Hi all, A way back I picked up some of the 1 Essex Regt war diary for the period of their time in Tobruk during October - December 1941. I've been slowly transcribing it off and on, and came across this appendix today that I thought might be of interest. Does anyone have knowledge of what type of Breda weapon they were equipped with? I'll happily post up more of the war diary if anyone would like to see it. Edited to add: The Op Order is dated 6 November 1941. Regards Tom
That's the 'hold to the last round order No.6'. I would expect them to hold Breda HMGs in the context of this order, as I do not see how they would have spare personnel for this number of AT or AA guns. Breda M37 - Wikipedia All the best Andreas
Thanks, that also makes sense when looking at the other weapons mentioned (MGs and mortars). I'll post up more of the war diary as I think it will be of some interest: This extract covers the move from Syria until arrival in Tobruk, more to follow:- WO 169/1717 – 1st Bn The Essex Regiment – 1941 1 October 1941 DEIR-EZ-ZOR C.O.: Lt. Col. Nichols, DSO, MC 0815 1 Pl of C Coy started out for MEYADIN acting as escort to French supply lorries. They arrived at MEYADIN without incident. Mobile column moved on to ABU KEMAL leaving 1 platoon at MEYADIN which was joined by the platoon of C Coy. Mobile column had four shots fired at it on its way to ABU KEMAL. The French had expected an attack on this town today but all was quiet after the arrival of the column. 2 October 1941 DEIR-EZ-ZOR 1030 After a quiet night information was received that the Arab tribes had agreed to disperse. All additional guards, picquets and patrols were withdrawn and the garrison of DEIR EZ ZOR resumed normal duties with the exception that the completion of partially constructed defences was continued. 1715 Mobile Coln arrived at MEYADINE and stayed the night. 1715 Platoon of C Coy arrived back at DIER EZ ZOR and rejoined their company in Fort Carrer. 3 October 1941 DEIR EZ ZOR 1055 Warning order issued that an advance party and C Coy complete would leave DEIR EZ ZOR on 5th Oct. staying the night 5/6 Oct. at PALMYRA. 1700 Mobile column arrived back in DEIR EZ ZOR from MEYADINE. 4 October 1941 DEIR EZ ZOR Normal routine and inspection of C Coy by the commanding officer. Orders for the move of the advance party and C Coy were issued. Appx 2 5 October 1941 DEIR EZ ZOR 0800 Advance party and C Coy left DEIR EZ ZOR. 6 – 7 October 1941 DEIR EZ ZOR Normal training. Commanding Officer’s inspection of Companies and medical inspections. Information was received that the 2i/c, Major May had been appointed to command 2/5th Bn The Essex Regt. 8 October 1941 DEIR EZ ZOR Packing up and preparation for the move of the battalion. 1240 Orders issued that the Battalion would move to HADERA by M.T. in three stages – PALMYRA 9/10 Oct; DAMASCUS 10/11 Oct; HADERA 11/12 Oct. Appx 3 9 October 1941 0800 The Battalion moved off from DEIR EZ ZOR by M.T. but owing to the rough nature of the track in some parts it was not possible to maintain a speed of 20 M.I.H. 1645 PALMYRA was reached without mishap and after a short run the battalion bivouaced for the night 1 mile East of the aerodrome. Distance travelled 131 miles. 10 October 1941 0700 The move was continued but did not run as smoothly as usual owing to several vehicles breaking down. 1730 The battalion arrived at MEZZE and bivouaced near the barracks. Some vehicles which had required repair got in late but eventually all were in by 2345 hrs. Distance travelled 159 miles. 11 October 1941 MEZZE 0830 Orders having been received that no further move would take place before 12th Oct. the battalion went for a route march through DAMASCUS. 12 October 1941 0730 The carrier platoon rejoined the Battalion and the move was continued by M.T. 1120 Leading vehicles crossed the SYRIAN border at JISR BANAT YA’QUB. Thus the regiment left SYRIA after a stay of nearly four months. The re-entry into PALESTINE coincided with the anniversary of the battalion’s first visit to that country 5 years previously. 1730 Bivouac area 2 miles E of HADERA was reached and although some trouble with vehicles was experienced en route all eventually arrived during the evening. 