The Battle of Madagascar

Discussion in 'North Africa & the Med' started by spidge, Nov 3, 2006.

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  1. englandphil

    englandphil Very Senior Member

    If anyone wants a photograph of a specific headstone from Diego Suarez War Cemetery, I now have copies of them all, courtesy of Alex Totomarovario, who is the Honorary Cemetery Supervisor
     
  2. mrspickensstudent

    mrspickensstudent New Member

    Who is Colonel N. C. E Kenrick?
     
  3. mrspickensstudent

    mrspickensstudent New Member

    Also, does anyone in this thread know of any perspectives from soldiers who fought in the battle, it would be greatly appreciated!
     
  4. Richelieu

    Richelieu Well-Known Member

    I cannot help you with your specific request mrspickensstudent, but you may be interested in the despatches of Rear-Admiral Syfret and Major-General Sturges which were published in the London Gazette.
     
  5. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    As far as Kenrick is concerned, a google search suggests his full name was Neville Cyril Evelyn Kenrick, and he was with the Wiltshire Regiment, part of 43rd Wessex Division, in Normandy. (that's from wikipedia) He was recommended for a DSO in May '45. But if your interest is in Madagascar I don't think that really helps.
     
  6. Roy Martin

    Roy Martin Senior Member

    I attach a list of the vessels that were involved in the Madagascar landings.
     

    Attached Files:

  7. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Just watched a YouTube film clip by 'The History Guy' on this action; described as:
    It is rather short, but has some interesting aspects:
     
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  8. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Operation LIne: 1/1st King’s African Rifles in Madagascar, September 1942 by Harry Fecitt:: The Soldier's Burden

    Just came across this article on an obscure campaign by a variety of Empire formations; the KAR has always intrigued me. Harry is a Forum member, but has not been aboard for awhile.

    His website has a variety of articles, mainly WW1 & WW2. See: The Soldier's Burden
     
  9. Harry Ree

    Harry Ree Very Senior Member

    Good account of the Madagascar campaign by the History Guy and the urgency to keep the Japanese out of the western area of the Indian Ocean.

    Incidentally Hitler initially had visions of using Madagascar as a settlement for European Jews.....again he would be assured of Petain's collaboration.
     
  10. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

  11. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    WAR PICTORIAL NEWS NO 62 [Main Title]

