First, I would like to thank Adrian Earle for his time and effort spent perusing the article and the constructive critiques and discussions.
This article details the TOE for the 1st Canadian Army from the Normandy Campaign to the final assault on Germany (June 1944 - May 1945). The Canadian Army had differences in TOE when comparing units operating in various theaters, so the information provided here is valid for only the North-West European campaign. To the best of my knowledge there is no authoritative book or manuscript which details the Canadian TOE in WWII. Consequently, the text is based on various references and collation of information gathered during the literature research. Hopefully the article achieves the main objective for such effort, that is, to accurately represent Canadian infantry and armoured units in terms of ASL playability.
Canadian Forces in Europe were under the larger umbrella of the 21st Army Group commanded by Field-Marshal Bernard Montgomery with Lt. General H. Crerar as commander-in-chief of the 1st Canadian Army. The basic military formation for the 1st Canadian Army, much like other armies, was the Division and is shown in Table 1.1.
1st CANADIAN ARMY 1st Army Ancillary Troops 1st Canadian Corps 1st Corps Ancillary Troops 1st Canadian Infantry Division 5th Canadian Armoured Division 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade 2nd Canadian Corps 2nd Corps Ancillary Troops 2nd Canadian Infantry Division 3rd Canadian Infantry Division 4th Canadian Armoured Division 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade 1st Polish Armoured Division 1st British Corps 59th Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery (Newfoundland)
The Army was initially subdivided into two Corps but on 23 July 1944, the 1st British Corps and 59th Heavy Regiment was attached. The 1st Polish Armoured, which was comprised of predominantly Cromwell tanks, was attached to the 2nd Corps from 5 August 1944. Also, the following units were subsequently attached to the 1st British Corps: 13 August 1944 the Royal Netherlands Brigade (Princess Irene's) and the 1st Belgian Infantry Brigade; 9 October 1944 the 1st Czechoslovak Independent Armoured Brigade Group. The 59th Newfoundland Regiment was utilized by a number of Canadian and British units for fire support which consisted of 4 Batteries of 2 Troops with 4 Guns (7.2" and 155mm) per Troop and was initially attached to the 1st British Corps.
A Corps generally consisted of ancillary troops, 2-5 Divisions (Infantry and Armour) with an Independent Armoured Brigade and Army Group Royal Artillery (AGRA) in support. The Corps' ancillary troops would include a Defence Company, Armoured Car Regiment, Anti-Tank Regiment, Anti-Aircraft Regiment, Survey Regiment, Engineers and Signals. Divisional assets were closely integrated into the command structure at Brigade and Battalion levels. For example, each Brigade commander had, in effect, its own Artillery Field Regiment, Anti-Tank Battery, Engineering Field Company, and MG Company which were referred to as "Brigade Groups". The same can be said for supporting armour units. The breakdown of the infantry and armoured divisions to ASL terms, provided in sections 3.1 and 4.1, is not complete since I have omitted the hierarchy for signals, supply and transport, medical units, ordnance, workshop and provost. Naturally, for units such as artillery there would be signals attached to the division, regiment and battery.
From the beginning of the war, 10 September 1939, the Canadian Army was a fully professional, volunteer force. Thus line troops should be represented by 458 MMC and elite formations such as the 1st Parachute Battalion, First Special Service Force ("The Force") and Sappers, Engineering units should be given 648 MMCs. Although the forces stationed on the British Isles were at full strength and well trained, the lack of combat experience was evident during the opening stages of the Normandy campaign. Furthermore, casualty rates were much higher than army command had anticipated, in particular for the battles around Caen, which quickly depleted the ranks and precipitated a manpower shortage. For example, for the 3rd Canadian Infantry Division, during the first six days ashore the casualties had totaled 196 officers and 2635 infantry ranks with 72 and 945 respectively killed [Hastings, 1984].
