HMS Invincible
- Thread starter Lord Wyclif
- Start date
10:30 The Americans had now been pined down for 100 minutes. Casualties were increasing. Two Pak75's began taking out the Stuart light tanks. Out of range of anything the Americans had, the Germans of the 15th Panzer had eventually by 10:45 destroyed all the American vehicles in the valley. The dismounted Americans organised defensive slit trenches to offer some protection from the German artillery and mortars. Still enemy fire rained down so using the tall tufts halfa grass the Americans finally found cover amount the rocks, cypress and juniper trees. Sadly 268 of their comrades were left behind on the battlefield.
11:00 After careful analysis of the film the RAF officers informed 1st Army HQ of possible German movement to reinforce the Italian positions at Thelepte, using the scrub on the hill side for cover. Another flight was ordered to confirm if this was actually
Von Vaerst's 15th Panzer Division.
11:25 A photo reconnaissance Spitfire took off from RAF Djidjelli to confirm the situation, and a Lysander also took to the air to inform the American and French forces at Gasfa that German reinforcements were most probably heading their way. Neither aircraft made it to their destination.
12:00 The South Africans had successfully breached the line and its armoured cars and C15TA trucks soon fanned out causing confusion amongst battalion and brigade level support troops. Panic began to spread throughout the ranks of the Italian divisions.
12:30 After six hours on the move, the British 44th infantry Division arrived at Jendouba. Two columns passes either side of the Jendouba Forrest. No encounter with the enemy was made. The American 1st Infantry Division, along with the Free French Colonial Moroccan Infantry Regiment and the 1st Hunters of Africa Regiment had advanced through the Nebeur Forest being involved in minor skirmishes with German and Italian troops.
12:45 Another reconnaissance Spitfire sorties from RAF Djidjelli and at 13:20 spotted 100+ German AFV's and breaking radio silence informed General Norrie and his 1st Armoured Division. He planned to get to Douz 55 miles west by nightfall. After reaching there it would be another 90 mile to Gasfa.
13:30 Withdrawing to the north, the high echelons of the, Italians approached to within two miles of the Wadi Akarit when they came under fire from the British 2nd Armoured Division.
14:00 After a long hard battle the 200th Light Infantry were finally driven out Soussa by the remnant of the 4th Regiment de Chasseurs d'Afrique, now with only four tanks left operational, 4th Regiment de Zouaves and the freshly arrived 6th RMLI.
15:00 With their command and control collapsing all around, soldiers of the Pavia, Savona and Superga, divisions began to surrender en-mass.
11:00 After careful analysis of the film the RAF officers informed 1st Army HQ of possible German movement to reinforce the Italian positions at Thelepte, using the scrub on the hill side for cover. Another flight was ordered to confirm if this was actually
Von Vaerst's 15th Panzer Division.
11:25 A photo reconnaissance Spitfire took off from RAF Djidjelli to confirm the situation, and a Lysander also took to the air to inform the American and French forces at Gasfa that German reinforcements were most probably heading their way. Neither aircraft made it to their destination.
12:00 The South Africans had successfully breached the line and its armoured cars and C15TA trucks soon fanned out causing confusion amongst battalion and brigade level support troops. Panic began to spread throughout the ranks of the Italian divisions.
12:30 After six hours on the move, the British 44th infantry Division arrived at Jendouba. Two columns passes either side of the Jendouba Forrest. No encounter with the enemy was made. The American 1st Infantry Division, along with the Free French Colonial Moroccan Infantry Regiment and the 1st Hunters of Africa Regiment had advanced through the Nebeur Forest being involved in minor skirmishes with German and Italian troops.
12:45 Another reconnaissance Spitfire sorties from RAF Djidjelli and at 13:20 spotted 100+ German AFV's and breaking radio silence informed General Norrie and his 1st Armoured Division. He planned to get to Douz 55 miles west by nightfall. After reaching there it would be another 90 mile to Gasfa.
13:30 Withdrawing to the north, the high echelons of the, Italians approached to within two miles of the Wadi Akarit when they came under fire from the British 2nd Armoured Division.
14:00 After a long hard battle the 200th Light Infantry were finally driven out Soussa by the remnant of the 4th Regiment de Chasseurs d'Afrique, now with only four tanks left operational, 4th Regiment de Zouaves and the freshly arrived 6th RMLI.
15:00 With their command and control collapsing all around, soldiers of the Pavia, Savona and Superga, divisions began to surrender en-mass.
15:05 The American 41st Armoured Infantry Regiment, advanced from Darnayah. Not long into their journey the sound of gunfire indicated there was a large enemy force ahead. The 1/2 tracks advanced rapidly over ground heading towards the mountains to the south-east. The trees and scrub hid the Germans from the view of the Americans until they were in the 'kill-zone'.
15:20 With no overhead protection from shrapnel the troops took a large number of casualties as the first German salvo of 75mm shells landed among the American vehicles. The troops quickly dismounted and set up skirmish lines 200 yards short of the German positions.
15:30 Panzer III's crawled forward supported by 500 infantry men. The tanks destroyed three dozen American ARV's and forced them into a quick retreat. Three officers and 58 troopers were killed in the withdrawal.
15:45 Led by Patton himself the Sherman's and Stuart's of the 66th Armoured Regiment charged the Panzer III's. The Stuart's stood no chance, but the inexperienced Sherman tankers were, at least were able to mix it with the Germans.
15:50 A squadron of Hurricanes from RAF Castel Benito, flying shotgun over the British 1st Armoured, spotted smoke to the north-west and swooped off to investigate.
15:20 With no overhead protection from shrapnel the troops took a large number of casualties as the first German salvo of 75mm shells landed among the American vehicles. The troops quickly dismounted and set up skirmish lines 200 yards short of the German positions.
15:30 Panzer III's crawled forward supported by 500 infantry men. The tanks destroyed three dozen American ARV's and forced them into a quick retreat. Three officers and 58 troopers were killed in the withdrawal.
15:45 Led by Patton himself the Sherman's and Stuart's of the 66th Armoured Regiment charged the Panzer III's. The Stuart's stood no chance, but the inexperienced Sherman tankers were, at least were able to mix it with the Germans.
15:50 A squadron of Hurricanes from RAF Castel Benito, flying shotgun over the British 1st Armoured, spotted smoke to the north-west and swooped off to investigate.
16:00 A column of Churchill tanks advanced towards Bou Salem. Using the tanks as cover several dozen universal carriers drove forward between the tanks and the Bou Heurtma river. After moving forward for five long minutes the British and German tanks began a dual. During the hour long engagement five panzer III's were destroyed for the loss of only one Churchill.
