Gazala OoB

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Brad Hunter
Member
Posts: 183
Joined: 19 Jul 2005, 16:20
Location: Raleigh, NC

Gazala OoB

#1

Post by Brad Hunter » 10 Jul 2006, 21:31

As requested by David W. Only combat-type units are shown.

ALLIED ORDER OF BATTLE - THE GAZALA CAMPAIGN
May 26th, 1942

8th Army - Ritchie
--Army Troops
----8th Army HQ Protection Force
------10th Indian Infantry Brigade Group
--------2nd Bn / Highland Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
--------4th Bn / 10th Baluch Regiment – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
--------2nd Bn / 4th Ghurka Rifles – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
--------10th Indian Brigade AT Co. – 9 x 37mm ATG
--------10th Indian Brigade MG Co. – 12 x Vickers MMG
--------28th Field Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
----------260th AT Battery / 65th AT Regiment, RA
--------2nd Bengal Field Co., IE
----Airfield Defense and LOC Duties
------4th AA Brigade – 14th LAA Rgt., RA, 68th HAA Rgt., RA, 69th HAA Rgt., RA
------12th AA Brigade – 2nd LAA Rgt., RA, 15th LAA Rgt., RA, 27th LAA Rgt., RA, 88th HAA Rgt., RA
----DENCOL – Jarabub Oasis
------B+C / 1st Special Service Regiment – SAS and LRDG units?
------B / Guide’s Cavalry – 18 x Humber III
------B / 6th SA A/C Regiment – 18 x Marmon-Harrington III
------Detachement Senegalais
------Detachement Marocains
------Batterie Mixte – 4 x 75mm Gun, 2 x 25mm ATG
----2nd Brigade Francaise Libre (Reduced Strength - Personnel and Equip. to 1st Brigade Francaise Libre)
------5th Bataillon de Marche (motor) – (3 x Motor Co.)
------11th Bataillon de Marche (motor) – (3 x Motor Co.)
------21st Compagnie Nord-Africaine – 4 x 75mm Gun
------23rd Compagnie Nord-Africaine – 4 x 75mm Gun
------2nd Compagnie de sapeurs-mineurs

----95th AT Regiment, RA (-) (3 Btty) – 36 x 2# ATG
----149th AT Regiment, RA – 48 x 2# ATG
----17th Coastal Regiment, RA (Commands Tobruk Guns)
----94th HAA Regiment, RA – 24 x 3.7” AA Gun
----16th LAA Regiment, RA – 48 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
----42nd LAA Regiment, RA – 48 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun

XIII Corps – Gott
--XIII Corps Troops
----1st Army Tank Brigade (HQ – 4 x Crusader II)
------B+C / 8th Bn / RTR (-) (see SEACOL) – 4 x Matilda IICS, 28 x Valentine III
------A+C / 42nd Bn / RTR (detached to 1st SA Infantry Division)
--------B Sqn / 42nd Bn / RTR (detached to 50th Infantry Division)
------44th Bn / RTR (detached to 50th Infantry Division)
------SEACOL
--------1 Troop / 7th SA Recon Battalion – 3 x Marmon-Harrington III
--------A / 8th Bn / RTR – 2 x Matilda IICS, 12 x Valentine III
--------1 Co. / 2nd SA Police Bn. (see 6th SA Infantry Bde.)
--------4th Field Battery / 2nd Field Rgt., SAA (see) – 8 x 25# Field Gun
------STOPCOL
--------1 Co. / 2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish (see 6th SA Infantry Bde.)
--------6th AT Battery / 2nd AT Rgt., SAA (see) – 12 x 2# ATG
--------6th Field Battery / 2nd Field Rgt., SAA (see) – 8 x 25# Field Gun
----32nd Army Tank Brigade (HQ – 4 x Crusader II)
------4th Bn / RTR – 6 x Matilda IICS, 40 x Valentine III
------7th Bn / RTR – 6 x Matilda IICS, 40 x Matilda II
--1st South African Infantry Division
----1st South African Infantry Brigade Group
------1st Bn / Royal Natal Carabineers – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------1st Bn / Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Rifles – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------1st Bn / Transvaal Scottish – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------1st Field Regiment, SAA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
------1st Field Co., SAEC
----2nd South African Infantry Brigade Group
------1st Bn / Natal Mounted Rifles – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------1st /2nd Field Force Battalion – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------Cape Town Highlanders – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------4th Field Regiment, SAA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
------3rd Field Co., SAEC
----3rd South African Infantry Brigade Group
------1st Bn / Imperial Light Horse – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------1st Bn / Royal Durban Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------1st Bn / Rand Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------5th Field Regiment, SAA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
------2nd Field Co., SAEC
----A+C / 42nd Bn / RTR – 4 x Matilda IICS, 28 x Matilda II
----Regiment President Steyn (MG) (+ B / Die Middelandse Rgt.) – 48 + 12 x Vickers MMG
----3rd SA Reconnaissance Battalion – 58 x Marmon-Harrington III
----7th Field Regiment, SAA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
----1st AT Regiment, SAA – 48 x 2# ATG
----2nd AT Regiment, SAA (-) (see STOPCOL) – 36 x 2 # ATG
----1st LAA Regiment, SAA – 48 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
----67th Medium Regiment, RA (attached) – 16 x 4.5” Gun
----68th Medium Regiment, RA (attached) – 16 x 4.5” Gun
--2nd South African Infantry Division (Infantry elements not motorized)
----4th South African Infantry Brigade Group
------2nd Bn / Royal Durban Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------Umvoti Mounted Rifles – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------Kaffrarian Rifles – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------3rd Field Regiment, SAA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
------10th Field Co., SAEC
----6th South African Infantry Brigade Group
------1st South African Police Battalion – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------2nd South African Police Battalion (-) (see SEACOL) – 3 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish (-) (see STOPCOL, Commonwealth Keep and Acroma Keep) –
--------1 x Rifle Co.
------Commonwealth Keep
--------1 Co.+ / 2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish
------Acroma Keep
--------1 Co.+ / 2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish
------2nd Field Regiment, SAA (-) (1 btty only – see STOPCOL, SEACOL) – 8 x 25# Field Gun
------4th Field Co., SAEC
----9th Indian Infantry Brigade Group (attached)
------2nd Bn / West Yorkshire Regiment – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------3rd Bn / 9th Jat Regiment – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
-----(3rd Bn / 12th Frontier Force Regiment – detached – at El Adem)
------9th Indian Brigade AT Co. – 9 x 37mm ATG
------10th Indian Brigade MG Co. – 12 x Vickers MMG
------4th Field Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------309th AT Battery – 12 x 2# ATG
------20th Bombay Field Co., IE
----7th SA Reconnaissance Battalion (-) (see SEACOL) – 55 x Marmon-Harrington II
----Die Middelanse Regiment (MG) (-) (see Regiment President Steyn) – 36 x Vickers MMG
----2nd LAA Regiment, SAA - 48 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
--50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division
----69th Infantry Brigade Group
------5th Bn / East Yorkshire Regiment – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------6th Bn / Green Howards – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------7th Bn / Green Howards – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------A / 2nd Bn / Cheshire Regiment (MG) – 12 x Vickers MMG
------124th Field Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------257th AT Battery / 65th AT Regiment, RA – 12 x 2# ATG
------1 Btty / 25th LAA Regiment, RA - 12 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
------233rd Field Co., RE
----150th Infantry Brigade Group
------4th Bn / East Yorkshire Regiment – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------4th Bn / Green Howards – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------5th Bn / Green Howards – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------D / 2nd Bn / Cheshire Regiment (MG) – 12 x Vickers MMG
------72nd Field Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------259th AT Battery / 65th AT Regiment, RA – 12 x 2# ATG
------25th/26th Medium Battery / 7th Medium Regiment, RA – 8 x 4.5” Gun
------1 Btty / 25th LAA Regiment, RA – 12 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
------232nd Field Co., RE
----151st Infantry Brigade Group
------6th Bn / Durham Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------8th Bn / Durham Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------9th Bn / Durham Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------C / 2nd Bn / Cheshire Regiment (MG) – 12 x Vickers MMG
------74th Field Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------258th AT Battery / 65th AT Regiment, RA – 12 x 2# ATG
------1 Btty / 25th LAA Regiment, RA – 12 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
------505th Field Co., RE
----B Sqn / 42nd Bn / RTR - 2 x Matilda IICS, 12 x Matilda II
----44th Bn / RTR – 6 x Matilda IICS, 40 x Valentine III
----2nd Bn / Cheshire Regiment (-) (B Co. only) – 12 x Vickers MMG
----6th SA A/C Regiment (-) (see DENCOL) – 40 x Marmon-Harrington III
----7th Medium Regiment, RA (-) (1 Btty) – 8 x 4.5” Gun

