If any (all) of us in the Northern Hemisphere were feeling unduly grumpy getting up today on a cold, and dark January morning, it might be worth recalling what some of our forebears were up to 70 years ago today. In this case, the London Irish Rifles (2 LIR) came to the aid of the Lothians, on many other occasions, the roles were reversed with the Lothians, 16/5 Lancers, 17/21 Lancers and the NIH ever ready to reciprocate. Though not sure that "You Are My Sunshine" was the usual battle cry. "Faugh A Ballagh" is perhaps a more war like hymn... This excerpt from the LIR Regimental history might give you an idea of what went on: "On January 11, H Company of the London Irish watched the Lothian and Border Horse pass through their lines and go down the Roman road towards Goubellat to sweep the plain where it was reported a Hermann Goering Regiment had started filtering down from the hills. It soon became apparent that the tanks had got into difficulties, and artillery support was called for. About noon H Company was ordered to attack two distant farms in order to form a screen to prevent the damaged armour from falling into enemy hands, to rescue the crews, and also to hold the position until the tanks could be withdrawn. The approach was a long one, of nearly four miles across country almost without cover and under plough, which made the going very heavy. Orders were to attack the first farm at 1510 hours after a ten minutes’ bombardment by the twenty-five pounders of the Ayrshire Yeomanry. Good time was made over the rough ground and all went well until a flight of German aircraft passed overhead. They were a mixture of Messerschmidt 109s and Stukas, and as they spiralled down the riflemen extended out. The enemy flew off without dropping any bombs or firing machine-guns, apparently mistaking the London Irish for their own troops! Meanwhile the gunners got on with their task and the London Irish advanced steadily. H Company was still about five hundred yards away when heavy automatic and rifle fire was directed on them from Sidi Nasseur on the right. Major JD Lofting detailed a platoon to cover that flank with fire, but unfortunately the Platoon Commander, Sergeant J Wilson, became a casualty before he could give out his orders, and the flank remained unprotected for about fifteen minutes. Then the riflemen advanced, singing “You are my Sunshine” at the tops of their voices, and the attack went in. Their determination apparently broke the nerve of the Hermann Goering defenders and they retired at the double, leaving everything behind them. 18 Platoon was then ordered forward to take the second farm, followed by 16 Platoon, leaving 17 Platoon to cover the weak flank and keep down the fire which had reasserted itself from Sidi Nasseur. Lieutenant PJ Gibbons led two sections round the left of the farm, while Major Lofting took the right-hand section. By doubling and crawling they got well up and engaged the enemy with rifles, grenades, and bayonets. German resistance was heartened by the presence of three close-support guns firing over open sights down the road about three thousand yards away. A gallant attempt to cross the road under the heavy enemy fire was made by 18 Platoon, and some managed to do so. But several men fell, including Sergeant R Hogan, who had displayed great leadership and courage. The platoon kept up the pressure and, assisted by their own machine-gunners, the Besa fire from the tanks, and concentrations by the gunners, they succeeded in forcing the Germans to evacuate the second farm. As a result the recovery of the tanks was carried out without molestation. H Company held on until relieved about three hours after dark by G Company, when they returned to their old positions, bringing back a quantity of enemy weapons as booty." 4 London Irishmen were killed during this action: HOGAN, JOHN FRANCIS, Lance Serjeant, 2716183 11/01/1943. Age :39 2nd Bn. The London Irish Rifles I. C. 5. MASSICAULT WAR CEMETERY Son of Patrick and Mary Hogan, of West Croydon, Surrey. GRIFFIN, JOHN ARNOLD, Rifleman, 7022287 11/01/1943. Age : 32 2nd Bn. The London Irish Rifles Face 31. MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL Son of Michael and Ellen Griffin, of Dublin, Irish Republic. HOGAN, JOHN MICHAEL Rifleman 7047572 11/01/1943. Age : 20. 2nd Bn. The London Irish Rifles Face 31. MEDJEZ-EL-BAB MEMORIAL Son of Ignatius Francis and Mary Hogan. McLOUGHLIN, JAMES Lance Serjeant 7014578 11/01/1943, Age : 22. 2nd Bn. The London Irish Rifles 15. H. 19. MEDJEZ-EL-BAB WAR CEMETERY Son of James and Kathleen McLoughlin; husband of Bridget McLoughlin, of Victoria, London. QUIS SEPARABIT.
I spoke to a member of G Coy 2 LIR last night, who was attendant at the events mentioned above. His comments noted in his diary at the time were "Good show by H Coy and supporting groups, which included mortars, machine guns and artillery plus the tanks. Enemy abandoned guns and ran.." HGJR running..!! I'm still singing "You Are My Sunshine"..not any warmer today. "You are my sunshine my only sunshine, you make me happy when skies are grey You'll never know dear how much I love you, please don't take my sunshine away The other night dear as I laid sleeping, I dreamed I held you by my side When I awoke dear, I was mistaken and I hung my head and cry You are my sunshine... You told me once dear, you really loved me and no one else could come between But now you've left me and you love another and you have shattered all my dreams You are my sunshine... I'll always love you and make you happy, if you will only say the same But if you leave me to love another You'll regret it all some day You are my sunshine... Please don't take my sunshine away." best
