| Hi,
Thought you might be interested in the events leading up to the action in which Lt Wilkes was KIA;-
Lt Wilkes lead several raiding parties It was decided on the 22nd October that no patrols should be posted in preparation for an important raid in a Italian Laid minefield on the 23/24th October. The objective was to obtain the identification of the enemy holding the positions to destroy any enemy weapons and to blast two holes through the minefield and wire ready for the next nights attack.
The raiding party was commanded by Lt Wilkes and comprised himself Lt Hutchinson and 24 other ranks from A Company 9DLI,accompanying them were four sappers from 505th Field Company RE it was the sappers who were to use Bangalore torpedoes to blow the paths in the mine field.
The raiders carrying eight Thompson sub machine guns, grenades, tapes ,torches and wire gloves were to commence the raid at 12 midnight on reaching their objective a rocket was to be launched to signal the four stretcher bearers from A Company to rendezvous with the raiders at the west side of the minefield.
The raiding party set off the moon lighting up the battlefield , the rumble of artillery could be heard as it heralded the start of the Alamein attack( bombardment commenced 2140hrs) The party reached the enemy wire without incident then they were spotted and heavy small arms fire cut into them Lt Wilkes and Lt Hutchinson were killed, two other ranks were captured and the raiders were forced to withdraw helped by Lt Bamford of C Company 9DLI who laid down covering fire and prevented further loss.
Regards
Verrieres |