13 October 1941 HADERA 0800 All the battalion transport left the battalion bivouac area to be handed over at SARAFAND together with G1098 equipment. 1125 Surplus baggage on M.T. left for storage in JERUSALEM the battalion now being left only with equipment and kit which can be carried by hand. During the afternoon most men were able to visit the beach and bathe. 14 October 1941 HADERA 0415 Having entrained at HADERA the battalion left in one train, arriving at EL KANTARA where troops were fed and crossed the ferry at 1630 hrs and re-entrained. Appx 4 1700 Train left for AMRIYA where it arrived at 0400 hrs … 15 October 1941 AMRIYA … and men were fed on the station and then marched into camp 1 mile from the station. 16 October 1941 AMRIYA The day was spent in inspections, training and fitting of new battle dress and leather jerkins. 17 October 1941 0545 7 offrs and 258 O.Rs embussed at AMRIYA camp for ALEXANDRIA. 0700 This party embarked on the destroyer HAVOCK at ALEXANDRIA and proceeded to TOBRUK, no enemy action taking place during transit. 2235 Party landed at TOBRUK harbour and were taken by MT to the SIDI MAHMUD area in Div Reserve where they were received by the 26th Aust. Inf. Bde. It is of interest to note that during the past six months the battalion has used the following means of transport:- M.T. train, river ferry, raft, air and finally destroyer. 18 October 1941 TOBRUK Day spent in learning the area, settling in and also visiting the positions of the 2/17th Aust. Inf. Bn. in the Southern or Central Sector which area is to be taken over by 1 Essex on the night of 21/22 Oct. 2100 Small advance party of M.T. drivers and intelligence personnel joined 2/17 Bn for the purpose of learning the location of minefields, obstacles, etc. 2230 Remainder of the Battalion consisting of 19 officers and 465 O.R’s landed at TOBRUK, having travelled by destroyer from ALEXANDRIA, and the whole Bn was established with the 2/24th Aust. Inf. Bn. Appx 4A
Appendix 4A ADMINISTRATIVE INSTRUCTIONS No. 1. 18 Oct 41. 1. Dress. By day – K.D. shirts, shorts with cardigan if required. By night – Battle-dress. Steel helmets carried in forward areas only. All ranks will move about armed – other ranks bandolier and rifle in rear areas. 2. Water. 3/4-gall. Per day per man is the ration allowance, i.e., one water bottle each man – remainder to cookhouse. Brackish well water is available for washing. 3. M.T. All M.T. will invariably be dispersed to 200 yds between vehicles, and no M.T. will approach within 100 yds of any headquarters. There will be drastic petrol rationing. No movement of any M.T. without approval of T.O. 4. All arms, equipment etc. of 24 Bn will be taken over, also as much private property in the nature of lamps, primus stoves, furniture, supplies etc. Payments made for these, except in personal cases will be refunded from Regimental funds. 5. The Bn will be going into the line in a few days time. Only operational kit will be taken. Spare kit left in kit bags at “B” Echelon. Advance parties will be sent up tomorrow – details later. 6. A/Tk. Pl. starting course tomorrow and joining A/Tk. Coy. 22 Oct 41. Personnel detailed will parade at Bn. H.Q. 0800 hrs 19 Oct 41 with haversack rations and bathing kit. 7. L.O.B. Personnel. L.O.B. personnel, on slightly reduced scale will be left with “B” Echelon when Bn goes into line. 8. Warning. Fwd areas are thickly sown with mine-fields and all ranks must exercise greatest care. 9. Lieut. P.F.M. Parry will be Liaison Officer with Bde – details later. 10. Medical. All sores and abrasions should be treated with the greatest respect from the first as some local elements tend to affect them very rapidly. All ranks will take one ASCORBIC ACID TABLET daily except Wednesdays and Sundays when they will take two. 11. Hygiene The most rigid enforcement of the rules of hygiene is absolutely essential. All old tins and refuse will be burnt. Proper urinals must always be used. All refuse, swill, etc. will be properly collected and disposed of. [sgd: ??] Captain. A/Adjutant 1st Bn. Essex Regiment. Distribution. “A” Coy “B” Coy “C” Coy “D” Coy “HQ” Coy Q.M. T.O. War Diary.