Consequently, the Canadian Army faced a crisis in late summer 1944, similar to that in Britain and the US, due to the lack of trained reserves. Prior to the invasion of France, Canada could manage the manpower problem since there was time for personnel to be trained and only part of the Army was fighting overseas in the European Theater 2 Infantry Divisions and 1 Armoured Brigade in Italy. By the fall of 1944, the infantry battalions were fighting at approximately 15-25% reduced strength with the vast majority of the casualties concentrated in the rifle companies. More importantly, for the 21st Army Group the 2nd and 3rd Canadian Infantry Divisions suffered the greatest losses. According to Stacey [1960], the shortage "...was a serious source of anxiety throughout the late summer and autumn." However it should be noted that the depletion rate hit a peak during the battles for Caen and Falaise, July-August, and fell to approximately 5% by the end of the Scheldt Campaign, January 1945. Excerpts from the diary of the Black Watch (October, 1944) best sums up the grim situation:
"... casualties had imposed a 'terrific strain' on the Battalion's Officers, created a 'rock bottom' shortage of NCOs and forced men to be sent forward into battle as infantry with 'very little training'. This is our greatest problem and the solution is not yet in sight as the necessary training time is evidently not available."
Although the Federal Government invoked conscription, which was a political bombshell in Quebec, "... the manpower situation had been righting itself as Ottawa boiled with controversy". Indeed, "... Canada had nearly split itself apart in anticipation of a situation which did not materialize." [Reader's Digest, 1986]. The Army had managed to alleviate the problem by retraining men from other armed services and ironically, by taking advantage of the lull in fighting when the troops were maintaining an essentially static front because the assault across the Rhine was delayed by the German's Ardennes Offensive.
Accordingly, in general, for scenarios which occur during the time frame August-November 1944, i.e. between the battles for Caen and Falaise Gap, then all rifle companies in Infantry Divisions should be considered under strength. Thus, remove 2-458 MMC per Rifle Company to account for the depleted ranks and allot 1-447 MMC per Company. However, it should be noted that the companies were still provided with the same amount of materiel as per full strength units. Thus, 1st line units (regular infantry) should have an ELR=4 and the 2nd line units ("Canadian conscripts") be given an ELR=3 to account for their lack of combat experience and minimal training. Elite units, such as the Pioneers and Engineers/Sappers, have an ELR=5. NO QUARTER is invoked for all scenarios which involve the SS after 8 June 1944 and in particular any action involving the 12th SS Hitlerjugende commanded by Standartenfuhrer Kurt Meyer. This is due to the massacre of Canadian prisoners at Abbaye d' Ardennes. From late June on
"...the Germans weren't to eager to surrender. We never took any SS prisoners now and sometimes dealt with Wehrmacht formations in the same way." [McKee (1964)].
Finally, I would like to present some general thoughts, comments and opinions which have come to light during the development of this text. Contrary to some popular opinion, most Allied commanders, at all levels, lacked combat experience and gains made by the ground troops were not necessarily achieved through strategic ingenuity or tactical superiority. For a number of reasons, there was a general failure to capitalize on the advantages of combined operations, i.e. the integration of infantry and armour units along the lines of units such as the German Panzergrenadiers. Furthermore, most commanders failed to take the initiative and exploit opportunities when given the chance. Compounding these difficulties was the fact that the NCOs were often left out of the picture of the operation's detailed objectives and tactics which inevitably proved costly when officers became casualties and the offensive bogged down by indecision and ignorance of the unit's correct course of action. Apart from a few individuals, most notably for the Canadian Army, Guy Simonds of 2nd Corps, the general tactical approach was too rigid and inflexible as if awaiting set-piece battles. Unfortunatetly, the Germans quickly recognized this weakness and succeded in captializing on the opportunity, by regrouping available units and launching swift counterattacks on Allied thrusts. However, the criticism cannot be taken as one sided as there are a number of instancs where Allied units performed exceedingly well, e.g. the night drop by paratroops and 3rd Canadian Division landing on D-Day. Summarizing comments from various references, from a general point of view, it can be stated that according to historical evidence detailing Allied actions, those units which demonstrated flexibility and aggressiveness in their tactical doctrine were on par with the more battle experienced Wehrmacht or SS troops.
