WAR DIARY

Map ref. Solum – Tobruk 1/250,000

Operations in Libya 18.11.41 – 30.11.41

Nov. 18

D.1

The Regimen moved out from the Quarret Azza area with 48 tanks at 06.00 in accordance with Operational Orders

The approach march to the wire went without incident and refuelling on the other side went according to plan. 2/Lt Somervell’s arrangements for the refuelling were excellent.

A few tanks dropped out on the way. The Regiment took up battle positions in the area 435340 and lagered there for the night

Nov. 19

D.2

Continued the advance at first light to take up battle positions in the area Queret Hamza. On arrival there proceeded on towards El Gubi as Intelligence reports stated that the Arutte Divsn. was in that area.

A large concentration of enemy transport was reported in the El Gubi area with some tanks and guns. Orders were received to attack this formation. Ourselves on the left, 2 RGH on the right and 3 CLY right reserved.

The Regiment moved into battle with A Sqn. leading, B on the left and C on the right. Almost immediately A Sqn. encountered very heavy gun fire, mostly from field guns cleverly concealed in mock transport. B Sqn. were sent run to work past the left flank. After the shelling A Sqn. became engaged in a tank battle. At this stage C Sqn. were sent in on the right flank to try and clear up the gun positions in the transport. They encountered very heavy anti-tank and artillery fire.

In the smoke and dust the fighting was very confused and it was difficult to get a clear picture of the tank v tank battle. Towards the end of the battle about 12 Italian light tanks came in from the West and were successfully engaged by the RHQ tanks, about five being knocked out. The people offered out to us, after which the C.O. ordered the regiment to rally as casualties appeared to be heavy and little impression could be made against the gun position. Artillery support was called for but was did not materialise until too late.

“C” Sqn. were the heaviest sufferers. Lt. Hankey, 2/Lt, Somervell and Lt. Count J. de Bandern and 23 Other Ranks being left behind on the battlefield. All believed to be missing and not killed.

Tpr. Hollinson of A Sqn. was wounded.

We lost eight tanks and it was established that about 20 of the enemy tanks were put out. 2/Lt. McColl showed great bravery in going back into the battle and rescuing Lord Cranley whose tank was knocked out.

The Regiment lagered for the night in area PT. 159 (421368).

The S.A. Div, moved up at first light and took over the El Gubi position.

After several change of orders the Regiment to support 4 Armd Bde in area Gabr Saleh (454363)

Nov. 20

D.3

Bn arrived in the area just before taking positions a concentration of German Tanks. Orders were received to engaged these. Our ?????? left, 3 C.L.Y on right 2 RGH (very depleted) in reserve.

A Sqn. engaged the enemy in front and B Sqn. on the left flank. There was considerable firing at long range and dark came without any decisive action.

We had no casualties and it was estimated that three German tanks were set on fire.

Lagered for the night in area Gabr Saleh.

Nov. 21

D.4

Moved off about midday continuing northwards. About 1500 hrs received news that 7 Armd Bde were in serious trouble in area Hareifet an Nbeidat (434399). Arrived on the battlefield just before dark at see many of 7 Armd Div tanks on fire and a huge battle in progress.

We attacked from the left flank A & B Sqns. sailed into battle in line gradually moving down to the right flank to contact 3 CLY.

As in previous battles we were greatly out ranged but both A & B Sqn. got in some effective shooting. Darkness came in the enemy retiring slightly. Our artillery under command doing good work.

We suffered about five tank casualties, three of which were recovered during the night. It was estimated that six enemy tanks were put out of action.

Sjt. Silvester of B Sqn. was killed and buried in that area.

Tank position at this stage was A Sqn. 10 tanks; B Sqn. 8; C Sqn. 4 and R.H.Q. 3

Lagered at one mile South of the battle area for the night.

Nov. 22

D.5

Moved out into battle positions at first light, in same place as the previous day's battle but slightly further East.

The Germans were in about the previous night's position and tended to move forward.