XXX Corps – Norrie
--XXX Corps Troops
----3rd Indian Motor Brigade
------2nd Bn / Royal Lancers (Cavalry-Carrier) – 2 x Recon Sqn, 1 x AT Sqn
------11th Bn / Prince Albert Victor’s Own Cavalry (Cavalry-Carrier) – 2 x Recon Sqn, 1 x AT Sqn
------18th Bn / King Edward’s Own Cavalry (Cavalry-Carrier) – 2 x Recon Sqn, 1 x AT Sqn
------3rd Indian Motor Brigade AT Co. – 16 x 2# ATG
------2nd Field Regiment, IA – 16 x 25# Field Gun
------31st Bengal Field Squadron, IE
----29th Indian Infantry Brigade Group
------1st Bn / Worcestershire Regiment – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------3rd Bn / 2nd Punjab Regiment – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------1st Bn / 5th Mahratta Light Infantry – 4 x Rifle Co., 1 x Support Co.
------29th Indian Infantry Brigade Group AT Co. – 9 x 37mm ATG
------3rd Field Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------308th AT Battery, RA – 16 x 2# ATG
------21st Bombay Field Squadron, IE
--1st Armoured Division (HQ – 8 x Crusader II)
----2nd Armoured Brigade Group (HQ – 10 x Crusader II)
------Queen’s Bays – 44 x Crusader II, 12 x Grant
------9th Lancers – 44 x Crusader II, 12 x Grant
------10th Hussars – 44 x Crusader II, 12 x Grant
------1st Bn / The Rifle Brigade (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------11th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------239th AT Battery / 60th AT Regiment, RA – 16 x 6# ATG
------44th LAA Battery, RA – 12 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
------88th LAA Battery, RA – 12 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
------1 Troop / 1st Field Sqn., RE
----22nd Armoured Brigade Group (HQ – 10 x Crusader II)
------2nd Royal Gloucestershire Hussars – 44 x Crusader II, 12 x Grant
------3rd County of London Yeomanry – 44 x Crusader II, 12 x Grant
------4th County of London Yeomanry – 44 x Crusader II, 12 x Grant
------50th Bn /Reconnaissance Corps (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------C / 12th Lancers (see 7th Armoured Division) – 18 x Humber III
------107th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------287th AT Battery / 102nd AT Regiment, RA – 16 x 6# ATG
------13th /7th Field Sqn., RE
----201st Guards Infantry Brigade Group
------3rd Bn / Coldstream Guards Regiment (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------2nd Bn / Scotts Guards Regiment (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------9th Bn / The Rifle Brigade (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------2nd Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------288th AT Battery / 102nd AT Regiment, RA – 16 x 6# ATG
------1st Field Sqn., RE (-) (see 2nd Armoured Brigade Group)
----1st Royal Dragoons – 58 x Marmon-Harrington III
----61st LAA Regiment, RA (2 batteries) – 24 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
----1st Field Park Squadron, RE
----3rd Field Squadron, RE (attached)
--7th Armoured Division (HQ – 9 x Stuart)
----4th Armoured Brigade Group (HQ – 4 x Stuart, 4 x Grant)
------8th Hussars – 20 x Stuart, 24 x Grant
------3rd Bn / RTR – 20 x Stuart, 24 x Grant
------5th Bn / RTR – 20 x Stuart, 24 x Grant
------1st Bn / King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------1st Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------ZZ AT Battery – 16 x 6# ATG
------1 Troop / 171st LAA Battery, RA – 4 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
------1 Troop / 4th Field Sqn., RE
----7th Motor Brigade Group
------2rd Bn / King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------9th Bn / King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------2nd Bn / The Rifle Brigade (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------4th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------289th AT Battery / 102nd AT Regiment, RA – 16 x 6# ATG
------4th Field Sqn., RE
----1st Brigade Francaise Libre
------13th Demi-brigade de Legion etrangere
--------2nd Bataillon de Legion etrangere (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
--------3rd Bataillon de Legion etrangere (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------2nd Demi-brigade Senegalaise
--------2nd Bataillon de marche l’Oubangui (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
--------Bataillon du Pacifique (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------1st Bataillon d’infanterie de Marin (1 Co. – Motor)
------1st Bataillon de Fusiliers Marins (AA) – 12 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun, 2 x Quad .50 AA Gun
------22nd Compagnie Nord-Africaine (Mortar) – 4 x 81mm Mortar
------1st Compagnie Antichar (AT) – 6 x 75mm (AT) Gun, 6 x 47mm (Italian) ATG
------1st Regiment d’artillerie – 24 x 75mm How., 2 x 25# Gun
------1st Compagnie de sapeurs-mineurs
------Troop / 43rd LAA Battery / 61st LAA Regiment, RA – 4 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
----1st King’s Dragoon Guards – 58 x Marmon-Harrington III
----12th Lancers (-) (see 22nd Armoured Brigade Group) – 40 x Humber II
----4th SA A/C Regiment (attached) – 58 x Marmon-Harrington III
----1st LAA Regiment, RA – 48 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
----143rd Field Park Squadron, RE


Arrives during the 1st week of June – units were stripped of tanks and crews to replace losse in other armored units:
--1st Armoured Brigade Group (HQ – 4 x Stuart, 4 x Grant)
------4th Hussars – 20 x Stuart, 24 x Grant
------1st Bn / RTR – 20 x Stuart, 24 x Grant
------6th Bn / RTR – 20 x Stuart, 24 x Grant
------1st Bn / Sherwood Foresters (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------104th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun

Brad Hunter
Member
Posts: 183
Joined: 19 Jul 2005, 16:20
Location: Raleigh, NC

#2

Post by Brad Hunter » 10 Jul 2006, 21:44

AXIS ORDER OF BATTLE - THE GAZALA CAMPAIGN – “CASE VENEZIA”
May 26th, 1942

Comando Superiore Forze Armata Africa Settrentrionale - Bastico
--Divisione Fanteria 25. "Bologna" - refitting in Tunisia - (not committed)
--Divisione Corazzata 131. "Littorio" - grouped around Mechili - (limited commitment on 6/21)
--Raggruppamento "Giovani Fascisti" - grouped around Mechili - (not committed)