Tom From what is listed, there is no way to determine the type of MG. The two clear candidates are the Breda 30 and the Breda 37. The Breda 30 had been captured in large numbers as it was the standard LMG of the R.E. and used by all units. The Breda 37 would have been rarer, as many R.E. units in A.S. were still issued the Fiat 14/35 or the Schwarzlose as their HMG. My SWAG would be Breda 30s. As an aside, it is mostly likely that the Spandaus listed are actually Schwarzloses. The Libyan troops had Schwarzloses as their HMG. Pista! Jeff
There's a reference in the October WD for some blokes being sent off on an AT gunner course to join the Bde AT coy. It is at least possible that the Bn took over some of the 'bush guns', and we know that a number of captured 47/32 AT and 20/65 dual-purpose guns were in service in various units as late as February 1942. Captured Guns in Use by 13 Corps, 17 February 1942 Agree with Jeff that the Spandau's would likely have been Schwarzlose, confused with MG08/15. MG 08 - Wikipedia All the best Andreas
Looking to see if I had anything that would help identify these weapons. Not much luck, but I did find this report. From Tobruk and El Alamein pp.213–214, report from Cape. Rosel, 14/D/ 2/24 Australian Bn, dtd 1 May 1941. Report is weapons/ammunition status for the posts under his command. Below is a recap from the report. Post S10 - 1 Breda with plenty of ammo., 1 Bren 4,000 rounds. Post S11A - 2 Brens and 2,000 rounds. Post Post S11 - 1 Bren 3,000 rounds, 1 Breda 3,000 rounds, 1 Italian mortar 300 bombs, 1 A/T Rifle 220 rounds. So the Bredas already appear early in the siege. Given the rarity of the Breda 37 at that time, the Breda 30 makes more sense. Both the Breda 30 and 37 ammo cassette held 300 rounds (15 chargers/feed strips of 20 rounds each), so 3,000 rounds would be ten cassette for each weapons, so no help there. Given the quantity of ammunition, I still lean towards the Breda 30. However the UK troops liked the Breda 37 and didn't really like the Breda 30. No heavy machine guns are listed (Vickers or Schwarzlose), and this is a platoon, so the LMG makes more sense. But anything is possible, given units are attempting to up-gun with anything available. I don't know whether the A/T Rifle is a Boys or a captured Solothurn. Pista! Jeff
Thanks Jeff, I had a look at the war diary of 2/24 Australian Infantry Bn (on-line at Australian War Memorial) and an appendix for May 1941 does indeed state that some of the extra weapons at company level are Breda LMGs. Regards Tom
Here is the rest of the war diary for October 1941: 19 October 1941 TOBRUK 0800 2/Lt. Baker, 3 N.C.O’s and 16 O.Rs started a 2 day A/Tk gun course with the object of joining the 23 Bde A/Tk Coy on 22nd Oct. 0815 5 O.Rs of A Coy were slightly wounded when an old Italian grenade exploded. During the day companies worked on improving defences and 18 personnel of both B + C Coys were instructed on the grenade range in the 68 grenade. 1915 Operation Orders for the relief of 2/17 Aust. Inf. Bn. by 1 Essex on 21/22 Oct were issued. Appx 5 2100 Nucleus parties of rifle companies joined the 2/17 Aust. Inf. Bn. to be over dispositions and routine of the outgoing unit. 20 October 1941 TOBRUK Working on the defences and instruction on the 68 grenade was continued and a nucleus party of Bn HQ + HQ Coy went forward and joined the 2/17th Aust. Inf. Bn. 21 October 1941 TOBRUK A normal day and preparation for move. 1830 Bn commenced change over with 2/17th Aust. Inf. Bn. taking over the front line positions of the left forward Bn of the Southern or Central Sector of the Tobruk Fortress. 