A Sqn. engaged them first. Lt. Scott did an excellent patrol giving first class information on the enemies movements.

The enemy will eventually forced to retire about midday. We suffered one tank casualty and Tpr Hensley of A Sqn. was wounded.

About six enemy tanks were destroyed.

About 1300 hrs orders were received to move forward to area Sidi Rizegh aerodrome. On reaching the aerodrome which was held by the Sp. Gp. reports of a large movement of enemy tanks from the west came in. The move northwas halted and the Bde faced west to deal with the threat on the left flank.

We engaged the enemy across the centre of the aerodrome with 3 CLY on the right flank. We were heavily shelled from the north and the West. The enemy appeared to have between 40 and 50 tanks many being Mk IV.

Of the firing, smoke and dust was tremendous, A Sqn, were the worst sufferers and received many countries. After the first attack B Sqn. were sent round at work in on the enemy right flank and the remainder of A Sqn were drawn off in that direction. The Commanding Officer was magnificent in rallying the 2 RGH and a small party of 6 RTR to come up on the enemy right flank and, but they were very slow and never got going. In a valley beyond the aerodrome the enemy held a very strong anti-tank gun position against which we could do little good

In spite of our own firing and the Sp. Gp guns we could not hold the enemy and they gradually came towards the aerodrome.

At about 1600 hrs the 4 Arm Bde hove into sight but although they came on to the aerodrome they soon retired and as darkness came through remains of the regiment was rallied on the left flank and moved off towards the S. A. Camp. Only about 14 tanks were left in the regiment.

All members of the regiment shewed wonderful courage in facing the tremendous shelling and superior range of the enemy guns. Major Nichol was killed by a stray bullet in the head having led his Squadron most gallantly in the hottest part of the battle. Lieut O. Smith also shewed great courage in the worst part of the battle. If only the 4 Armd Bde has stayed to fight on the aerodrome with our attack on the flank being driven home it is thought that the day could have been won.

We lost about 9 tanks and our own and our own shooting and the Sp. Gp. guns took heavy toll of the enemy. Captain. Aird and Lt. O. Smith were wounded. Tprs. Steadman. Reeves D.D. killed and many other A Sqn. men wounded.

Lt. Scott, Maughan, Smith A. and Skelton and their crews had an exciting escape from a dug-out on the edge of the aerodrome after dark.

On arrival back in the lager we were ordered to collect the remainder of the Bde. under the Commanding Officer's Command and protect the flank of the SA. Divsn. During the night as a big average attack was expected during the night from the city rose egg area.

We took up positions about 29 strong and nothing happened and the night was spent quietly.

Nov. 23

D.6

Just after moving into open lager and while refuelling a report was received that a large body of German Tanks was coming up on our left flank and attacking the S. A. Camp. This report was ill founded but it set the American tanks on the move. Further reports said that level of movements of enemy tanks to the west and north.

The composite regiment from the Brigade under the Commanding Officer took up positions facing west. We were on the left flank with 2 RGH on our right and 3 CLY further north in the patrol cut to the north looking out for the threat from that direction. Numerous reports were received of enemy tanks movements from the S.A. Armd Cars. Ultimately about 1300 hrs a large force of German Tanks came into sight from the west at the same time will be in heavily shelled from the rear, our left flank and the right corner of the S.A. Div. Camp. being the worst sufferers.

As the German Tanks came forward we engaged them, B Sqn under Major Walker went in, out again and then in, the plan them to withdraw to the N.E. leaving our original position open for the S.A. gunners to have a good shoot at the enemy tanks left front. Owing to the steady advance of the enemy and the continuous shelling from his rear we were never able to break off action with the enemy tanks. As they came forward and our composite Sqn under Major Walker engaged him on the left leg the commanding officer rushed to the right flank rallied the 2 RGH and led them in a glorious charge broadside across the enemy advance. Every tank driving its hardest. All the time our own artillery and the S.A. artillery where pumping into the enemy right flank.