Panzerarmee "Afrika" – Rommel
--Kampfgruppe "Kiehl" - Panzerarmee "Afrika" Kampfstaffel – Kiehl – HQ – 5 x Pz II
----2./606. Heer Fla Abteilung (sfl) – (see 90. leichte Afrika Division) - 8 x SdKfz 10/4, 2 x SdKfz 7/1
----1 Zug/39. Panzerjager Abteilung (mot.) – (see 21. Panzer Division) - 3 x 50mm Pak
----1 Zug/33. Pionier Bataillon (mot.) – (see 15. Panzer Division)
----1 PzSpah Zug/3. Panzeraufklarungs Abteilung – (see 21. Panzer Division) – 4 x SdKfz 222
----beute Panzer Kp. – 12 x M3 Stuart
--Kampfgruppe "Hecker" - Hecker (later attached to 90. le. Afrika Div. for the assault on Bir Hacheim)
----13./800. Lehr Regiment "Brandenburg" - (nominally attached to 288. Sonderverband as 1. Kp.) -
------1 x Commando Kp. + 3 x Crusader II, 1 x Br. A/C, 2 x StuG IIIf, 10 x ATR, 3 x 45mm Mortar,
------3 x 50mm Pak, 6x 37mm Pak, 4 x 2# ATG
----Battaglione Maro 3. "Tobruk," Reggimento "San Marco" (-) – 1 x Commando Co. + 1 x Br. A/C,
------13 x HMG, 13 x 47mm ATG, 3 x 45mm Mortar
----778. Pionier Landungsboot Kompanie – (amphibious assault unit) – 1 x Landwasserschlepper,
------2 x Br. A/C, 11 x Sturmboot 42, 2 x Pionier Landungsboot 41, 1 x Fuhrungsboot 42
--Kampfgruppe "Burkhardt" - the Fallshirmjager Lehr Bataillon / IX Fleigerkorps (not committed –
----technically attached to 90. le. Afrika Div.)
--Artilleriekommandeur 104. - Boettcher
----221. Artillerie Regiment Stab zbV (mot.)
------II./115. schwere Artillerie Abteilung (mot.) – 8 x 210mm M18 How.
------408. schwere Artillerie Abteilung (mot.) – 12 x 105mm K18 Gun
------902. schwere Artillerie Batterie (mot.) – 3 x 150mm sFH18 How.
The following units are NOT motorized
------362. Kusten Artillerie Batterie – 4 x 105mm FH18 How.
------363. Gebirgs Artillerie Batterie – 4 x 75mm leGb How.
------364. Gebirgs Artillerie Batterie – 4 x 75mm leGb How.
------4./149. Artillerie Regiment – 3 x 170mm FK18 Gun
------4./172. Artillerie Regiment – 3 x 170mm FK18 Gun
------523. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung (-) (see KG "Menny") – 8 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
------528. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung – 12 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
------529. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung – 12 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
------532. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung – 12 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
--Raggruppamento Artiglieria 8. - (motorized)
----Battaglione Artiglieria 33. – 12 x 149/40mm Gun
----Battaglione Artiglieria 52. – 4 x 152/37mm How.
----Battaglione Artiglieria 192. – 8 x 149/28mm How.

Deutsches Afrika Korps – Nehring (Cruwell commands the "Gazala Front" - Italian X and XXI Corps)

--15. Panzer Division – von Vaerst
----8. Panzer Regiment
------I. Panzer Abteilung - 3 x leichte Panzer Kompanien, 1 x mittler Panzer Kompanie
------II. Panzer Abteilung - 3 x leichte Panzer Kompanien, 1 x mittler Panzer Kompanie
[TOTALS – ToE
Rgt. HQ – 5 x Pz II, 2 x PzBef III
Pz. Abt. – HQ – 5 x Pz II, 1 x Pz III, 2 x PzBef III; Kp. Total – 20 x Pz II, 66 x Pz III, 10 x Pz IV)
Rgt. Total ToE – 55 x Pz II, 6 x PzBef III, 134 x Pz III, 20 x Pz IV
Total Actual Regimental Strength = 29 x Pz II, 4 x PzBef, 131 x Pz IIIh, 3 x Pz IIIj, 22 x Pz IVe]
----115. Schutzen Regiment (mot.)
------I. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------II. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------III. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------1 x Infanteriegeschutz Kompanie – 4 x 75mm leIG, 2 x 150mm sIG
------1 x Pionier Kompanie
----33. Panzeraufklarungs Abteilung – 1 x Pzspah Kp., 1 x Krad. Kp., 1 x schwere Kp.
----33. Panzerjager Abteilung (mot.) (2 Kp.) – 18 x 50mm Pak
----33. Pionier Bataillon (mot.) (-) (3 Kp. – see KG “Kiehl”)
----33. Artillerie Regiment (mot.)
------I. leichte Abteilung – 12 x 105mm FH18 How.
------II. leichte Abteilung – 12 x 105mm FH18 How.
------III. schwere Abteilung – 4 x 105mm FK18 Gun, 8 x 150mm sFH18 How.
----I./43. Luftwaffe Flak Regiment (mot.) (attached) – 18 x 88mm Flak, 24 x 20mm Fla
----3./617. Heer Fla Abteilung (sfl.) (attached) (see 21. Panzer Div.) - 8 x SdKfz 10/4, 2 x SdKfz 7/1
--21. Panzer Division – von Bismarck
----5. Panzer Regiment
------I. Panzer Abteilung - 3 x leichte Panzer Kompanien, 1 x mittler Panzer Kompanie
------II. Panzer Abteilung - 3 x leichte Panzer Kompanien, 1 x mittler Panzer Kompanie
[TOTALS – ToE
Rgt. HQ – 5 x Pz II, 2 x PzBef III
Pz. Abt. – HQ – 5 x Pz II, 1 x Pz III, 2 x PzBef III; Kp. Total – 20 x Pz II, 66 x Pz III, 10 x Pz IV)
Rgt. Total ToE – 55 x Pz II, 6 x PzBef III, 134 x Pz III, 20 x Pz IV
Total Actual Regimental Strength = 29 x Pz II, 4 x PzBef, 107 x Pz IIIh, 15 x Pz IIIj, 19 x Pz IVe]
----104. Schutzen Regiment (mot.)
------I. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------II. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------III. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------1 x Infanteriegeschutz Kompanie – 4 x 75mm leIG, 2 x 150mm sIG
------1 x Pionier Kompanie
----3. Panzeraufklarungs Abteilung (-) (see KG “Kiehl”) – 1 x Pzspah Kp., 1 x Krad. Kp., 1 x schwere Kp.
------+ 6 x 25# Field Gun
----39. Panzerjager Abteilung (mot.) (-) (2 Kp. - see KG “Kiehl”) – 15 x 50mm Pak
----200. Pionier Bataillon (mot.) (3 Kp.)
----155. Artillerie Regiment (mot.)
------I. leichte Abteilung - 12 x 105mm FH18 How.
------II. leichte Abteilung - 12 x 105mm FH18 How.
------III. schwere Abteilung - 105mm FK18 Gun, 8 x 150mm sFH18 How.
----I./18. Luftwaffe Flak Regiment (mot.) (attached) - 18 x 88mm Flak, 24 x 20mm Fla
----617. Heer Fla Abteilung (sfl.) (-) (attached) (see 15. Panzer Div.) – 16 x SdKfz 10/4, 4 x SdKfz 7/1
--90. leichte Afrika Division [-] - Kleemann - (see KG "Menny")
----155. Schutzen Regiment (mot.)
------I. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------II. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------707. schwere Infanteriegeschutz Kompanie (sfl.) (attached) – 6 x 150mm sIG 33 (Pz II)
----288. Sonderverband (mot.) (attached) (usually split into 2 KG for combat operations)
------Hauptquartier Kompanie – 2 x SdKfz 221
------[1. "Brandenburger" Kompanie] - (detached to KG "Hecker")
------2. Gebirgsjager Kompanie
------3. Schutzen Kompanie
------4. Maschinengewehr Kompanie – 12 x HMG, 6 x 81mm Mortar
------5. Panzerjager Kompanie – 2 x 50mm Pak, 6 x 37mm Pak
------6. Fla Kompanie – 12 x 20mm Fla
------7. Pionier Kompanie
----580. Panzeraufklarungs Kompanie – 1 x PzSpah Zug, 1 x Afkl. Zug, 1 x Pzjgr Zug, 1 x Fla Zug
----190. Panzerjager Abteilung (mot.) (2 Kp. – Bn. HQ not yet in North Africa) – 18 x 50mm Pak
------1./612. Heer Fla Abt. (attached) – 12 x SdKfz 10/4
----900. Pionier Bataillon (mot.) (2 Kp.)
----361. Artillerie Abteilung (mot.) – 12 x 76mm [r] How., 4 x 25# Field Gun
----605. Panzerjager Abteilung (sfl.) (attached) – 18 x Panzerjager Ib, 9 x SdKfz 6/3 "Diana"
----606. Heer Fla Abteilung (mot.) (-) (attached) (see KG “Kiehl”) - 20 x SdKfz 10/4, 2 x SdKfz 7/1