The composition of a generic Infantry Division, approximately 18,500 men, would be:
1 Reconnaissance Regiment 3 Infantry Brigades 1 Machine Gun Battalion 1 Divisional Artillery 1 Divisional Engineers 1 Divisional Signals 1 Supply and Transport 1 Divisional Troops Company 3 Brigade Companies 1 Medical Units 3 Field Ambulances 2 Field Dressing Stations 1 Field Hygiene Station 1 Ordnance Field Park 1 Workshop Unit 3 Brigade Workshops 1 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Workshop 11 Light Aid Detachments 1 Divisional Provost Company
Presented in Table 3-1 are the vehicles utilized by infantry units which is followed by a more detailed breakdown of a generic 1944-45 Infantry Division. Note that the text [V-#] and [O-#] refers to the respective British Vehicular or Ordnance text as outlined in the ASL rulebook.
AFV or Vehicle ASL# Usage
Lynx V-42 Scouting, Liaison Humber SC V-43 HQ units, Liaison Otter LRC V-45 Reece Rgt, Eng Units Humber IV AC V-51 Reece Rgt Halftrack V-63 Tow 17-pdr AT Gun, Command Vehicle, Transport Assault Pioneer/Eng Units Carrier, A/C V-64 Support Co, Scout Ptn, Carrier Ptn, Command Vehicle, Liaison, Art OP, Tow 6-pdr AT Gun Carrier, MMG B V-65 MG Btn Carrier, 2" Mtr V-66 Carrier Ptn, IR 6-pdr AT Ptn Carrier, 3" Mtr V-67 Reece Rgt, Inf Btn Kangaroo V-68 2nd, 3rd Inf Div APC Wasp V-72 Non Standard (Support Co Inf Btn) Buffalo V-73 Non Standard Sherman III DD(a) V-74 Non Standard DUKW(a) V-75 Non Standard Terrapin Mk I V-76 Non Standard Morris C9/B V-78 Divisional LAA Quad FAT V-80 Tow 18-pdr, 25-pdr and 17-pdr AT Gun 15-cwt Truck V-81 Inf Btn (1 per Ptn for Gear) 30-cwt Lorry V-82 Occasionally Prime Mover for 18-pdr, 25-pdr and 4.5" Howitzer 3-ton Lorry V-83 Inf Btn (1 per Ptn for Transport), Tow 6" Howitzer, Tow 4.5" Gun, Tow 5.5" Gun-Howitzer, 6-pdr AT Gun en Portee Jeep(a) V-84 15 in HQ Inf Btn, Parachute Btn Transport, General, Purpose, Liaison Truck(a) V-85 Supplement V-81,V-82,V-83
6 Armour Leader DR 1 Regimental HQ 3xLynx [V-42], Humber SC [V-43] 1 Support Squadron 1 Squadron HQ 3xLynx [V-142], Humber SC [V-43] 1 Anti-Tank Troop 6x6-pdr AT Gun [O-6] 4xCarrier A [V-64] 2xCarrier, 2" Mtr [V-66] 1 Mortar Troop 6xCarrier, 3" Mtr [V-67] 1 Light AA Troop 6xMorris C9/B [V-78] 3 Squadrons per Regiment 1 Squadron HQ per Squadron Humber IV AC [V-51] 3xOtter LRC [V-45] 3 Scout Troops per Squadron 2xHumber IV AC [V-51] Otter LRC [V-45] 6xCarrier A [V-64] 2xCarrier C [V-64] per Troop 1 Assault Pioneer Troop per Squadron 9-2, 2x338, PIAT, 2" Mtr Halftrack [V-63] 3x648, FT, DC 3xHalftrack [V-63]
In terms of organization, the Reece Regiment is equivalent to the Infantry Battalion and is fully motorized. The nomenclature used was developed from Cavalry units and the Regiment is composed of specially trained infantry. The Reece Troops are divided into three Sections per Troop with the Scout Troop having one Humber IV AC as the Troop HQ, one Section comprising a Humber AC and Otter LRC and the other two Sections having 3xCarrier A and Universal Carrier C.
