My grandfather Thomas Nicolas McMahon from Pietermaritzburg in Natal was a member of the 6th Armoured car regiment in the North African campaign. I don't have much information other than his Welcome Home card, which states his number as 80006 and rank was staff sergeant. I am attaching a photo he had of General Jan Smuts addressing the troops in 1941, and the back that gives a little more detail of where it was taken but I am battling to read the inscription on the back and I suspect some spelling errors. Any information would be helpful
I'd say "Our Dear General Smutts, at an inspection of us at ??? 18m from ??? Just prior to us moving in to take over ??? from 11th Hussars 194?" I'll try work out the places
Our dear general Smuts at an inspection of us at Amirya, 18 miles from Alexandria. Just prior to us moving in to take over (probably says) Ariete from 11th Hussars. 1941. this is particularly interesting to me as in my grandads service history he was attached to the “SA Rifles”. Fairly certain that was at Amirya prior to moving into Tobruk to relieve the Australians. Alex.
Hi, you can apply for his service records. E-mail sandfdoc@mweb.co.za Tel No 012 339 4600 If I remember rightly you have to give your full name and address, contact number and ID number if you are South African. Also of course all your Grandfather's details and mention that he was your Grandfather. It may take a while but you should get a response. Diane
Hi Adrienne The war diaries of 6 S.A.A.C. are available at your archives. I have them for some months of 1941 and 1942. DM me if interested. Based on this I would expect this visit happened prior to October, as there is no mention of it, and in October the regiment moved out to the desert, with HQ and one squadron going to Oasis Force in Siwa/Melfa and the rest going to Matruh. All the best Andreas
The transcribed War Diary for 1941 of the 11th Hussars is available here: War Diaries of The 11th Hussars, (Prince Albert's Own) (warlinks.com) This section is of note: Unfortunately, no location is apparent, what locations mentioned do not look anything like the location in question. Also there is no mention of handing over to 6th SA AC Regiment.