16:10 The British Hurricanes roared over the battlefield at 300MPH. It was difficult for the pilots to identify friend from foe, and indeed all they could do was to spray the area with .303 machine-gun fire. Bullets bounced of Panzers and Shermans alike, but did little else. After three runs, and with no ammo left the fighters withdrew, but managed to report 'French and or possibly American units pinned down by enemy armour possibly 15th Panzer.' Unknown to them the German force also included Major General Von Hulsen 21st Panzer as well.
16:20 With the news of the discovery of the elusive 15th Panzer 2 squadrons of Wellingtons were got ready at RAF Castel Benito.
17:10 Low on ammunition and fuel the British vehicles broke off their engagement.. Two 17 pounder anti-tank guns were brought forward to cover their withdrawal. The guns knocked out another four Panzer III's. However, across the river A battalion of the 8th Panzer began to harass the British. Being closer than B battalion their 50mm guns destroyed eight carriers and damaged three Churchills. One of the 17 pounders was also put out of action. Accurate fire from their Boys .55 anti-material rifles forced the German tank commanders to close hatches, but this was only after six of their men were killed. This reduced their ability to destroy the British units and permitted their escape.
17:30 The Wellingtons supported by a squadron of anti-tank Hurricanes and escorted by a squadron of Hurricane fighters took off from RAF Castel Benito.
18:00 (local time) Rear-Admiral Fredrick Rutland's Task-force consisting of HMS Fortitude under Capt. Michael Bryan Laing, with 56 Gallants, 9 Swordfish, 2 Oxfords and 3 Gyrodynes plus HMS Formidable Capt. Arthur William La Touche Bisse with 28 Grendals, 22 Whirlwinds, 9 Swordfish, 2 Oxfords and 3 Gyrodynes left Port T escorted by the anti-aircraft cruisers HMS Curacoa and HMS Coventry; the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter, the light cruisers HNLMS De Ruyter, HNLMS Tromp and the destroyers, HNLMS Piet Hein, HNLMS Kortenaer, USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford, USS McCook, USS Pope, USS Parrott, USS Pillsbury, USS Thompson and USS Turner. The fleet also include HMS Artifex, RFA Bacchus, RFA Cedardale, RFA Oligarch and RFA Winchester Castle.
18:20 The leading elements of the Australian 9th Division, had advanced 37 miles and met up with the British 2nd Armoured.
18:30 As darkness fell the 11th African Division began probing along the southern bank of the Heurtma river.
18:35 The Hurricanes conducted their first sweep over the eastern bank of the Haya Wadi. Burning AFV's lit up the target area. The Hurricane hit several targets, following 20 minutes later the Wellingtons carpet bombed the area.
20:00 Lt-Cdr Clark onboard the trawler HMS Birch, T/Lt Griffiths onboard HMS Whitethorn led a small convoy of LCM's and LCA's eastbound along the North African coastline. On board were 1st Rangers and Lt-Col Lushington's 1st RMASG.
22:00 The Commandoes of 6RMLI began a reconnaissance in force through various routes out of the city for upwards of 5 miles. Over a dozen Germans, mainly officers and NCO's were captured. Any enemy troops of ordinary rank were introduced to the business end of a .45 De Lisle carbine.
23:48 German submarine U-136 sank British ship Empire Drum 280 miles southeast of New York.
16:10 The British Hurricanes roared over the battlefield at 300MPH. It was difficult for the pilots to identify friend from foe, and indeed all they could do was to spray the area with .303 machine-gun fire. Bullets bounced of Panzers and Shermans alike, but did little else. After three runs, and with no ammo left the fighters withdrew, but managed to report 'French and or possibly American units pinned down by enemy armour possibly 15th Panzer.' Unknown to them the German force also included Major General Von Hulsen 21st Panzer as well.
16:20 With the news of the discovery of the elusive 15th Panzer 2 squadrons of Wellingtons were got ready at RAF Castel Benito.
17:10 Low on ammunition and fuel the British vehicles broke off their engagement.. Two 17 pounder anti-tank guns were brought forward to cover their withdrawal. The guns knocked out another four Panzer III's. However, across the river A battalion of the 8th Panzer began to harass the British. Being closer than B battalion their 50mm guns destroyed eight carriers and damaged three Churchills. One of the 17 pounders was also put out of action. Accurate fire from their Boys .55 anti-material rifles forced the German tank commanders to close hatches, but this was only after six of their men were killed. This reduced their ability to destroy the British units and permitted their escape.
17:30 The Wellingtons supported by a squadron of anti-tank Hurricanes and escorted by a squadron of Hurricane fighters took off from RAF Castel Benito.
18:00 (local time) Rear-Admiral Fredrick Rutland's Task-force consisting of HMS Fortitude under Capt. Michael Bryan Laing, with 56 Gallants, 9 Swordfish, 2 Oxfords and 3 Gyrodynes plus HMS Formidable Capt. Arthur William La Touche Bisse with 28 Grendals, 22 Whirlwinds, 9 Swordfish, 2 Oxfords and 3 Gyrodynes left Port T escorted by the anti-aircraft cruisers HMS Curacoa and HMS Coventry; the heavy cruiser HMS Exeter, the light cruisers HNLMS De Ruyter, HNLMS Tromp and the destroyers, HNLMS Piet Hein, HNLMS Kortenaer, USS John D. Edwards, USS John D. Ford, USS McCook, USS Pope, USS Parrott, USS Pillsbury, USS Thompson and USS Turner. The fleet also include HMS Artifex, RFA Bacchus, RFA Cedardale, RFA Oligarch and RFA Winchester Castle.
18:20 The leading elements of the Australian 9th Division, had advanced 37 miles and met up with the British 2nd Armoured.
18:30 As darkness fell the 11th African Division began probing along the southern bank of the Heurtma river.
18:35 The Hurricanes conducted their first sweep over the eastern bank of the Haya Wadi. Burning AFV's lit up the target area. The Hurricane hit several targets, following 20 minutes later the Wellingtons carpet bombed the area.
20:00 Lt-Cdr Clark onboard the trawler HMS Birch, T/Lt Griffiths onboard HMS Whitethorn led a small convoy of LCM's and LCA's eastbound along the North African coastline. On board were 1st Rangers and Lt-Col Lushington's 1st RMASG.
22:00 The Commandoes of 6RMLI began a reconnaissance in force through various routes out of the city for upwards of 5 miles. Over a dozen Germans, mainly officers and NCO's were captured. Any enemy troops of ordinary rank were introduced to the business end of a .45 De Lisle carbine.
