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No. 2 Commando, 11th S.A.S.
1st Parachute Battalion (1940-45)
War Diaries
 North African Campaign
November 1942
Commanding Officer Lt/Col S. J. Hill MC
15/16th Place .... MAISON
Hour ... Night
Briefing by CO re Parachute Operation: The Battalion is to capture the Aerodrome
at SOUK EL ARBA (MR11, TUNISIA. 1/50,000 Sheet 32)
It is not known if the landing will be opposed by the FRENCH.
16th
Hour ... 1000
The Battalion moved off from the hangars and boarded their Aircraft.
Hour ... 1100
Battalion airborne: The flight was uneventful, most of the journey was at sea
level and no enemy aircraft were seen by our Fighter escort.
Place .... SOUK EL ARBA
Hour ... 1350
Battalion dropped at SOUK EL ARBA, casualties on DZ, were one killed and
two injured.The WS22 and several containers failed to release from the aircraft.
The battalion formed up without incident.The CO and Adjutant were met by a
FRENCH officer who took them to a FRENCH HQ where transport was arranged to
convey Major des Voeux and escort, to meet General Barr, also to move the battalion
to BEJA. (Sheet 5 MR 2037). T Company and the Anti-Tank section were left on
the DZ to salvage parachutes and equipment. Lt Mackay's Royal Engineers remained
to carry out a detailed recce of the landing ground. The entire party was under the
command of Battalion 2 i/c, Major Pearson. The FRENCH had given the Battalion a
welcome, were friendly, courteous and helpful.
Hour ... 1700
Battalion, less salvage party, moved off to BEJA
Hour ... 1930
Battalion debussed two miles outside of BEJA. The CO and Adjutant went into
the village to visit the FRENCH Commander, Colonel Bergerou who advised them to
remain in their present position for the night. Meanwhile the salvage party cleared
the DZ and arranged for the removal of items to base, in the charge of Lt
Clements.
17th
Hour ... 1000
The FRENCH arranged the funeral of our casualty to take place the following day.
The battalion spent a miserable night in the open; there was heavy rain and it
was very cold. The CO went into BEJA and interviewed Colonel Bergerou.
One Company was detailed to take over a sector of the FRENCH positions covering
the town to the EAST and transport was provided to "lift" one Company.
Hour ... 1000
The Mobile Company given orders that it would leave during the afternoon
to harass the enemy lines of communications running SOUTH from MATEUR
(Sheet 2,5878) on the MATEUR side of the NSIR road, (Sheet 2,4159)
Hour ... 1200
Mobile Company moved off under Major Cleasby-Thompson. During the afternoon
a Spitfire and a Hurricane landed at SOUK EL ARBA aerodrome.
Place .... BEJA
Hour ... 1600
The Battalion moved into BEJA. R Company taking over the FRENCH sector covering
the roads running from SIDI NSIR and MEDJEZ EL BAB (Sheet 5,5834) into BEJA.
Battalion HQ was established in the slaughter house, Field Ambulance in the local
hospital. The 2i/c and the Intelligence Officer attended the funeral of Pte Webster.
Hour ... 1800
Lt Clements and four other ranks returned to base by train with all the
salvage. Remainder of the Battalion entrained for BEJA leaving Lt Mackay to
continue with his reconnoitre.
Hour ... 2030
Train arrived at BEJA and troops remained entrained overnight. The 2i/c
and Intelligence Officer contacted Major des Vouex at FRENCH HQ.
18th
At dawn the 2i/c contacted the CO. T Company was moved into Battalion reserve in
Battalion HQ area. The CO attended several conferences with the FRENCH. The
information they gave us was, that the enemy was holding the river line to the EAST
of MEDJEZ EL BAB with a force of some 300 men. They had attempted to cross the
river. The FRENCH declared that they would not fire upon the GERMANS unless
fired upon themselves.
