Hi, My father was a Sgt. with 51st. HD 301/127 Reg RA through N. Africa to Sicily among others before and after. I recently read a book "Last Stand!" by Bryan Perrett, among a number of battles of various eras No. 8 is "The Defence of Outpost Snipe" This occured 27 Oct 1942 and was an intense Anti Tank battle. A small photograph shows 8 men, the title names Major Thomas Bird, head bandaged {so pictured soon after the event} and the Officers and senior NCOs of the 2nd. Rifle Brigade's Anti Tank Company. I think that 3 from right is my father who I am sure would have been else where at the time of this action. The only reference is IWM, I have scanned it but the results will not allow me to enlarge it from such a small original. I have not included the scan here as I do not have copyright. Does anyone know of this book / event / picture / people, The event was covered by The Crusader, NPaper of the 8th Army. How I would go about requesting a copy from IWarMuseum. I hope I do not offend anyone if this is their father or grand father just indicate an eyetest may be due.
3mileSnipper, Not my area really, but I'm sure others more knowledgeable will be along. I'll add the photo you mentioned as an attachment. Did Perrett's book give the IWM photo number. If so you may be able to access it at the IWM site using the search function? It would be just a matter of following through on the steps to purchase either a digital image or print. Goodluck
3MS, In the RB's post-war summary, the man third from the right is identified as Sergt. Hine, M.M. of 2 RB. (Sorry) The full list, L-R, is: Sergt. Avris, Sergt. Miles, M.M., Lieut. J. B. D. Irwin, M.C., Major T. A. Bird, D.S.O., M.C., Lieut. A .B. Holt Wilson, M.C., Sergt. Hine, M.M., Sergt. Calistan, D.C.M., M.M., Rfn. Chard, D.C.M.
There was no reference numbers given with the photograph just IWM but I think 'idler' has sorted out the true identity as Sergt. Hine M.M. Thanks for the replies. I know where to come for instant help now.
C.E. Lucas Phillips has a very good account of the epic fight for Snipe in his Alamein (Pan Books, 1965). Lucas Phillips was a wartime anti-tank officer himself (CO, Northumberland Hussars I think) so he was well suited to write about one of the war's finest anti-tank actions.
Haven't seen this reported elsewhere on this site. Death of Major Tom Bird, DSO MC* Major Tom Bird DSO, MC, hero of Alamein and Desert War
