Brigade HQ \u2013 MAHMOUD GAP.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n GOC\u2019s conference was held at Div HQ. Two troops of tanks allocated under command 38 Brigade in area 1 RIrF wef 3 Jan 0700hrs. Points discussed were as follows-<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1120<\/strong> Tomahawk Fighter made forced landing area 6416. Pilot, who was unhurt, was picked up by Carrier Section 2 LIR. Carriers were fired on by enemy mortar when they approached the wrecked plane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 DOUAR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It was decided to withdraw C Coy from the exposed forward position it had occupied on Ragoubet Lalla Hanna 6525 since 25 Dec\u201942 and replace them with B Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1615<\/strong> B Coy moved over to the hill to take over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900 <\/strong>B Coy assumes responsibility for defence of position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2200<\/strong> Contact made B Coy with standing patrol of 2\/18 Infantry Bttn (US Army).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 IN THE FIELD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800 <\/strong>CO holds conference in command post \u2013 fixes new Coy areas, which are to be dug in and fortified as it is understood the bttn may be in this position for some time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pioneer officer spends days going round advising on defences in Coy areas and finding out what RE stores would be required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000 <\/strong>Field General Court Martial on Fusilier Denton and Fusilier Clemence for destroying an order given by superior officer. Major Gibbs 2 LIR is President. Both are found guilty and are awarded 56 days Field Punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CO spends morning working out new patrolling policy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut McKee takes patrol to one old farm as standing OP and he remains until dusk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> CO attends lengthy conference at Brigade to discuss patrolling within the Brigade which considers is not good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> CO returns with new patrolling policy. Lieut McCaldin takes out patrol east of Goubellat with orders to be back by 0200 hrs, and beat up any Bosch he can find.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieuts McKee and McCaldin are warned to be ready to go out on 36 hr patrols tomorrow night into enemy territory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1830 <\/strong>A Tunisian soldier is sent to us from Brigade to be attached. It is suggested he may be useful on patrols and will be able to find out information from French and Arabs. He cannot speak English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CO, 2.i.c., Adjutant and N.O. have a guinea fowl for tea exchanged with the farmer for some of our rations. N.O. produces some hot punch which is greatly appreciated this very cold night. Two American officers who called looking for 18 Combat Group greatly appreciated it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Lieut McKee and 20 Fusiliers went out on a watching patrol with instructions to be in before first light. Capt Knaggs is still back with A Echelon on Steamroller Farm convalescing. He became run down through overwork and lack of sleep. The Signal platoon is overworked. With no increase in establishment when 19 sets were introduced puts a big strain on the platoon. It is decided to call in six more fusiliers and signals classes started today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Battalion established observation post on Pt 366 (577167).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kittyhawk crashed at 646164. American pilot brought in by Lieutenant AG Lees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieutenant Gibbons and section of H Company patrol farms east of company positions during the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Lieutenant McGranahan and section of F Company search Farms 6618 from 1800hrs and 0430 2\/1\/43.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 MAHMOUD GAP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Patrols reported light enemy activity in Goubellat (6422).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Contact was made with enemy occupying Farm 646211 (Probably a patrol lying up). There were two interesting points from patrols on this night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enemy verey lights made no warning bang but suddenly appeared in the sky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enemy section proved that the German soldier too is liable to human failings. \u201cOn my way back as I approached the Orange Grove 6424, I came suddenly round the corner on a German section. They were armed only with rifles and did not appear to be very alert for they were wearing greatcoats and were as surprised to see me as I them. One of them turned and went away and the remainder started to take their rifles off their shoulders. I withdrew. They did not appear to be on duty, but just sitting and standing around when I saw them.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Brigade Commander made recce of Brigade front with CRA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> Sweep by 2 Lothians east of Medjez-Goubellat road started. Orders for the sweep are contained in 26 Armoured Brigade O.O. No 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The information had been passed to bttns in Brigade O.O. No 6 on 1st Jan. The intention was to carry out two reconnaissance sweeps in force on the front Goubellat-Medjez with the object of a) destroying enemy posts on this front, b) disclosing enemy strength and gun positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The action as it affected 38 Brigade is described at Appendix 1 c), and the area swept is illustrated by tracing at Appendix 1 d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 DOUAR. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A detailed account of the events of night 1st\/2nd given in Appendix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n B Coy commenced wiring their new position C Squadron 6 Lothians attached.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 IN THE FIELD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630 <\/strong>Lieut McCaldin returned and reported that he had not crossed the Goubellat-Bou Arada road. He disturbed some enemy this side of road an felt sure the Goubellat-Bou Arada road was under fixed line fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Lieut McKee had nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n CO spends morning going around the bttn position with Brigadier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daly spends morning waiting for RE Officer to arrive so they can go off and clear away Teller mines. RE officer does not turn up. Carriers at last get a day for maintenance. Much air activity in the afternoon probably to cover an\u2026 that the 26 Armoured Brigade are doing, It is good to see a little air supremacy. It is decided to dig a command post in the farm and the pioneers get busy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730 <\/strong>Lieuts McKee and Lieut McCaldin set off with 20 men each for 36 hrs to harass, ambush and inflict casualties upon enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> Lt Page\u2019s patrol returns but he did not get as far as was intended. Apparently the time allowed was insufficient for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AM <\/strong>Companies patrol area during hours of darkness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n PM <\/strong>Battalion digging in. Indents rendered for wire and mines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> Lieutenant Cooper and 1 section F Company of 36-hour patrol to 7718 (Patrol Bovril).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> Lieutenant Kinch and 1 section of F Company on 36-hour patrol to 7414 (Patrol Oxo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 MAHMOUD GAP.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Enemy booby trapped Goubellat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n am <\/strong>Brigade Major visited HQ 6th Armoured Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A sitrep transmitted by the IO, 1 RIrF on Brigade command net was repeated back to him in German. The incident was unexplained but served as a reminder to all against careless security in W\/T conversations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 38 Command CO No 7 (in amplification of O.O. No 5 Dec 1st) was issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As indicated in GOC\u2019s conference of 1st Jan, digging, wiring and mining was to proceed at once and immediate and deliberate tank counter attacks were provided for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 DOUAR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A detailed account of the events of night given in Appendix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A detailed account of the events of patrols given in Appendix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 IN THE FIELD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900 <\/strong>Brigade Major arrives with RE officer. Daly and party consisting of 3 carriers and pioneer Sgt go out to collect Teller mines from near cross roads at Goubellat. This is mainly for the purpose of bringing back the mines to distribute around the Brigade. No one seems to know a lot about Teller mines although all the Pioneers did a course with REs in Scotland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut Duke returned last night with lorry load of NAAFI stores about 100 cigarettes per man, beer, whisky, gin and sweets. 2.i.c. and he have busy day breaking bulk and distributing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800 <\/strong>It is decided to move Bttn HQ to command post at top of the hill in Goubellat. Although wet, CO car is taken up, also CO carrier. CO car will act as forward link when W\/T on 19 set is opened up and carrier as rear link. The carrier is well dug in and can be used by night with lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pioneers have been busy and beside our command post have built a fair signal office for adjutant staff. Lighting is laid on by signals and everyone is comfortable and much digging is still going on. The signal exchange is well established dug in on side of the hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A very cold and wet evening. Ground soon became very muddy\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800 <\/strong>Lieut Page sets out with 20 ORs on patrol to seek out enemy, get prisoners and inflict casualties. If patrol successful before reaching objective to return (time 36 hrs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Frank Lunn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Captain Grant and section of G Company on 36-hour patrol to 7716 (Patrol Indigo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Lieutenant Pottinger and section of G Company on 36-hour patrol to 7415 (Patrol Scarlet).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Lieutenant Cowdy and section of H Company on standing patrol to 578192.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> One officer and four other ranks of E Company patrol area locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2359<\/strong> One officer and four other ranks of G Company patrol area locally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 MAHMOUD GAP.