23:48 German submarine U-136 sank British ship Empire Drum 280 miles southeast of New York.
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Saturday April 25th 1942
Canadian Hudson aircraft (Squadron Leader Norville Small) sank German submarine U-754 on the surface 120 miles southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Canadian corvette HMCS Wetaskiwin and destroyer HMCS Skeena sank U-588 with depth charges, U-213 sunk by British sloops HMS Erne, HMS Rochester, and HMS Sandwich.
Indian 5th Division retook Toungoo, and the Indian 17th Division reached Daiku, Burma.
USS Enterprise and USS Hornet arrive at Pearl Harbor after conducting the Doolittle Raid.
27 Japanese bombers, escorted by 15 fighters, attacked the airfield near Darwin, Australia; fighters of the US 49th Pursuit Group, flying P-40 Warhawk fighters, shot down 10 bombers and 2 fighters without any losses.
08:00 Despite being spotted by German fighters the Commandoes of Lt-Col Lushington's 1st RMASG and the 1st Rangers come ashore at Sidi el Mouhjad 15 miles west of Bizerte.
08:45 Once ashore the armoured Morris trucks fanned out west for mobile reconnaissance patrol, while the RNAS A/C squadron moved east towards Bizerte in a blocking role. The men of the RMLI then began an 8 mile yomp inland to the main highway.
10:15 regardless of the very high temperature the Commandoes reached the road and dug ambush positions.
Canadian Hudson aircraft (Squadron Leader Norville Small) sank German submarine U-754 on the surface 120 miles southwest of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Canadian corvette HMCS Wetaskiwin and destroyer HMCS Skeena sank U-588 with depth charges, U-213 sunk by British sloops HMS Erne, HMS Rochester, and HMS Sandwich.
Indian 5th Division retook Toungoo, and the Indian 17th Division reached Daiku, Burma.
USS Enterprise and USS Hornet arrive at Pearl Harbor after conducting the Doolittle Raid.
27 Japanese bombers, escorted by 15 fighters, attacked the airfield near Darwin, Australia; fighters of the US 49th Pursuit Group, flying P-40 Warhawk fighters, shot down 10 bombers and 2 fighters without any losses.
08:00 Despite being spotted by German fighters the Commandoes of Lt-Col Lushington's 1st RMASG and the 1st Rangers come ashore at Sidi el Mouhjad 15 miles west of Bizerte.
08:45 Once ashore the armoured Morris trucks fanned out west for mobile reconnaissance patrol, while the RNAS A/C squadron moved east towards Bizerte in a blocking role. The men of the RMLI then began an 8 mile yomp inland to the main highway.
10:15 regardless of the very high temperature the Commandoes reached the road and dug ambush positions.
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Yomping 8 miles in half an hour! Marathon runners struggle to do 6 miles in that time!! What are these Comando on???
That's a sub 4 minute mile. Where is the late Roger Bannister in this TL?
A nine mile speed march, carrying full fighting order, to be completed in 90 minutes; the pace is thus 10 minutes per mile. Miss placed time. Sorry
10:30 German Stukas bombed the American positions at the Haya Wadi. 1/2 tracks armed with quad 20mm's did enough to prevent the Germans from doing much damage.
10:35 The 50th Northumbrian Mechanised Division followed through the 6th Armoured spearheaded by the Jewish Armoured Brigade, raced towards Sajanan. RNAS Grendels harassed the retreating Italians, destroying three dozen soft skinned vehicles, between 10:00 and 11:30hrs.
10:45 During the hours of darkness Major-General Norrie's division travelled another 35 miles. Several AEC 60cwt trucks had broken down with wreaked diffs, two Austins burst their radiators, a CT15 cracked a distributor cap, a water browser and 3 fuel tankers received punctures causing traffic jams further back. Eight Canadian Mudcats provided a reconnaissance screen.The British 1st Armoured completed three hours of refuelling and replenishment and the Valentine tanks, Dragon APC's and Sexton SPG's raced forward again towards Gasfa still 55 miles ahead.
10:35 The 50th Northumbrian Mechanised Division followed through the 6th Armoured spearheaded by the Jewish Armoured Brigade, raced towards Sajanan. RNAS Grendels harassed the retreating Italians, destroying three dozen soft skinned vehicles, between 10:00 and 11:30hrs.
10:45 During the hours of darkness Major-General Norrie's division travelled another 35 miles. Several AEC 60cwt trucks had broken down with wreaked diffs, two Austins burst their radiators, a CT15 cracked a distributor cap, a water browser and 3 fuel tankers received punctures causing traffic jams further back. Eight Canadian Mudcats provided a reconnaissance screen.The British 1st Armoured completed three hours of refuelling and replenishment and the Valentine tanks, Dragon APC's and Sexton SPG's raced forward again towards Gasfa still 55 miles ahead.
11:00 German 105mm from Von Hulsen 21st Panzer blocked off any possible reinforcements from Major General Eddy's 9th Infantry now at Darnayah or a withdrawal from Patton's trapped forces.
11:30 American 155mm 'Long Johns' from the 9th Infantry began to launch a barrage of German positions on the Mont de Tebessa forest mastiff.
11:45 American Liberators from RAF Djidjelli also carpet bombed the German positions on the ridges.
12:00 Patton again tried to go on the offensive, 18 1/2 tracks and 12 Shermans advances 400 yards over the Haya Wadi. Accurate fire from German 105mm SPG's, 88mm and 75mm anti-tank guns knocked out most of the vehicles and forced the Americans to withdraw.
13:00 Another squadron of Wellingtons supported by Hurricanes arrived just as a flight of Stukas and Messerschmitt fighters also began their attack.
14:30 The Marines and Rangers ambushed their first withdrawing Italian convoy of the remains of the Littorio Division. In the firefight which only lasted 20 minutes, 50 light vehicles were destroyed by the Commandoes, and the majority of the Italians fled the field, whilst others were just left standing, like zombies, completely shell-shocked and oblivious to the chaos all around. This left Lushington, with a major headache - what to do with the huge numbers of prisoners, who quite simply had enough
11:30 American 155mm 'Long Johns' from the 9th Infantry began to launch a barrage of German positions on the Mont de Tebessa forest mastiff.
11:45 American Liberators from RAF Djidjelli also carpet bombed the German positions on the ridges.
12:00 Patton again tried to go on the offensive, 18 1/2 tracks and 12 Shermans advances 400 yards over the Haya Wadi. Accurate fire from German 105mm SPG's, 88mm and 75mm anti-tank guns knocked out most of the vehicles and forced the Americans to withdraw.
13:00 Another squadron of Wellingtons supported by Hurricanes arrived just as a flight of Stukas and Messerschmitt fighters also began their attack.
