Divisional Cavalry Regiment (New Zealand)

Divisional Cavalry Regiment
A Stuart tank from the regiment at El Alamein, July 1942
Active	1939–47
Country	New Zealand
Branch	New Zealand Military Forces
Type	Armoured cavalry
Part of	2nd New Zealand Division
Engagements	Battle of Greece Battle of Crete North African Campaign Italian Campaign Occupation of Japan

The Divisional Cavalry Regiment, commonly known as "Div Cav", was an armoured cavalry regiment of the 2nd New Zealand Division during the Second World War. It was New Zealand's first armoured unit.^[1] Formed on 29 September 1939, the regiment embarked for Egypt on 4 January 1940. It and the division, part of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force, fought in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy. The regiment formed part of J Force, New Zealand's contribution to the occupation of Japan at the end of the war.^[2]

Initially based at Maadi, the regiment was moved to Garawla in July and participated in the defence of the Baggush Box two months later. In January 1941, it moved to Helwan for training. In March, the regiment became part of the British force sent to Greece to defend the country from Germany. It took up positions on the Aliakmon Line before the regiment was scattered during the British forces' retreat from Greece. Most of the regiment ended up in Crete, where it faced a German paratroop attack in May and evacuated with the remainder of the British force.

After reequipping for several months, Div Cav fought in Operation Crusader and was the first unit to enter Bardia in January 1942. After returning to Maadi, the regiment was sent to Syria with the 2nd New Zealand Division to prevent an Axis attack from Turkey and was sent back to Egypt after the British rout in the Battle of Gazala. It fought at the first and second battles of El Alamein and the Battle of Alam el Halfa. The regiment pursued retreating German troops and fought at the Battle of El Agheila. In January 1943 it was based at Castel Benito, and participated in the March Battle of the Mareth Line. After the German surrender in Tunisia on 13 May, the regiment moved back to Maadi for refitting.

In September the regiment was sent to Italy with the rest of the division, and fought in the Moro River Campaign on the country's Adriatic coast in December. The division fought in the Battle of Monte Cassino, for which Div Cav provided support. The regiment then participated in the drive on the Gothic Line, where elements entered Florence in August. In October it was reorganised as the Divisional Cavalry Battalion, an infantry unit, because its armoured cars were unsuitable for the Italian terrain. The battalion fought in the final Allied offensive in Italy, Operation Grapeshot, during the spring of 1945. It reached Trieste in the first week of May, and was stationed there until February 1946. That month the Divisional Cavalry became part of J Force, New Zealand's contribution to the Allied occupation of Japan, as a regiment again. Stationed in southern Kyushu, it was disbanded on 1 September 1947.

Formation

Regimental soldiers parading through Auckland on 3 January 1940

The regiment was mobilised as part of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force (2 NZEF) in September 1939, and was issued six Bren gun carriers.^[3] The regiment was established on 27–30 September at Ngaruawahia Military Camp, except for No. 3 Squadron (later C Squadron, which was formed at Narrow Neck). It was commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Caro Pierce, a World War I veteran and Military Cross recipient.^[4] The squadrons at Ngaruawahia were visited by Governor-General George Galway on 30 November.^[5] On 4 January 1940, the regiment (except for C Squadron) embarked for Egypt aboard the troopship RMS Rangitata.^[6] The Rangitata arrived at Port Tewfik on 13 February, and the regiment disembarked the following day. They entrained for the New Zealand base camp at Maadi, the central depot and training area for 2 NZEF in the Middle East.^[7] In March twelve Bren gun carriers and five Mark III tanks arrived, and tank-gunnery training began on the range at Abbassia.^[8] The regiment participated in brigade manoeuvres at El Saff the following month.^[9] On 19 June, the regiment lost its first man when Trooper Vincent Thompson died of meningitis.^[10]

Meanwhile, C Squadron completed its training in New Zealand. The squadron, attached to the Second Echelon of 2 NZEF (which included the 5th Brigade), was diverted to the United Kingdom when Italy entered the war and arrived on 16 June. The squadron, based near Aldershot, conducted further training there. The regiment became part of the Second Echelon's Headquarters Covering Force defending Britain against German invasion.^[11] In early September, the squadron was moved to Westwell, Kent; it underwent further training, and was sent back to Aldershot in November. With the remainder of 5th Brigade, C Squadron left Britain for Egypt on 4 January 1941.^[12]

C Squadron tank during exercises in England

In July 1940, the division was sent to Mersa Matruh. The cavalry regiment, camped at Garawla, was tasked with digging the outer anti-tank ditch along the Wadi Naghamish (later known as the Kiwi Canal).^[13] That month, volunteers from the regiment joined the Long Range Desert Patrol.^[14][15] In the predawn darkness of 15 July, Italian bombers attempting to bomb the NAAFI dump were driven off by anti-aircraft fire from the regiment. During the night of 18 July, regimental anti-aircraft guns mistakenly fired on a damaged Bristol Blenheim. The regiment received orders to move to Baggush and build fortifications, completing the move on 1 September; the following day, it began constructing defenses at Maaten Baggush. After finishing the task, it was transferred to the rear area at El Daba in a week.^[16] The regiment now defended No. 2 sector of the Baggush Box.^[17] After Operation Compass began on 9 December, a number of Italian M11 tanks were left behind by retreating Italians at Nibeiwa. The regiment was ordered to salvage the tanks, and on 15 December Lieutenant H. A. Robinson led a party of 25 other ranks to Nibeiwa for the task.^[18] Div Cav received Marmon-Herrington Armoured Cars,^[19] replacing its obsolete Mk II and Mk III light tanks,^[20] and was transferred to Helwan in January 1941. The mortally-ill Caro Pierce was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Carruth on 22 February, and C Squadron joined the regiment at Helwan on 5 March.^[21]

Greece

The 2nd New Zealand Division (including Div Cav) was earmarked for W Force, the British Commonwealth force sent to Greece to bolster its defence against a German invasion. The regiment embarked for Greece on 18 March 1941 on the Greek ship Ionia, with its vehicles aboard the cargo ship Anglo-Canadian. The ships arrived at Piraeus on 21 March, and the troops stayed at the transit camp at Kifisia. The regiment advanced northward, reaching its position on the Aliakmon Line near Katerini on 26 March. Its mission was to destroy the Aliakmon River bridges, delaying the German advance. Two Troops of artillery, consisting of four 25 pdr and four 2 pdr guns, were attached to the regiment. On 4 April, two troops of Marmon-Harrington armoured cars were sent to reinforce the 1st Armoured Brigade on the Macedonian plain. In exchange, the regiment received seven cruiser tanks.^[22] The two troops withdrew with the 1st Armoured Brigade when it retreated on 8 April, and reached Perdika by the following day.^[23] The regiment and E Troop, 5th Field Regiment were the only units left on the plain between Mount Olympus and the Aliakmon on 8 April.^[24] The next day, A Squadron demolished the main bridge across the Aliakmon after the 1st Armoured Brigade had withdrawn southward.^[25]

