1st December.
Brigade HQ – ALGIERS.
Brigade Commander and Brigade Major left Brigade HQ 795012 proceeding to Bougie ahead of Brigade HQ.
1 RIrF – AT SEA.
The voyage continued, daily training … was carried out as far as possible.
6 Innisks – ALGIERS.
0430 The rest of the Battalion marched 10 miles with full kit to Quai de Passageus.
0900 Bttn arrived at Quai and spent the morning lying in the sun. Ship is expected any minute then not until 1300hrs and then at 1400hrs. The bttn split into two parties. F2 consisting of A & B and part of HQ under Major Wise and F3 C & D Coys and the rest of HQ Coy under the CO.
1430 The bttn embarks for Bone.
1725 The convoy leaves harbour in a most beautiful sunset. The Navy very kindly gives the Army some whisky, gin and beer to be sold at Navy prices. The Doc (Wilson) makes an excellent barman. Great shortage of water on the ship as it had no time to replenish.
2 LIR – BOUGIE, ALGERIA.
1st to 4th
Battalion at unit concentration area.
Unloading supplies from ships in harbour.
2nd December.
Brigade HQ – ALGIERS.
0200 Remainder of Brigade HQ under BTO proceeded by road with 17 vehicles to Bougie.
1730 Brigade convoy arrived transit camp Bougie (K5416).
6 Innisks – AT SEA.
Ship along Quai at Bone 1100hrs and troops are very quickly disembarked during an alert and march 1 ½ miles to Tobacco factory.
Major Allen left Algiers for Bone with MIT party. It is found that Captain Kendal taking the transport off J3 landed at Bone on to Souk el Arba.
CO pays many visits to Camp Commandant to find how long we will remain here. General opinion is we shall move forward at once when complete as tactical unit. CO meets Brigadier Gough (ex 1 RIrF), who is commandant at Bone. The town is pretty but dirty and full of unpleasant smells.
3rd December.
Brigade HQ – BOUGIE.
1230 Advance HQ consisting of Brigade Commander, BM, IO, BRASCO, 2 LOs, ‘I’ Sgt, and 12 ORs set out in 4 vehicles by road for Souk el Khemis.
1415 Rail party under SC left Bougie for Bone to take over 20 vehicles. A very slow journey was made in wagons marked “chevaux huit, home quarante”.
Road party under BTO left for Bone.
1630 Advance Brigade HQ arrived via Setif at St Arnaud, a distance of 88 miles. Lieut Room and Sgt Paige, had made a very successful recce for resting place night for 3rd/4th Dec. M Le Secretaire was most helpful in finding billets and also in directing the IO to shops in the village where bread and wine could be had. By a coincidence, Advance HQ 1 Guards Brigade spent night 3rd/4th Dec in the same village.
6 Innisks – BONE.
0100 Orders received to send forward as many troops as possible in 9 TCVs. CO finally decides to send forward D Coy and part of HQ in 8 TCVs with ammunition. Lieut Buck(s) spends day trying to find battalion luggage landed at Bone off SS Aviva. He finds some of it in four dumps in different parts of the town, not even sorted into units.
1345 After certain difficulties, the Rowlette force (D Coy, ½ A/Tk platoon, Signals, Mortars and ½ Pioneers) gets away and is told to report to GPO Souk el Khemis for further orders.
2030 CO, Major Maxwell and Adjutant dine with Brigadier Gough, who has a lovely villa on the sea front. C Coy have sea bathe. All Coys march into and visit Bone.
2230 Bombing ….some dropping near bttn billets.
4th December.
Brigade HQ – ST ARNAUD/CONSTANTINE/GUELMA.
0805 Advance Brigade HQ left St Arnaud.
1130 Arrived at Constantine where Brigade Commander and BM visited Advance HQ 1st Army.
1630 Arrived on outskirts of Guelma. Lieut Room and Sgt Paige had recced Heliopolis with a view to spending night 4th/5th. Both officers and men were very kindly received by the owner of a farm in this village.
1 RIrF – AT SEA.
2300 The ship was involved in a collision with another ship of the convoy and the alarm was sounded
All men proceeded to six boat stations. Although no signal for abandoning ship was given, some of the crew got into the boats and pushed off. The ship was damaged in one of the forward holds and steamed into Gibraltar 8 miles away. The troops remained at boat stations until arrival into the harbour at approx 0800hrs.
6 Innisks – BONE.
From midnight to dawn, continuous bombing and AA from fire. Bosche drop many parachute flares. Eight or ten bombs drop near bttn billets, which was a veritable death trap in the event of a direct hit. It is a two story building full of glass – tobacco and troops and void of any fire extinguishers.
2100 Adjutant spends three hours trying to phone 6 Armoured Division and when he gets through can’t hear a word.
2115 Bombing starts and soon a patrol ship and ammunition ship explodes with a roar. Raid continues all night with the Hun dropping his load onto the harrying fire. Bttn building is shaken by a close stick of bombs.
5th December.
Brigade HQ – HELIOPOLIS.
0930 Advance Brigade HQ set out for Souk el Khemis having given M. Lavia a letter of thanks for his hospitality.
1700 Arrived via Souk al Ahras at hideout Gardimaou beyond which no vehicles were allowed in daylight.
1830 Set out for Souk el Khemis.
2140 Arrived at bridge J0223, 39 miles from Gardimaou. Brigade Commander with BM left to report to 6th Armoured Division HQ at 7/736.
1 RIrF – AT SEA.
No 2 hold in which the bulk of the bttn baggage was stored was badly damaged and A Coy living in the mess deck immediately above the hold had to move to a promenade deck.
6 Innisks – BONE.
0400 Bombing ceases.
0915 Lt Cassidy and 50 men dig slit trenches for dockers. Quiet day. Most people busy packing presents they have bought in Bone.
1930 Orders received that a train party would proceed at 0418hrs on 7 Dec 42. At 2240hrs, orders received that the party would proceed at 0418hrs on 6 Dec 42.
2300 Lt Carruthers reported that the M/T party from Algiers was 6 miles outside Bone where it was harbouring for the night.
6th December.
Brigade HQ – SOUK EL KHEMIS.
0000 Advance Brigade HQ having been met at pt J1935 by Sgt Paige arrived at farm J1629. Brigade Commander and BM after visiting Divisional HQ were brought to this farm.
0745 Brigade Commander attended conference at HQ 6 Armoured Division and afterwards accompanied Divisional Commander on recce.
On this day, 6 Armoured Division Standing Operation Instruction No 2 was received, laying down AA policy on the move.
1 RIrF – GIBRALTAR.
The ship lay in the bay outside the harbour and repairs were put in hand on this ship. The majority of the stores in the hold were salvaged and hard work was put in on 18 Motor Cycles to get them in working order. Most of the M/Cs were found to be serviceable.
