5050828 Sergeant Harry SALT, MID, 1st Reconnaissance Regiment: 30/04/1943

Some time ago, while looking at Recce_Mitch/Paul's 51st (H) Recce RoH, my attention was drawn to the following casualty:

Serjeant HARRY SALT
Mentioned in Despatches
5050828
Who died age 24 on 30 April 1943
Son of Thomas and Sarah Hannah Salt, of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY V. G. 9.

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/recce/18131-51st-15th-bn-highland-light-infantry-%5Bcity-glasgow-regt-%5D.html

His date of death is later than the date of the disbandment of 51(H) Recce who also never served in Tunisia - all their other overseas casualties are concentrated in Alamein and Heliopolis war cemeteries.
Many of the other Recce casualties buried at Massicault belong to 1st Recce.

From 1st Recce war diary for April 1943:

28 1000 Regt finally established s per 1 Div O.O. No.2. A Sqn area at Pts 151 –-187 (682407) and (688413). RHQ dive bombed and machine gunned by 8 planes. During the morning the enemy mortars were constantly in action against C & A Sqns F.D.L.s. At approx 1600 hrs the enemy attacked with infantry supported by 10 tanks and Arty. The fire concentrated on B and C Sqns positions at Pt 212 and Pt 132 GAB GAB GAP (695424). Our vehicles suffered fairly heavily in their positions on the reverse slopes. 4 tanks including 1 Mk II over ran C Sqn at the GAP and worked their way into a ledge behind Pt 132 (6943). Our A.Tk guns were unable to engage the tanks in this position and our Arty could not clear the crest to dislodge them. 6 enemy tanks then rushed the gap and came in behind our positions and those of the IRISH GUARDS at Pts 212 and 214 (7043 and 7044). Churchill tanks engaged the enemy tanks, but were in trouble form the Mk VI established at Pt 132. The enemy had also established an Arty O.P. overlooking the valley and his fire was well concealed.
‘B’ and C Sqns were forced to withdraw to behind A Sqn and the Troop on to the right flank of the IRISH GUARDS at Pt 212. The Regt suffered heavy casualties in vehicles.
Capt. L.C.Ashford maintained his position with skill and determination and continued to report enemy movement with coolness. He skillfully withdrew his patrol under cover of darkness on the order from RHQ. Sgt Salt and part of 13 Troop now in position with IRISH GUARDS were holding and drove [off] 3 enemy attempts to gain Pt 212. The enemy withdrew at 2100.
29 0400 At dawn B & C Sqns were reorganised and again the GAB GAB GAP was held. Demands for mines to be laid in the GAP were made, delay in obtaining permission was 2½ hours. This proved later the same morning.
1330 The enemy attacked again and despite the efforts of ‘C’ Sqn the gap was overrun but counter attack by tanks and assistance from A Sqn stabilised the situation. Our Troop at Pt 212 again held and broke up the enemy infantry massing in that area.
29/30 During the night the gap was mined and 17 pdr guns were finally established.
30 The enemy continued to attack Pts 212 and 214 but Arty directed by our O.P.s at Pt 187 helped to break up the attacks and assist the IRSH GUARDS.
Lt R.A.Young made a gallant attempt during the night 29/30 to bring up supplies to the troop at Pt 212 but was killed 70 yards short of the position. Sgt Salt was also killed. His leadership and bravery won the highest praise from the IRISH GUARDS at Pts 212 and 214.
Certain re-dispositions took place and were carried out; see 2 I.B. No 0.78; Appx J
Recovery of damaged regimental vehicles was made during 29/30 despite constant Arty and Mortar fire. Two lost 6 pdr guns were also brought in.
From The British Reconnaissance Corps in World War II By Richard Doherty, Rob Chapman:

Although victory was now in sight there were still many determined German counter-attacks; one such occurred at Gab Gab Gap, where elements of 1 Recce fought some desperate actions. One regimental OP directed artillery fire, while Sgt Harry Salt with men of 13 Tp, alongside Irish Guardsmen, fought off three German attempts to take Point 212. Salt was killed the following day, and the Irish Guards spoke highly of his leadership and courage; many believed that his actions merited the Victoria Cross, but no award was ever made.
From dbf/Diane's post on John Patrick Kenneally V.C.:

THURSDAY 29TH APRIL.