Corpo d' Armata X – Gioda
--Reggimento Bersaglieri 9. (motorized)
----Battaglione Bersaglieri 28. – 2 x Compagnie Bersaglieri, 1 x Compagnie Controcarri
----Battaglione Bersaglieri 30. – 2 x Compagnie Bersaglieri, 1 x Compagnie Controcarri
----Compagnie Mitraglieri
--Battaglione Guastatori 31. – 2 x Compagnie Guastatori
--Battaglione Genio 10.
--Raggruppamento Artiglieria 15. (motorized)
----Battaglione Artiglieria 1./15. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
----Battaglione Artiglieria 2./15. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
----Battaglione Artiglieria 3./15. – 12 x 100/17mm How.
----Battaglione Artiglieria 4./15. – 12 x 100/17mm How.

--Divisione Fanteria 17. "Pavia" - Franceschini
----Reggimento Fanteria 27. (AS42)
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./27. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./27. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 3./27. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Compagnie Mortai – 6 x 81mm Mortar
----Reggimento Fanteria 28. (AS42)
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./28. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./28. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 3./28. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Compagnie Mortai – 6 x 81mm Mortar
----Reggimento Artiglieria 26. (motorized)
------Battaglione Artiglieria 1./26.- 12 x 105/28mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 2./26. - 12 x 105/28mm Gun
------Compagnie Controaerea 77. - 8 x 20mm AA
------Compagnie Controaerea 432. - 8 x 20mm AA
----Battaglione Genio Misto 18.
--Divisione Fanteria 27. "Brescia" - Lombardi
----Reggimento Fanteria 19. (AS42)
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./19. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./19. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 3./19. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Compagnie Mortai – 6 x 81mm Mortar
----Reggimento Fanteria 20. (AS42)
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./20. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./20. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 3./20. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Compagnie Mortai – 6 x 81mm Mortar
----Reggimento Articelere 1. (motorized)
------Battaglione Artiglieria 1./1C. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 2./1C. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 3./1C. – 12 x 100/17mm How.
------Battaglione Artiglieria 4./1C. – 12 x 100/17mm How.
------Battaglione Controaerea 5./1C. – 8 x 88mm Flak
------Compagnie Controaerea 401. – 8 x 20mm AA
------Compagnie Controaerea 404. – 8 x 20mm AA
----Battaglione Genio Misto 27.

Corpo d' Armata di' Manovra XX - Baldassare
--Battaglione Artiglieria 191. (attached from Raggruppamento Artiglieria 8.) – 12 x 149/28mm Gun
--Battaglione Genio 34.

--Divisione Motorizzata 101. "Trieste" - Azzi
----Reggimento Motorizzato 65.
------Battaglione Motorizzato 1./65. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Motorizzato 2./65. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
----Reggimento Motorizzato 66.
------Battaglione Motorizzato 1./66. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Motorizzato 2./66. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
----Battaglione Carri 11. – 53 x M13/40-41
----Battaglione Autoblinda Bersaglieri 8. (2 Co.) – 40 x AB41 + 4 x Br. Morris A/C, 2 x 2# Autocannoni,
------1 x 47mm Autocannoni, 1 x 37mm AA Autocannoni, 1 x 40mm AA Autocannoni, 2 x 20mm AA Autocannoni,
------1 x 25# Field Gun
----Reggimento Artiglieria 21. (motorized)
------Battaglione Artiglieria 1./21. – 10 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 2./21. – 10 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 3./21. – 12 x 100/17mm How.
------Battaglione Artiglieria 4./21. - 12 x 100/17mm How.
------Battaglione Controaerea 5./21. – 12 x 75mm Flak
------Battaglione Artiglieria 131. (attached from Raggruppamento Artiglieria 8.) – 8 x 149/28mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 148. (attached from Raggruppamento Artiglieria 8.) – 12 x 149/28mm Gun
------Compagnie Controaerea 146. – 8 x 20mm AA
------Compagnie Controaerea 411. – 8 x 20mm AA
----Battaglione Genio Misto 52. (motorized)
--Divisione Corazzata 132. "Ariete" - de Stephanis
----Reggimento Corazzato 132.
------Battaglione Carri 8. – 53 x M13/40-41
------Battaglione Carri 9. – 53 x M13/40-41
------Battaglione Carri 10. – 53 x M13/40-41
------Compagnie Controaerea – 8 x 20mm AA
[TOTALS – ToE – Unit at ToE Strength
Rgt. HQ – 5 x M13/40-41 + 27 M13/40-41 in Reserve Detachment
Carri Bn. – HQ – 5 x M13/40-41; Co. Total – 48 x M13/40-41
Rgt. Total ToE – 164 x M13/40-41 + 27 M13/40-41 in Reserve Detachment]
----Reggimento Bersaglieri 8. (motorized)
------Battaglione Bersaglieri d’accompagnamento 3. (HW) - 1 x Compagnie Controaerea, 1 x Compagnie Mitraglieri,
--------1 x Compagnie Mortai
------Battaglione Bersaglieri 5. – 2 x Compagnie Bersaglieri, 1 x Compagnie Controcarri
------Battaglione Bersaglieri 12. – 2 x Compagnie Bersaglieri, 1 x Compagnie Controcarri
----Battaglione Carri 3., Reggimento "Lancieri di Novara" (2 Co.) – 33 x L6/40
----Battaglione Autoblinda 3., Reggimento "Nizza Cavalleria" (2 Co.) – 40 x AB41
----Reggimento Artiglieria 132. (motorized)
------Battaglione Artiglieria 1./132. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 2./132. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 3./132. – 10 x 105/28mm How.
------Battaglione Semovente 551. – 8 x Semovente 75/18 (+ 2 unarmed Command Semovente)
------Battaglione Semovente 552. –8 x Semovente 75/18 (+ 2 unarmed Command Semovente)
------Battaglione Controaerea 4./132. – 10 x 90mm AA Autocannoni
------Battaglione Controaerea 2., Reggimento Artiglieria 24. – 8 x 88mm Flak
----Battaglione Genio Misto 32.

