1st March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
The following SD personnel were attached to Bttns: 6 Innisks, Groze (French speaking). 2 LIR, Bell (French and Arabic speaker). 1 RIrF, Priand (French and German speaker).
Results of patrols night 28 Feb/1 Mar see Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 1 March.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
The events of the night are recorded in the Appendix. Normal activity continued : preparations continued through the day for the takeover of Castle Hill 622089 from A Coy by Coy 2 LIR.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0800 Enemy mortar bombs in front of West Hill J6406 spitfires and hurri-bombers attacked enemy positions.
1510 B Coy mortared on Grandstand 652082.
1550 Sgt W Allen reports position of enemy mortar and behind Mehallah 678088
1605 Warning from Brigade of possible Stuka attack in five minutes – it did not immediately.
2 LIR.
Programme for night 1/2 March. Company 1 Royal Irish Fusiliers take over gully position from E Company 2/LIR and come under command 6 Innisks. H Company 2/LIR take over Stuka Farm positions from C Company 1 RIrF and revert to command of 2/LIR. Carriers of 2/LIR relieve 6th Inniskilling Fusiliers in original position. F Company 2/LIR relieve A Company 1 RIrF on Castle Hill. A Company 1 RIrF to reserve area 6106.
2100 Enemy tank concentration with infantry at 7114. Commanding Officer directs that companies stay in their positions if attacked. C Battery 152 Field Regiment warned and observation posts keep special look out. Reports received that enemy seen in gully 800 yards north of F Company HQ.
Died on this Day:
Sergeant Angus Gardiner, London Irish Rifles.
2nd March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Contact made with enemy patrols night 1/2 March. For details, see Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 2 March. Brigade informed Division that C Squadron, 142 RAC will come under command 38 Brigade as soon as possible after dark night 2/3 March.
Propaganda leaflets, distributed over enemy lines by base ejection shells, were fired today. Units were warned that leaflets will serve as safe conduct passes and copies were distributed.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
1900 Platoon A Coy occupied Sidi Krelif without opposition (area 5907). Other activity normal – nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0930 Mortar bombs on Stuka Ridge 635083.
1335 Mortar bombs on ridge east of Bttn HQ 647067. These bombs fell near Capt Bayley, Lieut Ablett, CSM Glover, and Fusilier Gilman, who were driving on a M/C combination to Bttn HQ for patrol conference. A wheel came off the M/C comb and Capt Bayley broke a collar bone – the others were shaken. Due to this accident, Capt Daly will take the fighting patrol to Stop Farm with the Carrier Platoon instead of a platoon from B Coy.
1555 5/6 smoke bombs dropped in line north of West Hill, a few yards from Bttn HQ, These were immediately followed by nine Stukas, which dropped 10/12 bombs of medium calibre on Sidi Aek (638070). No damage done.
2000 The Carrier Platoon led by Capt WAR Daly attacked Stop Farm (647102), known to be occupied by the enemy, and suspected of being a FOP looking on to our Grandstand position. Capt Daly led the first section into the farmyard over a barricade without opposition. Two more sections followed and MG fire, then opened up from 2 of the farm buildings. Grenades were thrown at these and one MG was silenced. 3 were MGs, from outside the farm, then opened fire, all covering the barricade. Small arms fire came from a yard in the farm.
Capt Daly then ordered a section round in one of the outside MGs, which was silenced with grenade. The section commander Sgt Donaldson returned to Capt Daly, and at that moment the latter was hit by a burst of fire and fell to the ground. He still carried on directing the attack but finally, deciding that the enemy fire was too heavy for all his men to get over the barricade, he ordered them to withdraw, and take the wounded with them. The men with him tried to move him, but were unable to do so. They left the farm to the west, and were fired on by another MG, which hit one of the wounded men.
The platoon crept away and lay up for some time in the hope of picking up 3 ORs, who were missing. They did not turn up and the patrol returned to Bttn HQ. 5 ORs were wounded and evacuated. 1 of these died two days later. The patrol reported that just outside the farm was a two barrelled gun, similar to a 17 pounder, with a flash eliminator; in one of the buildings was a wireless or telephone and several enemy (grenades were thrown in here). Estimated casualties inflicted on the enemy: Fifteen 2” MGs were silenced.
1900 A section went out to lay mines at cross roads 6611, but came across trip wire at 668115, over which one man stumbled, causing an explosion 2/3 foot away. This man was stunned for several minutes. The patrol went on; there 15/20 yards further a similar incident occurred. They were badly shaken and two of the men now needed assistance, so the commander decided to return.
2000 A platoon of D Coy, under Lt Clark, visited Carrier Farm (652129). They made a cautious approach, and there being no sign of the enemy, they went in. The farm was deserted, but slit trenches and six coils of barb wire were found. The patrol then lay mines across the road at 650127.
Died on this Day:
Captain William Daly, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Lance Corporal Cubitt Black, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Fusilier Ernest Towle, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
1800 Number 9 Platoon, E Company on Mosque Hill will be relieved tonight by a platoon of 1 RIrF.
9 Platoon move to Castle Hill under command of F Company 2/LIR. 12 JU 87s bomb area of wadi 6307, again a wasted effort – no damage – no casualties.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman Richard Merley, London Irish Rifles.
3rd March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
For details of patrols 2/3 Mar and OP reports, see 38 Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 3 March.
38 Brigade Operational Order No 13 issued.
133460 Capt J Hayes, RA ChD taken on the strength of Brigade HQ, and attached 1 Field Ambulance.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
C Coy 1 RIrF was to cease to be under command 6 Innisks and come into Divisional reserve as detailed in the Appendix. Patrol Margaret set out into the hills from Sidi Kretif. Captain DN Jefferies awarded the Military Cross.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
The day was very quiet with no artillery or mortar fire from the enemy.
1500 2 LIR reported that Sgt Miller, one of the men missing from Capt Daly’s patrol, had come into their lines. He was in an exhausted condition, wounded by MG fire in both legs and the back and had crawled back from Stop Farm, a distance of nearly two miles. He was evacuated forthwith.
1930 A patrol of 6 went out to road at 660106, where large vehicle tracks were seen at the side of the road (approx 2’6” wide). They laid mines at this point and returned.
Sgt McAleer was out most of the day along the gully from Bou Arada rd at 646049.He reported likely MG positions and a camouflaged position at 677053, also a suspected OP at 675074. The latter two were engaged with effect by artillery.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Douglas Smart, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
Lieutenant AG Howells appointed Intelligence Officer. Captain TWH Wilson appointed Adjutant vice Captain TC Osborn wounded.
4th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Patrols laid mines at 660105. No contact made. Twenty men seen entering Stop Farm (6410), and engaged by our artillery.
0815-0845 Brigade front from Grandstand (6507) – Mosque (5808) shelled by enemy.