6 Innisks – BONE.
0230 B Company parade and move off for the station.
Slight enemy air activity during early part of the night.
Orders were received during the day that the rest of the bttn (Bttn HQ, HQ Coy and A & C Coys) will leave by road for Divisional concentration at Souk el Khemis tomorrow. All ranks spend day packing and reloading transport. CO will be glad to leave Bone because of danger from lack of sanitation.
2 LIR.
Battalion move by road to divisional concentration area. (Armoured) carrier, mortar and anti-tank platoons follow as separate unit.
First night. Battalion reached Le Kroub, 15 kilometres east of Constantine (Algeria).
7th December.
Brigade HQ – SOUK EL KHEMIS.
Brigade Commander and BM were on recce all day. IO and Lt Hall with reps from 6 Innisks recced possible concentration areas east of Beja for 2 LIR and 6 Innisks.
1800 Advance Brigade HQ moved to farm J3038.
1 RIrF – GIBRALTAR.
1900 The ship moved into the harbour.
6 Innisks – BONE.
0430 Reveille. Bttn gets ready to move and leave the tobacco factory in the dark. – a difficult manoeuvre well carried out.
0700 Column moves off and takes route : Bone–La Calle Teboul–Lacroix–Fernana–Souk el Arba–Souk el Khemis. Many civilians in villages gave the V sign and in one place displayed French, American and British flags.
1530 Carruthers returned from forward recces with information that column is to go into harbour as road ahead was being heavily dive bombed. Bttn harbours and has a meal and all ranks look forward to a night’s rest when at 2100 Staff Captain arrives and says bttn is to move forward.
2300 Column moves off – driving extremely dangerous and difficult.
2 LIR.
Crossed Tunisian border. Rest at Guardimaou.
2300 Commanding Officer and company commanders went forward to recce battalion positions.
8th December.
Brigade HQ – SOUK EL KHEMIS/TEBOURSOUK.
0700 SC and 4 vehicles arrived by road from Bone.
0800 Brigade Commander and BM left for Teboursouk, where 38 Brigade were now to concentrate.
1500 Advance Brigade HQ left for Teboursouk. The day was dull and therefore favourable for movement by MT. Enemy ground strafing planes had been active in the area.
1745 Column under IO arrived without incident at road junction J 2710 west of Teboursouk, where it was met by BM who had recced HQ.
1845 Brigade HQ arrived at Farm J342091
1 RIrF – GIBRALTAR.
1400 The bttn went on a march on the Rock marching to the far side… to the music of the pipes…and back to the ship through the town.
2100 The ship was at ½ hour notice to move.
6 Innisks – ON THE ROAD.
Early AO.
1 TCV of No 14 platoon fell 50 feet down mountain side – 12 casualties – but none killed.
0500 After extremely arduous drive, Bttn is met at Souk el Khemis by guides and led to a harbour 15 miles further on in mud.
0730 Bttn all in.
0915 CO and Adjutant go to meet Brigade commander at Teboursouk for orders. Then recce a defensive front and move bttn in at once. Everyone in battalions works splendidly and made the best of some bad staff work. Very heavy rain all day.
Died on this day:
Sergeant Rowland Farthing, 6 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
Third night. Battalion parked on roadside near Nebeur 10 kilometres north of Le Kef.
Carriers, mortars and anti-tank platoons take up defensive positions in Teboursouk area.
9th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
This was another cloudy day which afforded good opportunities for arranging the transport of Brigade HQ, which was spread over three farms: 342091, 330089, and 292038. The French ‘patron’ of Farm 342091 was most anxious about our camouflage for fear of enemy air action.
0745 Brigade party from Bone under Brigade Signals Officer arrived at road junction J2710 whence it was guided by IO to Brigade HQ.
1745 Lt-Col Bedford, Commander of 152 Field Regiment RA arrived at Brigade HQ.
2300 Major Maxwell, Commander C Coy, 6 Innisks arrived at Brigade HQ to receive orders about a fighting recce (strength 1 platoon) area Goubellat (J6422). 6 Innisks had meanwhile moved into position area J3314 and J2702,that is on roads NE and S position Teboursouk with one coy 2 LIR area Farm J3406.
During the day IO made recce of G Coy 2 LIR platoon positions. The task of this coy was to cover all passes through the mountains to the east.
1 RIrF – GIBRALTAR.
0130 All the ammunition damaged in the hold was replaced from shore and was loaded on ship by 0400hrs.
0500 Ship sailed with another troop carrier and a submarine ship.
The voyage continued, the day spent in getting ready for disembarkation.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
Bttn holding defensive positions astride road: Teboursouk to Medjez-el-Bab in very good anti tank localities. Everyone busy digging in and covered in mud. All ranks living in the open.
Brigade Commander and Commander Armoured Brigade visit bttn at various times and CRA 6 Armoured Division.
Major Maxwell detailed for independent mission by Brigade. CO objects to his officers being detailed by name without his consent.
2 LIR.
Battalion HQ established 5 kilometres south of Teboursouk (map reference 278 023). E, F, & H Companies dig in on hills. G Company (at) 344068.
Battalion in defensive positions on right flank of 1st Army.
10th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
0815 Brigade Commander and Major Maxwell visited Divisional HQ (J3207).
0900 Road party from Bougie under BTO arrived at crossroads J2808. About half of the Brigade transport (incl A Echelon vehicles) was sent under BTO to Farm J292038.
1500 FSP interviewed owner of Farm J3406 and confirmed IO’s impressions of 9 Dec that Arabs in the neighbourhood were in the pay of the enemy.
1 RIrF – ALGIERS.
1150 The ship dropped anchor in the southern anchorage at Algiers. The short authorities there were unwilling to allow disembarkation. The ship’s Captain however stated that the ship was taking too much water and he would go no further. Finally a surveyor came aboard and declared her seaworthy.
2300 We again set sail.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
1130 CO conference of Company Commanders.
1800 Lt Cassidy and his platoon of C Coy move to a position east of Goubellat whence they will carry out recces to try and locate enemy.
2050 Orders received that carrier platoon would recce road through Medjez for enemy as 30 enemy tanks were reported attacking Medjez.
2 LIR.
11 platoon moved out to Bou Arada to recce for F Company.
Rifleman Childs (carrier platoon) accidentally killed by 75 grenade.
Died on this day:
Rifleman Ronald Childs, 2 London Irish Rifles.
11th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
This was another cloudy day and there was no air activity. Much information of the fighting at Medjez-el-Bab (J5734) was collected from reports of Major Maxwell to 6 Armoured Division and W/T intercepts of 1 Derbyshire Yeomanry.