2345 Relief completed and bn came under command 20th Aust. Inf. Bde. The operation was carried out smoothly on a dark moonless night over strange country companies taking up the following positions C left forward D centre forward B right forward A reserve. Patrols along the wire and anti-tank ditch in front of the FDLs and defensive patrols further forward were furnishing throughout the night. Thus the Battalion started on another phase of the war to which it was entirely unfamiliar, that of static warfare in wired, mined and dug-in positions supported by arty and tanks and armed with many foreign weapons, in addition to the usual British scale. The Bn frontage is approx 7,500 yds i.e. 2500x to each forward company. The TOBRUK – EL ADEM road runs S.W. through the area B Coy being on the West of the road and D + C Coys to the East with A Coy in reserve and Bn HQ + HQ Coy approx 2000x in rear to the N.E. The country is typical of the Western Desert very sandy with tiny hummocks overgrown with desert scrub. Rock is struck after a depth of 18 inches to 2 feet and further excavation can only be done by blasting or the use of compressors. The F.D.Ls are a series of self-contained posts surrounded by wire and having spokes of mines running out in 3 legs from the wire. There are six concrete Italian posts to each company with about the same number of more recently constructed earthen positions dug to thicken up the line. Posts run in 2 rows approx 1000 yds apart and about the same distance between the posts. All are ground level and along a slight ridge the forward row being in view of the enemy. Res Coy, Bn HQ + HQ Coy lie on the reverse slope out of observation though within easy range of the enemy’s guns. There is a continuous [line] of wire and mines in front of the F.D.Ls and forward of this an anti-tank ditch very incomplete in parts. The enemy positions at BIR EL AZAZI are approximately 1500 yards from our F.D.L’s opposite the left fwd coy running away to about 3500 yds distant from the right forward coy. 22 October 1941 TOBRUK A quiet day during which 82 shells fell in the Bn area causing no damage or casualties. Patrols encountered nothing unusual. Operation instructions were issued regarding the defence of this sector. Appx 6 23 October 1941 TOBRUK Shelling was on the same scale as the previous day and patrols at night confirmed that a great deal of work was being carried out on the enemy front around BIR EL AZAZI. Here they are establishing a line much closer in than previously. A small amount of enemy air recce was carried out and a ME 109 which passed near B Coy was vigorously engaged by our LMG’s which had been mounted for A/A. 24 October 1941 TOBRUK Shelling was on an increased scale from the 2 previous days, 230 falling in the bn area without causing any damage. A number of M.G. in the enemy’s forward posns have been harassing our forward positions with the result that practically no work has been done on them. It was decided therefore to carry out harassing operations on the BIR EL AZAZI area during the next two days with the object of destroying enemy defences and preventing further work. Appx 7 25 October 1941 TOBRUK 0215 Communication with an outpost of 1 N.C.O. + 3 men at COOMA ceased and a patrol sent out to investigate came under heavy fire. Patrols heard several working parties in the BIR EL AZAZI area. Throughout the day this area was harassed every 15 minutes by small arms fire an arty put down concentrations at 0030 + 1715 hrs which had the effect of quietening the enemy. 1715 3 Italian guns (2 x 75 m/m + 1 x 105 m/m) manned by Bn’s protection platoon joined in the R.H.A. shoot. 2300 In addition to other patrols a special fighting patrol was sent to Cooma but failed to make contact with the post, which was still out of communication. Appx 8 Two Vickers M.M.G. teams were attached to the Bn to harass working parties at BIR EL AZAZI. Appx 9 26 October 1941 TOBRUK Patrols heard dogs barking in the enemy’s lines and it is believed they are using them to locate our patrols. 