I am trying to find out where the 2nd Division was on the 23rd to 25th June 1942 during the retreat from Gazala to line of first battle of El Alamein. I know they were south of Mersa Mutrah but that's all. Where can I find their war diaries? Thanks
2nd South African Division was captured in Tobruk on June 20th, 1942. Are you talking about 1st South African Division?
SA war diaries are held at the South African military archives in Johannesburg. I can provide you with a reliable and affordable researcher contact who has done quite a bit of work for me. The quality of the diaries and AARs is generally quite good down to sub-unit level and the catalogue very logical. All the best Andreas
Here are a few notes from Agar-Hamilton's Crisis in the Desert: 21/6/42 - Afternoon - XIII Corps ordered 1st South African Division to evacuate the Kennels. 21/6/42 - Evening - 3rd South African Brigade moved over the desert route to El Alamein 22/6/42 - 2nd South African Brigade followed over desert route to El Alamein. 2nd South African Brigade stayed on to guard the escarpment passes with its HQ still at Halfway House 23/6/42 - Afternoon - 2nd South African Brigade given order to pull back that night 25/6/42 - Evening - 1st South African Division reunited on Alamein Line. Only the following South African units were somewhat involved in Matruh battle: 6th South African Armoured Car Regiment - u/c 10th Indian Division on 26/6/42 4th South African Armoured Car Regiment - Formed rearguard of XIII Corps 2nd South African Anti-Tank Regiment, SAA - Rushed up from Alamein and placed u/c 50th Division 26/6/42 11th Field Company, SAEC - Arrived 25/2/42 and worked on mines at Matruh 5th Field Company, SAEC - Formed part of the garrison of Matruh since November 1941
Thanks so much, will look at the papers. I just have a snippet written in a private diary about a sergeant who talks about retreating east to a position south of Matruh. No place names which I am trying to research hence my query.