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 48hr patrols of 6 Innisks and 2 LIR penetrated beyond the Goubellat Plain. A full report is given at Appendix 4 (5 Jan).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 DOUAR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A, C and D Companies commenced wiring their positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 IN THE FIELD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0015<\/strong> Lieut McCaldin returned, one of his patrol was killed at his OP. McCaldin seems to have done some excellent work and found out, with the aid of the Tunisian soldier with him, information about enemy positions. He withdrew from his position at 1430 3 Jan as enemy were closing in on him. They knew his position as he returned the fire when Fusilier Lunn was shot on the haystack. But before returning, he managed to retrieve the \u2026from haystack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Information is received that Major Allen has been promoted Lt\/Col and assumed command of Bttn wef 20 Dec 42 and Major J McCann is posted from this bttn from 2 LIR and assumes the position of 2.i.c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Lt George goes out on 36 hr patrol with 20 ORs to search farms and inflict casualties on enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieutenant Robert Carruthers, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieutenant Charles McKee, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Carrier platoon less carriers patrol areas 6315\/6517.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Four patrols by companies in local area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 MAHMOUD GAP.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n On this day, the Brigade Commander, with the Commander 26 Armoured Brigade, made a recce for detailed counter attack scheme in the Mahmoud Gap sector as indicated in 38 Brigade O.O. No 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF reported that they had interrogated a French prisoner, who had been abducted by the Germans to Tunis. He gave them information of a general kind and also said that by day Germans patrolled in burnouses. This was borne out by later events.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A letter on \u201cactive and passive deception\u201d on the lines of one received from 6 Armoured Division on 30 December was issued to bttns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report on 48hr patrols 3rd and 4th Jan written by the Brigade Commander was forwarded to 6 Armoured Division (Appendix 4).<\/p>\n\n\n\n The commander mentioned the gallantry and leadership of Lieut Page, 6 Innisks and elsewhere recommended him for the award of the MC. He had also observations to make on patrolling in general \u2013 1) There is no good lying up east of the Bou Arada-Goubellat road by day until all Arabs are cleared out of the area. 2) Patrols east of the road are liable to attack by armoured cars. It is thought that armoured cars will be of more use in getting patrols out of difficulties than the tanks which have been allotted, but which would probably be too late to be of assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 DOUAR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630 <\/strong>The French civilian referred to in Appendix F attached rode into B Coy lines and was interrogated by Lieut Gallagher. His story is to be found in the Appendix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieutenant Charles Sutcliffe, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 IN THE FIELD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700 <\/strong>Lieut McKee is overdue but he was told to take longer if required and not to hurry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000 <\/strong>CO has conference with CO 2 LIR on patrolling and they put new suggestions to Brigade which are accepted in principle. The suggestions were: The night area will be patrolled in each bttn in twins. \u201cStops\u201d where small garrisons will be kept for the purpose of extricating a patrol in difficulties and giving patrols in forward areas a base further forward than bttn defensive positions. The garrison at \u201cstop\u201d will be two platoons and Coy HQ and 2 pounder A\/Tk gun and 19 W\/T set. 6 Innisks and 2 LIR will always plan together except when specific orders are received from Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A report of Lieut Page\u2019s patrol is related:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThe patrol left Bttn HQ at dusk \u2013 about 1800 hrs 3 Jan \u201943 in unit transport and de-bused at farm J 615194 and went on foot to 653179 and then SE on road. They found three rows of mines on a bridge and blew them up. They went three miles down the road and then marched on a bearing of 83 degrees magnetic and came to an impassable gully. Went along the gully for about a mile when an LMG opened up at close range. Cpl Wilson was shot while trying to get out a grenade and although wounded walked back to the HQ \u2013 about 10 miles \u2013 with the help of a fusilier. Cpl Wilson had a broken arm and wounded in chest and arms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After Cpl Wilson was shot, Lieut Page ordered the 2\u201d mortar to open up and it fired 12 rounds. This silenced the enemy and the patrol moved back about two miles, where it lay up in a farm until the morning. At about 0830hrs 4 Jan \u201943 ten Germans were seen advancing on the position. Fire was opened and casualties were inflicted on the enemy. The patrol took cover in the haystacks and the enemy withdrew taking some wounded with them but leaving a German officer and 2 ORs on the ground. The officer was dead and Lieut Page went forward and collected some papers, pistol and binoculars off him. During this action, two of our fusiliers were injured. At about 0930hrs the patrol decided to withdraw and left the farm in two sections, the forward