Hour ... 1500
1st Squadron Derbyshire Yeomanry arrived, (Commanded by Major Inglefield), and
went forward to investigate the situation in MEDJEZ EL BAB. CO ordered one
Platoon of S Company, Commanded by Lieutenant Wandless, to report to
Major Inglefield at Medjez and to place himself at his disposal. Their role was to
take up a position on the bridge at MEDJEZ and to force the enemy to fire if
they attempted to cross the bridge. Major Cleasby-Thompson's column arrived back
at BEJA with one enemy reconnaissance car and prisoners. One Battery 3.7
Howitzers arrived at BEJA.
19th
Hour ... 0300
'O' Group called and CO informed us that the situation at Medjez was deteriorating.
The enemy had issued an ultimatum to the FRENCH which expired at 0700 hours. The
Battalion was to be at immediate notice to move up.
Hour ... 0700
The Germans have made no move.
Hour ... 1100
R Company ordered to MEDJEZ to stiffen the FRENCH resistance.
Hour ... 1300
R Company moved off. The CO visited Colonel Hull, OC 'BLADE FORCE' regarding
the MEDJEZ situation. It was decided to move the Battalion to the village.
Hour ... 2300
The Battalion embussed for MEDJEZ.
20th Place .... BEJA
Hour ... 0200
The Battalion arrived QUED ZARGA (Sheet 5, 4135) under the command of Major
Pearson who was met by the CO. He informed them that the enemy had crossed the
river in several places and it was not possible to move into MEDJEZ; the FRENCH
and the AMERICANS had already commenced to withdraw from the river. 2i/c was
ordered to withdraw S Company to BEJA in Derbyshire Yeomanry vehicles and T
Company to cover the Battalion's withdrawal. The CO then moved forward to
MEDJEZ with all available transport to extricate R Company. The AMERICANS
'lifted' Lt Wandless's Platoon (S Company).
Hour ... 0600
The Battalion clear of the FRENCH positions north of BEJA.
Hour ... 0700
Battalion at BEJA. One Company of the Northamptonshire Regiment took over R
Company positions in the BEJA sector. The Battalion rested for the remainder of the
day.
21st
The FRENCH reported that an enemy armoured column was moving WEST on
SIDI N'SIR.
Hour ... 1400
CO ordered S Company to assist the FRENCH.
Hour ... 1500
CO ordered R Company to reinforce the FRENCH holding the bridge at
OUED ZARGA. The East Surreys took over from the Northants at BEJA.
Hour ... 1600
S Company arrived at SIDI N'SIR. Major Cleasby-Thompson, (Commander
S Company), informed by FRENCH Commandant that ITALIAN lorried
infantry, supported by tanks, had attacked his positions that morning; all tanks had
been destroyed by his guns and the infantry dispersed after suffering
severe casualties. The situation was well in hand and no assistance was required. This
information was passed to the CO, who ordered the Company back to BEJA. Before
leaving, the FRENCH Commandant informed OC C Company that there was an enemy
Tank Harbour about 12 kms up the railway line, between SIDI N'SIR and MATEUR.
22nd
Battalion at rest in BEJA. Captain Maude visited SIDI N'SIR to arrange
an interview tomorrow between the FRENCH Commandant and the Battalion CO
regarding the Tank Harbour. Major Maude brought back two men of S Company who
had been left behind on the previous visit.
23rd
Hour ... 0900
The CO accompanied by Major Cleasby-Thompson and Captain Maude visited the
FRENCH Commander at SIDI N'SIR, being machine-gunned by ME109's en route. A
discharged FRENCH sailor who had been wounded by the BRITISH at ORAN and was
living in the area, gave information that an ITALIAN Force of approximately 300
with 17 - 20 tanks, harboured every night about 8 or 10 miles down the railway line
and did not put outposts or pickets. The CO decided to attack the position that night
with the Battalion (less R Company) and one detachment of FRENCH SENGALESE.
Hour ... 1330
The CO returned to BEJA.
