Some help with this carrier.

Nigel Watson · #1 05-01-15, 00:30

Hi
I am trying to see if this carrier photo is likely to have been taken during Operation Epsom in Normandy between 26th and 28th of June 1944. The commander of the lead carrier resembles my wife's uncle who was killed on 28th June. The photo has been accredited to not only Epsom but also a later Operation, Bluecoat I think.
Lt. Loudon commanded the Support Platoon which leads me onto my next question. I know the Bridge Plate on carriers can be 3, 4 or 5 and sometimes it was seen on the mudguards, lower front armour and upper front armour in front of driver. In the photo is the marking on the mudguard a 5 for the Bridging Plate or is it an S with a line through it for Support Coy?

Nigel

Jim Burrill · #2 05-01-15, 01:21

With the Loyd carrier right behind, you think it may have been the Anti-tank platoon? Have to get into the photoshop so I can enlarge the image..

Alex van de Wetering · #3 06-01-15, 01:12

Nigel,

IWM B8190 shows the same carrier, but it's too far away to give a conclusive answer to your question.
There is definately a line running through the "5" or "S".
I recon a good print or scan from the IWM will give you more info than the online scan.

Alex

Larry Hayward · #4 04-02-15, 00:14

Nigel, according to my files, 61 on the Carrier (in a green square) was used by 7th Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, as they were the second Battalion of 46th (Highland) Infantry Brigade in the 15th Scottish Inf Div.

Perhaps the S is unofficially for Seaforths, and was your wife's uncle in that regiment?

ajmac · #5 04-02-15, 21:21

Doesn't the name on the front of the Loyd say 'Loch Lomand'.