07-06-2007, 09:47 AM
07-06-2007, 10:18 AM
The Centaur Mk. IV At Normandy
After the 1942 Dieppe raid, the Royal Marine Division refined the techniques for combined operations, such as assault landings on enemy fortified beaches. The division was later disbanded, but the Armored Support Group it proposed was formed in early 1944. The ASG was responsible for providing fire support to the infantry units used in the initial assault on the Normandy beaches. The tanks would fire their guns while offshore in their landing crafts; they would then land and continue their work from the beach. To assist the fire support, white degree markings were placed on the turrets. The markings could be read by binocular equipped spotters, this helped align the turrets even if smoke obscured the direct line of sight to the target. The ASG was dispersed along the three landing areas of the 2nd British Army, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches. The Centaurs were used to destroy beach-obstacles, pill-boxes, and other strong points that dotted the beaches. The ASG were ordered to stay on the beaches, but the Royal Marines ignored the order, re-grouped and were soon driving inland attacking targets of opportunity. Forces engaged were the German 711th and 718th Infantry Divisions. There were also some clashes with the 21st Panzer Division. As the beachhead was consolidated, many of the Royal Marines , including the ASG, were withdrawn back to Britain. All were reported to have left Normandy by the end of June
After the 1942 Dieppe raid, the Royal Marine Division refined the techniques for combined operations, such as assault landings on enemy fortified beaches. The division was later disbanded, but the Armored Support Group it proposed was formed in early 1944. The ASG was responsible for providing fire support to the infantry units used in the initial assault on the Normandy beaches. The tanks would fire their guns while offshore in their landing crafts; they would then land and continue their work from the beach. To assist the fire support, white degree markings were placed on the turrets. The markings could be read by binocular equipped spotters, this helped align the turrets even if smoke obscured the direct line of sight to the target. The ASG was dispersed along the three landing areas of the 2nd British Army, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches. The Centaurs were used to destroy beach-obstacles, pill-boxes, and other strong points that dotted the beaches. The ASG were ordered to stay on the beaches, but the Royal Marines ignored the order, re-grouped and were soon driving inland attacking targets of opportunity. Forces engaged were the German 711th and 718th Infantry Divisions. There were also some clashes with the 21st Panzer Division. As the beachhead was consolidated, many of the Royal Marines , including the ASG, were withdrawn back to Britain. All were reported to have left Normandy by the end of June
07-06-2007, 10:40 AM
Thank you Eric :)