1st DCLI at Bir Harmat 1942

Discussion in 'British Army Units - Others' started by via fora!, Mar 28, 2011.

  1. via fora!

    via fora! Junior Member

    1st DCLI was ovewhelmed trying to stop 15th Panzer division drive trough the minefields around Bir Harmat on the 6th June 1942 to the rear of the attacking CW units. THey had just arrived to the front and were lacking heavy equippement and artillery or tank support. About 150 men were able to retreat but the Battalion was no reformed.

    Is there any account of this action. I have always read about it in books about Gazala battles but the accounts don't have details of what exactly did happen.

    many thanks

    Eduard (spain)
     
  2. Warlord

    Warlord Veteran wannabe

    Just read about this action myself, mate, and it sure would be interesting to find a detailed account, at least more than this one:

    151 DLI Brigade N.Africa - DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY 1920-1946

    By the way, 9th DLI, the gallant survivors of a brave breakout from the Gazala trap under Lt. Col. J.E.S. Percy, were trying to support Leathercol as it stood in the path of 90 Leichte Division during the Matruh battle, but as you just wrote, got caught in the open (much as 3rd Motor at Gazala), in the process of deployment, after the panzers made short work of the said provisional formation before anyone could react; communications between X and XIII Corps during that particular stage of the retreat weren't exactly the best.
     
  3. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Via Fora -
    I know exactly what you mean in trying to get details of a battalions actions in a battle - of any kind and so we have to shuffle around to piece together all of the facts -
    this link might help with a little bit...

    http://www.ghqmodels.com/newsletters/janfeb2004.pdf
    Cheers
     
  4. Verrieres

    Verrieres no longer a member

    Just read about this action myself, mate, and it sure would be interesting to find a detailed account, at least more than this one:

    151 DLI Brigade N.Africa - DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY 1920-1946

    By the way, 9th DLI, the gallant survivors of a brave breakout from the Gazala trap under Lt. Col. J.E.S. Percy, were trying to support Leathercol as it stood in the path of 90 Leichte Division during the Matruh battle, but as you just wrote, got caught in the open (much as 3rd Motor at Gazala), in the process of deployment, after the panzers made short work of the said provisional formation before anyone could react; communications between X and XIII Corps during that particular stage of the retreat weren't exactly the best.

    My website deals only with the DLI involvement (incomplete/work ongoining to this section) For a Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry perspective give this link a try
    Anthony Brett-James. Ball of Fire. Fifth Indian Division in the Second World War. 1951. Chapter 15.

    Best wishes
    Jim
     
  5. via fora!

    via fora! Junior Member

    Well yes, these are the accounts I have. Surprised they were attacked on the rear when they were there to defend the minefields gaps.
    Somewhere else I read about an officer from 1st DCLI killed during a counterattack attemp mounted on trucks.

    Imagine the war diaries of this date are not available, nor a book about the history of the regiment.

    Interesting also the 9th DLI fight at matruth. If I remember well a VC was won during that encounter.

    Thanks Eduard
     
  6. Emma Peters

    Emma Peters New Member

    Hi All,

    Late to the party but very interesting reading.

    I am researching my (possibly) Grandfather who was in 1 DCLI. He was captured reported on 5th June 1942 (Middle East-Western Desert).

    There is some confusion over if he was reported missing in June or July. He subsequently died on 7th March 1943 as a POW and is in the Milan War Cemetery.

    Private William Clarence Peters - Service no: 5438482.

    My Father was born in June 1942....Looking at the movements of the Battalion it doesn't look like they returned to England in Sept/Oct 1941 which leads me to wonder if he was really my Fathers Farther!

    My grandmother and father have passed away so I cannot make any additional enquiries.

    I am guessing I will need his full service history to show me if he returned to the UK to "make" my father or not.

    Any other ideas? Would some personnel have travelled back to England without the rest of the Battalion?

    Thanks in advance for your assistance.
     
  7. idler

    idler GeneralList

    He could simply have been a reinforcement who joined the battalion 'in theatre'.

    But, yes, getting his service record is essential. Speculating's fun but a bit pointless when the answer should be in his records.
     

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