At about 1630 hrs the enemy right flank was in to the S.A. Camp area with tanks and Mech. infantry. The remains of the regiment were rallied on the S.W. corner of the S.A. Camp about 8 tanks in all and they all charged through rallying any tank that was met, against the German right flank, which seemed to be in disorder. All this time the main body of the S.A. Divsn seemed to be getting away only the Gunners remained firing their last rounds.

Although the forward elements of the enemy tank attack reached the S.A. Camp the final charge on the left flank turn the attack and allow the main part of the S.A. force to get away

The final rush through the camp and the German tanks was thrilling with the Commanding Officer at the head, towards the end his tank was set on fire but he and Major Kidston got on the other tanks and went on. Major Kidston’s tank again became knocked out and he had to spend the night in the enemy lines eventually creeping out next morning on Lt T. Neville’s tank.

The battle on the right flank was very severe and 2 RGH after their broadside charge and 3 CLY suffered many casualties.

From what could be seen from our final drive through the enemies right flank the tank casualties were heavier than in any previous engagement. The S.A. gunners had been magnificent.

We left about ten tanks on the battlefield and the enemy losses must have been at least 20-30.

The feature of the final charge was two scout cars, one towing the other, commanded by Major Lord Cranley coming out with about ten men hanging to each.

A & B Sqns. each suffered either dead or missing.

Lt. Murdoch having driven his tank to Lt. McColl was not seen again. Lt. Sir A Tichborne and his crew did not come out with us but eventually turned up later having found First S.A. Divsn.

The remainder of the regiment having rallied, lagered for the night with the Bde about 7 miles South of the battlefield, about 9 tanks and all plus from 2 RGH.

Nov. 24

D.7

Moved to area 445395 and spent day watching with patrols and 11th Hussars continual movement of enemy columns. South-east. Reinforced by Sqn. From 2 RTR of 15 tanks and f5 Americans from 4 Armd. Bde.

Small action in afternoon against enemy transport, 11th Hussars did most of the work.

Nov. 25

D.8

Same as D.7., further reports of enemy movement with colmns. of transport and tanks towards the wire. Many lessons learned from 11th Hussars. Moved off in evening to protect N.Z. Lines of communication from the south.

Nov. 26

D.9

no action stayed in same area and cell which tanks and collected supplies. Echelon communications quite impossible but Capt. Sutton always turned up with essentials.

Nov. 27

D.10

Reports received about midday to the effect that enemy tanks coming down from north east or moving towards high ground in area Pt. 187 (450402) and Pt. 192 (458401).

We moved off on C.L. to Pt. 187 Mjr. Major Walker’s Sqn. leading, 2 RTR on the right flank to proceed at to Pt. 192

On arrival at Pt. 187 Major Walker’s Sqn. encounted strong resistance and he showed brilliant skill in manoeuvring his Sqn. to give the enemy a false impression of our strength until the rest of the composite Sqn. arrived. On arrival on the high ground we were very heavily shelled and although the Air Force effectively bombed the German concentrations they continued to establish the high ground from the north-east.

The Commanding Officer's tank was knocked out and he was finally wounded when travelling on the back of Col. Jago’s tank. He then took command. Shortly after Major Walker’s tank, which was in excellent position of observation at Pt. 192, was hit direct and he was badly wounded with Tpr. Hunt, Cpl. Lane & Cp., Kirk being killed

The remainder of the regiment were then squared up to face north-east and east to prevent the advance on the high ground and protect the guns which having done wonderful work were running short of ammo.

Although the enemy got to the north-erst and east edge of the high ground and they greatly outnumbered us at about 1700 hrs they halted and the Regiment and the guns move back to lager.

Although the shelling was intense all day the enemy tanks did not fire so much one got the impression that they were short of ammo.

It was established that the enemy had about 60 tanks in this engagement and it was very difficult to think why they halted.

The casualties inflicted on the enemy were very hard to assess but about 12 were reported to be disabled. We lost 7 tanks and personnel casualties were confined to Mjr. Walker’s tank as already recorded.