14:30 The Marines and Rangers ambushed their first withdrawing Italian convoy of the remains of the Littorio Division. In the firefight which only lasted 20 minutes, 50 light vehicles were destroyed by the Commandoes, and the majority of the Italians fled the field, whilst others were just left standing, like zombies, completely shell-shocked and oblivious to the chaos all around. This left Lushington, with a major headache - what to do with the huge numbers of prisoners, who quite simply had enough
15:00 The Panzer IV's of the 15th and 21st, supported by 2,000 infantry had pushed the American 2nd Armoured back five miles, however the heavy artillery barrages prevent them crossing the Wadi.
15:00 LeClerc and the 2nd Free French Armoured Division arrived at Gabes. General HB Klopper and his South Africans made a rapid advance and were now only 10 miles south of Gabes.
Neil Richie's British 2nd Armoured Division consolidated their positions with the 9th Australian just north of the Mareth Line.
The British 4th Infantry and the 51st Highlanders spent the day rounding up thousands of Italian POW's.
15:30 The 6th Armoured stopped to replenish after advancing east seven miles through the dangerous wooded valleys. Ambushed at almost every turn by the Amedeo d'Aosta and 'San Marcos' units, dozens of air strikes by RNAS Grendels were required. Vehicles needed refuelled and reloaded with .303 ammunition and the troops some scran and rest after constantly bussing and debussing all day.
The 1st Infantry Division led by Major-General Gerald Templer leapfrogged the armoured units, an operation in itself took just over two hours, and advanced at snails pace still being harried all the way by the "Amedeo d'Aosta" and the "San Marcos". The heavy fighting continued on into the night.
15:30 After a hard days fighting the 1st battalion Nigeria Regiment of Major-General Wetherall's 11th African Division completed the conquest of Bou Salem. They were now only 44 miles away from Medjez el Bab, where Free French forces of General Barre were still occupying the town, the surrounding hills, and most importantly the bridge.
16:00 Despite holding the British 78th Division what remained of the 10th Panzer, much to General Fischer's disgust was forced to withdraw. As a well disciplined unit they managed to conduct in an orderly fashion to the village of Beja 20 miles to the east. He did however still had 83 of his original 102 operational Panzer III's and 16 Panzer IV's. His main concern was fuel, or rather the lack of it.
16:30 Anderson ordered the 11th African to attack south where General Francisco La Ferla's Triest Motorised division were encamped at Thibar. It was believed the Italians were still a major threat to the 78th right flank and or the American 1st Infantry Division, and the French Colonial Moroccan Infantry Regiment and the 1st Hunters of Africa Regiments left flank. The fact was that 38 of their 52 tanks had been destroyed along with 65% of its vehicles. However it still had all 18 Semovente da 75/18 SPG's. Major-General Wetherall was not pleased at this action as he was convinced he could over take Fischer before he reached Beja, opening the door for the advance to Bizerte 84 miles east with next to no opposition.
17:00 General Ward finally got rolling down the main road towards Al Karib 28 miles distant. The Herman Goring Division withdrew in front of them often just a few hundred yards between the advancing Shermans and withdrawing Panzers. RAF and USAAF P40's constantly harried them all afternoon. American and French troops continued advance through the Nebeur Forest. Wards advance only halted at 19:30 when the Shermans needed to refuel after closing the distance to Al Karib to 18 miles.
19:00 The last of the two hourly Stuka raids on Patton's troops occurred. On the last 3 raids the American troops had gradually got their AA defences better prepared shooting down a total of 11 of the German aircraft, for relatively little damage to their own positions. This greatly bolstered their moral.
20:00 With the cover of darkness engineers from the 2nd US Armoured and 9th Infantry constructed ramps over the Haya Wadi. Patton had eight 240mm brought forward to support the advance of the relief columns of of the 9th Infantry. Their bombardment began at 21:00 to coincide with the arrival of thirty Wellington bombers, who blasted the German positions.
22:00 The static 36 M2's guns of the 9th Infantry then joined the barrage, and Patton began to advance. His 105mm SPG's began a rolling barrage, joining his Shermans and 1/2 tracks advanced eastwards
15:00 LeClerc and the 2nd Free French Armoured Division arrived at Gabes. General HB Klopper and his South Africans made a rapid advance and were now only 10 miles south of Gabes.
Neil Richie's British 2nd Armoured Division consolidated their positions with the 9th Australian just north of the Mareth Line.
The British 4th Infantry and the 51st Highlanders spent the day rounding up thousands of Italian POW's.
15:30 The 6th Armoured stopped to replenish after advancing east seven miles through the dangerous wooded valleys. Ambushed at almost every turn by the Amedeo d'Aosta and 'San Marcos' units, dozens of air strikes by RNAS Grendels were required. Vehicles needed refuelled and reloaded with .303 ammunition and the troops some scran and rest after constantly bussing and debussing all day.
The 1st Infantry Division led by Major-General Gerald Templer leapfrogged the armoured units, an operation in itself took just over two hours, and advanced at snails pace still being harried all the way by the "Amedeo d'Aosta" and the "San Marcos". The heavy fighting continued on into the night.
15:30 After a hard days fighting the 1st battalion Nigeria Regiment of Major-General Wetherall's 11th African Division completed the conquest of Bou Salem. They were now only 44 miles away from Medjez el Bab, where Free French forces of General Barre were still occupying the town, the surrounding hills, and most importantly the bridge.
16:00 Despite holding the British 78th Division what remained of the 10th Panzer, much to General Fischer's disgust was forced to withdraw. As a well disciplined unit they managed to conduct in an orderly fashion to the village of Beja 20 miles to the east. He did however still had 83 of his original 102 operational Panzer III's and 16 Panzer IV's. His main concern was fuel, or rather the lack of it.
16:30 Anderson ordered the 11th African to attack south where General Francisco La Ferla's Triest Motorised division were encamped at Thibar. It was believed the Italians were still a major threat to the 78th right flank and or the American 1st Infantry Division, and the French Colonial Moroccan Infantry Regiment and the 1st Hunters of Africa Regiments left flank. The fact was that 38 of their 52 tanks had been destroyed along with 65% of its vehicles. However it still had all 18 Semovente da 75/18 SPG's. Major-General Wetherall was not pleased at this action as he was convinced he could over take Fischer before he reached Beja, opening the door for the advance to Bizerte 84 miles east with next to no opposition.
