Entry into Tunis, 8th May 1943.

For 2 Infantry Brigade the war ended suddenly but on the 8th May they were still firing their last rounds in battle.
8th May 1943
"At first light, on drying roads we bounced away to our rendezvous and the French farmers came running out as we passed, dancing in the road,
pointing to Djideida, giving the thumbs up and “V” signs.
When we stopped we were short of Djideida by a thousand yards, well covered by low hills and once again well in front of the infantry, who after their forced night march, were lying exhausted in the bean fields waiting to force a crossing behind our hastily laid out guns.
The weather had changed back to the usual white heat with deep blue sky and dusty distances. And the infantry were a sorry sweaty crew when they formed up and plodded off through the hills to the river.
We fired an impromptu “fire plan” at the town. There were a few desultory bangs and the odd sounds of tracer sizzled
high up over our heads. Then the range suddenly increased and the targets became “G.F.” (Gun Fire) and we knew that the good old Jocks were in the town and the Jerries scuttling away on the other side.
We stayed there the rest of the day putting down bursts of shells to cover the mopping up of each farmhouse and cactus patch.
Then that evening on we went again for another recce; and at dawn up with the guns again –threading our way through the hordes of prisoners to a pretty little village called Chouat, with a spired church set on a green vine covered hill.
Here we established ourselves close to a Jerry Q Stores, so it was just as well that we did no firing at all, for that would have interfered sadly with our investigation of German rations, wines, weapons and miscellaneous stores.
Right in the midst of our search, a stray Jerry 105mm (never located) dropped two rounds very close to our position and that was the only action we saw at Chouat!
It was in fact the last action we saw at all.
9th May 1943
There were many rumours that the campaign had ended but in the end the official ceasefire came through when we were up in the hills,
enjoying ourselves near a distillery in the Cap Bon neck.
Here we did a few days salvaging and returned to camp near Tunis.
Most of us saw Tunis and had a daily bathe in the Gulf of Timis.
The town is a shambles at present, an empty shell full of sightseeing soldiers in every uniform you can think of.

 

Thanks… I think I spotted my Dad (only kidding)…

And of course, fondly remembering Ron, Tom and Gerry who contributed to this thread of memories.

 

Ramiles has posted a short film clip and it appears some Axis elements did not cease fire. At 4.40 fighting is indicated, then 5.13 fighting indicated and at 5.50-5.59 a Sherman tank firing on a building. Just curious.