Armoured car similar to those used by the regiment during its withdrawal in Greece

German forces reached the regimental positions on 12 April; the following day, their attempts to cross the river in assault boats were repulsed. During the evening the regiment disengaged and fell back to Kolindros, and it was attacked by German tanks and infantry on 14 April. Boys anti-tank rifles were useless against the German tanks, although Bren gunfire was effective against the German infantry. When its positions were flanked by tanks, the regiment retreated to Olympus Pass and was ordered to take up positions at Dheskati Pass as a rearguard. The pass, a possible withdrawal route for the 1st Armoured Brigade,^[26] was reached on 15 April. On the 17th, division commander Major General Bernard Freyberg dispersed the regiment to screen the rear of his retreating troops. The next day, A and C Squadrons withdrew from Olympus Pass and Elevtherokhorion after a German tank attack.^[27] B Squadron fought a rearguard action at Tempe, retreating down the Volos road and losing several gun carriers.

The regiment, reunited on the Volos road, retreated to the Thermopylae line. On 21 April it was ordered to patrol Euboea, but its vehicles were too badly damaged to do so. The Divisional Cavalry, less A Squadron, was instructed instead to screen Kriekouki under Lieutenant Colonel Clifton to cover the retreat of the 4th NZ Brigade; A Squadron was detached to screen the withdrawal of the British 1st Armoured Brigade at Khalkis. By the evening of the 25th, the Divisional Cavalry had fulfilled its mission and retreated beyond the village of Mazi. In the evening, Div Cav was ordered to guard the Corinth Canal bridge; A Squadron retreated with the 1st Armoured Brigade to Malakasa. A and B Squadrons retreated to Rafina Beach, embarking on the supply ship Glengyle. One hundred fifty men from the regiment were left behind, and were taken out by HMS Havock the night of 27 April. C Squadron, caught in the German paratroop attack on Corinth, was forced to abandon its vehicles. It marched to Navplion for embarkation, but the ship they were scheduled to board was full and the squadron instead set off for Crete in caïques.^[28]

Crete

The evacuation of Greece divided the regiment. Regimental headquarters and most of HQ Squadron were sent to Egypt, and most of the other three squadrons remained on Crete. A total of 194 soldiers from the regiment were on the island, with several wounded men evacuated to Egypt. On Crete, A, B and C Squadrons trained and reequipped. Div Cav, commanded by Major J. T. Russell and renamed Russell Force, joined the ad-hoc 10th NZ Brigade under newly-promoted Acting Colonel Howard Kippenberger and was positioned on the road from Chania to Alikianos. Russell Force was moved to Aghya in early May 1941, and German paratroops attacked Crete on 20 May. Many paratroopers landed near the Divisional Cavalry positions and were beaten back. Cut off from 10th Brigade headquarters, Russell followed Kippenberger's orders and withdrew to Galatas in Chania to reinforce a Greek unit south of the village. At dusk, the regiment dug in near a stone wall. B Squadron held the right flank and C Squadron the center; A Squadron and the 19th Battalion held the left, with the Greek unit in reserve.^[29]

The brigade was strafed by German aircraft on the morning of 21 May. The 19th Battalion (supported by C Squadron and light tanks from the 3rd Hussars) assaulted Cemetery Hill, where two German machine guns threatened A and C Squadrons and part of the battalion. Although the Germans were driven off, the battalion could not hold under heavy mortar fire and withdrew; Cemetery Hill became a no man's land. On 25 May heavy German attacks drove British forces from Wheat Hill and exposed the center of the 18th Battalion,^[30] which withdrew through Galatas. The right flank of Div Cav and the Petrol Company, acting as infantry, was now exposed. The 23rd Battalion counterattacked and retook Galatas at dusk, withdrawing during the night. That night Div Cav retreated to Church Hill, behind the 19th Battalion. At 01:00 on 26 May the regiment joined remnants of the 21st Battalion commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Allen on the main coast road between Chania and Galatas, on Hellfire Hill.

The force retreated by night to a position near Suda Bay, where the 21st Battalion took up positions on 42nd Street with Div Cav in reserve. The regiment fell back to Stilos, arriving at 04:00 on the 28th and forming the extreme right of a defensive position with the 23rd Battalion on the left. During the afternoon of the 28th, it was ordered to withdraw through Vrises towards Sphakia. After reaching Sphakia on the 31st, the regiment was evacuated by HMS Abdiel to Egypt that night and during the early morning of 1 June.^[31]

North Africa and Syria

Reorganization

On 3 June, the rest of the regiment arrived at Helwan from Crete. Major Nicoll succeeded Carruth in command after the latter took command of the Composite Training Depot on 26 July. Fourteen Bren Gun Carriers arrived on 22 August 1941, and replacements were trained. In early September, the regiment prepared to move into the Western Desert. An advance party, led by Major Russell, left Helwan on 14 September and the regiment garrisoned the Baggush Box in September and October. In October, it received 26 Mk VI light tanks.^[32]

Operation Crusader

In early November, Div Cav left Baggush and took the main road to Mersa Matruh. It then took the Siwa road past Mersa Matruh, moving south for an hour before swinging west into the desert. The regiment bivouacked at dusk and continued in stages the following day. Lieutenant Colonel Nicoll visited the 4th Indian Division headquarters on 9 November. Regimental Headquarters, B and C Squadrons were brought under the 4th Indian, advancing to Alam el Seneini the next day. A Squadron continued ten miles and was taken under the command of the 4th South African Armoured Car Regiment, and HQ Squadron was 12 miles behind with the B Echelon of the South Africans. A troop of the 65th Anti-Tank Regiment and a troop of the 57th Light Anti-Aircraft Regiment were placed under Div Cav, and the 57th Light shot down an Italian aircraft at El Rabta on 14 November.^[33]