1 Brigade HQ 10-3, 7-0, 248, 3x458, lmg 1 Defence Platoon 8-0, 3x458, lmg 1 Anti-Tank Battery (3 Troops) 4x228 4x17-pdr AT Gun [O-8] 4xQuad FAT [V-80] per Troop 1 Light AA Battery (3 Troops) 6x228 6x3-ton Lorry [V-83] per Troop 6x40mm Bofors [O-21] per Troop 1 Light Aid Detachment 1 Brigade Signals 3 Rifle Battalions per Brigade 1 Battalion HQ per Battalion Btn A 10-2, 248, 3x458, lmg Btn B 9-1, 248, 3x458, lmg Btn C 9-1, 248, 3x458, lmg 1 Support Company 1 Support Company HQ 8-1, 248 2xCarrier A [V-64] 6xWasp [V-72] (Not Standard) 1 Mortar Platoon 6xCarrier, 3" Mtr [V-67] 1 Carrier Platoon 8-1 4 Sections per Platoon Carrier A [V-64] Carrier C [V-64] Carrier 2" Mtr [V-64] per Section 1 Anti-Tank Platoon 6x6-pdr AT Gun [O-6] 4xCarrier A [V-64] 2xCarrier, 2" Mtr [V-66] 1 Assault Pioneer Platoon 9-2, 2x338, PIAT, 2" Mtr Halftrack [V-63] 3x648 FT, DC 3xHalftrack [V-63] 4 Rifle Companies per Battalion Co A 9-2, 8-0 Co B 9-1, 8-0 Co C 8-1, 8-0 Co D 8-1, 8-0 3 Platoons per Company 3x458, 248, 2" Mtr, lmg, PIAT per Platoon with 3 Sections per Platoon
The Brigade is roughly equal to the US Regiment. The AT Battery, Light AA Battery, Signals and LAD are allocated to the Brigade from Divisional assets. In January 1942 the 6-pdr Gun completely replaced the obsolescent 2-pdr. The towed 17-pdr and 6-pdr AT Guns were retained on a decreasing scale with the SP 17-pdr and American SP M-10 becoming more widely used. Infantry Anti-Tank platoons were given the 6-pdr during summer 1943. Another weapon incorporated into Light AA Regiments, Brigade Support Companies was the 20mm Oerlikon Gun [O-20] but was withdrawn from service after August 1944 due to Allied air superiority. As a final note, any ancillary equipment or unit attached to the Infantry Brigade through "Brigade Groups" would be assigned to the Support Company, e.g. units from Machine Gun Battalion.
1 Battalion HQ 9-2, 7-0, 3x458 Lynx [V-42], Humber SC [V-43] 3x3-ton Lorry [V-83] 1 Support Company 1 Support Company HQ 8-0, 248 1 Light AA Platoon 6xCarrier A [V-64] or Morris C9/B [V-78] 1 Signals Platoon 1 Administration Platoon 1 Heavy Mortar Company 1 Mortar Company HQ 8-1, 458, lmg 4 Platoons 4x228 4x4.2" Mtr [O-3] 4x3-ton Lorry [V-83] per Platoon 3 Machine Gun Companies 1 MG Company HQ Co A 9-1, 8-0, 2x458 Co B 8-1, 8-0, 2x458 Co C 8-1, 8-0, 2x458 4xCarrier A [V-64] 3 Platoons per Company 4xCarrier, MMG B [V-65] per PlatoonThe MG Battalion is based on the .303 caliber Vickers machine gun and the transport is completely motorized. The Heavy Mortar and MG Platoons of the Battalion are parceled out to the "Brigade Groups" within the Division and are attached to the Support Company of the Infantry Brigade. See also the notes for the Infantry Brigade.
