It has been a while since I last posted on here, apologies. We are still on the track of Lt. Loudon but as yet no further forward. Have been trying to confirm details and theories and even have a friend of mine in France who studies Operation Epsom and the Scots Corridor looking!
As I actually own a "Bren Gun Carrier", mine is a Universal Carrier, I was totally amazed when I actually discovered Lt. Loudon was a carrier commander. My father was also a Lt. and a carrier officer in the Indian Army. So in my search through wartime photographs of carriers I think I have found one that shows Lt. Loudon, but still have to confirm it which is why I am posting it on here. Photo was taken during Operation Epsom.
Lt. Loudon, if it is him and it certainly looks like him, is in the lead carrier commanders position sitting up. My questions are, the badges on his sleeve do they fit the form worn by GH? As far as the carrier is concerned, it is marked up correctly for the senior regiment (61) of the 15th Scottish Division which is the GH during Epsom, assuming the 61 is on a red square. On the front mudguard there is what looks like a 5 or an S with a line through it. I know carrier had a Bridge Plate which was usually a number 4 or 5 in black on a yellow disc but with no line through it, which this may be, or is it S to denote Support Coy? Did they mark the Support Coy this way?
Lastly, the column looks like a support company. Behind the lead carrier are several Loyd Carriers towing 6 pdr AT guns with the first one called Loch Lomond. Can anyone confirm this column as the Support Company of the Glasgow Highlanders?
Many thanks
Nigel