We fully expected a dawn attack as our prisoner was very anxious to be evacuated before dawn, but none came. It was not till 9 a.m., that the enemy came on again this time in even greater force and all along the line of the ridge from Pts 212 to 214, incl both points. 212 was now held by 11 TROOP of the RECCE CORPS, for whose conduct and courage no praise can be too high. The relieved the Bn of the expensive duty of finding the look out man on Pt 212 and on this occasion gave us the warning of the attack on the right, which came in first. The Germans on this flank were greatly discouraged by a Sgt SALT of RECCE CORPS and Cpl KENNEALLY of 1 Coy, who went forward to meet the Germans, firing their Bren Guns from the hip, with such good effect, that this part of the attack petered out and it was possible to move men from 1 Coy to strengthen the left flank, leaving the RECCE CORPS and a few good shots of No. 1 Coy to shoot down the retreating Germans.


THE RECCE CORPS TROOP.

This Troop, No. 11, I think, was invaluable to the Bn, and fought alongside No. 1 Coy, on Pt 212, in a way that roused the respect of the Bn. I should particularly like to draw attention to the conspicuous conduct of a Sgt SALT, whose unfailing devotion to duty, ardent zeal in shooting down Germans, meant that 212 was never in much danger. The whole of the Troop deserve, and have, our unqualified admiration and gratitude.

(Sgd) D.J.L. FITZGERALD, Captain,
Adjutant 1st Battalion Irish Guards.
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/brigade-guards/17665-irish-guards-1bn.html

and:

Brigade HQ now gave Col Scott a squadron of the 1st Reconnaissance Regiment and three companies of the North Staffordshire Regiment. With these new troops, they fortified points 151 and 187 to support the Irish Guards across the gap. At 2 o’clock, the Germans attacked through the Gabgab Gap with tanks and infantry further cutting off Hill 212. The Germans then unsuccessfully attacked Hill 212 and then Hill 187. Every attempt was made to supply Hill 212 and then Hill 187. Every attempt to supply Hill 212 had to run the gauntlet of Tiger tanks in the gap.


Friday, 30th April: At dawn, two more carriers arrived with badly needed rations and ammunition. At 11:00 am, the Germans made their last and biggest attempt at the hill. The German infantry came up in exactly the same way as before, but in greater numbers and with greater persistence. We noticed a higher percentage of officers than we had ever seen with any troops - half were in front leading (these were easily picked off) and half were behind, driving on their troops (these were harder to get at). The assault on 212 was broken up by Lance-Corporal Kenneally and Sergeant Salt before it got under way. In the words of the citation awarding him the Victoria Cross: "Lance-Corporal John Patrick Kenneally repeated his remarkable exploit on the morning of the 30th April 1943, when, accompanied by a sergeant of the Reconnaissance Corps, he again charged the enemy forming up for an assault. This time he so harassed the enemy, inflicting many casualties, that this projected attack was frustrated. The enemy’s strength was again about one company. It was only when he was noticed hopping from one position to another further to the left in order to support another company (No 4), carrying his gun in one hand and leaning on a Guardsman (Cafferty) with the other, that it was discovered that he had been wounded. He refused to give up his Bren gun, claiming that he was the only one who understood that gun, and continued to fight all day with great courage, devotion to duty and disregard for his own safety . . . . His extraordinary gallantry in attacking single-handed a massed body of the enemy and breaking up an attack on two occasions was an achievement that can seldom have been equalled."
from: http://home.att.net/~mick3ig/history.htm

Also from Gordon Nisbet's book 'For The Duration - The Journal of a Conscript 1941-46' about his time with 1 Recce:

By late afternoon, the regiment was on the move again, its destination
Djebel Bou Akouaz, a hill town known in military terms as Point 212.
Ferocious fighting was taking place there. In particular, depleted by
numerous casualties, the 1st Irish Guards of the 24th Guards Brigade
were gallantly fending off heavy enemy counterattacks by both infantry
and tanks. B Squadron was given the unpleasant task of supporting the
Guardsmen. Both the Irish Guards and their comrades of B Squadron held
firm and their actions were later recorded in the following despatch
from 24th Guards Brigade Headquarters:

"The men of B Squadron who fought on Point 212 alongside Number 1
Company, 1st Irish guards, roused the respect of the Battalion. I should
particularly like to draw attention to the conspicuous conduct of
Sergeant Salt whose unfailing devotion to duty and ardent zeal in
shooting down Germans means that Point 212 was safe. The whole conduct
and fighting ability of 13 Troop deserve and have our unqualified
admiration and gratitude."

In the battle on Point 212, the Victoria Cross
was awarded to Lance Corporal Kenneally of the Irish Guards and
Seargeant Salt of 13 Troop was mentioned in despatches.
At first I thought the error was merely a transcription error on the RoH. I e-mailed CWGC (albeit without the weight of evidence above which I found later) regarding this and the other annoying fact that they list all 51 Recce casualties with the title: "51st (15th Bn. The Highland Light Infantry [City of Glasgow Regt.]) Regt Reconnaissance Corps." 51 Recce on disbandment briefly became 14th Bn HLI. I received a pretty disinterested reply from them:

With regard to your query, the regimental names and unit details used in our records are simply based on information provided to the Commission after the war by the Ministry of Defence. Again, the Unit details as given in Serjeant Harry Salt’s record would have been advised to by the service authorities, and are used throughout our records for this unit. For information purposes I attach a report of further casualties whose records bear the same details, which I hope will be of interest.
However I recently obtained a photo of Harry Salt's headstone and find that this error is 'written in stone!':




Tom.

 

Tom, Thank you for the correct information, have corrected both 1st & 51st Recce ROH. My changes are easy, how does a headstone get corrected, and how did the error occur in the first place? And many thanks for the photo, another name off my list (albeit with incorrect engraving).

Cheers
Paul

 

Tom, Thank you for the correct information, have corrected both 1st & 51st Recce ROH. My changes are easy, how does a headstone get corrected, and how did the error occur in the first place? And many thanks for the photo, another name off my list (albeit with incorrect engraving).

Cheers
Paul

Hi Paul,
I will contact CWGC again now that I have a bit more supporting evidence and see what happens.
Tom.

P.S. The photo was a one-off purchase from CWGC - I haven't just had a holiday in Tunisia!

.

 

Hi Gents,

I am partly involved in a similar situation with CWGC. When I was in Burma I found a roll of honour for the 13th Kings Liverpool's. One of which was named incorrectly on the Rangoon Memorial in Taukkyan War Cemetery.

He was incorrectly placed with the King's Own Royal Regiment on the memorial.

Later on in my research I also found him on the 13th Kings Casualty return lists for the 1943 Chindit operation. A fellow researcher into the Chindits contacted the CWGC. They were not overly helpful and stated that we would need evidence from the soldiers family in order for them to consider changing the cemetery details.

We have little chance or the time to search out surviving family for the man in question, but hold three pieces of strong evidence proving the mistake. For me it was particularly sad to look upon the names of his colleagues and then see his name placed amongst strangers in a different unit.

Perhaps I was being over sensitive whilst in that extremely emotional location?

Bamboo.

 

Tom,

What fantastic detective work and I am sure the CWGC presented with your evidence will have the headstone amended. I think we have to remember the scale of their effort at the end of the two world wars to appreciate that some unfortunate clerical errors were bound to creep in. Good luck.

 

For me it was particularly sad to look upon the names of his colleagues and then see his name placed amongst strangers in a different unit.

Perhaps I was being over sensitive whilst in that extremely emotional location?

Bamboo.

My thoughts exactly. Harry Salt made the ultimate sacrifice after a series of acts of selfless bravery. Not only was he denied the award that those who witnessed his actions felt he deserved but also, he now lies in wrongly marked grave.
Tom.

