Reconnaissance Corps

The Reconnaissance Corps
Cap badge of the Reconnaissance Corps, 1941
Active 1941–1946
Country United Kingdom
Branch British Army
Role Military reconnaissance
Nickname(s) The Reccies
The Recce Corps
Motto(s) "Only The Enemy In Front"
"Reconnaissance regiment" redirects here. For the military establishment within Imperial Japanese Army in the 1940-1945 period, see Reconnaissance regiments (Japan).

The Reconnaissance Corps, or simply Recce Corps, was a service branch of the British Army, formed during the Second World War, whose units provided reconnaissance for infantry divisions. It was formed from infantry brigade reconnaissance groups on 14 January 1941.

All the brigade reconnaissance groups of each infantry corps were formed into reconnaissance battalions, each usually bearing the number of its relevant division. For example, the 43rd Battalion, Reconnaissance Corps (based on the 5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment) was the divisional reconnaissance battalion of the 43rd (Wessex) Division.

Initially, coming from infantry units, reconnaissance units used the infantry designations of battalions, companies and platoons. However, from 6 June 1942, the Corps changed to the cavalry descriptions of regiments, squadrons and troops.

The Corps became part of the Royal Armoured Corps (RAC) in 1944, still maintaining its own cap badge with two lightning strikes supporting an upright spear. With the end of the war, this number of reconnaissance units was not needed and the Reconnaissance Corps was disbanded in August 1946. Reconnaissance duties reverted to regular armoured units of the RAC.

Organisation and equipment

A Universal Carrier of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment of the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division, Scotland, 10 November 1942.

The Reconnaissance Corps was charged with gathering vital tactical information in battle for infantry divisions, probing ahead and screening the flanks of main advances. The training centre was established at Winchester in February 1941, until the home of the Corps moved to Catterick in Yorkshire. Although the Corps was raised from various regular army units, it did not follow that all men would be retained, as potential reconnoiterers were required to take an IQ test and other tests before being accepted. Many failed and were sent to normal infantry battalions, but those who succeeded enjoyed the kudos of belonging to an elite unit and were determined to prove their own worth. Before beginning training with his unit, each man undertook a five-week course with technical units, which determined his role as a driver, wireless operator or mechanic. Most recce men became efficient in two of these roles e.g. driver and operator. During training with a reconnaissance unit, emphasis was placed on both aggressiveness and initiative, as these were the characteristics expected of the men selected for such units, and, as a result, a proud offensive spirit was created, similar to other newly founded units such as The Parachute Regiment. Reconnaissance regiments were organised into a headquarters squadron (including anti-tank, signals and mortar troops) and three reconnaissance (or "recce") squadrons. Each recce squadron comprised three scout troops and an assault troop. Scout troops were equipped with Bren Gun Carriers and light reconnaissance cars, such as the Humber Light Reconnaissance Car. The assault troops were composed of lorried infantry and were called up when enemy resistance needed to be overcome. Later in the war, more efficient and well-armed armoured cars such as the Humber Armoured Car, Daimler Armoured Car, Staghound and Greyhound augmented the light reconnaissance cars in scout troops.

Units

Unit sign used to identify all reconnaissance vehicles attached to infantry divisions. (The same design with the number 45 identified recce vehicles with armoured divisions)
Men of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment, part of the 1st Infantry Division, pose with a captured German swastika flag in Littoria, Italy, 25 May 1944. They are, from left to right: Corporal H. Seddon, Trooper R. Carslake and Trooper J. Callaghan.

The following units served in the Recce Corps:

Universal Carriers of the 49th Reconnaissance Regiment are welcomed by Dutch civilians on the outskirts of Kampen, 19 April 1945.
Men of the 52nd Reconnaissance Regiment of the 52nd (Lowland) Infantry Division wading through a stream during training in Scotland, 5 September 1942.
Troopers of the 78th Infantry Division's 56th Reconnaissance Regiment use a radio at an observation post overlooking the river Sangro, Italy, 7–8 November 1943.

Independent reconnaissance squadrons
Those infantry divisions placed on a lower establishment in December 1941 only required an independent reconnaissance company/squadron; some independent brigades had a similar reconnaissance unit.

The tactical recognition flash of the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards is identical to the badge of the Reconnaissance Corps, except for the absence of the ribbon bearing the Corps' name
  • 1st Airborne Reconnaissance Squadron
  • 15th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron transferred in February 1943 to the 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment.
  • 24th (Guards) Independent Reconnaissance Squadron transferred to the 49th (West Riding) Reconnaissance Regiment.
  • 29th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron transferred in September 1942 from the 78th Infantry Division to the 49th (West Riding) Reconnaissance Regiment.
  • 38th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron transferred to the 38th (Welsh) Reconnaissance Regiment in October 1943
  • 45th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron formed November 1941 from the 54th Reconnaissance Regiment; transferred in February 1943 to the 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment.
  • 47th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron transferred to the 38th (Welsh) Reconnaissance Regiment in October 1943
  • 48th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron formed January 1942 in the 48th (South Midland) Infantry Division after the original 48th Battalion, transferred to the 43rd (Wessex) Infantry Division; transferred to the 80th (Holding and Training) Reconnaissance Regiment in January 1943
  • 54th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron formed November 1941 from the 54th Reconnaissance Regiment; transferred in February 1943 to the 15th (Scottish) Reconnaissance Regiment.
  • 55th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron transferred to the 38th (Welsh) Reconnaissance Regiment in October 1943
  • 76th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron formed November 1941 from the 54th Reconnaissance Regiment; transferred to the 80th (Holding and Training) Reconnaissance Regiment in January 1943.
  • 77th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron transferred to the 80th (Holding and Training) Reconnaissance Regiment in January 1943
  • 148th Independent Reconnaissance Squadron formed January 1941 in the 148th Independent Brigade Group; transferred in September 1942 to the 49th (West Riding) Reconnaissance Regiment.

See also