1545 10 JU87’s dive-bombed our FDL’s dropping ten 500lb bombs from 2,000 ft but caused little damage and no casualties. Shelling was on a smaller scale, 138 falling in the Bn area. 27 October 1941 TOBRUK 0030 The outpost of 1 N.C.O. and 3 men from COOMA reported to Listening Post 2 in front of D Coy bringing their weapons and ammunition with them. An extremely quiet day, a sandstorm making visibility very poor. No shelling occurred during the day but a few shells fell after dark for the first time. 2300 A strong enemy patrol raided C Coy’s area and several men who succeeded in penetrating the perimeter wire were driven out by Lieut. Browne and two signallers. Further operation orders regarding the method of defence were issued. Appx 10 28 October 1941 TOBRUK Another very quiet day with practically no shelling and only a little mortar bombing. Infn was received from Bde that an enemy attack was likely and preparations to meet this were made additional support in the form of cruiser tanks, A/Tk guns + carriers being arranged. Fighting patrols instead of the usual recce patrols being sent out from each forward company. Appxs 11, 12 & 13 29 October 1941 TOBRUK No enemy attack developed and our patrols although probing as far as the enemy line found no signs of enemy patrols being out. Conditions continued abnormally quiet for the third day in succession and apart from 5 shells and a small amount of movement and an occasional recce plane there was practically no enemy activity. Operation instructions were issued regarding the responsibility of the Res Coy and also regarding security at night. Appx 14 + 15 A Coy relieved C Coy in the left fwd area C Coy going into reserve. Appx 16 30 October 1941 TOBRUK Patrols reported having heard tanks and a good deal of work in progress by Italian working parties in the BIR EL AZAZI area. A B Coy patrol tempted the enemy by firing a Bren gun from their flank but this produced no reply which would indicate the enemy’s positions. Shelling was more active 124 falling in the Bn area, without causing damage or casualties. Some were H.E. with a time charge and presumably directed at Gunner O.Ps which are erected near our front line post and stand approx 60 ft high. 31 October 1941 TOBRUK The enemy remained quiet for the fifth day in succession only 55 shells falling in the Bn area and mostly directed at the Gunner O.Ps. near our F.D.Ls. Operation orders and instructions were issued for the relief of the Bn by 1 D.L.I. on the night of 1/2 Nov information having been received that the Bn would move back into Bde Reserve. Appx 24 + 25
Appendix 5 1 Essex Operation Order No.1. 19 Oct 41. Ref. Map: TOBRUK – 1/50,000. INFORMATION. 1. Enemy. See Intelligence Summary issued separately. 2. Own Tps. (a) Operations and situation of 20 Aust. Inf Bde given in Intelligence Summary. (b) 23 Inf Bde is relieving 20 Aust Inf Bde in static sector over period 20 to 23 Oct 41. (c) with 4 Border right and 1 Essex left. INTENTION. 3. 1 Essex will relieve 2/17 Aust Inf Bn as left fwd posn of centre sector. METHOD 4. Dispositions. Actual reliefs will be carried out in accordance with table given in Appendix “A” (issued later). Exact disposition of outgoing unit will be taken over, rifle coys relieving same letter coys, but, numbers in each post may be altered slightly to fit strength of sections. 5. Advance Parties. (a) Special parties from Bn. H.Q. and H.Q. Coy. as detailed moved to join 17 Aust Inf Bn last night with a view to learning location of mine-fields, obstacles, etc. (b) Nucleus parties of rifle coys composed as under will move up at 2000 hrs 19 Oct 41:- Each rifle coy - 1 Offr. 1 O.R. (Servant) 1 N.C.O. per platoon. 1 O.R. per section. 1 signaller attached. Parties will take over dispositions and routine of outgoing unit, also orders, maps, Intelligence Summaries and reports, trench and post stores. A[n] Administrative instructions [sic] for first party will be issued separately. (c) Nucleus parties of Bn. H.Q. and H.Q. Coy composed as under will move up at 2000 hrs 20 Oct 41. (Details later). Bn. H.Q. One clerk. Two Regtl Police One Medical Orderly. One Offrs Mess. H.Q. Coy. Sigs – One N.C.O. and six men. Mortars – one per det, i.e. 3. Pioneers – W.O. & 2 O.Rs. C.O. & Servant. 