Corpo d' Armata XXI - Navarrini
--Reggimento Bersaglieri 7. (motorized)
----Battaglione Bersaglieri 8. – 2 x Compagnie Bersaglieri, 1 x Compagnie Controcarri
----Battaglione Bersaglieri 10. – 2 x Compagnie Bersaglieri, 1 x Compagnie Controcarri
--Battaglione Guastatori 32. – 2 x Compagnie Guastatori

--Divisione Fanteria 60. "Sabratha" – Soldarelli
----Reggimento Fanteria 85. (AS42)
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./85. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./85. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
----Reggimento Fanteria 86. (AS42)
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./86. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./86. – 4 x Compagnie Fucilieri
----Reggimento Articelere 3. (motorized)
------Battaglione Artiglieria 1./3C. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 2./3C. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 3./3C. – 12 x 100/17mm How.
----Battaglione Genio Misto 60.
--Divisione (Motorizzata) 102. "Trento" - (transport stripped for XX Corps units) – Getti
---- Reggimento (Motorizzato) 61.
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./61. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./61. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 3./61. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
---- Reggimento (Motorizzato) 62.
------Battaglione Fanteria 1./62. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 2./62. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
------Battaglione Fanteria 3./62. – 3 x Compagnie Fucilieri
----Reggimento Artiglieria 46. (motorized)
------Battaglione Artiglieria 1./46. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 2./46. – 12 x 75/27mm Gun
------Battaglione Artiglieria 3./46. – 12 x 100/17mm How.
------Battaglione Artiglieria 4./46. – 12 x 100/17mm How.
------Compagnie Controaerea 412. – 8 x 20mm AA
------Compagnie Controaerea 414. – 8 x 20mm AA
----Battaglione Genio Misto 51.
--Kampfgruppe "Menny" (15. Schutzen Brigade HQ - non-motorized units of 90. le. Div.) - Menny
----200. Schutzen Regiment
------I. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------II. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------708. schwere Infanteriegeschutz Kompanie (sfl.) (attached) – 6 x 150mm sIG 33 (Pz II)
----361. Schutzen Regiment
------I. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
------II. Schutzen Bataillon – 4 x Schutzen Kompanien
----612. Heer Fla Abteilung (mot.) (-) (attached) (see 90. le. Afrika Div.) – 36 x SdKfz 10/4
----3./523. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung - (attached) (see Arko 104.) – 4 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
----533. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung - (attached) – 12 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.


RichTO90
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Re: Gazala OoB

#3

Post by RichTO90 » 10 Jul 2006, 21:55

Brad Hunter wrote:As requested by David W. Only combat-type units are shown.
Some notes I have made over the past few years....

Unfortunately much of the documentation during this period was lost. For instance, the Middle East Command War Diary Appendices entitled “Artillery Equipment Situation in the Middle East as of ….” that were completed on a roughly weekly basis are missing after the 14 February 1942 report until the 31 August 1942 report. As of 14 February only 48 6-pdr had arrived in the Middle East. There is a later report of 10 September 1942 that gives the average number of guns and the total number of rounds fired during the period in question. For the month ending 20 May the average number of 6-pdr available was 15, with 7,440 rounds fired. For the month ending 20 June the average number of guns was 128, with 47,700 rounds fired (and 41,600 rounds lost in the withdrawal). For the month ending 20 July the average number of guns was 257, with 55,069 rounds fired.

There is also some data available in the 13 and 30 Corps RA War Diaries. As of 20 May there were no 6-pdr in 13 Corps. AT defense for 50 Division consisted of 108 2-pdr, 1 50mm, 8 47mm, 3 37mm, 3 28/41mm (!), and 1 76.2mm gun. All of the odd guns were “post” guns, which I assume meant fixed guns. 1 SA Division had 84 2-pdr, 21 18-pdr (!), 8 50mm, and 1 50mm, 5 47mm, 6 37mm, 3 25mm, and 1 20mm “post” guns at Tobruk. By 21 June 13 Corps had 146 6-pdr, 124 with 7 AD (including 24 with 3 Indian Motor Brigade), 14 with 10 Indian Division and 8 with C/95 AT. In 30 Corps as of 31 May there were 53 6-pdr, 13 with 1 RHA, 8 with 2 RHA, 8 with 4 RHA, 10 with 11 RHA, and 14 with 107 RHA.

The actual tank losses in the Gazala and Tobruk battles may never be fully understood, since many of the relevant records were never filed and/or were lost or destroyed. But the “Tank Casualty State to 25 July 1942” (WO 169/3861) does give some basis for estimates. At that time, considering the tank state of 27 May, the formations dispatched to Eighth Army after 27 May, and the number of replacements sent forward 23 May to 25 July, the total tank strength of Eighth Army was:

403 Grant, 543 Crusader, 429 Stuart, 482 Valentine and 174 Matilda

Of those, the number evacuated to base workshops 27 May to 25 July were:

108 Grant, 189 Crusader, 148 Stuart, 53 Valentine, and 43 Matilda

The total in Eighth Army (serviceable/in workshops was):

71/26 Grant, 126/48 Crusader, 145/26 Stuart, 119/23 Valentine, and 9/5 Matilda

Thus the total unaccounted for and presumably lost and the percent of the total available lost was:

198 Grant (49.1%), 180 Crusader (33.1%), 110 Stuart (25.6%), 287 Valentine (59.5%), and 117 Matilda (67.2%)

So the “I” tanks had the worst losses, which given the fluid nature of the battle is not unexpected. As for the Cruisers it is hard to say if the lower losses of the Crusader was a function of its battlefield prowess or of its continued unreliability (34.8% evacuated to base workshops as opposed to 26.8% of the Grants)?

Gazala – the Cauldron Battles, 24 May to 16 June 1942

German tank strength as of 25 May was 50 Pz II, 223 Pz III, 19 Pz III (Sp), 40 Pz IV, 9 command and 228 Italian tanks. On 20 May there were 65 German and 76 Italian armored cars.

German start strength was 42,210. Italian strength is estimated based upon the 31 July report of the Italian divisions as follows: Sabratha 4775 (est), Trento 4620, Brescia 4930, Pavia 1432, Ariete 6732, Trieste 5000, corps troops 4890, plus casualties reported for 26 May - 31 Jul (16787) = 49166.

Italian air strength 159 Ftr, 25 GA, 32 Bmb as given for 2nd Quarter of 1942 in Ellis, World War II.German air ready-for-action (87 Ftr, 28 GA, 25 Bmb) as of 10 May from http://www.afrika-corps.de/, a German Website which has utilized primary sources to assemble strengths for Luftwaffe units in Africa

Artillery strength as reported by Ia on 25 May 1942:

Field artillery includes 160 German and 53 Italian pieces.

AT artillery includes 248 German (4.7 cm, 5 cm, 7.5 cm, 7.62 cm) and 328 Italian (4.7 cm, 7.62 cm) pieces.

AA artillery includes 204 German and 346 Italian light (2 cm), and 34 German and 30 Italian heavy (7.5 cm, 8.8 cm) pieces.

Other artillery includes 272 Italian light artillery pieces (6.5 cm, 7.5 cm, and 7.7 cm).

German and Italian casualties for period are somewhat fragmentary:

Reported by Ia for 26. May - 6 June 1942

X AK, XXI AK, Ariete Div, Trieste Div, ARKO Nicolini (Italians) = 410 KIA, 1705 WIA, 1397 MIA.