Hour ... 1500
General Everleigh, OC 78 Division and Brigadier Case arrived at Battalion HQ. He
informed the CO that he intended to attack MEDJEZ the following day and granted
his permission to carry out a night attack on the ITALIANS.
Hour ... 1600
Battalion 'O' Group briefed. Zero hour advanced to 0300 hours.
Hour ... 1800
Battalion embussed in 'light order'
Hour ... 2000
Battalion arrived at SIDI N'SIR
24th
The Battle of GUE HILL (TUNISIA Sheet 2, 1/20,000).
The enemy positions were located in the neighbourhood of DJEBEL ES SOUDID
(4868). The plan was that one Platoon of T Company and a composite Platoon from
Battalion HQ, under Commands of Captain Coxen and Lt Lloyd to attack from the
WEST. One Platoon of T Company to attack from the SOUTH. Two Platoons of S
Company with the CO and HQ. S Company to attack from the EAST. The remaining
Platoon of S Company to move round EAST of the position and attack some
Anti-Aircraft guns reported on the high ground NORTH-WEST of the position.
Mortars were to put down a concentration of HE from a position by the bridge
SOUTH of the river. They would fire from Z to Z+4. The SENGALESE would help in
carrying the mortars and bombs and would then come into reserve. Royal Engineers
were to mine the road to the East. The Battalion moved in single file guided by the
FRENCH sailor. About 1 km from the enemy the Battalion split up into it's assault
groups and were in position by Z-20. At Z-15 three heavy explosions were heard
from the Royal Engineer forming up point. Firing then started from EAST of the
position, followed by spasmodic firing from several places. At Zero hour the mortar
concentration came down. It was later discovered that the enemy had vacated the
target area. It was found they were only about 60 - 70 strong with an extensive
proportion of Machine Guns, with their main positions well prepared on the summits of
the hills. The Platoon of Lt Wandless cleared one hill with great elan and
gallantry. There were two small enemy tanks in hull down positions, with a pill-box
on one hill. These were attacked by the CO, who captured the crew and destroyed
one tank with bombs. While moving to the second tank he was severely wounded.
Enemy resistance ceased about Z+90. The SENGALESE were in action for the first
time and were a little nervous. They were well lead by their FRENCH Officer. It
was impossible to estimate enemy casualties with accuracy; many were severely
wounded GERMANS, (the machine-gunners were all GERMAN) and the ITALIANS had
to be left with their dead. ITALIAN medical orderlies were assisted and left
behind.
Some ITALIAN walking wounded wanted to return with the Battalion as prisoners and
were most reluctant to stay behind; they were too weak however to be taken,
although one ITALIAN kept up for about four miles before collapsing. Our own
wounded were lifted in two captured ITALIAN tricycles down the railway or on
handcarts pulled by ITALIAN prisoners who worked willingly and well. One ITALIAN
Officer and 25 GERMAN and ITALIAN other ranks were taken. T Company covered
the withdrawal, which was organised by Major Pearson.
Hour ... 0543
The Battalion cleared the locality of GUE HILL; our casualties, CO and Adjutant
severely wounded, 3 other ranks killed, 3 other ranks wounded; Captain Geary (Royal
Engineers) killed, 2 Royal Engineer Officers and 15 Royal Engineer other ranks
missing.
Hour ... 1530
Last elements of Battalion arrive at BEJA. Major Pearson assumed Command of the
Battalion with Major Cleasby-Thompson as 2i/c, Lt O'Brien as Adjutant and Captain
Maude assuming Command of S Company. One Platoon of S Company took over the
road block from the East Surreys on the OUED ZARGA road.
Hour ... 1730
CO met Colonel Hull at BLADE FORCE HQ and was informed that the Battalion was to
prepare to move to a position in MATEUR with one Battery of Anti-tank guns under
Command. The CO arranged to meet OC BLADE FORCE at his HQ East of SIDI N'SIR with 'O' Group at
1400 hours the following day.
25th
Hour ... 0503
BEJA bombed. Warning order issued to Battalion for move to new locality after
dark.