 

There might be some tips on how best to proceed on the 'other' CWGC site, if you haven't seen it already. It does seem to be an uphill struggle...

 

Tom,

What fantastic detective work and I am sure the CWGC presented with your evidence will have the headstone amended. I think we have to remember the scale of their effort at the end of the two world wars to appreciate that some unfortunate clerical errors were bound to creep in. Good luck.

Hi,
I have a feeling that his personal records, at least, will be required before any remedial action is taken but I will present what I have and see how it goes.
I do appreciate the scale of the efforts of CWGC over the last century and fully accept that a few errors are enevitable. Here is the other photo they supplied of Massicault Cemetery - the serenety and dignity of the place is undeniable and is testament to their efforts and good intentions:



Tom.

 

There might be some tips on how best to proceed on the 'other' CWGC site, if you haven't seen it already. It does seem to be an uphill struggle...

Thanks for that. I haven't seen that site before and will have a look with a fresh eye in the morning.
Tom.

 

Tom,
I remember corresponding with RecceMicch about Sgt Salt when I posted my Bou extract. I admit I'd never thought to check cwgc and was a little shocked to hear from Paul he'd been killed shortly after the action.

Do you know for what he was MiD? Was it this incident?

As for getting the record amended, please carry on. Of course there are going to be errors in the records/transmission, but no matter who is to blame, they should be corrected. Passage of time and lack of participation from relatives is not an acceptable reason for cwgc to put forward.

Good luck with trying to get this sorted; last time I was in contact with cwgc they didn't even want to see my evidence ...

I will try and get a copy of that recommendation of FitzGerald's from the 1IG WD for you and post it up here.

Kind regards,
Diane

Hi Diane,
As far as I understand the mention came from 24th Guards Brigade Headquarters as follows:

"The men of B Squadron who fought on Point 212 alongside Number 1
Company, 1st Irish guards, roused the respect of the Battalion. I should
particularly like to draw attention to the conspicuous conduct of
Sergeant Salt whose unfailing devotion to duty and ardent zeal in
shooting down Germans means that Point 212 was safe. The whole conduct
and fighting ability of 13 Troop deserve and have our unqualified
admiration and gratitude."

I don't hold out much hope of success but will press on and see what happens.
Regards,
Tom.

 

IFCP - Home Page

Dear All

May I suggest that you report this matter to the In From The Cold Project who will have a crack at getting this changed for you. All of the contact details are on the site. We have an excellent track record in these matters.

Chris

 

IFCP - Home Page

Dear All

May I suggest that you report this matter to the In From The Cold Project who will have a crack at getting this changed for you. All of the contact details are on the site. We have an excellent track record in these matters.

Chris

Hi Chris,
Thanks for your interest and for the link to the IFCP site - I was previously unaware of their existance. At first glance they appear to be interested in unrecorded casualties - in this case it is only the regimental details that are wrong. Do you think this would be of interest to them? In any case I will look further into it.
Thanks again,
Tom.

 

Tom

we also deal with any errors etc. Your documentary evidence in this case seems excellent

Chris

 

Thanks again Idler and Chris for your helpful inputs. I have decided, in the first instance, to pursue this myself but if I again fail to get anything more than a polite brush-off then I will be happy to seek further assistance as per your suggestions.

I have sent the following by e-mail:

Dear Sirs,

I refer to the following casualty record:

Name: SALT, HARRY
Initials: H Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Serjeant Regiment/Service: Reconnaissance Corps
Unit Text: 51st (15th Bn. The Highland Light Infantry [City of Glasgow Regt.]) Regt.
Age: 24
Date of Death: 30/04/1943
Service No: 5050828
Awards: Mentioned in Despatches
Additional information: Son of Thomas and Sarah Hannah Salt, of Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: V. G. 9.
Cemetery: MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY


I first wrote to you, without success, regarding my concerns over this in October of last year but since then have uncovered more supporting evidence of an error in the recording of Sgt Salt's regimental details.