At dusk on 17 November, Regiment HQ and A Squadron advanced to El Beida; C Squadron bivouacked at El Rabta, and B Squadron screened the 7th Indian Infantry Brigade as it advanced towards Bir Gibni. C Squadron crossed the frontier towards Bir Gibni the following day, joined by Regimental Headquarters and A Squadron later in the morning. B Squadron patrolled the Indian brigade's flank near Bir Gibni, and was fired on by German Panzer III tanks. One Panzer III was disabled by Ordnance QF 2-pounder anti-tank guns, and was towed away by a retreating Panzer. B Squadron pulled back a mile at night and laagered. At 15:00 on 19 November the regiment advanced towards Bir Gibni, with C Squadron forward and A Squadron in reserve. C Squadron reached Trigh el Abd and observed the 4th Armoured Brigade fighting a battle group from the 21st Panzer Division. B Squadron was transferred back to regimental command late on the 19th, after providing flank support to the 7th Indian.^[34]

On the morning of the 20th, B Squadron patrolled in front of the 4th Indian Division and captured a German car and its passenger. C Squadron patrolled closer to Bir Gibni, observing the tank battles in that area. XIII Corps began driving north the following day; Div Cav advanced to Sidi Azeiz, capturing 49 Italians from the 52nd Anti-Aircraft Battery and six German and Italian artillerymen. After the engagement at Sidi Azeiz, the regiment formed a line at Bir ez Zemla. The 4th Infantry Brigade arrived the next day; the 20th Battalion attacked enemy positions, while C Squadron captured several Italian machine-gun posts. A Squadron captured three grounded German aircraft, taking prisoners, and B Squadron captured five ambulance cars with their drivers. On the evening of the 22nd, the regiment's line was taken over by units of the 5th Brigade and C Squadron was transferred to command of the 4th Infantry Brigade for its advance on Gambut. The rest of Div Cav moved to Sidi Azeiz.^[35]

C Squadron at Gambut and Ed Duda

C Squadron, leading a brigade group, advanced towards Gambut on the morning of 23 November. On the outskirts of Gambut, the line was stopped to allow the Matilda tanks to lead the column. C Squadron, ordered to charge into Gambut when it became apparent that the Axis was retreating, pursued until the New Zealand infantry engaged and then withdrew to the Gambut aerodome. The following evening, the squadron screened the 4th Brigade Group and advanced westward before being recalled at dusk. On the 25th, C Squadron screened the brigade in its advance on Sidi Rezegh and captured a number of German soldiers before being sent to guard divisional headquarters. Four Stuart tanks, captured from the British by the Germans and then recaptured, were given to C Squadron on the afternoon of the 27th.^[36]

The next day the squadron patrolled the Sidi Rezegh and Gambut escarpments, driving off German tanks and infantry in the afternoon and incurring vehicle and crew losses. The German column turned north during the night, attacking Divisional Headquarters from the east; the four Stuart tanks repulsed the assault. 2 and 5 Troops attempted to regain the New Zealand field hospital, which had been captured the night before. They withdrew, narrowly escaping encirclement by German tanks from the 15th Panzer Division. When the remnants of the 21st Battalion were destroyed on Point 175, the New Zealand Division rear was shelled. The Italian Ariete Armoured Division attacked on 30 November, and were repulsed by the Divisional Artillery. During the afternoon, the 24th Battalion and most of the 26th were overrun by the 15th Panzer Division.^[37]

On 1 December the Germans overran the 20th Battalion and split the 19th in half, cutting off the 18th Battalion. The remnants of the 6th Brigade fell back through the 4th Brigade to Zaafran, and the Ed Duda Corridor was closed. The division retreated, led along the Trigh Capuzzo by C Squadron, which halted at Bir Gibni at 04:00 on 2 December. At noon, the squadron headed north to rejoin the regiment.^[38]

Regiment at Bardia

B and C Squadrons were ordered to patrol Sidi Azeiz on 24 November, linking the 22nd and 23rd Battalion positions and screening the brigade against an expected German assault on the 25th. On the morning of the 26th, several German transport vehicles were captured when they ran into the B Squadron laager. The squadrons patrolled the line, capturing several prisoners, before withdrawing from a German attack on the 27th. After brigade headquarters was captured the regiment set off to join the 7th Indian Infantry Brigade at Sidi Omar Nuovo, moving to Bir Zemla to cut Bardia's communications from the west on 1–3 December. On 3 December, an Axis column approached. The regiment retreated, leading the Axis into an ambush by the 28th Maori Battalion and 22nd Infantry Battalion. C Squadron arrived on 6 December, and the squadrons screened at Menastir. On 7 December the regiment split into four mobile columns and moved west, discovering 29 tanks in a wadi near the coast. Two days later A and C Squadrons and three anti-tank gun batteries attacked the area, a tank-repair workshop. The tanks were destroyed, and 30 troops captured.^[39]

From 10 to 16 December, the regiment established a chain of posts on the roads south of Bardia to prevent Axis movement. The 2nd South African Division, supported by A and C Squadrons, unsuccessfully attacked Bardia on 16 December; the 2nd South African battalions retreated two days later. The regiment participated in a deception operation, concealing the attack on Bardia with dummy tanks in the desert. On 2 January, Lieutenant E. W. Kerr accepted the surrender of German General Schmitt. HQ and B Squadrons entered Bardia after Kerr's troops, releasing the Allied PoWs held there, and C Squadron was the first Allied force to enter Bardia. On 6 January 1942 the regiment left Bardia for Baggush,^[40] returning to Maadi on the 26th.^[41]

Syria

Div Cav soldiers playing rugby with Syrian tribesmen

On 13 March, the regiment began moving to Syria. The New Zealand Division moved to Syria to build fortifications in the Beqaa Valley to protect against an Axis attack from Turkey. The regiment was tasked with building roads at Laboue and Wadi Fa'rah, camping at Djedeida. In mid-May the roadbuilding was finished, and the regiment prepared for maneuvers with the 4th and 6th Infantry Brigades. When the exercises were completed on 1 June, it returned to Djedeida for more training.^[42]

Rommel's second offensive

On 16 June Div Cav was ordered to move to Egypt,^[43] and arrived at Matruh ten days later. B Squadron was sent ahead to Garawla, losing two carriers to tanks along the way, and split up in the darkness. Half went to Minqar Qaim and the other half, led by Major Sutherland, laagered in a depression and was surrounded by German tanks. Sutherland's vehicles broke out of the encirclement, losing one soldier who was taken prisoner. Arriving at headquarters at 08:00, he found the rest of the squadron. B Squadron was then sent to Bir Khalda to replace the 21st Battalion, patrolling there for the rest of the day. By evening the division was nearly surrounded, so acting division commander Brigadier Inglis decided on a breakout to Fortress A (also known as the Kaponga Box) southwest of El Alamein. B Squadron retreated south along the Qattara Depression before turning north to the fortress.^[44]