90 Div, ARKO 104 (Germans) = 210 KIA, 844 WIA, 293 MIA.

Reported by Ia for 26. 5 - 1. 6. 42.

DAK, PzAOK (Germans) = 230 KIA, 879 WIA, 569 MIA.
15 Schuetzen Brigade (German) = 268 total.

Reported by Ia in daily summaries for units of DAK for 2.6. - 7.6.42 (not reported above) = 98 KIA, 396 WIA, 45 MIA.

Reported for all units in daily Ia summaries for 8.6. - 13.6.42 = 34 KIA, 157 WIA, 6 MIA.

By this methodology total losses = 982 KIA, 3981 WIA, 2009 MIA and 268 without a breakdown, TOT 7240.

However, according to the 10-day reports (which are unfortunately only available as monthly summaries after May 1942) the total German loss alone for 21 May - 30 June was
1119 KIA, 4320 WIA, and 825 MIA. It is apparent that the Ia reports severely overestimated KIA and MIA, while understimating WIA. For the purposes of the database the Medical reports are again accepted, minus the reported daily losses for 14 - 30 June (73 KIA, 249 WIA, and 15 MIA) plus the Italian losses (415 KIA, 1716 WIA, 1397 MIA). Total = 1471 KIA, 5787 WIA, 2207 MIA. A total of 11,523 Commonwealth PW were recorded.

Tank losses from unit loss reports 26 May - 6 June 1942:

DAK - 82
90 LAD - 5 (SP AT)
Kasta DAK - 3
Italians - 127

Artillery losses from unit reports 26 May - 6 June 1942:

FA - 35
AT - 152
AA - 29
OTH - 36
TOTAL = 252

Note that the loss of artillery reported does not match the decline in artillery strength from the report of 25 May (1675) to that of 8 June (710). However, it appears that many pieces were left immobile due to the heavy loss of prime movers in the Cauldron battles. There are some indications that, as the pursuit of the UK forces began, many artillery pieces were left behind in Bardia, Sollum, and Tobruk (after they were captured). These additional vehicles augmented the army logistic transport capability, making the pursuit into Egypt possible. These remaining pieces were slowly brought forward as transport capability and the stabilization of the front permitted. Many apparently remained in storage and were lost when the British re-conquered Cyrenaica after the battle of El Alamein.

British strength as of 16 May from Fighting State 8th Army, GHQ MEF War Diary was 117,653. British tanks include 276 Matilda and Valentine infantry tanks, 149 Stuarts, and 424 Grants and other Cruisers. Artillery consisted of 500 field artillery pieces. There were 190 aircraft of all types operational. Aircraft and tank strength from British Official History: Vol III, p. 220. I am trying to compile more comprehensive data for the Commonwealth forces and will do so ASAP. Commonwealth losses were 1,121 KIA, 2,692 WIA and 12,605 MIA.

Anyway, enjoy.

RichTO90
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#4

Post by RichTO90 » 10 Jul 2006, 22:05

Brad Hunter wrote:AXIS ORDER OF BATTLE - THE GAZALA CAMPAIGN – “CASE VENEZIA”
May 26th, 1942
--Artilleriekommandeur 104. - Boettcher
----221. Artillerie Regiment Stab zbV (mot.)
------II./115. schwere Artillerie Abteilung (mot.) – 8 x 210mm M18 How.
------408. schwere Artillerie Abteilung (mot.) – 12 x 105mm K18 Gun
------902. schwere Artillerie Batterie (mot.) – 3 x 150mm sFH18 How.
The following units are NOT motorized
------362. Kusten Artillerie Batterie – 4 x 105mm FH18 How.
------363. Gebirgs Artillerie Batterie – 4 x 75mm leGb How.
------364. Gebirgs Artillerie Batterie – 4 x 75mm leGb How.
------4./149. Artillerie Regiment – 3 x 170mm FK18 Gun
------4./172. Artillerie Regiment – 3 x 170mm FK18 Gun
------523. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung (-) (see KG "Menny") – 8 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
------528. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung – 12 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
------529. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung – 12 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
------532. Kusten Artillerie Abteilung – 12 x 155mm sFH414[f] How.
Oops, yup, Batterie 363 and 364 were Gebirgs-Artillerie, my error, but the relevent Gliederungen clearly show them each with 3 7.62cm (r) pieces.

Further, 4./Artillerie-Regiment 172 is incorrect, it is clearly shown as 472 in the documentation.

Note also that the majority of the Kuesten-Artillerie were equipped with s.FK, only two were equipped with the s.FH.

All in all many oddities, I'll try to revisit them tomorrow.

Brad Hunter
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Posts: 183
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Location: Raleigh, NC

#5

Post by Brad Hunter » 10 Jul 2006, 22:21

In regards to the Italian "AS 42" reorganization: I'm now convinced, regardless of sources that I have seen, and after discussions with some of our Italian "brethren," that the "AS 42" reorganization ONLY affected the leg infantry units. I believe that the Bersaglieri and Motorized Infantry retained their previous organizations. I know that the Folgore Parachute Division did NOT reorganize to the "AS 42" format, so it's stands to reason that, the units that were supposed to have the most offensive potential, should retain an organization that allows those units to retain that offensive potential. The "AS 42" organization emphasized company-sized, static "stongpoints."

EXAMPLES:

Reggimento Fanteria (AS42)
--Battaglione Fanteria
----Compagnie Fucilieri - 1 x Fucilieri Pln, 1 x MG Pln (3 x HMG), 1 x CA Pln (3 x 20/35mm AA), 1 x CC Pln (3 x 47/35mm ATG)
----Compagnie Fucilieri - 1 x Fucilieri Pln, 1 x MG Pln (3 x HMG), 1 x CA Pln (3 x 20/35mm AA), 1 x CC Pln (3 x 47/35mm ATG)
----Compagnie Fucilieri - 1 x Fucilieri Pln, 1 x MG Pln (3 x HMG), 1 x CA Pln (3 x 20/35mm AA), 1 x CC Pln (3 x 47/35mm ATG)
----Compagnie Fucilieri - 1 x Fucilieri Pln, 1 x MG Pln (3 x HMG), 1 x CA Pln (3 x 20/35mm AA), 1 x CC Pln (3 x 47/35mm ATG)
--Battaglione Fanteria – (same)
--Battaglione Fanteria – (same)
--Compagnie Mortai – 6 x 81mm Mortar

Reggimento Bersaglieri (motorized) (Pre-"AS 42" - typical for the 6/42 time frame)
--Battaglione Bersaglieri
----Compagnie Bersaglieri - 2 x Fucilieri Pln (incl. 6 x HMG)
----Compagnie Bersaglieri - 2 x Fucilieri Pln (incl. 6 x HMG)
----Compagnie CC - 8 x 47/35mm ATG
--Battaglione Bersaglieri (same)

Reggimento Motorizzato
--Battaglione Motorizzato (Pre-"AS 42" - typical for the 6/42 time frame)
----Compagnie Fucilieri - 3 x Fucilieri Pln, 1 x MG Pln (3 x HMG), 1 x CA Pln (3 x 20/35mm AA), 1 x CC Pln (3 x 47/35mm ATG)
----Compagnie Fucilieri - 3 x Fucilieri Pln, 1 x MG Pln (3 x HMG), 1 x CA Pln (3 x 20/35mm AA), 1 x CC Pln (3 x 47/35mm ATG)
----Compagnie Fucilieri - 3 x Fucilieri Pln, 1 x MG Pln (3 x HMG), 1 x CA Pln (3 x 20/35mm AA), 1 x CC Pln (3 x 47/35mm ATG)
--Battaglione Motorizzato (same)
--Compagnie Mortai – 9 x 81mm Mortar


Discussion is welcome...