1800 Two platoons 6 Innisks put in an attack against Barka and Pt 286. Four enemy MG posts reported knocked out and fifteen casualties inflicted on enemy. Details see 38 Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 5 March.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
The events and activities of this period are given in the Appendix.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Grandstand and area 6308 mortared occasionally during the day.
1015 RAP reported that two uniformed figures were seen crossing the plain (approx area 6324), coming from the east. These were brought in, and proved to be two French soldiers (Moroccans), who had escaped from Tunis area. They were conducted to El Aroussa gendarmerie.
1630 Smoke shells laid singly on Grandstand, 640081, 620080 (approx). Immediately, a single enemy fighter flew in from Bou Arada direction, very low and opened fire on the gully 635064. One SAA truck was slightly damaged, the plan then made off eastwards.
D Coy moved into position in readiness for an attack on Koudiat Si Barka (6106).
1800 The attack commenced, 1 Platoon advanced on and cleared W village of Gribana without trouble, and sealed the top of Barka, where there was a little opposition. The main resistance came from some cactus on the eastern slopes and the platoon, which went round that way did not succeed in clearing it. Five MGs opened up on the Coy, 3 of which were put out of action. Owing to some mistake in an order during the action, the platoons withdrew too early, but the enemy was nonetheless engaged with good effect and had the Coy stayed a little longer it is considered that 90% of the enemy would have been mopped up, even in spite of the darkness. Heavy, but inaccurate, mortar fire came from the Germans throughout the action. Our own artillery support was excellent. The action caused a considerable diversion on the Brigade front, a number of known enemy positions were engaged by our artillery, and the smoke screen was sufficient to hide a Brigade. For some time after D Coy had withdrawn, the enemy maintained fire and put up many light signals from Two Tree Hill (678090) and other positions south to Barka. Estimated enemy casualties: 10/15. Most of the positions on Barka were pinpointed for the artillery, as a result of the battle. Our troops suffered 4 minor casualties and 1 carrier (part of mobile reserve) was ditched beyond recovery. The smoke screen actually hid the cactus from which most of opposition came, from the FOO, and consequently this could not be re-engaged.
The attack would have been more successful had the Coy had more officers. The platoon led by an officer did well until he became a casualty, and with a little more leadership the action would have been outstanding.
1930 Patrol of L/Cpl and 2 visited the area of Stop Farm (647102), and found a section position just north of the entrance. Sentries were also patrolling along the side of the Goubellat-Bou Arada road. The farm as later engaged by our artillery.
1930 Patrol of one sergeant and 3 laid another six mines in the area 660106. Those laid the previous night were still there. Total of mines now 21.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Robert Dougan, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
Companies send out local patrols to the front of their positions.
5th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Personal message from BGS First Army regarding changeover of 38 (Irish) from 6 Armoured Division to 78 Division received.
Owner of farm 616108 reported than his house was used as an enemy RAP during the recent battle and that 19 killed and 36 enemy wounded had passed through it. He also reported that Farm 617112 had been used as an HQ.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
Barrosa Day.
Many Faughs, including Brigadier N Russell MC, commander ‘Y’ Division, Lt-Col TPD Scott, commander 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade and Captain J Norman Adjutant 6 Innisks attended the ceremony of the Barrosa Cup at Bttn HQ as 1830 hrs, a special cup being made for the purpose from the base of a 6 pounder shell.
0530 Patrol Gaiety (A Coy, with, in support Capt GA de MR Pierce, RLG Wood and GM MacLachlan) set out to search the hill-mass west of the bttn position.
1630 The whole of the patrol returned reporting the area clear. The details of this patrol and of the other of the activities of this day and night are recorded in detail in the Appendix.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier James Thompson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
A very quiet day. 2/3 mortar bombs dropped east of Farm 637082 did no damage.
1930 A fusilier recce patrol to Stop Farm could observe no movement of enemy.
1930 A patrol of 3 visited pt 286 (662069), but on skirting around the lower slopes, could neither see nor hear any movement. They moved onto 667068 and lay up for some time. A vehicle was heard to start up in the saddle between Mehallah and Barka accompanied by 2 or 3 commands in German. Otherwise, the patrol was without incident.
NB Between 2200 and 2300 hrs, considerable movement of British vehicles was seen in Bou Arada and along the road from there to our positions. This movement was given away by lights. Some automatic near Bou Arada about 0445hrs proved to be an exchange of fire between our platoon in Nuisance Farm and French troops in the village. It was quite harmless.
2 LIR.
Patrol of E Company cover area along wadi to Mosque Hill.
Local patrols from E and F Companies in front of their positions.
1800 E Company report that their patrol had located a German observation post at 605084. F Company report that their patrol had found a German mortar complete and bombs.
6th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Contact was made with enemy Farm 654129. Results of patrol and enemy activity on the brigade front, see 38 Brigade Intelligence summary dated 6 March.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
This day, 1 RIrF as part of 38 (Irish) Infantry brigade ceased to form part of 6 Armoured Division, their place being taken by 1 Guards Brigade. The Irish Brigade became part of 78 Division. Captain MW Harvey RAMC posted as MO i.c. 1 RIrF. Lieut DW Smith and DF Siller reported, posted to A and D Coys respectively.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
1130/1230 A few mortar bombs on Grandstand.
1930 Another small patrol to Stop Farm saw and heard nothing of the enemy.
1930 One NCO and two men went out to pt 286 again. About 100 yards up the hill (SE slope), they found some booby traps (with trip wires 4” to 6” off the ground. Voices were heard coming from near the top of the hill. Whilst this patrol was out, they came under shellfire. The enemy put down a number of shells between pts 279 and 286 apparently with the object of harassing any of our patrols. Our constant visits to pt 286 evidently annoy him.
2100 A patrol of 10 under command Sgt O’Driscoll, C Coy, paid a visit to Carrier Farm (654129). On the way, Sgt O’Donnell found a signal cable running along the road going east from 648099 junction. He cut about 200 yards out of this, brought some back with him and scattered odd lengths of the rest about the countryside. From Hamra (6612), he saw a light at Carrier Farm. The patrol then went on, and reached a spot about 20 yards before the farm entrance before being halted by a sentry. He was standing somewhat leisurely by the entrance and Sgt O’Donnell opened fire upon him with his Tommy Gun. The sentry fell; MG fire opened up from all parts of the farm and especially from positions well away from the buildings.
One MG about 50 yards from the patrol was silenced with a grenade. Fire continued to come from all directions and Sgt O’Donnell ordered his men to fall back. Groups of Germans thereupon ran out of the various barns and our patrol put down considerable Bren fire upon them. Another MG opened up from the west of the Goubellat road. Sgt O’Donnell gradually retreated with his men, and the enemy began firing off Very lights and followed up our patrol for about 100 yards. When Sgt O’Donnell stopped to check up, he found that L/Cpl Daniels was missing. This NCO did not return. On the way back, another telephone cable, running east from Stop Farm was cut. 5-10 casualties were inflicted on the enemy by this well led patrol.