The remainder of Div Cav left Matruh for Fuka on the 27th, receiving new Bren Gun Carriers at Baggush. A Squadron prepared the new carriers for battle. After a report of approaching Axis tanks, the squadrons were withdrawn to Daba on the 28th and to Fortress A in the afternoon. On 30 June, the regiment screened west and south of the box. B Squadron was shelled on 1 June, and withdrew to the Deir el Munassib. The regiment probed ahead of the box, engaging the Axis forces, and B Squadron lost a carrier to anti-tank guns on the Alam Nayil ridge. The Axis forces were halted by a New Zealand counterattack led by Brigadier Weir. Alam Nayil was captured by Weir's force on 3 June, and C Squadron was tasked with holding the ridge while Weir's force pressed ahead. After the Italian guns on the ridge were destroyed, C Squadron withdrew and came under fire from Ruweisat Ridge. On 3 July, A Squadron reconnoitered around Gebel Kalakh and was ineffectually shelled by the friendly 6th Field Regiment. Two troops from A Squadron engaged an Italian truck-mounted battalion of the Trieste Division, destroying two trucks, capturing one Italian and releasing three Indian PoWs.^[45]

On 4 July, as part of a divisional attack toward Daba, the regiment was ordered to send C squadron northwest to join the 5th Brigade at El Mreir and continue to Daba. The squadron was ambushed on its way to El Mreir at 07:15; two carriers were destroyed, and C Squadron was replaced by two troops from B Squadron shortly afterwards. During the afternoon A and C Squadrons set out towards Daba, but were halted by darkness. A Squadron approached Mungar Wahla on 5 July, but withdrew to Qaret el Yidma after heavy artillery fire. A and B Squadrons patrolled 4th Brigade's front on 6 July. The next day, the division again attempted to drive toward the coast after an all-clear report. B Squadron screened the 4th and 5th Brigades before being halted by Axis fire, and A and C Squadrons were ordered into the line to reconnoiter. Axis tanks attacking C Squadron during the afternoon were repulsed by the 4th Brigade's anti-tank guns. Div Cav, the rearguard for the 4th and 5th Brigade retreat, reached Deir el Munassib on the morning of 8 July and received 15 Stuarts. A Squadron patrolled the front of the 22nd Battalion during the afternoon, returning to Deir el Munassib at night. The regiment screened the front on 9–10 July, covering the 5th Brigade's nighttime retreat.^[46]

A and C Squadrons supported a costly, abortive 15 July attack on Ruweisat Ridge, and the regiment retreated as the division dug in at the boxes. Two troops were dispatched to join the 18th Battalion on 22 July, encountering an Axis pocket and losing a troop commander. The regiment was incorporated into the New Zealand Divisional box; A and C Squadrons dug in, and B Squadron patrolled south. On 17–18 August, A and C Squadrons were relieved by the Buffs and Royal West Kents and moved out.^[47]

Battle of Alam Halfa

On 31 August the regiment was alerted of the coming attack. B Squadron blocked a German thrust through the box minefield, retreating after it was flanked, and two troops from A Squadron drove off eight Italian Fiat M13/40 tanks. Later in the morning ten Axis tanks and two 88mm guns attacked from the Deir el Muhafid, and were repulsed by the 26th Battery artillery. The regiment patrolled the northern flank on 3 September, and was the mobile reserve during the New Zealand Division attack on the retreating Axis line. It was to follow 132nd Brigade and advance to Deir Alinda to destroy Axis motorized transport, but the brigade was stopped and the regiment withdrew to the box.^[48]

Battle of El Alamein

Div Cav soldiers on a Stuart tank during the First Battle of El Alamein

Div Cav moved rearward on 10 September for leave in Cairo. The regiment conducted manoeuvers with the division in September, and returned to Burg el Arab. Colonel Nicoll was beaten up on 5 October by drunken soldiers in Maadi, where he had gone to arrange replacements, and was replaced by Sutherland. A total of 23 carriers with new equipment arrived from workshops on 11 October. The regiment advanced to El Hammam on 19 October in preparation for Operation Lightfoot; it was notified the following day of plans to attack the Axis rear behind the Armoured Brigade, advancing to El Imayid. On 22 October, Div Cav moved to its starting position at Alam el Onsol.^[49]

The advance began at night on 23 October, with the regiment advancing on a designated track during the artillery barrage. At daybreak, Div Cav stopped at Miteiriya Ridge because the 6th Infantry Brigade was unable to clear lanes through the minefield. A gap was created in the evening and B and C Squadrons advanced, screening the 9th Armoured Brigade.^[50] After traversing the minefield, the squadrons were stopped by anti-tank fire. Ten men were killed, and five tanks and four carriers destroyed.^[51]

The next day, the regiment was withdrawn and became part of the Divisional Reserve at Alam el Onsol. Orders arrived for a forward advance on 30 October for Operation Supercharge. The regiment was placed under the command of the 9th Armoured Brigade on 1 November, with each squadron attached to an armoured unit. A Squadron was attached to the 3rd Hussars, C Squadron to the Warwickshire Yeomanry and B Squadron to the Royal Wiltshire Yeomanry. The assault began the following day, with the squadrons ordered to screen the minefields for the armoured brigade. The 3rd Hussars reached the Rahman track, losing their anti-tank guns. The Wiltshire Yeomanry lost a Crusader squadron to anti-tank fire, and was nearly destroyed by the end of the day. Four B Squadron men were killed by anti-tank fire as the squadron advanced behind the Wiltshires. The Warwickshires, mistaking high ground for their objective, destroyed a number of anti-tank guns there. At the end of the day the regiment, except for C Squadron, returned to Alam el Onsol.^[52]

Div Cav resumed the offensive on 4 November, advancing southwest against retreating Axis forces and ending the day at Agramiya. The regiment advanced on the division's northern flank the next day, screening the New Zealand Division at the recaptured Baggush Box on 6 November. It then set off towards Mersa Matruh on the coast road and the escarpment, in contact with the 9th Armoured Brigade. The regiment halted at Gambut on 13 November, moving east to Menastir six days later.^[53]