Divisional Artillery
1 Divisional HQ1 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment
1 Regimental HQ 3 Batteries per Regiment 1 Battery HQ per Battery 3 Troops per Battery 1 Troop HQ per Troop 6x228 6x3-ton Lorry [V-83] 6x40mm Bofors [O-21] per Troop1 Anti-Tank Regiment
1 Regimental HQ 3 Batteries per Regiment 1 Battery HQ per Battery 3 Troops per Battery 1 Troop HQ per Troop 4x228 4x17-pdr AT Gun per Troop 4xQuad FAT [V-80] or Halftrack [V-63] 1x7-0 2x228 2x2" Mtr [O-1] 2x15-cwt Truck [V-81]2 Field Regiments, Royal Artillery per Division
1 Regimental HQ per Field Regiment 6 Officers, ~5 Sections 3 Batteries per Regiment ("P","Q" and "R") 1 Battery HQ per Battery 4 Officers, 6 Sections 2 Troops per Battery ("A","B","C","D","E" and "F") 2 Sections per Troop ("Left" and "Right") 2x228 2x25-pdr Gun-Howitzer [V-13] per SectionThe Medium Regiment differs from the Field Regiment in that it has only 2 Batteries with 2 Troops having 4x5.5" Guns each. All artillery is commanded by Royal Canadian Regiment Artillery which is on the same order of magnitude as a Corps but retains the name "Regiment" for traditional reasons. The Quad FAT [V-80] was the prime mover for the gun-howitzers but the 30-cwt Lorry [V-82] was also used. The Battery ammo group had 2x30-cwt Lorry [V-82] with 56 rounds/Lorry and 2x3-ton Truck [V-83] with 184 rounds/Truck. For each troop there was 6xTractor with 24 rounds/Tractor and 8xTrailer with 32 rounds/Tractor. This works out to 160 rounds per gun in the Regiment. Normally the allocation of ammo type was 144 rounds of HE, 16 rounds of smoke plus an additional 12 rounds of AP. Miscellaneous vehicles, at the Regimental level, included approximately 40x15-cwt Trucks [V-81], 24x3-ton Lorries [V-83], 9xCarrier A/C [V-64] used as forward OP, Motorcycles, and Jeeps [V-84]. The 3rd Canadian Infantry Division and the 2nd Army Group RCA, 19th Army Field Regiment were allocated Priests [V-56] during the initial stages of the Normandy Campaign but were later converted to towed 25-pdr and Sextons respectively; see ASL British Vehicle note #56.
Divisional Engineers
1 Commander, Royal Engineers (CRE) - Lt.Col 10-3 1 Infantry Divisional HQ 8-1, 2x648, lmg Jeep [V-84] 2xHalftrack [V-63] 1 Field Park Company 1 Company CRE - Major 10-2 1 Field Park HQ 8-0, 3x648, lmg 1 Workshop Section 7-0, 4x648 1 Bridging Section 8-0, 4x648 1 Light Aid Detachment 8-0, 648 1 Field Stores Section 648, 338 2 Field Companies 1 Company CRE per Company - Major 10-2 1 Field HQ per Company 9-2, 4x648, mmg, FT, 2xDC 3 Sections per Company Sxn A 9-1, 4x648, lmg, FT, DC Sxn B 9-1, 4x648, lmg, FT, DC Sxn C 8-1, 4x648, lmg, FT, DCThe companies are completely self-sustaining and are independent of the CRE in all areas except for command. The Field Park Company corresponds roughly to the HQ and Service Company of the US Army, although the Field Company is larger than the US Lettered Companies. The Field Park Company would have approximately 2x15-cwt Truck [V-81], 12x30-cwt Lorry [V-82], 26x3-ton Lorry [V-83] and 2xJeep [V-84]. A Field Company would have approximately the following assets, 12x15-cwt Truck [V-81], 18x30-cwt Lorry [V-82].
4.0 CANADIAN 1944-45 ARMOURED DIVISION
The composition of a generic Armoured Division, approximately 15,000 men, would be:
1 Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment 1 Armoured Brigade 1 Infantry Brigade 1 Independent Machine Gun Company 1 Divisional Artillery 1 Divisional Engineers 1 Divisional Signals 1 Supply and Transport 1 Divisional Troops Company 2 Brigade Companies 1 Medical Units 1 Field Ambulances 1 Light Field Ambulance 1 Field Dressing Stations 1 Field Hygiene Station 1 Ordnance Field Park 1 Workshop Units 2 Brigade Workshops 1 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment Workshop 12 Light Aid Detachments 1 Divisional Provost CompanyIn compiling the breakdown of equipment for Canadian Armoured Divisions, I have to confess that the list is not definitive or authoratative with respect to historical accuracy. However, I have made a serious attempt to verify the compiled information which has been derived from various sources such as, reference material, ASL rulebook, personal speculation and comments from other individuals. To my surprise, I could not find any explicit source available which describes in detail Canadian armoured formations. Consequently, I would appreciate any input or criticisms so that the information presented is realistic and accurate.
