This photo was of particular interest to me because:
- I didn’t know exactly where it was taken, yet as it’s relatively local to me, I felt like I should.
- It was probably within an afternoon’s return cycle trip from home, so another reason to get on the bike.
- It’s of tanks of 3rd County of London Yeomanry on an exercise in 1941.
- It would make a great “Then and Now” photo.
- I enjoy a spot of sleuth work.
According to the description of the original image on the Imperial War Museum’s website, it was taken on 5th February 1941 at Arundel.
Cruiser Mk IV (left) and Light Tank Mk VIB (‘Athos’ of ‘A’ Squadron) of 3rd County of London Yeomanry, 1st Armoured Division, during an exercise at Arundel in Sussex, 5 February 1941. The scout car in the background belongs to 22nd Armoured Brigade Headquarters.
© IWM (H 7028)
From the war diary that day:
Divisional Exercise.
Regiment was warned to be at starting point at 0900 hours from where they moved to Concentration Area map ref Q509562. Map ref of starting point Q464575.
At 1015 hours the Regiment advanced on centre line Rudgwick Q5253 – Bucks Green Q5252 – Five Oaks Q5347 – Billingshurst Q5245 – Pulborough Q4837 – Watersfield Q4535 – Bury Q4432 – Whiteways Lodge Q4230 – Slindon Q3927.
At 1400 hours the Regiment was in the area Bury Hill Q4431 when it was ordered to turn eastwards in order to locate and destroy enemy on South Downs between rivers Arun and Adur.
22nd Armd Brigade advanced with 3rd Sharpshooters on left, on line – Amberley Station Q4622 – Downs Farm Q4751 – Amberley Mount – Rackham Hill Q4821 – Kishurst Hill Q5131 – Chantry Hill Q5231 Highden Hill Q5431.
Area Highden Hill reached at 1730 hours.
Regiment then rallied at Pulborough Q4837 and went into harbour in areas Kirdford Q4545, Idehurst Q4644, Battlehurst Farm Q4542, Marshals Farm Q4543 at 2100 hours.
At 0900 hours 6/2/41, the Regiment returned to billets
Wednesday 5th Feb 1941
Sunrise: 08:33:49 AM DST
Sunset: 18:01:26 PM DST
Armchair cycling using Google Street View