Battle of El Agheila

Div Cav spent the first three weeks of the pursuit camped near Bardia. On 2 December, as part of the outflanking move around El Agheila, the regiment began an eight-day drive on transporters to El Haseiat. After unloading its vehicles, the regiment continued its flanking movement. On 14 December it was placed under the command of the 4th Light Armoured Brigade, with which it spent the night. C Squadron screened the brigade in the morning, and by 16:00 the regiment had drawn away from the brigade as C Squadron reached the escarpment. The German 15th Panzer Division, halted on the road due to a fuel shortage, was targeted by Div Cav. During the night, the regiment withdrew and laagered while the Germans retreated. At 05:45 the next morning XXX Corps headquarters ordered the division to attack the Germans, and the regiment was advised to expect an attack from the east by a hundred tanks. Div Cav was ordered to withdraw southwest, along the line of its previous advance. When the regiment had gone back six miles, it surprised a German column. A Squadron engaged, as the other squadrons hastily withdrew. In the evening, the regiment advanced a mile west and laagered.^[54]

On 17 December, Div Cav guarded the northern flank of the brigade in its advance on Nofilia; B and C Squadrons engaged the German rearguard, knocking out one Panzer III and losing two carriers. The brigade failed to capture Nofilia; although it cut the road, the Germans escaped during the night. The regiment was scheduled to camp at Nofilia for a week, with C Squadron dispatched to guard the airfield at Sultan with a detachment of engineers to clear mines. The minefield was cleared by 23 December, when A Squadron replaced C Squadron. In late December, 18 new carriers arrived and the regiment prepared for another advance.^[55]

Advance on Tripoli

On 8–9 January 1943, Div Cav again advanced. A Squadron vehicles were loaded at Nofilia on transporters, which drove down the main road. The rest of the regiment advanced, conducting divisional manoeuvres. The A Squadron vehicles were unloaded near Wadi Bei el Chebir, east of the expected German rearguard near Wadi Temet, and the regiment caught up on 14 January. The following day, A Squadron crossed the road and withstood shelling by anti-tank guns and artillery until the afternoon. B Squadron probed south, also encountering German anti-tank guns. After one of its Stuart tanks knocked out an anti-tank gun B Squadron advanced through the German line, dislodging a number of AT guns and destroying a half-track. During the afternoon C Squadron tried unsuccessfully to break through the German center, but that night the Germans withdrew. On 16 January the regiment advanced to high ground above the airstrip at Sedada, losing a tank and carrier. C Squadron advanced down the plateau in the darkness, losing a carrier to a mine on the trail. The regiment found an alternate route, ending the day in Wadi Merdum. On 18 January, Div Cav advanced through rugged country to Beni Ulid. The regiment advanced towards Tarhuna the following day, bivouacking halfway there before discovering a route through the hills north of the road.^[56]

The regiment being reviewed by Churchill and other dignitaries

On 21 January Div Cav moved out of the hills, with C Squadron artillery driving off German rearguard units. The next morning A and B Squadrons advanced west, turning north after crossing the Garian road before they were halted by German resistance at Azizia. The Germans retreated during the night, and the regiment found an empty village in the morning. Racing down the road, Div Cav ended the day four miles from Tripoli before being transferred to Bianchi for a week. The regiment next encamped around Castel Benito. On 28 January, Lieutenant Colonel Sutherland left for New Zealand and was replaced by Ian Bonifant. In February, the regiment unloaded supplies from landing craft in Tripoli. On the 4th, the Eighth Army paraded through the city before Winston Churchill, Bernard Montgomery, Richard McCreery and Bernard Freyberg.^[57]

Tunisia

The Divisional Cavalry Regiment left Castel Benito on 2 March as part of Montgomery's offensive against the Mareth Line. On 3 March the regiment was in Tunisia, camped near the road at Medenine. The next morning it was put under command of the 4th Light Armoured Brigade in preparation for a German assault and moved forward, behind the 5th New Zealand Brigade positions. After Rommel's failed assault on Allied positions, A Squadron was sent south to probe the eastern end of the hills while B and C Squadrons harassed the German retreat on 7 March. The regiment patrolled the area between the 11th Hussars and the Free French Flying Column for the next five days and moved back to Foum Tatahouine on 13 March, where the New Zealand Division assembled for a flanking movement on the German inland flank. Div Cav advanced southwest and then north, guarding the division's right flank. On 21 March contact was made with the Germans, and elements of the division attacked during the night. C Squadron advanced behind the infantry in the morning before being stopped by shellfire near Point 201, a battlefield elevation. As the shelling decreased, A and HQ Squadrons advanced to the C Squadron position. B Squadron arrived from night patrol, and the regiment laagered behind Point 201. On the morning of 23 March B and C Squadrons advanced, capturing fifteen 77mm guns and several prisoners. From 24 to 26 March, the regiment patrolled the left flank of the line in preparation for an assault by the 1st Armoured Division. When close air support preparation for the assault began, Div Cav marked the bomb line with smoke canisters and advanced on the flank when the ground assault began. The regiment laagered next to the Kebili-El Hamma road during the night.^[58]

On 27 March, B and C Squadrons made contact with the 1st Armoured Division. On the 28th the regiment maintained contact with the retreating Germans, entering Gabes the following day. Div Cav stopped at a wadi to determine where the division could cross in a nine-vehicle front. A location was found on the 30th, and C Squadron pressed ahead near the Wadi Akarit. The wadi was strongly defended; the regiment patrolled and probed until 5 April, before an attack by XXX Corps infantry in which the 2nd New Zealand would be in reserve. The assault did not break through on the first day, due to German resistance. It did the second morning, and the division pursued. The regiment advanced with the division, capturing 1,300 PoWs. On 8 April, it became part of a battlegroup consisting of the 8th Armoured and 5th New Zealand Infantry Brigades and the 1st King's Dragoon Guards (KDG). The regiment advanced another 20 miles, halting in the afternoon. Resuming its advance that evening, it reached the head of the division late at night. Div Cav guarded the advance's eastern flank the following day, with orders not to attack substantial German forces. The advance towards Sousse resumed on 10 April, with A and B Squadrons reaching El Djem. The regiment, pursuing the retreating Germans at dawn, was past Sousse by 08:30. As A Squadron advanced up the main road, B and C Squadrons swung west. The regiment was within 10 miles of Enfidaville by 13 April, and probed the Germans until the 19th.^[59]

Div Cav left the combat area on 24 April, and was sent back to a rest area two days later. The regiment moved forward west of Enfidaville on 4 May, moving near the town on 8 May to exploit a breakthrough by tanks the following day. The breakthrough was preempted by First Army's drive across Tunisia, and the Axis forces in North Africa surrendered on 13 May. Three days later the regiment began moving back to Maadi, arriving on 1 June, and many soldiers were sent back to New Zealand on leave; they returned in July with replacements. On 5 July new weapons were issued, and the regiment began training on the range. A month later the first T17 (Staghound) armoured cars arrived, and the regiment was one of the first combat units equipped with the car.^[60] Five troops in each squadron received T17s, and one troop in each was equipped with a Daimler Scout Car. On 17 September, the regiment moved to Burg el Arab and began embarking for Italy. By 1 November its equipment had arrived, and the regiment moved up to Altamura.^[61]