1. Harry Salt was KIA on 30/04/1943 - 51st (H) Reconnaissance Regt was already disbanded on 14/01/1943 having ceased to exist some 3 months earlier.

2. 51st (H) Reconnaissance never served in Tunisia. They arrived in Egypt in August of 1942 in time to take part in the second battle of Alamein in October/November of that year before their disbandment and subsequent withdrawal to the Bitter Lakes, Suez Canal, Egypt for re-training as 14th Bn HLI. All of their overseas casualties are buried in Alamein and Heliopolis cemeteries.

3. Harry Salt was a member of 1st Reconnaissance Regt. To be precise he was Sgt 5050828, 13 Troop, B Squadron, 1st Reconnaissance Regt., British 1st Division. 1st Reconnaissance Regiment did serve, with distinction, in Tunisia.

4. He was Mentioned in Dispatches for his actions on 29/04/1943 (the day before he was killed) in support of 1st Irish Guards at Point 212, Djebel Bou Akouaz, Gab Gab Gap, Tunisia. Citation, from 24th Guards Brigade Headquarters, as follows:

"The men of B Squadron who fought on Point 212 alongside Number 1
Company, 1st Irish guards, roused the respect of the Battalion. I should
particularly like to draw attention to the conspicuous conduct of
Sergeant Salt whose unfailing devotion to duty and ardent zeal in
shooting down Germans means that Point 212 was safe. The whole conduct
and fighting ability of 13 Troop deserve and have our unqualified
admiration and gratitude."

5. The War Diary of 1st Reconnaissance Regiment records the following for 28th, 29th & 30th April, 1943:

"28 1000hrs. Regt finally established s per 1 Div O.O. No.2. A Sqn area at Pts 151 –-187 (682407) and (688413). RHQ dive bombed and machine gunned by 8 planes. During the morning the enemy mortars were constantly in action against C & A Sqns F.D.L.s. At approx 1600 hrs the enemy attacked with infantry supported by 10 tanks and Arty. The fire concentrated on B and C Sqns positions at Pt 212 and Pt 132 GAB GAB GAP (695424). Our vehicles suffered fairly heavily in their positions on the reverse slopes. 4 tanks including 1 Mk II over ran C Sqn at the GAP and worked their way into a ledge behind Pt 132 (6943). Our A.Tk guns were unable to engage the tanks in this position and our Arty could not clear the crest to dislodge them. 6 enemy tanks then rushed the gap and came in behind our positions and those of the IRISH GUARDS at Pts 212 and 214 (7043 and 7044). Churchill tanks engaged the enemy tanks, but were in trouble form the Mk VI established at Pt 132. The enemy had also established an Arty O.P. overlooking the valley and his fire was well concealed.
‘B’ and C Sqns were forced to withdraw to behind A Sqn and the Troop on to the right flank of the IRISH GUARDS at Pt 212. The Regt suffered heavy casualties in vehicles.
Capt. L.C.Ashford maintained his position with skill and determination and continued to report enemy movement with coolness. He skillfully withdrew his patrol under cover of darkness on the order from RHQ. Sgt Salt and part of 13 Troop now in position with IRISH GUARDS were holding and drove [off] 3 enemy attempts to gain Pt 212. The enemy withdrew at 2100.
29 0400hrs. At dawn B & C Sqns were reorganised and again the GAB GAB GAP was held. Demands for mines to be laid in the GAP were made, delay in obtaining permission was 2½ hours. This proved later the same morning.
1330hrs. The enemy attacked again and despite the efforts of ‘C’ Sqn the gap was overrun but counter attack by tanks and assistance from A Sqn stabilised the situation. Our Troop at Pt 212 again held and broke up the enemy infantry massing in that area.
29/30. During the night the gap was mined and 17 pdr guns were finally established.
30. The enemy continued to attack Pts 212 and 214 but Arty directed by our O.P.s at Pt 187 helped to break up the attacks and assist the IRSH GUARDS.
Lt R.A.Young made a gallant attempt during the night 29/30 to bring up supplies to the troop at Pt 212 but was killed 70 yards short of the position. Sgt Salt was also killed. His leadership and bravery won the highest praise from the IRISH GUARDS at Pts 212 and 214.
Certain re-dispositions took place and were carried out; see 2 I.B. No 0.78; Appx J
Recovery of damaged regimental vehicles was made during 29/30 despite constant Arty and Mortar fire. Two lost 6 pdr guns were also brought in."