2 LIR.
PM Enemy spasmodically shelled by our artillery in areas 616076, 644077.
7th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Day patrols destroyed many enemy telephone comms. No contact made. Two SD personnel destroyed enemy ammunition dump at Farm 618112.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
Capt WG Corbett-Edwards (MO i.c. 1 RIrF) posted to 1 Field Ambulance. Lieut JL Baggs died of wounds in an accident, which occurred during his return from Patrol. He was pulling an NCO up the 12 foot wall of a gully by his Tommy Gun, when it discharged, wounding him in the left shoulder and in the abdomen.
Died on this Day:
Sergeant William Cahill, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lieutenant John Baggs, Royal Irish Fusiliers, attached from The Royal Ulster Rifles.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Fairly persistent shelling and mortaring of areas. No damage during the night.
The morning was quiet, no enemy shelling or mortaring.
1450 5 smoke shells dropped: 2 about 632082, 1 about 620288, 2 in area 627063
After dark, a mortar and gun flash spotting plan was put into operation with the cooperation of the gunners. Two additional OPs were established. However, the enemy remained quite inactive this night. None of our patrols went out until after midnight, in order to give the artillery full scope in the event of enemy gun positions being discovered.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Alfred Daniels, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
1430 Enemy shells area between G and H Companies.
8th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
No contact made by patrols. Trace showing area patrolled attached.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
1130 Two SD men attached from French forces (Patrol Alsace), left to blow up ammunition dump at Farm 618112. They destroyed it with two charges. After the first, they had the opportunity of inspecting the interior of the building: they were especially anxious to search it as immediately after the explosion, several Arabs, who had patently been looting, bolted northwards from the farm. In it, they found much damage as a result of our shellfire.
The wireless set previously reported by Patrol Marquis was confirmed to be of civilian pattern. A civilian telephone was also in the farm, but with…tee-in of German military cable, the lines from which ran NW into the hills. The wireless set was removed for examination, and the telephone and lines were totally destroyed by the patrol. Also was found a German Oberst’s tunic badly torn and bloodstained above the waist. Monsieur Peladan told our SD men that this had been there before we had shelled the farm. It is therefore probable that the Oberst’s death was caused by Patrol Marquis’ booby trap.
After the second explosion, four enemy were observed approaching from the… while about 300 yards behind them (1500 yards from the farm), a large support of unidentifiable men could be seen. Patrol Alsace accordingly withdrew via Farm Peledan where, hidden by boughs and foliage lay a dump of 120 Tellermines in a gully. Patrol Alsace did not touch them but returned to Bttn HQ, and reported them, and enumerating at the same time the contents of the dump they had destroyed as stick grenades, detonators, pull igniters and SAA packed for MG and rifle.
Plans were accordingly made for the destruction of the Tellermine dump the next day. Capt RM Cunningham struck off Bttn strength wef this date.
1830 Patrol Lorraine returned. Their report and trace attached in Appendix.
1900 During the afternoon, the evacuation of M Peladan with our assistance from the Farm Peladan to his brother’s farm at Ain Ksyl was begun under auspices of FSP. At this time, it was reported completed.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0005 Recce patrol to Plough Top found no sign of the enemy, beyond the sound of digging in the gully north of the feature. Lt Wood took 3 men to Stop Farm to ascertain if it was definitely occupied. He entered the farm after a cautious recce and found evidence of a hasty retreat by the enemy. The buildings were all badly damaged by our shellfire, and it was apparent that several enemy dead were beneath the rubble in the cellar of the house. This had apparently been used as an HQ, 2 cables ran through a window and various articles of clothing and equipment lay about the room.
In the yard, was discovered the bodies of Capt WAR Daly, L/Cpl Black and one other.
A number of enemy and British small arms and ammunition was collected by Lt Wood. An A/Tk gun was found by the haystack; this had a longer barrel that our 25 pounder, but was smaller itself. The breech block was smashed.
Lt Wood lay up here all day with the 2 others of his patrol, sorting and collecting the salvage.
A recce patrol visited Argoub Hamra and found no enemy upon it. They went onto the vicinity of Carrier Farm, but owing to the extreme darkness could not ascertain if the enemy were there or not. No movement was seen or heard.
1000 Coy Commander’s conference.
Enemy shelling is more persistent during the afternoon and evening than for some days. 2.i.c. visited A and C Coys on Grandstand after dark
Wood, who has been lying up on Stop Farm J647102 since last night reports that Capt Daly’s body is there, as is Corporal Black’s. He has stacked a quantity of enemy equipment up. B Coy are sending out patrol to bring in the bodies and equipment.
2 LIR.
2 platoons and company HQ of H Company take over E Company’s positions 610083. 1 platoon of H Company relieve 9 Platoon (E Company) on Castle Hill. E Company take up positions on Stuka Ridge and Stuka Farm.
9th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
No contact made with enemy.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
No patrols were sent out during the night and there was no incident on bttn front.
The activities and events of the day are recorded in detail in the Appendix. Lieut RV Dudley-Clarke struck off strength.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0325 The patrol returns with Capt Daly’s body, but in the dark, they were not able to find Cpl Black or the equipment.
1000 Patrol conference.
1100 A representative gathering collected at the RAP to pay their last respects to Capt Daly, a great loss to the bttn losing this brave, intelligent and gallant officer. He is buried in Farm J 639058. CO visits B Coy during the afternoon and D Coy on pt 279 after dark.
1900 Lieut Wood and strong platoon go out to recover the body of Cpl Black and enemy equipment from Stop Farm. They are warned of enemy activity in Farm 618112. Returned without incident.
No patrols, other that the local protective, were sent out.
2 LIR.
Changeover of E and H Companies now complete.
10th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Enemy aircraft attacked A Echelon, 1 RIrF at 0830 hrs and inflicted two casualties. Brigade letter enemy equipment issued.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
During the night, the bttn sent out no patrols nor was any incident reported.
The activities and events of the day are recorded in detail in the Appendix.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
A peaceful day. No enemy shelling or mortaring took place. A Coy sent out a patrol to W Hill and Plough Top during the first part of the night. They heard voices and digging in the valley to the east of the arab dwellings on W Hill but neither saw or heard any other signs of the enemy during their patrol.
A C Coy patrol visited Argoub Hamra and discovered unoccupied trenches there; later they lay up near Carrier Farm (654129) and saw a vehicle enter the yard, from the direction of Goubellat. It stayed only a minute or two and then made off eastwards. The farm did not appear to be occupied.
2 LIR.
Recce patrol to Flat Top 5909 find abandoned enemy equipment.