Brad

Gooner1
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Re: Gazala OoB

#6

Post by Gooner1 » 11 Jul 2006, 00:25

Brad Hunter wrote: ------1st Bn / King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------1st Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------ZZ AT Battery – 16 x 6# ATG
------1 Troop / 171st LAA Battery, RA – 4 x 40mm Bofors AA Gun
------1 Troop / 4th Field Sqn., RE
----7th Motor Brigade Group
------2rd Bn / King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------9th Bn / King’s Royal Rifle Corps (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------2nd Bn / The Rifle Brigade (Motor) – 3 x Motor Co.
------4th Royal Horse Artillery Regiment, RA – 24 x 25# Field Gun
--------289th AT Battery / 102nd AT Regiment, RA – 16 x 6# ATG
From "Swift and Bold: The King's Royal Rifle Corps", the battalions of the K.R.R.C. all retained a four company structure each of two motor platoons, a scout platoon, an anti-tank platoon of four guns, a section of two medium machine guns and a section of two 3-inch mortars.
The 9th Battalion and probably the 2nd had 6-pdrs in their anti-tank platoons whilst the 1st Battalion began the battle with 2-pdrs
"The Battalion was not in an ideal position to give battle as we were exchanging our 2-pounder anti-tank guns for 6-pounders, and we still had 2-pounder guns, but the bulk of the reserve ammunition was 6-lb. shells." 6-pounders are first mentioned for 9th Battalion on 9th June.

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Andy H
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#7

Post by Andy H » 11 Jul 2006, 12:49

Commonwealth Keep
--------1 Co.+ / 2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish
------Acroma Keep
--------1 Co.+ / 2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish
Were these formations, static in the sense they were defending a certain local?

Regards

Andy H

Brad Hunter
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Joined: 19 Jul 2005, 16:20
Location: Raleigh, NC

#8

Post by Brad Hunter » 11 Jul 2006, 13:54

Great information so far, guys! This is exactly what I need to sort out the "nuances" of the actual organization of the units involved.

"Oops, yup, Batterie 363 and 364 were Gebirgs-Artillerie, my error, but the relevent Gliederungen clearly show them each with 3 7.62cm (r) pieces.
Further, 4./Artillerie-Regiment 172 is incorrect, it is clearly shown as 472 in the documentation.
Note also that the majority of the Kuesten-Artillerie were equipped with s.FK, only two were equipped with the s.FH." - RichTO90

I've corrected my original data base. Do you know the distribution of the sFK?

"From "Swift and Bold: The King's Royal Rifle Corps", the battalions of the K.R.R.C. all retained a four company structure each of two motor platoons, a scout platoon, an anti-tank platoon of four guns, a section of two medium machine guns and a section of two 3-inch mortars.
The 9th Battalion and probably the 2nd had 6-pdrs in their anti-tank platoons whilst the 1st Battalion began the battle with 2-pdrs
"The Battalion was not in an ideal position to give battle as we were exchanging our 2-pounder anti-tank guns for 6-pounders, and we still had 2-pounder guns, but the bulk of the reserve ammunition was 6-lb. shells." 6-pounders are first mentioned for 9th Battalion on 9th June." - Gooner1

Awesome info! I'd like to make sure that I have the KRRC organization correct:

"Typical" NA Commonwealth Infantry Battalion organizations for this time period:

“Lorried” Infantry Battalion:

4 x Rifle Company
--3 x Rifle Platoon
----HQ – 1 x 2” Mortar, (1 x ATR)
----3 x Section (10 men ea.) – 1 x LMG, 1 x SMG, 8 x Rifle ea.
1 x Support Company
--1 x Carrier Platoon
----HQ – 1 x Carrier 1 x LMG
----2-4 x Section (9 men ea.) – 3 x Carrier, 3 x LMG, (1 x ATR), 1 x 2” Mortar ea.
--1 x MG Platoon – 4 x Vickers MMG, 6 x Carrier
--1 x Pioneer Platoon
----2 x Section (10 men) – 10 x Rifle + Demo equipment ea.
--1 x Antitank Platoon – 6 x 2# or 6# ATG ea.
--1 x Mortar Platoon – 6 x 3” Mortar, (3 x ATR) ea.

Motor Battalion:

3 x Motor Company
--Co. HQ
----1 x Mortar Section – 2 x 3” Mortar ea.
----1 x MG Platoon – 4 x Vickers MMG ea.
----1 x Antitank Platoon – 2 x 6# ATG
--3 x Motor Platoon
----3 x Section (6 men ea.) – 1 x LMG, 5 x Rifle, (1 x ¾ ton Truck) ea.
--1 x Scout Platoon
----HQ – 2 x Scout Carrier, 2 x LMG
----3 x Sections (9 men ea.) – 3 x Scout Carrier, 3 x LMG ea.

“Cavalry Carrier Regiment:”
3rd Indian Motor Brigade Cavalry Regiments only (2nd Royal Lancers, 11th Prince Albert Victor’s Own Cavalry, 18th King Edward’s Own Cavalry). AT squadrons were at half strength.

--2 x Reconaissance Squadron
----HQ – 3 x Carrier, (3 x LMG)
---- 4 x Troops (12 men ea.) – 3 x Carrier, 3 x LMG, (3 x ATR )
--1 x Antitank Squadron
----4 x Troops – 4 x Carrier, 4 x 2# ATG ea.

KRRC Motor Battalion:

4 x Motor Company
--Co. HQ
----1 x Mortar Section – 2 x 3” Mortar ea.
----1 x MG Section – 2 x Vickers MMG ea.
----1 x Antitank Platoon – 4 x 2# or 6# ATG
--2 x Motor Platoon
----3 x Section (6 men ea.) – 1 x LMG, 5 x Rifle, (1 x ¾ ton Truck) ea.
--1 x Scout Platoon
----HQ – 2 x Scout Carrier, 2 x LMG
----3 x Sections (9 men ea.) – 3 x Scout Carrier, 3 x LMG ea.

Does this look right, Gooner1?

Thanks,

Brad

Brad Hunter
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Posts: 183
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Location: Raleigh, NC

#9

Post by Brad Hunter » 11 Jul 2006, 14:01

Andy H wrote:
Commonwealth Keep
--------1 Co.+ / 2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish
------Acroma Keep
--------1 Co.+ / 2nd Bn / Transvaal Scottish
Were these formations, static in the sense they were defending a certain local?

Regards

Andy H
Yes - and the 2nd SA Division didn't have any transport assigned. IIRC correctly, a "Lorried" infantry battalion could be moved with a platoon of approximately 21 3-ton lorries, whereas the "Motor" battalions had 3/4-ton trucks permanently attached for movement.

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#10

Post by RichTO90 » 11 Jul 2006, 16:05

Brad Hunter wrote:I've corrected my original data base. Do you know the distribution of the sFK?

Brad
It's more than a little confusing. As of 15 April 1942 ARKO 104 officially consisted of:

s.Art.-Abtl. 408 with Stab and three batteries each of 4 10cm sFK. But on 20 May in a document detailing the support plan for X and XXI AK (i), 1./408 is reported as 4 sFH! On 20 July the battalion has one battery with 4 15cm sFH, two batteries with 4 10cm sFK each and the attached HKAB 364.