0850 Brigade Commander and IO visited Divisional HQ, 6 Innisks position area J3314, and reported attack impossible for tanks, but that infantry might infiltrate on left.
1 RIrF – BOUGIE.
0800 The ship dropped anchor in the small harbour at Bougie.
1030 Disembarkation started.
1300 All troops had disembarked and transport was being offloaded. The disembarkation was carried out by relays of ALCs and MLCs. The ship has gone aground.
1400 The bttn busy straightening things up in No 3 Transit Camp. A party was despatched to the docks to assist in disembarking vehicles.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
Carrier Platoon went out soon after first light to recce road to Medjez and returns at 1300hrs and reports no enemy in Medjez. Enemy since suspected on either side of road Medjez to Goubellat.
Brigadier and Brigade IO called during the morning.
Weather still showery which at least kept the dive bombers away.
1630 C Coy proceed to spend six days patrolling No Man’s Land and to report situation of enemy.
Lt McKenna assumes appointment of QM in place of Lt Carson.
2100 Liaison Officer arrives from Division, and ordered one section of infantry in 15 cwt to report to the French battalion in Testour for the purposes of liaison and shortening the L of C of Maxwell’s party.
Died on this day:
Lance Corporal Richard Clutterbuck, 6 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
Remainder of F Company, 1 squadron of tanks, 1 troop of 25 pounders, 2 Bofors under command of Major Nicholson (of) 25 Lancers, moved off to patrol in Pont du Fahs area.
Two sections of 16 Platoon on standing patrol in Le Krib area.
17 Platoon moved to area 273 991 to standing patrol to protect gunners.
Died on this day:
Rifleman Charles Brady, 2 London Irish Rifles.
12th December.
1 RIrF – BOUGIE.
Disembarkation of vehicles continued and men not so employed engaged in acclimatisation training.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
0930 CO and IO and Captain Rowlette went into Testour to visit the section there. Found them comfortably settled in and on good terms with the French.
1115 CO and IO walk out to see B Coy who are in a more exposed position that the other two coys. Most of the men were drying their blankets etc in the sun.
1745 Section in Testour reported that the French there had two German prisoners dressed in civilian clothes.
2040 Divisional LO and ordered carriers to patrol road Medjez to Testour and to contact Guards Brigade at Medjez owing to enemy infantry infiltration across road Medjez to Oued Zarga.
2230 Carriers passed Bttn HQ on way to Testour.
2300 News anxiously awaited in vain for C Coy.
2 LIR.
First report of F Company. 2 accidental casualties. 1 fatal.
13th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
Patrols of G Coy 2 LIR recced passes through mountains from positions J3506 to Testour and El Aroussa. The route to El Aroussa was unsuitable for all vehicles; that to Testour was suitable for tanks in all weathers and 4 wheeled vehicles in dry.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
0810 Information received from Carriers that patrols had been sent through Medjez and south to Guards Brigade and no enemy had been seen.
0830 Warned of danger of parachute landings.
0830 Administrative conference at Bttn HQ.
0930 2 i/c went forward and recced bttn alternative position. CO is told to order an Arab to go to Tunis but says that his job is not that of a spy, even though he is the only Arabic speaker in 5 Corps.
1000 FGCM on Corporal Black for drunkenness.
1300 News at last from Maxwell that his force had been heavily machine gunned and bombed on the previous day but C Coy itself had not suffered any casualties. His patrols had been sent out to locate the enemy.
1755 Message from Carriers stating no enemy ground activity had been encountered but plenty of enemy air activity.
Bttn HQ mess indulges in the luxury of eggs for tea at the expense of their precious cigarette ration. Opinion is divided as to the wisdom of the PNCs un-consulted decision.
Pioneer platoon have now finished road for transport in harbouring area and are now to set about an underground Bttn HQ.
Beautifully fine sunny day
2 LIR.
18 Platoon moved into divisional reserve.
14th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
The day was fine but there was no enemy air activity except after dark when a force of bombers passed overhead going west.
1140 Orders were received that one coy 6 Innisks should form part of a force of all arms to be held at Testour for an attack, if need be, on enemy threatening or capturing Medjez-el-Bab.
On this day, Brigade Commander, with Commanders 2 LIR, 152 Field Regiment and 72 A/Tk Regiment, recced defensive positions for two bttns south of Teboursouk . This position might have to be occupied to provide a pivot of manoeuvre for 26 Armoured Brigade counter attack south from Teboursouk in case of enemy armoured thrust towards Le Kef. It was considered vital to prevent the enemy from occupying the heights and thus dominating the valley to the west.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
0900 CO visits the gun lines of C Battery 152 Field Regiment RA who are in support of us. He goes to see the local Sheikh named Abdul Huq. He and the IO exchange greetings and the CO obtains information that is sent back to Brigade.
1200 Wireless silence is broken and information is received that one coy is to be at 1/2 hr notice to move wef 1215 hrs. D Company is warned and Captain Rowlette goes immediately to 26 Armoured Brigade for a conference.
1215 A and B Coys warned that D Coy will be moving.
1300 B Coy send section to Testour to relieve the section provided by D Coy.
1815 D Company proceed forward as part of Combat Group consisting of 16/5 Lancers less 1 squadron, 1 Battery 72 A/T Regiment less 2 troops. 1 Squadron Derbyshire Yeomanry less 2 troops and commanded by OC 16/5 Lancers.
1930 No 8 Platoon who are guarding the battery in support fire at light on hillside which started to twinkle when enemy planes were overhead.
A Company moved across road and took up positions held by D Coy. So we now have one coy on each side of the road in very strong positions but there is no depth.
2030 The last of the Combat Group passed Bttn HQ. It is thought the Group in harbouring this side of Testour is ready to strike at enemy attack on Medjez-el-Bab either from the west or the east.
2045 CO, 2 i/c and Adjutant sit in the moonlight with a bottle of gin flavoured by the olives presented by the Sheikh Abdul Haq.
No news has been received from Maxwell for 48 hours.
Lt Hanna, who was sent to Bone on 12th for NAAFI supplies has not yet returned.
Brigadier wants name of officer for Divisional Camp Commandant. Spencer’s name submitted.
2 LIR.
18 Platoon moved from divisional reserve.
15th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
The weather was fine all day but there was no air activity in the Brigade areas. Brigade Commander inspected the bttn position recced at Aine Tounga (J3718) by 2 i/c 6 Innisks. Support of Battery Artillery and 2 troops A/Tk had been allowed for this. Position might have to be occupied to prevent an enemy thrust via Testour against Teboursouk.