4.1 ARMOURED DIVISION BREAKDOWN IN TERMS OF ASL
Presented in Table 4-1 are the vehicles utilized by armoured units which is followed by a more detailed breakdown of a generic 1944-45 Armoured Division.
TABLE 4.1
AFV or Vehicle ASL #Usage
Sherman V(a) V-14 Main Battle Tank Sherman IIA(a) V-15 2nd Armd Rgt., 1st Polish Armd Div Sherman VC(a) V-16 Main Battle Tank Sexton V-57 Royal Horse Arty, SP Field Rgt AVRE V-37 Non Standard, Troop of 6 in 2 Sqn Stuart III V-3 Reece, Command, APC and Liaison Stuart V V-4 Reece Troop of HQ Sqn in Armd Rgt and Tank Btn Lynx V-42 AC Rgts, Scout and Liaison Humber SC V-43 Liaison, HQ and Intercommunication Troop of Armd Rgt and Reece Rgt Stuart Reece V-44 Reece, Command, APC and Liaison Otter LRC V-45 Scouting and Liaison in Eng Units Humber IV AC V-51 HQ Units of Armd Formations Humber AA V-62 2 at HQ Units of Armd Bde (rare) 15-cwt Halftrack V-63 Command Vehicle, Prime Mover of 17-pdr AT Gun, APC for Eng Units, Pioneers and Motor Btn Carrier A/B/C V-64 Scout Ptn Motor Infantry Co, Reece, Support and Mobile Reserve Carrier, MMG V-65 MMG Ptn of Motor Btn Carrier, 2" Mtr V-66 2 per 6-pdr AT Gun Rgt Carrier, 3" Mtr V-67 3" Motor Transport for Motor Btn Morris C9/B V-78 Divisional LAA Quad FAT V-80 Tow 18-pdr, 25-pdr Guns and 17-pdr AT Gun 15-cwt Truck V-81 1 per Ptn for Gear 30-cwt Lorry V-82 Occasionally Prime Mover for 18-pdr, 25-pdr Guns and 4.5" Howitzer 3-ton Lorry V-83 1 per Ptn, Tow Bofors AA, Howitzer, 6-pdr en Portee Jeep V-84 6 at HQ Infantry Motor Btn
Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment
1 Regimental HQ Humber SC [V-43], Stuart Reece [V-44] or Humber IV AC [V51] 1 Reece Troop 12xStuart III [V-3] - maybe a few Stuart V [V-4] and Stuart Reece [V-44] attached 3 Squadrons per Regiment 1 Squadron HQ per Squadron Stuart V [V-4] or Stuart Reece [V-44] 4 Troops per Squadron Sherman VC [V-16] 3xSherman V [V-14] per Troop
Armoured Brigade
1 Brigade HQ 4xStuart III [V-3], Stuart V [V-4] or Stuart Reece [V-44] 10xScout Cars - type unknown but probably one of the following: Lynx [V-42], Humber SC [V-43], Humber IV AC [51] or Humber [V-62] *rare* 3 Regiments per Brigade 1 Regimental HQ per Regiment 4xStuart III [V-3], Stuart V [V-4] or Stuart Reece [V-44] 10xHumber SC [V-43] or Humber IV AC [V-51] 1 Regimental Reece Troop per Regiment 12xStuart III [V-3], Stuart V [V-4] or Stuart Reece [V-44] 3 Squadrons per Regiment 1 Squadron HQ per Squadron 4xStuart III [V-3], Stuart V [V-4] or Stuart Reece [V-44] 3xCarrier Vehicle for AFV reserve crew: - Carrier [V-64], Humber SC [V-43], Humber IV AC [V-51] or Stuart III [V-44] 4 Troops per Squadron Sherman VC [V-16] 3xSherman V [V-14] per Troop
Infantry Motor Battalion