Italy

T17 Staghound armoured cars from the regiment on an Italian road, 19 November 1943

Div Cav began forming the Eighth Army reserve several miles north of Lucera, near the Foggia Airfield Complex, on 4 November. On the 12th the regiment left Lucera for the front, arriving at Cupello in the afternoon and tasked with guarding a bridge over the Sinello River below the village of Gissi. At 09:00 the next day the regiment moved out to its new position, 20 miles forward. Through sleet and mountainous terrain, the trip took all day. A Squadron guarded the bridge, while the rest of the regiment bivouacked. On 18 November B Squadron guarded the left flank of the division, southwest of Atessa. C and HQ Squadrons advanced ten miles forward, to the village of Monte Marconi, on 20 November and A and B Squadrons were sent back to Carpineto Sinello in reserve. C Squadron made contact with the British V Corps on foot, since the road was demolished in three places.^[62]

In the planned offensive on the Sangro, C Squadron was to follow the 19th Armoured Regiment in its advance at 03:00. Although its tanks reached the river, they were ineffective in the mud and the squadron remained on the other bank. Meanwhile, B Squadron advanced to Monte Marconi. Three troops from C Squadron finally crossed the river by the afternoon of 29 November; one was ordered to advance to Elici, and a second was to make contact with the 8th Indian Infantry Division at La Defenza. However, the routes were mined and the troops spent the night at 23rd Battalion headquarters. In the morning, the mines were cleared and the second troop contacted the Indians and advanced east of Elici; the first troop was held up by shelling south of Elici.^[63]

Three troops from B Squadron unsuccessfully tried to probe Casoli; since the bridges over the river had been destroyed, a foot patrol was sent. C Squadron advanced forward of Elici after it was abandoned by the Axis. The New Zealand Engineers constructed a Bailey bridge over the river, allowing B Squadron to cross on 1 December. The squadron attempted to capture Guardiagrele the next day, but was repulsed by anti-tank gunfire. Two troops from C Squadron entered Castelfrentano, joining the tanks of the 18th Armoured Regiment. On 4 December A and B Squadrons attempted to find a way through Frisa, working to the right for an easier approach towards Arielli. The division was to attack on the Orsogna road and contain the 26th Panzer Division. On 1 January 1944, B Squadron was sent forward as infantry to take over the sector between San Eusanio and Guardiagrele. It was relieved on the 19th, and the regiment moved back across the Sangro to another sector.^[64]

The New Zealand Division became a corps after its reinforcement by the 4th Indian Division, and the regiment was posted above the Volturno River around the village of Raviscanina. Arriving on 22 January, it moved forward to an assembly area at Stazione di Toro on 6 February. Three days later the regiment replaced the 21st Battalion on the Gari, opposite Sant'Angelo. During the Maori Battalion's assault on Monte Cassino, the regiment lay down a mortar barrage on its front to screen the Maoris with smoke. Div Cav moved out of the line to Monte Trocchio on 23 February, and was relieved by the 1st Battalion of the East Surrey Regiment from the 78th British Division. On 15 March the Monte Cassino assault resumed, and C Squadron kept the Route 6 bridge over the Gari-Rapido shrouded from German observation with smoke. The regiment pulled out of the line on 20 March, taking up the New Zealand Division's new left flank along the Gari River, and was relieved on 9 April by the 22nd Battalion.^[65]

Div Cav Daimler Dingo near Atina

Div Cav rested near Filignano and Montaquila. Two troops from C Squadron were positioned along the Venafro-Atina road, and the rest of the regiment built the road between Filignano and Montaquila. On 18 April Bonifant left for New Zealand and was replaced by his second-in-command, Major Wilder. On 10 May, the final offensive against the Gustav Line began; the regiment was combined with the 22nd and 24th Battalions and No. 2 Company of the 27th Machine Gun Battalion to become Pleasants Force, tasked with taking over positions held by the Kimberley Rifles. By 26 June, the Axis was retreating; the regiment retrieved its vehicles and drove up the valley to Atina, passing through during the evening before it was stopped by opposition at Vicalvi. Three days later Vicalvi was captured by the 21st Battalion, and the regiment advanced through the town. Since the bridge over the Fibreno River had been destroyed, B Squadron guarded the site while two troops found their way across and provided a flank guard for the Maori Battalion. C Squadron remained in Vicalvi on the 31st, and A Squadron held Posta until it was replaced by the RAF Regiment. B Squadron moved up to Sora when the bridge was completed. On 1 June B Squadron advanced toward Isola del Liri, which was captured by the 8th Indian Infantry Division. A Squadron was transferred to 5th Brigade to advance with it in pursuit, while the rest of the regiment laagered on the Fibreno.^[66]

On 5 June the main part of the regiment was combined with two companies of infantry and a squadron of tanks to form Wilder Force, which was to take over the front from the 5th Brigade. A Squadron pushed up the valley and Wilder Force advanced behind, through Balsorano. After the Axis retreated to their next line of defense, the New Zealand Division withdrew to Arce for training. The regiment moved forward again on 10 July, advancing to Cortona on 11–12 July. B Squadron was transferred to 6th Brigade, and sent forward to Castiglion Fiorentino to clear the road between Castiglion and Palazzo del Pero. The road was opened by the 6th Armoured, and the crossroads on Route 73 was reached on 15 July. The New Zealand Division moved to capture Florence; the regiment advanced west to Siena, and then turned north to Castellina. A Squadron supported the 23rd and 28th Battalions advancing on San Casciano, and the remainder of the regiment arrived at San Donato by 22 July. Two days later, C Squadron combined with A Squadron of the 19th Armoured, No. 2 Company of the 22nd Battalion and 1st Troop of the 31st Anti-tank Battery to form Armcav. The force advanced on 25 July, taking Fabbrica and advancing toward Bibbione. Bibbione was taken despite increasingly-heavy opposition the next day, and the other two squadrons supported the Maori Battalion. Armcav was disbanded on 27 July, and C Squadron remained under the command of the 4th Armoured Brigade.^[67]