11th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
5 Corps Operational Instruction No 8 received.
221569 Capt H Graydon RA ChD rejoined unit from hospital attached 2 LIR.
Brigade instructions for changeover of vehicles with 1 Guards Brigade issued.
Patrols night 10/11 Mar encountered enemy patrol. Platoon 1 RIrF raided Farm 618112. No enemy seen. Details as in Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 11 March.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
During the night, the bttn sent out no patrols nor was any incident reported.
0700 OPs again posted deep at 565107 and 6011. One SD man accompanied the latter, another went in search of the destination of the signal cable found at Farm Peladon.
Lieut JS Clarke posted to 18 Army Group Battle School as instructor and struck off strength.
1930 OPs and search party reported above came in. The cables destination was undiscovered and the OPs observed no enemy activity.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0200 Sgt Russell took 10 men from D Coy out to pt 286. They crawled up to the top from the SE and got to within 6 yards of a trench containing 3 men manning an MG. Other trenches nearby were occupied and the enemy appeared very alert. It seemed impossible to snaffle any prisoners, so the patrol suddenly opened fire and each man threw a grenade into the various trenches.
The enemy returned fire, but our patrol withdrew safely. Sgt Russell was confident that several casualties were inflicted upon the enemy. He also reported that the occupants of 286 appeared to be more wide awake than formerly and possibly belonged to a new unit. The day was uneventful, with the enemy again very quiet.
After dark, D Coy 1 RIrF relieved A Coy, 1 RIrF, in the farms between Grandstand and Bou Arada.
Another A Coy patrol went out to W Hill and Plough Top, but a thorough search revealed no sign of enemy night positions or standing patrols.
D Coy sent out five men to report on the vehicle activity behind 286 and Barka, but although they lay up for some time in the gully NW of Barka, they heard nothing. Probably, the vehicle did not set out, as the night was very wet and the ground a sea of mud. Another patrol of two men set out to recce enemy dispositions on Lalla Fatma (7007), but had to turn back when only halfway owing to the weather and the state of the ground.
B Coy sent out 1 officer and 10 men (including 4 pioneers) to blow up the Teller Mine dump in Stop Farm, reported by Lt Wood. When about 200 yards from the farm, they were challenged in English and did not fire straightaway. The recce in front then said “We are French, do not fire and the patrol commander decided that the people before him were a German patrol, so he opened fire. One of the enemy came in and threw a grenade. Our patrol was not bunched together at this time but strung out, with only 2/3 men forward. In the darkness, the commander could not get everyone together, and after firing most of his ammunition, decided to withdraw, with the 4/5 men he could find. 2 men were slightly wounded from the patrol. Eventually all struggled back to the Bttn area, with the exception of Sgt Lortie, a Canadian NCO attached to the unit. His body was found near the scene of the action on the following night. Also, one man was missed. It was believed that he was wounded and taken prisoner.
Most of the day was uneventful, but towards dusk, the enemy was seen moving into positions on the forward positions on Mehallah and eight vehicles went onto Gribana, three or four vehicles were heard about 2030 hrs behind pt 286, and shortly after, one of these moved off to the east. Some mortaring of the bttn area then took place, the bombs, six in number, falling o the north side of Si Aek, but no casualties were caused. A mortar flash was suspected at 683077 at 2050 hrs. All the above enemy positions were then heavily engaged by our artillery.
Died on this Day:
2 LIR.
1015 Small patrols sent out by H Company.
1130 Arabs drove cattle and goats through minefield west of H company’s positions 610060.
12th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Trace of minefields in 38 Brigade area as on 12 March issued.
Vehicle exchange with 1 Guards Brigade took place.
Enemy attacked Minefield Farm. Platoon 6 Innisks beat it off inflicting casualties and taking a PW.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
0200 Patrol Fanfare sent out.
0915 Part of Patrol Fanfare returned (one Officer, 3 ORs, SD).The cache described in the incident described in the Appendix had been discovered. It was a pile of beehive baskets covered in straw. Two of these baskets contained a German greatcoat each and the straw concealed containing civilian vests, shirts and trousers. The Arabs dwelling in the hut nearby denied all knowledge of them, but two were arrested, one of whom had been seen, on the arrival at Farm 618112 of Patrol Fanfare, waving his arms as though to someone in area pt 251 622127. Under interrogation, they still denied any relationships with the enemy, though admitted some knowledge of their movements. A search, however, revealed on one some bank notes of the “Banque de France”, (which currency not being issued by the civil authorities in N Africa, nor issued by the Allied Forces, can only have been issued by the Axis) and a chit written in Arabic but on German stationery. After a preliminary interrogation, these Arabs were sent under escort to the civil authority for disposal.
1010 The remainder of Patrol Fanfare returned. They had nothing to add but that a search of Farm 618112 revealed four Tellermines and a German respirator definitively not there 10 March 43, and some money and papers. They had also searched the Wadi from 615115 to 619115, but found no trace of the enemy.
0930 Bttn R Group left and after reporting at HQ 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade proceeded to recce Argous El Hanech 7199 and the Koumat El Toutla 6599 as it was intended that 1 RIrF should relieve 10 RB on these positions night 14/15 Feb. This plan was consequently so no details need to be entered into here.
1700 Battalion R Group returned.
1930 OPs reported much suspicious native movement at day area 600134 and at 1800 hrs a large body of natives entered buildings at the base of the hill 593097. Consequently, the Platoon at Sidi Krelif 5907 stood to 100% for the night while B Coy and Bttn HQ stood to 50%.
Dusk Patrol Trumpet set out.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
2108 D Coy reported a very large explosion and glow from the direction of Mehallah, and it was believed that one of our shells had hit an ammunition dump.
2220 MG fire was heard from Minefield Farm (656055), held by a section of D Coy. Later, a report came from there of a visit of an enemy patrol. Upon sighting the enemy, 7/8 strong, to the east of the farm, Sgt McAleer had the defences manned and the enemy were allowed to come close in. It was hoped that they would be caught in some of the many trip wires about the farm, but four of them entered the yard at the NE corner, whilst the ramasorder carried on along the road, beside the farm walls. As there was a possibility of these men getting into the gully to the west of the farm, where some of D Coy was in position, the section in the farm opened fire. There was brisk engagement for several minutes, until the enemy withdrew. One of them was left in the yard, wounded in the arm. As the corn in the field, east of the farm was fairly long, the enemy soon disappeared from view, and artillery fire was brought down upon them. Before first light, D Coy sent out a patrol to recce the area the area, but no traces of the enemy were found. The prisoner proved to be from a new unit, No 9 Coy of A33 (renamed Panzer Grenadier), which had only been in the positions around Mehallah for 3 days; the impression was gathered from the interrogation of the PW, that this unit was alert and keen, and their morale good. He believed there were 8 artillery guns in support.