17:00 General Ward finally got rolling down the main road towards Al Karib 28 miles distant. The Herman Goring Division withdrew in front of them often just a few hundred yards between the advancing Shermans and withdrawing Panzers. RAF and USAAF P40's constantly harried them all afternoon. American and French troops continued advance through the Nebeur Forest. Wards advance only halted at 19:30 when the Shermans needed to refuel after closing the distance to Al Karib to 18 miles.
19:00 The last of the two hourly Stuka raids on Patton's troops occurred. On the last 3 raids the American troops had gradually got their AA defences better prepared shooting down a total of 11 of the German aircraft, for relatively little damage to their own positions. This greatly bolstered their moral.
20:00 With the cover of darkness engineers from the 2nd US Armoured and 9th Infantry constructed ramps over the Haya Wadi. Patton had eight 240mm brought forward to support the advance of the relief columns of of the 9th Infantry. Their bombardment began at 21:00 to coincide with the arrival of thirty Wellington bombers, who blasted the German positions.
22:00 The static 36 M2's guns of the 9th Infantry then joined the barrage, and Patton began to advance. His 105mm SPG's began a rolling barrage, joining his Shermans and 1/2 tracks advanced eastwards
Sunday April 26th.
Luftwaffe bombers conducted a raid on Bath, England.
106 British bombers attacked Rostock, Germany for the fourth and final night in a row, causing damage in the town and the nearby Heinkel aircraft factory. Three bombers were lost during the mission. At the end of the four-day attack, Rostock suffered 1,765 buildings destroyed, 204 civilians killed, and 89 civilians injured.
Chekira Airfield, El Djem Airfield, El Haouaria Airfield and Kairouan Airfields were bombed by RAF Liberators and Wellingtons as well as USAAF Liberators.
HMS Edinburgh embarked 5 tons of Soviet gold worth about £5,000,000 at Murmansk, Russia as a down payment for US war goods.
Allied convoy PQ-15, consisted of 24 merchant ships, 1 fleet auxiliary oiler, and 2 icebreakers departed Reykjavík, Iceland for Murmansk, Russia with 4 destroyers, 1 corvette, 3 minesweepers, 4 trawlers, 1 ‘Woolworths carrier’, and 1 anti-aircraft ship in escort. Aerial reconnaissance was also provided by 4 Shorts G-class flying boats.
At a meeting at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin, Hitler finally gave in to Rommel’s request for the 5th Panzer Army to be transferred to aid the Romanian Third Army and as a mobile reserve for his own 4th Panzer Army.
Hourly flights began between Reykjavik and Argentia, each way, by RNAS Short G-class flying boats equipped for ASW and air-sea rescue.
Viper columns, consisting of River gunboats, armed landing craft, Alligator and Terrapins began patrolling the jungle rivers of Burma and Malaysia, cutting Japanese supply lines and raiding airfields and other guerrilla operations.
Luftwaffe bombers conducted a raid on Bath, England.
106 British bombers attacked Rostock, Germany for the fourth and final night in a row, causing damage in the town and the nearby Heinkel aircraft factory. Three bombers were lost during the mission. At the end of the four-day attack, Rostock suffered 1,765 buildings destroyed, 204 civilians killed, and 89 civilians injured.
Chekira Airfield, El Djem Airfield, El Haouaria Airfield and Kairouan Airfields were bombed by RAF Liberators and Wellingtons as well as USAAF Liberators.
HMS Edinburgh embarked 5 tons of Soviet gold worth about £5,000,000 at Murmansk, Russia as a down payment for US war goods.
Allied convoy PQ-15, consisted of 24 merchant ships, 1 fleet auxiliary oiler, and 2 icebreakers departed Reykjavík, Iceland for Murmansk, Russia with 4 destroyers, 1 corvette, 3 minesweepers, 4 trawlers, 1 ‘Woolworths carrier’, and 1 anti-aircraft ship in escort. Aerial reconnaissance was also provided by 4 Shorts G-class flying boats.
At a meeting at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin, Hitler finally gave in to Rommel’s request for the 5th Panzer Army to be transferred to aid the Romanian Third Army and as a mobile reserve for his own 4th Panzer Army.
Hourly flights began between Reykjavik and Argentia, each way, by RNAS Short G-class flying boats equipped for ASW and air-sea rescue.
Viper columns, consisting of River gunboats, armed landing craft, Alligator and Terrapins began patrolling the jungle rivers of Burma and Malaysia, cutting Japanese supply lines and raiding airfields and other guerrilla operations.
04:30 Lushington's 1st RMASG mobile force managed to bypass a number of German outposts, got onto the high ground overlooking Djedeida airfield, putting them well in advance of any other Allied force. During the race to the airfields the vehicles suffered from over twenty punctures, had delayed the assault by an hour and a half.
The tanks and armoured cars then attacked the airfield and destroyed over twenty Stukas. Suddenly all the aerodrome landing lights were switched on as a German bomber came in to land. The noise of its engines drowned the sound of the Marines vehicles. A hundred yards short of the aerodrome edge the vehicles formed line abreast, halted and then opened fire. The defences were sprayed for just over a minute before the advanced in two columns. In the dispersal area Messerschmitts, Stukas, Junkers and Heinkels were attacked by the quickly moving columns of armoured cars and gun trucks. It was then the turn of the accommodation facilities. Buildings were destroyed, and any enemy troops were gunned down.
On the return run some 88’s opened fire. One truck was hit, but the crew survived and were picked up by another unit. Up on the high ground the Matilda’s with their 3” howitzers opened fire, taking out the German guns and covering the raiding troops withdrawal.
06:00 The aircraft carriers USS Constellation, USS Wasp and HMS Ark Royal, the battleship USS New York along with the destroyer departed Gibraltar bound for Norfolk News. Escorting the wounded fleet across the Atlantic would be the American destroyers Benson, Charles Hughes, Eberle, Gleaves, Gwin, Hilary Jones, Kearny, Lansdale, Livermore, Madison, Mayo, Monssen, Niblack, Plunkett and Woolsey.
06:30 The first supply convoy from the USA arrived at Casablanca and cargo unloaded and sent forward on the Casablanca-Oran railway.
07:00 Upon hearing the news of the attack at Djedeida Nehring panicked, believing that this meant that Allied armour was about to emerge on the Tunisian plains, and ordered a retreat to a close defensive position around Tunis and Bizerta.
The tanks and armoured cars then attacked the airfield and destroyed over twenty Stukas. Suddenly all the aerodrome landing lights were switched on as a German bomber came in to land. The noise of its engines drowned the sound of the Marines vehicles. A hundred yards short of the aerodrome edge the vehicles formed line abreast, halted and then opened fire. The defences were sprayed for just over a minute before the advanced in two columns. In the dispersal area Messerschmitts, Stukas, Junkers and Heinkels were attacked by the quickly moving columns of armoured cars and gun trucks. It was then the turn of the accommodation facilities. Buildings were destroyed, and any enemy troops were gunned down.
