Appendix ‘E’ of the 1st Parachute Squadron, RE War Diary for February 1943

Appendix ‘E’.
‘A’ Troop.
Activity on morning 26 Feb 43.
At approx. 0600 hrs 26 Feb 43 sustained M/G fire was heard in the direction of 3 rd Bn positions. The Troop was turned out. At 0700 hrs a message was received from Major. Coxen, 1st Bn, via Lt. Norton, to say that ‘A’ Troop were to proceed immediately to 3rd Bn. On reporting to Bn HQ we were guided to ‘B’ Coy. Major. Dobie, ‘B’ Coy Comdr, ordered us to advance onto Hill 375 to clear small pockets of enemy resistance. A guide was provided in Sgt. Lawson. The Troop was ordered to attack.

1 Section Comd by Capt. George in front.
2 Sect, Lt. Brown left.
3 Sect, Sgt. Swift reserve.
4 Sect, Lt. Mackay right.
The Troop moved by bounds, first left and swung round right.

Lt. Mackay occupied 5 Pln positions and detached his Bren Gun to give covering fire. The Troop moved through heavy M/G, rifle fire and mortaring to the centre of the ridge. Sgt. Lawson, Spr’s. Orton and Ritchie and Bren Gun, swung right to attack an M/G position below by an abandoned arty truck. During this phase Sgt. Swift was hit across the throat by a bullet, but carried on after attention.

No 1 and No 2 Sections now occupied a position on the edge of the hill and were under fire from above and below. Approx 1 Section of Germans were seen preparing to attack 5 Pln positions. They were all shot by riflemen (except one).

I then ordered Lt. Brown to attack the upward M/G from the left. He started to go but was shot from above or below. Sniping was continuous at this time from 3 sides. The M/G crew above them threw several grenades and prepared to attack but were met by strong rifle and Bren fire at close range. I then ordered 4 men to attack the post. Sgt. Ellis, L/Sgt. Street and 2 Sappers attacked, covered by Spr Griffin - Bren and the M/G Post. Two MG 34’s on heavy mountings with telescopic sights were organised to cover our position and to cover the wadi below 5 Pln’s position. About this time Spr. Nelson was killed from below. L/Cpl Alexander was also wounded while attending to Lt. Brown.

I then moved down the hill covered by Sgt.Swift and then proceeded to attack the enemy position by the truck. We found Spr.Ritchie badly wounded, Spr.Davies and I carried him out but he died whilst being attended. I had now contacted the infantry on my right and wanted to attack the lower M/G, but was told that we could not advance due to our own mortar fire. Eventually this post was silenced when I contacted Lt.Mackay and his Section moved up to occupy the hill. In the meantime Sgt.Ellis and party on the centre position had cleared the lower slopes and accompanied by an infantry section had cleared the hill by sniping and grenades.

There were two mortar positions discovered on the lower slopes of the hill. From about 1500 – 1530 hrs the hill was shelled by German artillery, but no casualties caused. Spr.Orton was wounded in the foot whilst attacking the lower post and Capt. George received a very slight flesh wound about the same time as Lt. Brown.

Observations- The Germans used only ball ammunition as it was very difficult to spot their positions as there was practically no smoke and certainly no flash was observed.

Recommendations- I should like to recommend Sgt. Ellis and Sgt. Lawson.
Sgt. Ellis for his coolness and willingness as he is always at the front and inflicted great damage by his accurate fire.
Sgt. Lawson for his initiative and his attack with two men upon a machine gun during which all three were wounded.
Spr. Griffin for his resource and initiative when using the Bren to cover us. He was always there when required and constantly on the move when under heavy fire.

S. George Capt RE Results:

Captured 2 x MG34’s on heavy mounts with telescopic sights.
1 x MG42.
1 x Rifle discharger.
2 x Mortars complete and bombs.
Killed and wounded approximately 14.
Prisoners approximately 11 with appropriate rifles, etc.