    IWM WPN62
    Object description
    An edition of the British official newsreel "War Pictorial News", produced by the Ministry of Information, Middle East.
    Full description
    I. 'WELL DONE.' Panoramic views of Royal Navy vessels at anchor in the waters of a port described by the commentary as being on the secret list (Durban ?). Views of HMS Ramillies (Royal Sovereign Class battleship) lying at anchor with the L Class destroyer HMS Lookout (G.32) moored nearby. HMS Illustrious has Fleet Air Arm (FAA) Fairey Swordfish aircraft parked on its flight deck as the commentary points out that this fleet of warships and transports are detailed for "offensive" action against the island of Madagascar (under Vichy French control). Views of the convoy at sea at the start of "Operation Ironclad" as the commentary outlines the strategic importance of Madagascar and the threat to communication lines that any Japanese invasion would create. A map of Madagascar is displayed showing the proximity of the island to the South African coastline. Landing craft (LCA's) take Royal Marine Commandos to a landing in Courrier Bay. A morse light is seen flashing from the steep hillside near Courrier Bay, presumably from an advance reconnaissance party. LCA's carry Royal marine assault parties ashore at dawn. A FAA Fairey Fulmar II aircraft takes off from HMS Indomitable as the commentary states that the "great naval base" of Diego Suarez is the objective of the mission. Royal Navy L Class destroyers fire their 4.7-in guns at the Vichy-French observation post dubbed "Windsor Castle" by the British. The British naval task force fires a barrage at night. Following the Vichy-French capitulation, units of the Royal Navy task force steam into Diego Suarez Bay in line astern, with P Class destroyer HMS Paladin (G 69) bringing up the rear. Following the conclusion of Operation Ironclad, Admiral E N Syfret talks to Major-General R G Sturgess on the deck of the flagship HMS Ramillies. Admiral Syfret inspects a British guard of honour before attending the surrender conference in Antsirane attended by representatives of the French-Vichy forces. A Royal Marine brass band marches through a Madagascan street watched with interest by local civilians. The commentary reiterates the strategic importance of Madagascar and the fact that by getting there first, the Japanese threat to communications has been nullified. Elsewhere, in the Western Desert, the commentary stresses that the supply situation is constantly improving despite long supply lines. the increase in supplies reaching the men at the front is due in no small part to the RAF "protective air umbrella." 3-ton 4X4 GS Bedford QLD trucks transport supplies along a desert road. A 30-ton Diamond T/S+D 6x4 tank transporter and a 20-ton Albion CX24S tank transporter carry M3 General Grant medium tanks along a dusty road. The commentary highlights that British tank losses are being rapidly replaced and that tanks such as the General Grant form the spearhead for offensive action. M3 General Grant tanks fire and manoeuvre in desert terrain supported by dug in Ordnance QF 25-pounder howitzers. The commentary highlights the efforts of the British, South African and American air forces in securing effective air/ground communication and cooperation. RAF Douglas Boston bombers drop bombs on an unseen target. RAF Martin Baltimore IV bombers fly in formation, followed by air to ground footage of bombs dropping and impacting on the desert floor. Eight Douglas Boston Bombers (no Squadron codes visible) fly in formation, escorted at a distance by a Curtiss P40 Kittyhawk fighter.
     
  12. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    There was a letter in The Spectator last month about Vichy France's conflict with the Allies, it mentioned Japanese submarines were using Madagascar before the invasion. A browse of this thread and Wiki found the Japanese arrived after the invasion, so had not been hosted by the French.
     
  13. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    MADAGASCAR (OPERATIONS) (Hansard, 10 November 1942)

    The Prime Minister : Since my last statement on the Madagascar operations our Forces have continued to advance southwards, hampered by road blocks and obstructions. On 2nd October there was a sharp engagement approximately 70 miles south of the capital, as a result of which Antsirabe was occupied. The local populace gave our troops an enthusiastic welcome.
    The Vichy resistance was next encountered about 130 miles south of Tananarive, but as a result of vigorous action by our Forces, Ambositra and Ivato were occupied on 19th October. The last organised resistance north of Fianarantsoa, which is the chief town in the south of the island and is approximately 180 miles to the south of the capital, was overcome on 29th October, and the town was occupied on the evening of the same day. Upwards of 1,000 prisoners were taken during this period.
    The advance southwards continued, but a French emissary arrived at our forward brigade headquarters on 5th November and asked for an armistice. At 2 o'clock in the afternoon hostilities ceased. The armistice was signed at midnight on 5th–6th November, and everything is proceeding very smoothly.
    Between 10th September—when further operations in Madagascar began with the assault on Majunda—and 17th October we lost only 17 killed and 45 wounded. Since 17th October our casualties have been extremely light, but details are not known.


    MADAGASCAR (ARMISTICE TERMS) (Hansard, 17 November 1942)

    THE BRITISH OPERATIONS AT MADAGASCAR. 9 MAY 1942, ON BOARD THE BATTLESHIP HMS RAMILLIES AND ON MADAGASCAR. BRITISH SEA, AIR AND LAND OPERATIONS AT MADAGASCAR WERE SHORT, SHARP AND SUCCESSFUL. FRENCH FORCES SURRENDERED AND A PEACE PROTOCOL WAS SIGNED AT ANTSIRANE WHEREBY THE BRITISH TOOK POSSESSION OF THE NAVAL BASE AT DIEGO SUAREZ.
    IWM A8879 : Object description - British troops of the 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment looking at some of the wrecked French planes at the bombed Aerodrome.
     