San Casciano was captured shortly afterwards, and the final assault on Florence began on 1 August. A Squadron was in reserve, and B Squadron patrolled northward. C Squadron advanced on Geppetto, covering the 6th Brigade's left flank. Geppetto was captured the next morning, and C Squadron patrolled forward to San Michele. B Squadron advanced with the Maori Battalion, ending the day and advancing the next morning with that unit. C Squadron moved west on Route 67 until it was halted by opposition near Grioli, and A Squadron advanced to Scandicci in the afternoon as Florence fell.^[68]

The New Zealand Division was temporarily removed from the line. To cover its replacement by the US Fifth Army, B Squadron was attached to the 4th Brigade, C Squadron to the 5th and A Squadron to the 6th. On the morning of 11 August, C Squadron supported the 23rd Battalion advance from Emboli to the Arno River. B Squadron was positioned in San Vito, and A Squadron behind the Pesa River. The regiment withdrew to the divisional area near Castellina on 16 August, moving with the division to Iesi on the Adriatic during the last week of the month. Arriving on 29 August, it was transferred to Fano on 5 September. The regiment moved back into the line on 22 September at Rimini, advancing along Route 16 towards Ravenna. Another Wilder Force was formed on 3 October from the dismounted regiment and a machine-gun platoon, and it began crossing the Fiumicino River on 15 October. Four days later, Wilder Force was dissolved and the regiment returned to its vehicles. On 21 October, B and C Squadrons attempted to secure the area around Pisignano and were within a mile of the town by the end of the day. Since it was strongly held by the Axis, the 22nd Battalion came forward and the squadrons withdrew.^[69]

Regimental Staghound in Castiglione, 16 July 1944.

Div Cav withdrew to Cesolo near San Severino, 60 miles in the rear. The regiment was converted to an infantry battalion, since its light armoured vehicles were considered unsuited to Italy's climate and the division was short of infantry.^[70] The battalion spent a month retraining as infantry, and left Cesolo on 24 November. The New Zealand Division was placed under the command of V Corps for the crossing of the Lamone River and the capture of Faenza. The regiment became part of the 6th Brigade, operating in the sector facing the Lamone opposite Faenza, and the brigade's small front was held by the 26th Battalion. The 24th and 25th Battalions were scheduled to replace the 26th next, with Div Cav replacing them. The regiment camped in Forlì before taking over its positions on 2 December. The division mounted a simulated attack to support the British 46th Division's crossing of the Lamone with an artillery barrage and tank fire. After the 5th Brigade moved south to take over the 46th Division positions, the 6th Brigade moved west to take over the 5th Brigade sector and the regiment was now opposite Faenza. A and B Squadrons moved to the rear after being relieved by the British 4th Reconnaissance Regiment, and C Squadron laid smoke to cover the 13 December crossing of the Lamone by 4th Brigade tanks. The attack on Faenza began the next day. The Maori and 23rd Battalions were at their objectives by the 15th, but Axis holdouts continued to resist in the town. The regiment entered Faenza in the afternoon and camped there until 27 December, when it replaced 26th Battalion on the Senio. During the night of 1–2 January 1945 the Maori Battalion relieved the regiment, which moved to Forlì. Div Cav returned to the front after a week and took up the positions of the 25th Battalion, which it fortified against a possible German counterattack. The regiment was relieved by the 25th Battalion on 21 January, and returned to Forlì.^[71]

It then became part of the newly-formed 9th Brigade, the divisional reserve in April for Operation Buckland (the final offensive in Italy).^[72] The regiment protected the engineers bridging the Senio. When the bridges were finished, it covered the open flank around Barbiano resulting from the 3rd Carpathian Division's delay. The regiment then attacked Massa Lombarda in preparation for a crossing of the Sillaro River, boarding Kangaroo APCs and moving forward. Tiger tanks forced the regiment to dismount and dig in before the Tigers were knocked out by Allied artillery. A and C Squadrons supported the 22nd Battalion in attacking Squazzaloca. The regiment reached the Sillaro River, crossing it at first light,^[73] and was relieved by the 27th Battalion on 15 April. D Squadron cleared Sesto Imolese of Axis troops, with A and B Squadrons protecting the left flank. On 16–17 April, the regiment protected the right flank behind the 22nd Battalion. The attack across the Gaiana began with a massive artillery barrage during the night of 18 April. Although the regiment crossed the river unopposed, it was counterattacked beyond the barrage area. Advancing against stiff Axis resistance, A and C Squadrons were on the far side of the Quaderna Canal by 01:30 on 19 April. The regiment dug in there, resisting Axis counterattacks; eleven men from the regiment were killed, and 47 wounded.^[74]

Relieved by the 23rd Battalion, Div Cav was moved back to Medicina. After two days of rest there, the brigade returned to the front lines behind the Allied advance towards the Po. The regiment was seven miles north of Bologna by the first night back when it was bombed by an Axis aircraft which wounded four men. By the next day the regiment was on the banks of the Reno, and crossed the Po after the rest of the brigade on 26 April. After its advance was stopped by the Fratta Canal, the regiment moved east to Ospedaletto. A and C Squadrons cleared Ospedaletto of the Axis rearguard, taking fifty prisoners. The regiment bypassed scattered German units, racing for Padua during the night. It reached Padua around midnight, and was greeted by jubilant Italian crowds. On 29 April a shell struck regimental headquarters, wounding Lieutenant Colonel Wilder and killing two men (the last men killed in action during the war). Wilder was replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Tanner; the regiment advanced again at midday on Route 11 towards Venice, encountering its last strong German resistance in Mira. No. 12 Troop flanked the German positions, capturing 140 men and killing about 20. The regiment raced on, changing to Route 14 and headed for Trieste, and was ferried over the Piave on 30 April; it was at Monfalcone, controlled by Yugoslav partisans, by the end of 1 May. Trieste was reached the next day, and the regiment camped just beyond the city. Div Cav was relieved on 6 May by a battalion of the 363rd Infantry Regiment of the US 91st Division, and moved to Barcola.^[75]

Japan

After the Japanese surrender on 15 August 1945, the New Zealand government agreed to contribute units to a joint British Commonwealth Occupation Force (BCOF). The 9th Brigade – including Div Cav, which regained its identity as a regiment – became part of the NZ contingent, known as J Force. The regiment embarked for Kure on 21 February, reaching its destination on 19 March and relieving the 67th Australian Battalion on Eta-Jima on the 23rd; it was billeted in Naval Academy Etajima. After patrolling the island, the regiment was replaced by the Royal Welch Fusiliers and moved to Hirao.