1 RIrF – BOUGIE.
Disembarkation of vehicles and their tactical reloading completed less 18 M/Cs which were damaged by sea water in transit. These were now worked on by base w/shop REME. Six were fit for the road to date. Acclimatisation training continued, while kit etc to be left at the base was sorted and stacked. The ORs left for 2nd Echelon.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
Quiet morning. 2 i/c goes out with Brigadier to complete a recce for a bttn position.
1400 Lt Hanna returns from Bone having done over 500 miles and brings back truck full of NAAFI items worth about £230 including nearly 100 cigarettes per man, spirits and beer, soap (greatly needed) and many other things. A truly magnificent effort. He also collected the mail (first received) from FPO. 2 i/c gets busy allotting the stores and everyone is happy.
1430 CO and Adjutant go and visit D Coy now in Testour. They are well settled in and seem to have no troubles at all. The CO and Adjutant see two Arabs shot in Testour for looting after air raids.
Carrier patrols still go out nightly to patrol the road from Testour to Medjez.
Another fine day but the nights are getting colder with heavy dew.
16th December.
Brigade HQ.
Two platoons of F Coy 2 LIR under Captain Ekin were out for 48 hrs under command of Major Nicholson 16/5 Lancers in area Bou Arada (J6201). The mission was not entirely successful as the enemy got wind of our movements through the agency of Arabs who passed along the road complete with family, mules and baggage and thus were able to see and report our positions. This handicap was especially marked when an ambush had been laid for enemy armoured cars, which warned just in time then turned off the main road into the hills.
TEBOURSOUK.
1800 Brigade HQ left for Farm 342091 and arrived 1900hrs at new HQ Farm J292038. A Echelon left Farm J292038 and exchanged positions with Brigade HQ.
2000 Unidentified aircraft flew low over Brigade Command and fired a burst of MG.
1 RIrF – BOUGIE.
0700 Nos 3 & 4 platoons moved off to forward concentration area. Remainder of Bttn continued acclimatisation training.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
2 i/c busy clearing up the remainder of the NAAFI stores and collecting in thousands of francs. It is intended to send Lt Hanna back to Bone for refill of stores.
1300 Capt Ferriss (2 i/c C Coy) arrives back with news of C Coy and collects up NAAFI stores and mail. He also brings a letter to the CO from Maxwell. He says that Lt Cassidy who was sent out on patrol is 48 hrs overdue.
1630 Brigadier arrives. Has just been to Division and is worried by the news that the Adjutant and IO gave Divisional LO about enemy positions they received from Ferriss.
1700 The CO and Adjutant go to Divisional HQ and take letter received from Major Maxwell.
Another fine day.
17th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
1845 Brigade Commander visited Divisional HQ at Aine Tounga and received orders for 6 Innisks to go forward and cover the Divisional front.
2045 Brigade Commander visited 6 Innisks on return journey and gave Commander verbal order corresponding to Brigade OO No 1.
1 RIrF – BOUGIE.
Preparations for move of Bttn less 3 & 4 platoons to forward concentration area. Acclimatisation training continued.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
0545 Lt Hanna leaves for Bone to collect NAAFI stores.
0930 CO decides to have a bath. Before he is more than half undressed first the APN calls to see him and then the Brigadier.
1030 Xmas airmail letters are sent off with the hope they will arrive by Xmas. A general “make and mend” day. The RSM teaches Adjutant to ride a M/C.
1800 D Coy leaves Testour with their Combat Group and take up positions east of the Medjez to Goubellat road.
1830 Pioneers have finished the command post and the CO holds a house warming party for officers of HQ Coy.
2045 Brigadier arrives and warns the CO that the Bttn will be moving up to a line east of the Medjez to Bou Arada road tomorrow night with the intention of sending out patrols to as far east as the general line Pont Du Fahs to Ksar Tyr and to gain patrol ascendancy.
2130 CO holds conference of heads of department in command post.
2350 Brigade operation order No 1 arrives – copy is marked C and attached.
2 LIR.
Commanding officer visited F Company at El Aroussa.
18th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
Administration Order was issued in conjunction with OO No 1.
Brigade Commander, accompanied by Commander 6 Innisks, proceeded to meet Commander 6 Armoured Division at Farm 553025. First of all, Major Maxwell was encountered at Djelida station (J5603). He reported that it was impossible, owing to Arabs, to move by day in the forward areas. He had seen them engaged in conversation with enemy armoured patrols and pointing towards the exact locations of our positions. Discussions with Divisional Commander largely concerned the need for and the best method of undertaking offensive patrolling.
1 RIrF – BOUGIE/CONSTANTINE.
0700 Bttn crossed start line to move to forward concentration area.
1830 Bttn bivouacked for the night.
2100 Presence of enemy rumoured. Guard doubled.
6 Innisks – TEBOURSOUK.
0645 CO and IO with 2 D/Rs and signals operator, AA guard and driver set off to recce new are with Brigadier.
0800 OC of A and B Coys, and their D/Rs, Provost Sgt and MTO go forward to meet CO at El Aroussa at 0930 hrs.
1000 2 i/c holds conference and ties up ends for move.
1330 CO and IO return from recce.
1500 CO holds conference and issues Bttn OO No 1 marked D.
1730 A Coy moved off to take over from Coy of 2 LIR in area south of Goubellat.
1800 Main column moved off and arrived in new positions as laid down in OO No 1 by 2200hrs. Beautifully clear warm moonlight night which was just as well as the road was tricky and narrow.
19th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
Brigade Commander made recce of Medjez area with a view to the thrust NE by 6 Armoured Division.
1 RIrF – CONSTANTINE/SOUK ARRAS.
0830 Bttn moved on.
1930 Bttn concentrated and bivouacked in Area B… Twelve M/Cs was handed over to OBO.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0800 Difficulty in obtaining situation reports from coys. ie C Coy at Goubellat and A south of Goubellat. 2 i/c spends busy day arranging the Q side of this formidable force now under Command. CO visits A and C Coys and takes IO.
2130 7 Platoon attacked by 30 German infantry who obtain 10 men as prisoners. Before the attack, the Germans bombarded the area with 4.2 Mortar fire and one of the last shots set light to the platoon ammunition dump and probably dazed the section that was captured.
An exaggerated report was first reported to Bttn HQ by A Coy and Carrier Platoon was sent up immediately (25 miles) as mobile reserve.
Lt Cassidy and 2 fusiliers reported missed for 5 days. Lt Cassidy and his platoon went out on patrol. He sent back the platoon less 2 fusiliers as he said he could do the job better without them. He did not return.
2 LIR.
F Company return to battalion after successful patrol activity and take up former positions.
20th December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
It was heard that air OPs would probably be operating in the vicinity of our forward positions.