section being 100 yards ahead. Soon afterwards, the forward section drew the attention of Mr Page (with the rear section) to 5 armoured cars approaching from the left rear with 40 infantrymen. Lieut Page went forward to the leading section which was now in a farm. This section was surrounded by the armoured cars but one fusilier withdrew and informed Sgt Beecham (with the rear section) that Lieut Page had been hit and collapsed. Sgt Beecham withdrew his section and returned to Bttn HQ. At 1550 hrs Capt Rowlette with a section of carriers and Sgt Beecham went to recce the area and with a view to giving possible assistance, but nothing was found. Arabs stated that Germans occupied the neighbouring farms in numbers nearly every night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The strength of the patrol was Lieut Page, Sgt Beecham and 19 ORs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut Page was found in the farm owned by Mrs Nichant 665190 and evacuated to N.D.S. suffering from a wound in the head. The following casualties were also suffered: wounded and brought back \u2013 2, missing and wounded \u2013 1, missing \u2013 7.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n No patrols were sent out 5\/6 Jan except local protective patrols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Patrol Scarlet returned with two men of Patrol Indigo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Report of Patrol Indigo by Lance-Corporal Piddington and Lance-Corporal Furr \u2013 20 enemy encountered at farms in area 7716. Patrol fired on by light machine gun. Three tanks seen in vicinity of farm. Captain Grant, Sergeant Silverman, Rifleman Sherriff, Rifleman Scanlon failed to return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Lieutenant Fletcher and patrol want to bring back wounded officer (identity not established) from farm 665190.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 MAHMOUD GAP.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800 <\/strong>38 Brigade O.O. No 8 was issued (Appendix 7), which laid down a general directive on patrols (and methods of supporting them by day and night). 6 Innisks and 2 LIR were to share the same patrol area instead of being divided by an East-West boundary line, patrols found by one bttn 3 or 4 days at a time to ensure continuity. Details of counter attack role of Squadron (less two troops) of Lothians were also announced. A Brigade admin announcement was also issued (Appendix 8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1045<\/strong> Two ME 109s made a close recce of Brigade HQ (542199) and attacked M.T. on road 542199.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In accordance with new policy, farms west of the road Goubellat-Bou Arada were searched and reported clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Platoon leaving farm 648194 was fired on from 654198 by five men on motor cycles and motor cycle combo. There was a short exchange of shots and enemy with one wounded retired to farm 661173.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade Commander sent a letter of thanks to Col Schmalz, Commander, French troops in the Bou Arada area, for his help in bringing in a wounded officer, Lieut Page 6 Innisks on 5 Jan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade Commander went with Lieut Doumic, French L.O. at Brigade HQ, to deliver the message to col Schmalz\u2019s HQ in Bou Arada (628998).<\/p>\n\n\n\n On this day, a directive on \u201cIntelligence\u201d was issued to Battalions. The main point was \u201cInformation is being sent back more fully and promptly than before, but time is wasted and details sometimes forgotten through lack of attention to the form of reports\u201d (Appendix 5).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF \u2013 DOUAR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n A detailed account of the events of night given in Appendix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0030 <\/strong>Lt CF Sutcliffe killed in an accident during the conduct of a relief at D Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0152 <\/strong>359 Battery RA ceases to be in support. D Battery 12 RHA in support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minimal activity. Two patrols, Flock and Squib, as documented in Appendix, laying ambushes forward of bttn positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1405<\/strong> B Company reported enemy in the Nullah area Melah 6821. Artillery of D Battery 12 RHA and 5 & 32 Field Artillery Bttns, American forces engaged and scored hits on the target. No subsequent enemy movement was observed and from report contained in Appendix, it is believed that none were there by the time the Artillery engaged them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 IN THE FIELD.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The new patrolling system was put into force and D Coy proceeded to \u201cstop\u201d at dusk and sent out 3 patrols. The patrols under Lieut McCaldin and Sgt Beecham searched farms but found nothing. Lieut Hodgson\u2019s patrol was fired at with LMGs from each side of Goubellat-Bou Arada road from 25 yards range. There were 5 wounded \u2013 all were brought back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut McKee is now 48hrs overdue. There has been no word of his patrol and the whole patrol of 1 officer and 20 ORs must be considered captured. It is possible that he was caught by armoured cars the same way as Lieut Page\u2019s patrol. Lieut Duke is appointed Brigade Deception Officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2nd January<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3rd January<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n4th January<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n5th January<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n6th January<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n