During the day, Lt Wood and Capt Ablett left on an MMG and an A/Tk course respectively.
2215 Another patrol to W Hill and Plough Top still found no signs of the enemy. 4 men visited Carrier Farm, lay up to the SE of it, but did not hear or see anything of the enemy.
2 LIR.
PM Spasmodic shelling of battalion area. Captain RG Cockburn, Lieutenant IP Yates and Lieutenant JH Barker join battalion.
13th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Enemy encountered at 649049, details see 38 Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 14 March. Tracing of A/Tk positions in 38 Brigade area as at 13 March issued.
38 Brigade OO No 14 issued.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
0015 Patrol returned reporting clear of enemy the farms at its objective. On its return journey, however, when it passed an Arab dwelling at 617097. It made a slight noise and had two heavy mortar bombs fired at it from the north. Investigating 2 LIR found nothing later.
1030 A patrol of one officer, and one section went to investigate the Arab movement reported 12 Mar ’43 on Hill 593097 and OPs were posted again at 565107 and area bou.
1500 CO and Adjutant left for O Group conference at HQ 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade. Details of what passed at it are recorded in the Appendix.
1620 The above patrol returned reporting the movement seen as a large household of friendly natives resident in dwellings 593097.
1830 The above OPs returned, but had observed no suspicious movement whatever.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Very little shelling or mortar fire. Preparations were commenced for handing over to Sherwood Foresters. A recce party from this Bttn, including the Commanding Officer and the IO arrived towards midnight. After dark, an ambush party of INCO and 11 men took up positions to the east of Minefield Farm, in order to surprise any further patrol, which might feel inclined to visit the farm. However, they waited all night without being favoured with a visit from the Panzer Grenadiers. Once again, a patrol went out to the W Hill – Ploughtop area; they did not come across any Germans, but discovered a pit 5 foot square deep in the saddle of Ploughtop (probably a mortar position).
1930 C Coy sent out a patrol (Capt Rowlette and ten men) to visit Carrier Farm (654129), but they encountered the enemy whilst still on the way. Just before reaching the road going east from near Stop Farm, they found 20/25 men coming towards them, bunched together. Capt Rowlette waited until they were some 10/12 yards away before giving the order to fire. Our patrol opened up with everything they had, including grenades, and the enemy group immediately went to ground. Some fire was returned, but it is certain that several casualties were inflicted on the enemy.
Almost immediately, following the exchange of shots, fire was opened upon our patrol from the western side of the main road and Capt Rowlette, fearing that this new enemy patrol intended working to his rear, decided to withdraw his men, whilst holding off the enemy with MG and rifle fire. This was successfully achieved, and the patrol arrived back with 2 minor casualties. Unfortunately, these 2 men received further wounds whilst being evacuated in the field ambulance. This was shot up while travelling through Bou Arada; the source of the firing is not known, but apparently it came from the French troops in the town, who seemed to be shooting at a suspected enemy patrol, just as the ambulance entered the main street.
2 LIR.
0230 Minefield farm attacked by Recce Patrol. Patrol identified as from Skunze Herman Goering Regiment 9 Company 3 Battalion.
1200 F Company send out small patrol to Flat Top 5909. No signs of enemy but a quantity of abandoned damaged equipment found.
14th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
78 Division Operational Instruction No 19 regarding reorganisation in the Divisional area received.
38 Brigade relieved in present position by 3 Brigade. 1 RIrF remain under command 3 Brigade.
2788 Squadron RAF Regiment under command 38 Brigade.
Recce parties left for Gafour.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
Night Nothing to report. No patrols sent out by 1 RIrF.
Day was quiet with normal activity, only varied by some slight preparations in connection with Brigade move.
Captain PM MacLachlan, the Royal Regiment of Canada and Captain WJ Saul, the Royal Winnipeg Rifles left the bttn to return to England having completed their …”concise tour.” Captain MJ McDonald assumed command of HQ Coy.
Dusk Patrols Mayflower and Speedwell set out.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Was a very wet and uncomfortable night, as the rain began early and kept on most of the daytime. Any part of the bttn area, where there was any traffic – wheeled or pedestrian – was rapidly transformed into a bog. More mud than uniform was visible upon most of the members of the bttn and it was the lucky few who got through the day with dry blankets or bivvies. The recce party from the Sherwood Foresters was thus put in the picture in more ways than one.
Owing to this interference from the Tunisian weather, the changeover between us and the Foresters was postponed for 24 hours. The enemy was evidently preoccupied with baling out its trenches, as no mortar or gunfire came over during the day. Our own artillery, however, opened up whenever the rain stopped for a few minutes. During the night, only local protective patrols were put out.
2 LIR.
1200 Advance party of 1st Duke of Wellington’s Regiment arrive at Battalion HQ.
2300 Remainder of Duke of Wellingtons’ arrive by TCV and de-bus at June 601019 and march up to relieve us.
15th March.
Brigade HQ – BOU ARADA.
Relief of 38 Brigade during night 14/15 carried out according to plan and without enemy interference. 1 King’s Shropshire Light Infantry relieved 10 RB and 1 Duke of Wellington’s Regiment relived 2 LIR. Recce party left area Gafour for new location near Testour (4420).
Brigade HQ closed present location (Fme Cussac) 1900 hrs and reopened same time south of Testour (442207).
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
The night was quiet – there nothing to report.
0715 Patrol Speedwell returned, having searched and lain up in Farms 633105 from 2300-0400. No enemy was encountered.
0735 Patrol Mayflower returned, having searched Farm 618112 and lain up in it from dusk to dawn. No enemy were encountered but one member of the patrol thought that at 1848 hrs, he had seen six Germans coming down from the hills to the north of the farm and subsequently disappearing into the wadi. No other member of the patrol was, however, able to confirm this.
0845 20 men observed by RA OP entering Farm 628112. They were shelled and no further movement was observed.
1340 Patrol of 9 enemy searched the hillside 590097 for our OP. They were all armed with Schmeissers and were seen to disappear NE along a gully towards Farm 618112.
1600 A man, by his dress a native, was met at 590092. He had been seen earlier in the day, and remarked upon for his blue eyes and pale shin, the command of his bearing and the excellence of his dark bay mare. On the second occasion, he was heard addressing someone in an authoritative tone in Arabic. He then converged, from behind a group of dwellings, followed by definite natives. He descended the hillside on horseback and crossed the plain eastward, eventually entering Farm 633105, having first put his horse free to grass. He was not seen to emerge although the farm was watched by 1 ½ hours.
1605 One scout of the Bttn Intelligence Section, hiding in an Arab village in the NE slopes of Burnt Hill 6009 was searched for by a German, whose suspicions were aroused by the barking of dogs. The Arabs protected him and he was not discovered.