6. Supporting Arms. (a) Arty. 107 Fd Regt (S.Notts H) is in support of the Bn Sector. (b) M.Gs. 1 Coy R.N.F. is located behind Bn. sector on BLUE LINE, but is available for harassing fire, etc. (c) One Pl. Bde A/Tk Coy is located in Bn sector. 7. Patrols Patrols on night 21/22 Oct will be carried out by 17 Aust Inf Bn except wire and ditch patrols which will be carried out by joint patrols of both unit. 8. Left Out of Battle Personnel. Detailed separately will stay “B” Ech under order T.O. (continued sheet two) Sheet two. METHOD (Contd.) 8. Transport for lifting will be used – details in table issued separately. 9. Weapons. 2/17 Aust Inf Bn will hand over all weapons and amn surplus to War Establishment. 10. Trench and Post Stores. All will be taken over and receipt given. Furniture will be left by both Bns. 11. Dress. Scale of equipment and baggage. Battle dress worn; summer dress in pack for day use. Operational scale. Leather jerkin and remainder of kit to be put in sea kit bags and stored with “B” Ech. Gas [??] capes in pack at bottom. Respirators taken into the line, then packed by sections. Steel helmets worn. 12. Rations and Water. Following will be taken. Water bottle filled, one day’s rations, one day’s reserve rations. INTERCOMMUNICATION. 13. Bn will come under command 20 Aust Inf Bde. 14. Reports. Completion of relief will be reported by following code words:- ALMA “A” Coy relief complete. LOVE “B” Coy relief complete. FRED “C” Coy relief complete. ALSO “D” Coy relief complete. FELL “HQ” Coy relief complete. INTO Bn. H.Q. relief complete. NUTS 1 Essex relief completed. 15. Copies of this order will be returned to I.O. by 1800 hrs 22 Oct 41. 16. Coy code names will come into effect from 1900 hrs 20 Oct 41. ACKNOWLEDGE [sgd: ??] Capt. Adjutant 1 Essex. Issued to signals at 1915 hrs. Distribution: “A” “B” “C” “D” “HQ” Sigs Mortars Carriers Comdr Q.M. M.O. T.O. War Diary 2/17 Aust Inf Bn 20 Aust Inf Bde
Appendix 6 1 ESSEX OPERATION INSTRUCTION NO. 2. 22 Oct 41. 1. PROTECTION. (a) By Day. Mainly by observation on posns from Arty O.Ps. supplemented by sentries in posts, and from outposts from COUMA. (b) By Night. Protection, recce and fighting patrols. 2. OPENING OF FIRE. (a) Normal Conditions. (i) Forward posts will engage all parties of enemy at long range but NOT from fixed line posns. (ii) Snipers. When opportunity exists Coy Comdrs will push out snipers by day to harass enemy working parties, etc. (iii) By Night protection and fighting patrols will open fire at short range, if possible, on any enemy encountered, and if in superior force will then withdraw, delaying enemy advance. (b) (i) Forward posts will withhold fire until enemy is within effective range. (ii) The weapons in forward posts will engage tanks at short range only. (iii) If tanks penetrate, posts will hold on at all costs and stop enemy infantry. (iv) Reserve coy will only engage both tanks and infantry at short range. Posn is inconspicuous and may be a surprise. Primary task of reserve coy is to hold existing posns. 3. ARTY. (a) Supporting arty (107 R.H.A.) in case of attack will engage enemy at long range continuously by observed fire during day time. At night time on D.F. tasks by Coy and Bn Comdrs. (b) Anti-Tank Arty and gun of A/Tk Coy will engage tanks penetrating front line. 4. SQUADRON “I” TANKS. Will take up “hull down” posns in rear of Bn H.Q. with alternative posns to left flank, to engage any enemy tanks which may penetrate forward defences. 5. CLOSING OF GAPS IN MINE-FIELDS. O.C. Reserve Coy is responsible for closing gap 17 and 21 in 2nd line mine-field on orders from Bn. H.Q. This will be the responsibility of R.E. personal. 6. DEMOLITION OF O.Ps. Forward coys will detail personnel to demolish O.Ps. in their areas in case of enemy penetration. Further instructions issued separately. 7. ACTION OF CARRIERS. For mobile reserve; one carrier detailed for C.O. will be prepared to counter attack on front of each forward coy. 8. ACK by codeword PIPS. (Signed) PHAL. Franklin. Capt.