1 Motor Battalion HQ 9-2, 8-1, 7-0, 248, 3x458, lmg #xHumber SC [V-43] or Humber IV AC [V-51] 1 Motor Support Company 1 Support Company HQ 8-0, 458 3 Anti-Tank Platoons 4x228 4x6-pdr AT Gun 2xCarrier A [V-64] 2xCarrier, 2" Mtr [V-66] per Platoon 2 Machine Gun Platoons 4xCarrier, MMG B [V-65] per Platoon 3 Motor Companies 1 Motor Company HQ per Company 8-1, 8-0, 458 #xLynx [V42], Humber SC [V-43], Humber IV AC [V-51] or Carrier [V-64] 1 Scout Platoon per Company 1 Platoon HQ 9-2, 248, PIAT Carrier A/C [V-64] Carrier, 2" Mtr [V-66] 3 Sections 3xCarrier A [V-64] Carrier A/C [V-64] 3 Motor Rifle Platoons per Company 1 Platoon HQ per Platoon 9-1, 2x248, PIAT, 2" Mtr Halftrack [V-63] 3 Sections per Platoon 458 Halftrack [V-63] per Section 4 Rifle Companies per Battalion Co.A 9-2, 8-1, 8-0 Co.B 9-1, 8-1, 8-0 Co.C 9-1, 8-1, 8-0 Co.D 9-1, 8-1, 8-0 3 Platoons per Company 3x458, 248, 2" Mtr, lmg, PIAT per Platoon with 3 Sections per PlatoonThe Motor Battalion has more firepower than any other in the Canadian Army and is directly attached to the Armoured Brigade.
Infantry Brigade
1 Brigade HQ 10-2, 8-1, 7-0, 248, 3x458, lmg #xLynx [V-42], Humber SC [V-43], Stuart Reece [V-44] or Jeeps [V-84] 1 Defence Platoon 3x458, lmg 1 Independent MG Company 1 Company HQ 8-1, 8-0, 2x458, lmg 1 Heavy Mortar Platoon 4x228 4x4.2" Mtr 4x15-cwt Truck [V-81], 3-ton Lorry [V-83] 3 Platoons per Company 4xCarrier, MMG B [V-65] per Platoon 3 Rifle Battalions per Brigade 1 Battalion HQ per Battalion 10-2, 7-0, 248, 3x458, lmg 1 Support Company 1 Support Company HQ 8-0, 248 1 Mortar Platoon 6x228 6xCarrier, 3" Mtr [V-67] 1 Carrier Platoon 8-0 4 Sections Carrier A [V-64] Carrier C [V-64] Carrier, 2" Mtr [V-64] per Section 1 Anti-Tank Platoon 6x228 6x6-pdr AT Gun 4xCarrier [V-64] 2xCarrier, 2" Mtr [V-66] 1 Assault Pioneer Platoon 9-1/9-2, 338, PIAT, 2" Mtr Halftrack [V-63] 3x648, FT, 3xDC 3xHalftrack [V-63] 4 Rifle Companies per Battalion Co.A 9-2, 8-1, 8-0 Co.B 9-1, 8-1, 8-0 Co.C 9-1, 8-1, 8-0 Co.D 9-1, 8-1, 8-0 3 Platoons per Company 3x458, 248, 2" Mtr, lmg, PIAT per Ptn with 3 Sections per PtnThe Infantry Brigade of Armoured formations has the same organization as that of the Rifle Battalion but is carried in fully motorized transport.
Independent Machine Gun Company
1 MG Company 1 Company HQ 8-1, 8-0, 2x458, lmg 4xCarrier A/C [V-64] 3 Platoons per Company 4xCarrier, MMG B [V-65] per PlatoonDivisional Artillery
1 Divisional HQ 1 Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment 1 Regimental HQ 3 Batteries per Regiment 1 Battery HQ per Battery 3 Troops per Battery 1 Troop HQ per Troop 6xMorris C9/B [V-78] per Troop 1 Anti-Tank Regiment 1 Regimental HQ 3 Batteries per Regiment 1 Battery HQ per Battery 3 Troops per Battery 1 Troop HQ per Troop 4x17-pdr AT Gun per Troop 4xQuad FAT [V-80] or Halftrack [V-63], Ram [V-68] or de-turreted Sherman V [V-14] per Troop 2 Field Regiments, Royal Artillery per Division 1 Regimental HQ per Field Regiment 6 Officers, 5xSquad 3 Batteries per Regiment ("P","Q" and "R") 1 Battery HQ per Battery 4 Officers, 6x458 2 Troops per Battery ("A","B","C","D","E" and "F") 2 Sections per Troop ("Left" and "Right") 2x25-pdr Sexton [V-57] per SectionRoyal Horse Artillery (25-pdr) is the motorized arm and found in armoured formations, with other types of Artillery Regiments classified as Field (25-pdr) and Medium (5.5" from 1941+, 6" from 1939-41). From 1943+ armoured units had SP artillery predominantly in the form of Sextons [V-57].