2130 Commander 2 LIR was called to Brigade HQ and received provisional orders to go forward and occupy area J6529 with a view to Brigade attack on Ksar Tyr (J7630).
During the morning, there was considerable enemy air activity along rd : Bou Arada-El Aroussa. In the afternoon, this was continued and there were also aircraft on rd : El Aroussa-Testour. Movement on these roads was found to be particularly dangerous at 0830 and 1630 when the cloud was low. At 0830 2 ME 109 Fs flew down Le Kef road from Le Kris and machine gunned a French convoy going east. On this day, a letter was issued to the bttns stressing the offensive AA policy that must be adopted throughout the brigade.
1 RIrF – LE KEF.
0800 Bttn moved to last lap.
1200 Bttn halted to await for darkness. Advance parties set out to recce defensive positions.
1930 Bttn restarted.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0830 The CO and IO go to see A Coy along the El Aroussa to Bou Arada road. An ME 109 came out of the low flying clouds and put in a burst of machine gun fire through the car and disappeared within a few seconds. CO was hit on the right side of the head and IO through the skull. Also the AA sentry was slightly wounded. The driver (the only other occupant was not hit and was able to return to Bttn HQ immediately and collect the MO). They were all immediately evacuated to 165 Field Ambulance at Djebel Ahmed, which was quite near at hand. MO returned and reported that the CO was not serious, Lt Carruthers grave and Fusilier Smith slightly hit. All three were later evacuated to MDS Thibar. Major Allen saw the CO at the Field Ambulance station before he left.
Major Allen spends day with A Coy and returns at 1700hrs. There is a stream of visitors all day and right up to 2359hrs to Bttn HQ of all units under command and from LOs from Brigade and Division. Brigade clamouring for information of A Coy show last night and also require more information of enemy prisoners.
Communication is not easy. A Coy positions are 8 miles in front of Coy HQ, and Coy HQ is 25 miles away from Bttn HQ along a road which is a death trap from the air by day. Bttn HQ is 30 miles forward from Brigade HQ.
Bttn now has under command a Squadron of 16/5 Lancers, Battery 152 Field Regiment, Troop 72 A/Tk Regiment, 2 sections 51 LAA Regiment, Squadron Derbyshire Yeomanry, 1 section 5 Squadron Royal Engineers, Sub section Divisional Provost Coy, Coy 1 Field Ambulance.
2200 Major Baxter arrived from Corps. He is a camouflage expert. The Pioneers go out with him and during the night erect 18 dummy tanks and 24 slit trenches with the aid of our Pioneer platoon at a point East of El Aroussa.
2300 B Coy takes over from C Coy at Goubellat and report the takeover is complete. C Coy comes back into reserve for a well deserved rest. Maxwell, in particular, has put up a good show and carried out extensive patrols and sent back interesting and useful information.
Major CHB Allen assumes command in place of Lt-Col Maccartney-Filgate evacuated to base. Lt Daly takes over duties temporarily as IO and has a very long day. Sgt Lloyd, Intelligence Sgt, also has a busy day and puts up a good show
2 LIR.
0845 Two Messerschmitt fighters machine-gun transport column and hit one French truck inflicting casualties on road outside battalion HQ.
Battalion is ordered to move to forward area Medjez el-Bab.
1900 E Company moved to new positions.
21st December.
Brigade HQ – TEBOURSOUK.
1500 Brigade Commander with CRA continued detailed recce of Medjez area.
1800 Brigade Commander and BM set up Advance HQ with HQ 6 Innisks J5213.
2200 Advance party 1 RIrF reported at Brigade HQ. After dark, 1 RIrF moved into position area as shown as B Bttn areas on trace Appendix D.
1 RIrF – DJEBEL EL AKHOUAT.
0200 Bttn installed in defensive positions as per trace for ‘B’.., adopting normal defence routine.
1930 CO attended Brigade ‘O’ Group conference for evening ops.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0830 All forward Coys report a quiet night. Lt Duke, B Coy, takes out patrols and confirms rumours that there are enemy in front of coy positions. A Coy report no enemy patrols met during the night.
C Coy has a “make or mend” day in reserve except Maxwell who is acting as 2 i/c. He visits forward coys and arranges patrols for tonight
1400 B Coy are dive bombed for half an hour and suffer three casualties – men in the signals operation but the set is ok.
1655 Major Allen gets warning order to move. There will be a conference at our HQ at 1930 to discuss it.
1950 Brigadier arrives and conference is held, the following attended: OC 152 Field Regiment RA, OC 92 A/Tk Regiment RA, CO 1 RIrF and CO 2 LIR. The new positions are agreed to. 6 Innisks to move up tonight and 2 LIR the night after.
2130 The bttn moves off, and takes up positions around Goubellat.
Died on this day:
Fusilier James Purdy, 6 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
0700 Commanding officer went off to recce new area to rendezvous in hills east of Medjez el-Bab with company commanders.
22nd December.
Brigade HQ – TALLYHO CORNER (J5217).
1500 Brigade HQ moved to new location J5216. This was bare scrub land east of road and vehicles had to be dispersed and well camouflaged with cuttings of coniferous scrubs. The day was wet and there was no air activity.
1 RIrF – DJEBEL EL AKHOUAT.
1030 Bttn ‘O’ Group conference for evening ops
1800 Bttn transport reloaded tactically to cut down the vehicles employed owing to the air situation over battle area.
The object was to preserve as a reserve about one third of the Bttn ‘F’ transport in ‘A’ Echelon during active ops so that in the event of severe transport casualties by air attack the bttn could not be without.
1930 CO attended 2nd Brigade ‘O’ Group on impending ops.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0400 Captain Houston OC B Coy is captured. Cpl Doyle states this is how it happened: “Captain Houston went forward driven by Cpl Doyle to look forward for 10 Platoon. After he got out of the car, he walked along the road for 30 yards. He crossed over the road several times and must have passed the enemy patrol before he was captured. Cpl Doyle, who was still in the truck, was pounced on but was able to turn his truck and get away.”
0450 On Cpl Doyle’s information, Major Maxwell and 6 picked men and 1 section of carriers go forward to investigate. A few shots fired, Maxwell attacked with grenades – definitely killed 2 enemy. A piece of grenade – probably thrown by the enemy gets Maxwell in the calf.
Night’s casualties – Two coy commanders, and 20 ORs and not even an identification to show for it.
1000 Adjutant goes to Division. Sees Divisional commander and explains last night’s show. CO spends day going around coys and attends conference at Brigade HQ at 1800hrs.
It is decided to move Bttn HQ after dark to the protection of D Coy. Bttn HQ is not well armed. Most men are specialists and mostly carry pistols.
