Amtracs at Normandy

[Noel Burgess]

If you look here go to Part 3 [on the left] and then to page 123 of the file that opens - this is a page from "amendment No2 to Landing Table Force B" this appears to be the second tide forces due at Omaha Beach - anyway the page shows the loading diagram for a LST and includes 2 "Aligator" one belonging to 458 Amphibious truck Co and one to 459 Amphib Truck Co.
There are some 400 pages in the whole document - I haven't read it all so dont know if there are any more Aligators mentioned [I presume that "Aligator" does refer to Amtracks] but theres two to start with - obviously not used in the assault phase but as ferry craft with a large number of DUKWs
lots of other interesting detail in this documment
Noel

[Mark W. Tonner]

Hi Mike;

Originally Posted by Gunner

... I have persistent rumours that the SD&G may have been hauled ashore in Normandy in them ...

The first time that the SD&G was transported in or used the Buffalo was during the amphibious assault by the 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade across the mouth of the Braakman Inlet on the night of 8/9 October 1944. The Buffalos were manned by members of the 5th Assault Regiment, Royal Engineers. At that time, the Arm of Service marking of the 5th Assault Regiment, R.E. was: Serial ‘1233' in white on a cobalt blue background, the Formation sign used was that of the 79th British Armoured Division (carried in the normal positions front and rear). Other markings found on their Buffalos were numerical markings which identified the user ‘Troop’ and the number of the vehicle within that Troop, i.e.: 3C - No. 3 Troop, third vehicle, these were carried ‘centrally’ located (high up) on either side and on the front and rear of the vehicle. These numbers and letters were in white. There is also evidence that 'tank' names were used by this unit.

Originally Posted by Gunner

... but they want something closer to what they crossed the Rhine in then ...

The Stormont, Dundas and Glengarry Highlanders crossed the in Rhine in Buffalos of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry. At that time, the Arm of Service marking of the 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry was: Serial ‘51' in white on a red background, the Formation sign used was that of the 79th British Armoured Division (carried in the reversed positions (i.e.: AoS on the right and Fmn Sign on the left, as you face the front or rear of the vehicle) of where the AoS marking and Formation marking were normally found at that time, on the front and rear of the vehicle). I have found no evidence of the green over black ‘Diabolo’ Formation marking of the 33rd British Armoured Brigade (of which 1 Northants Yeo was a component unit) having been carried on their Buffalos, nor have I found any evidence of the use of 'tank' names by the unit.

Originally Posted by Gunner

Do you have any further info regarding Buffalos and the SD&G?

Answered above ... I think? ...

I hope this helps.

Cheers

[Gunner]

Hi Mark:

As always, a great response with clear answers to the questions! Thanks!!

I know I will get some howls from various quarters but, as I explained in my earlier post, we will likely mark up the Alligator to represent a 1st Northamptonshire Yeomanry Buffalo playing taxi to the SD&G on the Rhine. We will carefully explain in the indoor exhibit in their great little museum, the difference between the Alligator and the Buffalo. The outdoor signage will likely be a simple bilingual label along the lines of "Amphibious Landing Vehicle 'Alligator' 1941-1945"

Did the Northamptons have a space on the Buffalos to indicate the unit being transported? I'm thinking a black square that could be chalked on, as I believe the Kangaroos may have done.

Mike

[Gunner]

Hi Hanno:

Thanks for reminding me of the earlier thread My memory fades occasionally, especially during the winter doldrums!

Looking forward to the big thaw and another dose of Olive Drab rusty trucks!

Mike

[Noel Burgess]

Wim has just posted a link to this site which has some wonderfull film clips of amphibious trials etc in the UK. Most seem to be in 1943 and at least one Aligator appears in 3 of the clips - "Amphibious Trucks & Tanks..." and Various Amphibious ..." on the first page and in another untitled clip on (I think) page three.
Noel

[Mike Timoshyk]

I recently received an accumulation of items from a veterans estate and in it was a photo album with a few pictures and postcards. Here is one of the photos....Buffalos lined up behind what appears to be a dyke....you can see an infantry section in the nearest one....the vet was a Sig.

cheers

Mike Timoshyk