Hour ... 1315
CO and 'O' Group left to meet Colonel Hull and to reconnoitre new positions.
Dive-bombed en route. CO informed that one Company was to move to SIDI N'SIR
that night; remainder to stay in present location. 'O' Group reconnoitred position in
area of Road Junction (5659 Sheet 2).
26th
BEJA bombed during the morning. GERMAN radio reported 24 BRITISH parachutists
as POW's; it was assumed that these were the missing Royal Engineers and Captain
Stewart and his patrol.
Hour ... 1000
CO visited Colonel Hull, who ordered the Battalion to a new location to guard BLADE
FORCE Tank Harbour. CO to contact LT-Colonel Hamilton-Russell, 17/21st Lancers.
The Battalion was to move in daylight by Troop Carrier Vehicles with air cover and
occupy positions by sunset.
Hour ... 1300
CO returned to BEJA.
Hour ... 1400
CO left with 'O' Group for recce. Battalion under Major Cleasby-Thompson
left BEJA in Troop Carrier Vehicles. S Company and Battalion HQ bombed
and machine-gunned en route. 8 killed and 13 wounded in S Company.
Hour ... 1600
Company arrived at Road Junction 5969 and took up positions, relieving A Company of
Rifle Brigade. Battalion HQ established in farm, 5763. 1 Platoon, T Company
prepared ambush at ZAMAK PASS 5869. Patrol under Captain Coxen reconnoitred
Coxen's Farm, 6665.
27th
Hour ... 0700
CO met Captain Coxen at ZAMAK PASS. He reported Farm unoccupied. OC 17/21st
Lancers made one Section of carriers available to Battalion to lift T Company to
Coxen's Farm. One Section of T Company ambushed by GERMAN parachutists who
wounded six other ranks. The enemy, four in number, were all killed. Colonel Hull
authorised R Company to support T Company at Coxen's Farm. R Company lifted by
17/21st Lancer's carriers. S Company took over R Company's positions.
28th
Uneventful day. T Company Anti-tank guns moved to Coxen's Farm during the night.
Information from BLADE FORCE that 2nd Battalion XXth Lancashire Fusiliers would
be taking over from the Battalion during the night. The CO met OC 2i/c Lancashire
Fusilier's, Major Kelly, (Their CO Lt Colonel Laurie Mauley, had been 'killed in
action' a few days earlier), at midnight and arranged that they would not take over
until daylight. The XXth were weak, having lost nine Officers and over 200 other
ranks at the battle of MEDJEZ EL BAB. The Coxen Farm force commenced
patrolling. XXth informed us that they had buried Captain Stewart and five other
ranks at OUEN ZARGA. Lt Perrin-Brown carried out a most successful patrol.
29th
The CO moved to Coxen's Farm for the day and spent the night with T Company. S
Company was brought into reserve behind Battalion HQ. Battalion HQ XXth moved
into farm buildings next to our Regimental Aid Post. An uneventful day.
30th Area .... Coxen's Farm
Hour ... 0400
A small enemy patrol attacked left of the forward Company of the XXth, killing one
Fusilier, wounding another and taking a Coxen's wounded man prisoner. Two enemy
dead were found at dawn and in the evening a further three enemy dead were found
by a Fusilier patrol. Lt Gammon took out a patrol to observe the enemy activity in
the Coxen's Farm area. Contact was made via 1st Para Brigade W/T with the 2nd
Parachute Battalion who had dropped at DEPIENNE on 29th Nov. Lt Wandless took a
small escort to arrest an ITALIAN farmer suspected of liaising with the enemy in
MATEUR; unfortunately the bird had flown. The night patrols had little to report. Lt
Mellor's patrol had a brush with an enemy armoured car which escaped. Lt Mellor,
himself, moved to within three and a half miles of MATEUR where he met some
enemy at a road block; they opened fire and perforated his helmet.