On the return run some 88’s opened fire. One truck was hit, but the crew survived and were picked up by another unit. Up on the high ground the Matilda’s with their 3” howitzers opened fire, taking out the German guns and covering the raiding troops withdrawal.
06:00 The aircraft carriers USS Constellation, USS Wasp and HMS Ark Royal, the battleship USS New York along with the destroyer departed Gibraltar bound for Norfolk News. Escorting the wounded fleet across the Atlantic would be the American destroyers Benson, Charles Hughes, Eberle, Gleaves, Gwin, Hilary Jones, Kearny, Lansdale, Livermore, Madison, Mayo, Monssen, Niblack, Plunkett and Woolsey.
06:30 The first supply convoy from the USA arrived at Casablanca and cargo unloaded and sent forward on the Casablanca-Oran railway.
07:00 Upon hearing the news of the attack at Djedeida Nehring panicked, believing that this meant that Allied armour was about to emerge on the Tunisian plains, and ordered a retreat to a close defensive position around Tunis and Bizerta.
08:00 The 15th Senegalese Rifle Regiment defending the Guettar Pass came under a concerted effort by 50 Carro Armato M11/39 tanks and Semovente da 75/18 SPG's plus infantry of the Pistoia Motorised Division, and were forced to concede ground.
08:00 Wards American 1st Armoured Armoured Division emerged from the cover of the Nebeur Forest, supported by American P40 Warhawks, and set off towards Al Karib.
08:10 After advancing 2 1/2 miles German 88mm anti-tank guns opened fire. With the dust of the tanks obscured their exact positions no American tanks were hit, as the P40’s struck. The gun line was hit by a dozen 250lbs bombs and again by strafing an another three runs. By now Wards Sherman’s and 1/2 tracks reached the German positions. Despite stiff resistance the Germans were finally dislodged at the point on an American bayonet by 10:00.
08:15 The Folgore Airborne Division and the Cuneense Alpine Division attacked the positions held by the 508th Airborne.
08:30 Patton with units from the 2nd Armoured and the 9th Infantry approached Feriana, where they were stopped by a column of Panzer III’s of the 15th Panzer. Patton called up a column of 31 M10 at 08:45. By 09:15 the tank destroyers had neutralised the German threat and the column again advanced towards Gafsa.
10:00 General Norrie's 1st Armoured Division entered the Guettar Pass. An unusual humming noise was heard coming from the north-east. Raymond Brigg’s 2nd Armoured Brigade came under attack from a squadron of Hs129’s. This was their first combat sortie. The 2nd Dragoon’s bore the brunt of the attack. As 24 50Kg bombs fell amounts the Valentine tanks several commanders were injured with flying debris. One tank received a direct hit, whilst another 7 were knocked out by 20mm cannon fire to their vulnerable engine covering. The other six aircraft attacked the Dragons of the 9th KOYLI. Two troop carriers were knocked out by direct hits from 50Kg bombs. Three more shed their tracks during violent manoeuvring avoiding the dropping bombs. After conducting three strafing runs the Germans killed 26 soldiers and injured another 37. Recovery of the injured troops and damaged vehicles held up Norrie’s advance by seven hours.
10:30 The British 6th Armoured again leapfrogged General Clutterbuck’s 1st Infantry Division with a drive eastwards. The road was blocked with wreaked Italian armoured and soft skin vehicles. Though resistance was light, three Valentine tanks of the Derbyshires were damage by IED’s. Much to General Crockers relief they reached Sejnane by lunch time. Just 16 hours behind schedule.
11:00 The Cuneense Alpine Division dug in among the rocks on the Jebel Chemsi played havoc with the armoured vehicles on the road below. The British column stretched for 21 miles from Elayaicha to Menzel El Habib with a further 17 miles before they could reach the American paratroopers and French Colonial troops. RAF Hurricanes flew dozens of ground attack sorties on the Cuneese, the Folgore and the Pistoia divisional positions.
Patton’s 82nd Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion had raced as far as Magel Bel Abbés. Though they had met no resistance they were still 30 miles from Gafsa.
The 9th Infantry swung eastwards winding its way through the rough tracks over the Jebel Chambi towards Kasserine. Minor skirmishes were fought with the 15th and 21st Panzers, but no opposition AFV’s were encountered.
12:00 Fischer completed the positioning of his armour around Beja. They awaited the arrival of the British. The 83 Panzer III’s would blunt their advance and then the 334th Infantry Division would counter attack.
13:00 Major-General Robert G Sturgess and his staff arrived at Nefza and began to set up HQ 1st Royal Marines Division in the town. With his units 1RMASG, 2RMASG, 3RMASG and 6RMASG, along with the American 1st Rangers being scattered over the entire area, command, control and communications were going to be a particular problem.
15:00 After stiff resistance from the Herman Goering Division the 81st Reconnaissance Battalion entered Al Karib. One of the first tasks the American troops had was the collection of the bodies of all the civilians of the town that had been massacred by the Nazis. Troops from the III./Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Regiment2 withdrew to Teboursouk. The divisions 20 Panzer IV’s kept travelling eastwards towards Medjez el Bab to rendezvous with the remnant of Bitossi’s Littorio division with ten L6/40 and seven M14/40 tanks. and who were currently besieging the French garrison.
16:00 Forward units of the British 78th Infantry were engaged by the 10th Panzer. The last remaining day-light hours were spent observing the German positions, not only by ground troops but also by photo-Reconnaissance aircraft.
Under Rommel’s request six weeks earlier the Italians had already spent some time digging in at the Wadi Akarit north of Gabes. which was. However it wasn't as well protected by natural defences. The Wadi was deep and wide near the coast, but faded away inland. The inland end was protected by some hills, but there were gaps in the hills, but was shorter than the Mareth Line, and more difficult to outflank. The Italians had dug an anti-tank ditch on the weaker western end of the line and had placed minefields in the gaps in the hills. The new line was defended by the Italian Saharan Group and Folttmann’s 164th Light division on the right, Giovani and Livorno Infantry Division in the centre and the 90th Light Division and Young Fascist division on the left, near the coast. The Wadi Akarit position was vulnerable to being outflanked from El Guettar, but also further north from Fondouk Pass. The next defensive position for the Axis forces was at Enfidaville, north-east of Fondouk, so Gott’s 8th Army were in a very threatening position.
