Company HQ {145 points}
Major
Command Light Tank Crusader II
2IC Light Tank Crusader II
Universal Carrier with 50cal MG
First Light Tank Platoon {220 points}
Subaltern
Command Light Tank Crusader II
2 Light Tanks Crusader II
Second Light Tank Platoon {220 points}
Subaltern
Command Light Tank Crusader II
2 Light Tanks Crusader II
1st Carrier Patrol {90 points}
Sergeant
3 Universal Carriers
2nd Carrier Patrol {90 points}
Sergeant
3 Universal Carriers
Crusader MkII Cruiser Tank
DIVISIONAL SUPPORT PLATOON
Field Battery Royal Artillery {445 points}
Major
HQ Troop
Command Rifle Team 3 Figs 1 Stand
Staff Team 4 Figs 1 Stand
Jeep
15 CWT Truck
1st Gun Troop
Captain
HQ Section
Command Rifle Team 3 Figs 1 Stand
Observer Team 2 Figs 1 Stand
2 15 CWT Trucks
1st Gun Section
Sergeant
2 25pdr guns
2 Quad Tractor and Limber
2nd Gun Section
Sergeant
2 25pdr guns
2 Quad Tractor and Limber
2nd Gun Troop
Captain
HQ Section
Command Rifle Team 3 Figs 1 Stand
Observer Team 2 Figs 1 Stand
2 15 CWT Trucks
1st Gun Section
Sergeant
2 25pdr guns
2 Quad Tractor and Limber
2nd Gun Section
Sergeant
2 25pdr guns
2 Quad Tractor and Limber
2/12th Australian Field Artillery
The 9th Division Cavalry was sent to Egypt after the German advances in July 1942,
accompanying their parent formation. Here, for the first time in the Middle East
campaign, an Australian Cavalry Regiment was equipped with modern armour, in the
form of British Crusader Mark 2 Cruiser tanks, M3 Stuart Light tanks as well as the
ubiquitous Machine Gun Carriers. They provided two squadrons for the protection of the
Headquarters of the 9th Australian Division, becoming involved in several tank versus
tank engagements. During these actions several Universal Carriers were destroyed and
some Crusaders were damaged
At the time of the battle of El Alamein in October 1942, the Regiment had on strength 5
M3 Stuart Light Tanks, 15 Crusader Mk 2 Cruiser Tanks and 52 Universal Carriers. The
Cavalry did not play a major role during the battles of Alamein, being held in divisional
reserve. In early November the regiment was chosen as the advance guard to lead the
division in the westward advance. The Eighth Army's advance, however, was too fast,
and as the 9th Division was being withdrawn to serve in South West Pacific theatre, the
Cavalry did not take part in the pursuit of the Afrika Korps.
No photographic evidence has yet been found of the Crusaders and Stuarts carrying
Australian unit or divisional signs. Most appear to have the British T number on the left
front of the turret. The differing camouflage patterns – Caunter, sand, Khaki Green with
added splotches show the miscellany of paint schemes used by Australian Forces in the
Middle East
Reference
Australian Armour in the Middle East, 1940-1942
Paul D. Handel 2003