1800 Bttn HQ moves down the road to Goubellat and harbours in from where B Coy was dive bombed the day before. A fig farm with plenty of cover with a commanding view of enemy positions – the only evidence of the strafing the farm had the day before are two dead cows lying rotting in the yard.
2 LIR.
1900 Battalion moved by motor transport to area 5012.
23rd December.
Brigade HQ – TALLYHO CORNER.
Again the weather was dull and air activity was slight.
0130/1030 Two 6 Pounder A/Tk guns were destroyed by enemy raids on 6 Innisks positions 681227 and 6923. An account of one operation is attached.
1300 6 Innisks captured 4 German parachutists of 5 Para Regiment at Farm 685126. Interrogation revealed that III/5 Bttn was in area Great Lake J7513, and had been making raids on our positions.
1900 Brigade Commander attended conference at HQ 6 Armoured Division. Continual wet weather had made an armoured push NE out of the question and the plan was therefore cancelled. Brigade Commander received the new plan and with it orders to obtain patrol ascendancy eastwards from road junction 6505-6526.
2200 Commander 2 LIR was summoned to Brigade HQ and received verbal orders corresponding to Brigade OO No 3.
1 RIrF – DJEBEL EL AKHOUAT.
0830 Bttn ‘O’ Group and Guide Parties arrived in forward concentration parties.
1130 News received that the forthcoming op was to be postponed as very heavy rain had rendered all ground other than road impracticable for all vehicles incl tanks.
1500 Bttn ‘O’ Group and Guide Parties withdrawn to bttn positions.
1930 Bttn ‘R’ Group, having waited in vain for further information, withdrew to bttn positions.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0600 Five fighting patrols are sent out during the night. The intention being to maintain patrol supremacy on Goubellat Plain, east of Goubellat. One patrol reported at 0600hrs that they had heard firing. The reported A/Tk gun found destroyed and another with the crew missing. There were signs of resistance of both gun crews.
1300 Sgt Maguire of Carrier Platoon, while out in daylight patrol captures 4 German prisoners (the Bttn’s first ones), three are wounded. They were ably interviewed by Lt Daly our German speaking officer, and then the non-wounded men sent to Brigade with all equipment. The prisoners were identified as 3 Parachute Div commanded by Lt-Col Koch. They were depressed because they could find any tanks.
2200 Patrols were sent out to search area east of Goubellat during the night.
24th December.
Brigade HQ – TALLYHO CORNER.
0100 Patrol directives were issued in amplification of OO No 3.
This was another day of dull weather. There was no air activity before 1400hrs.
0930 Brigade Commander and BM and Bttn Commanders and Sp Arms proceeded on a recce of areas laid down in Brigade OO No 3.
1500 Coordinating Conference was held at Farm 513118.
1900 Brigade HQ moved to new location Farm 586199 arriving 2340hrs.
On this day a message of Christmas greetings from the Army Command was received.
1 RIrF – DJEBEL EL AKHOUAT.
0200 CO left for Brigade HQ for further information and orders.
0800 Bttn Guide Parties ordered forward once more.
1000 Bttn Guide Parties left in forward area.
2045 Head of bttn column passed SP.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Lt Buck takes out two patrols and searches positions east of A Coy area. Although did not get any prisoners, he brought back a full and comprehensive report about the whereabouts of the enemy.
2 LIR.
0900 Battalion moved by motor transport to 6515. Battalion HQ established at Farm 653130. Motor transport returned to A Echelon area 5012, less essential vehicles.
25th December.
Brigade HQ – SIDI MAHMOUD.
Christmas Greetings were received from Divisional and Corps Commanders. Brigade HQ published a Special Order of the Day.
1130 March table was issued for relief of 6 Innisks by 1 RIrF, A truck parked at HQ 6 Innisks, Farm 64231, was sabotaged. The driver found that wires behind the dashboard had been cut and one of the rear tyres had been let down. This is believed to be the work of an Arab who was looking after cattle near the truck.
1 RIrF – TALLY HO CORNER.
0715 Tail of bttn column arrived in new location.
0900 Bttn ‘O’ Group – issue of verbal orders for occupation of defensive positions from 6 Innisks in forward area.
0930 Departure of Bttn ‘O’ Group and Guide Parties to recce new area.
2030 Takeover of new position begins.
2359 Takeover reported generally completed.
6 Innisks – GOUBELLAT.
A and C Coys move to new position north of Goubellat during the night and 2 LIR take over from them. Move was completed by 0725hrs.
1000 CO conference. Bttn will be relieved tonight by 1 RIrF and go into a reserve position behind Goubellat.
1300 Adjutant visits D Coy at 1300hrs and finds a good Xmas dinner being cooked. Coy HQ has roast turkey being carved with a jack knife and stuffed with chopped biscuit and tinned peas, followed by duff flamed with whisky. He then visits Lt George’s platoon and finds they have eleven chickens and 24 bottles of champagne. All this had been given to them by the owner of a French farm.
Royal Irish Fusiliers take over from the bttn during the night and then bttn goes into reserve, after its first taste of battle. We lost 1 killed and several missing. The experience gained has been enormous and the morale of the troops high.
2 LIR.
Forward observation post established in mosque on Si Attia with assistance of Derbyshire Yeomanry. (6 Armoured Division OP Number 2).
Companies send out local patrols but no contact was made with enemy.
Best wishes for Christmas received from General Officer Commanding; Divisional Command and Brigade Command.
Major J McCann to 6th Battalion Inniskillings as second-in-command.
26th December.
Brigade HQ – SIDI MAHMOUD.
Two companies from 2 LIR made a night raid on Farm 714134, which was empty, but bore traces of recent enemy occupation.
German propaganda leaflets (apparently planted, not dropped from the air) were found in coy areas and on sundry sites in the Brigade area. They were inscribed as follows “Qu’est ce que vous preferer mourir avec les Americans, ou, vivre avec Les Allemands?”
A directive on “Information” dealing with patrol reports and general observation was issued to Bttns.
Special Intelligence Detachment of a sergeant and 6 men of the French Army reported to this HQ from FS section, 6 Armoured Division. The detachment was given a directive and members were dispatched to the forward Bttns (1 RIrF, and 2 LIR).
A letter reviewing the brigade dispositions (shown on tracing attached to Appendix P) were suggested.
1 RIrF – GOUBELLAT.
0730 Sitrep of first night in new area rendered – Nothing to Report.
Day spent in fully settling into new positions and recce of patrol position for the night.
6 Innisks – GOUBELLAT.
A day of “make and mend” and reorganising.
2 LIR.
Battalion HQ moved to Farm 662 140.
Lieutenant C (Charles) J Reidy posted to 6 Armoured Division as liaison officer.
Companies (?) attacked Fm (farm) 714134 but found no enemy. Two men of H Company injured by grenade.