6. I have further mentions of Sgt Salts actions from other publications but feel that the above should at least confirm the possibility of an error in his record.


I thought initially that the error was confined to your Roll of Honour and was perhaps a typographical error made during the transcription/digitisation of your records. However I recently obtained a photo of Sgt Salt's headstone (see attached) which also shows his regiment as 51st (H) Reconnaissance Regt and not 1st Reconnaissance Regt.

I look forward to hearing your comments regarding Sgt Salt's commemoration.

Yours sincerely,and immediately received this automatically generated response:

Thank you for your enquiry.

We are a small team and aim to answer each enquiry personally.
From time to time during periods of peak demand, it can take as long as 4 weeks to respond to your query in full, so please bear with us.

Why not sign up to our monthly e-newsletter for further news and information Redirecting to CWGC newsletter page

As this is an automated reply, please do not respond to this message.

Enquires Section
Commonwealth War Graves Commission.

So the wheels are in motion - I will keep you posted.
Tom.

 

Nice one Tom

Chris

 

At least they now respond in 4 weeks instead of 6 weeks as they did on some of my queries.

Cheers
Paul

 

Paul,

I have sent a PM to Tom as I do know the Director at Ieper.
Depending on the UK Reply I can perhaps help.

Regards
Tom

 

He is listed in the London Gazette 36180 23 SEPTEMBER, 1943

The KING has been graciously pleased to approve that the following be Mentioned in recognition of gallant and distinguished services in North Africa.

Reconnaissance Corps.

Capt. (temp. Maj.) J. -N. Forshaw, M.C. (91739).
Capt. (temp. Maj.) A. D. Millen (117675).
Capt. (temp. Maj.) .C. J.. Odd (149796).
Lt. (temp. Capt.) (actg..Maj.).F. H. Pratt (149210)
Lt. (temp. Capt.) L. -C. Ashford (186298).
Lt. (temp. Capt.) J. Langham. (130813).
Lt. C. Haden (229246)
Lt. L. Hill (224089)
Lt. F, H. Hughes (132162). (Since died.)
Lt. G. N. Lumb (184207).
Lt. D. G. Mitchell'.(210361)
Lt. A. B. Mott (153098).
Lt. M. W. Shacklady (189304).
Lt. G. F. Todd (240105). .(Killed in. action.)
2/Lt. J. H. F. Hobbs (240071)
2/Lt. C. W. H. Ridley (240077).
2/Lt. K. L. Sartin (240078)
6342486 W.O.II (Sq.S.M.) A. E. Phillips.
6468560 Sergt. G.. F. Anthony.
2878571 Sergt. E. G. Barnes.
6459257 Sergt. H. F". Bradley.
6092742 Sergt. D. Carter.
6097949 Sergt. F. R. E. .Double
5050828 'Sergt. H. Salt. . (Killed in action.)
6093431 Sergt. R. C. Thornton.
6469092 Corpl. (actg. Sergt.) L. Zenftman.
6467883 Lce.-Sergt. G. F. Fisher.
6846499 Corpl. A. J. Harden.
3058372 Tpr. M. Anderson.
10602167 Tpr. F. E. Barratt.
7617040 Tpr. J. H. Blake, M.M.
6094713 Tpr. L. A. Brighton.
10600483 Tpr. A. T. Cripps.
6103198 Tpr. R. H. Edwards'.
6094321 Tpr. J. Jansen.
5729712 Tpr. H. S. Longman.
10601661 T-pr. A: K. Longworth.
6026028 Tpr. W. Mowatt.
2886093 Tpr. A. F. Newlands.
6095102 Tpr. A. Taylor


Cheers
Paul