[1][2][3][4] The regiment was initially commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Alfred Dudley Ward, later to serve with distinction in the war and destined to become a full General.

Landing craft and the gunboat HMS Locust quickly came alongside and picked up survivors, most of whom were evacuated to SS Cap Touraine, a former French liner.

In addition, 25 of the ship's crew (including Army gunners) died in the disaster, which represented the biggest single loss of life off the invasion beaches.

The village proved to be still occupied by the enemy in strength, and a brisk action took place, the armoured cars and the DCLI carrier platoon being engaged by machine-guns, a Panzer IV and two Panther tanks.

'Thus, boldly handled, the Reconnaissance Regiment in its first battle had gained information vital to the success of Major-General Thomas's plan,' the divisional historian wrote.

At one point the leading squadron found themselves in the middle of a battle between 50th (Northumbrian) Division and the enemy: 'taking no notice of disorganized German infantry, they pressed on to St Pierre la Vielle.

[23] The breakout achieved, XXX Corps drove flat out for the River Seine (Operation Loopy), with 43rd (W) Division sent ahead to make an assault crossing at Vernon.

The convoy set out early on 24 August, with 9 Troop of 43 Recce and a party of Royal Engineers (REs) out in front to assess the damage to the route over the River Eure at Pacy.

At daybreak on 25 August, B and C Sqns of 43 Recce were the first to cross the partially complete bridge, and drove flat out for Vernon, B Sqn reaching it that afternoon, the first British troops to arrive.

C Squadron of 43 Recce and Cromwell tanks of 15th/19th The King's Royal Hussars were directed to sweep the left (northern) flank in case there were still Germans between the Eure and the Seine.

[1][24][25][26] The following infantry secured Vernon and the selected bridging sites, and after a short bombardment began crossing the river by stormboats that evening under cover of a smokescreen.

[27][28][29] Next morning two squadrons of tanks were rafted across and held off an armoured counter-attack, then the infantry and 43 Recce cleared the banks and pushed through the forest until they were firmly established on the heights.

However, on the night of 26/27 September a furious firefight broke out when the Germans crossed the river in strength and attempted to emplace anti-tank guns in 43 Recce's hidden positions.

[37] The divisional historian records that 'While the Division faced the monotony inseparable from static defence, the Reconnaissance Regiment fought a different type of war'.

This involved guarding the western end of the Island, cooperating with the Dutch Resistance and facilitating the escape across the river of British paratroops who had evaded capture.