December
1st
An uneventful day. A Spitfire pilot shot down in the Battalion area was
entertained to lunch. Monsieur Borg arrived from M.O.I.S.B. as ARABIC
interpreter. Action at Coxen's Farm as follows:-
During the preceding days it had become apparent that the enemy has
been increasing his strength in the hills to the NORTH-EAST of Coxen's Farm. It
was obvious that unless the high ground in this sector was taken and held, the
enemy would dominate the Farm which would become untenable. Except that
increased activity on the part of the enemy, both here and in the Battalion HQ
sector, little was known concerning them. An attack on thes positions had therefore
been contemplated. On the morning of 1st December 1942, a conference was held at
1st Parachute Battalion HQ, at which Major Kelly, 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers
and Major French-Blake, 17/21st Lancers attended. It was decided that the attack
would be launched by R Company, 1st Parachute Battalion, supported by C Squodron,
17/21st Lancers, that afternoon. During the morning, information that a strong
enemy attack toward TEBOURBA (Sheet 5, 7755) was reported. This, it was
appreciated, might necessitate the move of C Squadron to that front and thereby
seriously reduce the strength of the force covering the all important SIDI N'SIR -
MATEUR road junction. It was then decided that if the enemy were found in
strength in the hills, the garrison at the Farm would be withdrawn to the Battalion
HQ area.
Hour ... 1300
Attacking force assembled at Coxen's Farm and final instructions were given.
Hour ... 1515
First phase of the attack commenced with an assault on a small farm SOUTH-
EAST of Coxen's Farm. Three Valentine tanks carrying one section of T
Company, moved out. After preliminary machine-gunning by the tanks, the section
entered the Farm, which was found to have been evacuated. The section returned to
Coxen's Farm and the tanks rejoined their squadron.
Hour ... 1550
The tank machine-gunned the main GERMAN positions and then laid an
excellent smoke screen. R Company then formed up on the Start Line, the road
running NORTH and SOUTH of the Farm.
Hour ... 1600
R Company advanced.
Hour ... 1615
R Company progressed well up the first hill in spite of heavy Light Machine Gun fire.
Heavy Machine Guns and mortars opened up on Coxen's Farm. R Company Mortar
Detachment came into action against a located enemy Machine Gun which was
temporarily silenced. The enemy then opened counter mortar fire.
Hour ... 1700
The attack was held by heavy fire from 6 or 7 unlocated Machine Guns and Coxen's
Farm was subjected to a concentration of mortar and small arms fire setting it alight
in several places.
Hour ... 1730
Light began to fail.
Hour ... 1800
R Company commenced withdrawing to Coxen's Farm, carrying the wounded. The dead;
Lt Foggarty and two other ranks had to be left behind.
Hour ... 1845
The Company reached the farm, packed up and then withdrew to Battalion HQ.
Hour ... 2200
Company arrived Battalion HQ. Our casualties were 3 killed and 7 wounded.
The strength of the enemy was probably one Company, supported by 9 or 10
Machine Guns and an infantry gun. Their positions were well dug in and very difficult
to see. The tank gunners could locate very few Machine Gun posts and little help
could be given them by our troops. No estimate of casualties inflicted on the enemy
could be made.
Note ! No further official records were available, but the 1st Parachute Brigade,
comprising 1st, 2nd and 3rd Parachute Battalions continued the Campaign from
December 1942 to April 1943, being involved in bloody battles at Green Hill, Jebel
Mansour, Jebel Alliliga and Tamira. Their fighting qualities were so respected by
their GERMAN opponents that they bestowed upon them the title, the 'Red
Devils'.The 1st Parachute Brigade's war cry, " Waho Mohammed", which emerged
during this Campaign, together with the description 'Red Devils', remain proud
symbols of the Parachute Regiment to this day.
The Brigade suffered 1,700 casualties over the 5 months of fighting in Tunisia. Of
this total 1 Parachute Battalion suffered a total of 138 killed. Of a total of 21
Officers who had dropped at Souk El Arba during the initial stages, only four
remained to serve without a break to the end of the campaign.
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