 |
 | Regiments Of The 2nd Armored Division |
An Armored Division during in 1942 was originally comprised of roughly 12,697 personnel. The division then was assigned 2 tank regiments, each with two medium tank battalions and one light. However, reforms after after-action reports from Africa standardized the tank battalions, giving them three medium tank companies and one light tank company each. Command of these battalions was handled by a flexible command structure called Combat Commands. Two Combat Commands were used by WW2 Armored Divisions, CC A and CC B, and a third was often used in Reserve, designated CC R. Upon arrival in Normandy, the 2nd Armored was assigned a total of 219 Medium Tanks.
The Division was given one Armored Infantry Regiment and three Armored Field Artillery Battalions. The unit as a whole was supported by its own Armored Medical, Supply, Signal Corps, Ordnance & Maintenance, and Engineer Battalions. Unlike most other divisions, 2nd Armored was designed to be self-contained and not require outside support units to be attached in order to complete missions. However, due to operational necessity, it was common for other battalions and companies to be linked up with the division, such as the 702nd Tank Destroyer Battalion.
The Reenactors of 2nd Armored have decided to narrow things down and portray some of the major Regiments and Battalions within the division. Most recruits starting out in reenacting fall in as Armored Infantry. Once they get some events under their belt and maybe do some in-depth collecting, they may check out the other regiments and see what they do. We all work together to get the mission done and to beat the Axis!
| |
 | 41st Armored Infantry Regiment |
The history of the 2nd Armored Division within the CHG begins with the 41st Armored Infantry Regiment. In 1979, Major Ron Lane (USAF Ret.) was instrumental in founding California Historical Group. The CHG's homebase was at that time, at his military museum in Anaheim, CA. For the next ten years, most of the CHG's membership was a result of contact with Ron's museum. In 1981, Fred Hatcher began the 2nd Armored Division unit with the founding of the 41st AIR. Ron joined this unit in 1984 and in 1988, became unit leader.
Members of the unit portray the Armored Infantryman... a unique concept back in those days and a testament of how warfare was becoming more mobile. The primary mission of the 41st is to support the tanks. Tanks have limited vision and well placed enemy infantry can cause a lot of damage with Anti-tank devices without our tankers even knowing they were there. Sending infantry with tank support is the most effective way of preventing this. Our Armored Infantrymen ride in Half-tracks, Jeeps, and Trucks to get to the fight. Like the soldiers we are portraying, we and our gear are never far from our wheels. Why walk when you can ride?
|
 | 17th Combat Engineer Battalion |
The 17th Engineers is another unit that some new members fall in to. It's probably the newest group to be formed up within the club and some of our younger recruits find a home here. The Engineers ride out and fight alongside the Armored Infantry and the Tanks. They specialize in clearing mines and obstacles and can do demolition work on enemy strong points and equipment. In Normandy, they drove bulldozers through hedgerows to give access points for the soldiers and tanks.
|
 | 66th Armored Regiment |
The tanks in our unit represent the 66th Armored Regiment. This is represented on the vehicle markings and the Distinctive Unit Insignia the tankers wear on their uniforms. Our tankers are highly skilled and all put in many hours working on the tanks on the weekends. Training is essential for realistic reenactment and for safety. Many of our missions are in direct support and in close proximity to the 41st AIR and other US and Allied infantry units in the field. 66th members must be prepared to invest both time and money to successfully execute this impression. Dedication to working on the armored vehicles is a requirement to call yourself a proper tanker. When the event doesn't or can't allow for the presence of armored vehicles, they fall right in with the 41st A.I.R. or other units taking the field.
|
 | 82nd Reconnaissance Battalion |
The primary duty of the recon unit is to scout ahead of armored units for the presence of enemy troop or armor concentrations, and report back such sightings. Auxiliary duties include guarding road crossings, directing 2nd Armored vehicles to the battle site, and providing rear and flank security. The recon unit is constantly in front of the division's vehicles, and customarily suffers high casualties through ambushes owing its close proximity to the enemy. They are highly mobile and rely on speed and stealth to get their missions done.
|
 | 48th Armored Medical Battalion |
The 48th was designed to be able to keep up with the speed of an armored division as it rumbled across the battlefield. Not too many members portray medical impressions. However, when they do, they roll out as 48th A.M.B. Field Medics. This is a good impression to do if you lack the money for a rifle, are underage and can't use a weapon due to club bylaws (until you reach the proper age), or are looking for something different, inexpensive, and that will definitely look good at an event.
|
|
|