1800 OPs returned and reported the above incidents and also that Farm 618112 showed many new vehicle and foot tracks, the former leading to the farm from the wadi north of it, of estimated 20 vehicles, the latter from wadi 614106 to the farm. All this information was promptly passed to all other units, but line comm, being out of order, it had to be sent by R/T. The delay this imposed made the warning too late to be given to Patrols Black and White before they left.
1855 Patrol Black encountered a patrol of enemy estimated strength 12 at approximately 620090. Both patrols were walking along the top of the east bank of the wadi and saw each other simultaneously. Both ran for the wadi, but the enemy, being a single file and nearer there than we in extended order, got there first and opened fire, killing two and wounding two. They were all armed with Schmeissers.
During the night, heavy rains fell and Bttn HQ, which was in a Nullah by 0215 hrs found itself in places up to 5 feet under a roaring torrent. No patrols were sent out and there was nothing further to report.
2355 Patrol White returned, having no incident to report, The farms in Square 6310 were clear of enemy.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Sidney Dobson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
A busy day. Arrangements were completed for the handover and the bttn’s journey to its new area. The Support Group was to be left behind until the Foresters’ own support weapons came up.
During the night, the Foresters took over the Coy positions and the bttn moved off. The journey was not accomplished without incident. The commanding officers’ car overturned into a gully, which contained about the usual quota of mud and water and the occupants, which included the CO and the Intelligence Sergeant made uncomfortable and hasty exits from unusual angles and completed the journey by devious means – including rides on one 3-tonner and a TCV. The roads, particularly from the bttn area to the El Aroussa road were only just passable and various strenuous deeds were wrought on route, many a 3-tonner and TCV being rescued from precarious positions in ditches and gullies alongside the muddy tracks. Needless to say, the order of march suffered somewhat, but eventually and by stages, the whole bttn arrived at its destination just outside Gafour.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier James Forbes, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
0445 Battalion marches to Olive Grove 570044.
Major Dunnill joins from 1 RIrF.
16th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
Nothing to report.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
0830 OP party under Lieut WAS Smith of two sections B Coy, two scouts Intelligence Section and Signals detachment occupied on Burnt Hill 6009 at 603088.
1010 One enemy observer observed using field glasses at 614093. As soon as spotted by our OP, he withdrew NE, crawling behind the shoulder of the hill.
The patrol also reported finding, on their way out, three bones of MG belts of German SAA.
Dusk Patrol Demon started out, Capt RM Cunningham returned command HQ Company.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
The day was fine and sunny and the Bttn relaxed. Baths at the mobile bath unit at Gafour were visited by TCVs full of troops and at the end of the day, the Bttn was unaccustomedly clean.
1845 On the move again. The Bttn formed up ready for its journey “into immediate reserve” north of Sloughia. The move, which took place for the most part along the Gafour–Medjez rd was much more comfortable than that of the preceding night and carried out without over much strain or effort.
2 LIR – TESTOUR.
1600 H Company move to Trent Bridge 4713.
17th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
154045 Capt ETU Lewis RA ChD ceased to be posted on the strength of this HQ.
223396 Capt GLC Mitchell RA ChD posted to this HQ as C of E padre attached 6 Innisks.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
0200 Detachment Bttn 6-pounder A/Tk gun platoon at 620129 sighted an enemy patrol estimated strength six, apparently bareheaded and in civilian clothes. Detachment challenged at forty yards and receiving no reply opened fire with rifles. The enemy answered with grenades and automatic fire. They then made off. The next morning search revealed a loaded Schmeisser magazine and the remains of an Eigg bomb pull igniter, proving conclusively that the approaching party were German.
0230 Patrol Demon returned reporting White Cable Farm 642123 and Farm 646113 occupied by an unknown number of enemy.
1745 OP on Burnt Hill, which had been posted all day, reported no enemy movement in their arc of observation (ranging due east to NNE).
1800 Patrols Steel and Tiger set out. Capt MJ Macdonald reported D Coy.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
The day was spent in settling down in our new abode and in discovering the general situation in the district. The weather was unaccountably good, and the change of scenery welcomed by all. During the later afternoon, Brigadier N Russell paid a visit to the bttn, saw all officers and NCOs and conveyed St Patrick’s Day greetings to all ranks. He explained to the bttn the reason for its transference from 6 Armoured Division to the 78th Infantry Division.
2 LIR.
St Patrick’s Day – The officers and men were delighted at the arrival of Shamrock from Ireland.
18th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
38 Brigade dispositions: Brigade HQ 442207. 2 LIR (less one Coy) 444207. H Coy Trent Bridge (4718). 6 Innisks under command 36 Brigade 483303. 1 RIrF under command 3 Brigade Bou Arada.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
0200 Patrol Steel returned reporting Farms 618212 and Peladan clear.
0800 Patrol Tiger returned reporting no contact with the enemy, but firing heard south of them. The sense of this was sought, but always stopped before reached.
1000 ….
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
During the morning, the bttn was fitted out on a lavish scale with new battle dresses and clothing. After dinner, the rain began again and continued for the rest of the day.
2 LIR.
Battalion training. Lieutenant Colonel JB Jeffreys relinquishes command of battalion and proceeds to rest camp, Ain Draham. Major DCJ Manners departed for 5 Corps. Lieutenant Colonel TPD Scott arrived and took over command of battalion. Major APK O’Connor joins and takes up appointment as 2-in-C. Captain BH Westcott joins battalion and takes over command of H Company.
19th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
Instructions regarding Divisional Field Firing Range issued
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
Lt Col TPD Scott and Major JW Dunnill posted to 2 LIR. Major BH Butler assumed command 1 RIrF and promoted Lt-Col. Capt DR Le P Gethin appointed A/Major and Lieut J Ray A/Capt. Lieut MC Trousdell rejoined from HQ 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade and posted to A Coy.
Normal activity during the day. No patrols sent out night 19/20 March beyond a moving proactive patrol A Coy area, which had nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Another wet day. The Bttn is now under command of 36 Infantry Brigade and much of the morning is spent at brigade HQ viewing the sand model of the local front. Capt TR Knaggs, together with Sgt Major Glover, Sergeants Robinson, Ritchie and Cpl Bloomfield left this evening on the first stage of their journey to England, where they are to lecture on the Tunisian Campaign (we wish them good luck but not a “speedy return”)
1930 C and D Coys take over 5 Buffs Standing Patrols for tonight, owing to 36 Brigade being relieved.
2 LIR.
Battalion training.
