Operation Scipio DTO (id:#66425)

(Franc-Tireur #15 ID: FT287)   [next]   [previous]

Wadi Akarit, Tunisia 1943-04-06 (8 others)

Overview:

Since the defeat at El Alamein, the Axis forces in North Africa had been in full retreat. After failing to stop the pursuing 8th Army at the Mareth Line, it was General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim's intention to make a stand at the more northernly Wadi Akarit. If the 8th Army could be held there, other Axis forces could focus on the Allied 1st Army to the west, defeat it and then make a similar blow to the 8th Army. Montgomery was well aware of the danger and assaulted as soon as his forces were ready. The 4th Indian Division was to secure the left flank and capture the commanding Point 275. The 1/2nd Gurkha Rifles stealthily crept up the rugged terrain during the night and unleashed a furious assault led by the heroic Subedar Lalbahadur Thapa, who received the VC for his actions. The Axis troops from the Pistoia Division and the German 90th Light Division were surprised and defeated in hand to hand combat. With Hill 275 safely in their hands, the Gurkhas dug in and awaited the expected counterattacks.

Defender: British (Indian) (A and D Companies, 2nd King Edward VII's Own Gurkha Rifles, 4th Indian Division with supporting Corps Artillery)  

Errata (source)