    Last edited: Nov 6, 2022
  14. Ramiles

    Ramiles Researching 9th Lancers, 24th L and SRY

    Ambositra

    KING'S AFRICAN RIFLES IN MADAGASCAR, SEPTEMBER 1942
    K 8588 : Object description - Picture taken during the fighting in September 1942 against Vichy forces in Madagascar. Picture shows:- A Uganda Battery in action against the Vichy-held positions near Ambositra, Madagascar.

    Ambositra - Wikipedia

    -- x --

    Tamatave

    THE BRITISH CAPTURE OF TAMATAVE, MADAGASCAR'S PRINCIPAL PORT. 18 SEPTEMBER 1942.
    IWM A12388 : Object description - Stores landed from the ships at Tamatave after the capture of the port.

    large_000000.jpg

    Tamatave : Toamasina - Wikipedia

     
    Last edited: Dec 18, 2022
  15. bamboo43

    bamboo43 Very Senior Member

    Saw this today on a well-known medal dealers website:
    Description:

    The extremely rare and superb Invasion of Madagascar Operation Ironclad 6th May 1942 Distinguished Conduct Medal group awarded to Private A. Craddock, 2nd Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment, who in the advance on the enemy holding Bellevue Fort at Antsirane when 17 Platoon was suddenly fired at from a small building on the left flank, ran 20 yards across open ground, battered down the door of the building and killed the four enemy snipers inside with his rifle and bayonet, though another account says he killed seven, shooting three and bayonetting four!

    Group of 5: Distinguished Conduct Medal, GVI 1st type bust; (4915352 PTE. A. CRADDOCK. S. LAN. R.); 1939-1945 Star; Africa Star; Burma Star; War Medal.

    Condition: Good Very Fine.

    Arthur Craddock was born on 16th May 1919 in Cannock, Staffordshire, and having worked as a miner, then attested into the British Territorial Army at Hednesford on 1st April 1938, and joining as a Private (No.4915352) the 5th Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. Craddock then opted to transfer almost immediately to the Regular Army, and as such transferred to the Depot of the Prince of Wales Volunteers - the South Lancashire Regiment from 25th August 1938, being then posted to the 1st Battalion on 8th February 1939 and then to the 2nd Battalion on 10th July 1939 when he joined them out in India. With the fall of France, Craddock arrived home from India on 17th July 1940, but was then embarked for Draft Service on transport ships at sea for 81 days from 9th May to 28th July 1941, before being posted home again, and returning to the 2nd Battalion.

    Craddock then found himself with his Battalion during Operation Ironclad, the landings in Vichy-held Madagascar in May 1942, which were in fact the first large scale amphibious assault carried out by the British since the Dardanelles campaign.

    On the 5th, with supporting fire from the Royal Navy’s “Force H”, troops of the 13th, 17th and 29th Infantry Brigades - the latter including 1st Battalion, the Royal Scots - and No. 5 Commando, the whole designated “Force 121”, landed in Courrier Bay, some 12 miles from the main objective, the Vichy naval base at Diego Suarez (actually situated to the east of the town proper, at Antsirane). The initial landings proceded without much difficulty, but later in the day strong resistance was encountered, and plans were accordingly set in motion to storm the enemy by night. It was during the aftermath of the night attack and in the advance on the enemy holding Bellevue Fort that Craddock performed the actions which led to the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

    The original recommendation reads as follows: ‘Antsirane, Madagascar: This man was in No. 17 Platoon, D Company. The Company was on the left of the battalion during its flank attack on the morning 6th May 1942. At about 0600 hours the company was advancing under heavy fire from the enemy in Bellevue Fort. No. 17 Platoon was suddenly fired at from a small building on the left flank. Private Craddock immediately rushed forward 20 yards across the open under heavy fire, battered down the door of the building and killed the four enemy snipers inside with his rifle and bayonet. By his resolute action he saved many casualties to his comrades and enabled the advance to continue.'

