The Battle: a Tank Officer Remembers
Published privately, this is Geoff's journal of his time in 23H from 14 Jun 1944 until 7 Aug 1944, the day C Squadron came down from the Perrier Ridge in Normandy.
Geoff was initially attached to the 270th Forward Delivery Squadron (FDS). They landed on the Normandy coast on 23 Jun - the bulk of 23H having gone over on D + 9 (15 Jun). Originally posted to B Squadron, he was transferred to C Squadron on 12 July and placed in command of 1st Troop.
Although his recollectiion of dates is occasionally hazy - understandable given the circumstances - nevertheless his book gives us a valuable insight into life at the sharp end of a tank regiment.
He died in 1967 aged 58. Along with a disturbingly large number of his 23H comrades, he did not enjoy the long life which he surely deserved. I offer my thanks to him both as a soldier and chronicler - and as a man whom my Dad both knew and respected. Thanks Geoff.