Did the Royal West Kents see action in North Africa. I think my grandfather was sent the before going to Burma. anybody now if that was so regards Lee
Welcome back Halsaps21. The site below shows they were at Medjez Plain & El Alamein. http://www.britisharmedforces.org/i_regime...westk_index.htm
Halsaps21, The Royal West Kents had 3 battalions who saw action in North Africa. The 1st RWK served with 4th Division in Tunisia in 1943. The 4th and 5th RWK (TA battalions) both served with 44th Division in Egypt in 1942. They first saw action at Alam Halfa putting in an attack on 3 September, which was not particularly succesful and both battalions had heavy casualties. They were also involved at the battle of Alamein in October/November, but mainly in a holding role. The 44th Division was split up after Alamein and both battalions sent to Indian divisions. The 5th RWK went on to serve in Italy, whilst the 4th RWK went to Burma with the 5 Indian Division and saw much action (including the famous defence of Kohima). Cheers, Warren
Hi Lee, The 6th Battalion Royal West Kents of 78th Infantry (Battleaxe) Division's 36th Infantry Brigade also saw action in North Africa. The battalion was supported by my Regiment, the North Irish Horse, during the initial assault on the Oued Zarga Massif. See http://www.nih.ww2site.com/nih/addenda/Bat...eports/P15.html commencing "On 2nd April." The significance of the capture of this mountainous area proved the Germans had not learned a lesson from Dieppe, that Churchill tanks could climb to places where no AFV was expected to go - nor did the Wehrmacht until war's end. The 1st Battalion RWK, 4th Infantry (Mixed) Division, which was supported by 21st Tank Brigade in Tunisia later saw action in Italy. Cheers, Gerry
thanks for your replies. especially. very Interested in what you have told me about the 4th Btn D company as my gandfather George was with them probably means he was at Kohima though he never mentioned it probably as it wasn't a very nice time to remember about. regards lee this is my website on him http://rwkgdadsoldpics.rootschat.net
