Rehearse they did. Squadrons of the First Hussars went off to school to learn to navigate their DD tanks. The Divisional staff officers were in London for a month mastering the plan. On April 12th, Exercise Trousers took the division through the first stage of the landing. Then, in May. Force J and the 3rd Canadian Division assaulted the south coastline of England in Exercise Fabius III which closely simulated the plan for the first two days of the campaign. As the troops headed for the sealed embarkation area to receive their final briefings, there was a collective sigh of relief that at least the rehearsals were over.
THE LANDING
The Port of Courseulles-sur-Mer was reportedly the heaviest fortified position attacked by the Anglo-Canadian forces on D-Day. The plan called for a direct frontal attack, because any delay would jeopardize the follow-up landings.The Regina Rifles, with ÒBÓ Squadron of the First Hussars were assigned the area east of the river, landing ashore shortly after 8:00am. The DD Tanks launched from 4000 yards in a very rough sea. 14 tanks touched down on the proper beach, well in advance of either AVREs or infantry and immediately engaged the beach defences.
ÒAÓ Company, assaulting the main defences of Courseulles suffered heavily until they finally received tank support from the operational DD Tanks, who were off to the left. The defenders were finally subdued by a flanking movement and the position was cleared.
UNMASKING A FLOATING TANK OF THE FIRST HUSSARS
With good support from DD tanks, ÒBÓ Company had a far easier task. They got off the beach quickly and were able to clear three blocks of Courseulles while ÒAÓ Company were working on the strong point. The beach exits were cleared and the Hussars were able to get their tanks into Courseulles to help the infantry. When the ReginaÕs reserve units landed, ÒCÓCompany got ashore without mishap, but ÒDÓ Company ran into mines. Only 49 survivors made it to shore. Gathering together and along with a squadron of Hussars tanks, set off for their first objective, Reviers.
West of the River Seulles, ÒBÓ Company of the Royal Winnipeg Riffles came under heavy fire. Without aid of covering armour, they displayed remarkable courage wading through the water, rushing across the sand and attacking the machine gun and mortar positions. When the DD tanks did arrive, they immediately by close range tank fire disabled the gun emplacements. The Winnipegers pressed on and cleared their assigned area of the enemy.
ÒCÓ Company of the Canadian Scottish had been attached to the Winnipegs and extended their right flank.Their primary target having been put out of action by naval gunfire, pressed on to their secondary objective and resolved it quickly.
At 1200 hours, Brigadier Harry Foster confidently reported that the beach was secured.
(LITTLE BLACK DEVILS) IN THE FIELD
Cdn Army Overseas, 6 Cdn Armd Regt It is desired to bring to attention the outstanding services rendered to this Bn by 6 Cdn Armd Regt during the assault and advance on D-day. In the assault on the defences of MIKE Sector A Sqd commanded by Maj Dudley Brooks, literally made possible the overwhelming of the defences. It will be recalled that the pre-assault bombardment had been either ineffective or nonexistent and had it not been for the gallantry, determination, dash and skilful use of fire-power of Maj Brooks and his sqn, it is conceivable that this BnÕs casualties and those of C Coy IC Scot R would have been much heavier and the capture of the beach-head greatly delayed. During the advance inland both B and C Sqns, when asked for assistance in neutralizing enemy machine guns at Banville and Ste.Croix-sur-Mer, brought everything they had to bear on to the task. Maj Stuart Duncan, commanding B Sqn and Maj DÕArcy Marks, commanding C Sqn, used their fire-power with complete disregard for their own safety, unhesitatingly crossing suspected mine fields and in the face of known anti-tank fire making it possible the advance of D Coy through Banville and strongly supporting A Coy through the Ste.Croix objective. Time and again throughout D-Day, without thought of their own safety or state of fatigue, these sqns of the 6 Cdn Armd Regt came to the assistance of this Bn. In paying high tribute to their gallantry, skill and cool daring it is regretted that the heat and speed of the action prevented their recognition and consequent comment on the actions of troop commanders and individual crew commanders. It is stated, without hesitation, however, that no higher degree of courage or calculated daring could be displayed than that shown by every commander and sub-unit of the gallant Regt. It is sincerely hoped that, in addition to this inadequate tribute, official recognition of the services rendered by the 6 Cdn Armd Regt is being given earnest consideration. (JOHN MELDRUM) Lt-Col2 Cdn Army Tk Bde. I heartily agree with these sentiments H.Foster, Brig |
This might be a good place to point out that one troop of the First Hussars made it all the way to their objective, `, thus becoming the only Allied unit to reach their assigned objective on D-Day. Finding themselves isolated without infantry or anti-tank support, they retraced their steps.