Service OrderThe Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
, MCMilitary CrossThe Military Cross is the third-level military decoration awarded to officers and other ranks of the British Armed Forces; and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries....
)
External links
- 9th Royal Tank Regiment
- "Tank Tracks"; a history of 9th RTR
- Merseyside RTR (Brian Gill`s website)
Further reading
- Tank Tracks : 9th Battalion Royal Tank Regiment at War, 1940-45, by Peter Beale. (Alan Sutton, 1995) ISBN 0-7509-0880-7 (hbk), ISBN 0-7509-1519-6 (pbk), ISBN 1-84015-003-3 (hbk reissue)