F Company patrol area 695127 to ambush enemy motor transport but have no luck.
H Company patrol area 705147 from 1800 to 0200 hrs, with no result.
Died on this day:
Rifleman Harold Kershaw, 2 London Irish Rifles.
27th December.
Brigade HQ – SIDI MAHMOUD.
Orders from 6 Armoured Division to discover specific information, orders to this effect were forwarded to bttns and an LO was attached to forward bttns to bring back early morning patrol reports.
The Liaison Officer from the French Army, Lieut R Doumic arrived for attachment to this HQ.
1 RIrF – GOUBELLAT.
Sitrep of 26/27 December gives full account of the activities of the bttn of that night.
The day spent in further recce for the patrols for the coming night.
Died on this day:
Lieutenant Desmond Moore, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers (attached from Worcestershire Regiment).
Fusilier Leonard Thoroughgood, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Thomas Williams, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Daniel Downing, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – GOUBELLAT.
Another day devoted to administration.
2 LIR.
1400 Observation post observes 8 parachutists in farm 718154 with machine gun. They retire into buildings when fired upon by H Company’s light machine guns.
28th December.
Brigade HQ – SIDI MAHMOUD.
1 R IrF reported contact during the night; it became obvious later that our patrols had bumped a party of enemy about a coy strong intent on raiding our positions. (Sitrep and patrol chart 28 Dec attached at Appendix S).
During the night, a strong patrol was met in 6722. It appears that the enemy method was for a fighting patrol to be up while 2 or 3 made a reconnaissance.
38 Brigade’s OO No 4 was issued expressing the intention “to obtain patrol ascendancy in the Goubellat Plain”. A letter on day patrols was dispatched to Bttns.
1 RIrF – GOUBELLAT.
A full account of the events of the previous night continued in Sitrep 0730 hrs on 28th Dec. Lieut OB Moore and three other ranks killed.
0900 D Company moved up to B Company in their positions with a view to attacking enemy as reported by Lt DN Jefferies. With mortar support, they were to clear the enemy reported to be 150-200 strong attacking from the direction of the Wadi 702226. The enemy had thoroughly shut up the OP at 685243 during the night but our troops were not in occupation. D and B Companies advanced from B Coy’s position with their mortars and occupied the high ground without opposition, the enemy having withdrawn. They then altered course southwards and seized the ridge 685230 to 678226 in the face of extremely heavy MG and mortar fire driving the enemy out of defensive localities they had taken up in 2 mosques and other buildings in that area. The enemy then retreated very rapidly south and south east to the foothills. This action which cost the enemy many casualties cost 1 RIrF, one Fusilier of D Coy killed.
1500 B and C Coys after this action took up their positions in the village of Goubellat itself. B Coy 6 Innisks was placed under command and took up position in the farm Bir El Douaik 6423.
Offensive patrolling, hitherto carried out by D Coy, was handed over to A Coy and the plan was altered, it having been found that patrols on the move were too easily betrayed by Arab Nazi sympathisers and local dogs, and was thus very vulnerable. In the night of 28/29 Dec, therefore, A Coy laid ambushes as follows i) at road 701225, ii) rd junction 680224, iii) crossroads 673227. RE section set booby traps i) in the OP, ii) in buildings 684234, iii) in the abandoned ambulance at 672228 (this ambulance was one of our own, which had been sent out to collect the casualties from B Coy’s patrol action of the night before. The German patrol, which ambushed Lt DB Moore’s patrol, had presumably laid mines in the area. One of these blew up the ambulance as it turned up to B Coy killing the second driver. Artillery defensive fire tasks as shown in attached traces were also prepared for firing on receipt of Verey Light Signals, either from C Coy or from Bttn HQ. The patrols to do this ambush left A Coy after dark and took up their positions while the bttn with B Coy 6 Innisks maintained defensive position in Goubellat. The Brigadier, commander of 30 Light Infantry Brigade, joined Bttn HQ for the night and results were awaited.
Died on this day:
Fusilier Joseph Roche, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Jack Rodin, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lance Corporal Samuel Kane, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier James Montgomery, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Alfred Robinson, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – GOUBELLAT.
Orders received that the Brigade will take up a better position in the hills to our rear.
2 LIR.
0200 E F & Companies attack farm 713157, found no enemy, and were informed by French occupant that Germans had left at 1800 hrs on previous evening.
1500 Observation post observed considerable activity west of Goubellat.
29th December.
Brigade HQ – SIDI MAHMOUD.
Fuller reports were received of contact night 27/28 Dec.
On this day, a coy of 1 RIrF had a very successful action (J6824) against enemy force of approx some strength. 50 casualties in killed or wounded were inflicted for the loss of 2 casualties wounded on our side.
Redistribution of 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade took place in accordance with Brigade OO No 4.
2100 Brigade HQ moved from Farm 586199 to Farm 542199. The move was completed without incident. 1 RIrF having left Goubellat booby trapped moved to new position 6325. Arrived 2350 without incident.
1 RIrF – GOUBELLAT.
Sometime about dawn A Coy’s ambushes returned and reported no sign of enemy activity, a party of Germans commanded by a Hauptfeldwebel of the Paratroop Regiment already identified, approached the OP at 685243 to occupy it. The booby trap was set off and they were all killed. On the Hauptfeldwebel was a marked map giving the location of an enemy position in the area of the foothills SW of Ksar-Tyr 7530, which was presented to Brigade HQ.
0800 B Coy moved forward from Goubellat. An account of their activities is attached.
0910 Enemy 10.5 Field Artillery pinpointed by ‘J’ section, observed from C Coy as two guns firing from area Pt 263, 7419 shelling Goubellat positions for 20 mins causing no damage to positions but killing one fusilier of the Carrier Platoon.
0950 Fire then lifted onto area of B Coy’s original position and by accurate observation fired on a platoon of A Coy as the move west along the road from crossroads 6722.
1030 During the remainder of the day, their fire also fell on B Coy 6 Innisks and was laid on B Coy less one platoon and later one platoon B Coy as recounted in the attached appendix.
During the course of the day, the Commanding Officer recced a new position for the bttn to move to. The Second in Command gave a warning order to the remainder of the bttn and all the Commanding Officers to return to the bttn and all the troops are ready to move and guide parties waiting. The latter were taken out at once by the Adjutant to recce Coy areas by daylight. At the sunset, Bttn transport moved off by ones and two independently and the troops started to march to the new localities at dark.
1800 D Coy, with under command two 2 pounder A/Tk guns, covered the move of the bttn while B Coy 6 Innisks maintained the ambushed laid by A Coy night 28/29 Dec up to 0300hrs 30 Dec.
