2/3 Australian Anti Tank Regiment

[David W]

I can't seem to track down a date for the arrival of this Regiment in North Africa.

I have it in Tobruk in late March 1941, but assume that it arrived earlier in the delta. Judging by the ammount of Italian guns it was using at the time, I assume that it either arrived sans guns, or was understrength.

Any thoughts?

[JonS]

On 25th August [1941] Major Argent's 12th Battery of the 2/3rd Anti-Tank
Regiment, which had been with the frontier forces continuously for five
months, came into Mersa Matruh and under Brigadier Ramsay's command.

Pg 358, vol III
http://www.awm.gov.au/histories/second_world_war/

[David W]

Jon, that confirms the frontline in March '41.
But can we pre-date that at all?

Supplementary question, the Regiment was withdrawn from Tobruk in late September 1941, along with most of the other Australian units, but when did it return in 1942?
Was it July?

[Tom from Cornwall]

David,

The War Diary of 9 Aus Div HQ GS Branch for Nov-Dec 40 contains an GS Instruction dated 27 Jan 41detailing that the 3 AT Regt remains "under command" and is based at Julis, which was a village in the Gaza area of Palestine in 1940.

Regards

Tom

[David W]

Thanks Tom.

So it looks like a trip to Egypt somewhen inbetween 28/01/41 & 10/03/41.

[mccannmilitaria]

hi there, new to this site.
My grandad served in this regiment and I am trying to research all the guys who served with him.
I have found a handful but does anyone know where to get a list?
I am happy to help anyone. I have my grandads army records if the info is of interest.
Cheers
Hope

[Graham B]

mccanmilitaria
I'd suggest a good start would be the book that covers their unit history. It's called 'Target Tank - the history of the 2/3 Australian anti-tank Regiment' by Jack Argent. I don't have a copy but according to various website blurbs it includes a unit nominal roll, plus a list of wounded, missing and prisoners of war.
You'll find it on the web, but note that it is a very rare book these days and first editions are very expensive (not sure how many editions were published). An alternative to buying, if you can't find an affordable copy, is a library copy. I'd suggest you check your local libraries or the national library of Australia (nla) website. NLA has a database (Trove) which you can search to find where copies are available (libraries and booksellers).
Good luck,
Graham

[norman kable]

To David W and JonS,
.
The 2/1, 2/2, and 2/3 Anti-Tank Regiments were formed at Julis, Palestine on 17/8/1940.

Brigadier A.S.Allan(later Major General) selected one lieutenant from each of the 2/1, 2/2, and2/3 infantry battalions of the 6th division A.I.F. He ordered each battalion to transfer N.C.O's and other ranks to form 3 platoons approximately a total of 75 men.

Their first engagement was on 4/1/1941 at the battle of Bardia.( Referance "The Battle of Bardia" published by Australian War Memorial)

[Rosyn]

hi there, new to this site.
My grandad served in this regiment and I am trying to research all the guys who served with him.
I have found a handful but does anyone know where to get a list?
I am happy to help anyone. I have my grandads army records if the info is of interest.
Cheers
Hope

Hi mccannmilitaria\,
My Uncle was a gunner with the 2/3 anti tank regiment. I have also been trying to access the book and have had to order from inter library. I also located another pictural book from the local RSL Library-The Magnificent 9th by Mark Johnston.
Roslyn

[kimbly61]

hi there, new to this site.
My grandad served in this regiment and I am trying to research all the guys who served with him.
I have found a handful but does anyone know where to get a list?
I am happy to help anyone. I have my grandads army records if the info is of interest.
Cheers
Hope

Hi Hope,
(Im new to this site as well.) My grandfather was also in the 2/3rd anti tank regiment. His name was Arthur "Barney" Palmer. He lived in Leeton, NSW. He was killed in the 2nd battle of El-Alamein on 29th Oct, 1942. I have only just started looking into his 'war' history. Its all very interesting but very sad knowing he was killed.
Would love to hear more about your grandfather.
Kim

[Dowton]

Hello

I have just joined this site. I notice references to Target Tank, I have just bought a copy if anyone is interested in specifics of this regiment. My interest is that my Dad was in 11 Battery as a gunner and later Sergeant on a 2 pounder. He was at Mechilli as part of the rear guard (the 11th lost quiet a few as PoW and casualties) and later at Tobruck and El Alamein. I would be interested in anyone who new him or any specifics around the Mechilli affair. He came back to OZ and did some time in NG as well.

Steve

[Dowton]

hi there, new to this site.
My grandad served in this regiment and I am trying to research all the guys who served with him.
I have found a handful but does anyone know where to get a list?
I am happy to help anyone. I have my grandads army records if the info is of interest.
Cheers
Hope

I have Target Tank - it lists all Batteries and list of all who served so could track him down. My Dad was in 11th Battery

[David W]

I hope you paid considerably below the £300 or so that copies are going for in the U.K!

[Dowton]

$500au, maybe a bit too much but there is some sentimental value

[David W]

Fair comment!