    The Battalion History adds a number of further enemy casualties to Craddock’s story: ‘’it became apparent that enemy snipers were using a small house on the left of ‘C’ Company’s position. These snipers had caused several casualties in both companies (‘C’ and ‘D’), and, before any further action was ordered, Private Craddock jumped up and charged the housed alone under L.M.G and rifle fire. He succeeded in entering the house from the back and killed all seven of its occupants, shooting three and bayoneting four. The remaining enemy near the house then surrendered and the area was occupied.’

    Craddock award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal was published in the London Gazette for 16th June 1942. Craddock was posted to the “X” List on 15th November 1942, and then embarked Madagascar and went to South Africa, before being embarked at Durham bound for India where he arrived at Bombay on 25th January 1943

    Craddock was appointed to Lance Corporal on 14th June 1943, but reverted to Private on 1st July 1943, being then once again appointed Lance Corporal on 17th March 1944, and reverting to Private again on 23rd June 1944. Craddock appears to have jumped a few more times between Private and Lance Corporal, before being appointed pain Lance Corporal on 19th December 1944 by which time he was on active service fighting the Japanese in Burma.

    It was here that he was killed in action during the advance through Burma on 1st April 1945. Craddock is buried in Taukkyan War Cemetery in Rangoon, Burma.


    Medals .jpg
     
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  16. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    I shall have to give this thread a careful read as I detect some recent coincidences.
    I have posted about Lt Col Malcolm Harding Roberts 67th Field Regt (Naval Gunfire Observer Burma) only a few days ago. Looking at associated links I think I recall that Madagascar was mentioned for Combined Operations Bombardment Units. Possibly their first action in the far east.
    Further research has revealed that Harding Roberts was listed Missing Believed Killed at one point.
     
    Last edited: Aug 5, 2023
  17. Don Juan

    Don Juan Well-Known Member

    I think Operation Ironclad was the first amphibious landing with tanks, unless the Japanese got there first. The whole premise of the landings at Diego Suarez was copied from the Japanese i.e. select a wide landing area with multiple beaches in order confound the enemy defences and give multiple alternatives should one particular beach prove difficult.

    This was also undertaken a few months before Dieppe, which makes the planning of the latter even more puzzling.
     
  18. idler

    idler GeneralList

    To my knowledge, Bjerkvik in Norway was the first assault landing of tanks way back in 1940 - French tanks from RN landing craft.

    IRONCLAD saw the first use of LSTs, though these were the 'proof of concept' vessels, not the later US production type. It was also the first Allied 'land and stay' operation which puts it in a different league to the Dieppe raid.
     
  19. JoeKinra

    JoeKinra New Member

    My great grandfather Robert Allan Bradford was involved in this battle as a Manx sailor in the Merchant Navy. He also carried out three evacuations from Dunkirk, Le Havre and Cherbourg in his fishing vessel. We found his medals under the bed after he died, but he never spoke about any of it. Here's an interesting write-up from a local newspaper in the Isle of Man. I'd like to find out which 'C.P.R.' ship he was serving on. I'm guessing that would have been a Canadian Pacific ship?

    Screenshot 2024-02-27 at 10.57.00.png
     
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  20. davidbfpo

    davidbfpo Patron Patron

    Joe,

    Thanks for the update and welcome aboard.

    Just did a search and found this on Wiki:
    From: RMS Duchess of Atholl - Wikipedia and she was one of three troopships. The Duchess was the only Canadian pacific vessel: Battle of Madagascar - Wikipedia

    A 1943 published booklet on the campaign: https://www.navy.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/Battle_Summary_No_15_and_16.pdf

    A 2021 short history: https://russellphillips.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Strange-Campaign-Audio.pdf

    I could not readily find anything on your brave great grandfather; so many served and survived to live a quiet life - perhaps war was best forgotten. Others here specialise in the Merchant Navy, so they could help - if you want to learn more.
     
    Last edited: Feb 27, 2024
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