I am trying to get more details on the command and location of the 1/2nd Punjab Regiment in the Middle East from August 1942 to late January 1944. During this period, the Battalion took on a primarily garrison role. The regimental history is of little help since all it states is that “For nearly 2 years following this action (Ruweisat Ridge) the 1/2nd did garrison and security duties in various parts of the eastern Mediterranean, until in 1944 it was called upon to play its part in the northward advance through Italy” There are war diaries for this period, that if anyone has access to, would be very helpful. 1/2nd Punjab Regiment - 1942 - WO 169/7752 1/2nd Punjab Regiment - 1943 - WO 169/14959 From other sources, I have gleaned a few pieces of information for this period. 1) On August 19th, the Battalion turned over its equipment to the 4/7th Rajput Regiment, which replaced it in 161st Indian Brigade. It took over the camp vacated by the 4/7th Rajputs on the 20th in the Wadi Natrun area on the Cairo-Alexandria Road. It became a garrison unit at various locations in Egypt through July 1943. 2) In July, the Battalion moved to Palestine to continue its garrison role. 3) The 1/2nd Punjab Regiment was attached to the brigade while the 5th Brigade was at the Mountain Warfare Training Centre at Ras Baalbeck, Syria from October 21st to November 2nd, 1943. 4) The Battalion came directly under command of the 4th Indian Division for the move to Egypt. It left with the 4th Indian Divisional HQ from Ablah, Syria on November 4th and arrived at Qassassin, Egypt, the divisional concentration area on the 8th. The Battalion was warned on November 11th that it would no longer be affiliated with the division and return back to the command of 9th Army. 5) On November 11th, 1943, the Battalion left Egypt and returned to Syria under the command of the 9th Army. 6) It joined the 10th Indian Brigade in Palestine in late January 1944, replacing the 4/13th Frontier Force Rifles, which remained in Cyprus. Any other details on this period from August 1942 to late January 1944 would be most helpful or access to the war diaries for 1942-43. Thanks in advance.
