Let's compare: The SAR and the Polish 10th MRR

[Crewman]

Hi guys,

If you like compare the regiments of two Allies that fought almost together or at least in the same regions. Both of them were armoured reconnaissance units. One of them is famous Canadian SAR, next one is the Polish 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment, well-known pre-WWII elite cavalry regiment, later on absorbed by the 1st Armoured Division as an armoured recce unit.

There is significant difference between the Polish armoured reconnaissance regiment and the Canadian armoured reconnaissance regiment. The SAR seems to be much more combat unit than its Polish counterpart. The number of 17-pounders in the Polish regiment is 0, whereas the SAR has up to 12. The Poles would be unable to fight against the German Tigers, but the SAR would be ready to do it. The SAR seems to be better prepared and equipped for various tasks, not only classic recce. Also the number of the Half Tracks in the SAR is an interesting factor - what for? For motorized infantry?

Was the SAR the only one such a powerful recce regiment in WWII Canadian Armed Forces or is it normal TOE for the Canadian armoured recce regiments of that period?


Canada -- South Alberta Regiment*
▪ Sherman Mk. IC or Mk. VC Firefly -- 12
▪ Sherman Mk. V -- 43
▪ Crusader III AA Mk. II -- 7
▪ Stuart Mk. VI -- 11
▪ M14 Half Track -- 9
▪ Sherman Mk. V ARV -- 3
▪ Humber Scout Car -- 8


Poland -- 10th Mounted Rifles Regiment**
▪ Cromwell Mk. IV -- 55
▪ M16 Half Track AA -- 6
▪ Stuart Mk. VI -- 11
▪ Cromwell ARV -- 3
▪ Humber Scout Car -- 8


Best regards

C.



Footnotes:

*Donald E. Graves
South Albertas. A Canadian Regiment at War.
Robin Brass Studio, Toronto 2004
ISBN 1-896941-39-7

**Jacek Solarz
1. Dywizja Pancerna 1944-1947 Vol. II (1st Armoured Division 1944-1947, Vol. II)
Wydawnictwo Militaria, Warsaw 2004
ISBN 83-7219-213-8