The 8th Army spent the day disarming the Italian troops along the Mareth Line. Removal and deactivating weapons was dull and arduous task with temperatures well above 25*. Water supplies became top priority, not only had the 195,000 Commonwealth troops, but also for the 49,000 captured Italians. 250,000 gallons of water would be required daily for the troops and animals. Much had to be transported by road as the threat of German bombers prevented the use of Tripoli. However with supplies now coming by rail from Casablanca the traumatic wear and tear on the British built trucks would reduce as newer and better American vehicles became available.
08:00 Wards American 1st Armoured Armoured Division emerged from the cover of the Nebeur Forest, supported by American P40 Warhawks, and set off towards Al Karib.
08:10 After advancing 2 1/2 miles German 88mm anti-tank guns opened fire. With the dust of the tanks obscured their exact positions no American tanks were hit, as the P40’s struck. The gun line was hit by a dozen 250lbs bombs and again by strafing an another three runs. By now Wards Sherman’s and 1/2 tracks reached the German positions. Despite stiff resistance the Germans were finally dislodged at the point on an American bayonet by 10:00.
08:15 The Folgore Airborne Division and the Cuneense Alpine Division attacked the positions held by the 508th Airborne.
08:30 Patton with units from the 2nd Armoured and the 9th Infantry approached Feriana, where they were stopped by a column of Panzer III’s of the 15th Panzer. Patton called up a column of 31 M10 at 08:45. By 09:15 the tank destroyers had neutralised the German threat and the column again advanced towards Gafsa.
10:00 General Norrie's 1st Armoured Division entered the Guettar Pass. An unusual humming noise was heard coming from the north-east. Raymond Brigg’s 2nd Armoured Brigade came under attack from a squadron of Hs129’s. This was their first combat sortie. The 2nd Dragoon’s bore the brunt of the attack. As 24 50Kg bombs fell amounts the Valentine tanks several commanders were injured with flying debris. One tank received a direct hit, whilst another 7 were knocked out by 20mm cannon fire to their vulnerable engine covering. The other six aircraft attacked the Dragons of the 9th KOYLI. Two troop carriers were knocked out by direct hits from 50Kg bombs. Three more shed their tracks during violent manoeuvring avoiding the dropping bombs. After conducting three strafing runs the Germans killed 26 soldiers and injured another 37. Recovery of the injured troops and damaged vehicles held up Norrie’s advance by seven hours.
10:30 The British 6th Armoured again leapfrogged General Clutterbuck’s 1st Infantry Division with a drive eastwards. The road was blocked with wreaked Italian armoured and soft skin vehicles. Though resistance was light, three Valentine tanks of the Derbyshires were damage by IED’s. Much to General Crockers relief they reached Sejnane by lunch time. Just 16 hours behind schedule.
11:00 The Cuneense Alpine Division dug in among the rocks on the Jebel Chemsi played havoc with the armoured vehicles on the road below. The British column stretched for 21 miles from Elayaicha to Menzel El Habib with a further 17 miles before they could reach the American paratroopers and French Colonial troops. RAF Hurricanes flew dozens of ground attack sorties on the Cuneese, the Folgore and the Pistoia divisional positions.
Patton’s 82nd Armoured Reconnaissance Battalion had raced as far as Magel Bel Abbés. Though they had met no resistance they were still 30 miles from Gafsa.
The 9th Infantry swung eastwards winding its way through the rough tracks over the Jebel Chambi towards Kasserine. Minor skirmishes were fought with the 15th and 21st Panzers, but no opposition AFV’s were encountered.
12:00 Fischer completed the positioning of his armour around Beja. They awaited the arrival of the British. The 83 Panzer III’s would blunt their advance and then the 334th Infantry Division would counter attack.
13:00 Major-General Robert G Sturgess and his staff arrived at Nefza and began to set up HQ 1st Royal Marines Division in the town. With his units 1RMASG, 2RMASG, 3RMASG and 6RMASG, along with the American 1st Rangers being scattered over the entire area, command, control and communications were going to be a particular problem.
15:00 After stiff resistance from the Herman Goering Division the 81st Reconnaissance Battalion entered Al Karib. One of the first tasks the American troops had was the collection of the bodies of all the civilians of the town that had been massacred by the Nazis. Troops from the III./Fallschirm-Panzergrenadier-Regiment2 withdrew to Teboursouk. The divisions 20 Panzer IV’s kept travelling eastwards towards Medjez el Bab to rendezvous with the remnant of Bitossi’s Littorio division with ten L6/40 and seven M14/40 tanks. and who were currently besieging the French garrison.
16:00 Forward units of the British 78th Infantry were engaged by the 10th Panzer. The last remaining day-light hours were spent observing the German positions, not only by ground troops but also by photo-Reconnaissance aircraft.
Under Rommel’s request six weeks earlier the Italians had already spent some time digging in at the Wadi Akarit north of Gabes. which was. However it wasn't as well protected by natural defences. The Wadi was deep and wide near the coast, but faded away inland. The inland end was protected by some hills, but there were gaps in the hills, but was shorter than the Mareth Line, and more difficult to outflank. The Italians had dug an anti-tank ditch on the weaker western end of the line and had placed minefields in the gaps in the hills. The new line was defended by the Italian Saharan Group and Folttmann’s 164th Light division on the right, Giovani and Livorno Infantry Division in the centre and the 90th Light Division and Young Fascist division on the left, near the coast. The Wadi Akarit position was vulnerable to being outflanked from El Guettar, but also further north from Fondouk Pass. The next defensive position for the Axis forces was at Enfidaville, north-east of Fondouk, so Gott’s 8th Army were in a very threatening position.
The 8th Army spent the day disarming the Italian troops along the Mareth Line. Removal and deactivating weapons was dull and arduous task with temperatures well above 25*. Water supplies became top priority, not only had the 195,000 Commonwealth troops, but also for the 49,000 captured Italians. 250,000 gallons of water would be required daily for the troops and animals. Much had to be transported by road as the threat of German bombers prevented the use of Tripoli. However with supplies now coming by rail from Casablanca the traumatic wear and tear on the British built trucks would reduce as newer and better American vehicles became available.
Monday April 27th 1942.
Joseph Rochefort's cryptanalytic team based in Pearl Harbor, US Territory of Hawaii reported that the Japanese Navy had changed call signs of some major warships, possibly indicating that a major operation was about to take place. They also noted a radio message from Nobutake Kondo to Tokyo, requesting navigation charts and latest intelligence around Dutch Harbor and Kodiak on the Aleutian Islands.
USS Yorktown departed Pearl Harbour bound for the Coral Sea.