Major Kidston as Col. Jago’s 2nd on C. was outstanding in rallying the rearmost tanks in the final defence of the gun positions. 2 RTR at first sent round on extreme left flank and finally brought back on the right as protection to the south were particularly sticky.

It would appear that we definitely stopped the enemy attacking the N.Z. advance on Tobruk and although they appear to have established a high ground we had given the N.Z. the night to link up with the people from Tobruk.

Nov. 28

D.11

All our Officers sent back from battle to reform except Mjr. Kidston, Capt. Berens and Lt. Brown. Composite Regt. Under command of Col. Jago moved off early towards Pt.187 and found that the enemy had not established high ground. On arrival there received orders to join up with 4 Armd Bde, in area Pt. 192 (458401).

On moving eastward left flank contacted large concentration of transport. On being attacked by 2 RTR it turned out to be a strong gun positions with about 40 to 50 tanks with transport. We passed these broadside on and had a lively shoot and found 4 Armd. Bde. 1200 hrs.

On arrival there orders were received to ignore the colmn. Behind and to move south and west conforming to 4 Armd. Bde. and take up a position to protect the east flank of the advance of the S.A. Divsn. From El Gubi area to join N.Z. at Sidi Rizegh.

We moved south and west to just north of Sidi Mufta (437394). The german colmn. moved due west and faced us from the north east on our arrival in our new position. The enemy forces had increased in size and seemed to number about 60 tanks. We faced their advance with 4 Armd Bde on our left flank. They advanced slowly and gradually as usual with not quite intense shell fire. We made very sorties and smoke got within fairly close range and did some damage. Our artillery was again first class and kept up a steady stream against the tanks and transport. At about 1600 hrs Col. Jago got knocked out and Mjr. Kidston took command. He rallied the remaining tanks in a good position on the 4 Armd. Bde right flank and kept all the tanks manoeuvring up and back from the enemy. We gave a little but not very much.

Finally about 1700 hrs the enemy seemed to have had enough and began to withdraw slowly north west giving one final good burst of shell fire. Our own guns kept firing until the last light. It was difficult to understand why the enemy turned off.

The Americans on our left were still standing in their original forward positions as darkness fell.

The battle was noteworthy for the excellent work done by 3 CLY skeleton Sgn. under Mjr. Trevor on the left and front. Capt. Ling did an excellent patrol and Lt. Williams (2 RGH) got within four hundred yards of the enemy position and got out.

We lost 4 tanks but estimated the enemy loss at 10.

Log it South of Sidi Mufta in same place.

Sjt. Dew was wounded and Tpr. Arnett and Tpr. Howlett P. killed.

Nov. 29

D.12

Small movements of German and Italian tanks all the morning from the east and South

Main column of previous day seemed to have gone NW with some tanks southwest. Finally about 1400 hrs received orders to move north and stop attack on N.Z. in the area Pt. 175 (439404) and Trigh Capuzzo and to conform to 4 Armd Bde on our left. 4 Armd Bde seemed to go too far west with a result that finally they became engaged with the German Colmn. on the west flank and secondly left us on a very narrow tongue of high ground with little chance to manoeuvre except down into the valley.

A most unsatisfactory position.

Mjr. Kidston handled it very ably but it was very difficult to keep in touch and help the 4 Armd. Bde. on the left, get anywhere near Pt. 175 and also deal with a threat to our own flank by 20 Italian tank.

Finally 4 Armd. Bde. helped by our guns and S.A, heavy guns under our command seemed to deal with the attack from the west. The Italian tanks from the east ran away before we could engage them and the day ended and a welter of artillery fire without us engaging any tanks.

Major Trevor's Sqn unsuccessfully shot up German infantry attacking Pt. 175 from the valley below.

Nov. 30

D.13

Composite Regt. withdrawn to refit. Tanks handed over to 4 Armd Bde. and moved back to area 456330.

Lt.Col.,

Cmding, 4th County of London Yeomanry