Request war diary 6th Battalion, Gordon Highlanders April 1943

Discussion in 'North Africa & the Med' started by mikky, Feb 11, 2022.

  1. mikky

    mikky Member

    Does anyone have the war diary for the 6th Battalion Gordon Highlanders, 2nd Infantry Brigade, 1st Division, for the 30th of April 1943, and maybe a few days either side of this date. The battalion was serving in Tunisia at this time, possibly in the Medjez-el-Bab area.

    Cheers Mike
     
  2. Instructor6

    Instructor6 Active Member

    Hi

    See attached. Hope this helps

    Instructor 6
     

    Attached Files:

  3. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    The Gordons were supported by 266 Battery 67th Field Reg throughout the Tunisia and Italian Campaigns.
    The Battery Commander of 266 Battery was embedded in their Btn HQ alongside the Officer Commanding Lt Col Peddie, followed after Anzio by Lt Col Clapham.
    For interest to get another view of events I have posted two accounts from A History of the 67th Field Regt taken from their War Diaries and from my notes.
    The Gordons War Diary and the 67th basically support each others account.
    The battle was the final throw of the fighting on the Medjez Plain known as the Battle for. Guariat el Attach.

    Gueriat el Atach 30 May.jpg

    266 OP Spotted a Bosche OP that was observing Peters Corner, distracting them with a few rounds, although when captured,
    the OP (Marigold) between Peters Corner and Montarnaud was so deeply entrenched that It was impervious to 25 Pounder fire.
    The ridges of The Bou and Gueriat were separated by the Gab-Gab.
    Recce Parties went to the rear of the Gab Gab to assess an area that the Regt was to occupy as time had come for the 4th Indian the push through,
    although The Bou was under full observation. The recce was seen of by the Bosche equivalent of a GF target.
    The move was then put off by a Bosche tank which penetrated the gap and put down some effective open sight firing
    while their infantry put in a last ineffective attempt to retake points 156 and 174.
    The Gordons were to make an attempt on The Bou, the Regt laid down smoke but the attempt was cancelled when the Germans repeated their
    Gab Gab performance occupying the start line with tanks.
    81st Anti Tank effectively dealt with them.

    You might also find the book The Perilous Road to Rome by Edward Grace of interest.
    As on Officer in the 6th Gordons he covers these events and others until his casualty evacuation from Anzio.

    I have a few maps a sketch map and photos of the area if you need them recently posted on another thread..

    A number of members have researched the 6th Gordons including their War Diaries so you might get much much more if you need it.
     
    Last edited: Aug 6, 2023
  4. Takrouna

    Takrouna Active Member

    Hope I'm not too late to ask about sketch maps and pics for this battle/period - I am visiting it in two weeks time :)
     
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  5. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    If you Start a Conversation with me providing your email address, I will email back with what I have over the weekend.

    I think there are a few members with the 6 Gordons account of the battle but cant remember who they were.

    Most have Diaries of the Italian Campaign.
     
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  6. Instructor6

    Instructor6 Active Member

    I would have have attached 2 GSG maps that cover the area but it is too big if you PM me I can arrange to send you it. I also have one map that shows 1st Division operations including 6th Gordon Highlanders hope these will be of value. To my irritation (it is word file) and the site is saying it does not have the right extension! so ditto

    I am currently studying Operation VULCAN as I am looking at writing a book on the subject. If you are visiting the area I would be very interested in any photographs you take of Gueriat el Atach the Gab Gab gap, Bou Aoukaz, Banana Ridge and the Basin. Happy to offer any advice you might need
     
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  7. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Last edited: Oct 26, 2024
    Instructor6 likes this.
  8. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Operation Vulcan was initially disrupted by Operation Fliederblüte (Lilac) 20/21st April 1943
    General von Arnim, commanding Army Group Africa, Attempted to Disrupt Vulcan.
    The forces available to carry out the attack were considerable, consisting of:
    Hermann Göring Division 334th Division Comprising of two parachute battalions of the Jägerregiment 'Hermann Göring.'
    One battalion of the 1st Grenadier Regiment Hermann Göring,
    The 754th Grenadier Regiment of the 334th Division.
    The 7th Panzer Regiment of the 10th Panzer division.
    501st Heavy Panzer Battalion equipped with 13 Tiger I heavy tanks.

    Just after 2200hrs on 20th April their recce parties infiltrated behind a Company of the Duke of Wellingtons Regt acting as a screen on Banana Ridge.
    Small arms and mortar fire ensued as the Paratroops attacked, over running the position about 5 miles (8 km) to the east of Medjez el Bab.
    The British 1st Division at Banana Ridge and 4th Infantry Division at Djebel Djaffa, 5 miles to the south of Medjez el Bab were initially caught by surprise but quickly gained the initiative.
    There was heavy fighting involving 1st Division artillery who were over night quietly digging in their guns forward of the Defensive line to provide sufficient range to cover the planned advance.
    As daylight broke the gunners of 266 Battery at Banana Ridge were able to open fire at close range over open sights, scattering the withdrawing enemy occupying the mosque on Banana Ridge.
    With the support of Churchill tanks the German attack was beaten off suffering very heavy casualties.

     
    Last edited: Oct 26, 2024
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  9. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor



    Part of 78 Division attack on the high ground.
     
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  10. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    20241026_154241.jpg
    2nd Field Regt 1st Infantry Division

    20241026_170146.jpg
    78 Battle Axe Division
     
    4jonboy likes this.
  11. Instructor6

    Instructor6 Active Member

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