20th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
38 Brigade Training Instruction No 1 issued.
38 Brigade Anti Malarial Order No 1 issued.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
Lieut DH Walsh and 4 ORs returned to England to pass on their battle experience to troops at home. No activity noted during the day of our enemy or our troops. The night was quiet. No patrols were sent out by the bttn and there was nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Another wet day with plenty of mud. The bttn is apparently now under command of 24 Guards Brigade. This causes a few headaches – ie under whose command are the 6 Innisks – 38 (Irish) Brigade, 36 Brigade, 24 Brigade, 78 Division or 1 Division. However, the Adjutant seems to have settled the matter by sewing 78 Division signs on his new battledress – the only pair in the bttn. Brigadier Russell visited the bttn in afternoon, but unfortunately the CO was out making a recce along the Medjez road and liaising with the support units. Later still, the Army Commander – General Anderson paid a visit and watched the shooting on the range.
2 LIR.
Platoon of G Company relieves section of V Company of 5 Northants at 523155. Captain Findlater (R Berks) joins battalion from 5 Corps HQ and takes over command of HQ Company.
21st March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
38 Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 20 March issued with general outline of 78 Division Area: A – own troops, B – enemy.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
A quiet day with normal activity – nothing to report.
No patrols were sent out by the bttn. A quiet night with nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0500 Stand To. Coys on area route marches forward firing and rifle range. The rifle range appears to be very popular especially the novelty item “Pool Bull”. The remainder of Support Coy, an A/Tk platoon, who had been left with the Foresters rejoined the bttn. Still enough rain to keep the ground very muddy.
1530 Brigadier from 24 Guards Brigade paid a visit.
1930 First installment of transport left for change over with 1 Guards Brigade, who are replacing us in 6 Armoured Division.
The bttn published its recce Intelligence Summary. Some 6 Innisks being extracts from Division and Brigade summaries, which have a local interest. It is hoped that this can be a regular feature and give all ranks the complete picture of the Brigade front.
2 LIR.
Battalion training.
22nd March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
Lt J Hall, 6 Innisks IO 38 Brigade posted to 78 Division as LO.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
A quiet day. Nothing to report. No movement seen by OP at 603088 but Farm 564146 was burning 1030hrs to 1530hrs.
Night was quiet. There was nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Stand to at 0500 hrs. Activities during the day confirmed mainly to training. Rifle range revolver practice and field firing. A and C Coys on route march, recced routes to forming up point for possible counter attack role. Major GF Maxwell appointed GSO II (Training) First Army, left unit.
0900 Major J McCann, Capt Little, and 20 ORs left for rest camp at Ain Draham.
1000 All routes receive the first anti typhus inoculation. CO attends conference at HQ, 24 Guards Brigade.
1830 CO holds conference for all officers.
1930 Coy Commanders’ conference.
2 LIR.
H Company relieved by 2788 Squadron RAF Regiment. Lieutenant JA St Maur-Sheil joins battalion and takes over duties as Intelligence Officer. Lieutenant Howells returns to H Company.
23rd March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
Nothing to report.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
Normal activity continued.
1300 CO attended conference at HQ 3 Infantry Brigade. Details of matter discussed are given in the Appendix.
No patrols were sent out by the Bttn, and there were no incidents. Moves as detailed in 1 RIrF OO No 4 were carried out without interference.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
Weather fine and sunny and ground rapidly drying.
0900 Capt Kingsmill (Canada) and party left to recce area near Le Kef – area 0688.
1000 Changeover with 1 Scots Guards affected as: Recce party: 0700 hrs. Troops: 1000 hrs. Order of march: A, B, C, D Coys. Dispositions: A, B, C, D Coys Innisks to A, B, C, D Coys Scots Guards respectively.
The new Bttn HQ (Farm 482312) is a pleasant surprise to everyone. Although still occupied by a French family, the house is large enough to hold the whole of Bttn HQ personnel in comfort. Some of the rooms are partly furnished, so comfort really is the word.
1545 A Coy bring in an Arab, suffering from a slight head injury. Escort report that he was arrested near their position having been observed from the enemy lines.
On interrogation by Lieut Schayek, it was revealed that the prisoner had come from farm area J 1545, where he was purchasing tobacco from his friend Thara. At the farm was an Italian soldier, who asked the prisoner what he thought of the British. After saying that “the British were good, the Italian clubbed him with his rifle. Prisoner then ran away in the direction of our lines. Brigade HQ were informed and 1 Irish Guards are to send a patrol to investigate the farm.
1900 A Coy report enemy shelling their positions. One shell landing 50 yards from Coy HQ.
2000 Recce party from Le Kef returns. Bttn is now under command of 11 Infantry Brigade.
2 LIR.
Platoon of G Company relieved by RAF Regiment. Captain GG Hall, Captain Fitzgerald, Captain Giles, Lieutenant HND Seymour and Lieutenant Cole join battalion.
24th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
Personal message received from Corps Commander congratulating all ranks on their fine performance received.
1 RIrF – REST AREA.
The day was quiet and without incident. Recce parties 1 KLSI passed taking over from the bttn.
The moves detailed in RIrF OO No 5 were carried out without difficulty or interference.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0500 Stand To. Weather fine and tracks quite hard. Patrols during night made no contact and had nothing to report.
1030 Brigade commander, 11 Infantry Brigade, and CO 5 Northamptons arrived and made final arrangements for handing over.
2130 Handing over completed and bttn HQ moves off.
2200 Arrived in concentration area – gully J/4829 – 4929.
2 LIR.
Battalion training. Lieutenant KDH Howells joins battalion.
25th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
38 Brigade Admin Order No 3 issued.
78 Division less 36 and 11 Brigades relieved by 1 Division and moved to reserve area.
1 RIrF – BEJA.
0730 Bttn arrived in new area and was disposed as shown on Trace in the Appendix. D Coy came under command 46 counter attack force (commanded by Major the Lord O’Neill), the remainder of the bttn being in reserve to 128 Infantry Brigade. Details of their role is given in the Appendix.
1130 Bttn O Group conference held, at which the situation of 128 Brigade and the situation of 1 RIrF was expounded – OP established at 258501 had nothing to report.
1300 The remainder of the day was spent in settling into the position, the Brigade Command and his staff visiting the CO.
The night was quiet. Two standing patrols were sent out by B Coy at 279451 and 253486 but had nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0600 Stand to – weather fine.
Coy activities confined to kit… inspections and practice shooting on the range.
1800 Impromptu concert. Brigadier N Russell (38 Irish Brigade), who was visiting the bttn, remained as an amused member of the audience.
1830 2.i.c. and rest party returned from Ain Draham.
2 LIR.
Lieutenant D Sutherland, Lieutenant E Lovatt, Lieutenant Lyness and draft of 27 other ranks join battalion.
26th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
Lt FJA Clarke posted this HQ as LO vice Lt J Hall.
38 Brigade’s dispositions as attached as Appendix 28.
1 RIrF – BEJA.
1030 The CO with commanders of various support arms made a recce of Djebels Ouden 2448, Hanaya 2649, Zebla 2650 and Kef Agab 2749, with a view to their seizure in the event of a threat from the north.
