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The Armoured Support Regiment

During World War Two Royal Marines fought for the first time in tanks.

The Armoured Support Regiment manned the guns of Centaur Tanks during the D Day landings of 6 June 1944.

Centaur Tank, used by Royal Marines at D Day, 1944. The tank was driven by a member of the Royal Artillery, but the guns were manned by the Royal Marines of the Armoured Support Group. (RMM)
Centaur Tank, used by Royal Marines at D Day, 1944. The tank was driven by a member of the Royal Artillery, but the guns were manned by the Royal Marines of the Armoured Support Group. (RMM)

During the inter war years and World War Two the Royal Marines developed much equipment for the purpose of amphibious warfare.

The Royal Marines developed Centaur tanks to support the landing parties during the D Day.

They initially designed them as stationary and to remain in the landing craft after the initial landings had taken place.

Observers noted, however, that they would be more useful if they would move up the beachhead after landing to support the advance.

Supporting sketch for the letter entitled Hoist for ammunitioning Centaur Tanks in LCT(A)s. 14 May 1944. (RMM)
Supporting sketch for the letter entitled Hoist for ammunitioning Centaur Tanks in LCT(A)s. 14 May 1944. (RMM)

Centaurs carried Howitzer guns, which Royal Marines already had experience in operating dating back to World War One.

Again the Royal Marines showed the value of their training with the markings on the side of the turret adopting the principles of naval gunnery.

Due to this experience in naval gunnery possessed by the Royal Marines, Centaurs were the only tanks to be able to fire in a co-ordinated barrage on the same target.