Divisional Engineers
1 Commander, Royal Engineers (CRE) - Lt.Col Armoured Divisional HQ 10-2/3, 8-0, 3x648, mmg, PIAT, FT, 3xDC 1 Field Park Squadron 1 Squadron Commander - Major 1 Field Park HQ 8-1, 8-0, 3x648, lmg 1 Workshop Troop 8-1, 8-0, 4x648, lmg 1 Bridging Troop 9-2, 8-1, 8x648, mmg, 2xPIAT, 2xFT, 6xDC #xOtter LRC [V-45] 16xReece Boats Small Box Girder Bridge 3xTrack Bridges,. ~7m [V-36] {type unsure} Inglis/Bailey Bridge 2 Field Squadrons 1 Squadron Commander per Squadron - Major 1 Field HQ per Squadron 10-2, 9-1, 3x648, hmg, PIAT, FT, 3xDC 8 Reece Boats per Squadron 3 Troops per Squadron 1 Troop HQ per Troop 9-1, 8-1, 3x648, lmg, PIAT, FT, DC 2 Armoured Sections per Troop 648 Stuart III [V-44] 2xOtter LRC [V-45] 15-cwt Truck [V-81] 2x15-cwt Halftrack [V-63] per Section 2 Unarmoured Sections per Troop 648, lmg, PIAT, FT, DC 4x15-cwt Truck [V-81] 30-cwt Truck [V-82] per SectionThe armoured divisional engineers are organized in more "flexible" groups than their US counterparts since the squadrons are completely self-sustaining and independent of the CRE in all areas except for command. The Field Park Squadron corresponds roughly to the HQ and Service Company of the US Armoured Battalion although the Field Squadrons are larger than the US Lettered Companies. Other vehicles which could be utilized are the AVRE [V-37], Humber IV AC [-51] in HQ units and the 3-ton Lorry [V-83] as well as de-turreted Shermans [V-14], Sextons [V-57] and Kangaroos [V-68]???. A 130m (425') pontoon bridge is normally stored at railhead/stores as well as a Hamilton bridge and other semi-permanent bridging material.
5.0 MISCELLANEOUS UNITS
1st Canadian Parachute Battalion
1 Battalion HQ 10-2/-3, 8-0, 338, 3x648, mmg, PIAT 15xJeep(a) [V-84] 1 Mortar Platoon 8-0, 4x338 4x3" Mortar [O-2] 4 Parachute Companies Co A 9-2, 8-1, 3x648, mmg, 3", PIAT Co B 9-1, 8-1, 3x648, mmg, 3", PIAT Co C 9-1, 8-1, 3x648, mmg, 3", PIAT Co D 8-1, 8-0, 3x648, mmg, 3", PIAT
Heavy AA Regiment (Mobile)
1 Regimental HQ 3 Batteries per Regiment 1 Battery HQ 3 Troops per Battery 1 Troop HQ 6x3" AA Guns [O-20] per Troop
Armoured Car Regiment
1 Regimental HQ Lynx [V-42], Humber SC [V-43] Humber IV AC [V-51] 9-12xHumber SC [V-43] (Intercommunication Troop) 3 Squadrons per Regiment 1 Squadron HQ 3xStaghound I(a)/II(a) [V-54] Humber IV AC [V-51] #xLynx [V-42], Humber SC [V-43] 4 Troops per Squadron #xLynx [V-42] #xHumber SC [V-42] #xHumber IV AC [V-51] #xDaimler AC [V-52] The Armoured Car Regiments were Ancillary troops of the Corps.6.0 REFERENCES