Durham Light Infantry 9th Bn help needed please.

[JOHNB84]

Could anyone please let me know what the 9th battalion, Durham Light Infantry were up to between 23/10/1942 and 24/10/1942, one of our local lads lost his life between these dates

Thanks
John.

CWGC :: Casualty Details

[Owen]

They were in 151st Brigade, 50th Tyne Tees Division at El Alamein.
50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

General info on battle here.
Second Battle of El Alamein - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Here's one from Monty's Northern Legions by Patrick Delaforce.
Doesn't have much to say on what 9 DLI doing though.

[Harry Ree]

John,

The answer lies with the cemetery.I would say that the Regiment would have been involved in the offensive operations to mount the El Alamein front line against Rommel which commenced at 2140 hrs on 23 October 1942.Rommel's plan was known to Montgomery through Ultra.Rommel started preparations as early as August when intense radio traffic was picked up by the Allies.Rommel was concerned about his petrol levels and air support and he made the mistake of allowing the Allies "to see" his plans.There were a number of engagements which came as a prelude to the main battle of El Alamein.One such engagement was the Battle of Alam Halfa on 3 September 1942 which caused the British 1640 casualties,68 tanks and 18 anti tank guns although no infantrymen were involved.Rommel retreated behind a screen of 88mm anti tank guns,hoping that Montgomery's armour would be drawn into the trap.Montgomery was not fooled and intended to fight a major battle when he was ready.Consequently there were a number of engagements until hell broke lose with Montgomery's El Alamein offensive on the 23 October 1942.Until then, Montgomery made his own preparations for an offense against the Africa Korps line in obsolute secrecy until that hour when a torrent of fire was hurled against the line.The Germans were caught out with the move and Stumme, the Africa Korps commander in trying to organise his front was ambushed and fell from his half track, reportedly dying from a heart attack.

I would say that the Durham casualty died when the infantry were following up behind the British tanks following the initial artillery bombardment.

Tel-el-Elisa shown on Owen's map was the field headquarters of Stumme.

[Paul Reed]

I have the History of DLI; will check it for you later.

[JOHNB84]

Owen/Harry
Thank you both so much for this information it is very much appreciated and most helpful.
Paul, anything that you may be able to add would be just great.

Thanks again
John

[Paul Reed]

These are the relevant pages from:

The DLI At War: The History of the Durham Light Infantry 1939-1945
By David Rissik (The Depot DLI, Durham, Charles Burchall & Sons c.1952)

Hope that helps.

[JOHNB84]

Paul, brilliant, thank you so much, all very much appreciated.....thanks again to all those that have helped me again.

John

[Verrieres]

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

[Tom Canning]

John - it should also be noted that the position of 50th TT Division was in the lower half of the OB at El Alamein -13th Corps - this was owing to the fact that on the way back from Gazlala - "The Gazala Gallop" the 50th were badly mauled and lost the complete 150th Bde.

consequently they were virtually in reserve at Alam el Halpha and were helped out with the Greek Bde for the main agressive attack at El Alamein as well as having some units from 44th Div which had just landed from the U.K. and didn't really become a full Tyneside Div for a long time - just before they came home I believe for D day.
Cheers