|
Gunner Arthur Moore
July 1944 Normandy
97 Anti Tank Regiment
Royal Artillery
16th July 1944
Arthur was shown as posted and taken on strength of the 97 ATK Regt RA ( 97 Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery)
97 Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery
The 97 Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery (97 ATK Regt RA) was divided into four batteries. Each battery was subdivided into three troops. Each troop had 4 anti tank guns and 165 troops to man, supply and service the troop’s guns and vehicles . In 1944 two of the troops were kitted out with quad gun transporters that towed the heavy hard hitting Tiger Tank killing 17 pounder guns. The remaining troop were issued with Carden-Loyd carriers that towed the lighter 6 pounder guns. These smaller anti tank guns could also destroy the heavily armoured German Tiger Tank but had to be very close, camouflaged and aiming at its side or rear. Each gun required 6 gunners to operate it. The regiment were also issued with motor cycles, 5 cwt (hundred weight) 4x4 cars, 15 cwt (hundred weight) trucks, 3 ton lorries and an armoured car.
The three batteries of the 97 Anti Tank Regiment Royal Artillery were given the following numbers: 159th Battery; 161st Battery; 286th Battery and 346th Battery. Unfortunately the regimental records do not record which Battery, replacement Gunner (William) Arthur Moore was one posted to.
The 159th Battery, 97 ATK Regt RA unloaded on Gold Beach, Normandy between the 15th – 18th June 1944. The 161st Battery, 97 ATK Regt RA was anchored off Gold beach on 18th June 1944 and was completely disembarked and concentrated around St Gabriel east of Bayeux, awaiting further orders by 24th. The 346th Battery, 97 ATK Regt RA disembarked on Juno Beach , gold area and formed up in the concentration area near Vaux sur Seullies, south east of Bayeux. On the 19th June 1944 severe storm in the English Channel wreaks the floating Mulbury Harbours and strands 800 boats on the Normandy beaches until the next high tide July. The storm causes significant delays in the Allied build up on the beachhead. The 286th Battery, 97 ATK Regt RA were the last to arrive. They landed in Normandy on 29th June 1944
25th June 1944
Making preparation for the allied offensive called operation Epsom.
Each battery was posted to the much larger Army brigade to give them support and the ability to tackle tanks when attacking and to provide a defensive ring in case of and enemy counter attack with tanks. Each gun could be dug in and camouflaged so the enemy could not see them until it was too late. The regimental headquarters battery moved up with the other four batteries to provide support and give orders. The 44th Lowland Infantry Brigade, 46th Highland Infantry Brigade and 227th Highland Infantry Brigade were part of the 15th (Scottish) infantry Division. The 97 ATK Regt RA provided anti tank support for these Brigades.
|