2200 The bttn in position, as shown on attached trace in area Douar 6237 with HQ in the village.
Died on this day:
Fusilier Albert Deakin, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Norman Kyle, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Richard Eales, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Arthur Cross, 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
0100 Battalion moved back to area 5919 by transport.
E Company 5617. F Company 5517. G Company Pt 308 5618. H Company 5519. Battalion HQ 558187.
Standing patrol sent out to Rd Junction 578192.
Companies send out local patrols but do not have luck to contact enemy.
30th December.
Brigade HQ – MAHMOUD GAP 5419.
0400 Order was received by LO from 6 Armoured Division for 2 LIR with u/c AA and A/Tk platoon to be prepared to move at 2 hrs notice to area Pichon O7523.
0915 Brigade Commander discussed with Commander 152 Field Regiment, 72 A/Tk Regiment and 151 Battery LAA, details of the Brigade’s artillery layout as affected by 2 LIR proposed move.
On this day, the Brigade Commander wrote letter to 6 Armoured Division pointing out the scattered dispositions of the Irish Brigade and noting that, should 2 LIR have to move to Pichon, he would have one bttn to protect 2 Battery’s Forward Artillery, AA and A/Tk artillery and transport disposed in Brigade A Echelon, along road: El Aroussa – Tallyho Corner 5217. In that event, Brigade “would not be in a position to resist an attack in force”.
6 Armoured Division OO No 5 was received expressing the intention: 6 Armoured Division and troops u/c will hold Medjez-el-Bab.
Letter was received from 6th Armoured Division stressing the necessity for active as well as passive (camouflage) deception. A Deception Officer for the Brigade (Lieut Duke, 6 Innisks) was appointed in accordance with instructions in this letter.
During this period, a good deal of information was collected by Special Intelligence Detachments, especially those with 2 LIR, which collected local farmers with good results.
1 RIrF – DOUAR.
0645 B Coy 6 Innisks arrived in new area. No activity seen. Two enemy recce aircraft at 1000 feet directly over Bttn HQ, but all signs of occupation had been connected.
1130 Enemy guns believed located as before shelled the Goubellat to Medjez-el-Bab road opposite Bttn HQ.
1200 Bttn HQ moved into a hollow ½ mile west along the track from Douar.
1800 B Coy 6 Innisks ceased to be under command and rejoined their battalion.
An account of the patrol account of this night is contained in the attached appendix.
6 Innisks – GOUBELLAT.
0200 The bttn transport arrives.
0215 The marching personnel sent out. It takes the transport column nearly 2 hours to go less than 4 miles.
0400 New farm is established in a farm where there are also some French soldiers. The morning patrol visited all fig farms south of the Goubellat to Mahmoud road, and found nothing.
1100 Enemy shell Goubellat and two enemy M/C combinations seen between Goubellat and Mahmoud.
1120 Enemy shells fall in area Sidi Mahmoud. It is possible 2 LIR who are on our left may be called away tonight. If they do so, we must hold their position as well as our own. Patrols are sent out but nothing is found during the night.
Information is received that 2 LIR will not be moving.
2330 B Coy who have been attached to 1 RIrF returns as Goubellat is now in No Man’s Land. They had to return via Medjez-el-Bab.
2 LIR.
Battalion at two hours notice. Ready to move to Pichon to support French troops.
Lieutenant VC Joseph admitted to ADS 1 Forward Ambulance.
31st December.
Brigade HQ – MAHMOUD GAP.
0130 Information was received that 2 LIR were not required to go to Pichon. 38 Brigade OO No 5 was issued “Brigade will hold its own sector of Medjez defences and maintain the initiative by vigorous patrolling”.
1600 F/O Thornton RAF arrived at this HQ bringing Air Tentacle W/T set. Had profitable discussion on Tac/R and air support.
1700 Army Commander visited Brigade HQ. Did not see Brigade Commander who was visiting 1 RIrF but the BM took him to an OP from which he could see the Goubellet Plain. He was insistent on an offensive nature which must characterise our patrols.
During this period, enemy was seen to be using roving guns to engage our positions.
1 RIrF – DOUAR.
1300-1700 Carrier Platoon less two sections with under command one detachment 3” mortars and one platoon D Coy and in support one Troop 152 Field Regiment searched road and adjacent farms from Crossroads 6324 to Rd junction 6222 to farms 634221 without finding enemy. The French told them that the enemy had visited their farm 624221 on the night 30/31 Dec enquiring whether there were any British troops in the locality. From there the Carriers struck north via the Wabi Tabia 6223 to the road on which they had started. On reaching the road, they harboured in the wadi for a short time as they were being shelled. While they were there, a message was received by DR from the second in command, who was leading the battle from Ragouret Lalla Manna 6425, that the enemy were framed by shell fire in the area of the cemetery 652225.
It was however impossible for the force to seek out and destroy these enemy as it was already 1715 hrs and time was strictly limited. One section of the Carrier Platoon searched the village of Goubellat, but saw no signs of enemy activity, but there was a derelict civilian car stretched across the main East-West road. The second in command from his OP mentioned above observed considerable enemy activity. Two enemy Platoons were seen moving towards the village from the east. They were shelled by our observed artillery fire and dispersed, some into the farms south of the Rd in the area 6822 and the rest in the cemetery. Heavy casualties were inflicted on them by our artillery fire. About three vehicles, including what was probably an armed column, entered Goubellat during the morning and withdrew at great speed during the afternoon. One M/C combination and several DRs entered it from the east and left it going east. All these targets were heavily shelled and at least one M/C was destroyed.
2000 Patrols were sent out from B Coy with a fighting role to areas north of Goubellat. They encountered no sign of enemy activity.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Daly went out with two platoons from C Coy to two farms where Germans were seen during the day. Returned soon after midnight with nothing to report.
CO spends morning going around coys. 2 i/c ties up Q problems and goes to Teboursouk. New RC padre comes to lunch at Bttn HQ and padre with 2 LIR has lunch in command post. Lt Duke is interviewed by CO and is brought into Bttn HQ. CO decides to take Lt McCaldin out of the A/Tk platoon and give him Duke’s platoon.
One platoon of A and one platoon of C came into Bttn HQ for the day for wash, shave, hair cut and rest. This was greatly appreciated.
Men want news. CO and Adjutant decide to produce a bulletin called the “Branch of the Sprig”. First copy is ready for distribution after breakfast.
Died on this day:
Fusilier William Farnan, 6 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
Battalion back to normal under brigade control.
Battalion allotted daily patrol area 56-66-16 from 0800 hrs-1200 hrs.
Quartermaster came back from NAAFI with cigarettes and whiskey for battalion which finishes the old year off nicely and gives us good heart for the New Year.