TRANSCRIPT

Normandy Campaign

For the next two months the regiment battled its way through Normandy, Falaise and across northern France into Belgium and the Netherlands. The Lake Sups earned a reputation within the division as a hard fighting and unorthodox unit. On at least one occasion the unit had to be directed to cease the practice of other ranks carrying pistols and to sew on rank insignia. Every opportunity was taken to increase the unit's firepower, including the extensive use of captured weapons. From knocked out Sherman's and downed aircraft 50 caliber machine guns were salvaged and ad hoc mounts were fitted to the universal carriers and other vehicles. Squadron Commander, Major John Munro of the Canadian Grenadier Guards remembers the Lake Sups as having "all sorts of battle courage." They "were an efficient, fast-striking force of skilled infantrymen. They were heavily tracked-their carriers looked like battleships-and they had every weapon they could get on them. They were oversized, over strength, and very tough guys-just great to work with." There was a saying used by the unit to guide strangers to the forward companies: "Just follow the trail of empty ammunition boxes!"
David Ratz