Lieutenant Colonel Worsnop took command on 28 June 1946. The regimental flag was lowered for the last time on 5 August 1947, and the regiment was disbanded on 1 September 1947.^[76]

Commanders

The following officers commanded the Divisional Cavalry Regiment:^[77]

• Lieutenant Colonel Caro James Pierce (29 September 1939 – 22 February 1941)
• Lieutenant Colonel Hugh Graeme Carruth (22 February – 26 July 1941)
• Lieutenant Colonel Arthur J. Nicoll (26 July 1941 – 5 October 1942)
• Lieutenant Colonel James Henderson Sutherland (5 October 1942 – 28 January 1943)
• Lieutenant Colonel Ian Bonifant (28 January 1943 – 18 April 1944)
• Lieutenant Colonel Nicholas Perry Wilder (18 April 1944 – 6 January 1945)
• Lieutenant Colonel James Rutherford Williams (6 January – 29 April 1945)
• Lieutenant Colonel Victor Joseph Tanner (29 April – 7 August 1945)
• Lieutenant Colonel Duncan MacIntyre (7 August 1945 – 28 June 1946)
• Lieutenant Colonel John Albert Worsnop (28 June 1946 – 3 May 1947)
• Lieutenant Colonel Ralph Bonner McQueen (3 May – 1 September 1947)

Notes

1. McGibbon & Goldstone 2000, p. 37.
2. Loughnan 1963, pp. 408–424.
3. Loughnan 1963, p. 2.
4. McClymont 1959, p. 8.
5. Loughnan 1963, p. 6.
6. Loughnan 1963, p. 7.
7. Loughnan 1963, p. 14.
8. Loughnan 1963, p. 18.
9. Loughnan 1963, p. 19.
10. Loughnan 1963, p. 16.
11. McClymont 1959, p. 35.
12. Loughnan 1963, pp. 31–43.
13. Loughnan 1963, p. 21.
14. McClymont 1959, p. 52.
15. Stack & O'Sullivan 2013, p. 12.
16. Loughnan 1963, pp. 23–30.
17. McClymont 1959, pp. 53–54.
18. Loughnan 1963, p. 28.
19. McClymont 1959, p. 81.
20. Stack & O'Sullivan 2013, p. 8.
21. Loughnan 1963, pp. 44–47.
22. McClymont 1959, p. 141.
23. McClymont 1959, p. 192.
24. McClymont 1959, p. 166.
25. McClymont 1959, pp. 170–171.
26. McClymont 1959, pp. 235–237.
27. McClymont 1959, pp. 299–303.
28. Loughnan 1963, pp. 51–88.
29. Loughnan 1963, pp. 88–94.
30. Antill 2012, p. 72.
31. Loughnan 1963, pp. 95–109.
32. Loughnan 1963, pp. 110–115.
33. Loughnan 1963, pp. 116–117.
34. Loughnan 1963, pp. 119–125.
35. Loughnan 1963, pp. 126–130.
36. Loughnan 1963, pp. 131–139.
37. Loughnan 1963, pp. 140–144.
38. Loughnan 1963, pp. 145–148.
39. Loughnan 1963, pp. 149–159.
40. Loughnan 1963, pp. 160–168.
41. Loughnan 1963, pp. 169–171.
42. Loughnan 1963, pp. 172–178.
43. Loughnan 1963, p. 178.
44. Loughnan 1963, pp. 179–184.
45. Loughnan 1963, pp. 185–191.
46. Loughnan 1963, pp. 192–196.
47. Loughnan 1963, pp. 197–209.
48. Loughnan 1963, pp. 210–224.
49. Loughnan 1963, pp. 225–231.
50. Latimer 2002, p. 208.
51. Loughnan 1963, pp. 232–234.
52. Loughnan 1963, pp. 235–238.
53. Loughnan 1963, pp. 239–244.
54. Loughnan 1963, pp. 245–252.
55. Loughnan 1963, pp. 253–256.
56. Loughnan 1963, pp. 257–262.
57. Loughnan 1963, pp. 263–268.
58. Loughnan 1963, pp. 269–278.
59. Loughnan 1963, pp. 279–287.
60. Zaloga 2011, p. 27.
61. Loughnan 1963, pp. 288–303.
62. Loughnan 1963, pp. 304–310.
63. Loughnan 1963, pp. 310–312.
64. Loughnan 1963, pp. 313–322.
65. Loughnan 1963, pp. 323–337.
66. Loughnan 1963, pp. 338–347.
67. Loughnan 1963, pp. 348–356.
68. Loughnan 1963, pp. 357–364.
69. Loughnan 1963, pp. 365–380.
70. Stack & O'Sullivan 2013, p. 33.
71. Loughnan 1963, pp. 381–393.
72. Doherty 2015, p. 48.
73. Doherty 2015, p. 123.
74. Loughnan 1963, pp. 394–407.
75. Loughnan 1963, pp. 408–417.
76. Loughnan 1963, pp. 418–425.
77. Loughnan 1963, p. 431.

References

• Antill, Peter (2012). Crete 1941 - Germany's Lightning Airborne Assault. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 9781782007104.
• Doherty, Richard (2015). Victory in Italy: 15th Army Group's Final Campaign 1945. Barnsley, South Yorkshire: Pen and Sword. ISBN 9781783462988.
• Latimer, Jon (2002). Alamein. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Harvard University Press. ISBN 9780674010161.
• Loughnan, R. J. M. (1963). Divisional Cavalry. Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45. Wellington, New Zealand: War History Branch. OCLC 560656888.
• McClymont, W.G. (1959). To Greece. Official History of New Zealand in the Second World War 1939–45. Wellington, New Zealand: Historical Publications Branch. OCLC 566330964.
• McGibbon, Ian C.; Goldstone, Paul (2000). The Oxford Companion to New Zealand Military History. Auckland, New Zealand: Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780195583762.
• Stack, Wayne; O'Sullivan, Barry (2013). The New Zealand Expeditionary Force in World War II. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 9781780961118.
• Zaloga, Steven J. (20 December 2011). Staghound Armored Car 1942–62. Oxford: Osprey Publishing. ISBN 9781780962108.

Further reading

• Deed, Philip (2013). 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry: Men with No1 Troop and B Squadron, 1943 to 1945, Italy. Matamata: Philip Deed. ISBN 9780473241766.
• Deed, Philip (2016). 2nd New Zealand Divisional Cavalry : Men with No1 Troop and B Squadron, 1942 - 1943, North Africa. Matamata: Philip Deed. ISBN 9780473339210.

External links

• The Div Cav Project