1645 General KAN Anderson CB MC visited the Bttn and wished it “Good luck”.
1800 Captain Allgood, 97 Infantry Regiment (US Forces) reported to recce the bttn area with a view to his bttn taking over on its relief by 8th Army on Kasserine.
1815 O Group conference at which training to be carried out in the present area and recces of the areas named above (1030 hrs) by Coy commanders etc were detailed.
Night was quiet. Standing patrols at 280481 and 263477 had nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0600 Stand to. Weather fine.
0900 Major Bunch, Capt J Norman and 79 ORs leave for rest camp at Ain Draham. The duties of Adjutant now rest with Capt N Kingsmill (Canada). Coys on training, which included a lecture on tanks by 142 RAC, and an inspection by CO.
1800 Impromptu concert under the guidance of Capt RA Ablett.
2 LIR.
Draft of 40 other ranks join battalion.
27th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
Divisional Commander’s message dated 26 March received. In 38 Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 26 March.
1 RIrF – BEJA.
0930 The CO with commanders of various support arms made a recce of area Munchar 3140 with a view to counter attack in event of a threat from the east.
The day was quiet. Training was carried out largely with the purpose of removing the physical effects of 3 months holding a defensive position, but also with the purpose of practising the troops in the rapid occupation of the features recced 1030 hrs 26 March. 57 ORs and Lieuts WG Bigger, HT Emmins, WJ Chapman, B Osborn and W Hanna reported: posted the first two to B Coy, and the remainder to D, C and A Coys respectively.
Night was quiet. Standing patrols at 280481 and 263477 had nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0830 Coys in training as per programme.
Reorganisation of HQ and Support Coys. Major DT Little is now in Support Coy.
1200 The bttn was pleased to welcome back Capt A Ferris, who arrived with Lieut Halpin and 12 OR reinforcements. Capt Ferris now seems fully recovered from the wounds he received in the battle for ‘Two Tree Hill’.
1400 CO inspection of HQ Coy platoons.
1830 Officer of 1 Recce reported that C Squadron was standing to and that a patrol had been sent out. He could give no further information.
1900 Explanation received from 1 Recce regarding previous information. Patrol and ‘Stand to’ had been ordered because one of their patrol cars had run over a mine.
2 LIR.
Battalion moved by TCV to area 013798 (near Le Kef).
28th March.
Brigade HQ – TESTOUR.
HQ 38 Brigade and 6 Innisks to pass under command 46 Division. Recce parties to reach 46 Div HQ by 1000 hrs 29 March. 5 Grenadier Guards to come under command 24 Guards Brigade to relieve 6 Innisks.
38 Brigade HQ closed present location 442207 at 1900 hrs and moved to Beja via Teboursouk and Thibar.
38 Brigade HQ opened at Farm Venec 2300 hrs.
1 RIrF – BEJA.
A quiet night with nothing to report. Major H Rogers reported and assumed the appointment of 2.i.c.
A quiet night. Standing patrols at 250487 and 263477 had nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0600 Weather fine – rain later in day.
0900 CO together with officers attend demonstration by the tanks of A Squadron 142 RAC.
The demonstration was originally intended to show the suitability of slit trenches when attacked by tanks. Unfortunately, the trench occupied by the CO and Capt N Kingsmill (Canada) was not equal to the strain imposed on it by a Churchill and collapsed. Neither was hurt but it is clear that both the CO and Capt Kingsmill now have more faith in tanks than in trenches
1800 C of E Church service by Capt Mitchel.
2 LIR.
0215 Battalion arrives new area for training.
1200 Church parades.
29th March.
Brigade HQ – BEJA.
Lt DGF Kirkham RUR ceased to be attached to this HQ and returned to 2 LIR.
1 RIrF – BEJA.
Nothing to report during the day. Training was carried out by coys – marches combined with sector familiarisation. Heavy rain and mist made the OPs unable to observe much.
A quiet night. Standing patrols at 280481 and 263477 had nothing to report. A patrol of 2/5 Leicesters was intending to contact the latter during the night but failed to contact owing to the conditions.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0700 Party under Capt N Kingsmill left to recce new bttn area near Beja (343371).
1000 Recce party from 5 Grenadier Guards arrive and arrangements are made for handing over.
1030 Road recce party leave for Beja.
2110 Handing over completed and bttn crosses start line. Order of march: A Coy, Bttn HQ, B, C and D Coys.
2 LIR.
Battalion training.
30th March.
Brigade HQ – BEJA.
Nothing to report.
1 RIrF – BEJA.
The day was quiet. A ‘rifle’ meeting was held at Bttn HQ. OPs had nothing to report.
Night quiet. Standing patrols 280487 and 263477 had nothing to report.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0430 The bttn arrives at its new position and Bttn HQ is established in Farm 343371. Thick mist and rain added to the darkness, making the journey very trying for the drivers of all the vehicles.
1100 CO’s conference.
Remainder of the day spent in making local recce and settling down in new positions.
1800 C Coy send Standing Patrol to be at Oued Zarga.
A, B, and D Coys local patrols only.
2130 Report received from C Coy, that PET lorry had run over minefield in their area. On investigation, it was found that the patrol lorry had run over a mine placed on the side of the road in C Coy’s area. Sentries had been placed on the road and acted as guides to incoming vehicles. The patrol lorry was in convoy and was preceded by the QM’s car and ration lorry. These had been guided through the minefield, but the driver of the patrol apparently did not wait for the guides and ran too close to the side of the road. Occupants of lorry and load were undamaged but two sentries were wounded. These were evacuated at 2400hrs.
2 LIR.
Battalion training.
31st March.
Brigade HQ – BEJA.
Dispositions 38 Brigade as given in 38 Brigade Intelligence Summary dated 31 March.
1 RIrF – BEJA.
A quiet day. Firing carried out on local range. A forward firing course recced by CO and scheme prepared.
6 Innisks – IN THE FIELD.
0530 Stand to. Weather cold – rain during day. All coys normal. Patrols from A, B, C and D. Coys had nothing to report.
1000 CO holds conference for patrol leaders and explains object and reason of forthcoming patrols.
1015 Daylight patrol under command of Lieut Beeching went to Djebel Mahdi to recce suitable area for bttn forming up point.
1430 The Bttn is reinforced by four dogs – complete with name and number. It is fervently hoped that the dogs are not as hungry as they appear. However this might prove useful – ‘Bulb rations’ are unlikely to spoil their appetite for any enemy they might encounter.
1630 CO interrogates patrol leaders and arranges patrols for night 31 March/1 April.
1930 Patrol under Capt Bradley left Plateau Farm, Sidi Amoued, and went out through Recce OP pt 286 and along Mortar Alley. A patrol was heard 200 yards in front of Recce OP at 2000 hrs. Two working parties (enemy) were heard at 428409 Patrol withdrew at 0330 hrs.
2 LIR.
Battalion training.