Japanese aircraft attacked the airfield near Darwin, Australia; 3 Japanese bombers and 4 escorting fighters were shot down by the RAAF fighters assigned to the airfield, while the Australians lost 4 P-40 fighters.
9 Japanese Type 1 bombers and 11 Zero fighters attacked Seven Mile airfield near Port Moresby, Australian Papua, destroying 3 Hawker Henley and 1 Blenheim aircraft.
Following operation ‘Ice Pack’ against Soviet Naval vessels at Leningrad, 31 British Halifax and 12 Lancaster bombers, flying from RAF Vaenga, Murmansk attacked German positions to little effect.5 bombers were lost during this attack.
With the introduction of convoys from Britain to Casablanca, Admiral Dönitz issued a new order to his submarine commanders, instructing that they were to cross the Bay of Biscay submerged during the night and to resurface during the day only long enough to recharge their batteries. This proved something of a mistake for the Germans as it permitted some 12 RAF Squadrons to contribute to daylight anti-submarine operations.
During the months of March and April Royal Marines Viper Units harass Japanese lines of communications with ambushes and sabotage, as well as providing intelligence from deep behind enemy lines. The Commandoes of 8RMLI, 9RMLI, and 11RMLI, rotated a fortnight in the field, one week in the box, two weeks training and one week R&R after the field operations. were able to consolidate themselves in the wide area between Thailand and Japanese forces besieging Singapore and Penang Boxes and outposts were set up, standing patrols instituted and intelligence gathered and collated. All this information was relay back to Governor Sir Shelton Thomas, Admiral Sir Alban Thomas Buckley Curteis, Air Marshall Robert Brooke-Popham, and Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival at Singapore.
During the night the Luftwaffe aircraft conducted a raid on Norwich.
As dawn broke a large gathering of Free French warships at Mers-el-Kébir was spotted by German troops in the Foreign Legion. Though many had been rooted out of front line units, there were still several German nationals in rear units.
The French battleships Strasbourg, Dunerque, Richelieu; the light cruisers Duguay-Trouin, FR Lamotte-Piquet and FR Primauguet; the large destroyers Milan and Epervier; the destroyers Casque, Epee, Fleuret, Lansequenet, Le Corsaire, Le Flibustier, Le Hardi, Mameluk. Simon, Tornade, Trombe, Typhon, Minstral Tempete and Tramontane; the submarines Ceres, Iris, Le Conquerant, Le Tonnant, Meduse, Antiope, Minerva, Pallas, Le Heros and Le Glorieux, Venus and Junon. Also present were HMS Una, HMS Unbeaten, HMS Urge and HMS Ursula.
General Giraud, co-President of the Comité Français de Libération Nationale (French Committee of National Liberation) with General de Gaulle, the American Major General Mark Clark, Lt. Col. Magrin-Verneret, Lt. Col. Dmitri Amilakvari, Fred Scamaroni, and Paul Colonna d'Istria’s presences was also reported back German HQ.
Number 10 Free French Commando and 13th Demi-Brigade, composed of French Marine infantry, Senegalese Tirailleurs, North African spahis and a cavalry unit of Cherkesses were also gathering at Oran.
Joseph Rochefort's cryptanalytic team based in Pearl Harbor, US Territory of Hawaii reported that the Japanese Navy had changed call signs of some major warships, possibly indicating that a major operation was about to take place. They also noted a radio message from Nobutake Kondo to Tokyo, requesting navigation charts and latest intelligence around Dutch Harbor and Kodiak on the Aleutian Islands.
USS Yorktown departed Pearl Harbour bound for the Coral Sea.
Japanese aircraft attacked the airfield near Darwin, Australia; 3 Japanese bombers and 4 escorting fighters were shot down by the RAAF fighters assigned to the airfield, while the Australians lost 4 P-40 fighters.
9 Japanese Type 1 bombers and 11 Zero fighters attacked Seven Mile airfield near Port Moresby, Australian Papua, destroying 3 Hawker Henley and 1 Blenheim aircraft.
Following operation ‘Ice Pack’ against Soviet Naval vessels at Leningrad, 31 British Halifax and 12 Lancaster bombers, flying from RAF Vaenga, Murmansk attacked German positions to little effect.5 bombers were lost during this attack.
With the introduction of convoys from Britain to Casablanca, Admiral Dönitz issued a new order to his submarine commanders, instructing that they were to cross the Bay of Biscay submerged during the night and to resurface during the day only long enough to recharge their batteries. This proved something of a mistake for the Germans as it permitted some 12 RAF Squadrons to contribute to daylight anti-submarine operations.
During the months of March and April Royal Marines Viper Units harass Japanese lines of communications with ambushes and sabotage, as well as providing intelligence from deep behind enemy lines. The Commandoes of 8RMLI, 9RMLI, and 11RMLI, rotated a fortnight in the field, one week in the box, two weeks training and one week R&R after the field operations. were able to consolidate themselves in the wide area between Thailand and Japanese forces besieging Singapore and Penang Boxes and outposts were set up, standing patrols instituted and intelligence gathered and collated. All this information was relay back to Governor Sir Shelton Thomas, Admiral Sir Alban Thomas Buckley Curteis, Air Marshall Robert Brooke-Popham, and Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival at Singapore.
During the night the Luftwaffe aircraft conducted a raid on Norwich.
As dawn broke a large gathering of Free French warships at Mers-el-Kébir was spotted by German troops in the Foreign Legion. Though many had been rooted out of front line units, there were still several German nationals in rear units.
The French battleships Strasbourg, Dunerque, Richelieu; the light cruisers Duguay-Trouin, FR Lamotte-Piquet and FR Primauguet; the large destroyers Milan and Epervier; the destroyers Casque, Epee, Fleuret, Lansequenet, Le Corsaire, Le Flibustier, Le Hardi, Mameluk. Simon, Tornade, Trombe, Typhon, Minstral Tempete and Tramontane; the submarines Ceres, Iris, Le Conquerant, Le Tonnant, Meduse, Antiope, Minerva, Pallas, Le Heros and Le Glorieux, Venus and Junon. Also present were HMS Una, HMS Unbeaten, HMS Urge and HMS Ursula.
General Giraud, co-President of the Comité Français de Libération Nationale (French Committee of National Liberation) with General de Gaulle, the American Major General Mark Clark, Lt. Col. Magrin-Verneret, Lt. Col. Dmitri Amilakvari, Fred Scamaroni, and Paul Colonna d'Istria’s presences was also reported back German HQ.
Number 10 Free French Commando and 13th Demi-Brigade, composed of French Marine infantry, Senegalese Tirailleurs, North African spahis and a cavalry unit of Cherkesses were also gathering at Oran.