II./s.Art.-Regt. 115 with Stab and three batteries each of 3 21cm Mrs. 18 and with 1./Flak 612 attached. But parts of the Stab and two batteries had been sunk en route to Afrika in 1941, and while replacements had been formed they too were sunk en route.
From Lekikon der Wehrmacht:

Am 22. Juli 1941 wurde die Abteilung mit dem Dampfer "Preußen" nach Afrika überführt. Der Dampfer ging auf der Fahrt mit der Stabsbatterie, der 4. und der 6. Batterie verloren. Am 25. August 1941 wurden diese Teile in Ansbach wieder aufgestellt. Am 9. November 1941 wurde die Abteilung mit dem Dampfer "Duisburg" erneut nach Afrika verlegt und erneut ging der Dampfer verloren. Die 4. Batterie wurde mit italienischen 10,5-cm Kanonen wieder aufgestellt. Am 6. Oktober 1942 wurde die Abteilung aufgelöst, die Reste blieben in Afrika.
So it appears the battalion may have manned a total of 6 21cm (but I can only account for sure for 2 with 6. Batterie) and 4 10cm sFK (i). On 20 July the Stab contols one battery with 3 11.4cm sFK (e), two batteries each of 2 21cm Mrs. 18 and the attached 1./Flak 612.

HKAA 523 consisted of Stab and three batteries of 6 15.5cm sFK (f). But by 20 May it appears that the batteries had been reduced to 4 guns each (1. and 3. Batterie are so reported). On 20 July the Stab only appears, controlling HKAB 362, 4./149, and 902 with their 7 17cm guns!? Further note: 2./523 was used to replace 2./533, which had been lost at Sollum in December.

HKAA 528 was the same as 523. But on 15 April it appears that 1. Batterie had not yet arrived in Africa and on 20 May 2. Batterie reported 3 guns and 3. Batterie 4 guns. On 20 July the battalion has two batteries each of 3 15.5cm sFK.

HKAA 529 was the same as 523 and 528, but does not appear to have arrived by 15 April and does not appear on 20 July.

HKAA 533 consisted of Stab and three batteries of 4 15.5cm sFH (f) and all three batteries are reported so equipped on 20 May. But on 20 July the battalion is noted as manning 15 "8.75cm engl."!? Note: The original 2./533 was lost in December at Sollum and replaced by 2./523, but it is unclear what armament they retained?

4./HKAR 149 had 3 17cm sFK i. Mrs. Laf. On 20 July it has 2 17cm.

HKAB 902 was the same. On 20 July it has 2 17cm.

4./772 is kind of mysterious. HKAB 772 was formed in July 1941 from s.Art.-Abtl. 912 with four batteries, but supposedly served in Russia. It doesn't appear to be in Africa by 15 April. By 20 July 1942 the designation doesn't even appear anymore in Africa and instead the third 17cm battery is designated as HKAB 362 with 3 17cm.

Gebirgs-Artillerie-Batterie 363 and 364 are designated as having 4 guns each in April, without a type given. But on 20 May 364 is reported with 6 7.62cm FK (r) and still has 3 on 20 July. Later it appears that 363 manned some of the captured 25-pounders employed at Alamein.

Finally, there are 8 guns without type designation noted as "4 Zuge".

Is everybody confused enough now? :D :lol: 8-)

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David W
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#11

Post by David W » 11 Jul 2006, 18:45

Excellent info once again.!!

I hope to find time to comment soon.

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#12

Post by Greenjacket » 16 Jul 2007, 11:01

Regarding the British Motor Battalions, from February 1942 British Motor Battalions were in a state of considerable reorganisation. Vickers machine-guns, some 3" mortars, and, most importantly, 16 2-pounder AT guns, were recieved by the battalions. However, there was considerable debate on the form of organisation to take, and Motor Battalions changed their organisation quite a bit. As a result, TWO different organisations existed at Gazala (though the organisation was in flux). Importantly, though, the overall numbers/weapons in a Motor Battalion did not change - i.e. they still had 16 AT guns, and four Platoons per Company. The lack of evidence is rather infuriating, but my distinct impression is that the War Establishment set out how many weapons and officers and men a Motor Battalion could have, and the Colonels decided for themselves. Some of you may note how the Carrier Platoon at the time of Gazala was only 8 Carriers. From what I can deduce:
The first consisted of a battalion of three Motor Companies (each consisting of a 3" mortar detachment of one 3" mortar, a Carrier Platoon of 8 Carriers, two Motor Platoons; a platoon of Vickers guns, and an AT Company (with the AT Platoons usually attached to the Motor Companies).
The second organisation had a Motor Battalion consisting of four Motor Companies each with a mortar detachment of a single 3" mortar, a couple of Vickers MMGs, a Carrier Platoon of 8 Carriers, two Motor Platoons, and an AT Platoon with four AT guns.
2-pounders were replaced immediately before or during the Gazala battles with 6-pounders.
The 1KRRC, 2KRRC, 9KRRC and 2nd Rifle Brigade had the organisation of four Motor Companies, while the other Motor Battalions - 3 Coldstream Guards, 2 Scots Guards, Sherwood Foresters, 4 RNF and 1 Rifle Brigade had the organisation of 3 Motor Companies and an AT Company.

My sources are:
Mills & Nixon, "The Annals of the King's Royal Rifle Corps 1921-1943"
Wake "Swift and Bold"
Hastings "The Rifle Brigade in the Second World War"
Howard & Sparrow "The coldstream Guards 1920-1946",
plus regimental histories of the Coldstream Guards, Sherwood Foresters and Royal Northumberland Fusiliers.
The War Diaries of the following Motor Battalions: 1KRRC WO169/5032; 2nd Rifle Brigade WO169/5055; 9KRRC WO169/5034; 2KRRC WO169/5053.

With regard to the 3rd Indian Motor Brigade, I believe the Indian Official History by Bisheshwar Pradesh states that the Brigade's Carriers had not arrived before the battle began, and the Troops fought as infantry.

I hope this is of assistance.

Paul

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#13

Post by Greenjacket » 16 Jul 2007, 11:13

Regarding the British infantry battalions:
First, there were no "Lorried" infantry battalions at Gazala. The first "Lorried" Battalions were 131st Queen's Brigade when they were attached to 7th Armoured Division - and even then they were just a standard infantry battalion except the Brigade had its own transport.
Second, the Vickers MMGs were not part of infantry battalions - they were in separate Machine Gun Battalions.
Third, infantry battalions in the ME from early 1942 were organised with an AT 'Platoon' of eight 2-pounders.
Fourth, I am not at all sure that infantry battalions in the ME had 10 man Rifle Sections - in the NZEF at least they retained the 8-man section. In reality, shortages of personnel meant most battalions were well understrength, so it is a moot point anyhow.
Lastly I have not seen any evidence of Pioneer Platoons in 1942 infantry battalions. My impression is, even if the ME War Establishment allowed for them, they were broken up to provide reinforcements for the understrength Rifle Companies. (Even then, many Battalion by June 1942 had shifted to a three Rifle Company organisation).

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#14

Post by David W » 16 Jul 2007, 22:53

Good info Greenjacket. :)

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#15

Post by David W » 19 Jul 2007, 10:42

Brad.

What heavy equipment was in the support Companies that you list alongside the Commonwealth Dominion Infantry Brigades Rifle Companies?

Also, the 308th & 309th A/T Batterys with 29th & 9th Indian Infantry Brigades, what were their parent unit please? + ZZ A/T Bty 1st Arm Div.

& 44th & 88th & 171st Lt AA Btys, parent unit please?

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