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April 1943

In early April 1943, 1 LIR moved from Iraq to Jordan and through Palestine, and arrived at Ismalia in Egypt on 9th April. At the end of the month, it became clear that they would not join the final assaults on German positions in Tunisia, and they would later be attached to 50th Infantry Division for future action in Southern Europe.

After 2 LIR spent the first part of the month in training, they rejoined the Irish Brigade and took over positions near to Djebel Bettiour in anticipation of a 78th Division assault on a wide front in the mountains north of Medjez-el-Bab.

On the evening of 22nd April, 2 LIR took part in the Irish Brigade’s initial assault which was thwarted by significant German defence, before joining their successful assault on 25th April (Easter Sunday) with 6 Innisks taking Tannogoucha, 1 RIrF winning over Pt 622 and 2 LIR entering the mountain village of Heidous. For the next few days, the whole Irish Brigade was able to move forward over very rough ground to underpin the 1st Army’s final advance on Tunis.

Key Dates:

8th April – 1 LIR reach Egypt.

15th April – 2 LIR rejoin the Irish Brigade.

22nd/23rd April – Initial attack of the Irish Brigade on the mountain area north of Medjez-el-Bab and this has an unsuccessful outcome.

25th April – Second successful assault of the brigade with 2 LIR entering Heidous.

Roll of Honour, April 1943:

Rifleman WF Carrig 16/04/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR

Rifleman HC Reuben 16/04/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR

Rifleman J Lynch 20/04/1943 Fayid Egypt 1 LIR

Rifleman CH Mizon 20/04/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR

L/Cpl AE Doherty 22/04/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Memorial Tunisia 2 LIR

Cpl J Hamilton 22/04/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Memorial Tunisia 2 LIR