My research had revealed that one of the Cromwells of 1 Troop, C Squadron, 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry, was named Agamemnon. The 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry landed their Centaurs and Cromwells on Gold Beach near Courseulles sur Mer on 18 June 1944. As the Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment of 11 Armoured Division their basic role was to probe the enemy defences, maintain contact and report information back to Divisional Headquarters. After the landing the Regiment de-waterproofed their tanks.
On 26 June the 2nd Northamptonshire Yeomanry were ordered to push on through Cheux and capture the bridges over the Odon. Torrential rain caused three days delay and the enemy moved two armoured divisions into place. On 30th July 1944, they took part in an operation to capture the town of Vire. The battle took place in the bocage country with high banks, thick hedges, small fields and narrow tracks, all of which caused great trouble to their tanks. The action near La Bistiere involved Cromwells knocking out a PzKpfw IV, which was supported by a PAK 40. C Squadron liberated Vire in their Cromwells.
Their use in the bocage would make it logical that they carried the hedge cutters at this time. I seem to recall Reg saying that the extra equipment, such as waders and hedge cutters, were discarded as soon as practically possible. He said they had very little stowage. Pictures of them at this time are few and far between but seem to support his recollections.
I remember Reg telling me that he had three Cromwells, two were lost, one by a shell hitting the engine bay. He remembered a driver’s side hatch, mirroring the gunner’s side hatch, which must have been a Cromwell IV Mark F. I have not seen a model that represents this mark. He told me that many things were fixed to the turret to disrupt the silhouette. Spare road wheels, helmets, chicken wire with branches and foliage stuck into it. I seem to recall someone mentioning that the road wheels in this kit are incorrect, having six securing nuts whereas they should have eight. I guess that strategic mud may offer a solution. I’m also contemplating making a bocage base. I have a number of 1/35 figures in my spares box that may be employed with this model.
So on to paring parts from the runners and introducing cement to styrene.
Before long I decided to add some colour. I mixed Vallejo Model Color 70888 92 Olive Grey 50/50 with 70924 94 Russian Uniform WWII as my interpretation of SCC.15 Olive Drab, BS.987C.
