[Gerry Chester]

This is crazy - 25 Smileys still stopping things - hence three posts!

The battle was a classic example of the effectiveness of heavy and lighter tank co-operation as espoused by Winston Churchill.
“Tank Supply Policy
Under the above heading, the P.M.l wrote a 6-point memo dated 23rd April 1943. Written as a result of receiving positive reports on "his" tank, it was addressed to Sir Edward Bridges et al.
"The idea of having a spear-point or battering ram of heavily armoured vehicles to break the enemy's front and make a hole through which the lighter vehicles can be pushed has a very high military significance."


This is an extract from General B.G. Horrocks’:after battle report
"By mid-day we were through the crust and the tanks were grinding their way forward down the valley towards Medjerda Tunis. It was a most inspiring sight to see these two well-trained and experienced
armoured divisions being used for the role for which armoured divisions were specifically designed—to exploit a break-through deep into the enemy's heart. They worked like efficient machines, aircraft, guns, tanks, infantry and vehicles each fitting into the jigsaw of battle in its proper place.”


Hugh has provided proof that Paul’s father commanded 142 RAC’s LAD and, more importantly, confirms that his award of the M.C. was more than justified.


Cheers Gerry