preparations for war 1941
The Battalion left Dalkeith for Thetford on the 9th Jan 1941. Lt Colonel.Morrogh-Bernard MBE was posted and Lt/Col. A. P. Murray of the Grenadier Guards assumed Command. After three weeks intensive training under Col Murray the Battalion was considered as fit for higher training. During the period January-July the Battalion took part In many brigade and Divisonal exercises and. although the junior Battalion within the Division, they earned the name of the -Blue eyed boys" of the Div. The outstanding exercises of this period were 'Boxer (Div Ex) and an Inter battalion exercise "Princess Tittysweet". Dur-ing the latter exercise "13" Echelon made its one and only attack, In Which C/Sgt. Barker, Sgt. Battle and Pte. Thaxer led the attack armed with various cooking utensils. The months of July and August were spent at Yarmouth erecting beach defences. Air raids were prevalent. Otherwise a good time was had by all. In mid August the Battalion moved from Yarmouth to Worsted Camp. Under Canvas we ploughed knee deep in mud — the main duties were the defence of Aerodromes, "C" Coy being stationed on the nearby Scotton Aerodrome. In this area the Battalion received Its first award. Pte. Guthrie of the Mortar Platoon being awarded The certificate of merit for rescuing an airman from a burning plane. During our stay in Worsted the Durham Light Infantry flashes were introduced by Col Murray. The Divison as a whole moved into the Kent area on or about. the 15th November .
The Battalion was fortunate to occupy Risborough Barracks. Shorncliffe, here we got down to the " spit and polish.' in a big way — polished floors, whitewashed coalbunkers and also weekly barrack room inspections Bona The "5ft 5 guardee 'was rapidly taking shape, much to the delight of our Guards Colonel. Spring Drills were instituted and every morning mixed squads of officers, NCO's and men running around the playing fields in quick time.
In January '42 the Battalion once again assumed beach duties. relieving the 14th Bn The Durham Light Infantry in Folkestone. Our billets in this town included the hotels -Wampach" "Lyndhurst. and. unofficially. "Bobby's". Two months of defence duties saw us en-route to Rye In Sussex. The period spent In this old fashioned town of old fashioned Streets will long be remembered this Battalion. Rigorous training new carried out by the Companies during the day in the Pett, Winchelsea and Rye areas and, by night. intensive training in the shape of Dances at the Monastry" Other sundry entertainments resounded around the "George" "The New Inn" and the "Cinque Ports" The Battalion Dance Band under the "Mighty Atom" was born in this area. At this period Rye underwent hit and run raids One of these successfully demolished the Quartermasters Coalyard much to the ammusement of the Battalion and to the Quatermasters disgust as he had already managed to accumulate his usual surplus
In April, whilst stationed at Rye. Colonel Murray was posted and Lt/Col. R. F. Ware M. C. assumed command. The Battalion took part in exercise "Harold"" in August and marched 150 miles ( a popular phrase was who said we were mechanised )
It was in Rye ,Winchelsea area that the battalion crossed swords for the one and only time with a very famous Field Marshall Results —. many weird and wonderful men of all ranks from the Army Catering Corps were to be seen working in "C" and ."D" Coy cookhouse.
October brought rumours of complete mobilization. This was followed by Intense activity In the BOR, QM's and the RAP. Inoculations. G 1098, and addresses of next of kin were the chief topic of conversation and morale was never higher. On Dec 5th the Battalion bade farewell to Rye. Many Durham made faithful promises — no more women for me — the Officers said a fond farewell to their "training headquarters' that well known cafe "Simon the Pieman". In passing, it Is worth mentioning here that a mysterious body of men commanded by Lieut Buck Ryan now appeared In the Battallion pulling a small gun. This party later became known as the Anti-tank Platoon. Camberley became our next scene of activity a. many weird and wonderful signs appeared on the vehicles, whilst mysterious bars known as towing bars were welded on to the Carriers, bringing alarm and despondency to the Anti tank Platoon. Conferences were held at all hours of the day and night. counter order and disorder reigned supreme. Eventually, the Battalion became well organised and, at dawn one morning, the MT moved off by road under Lt. Richardson's command The Carriers dlsappeared the same night by rail under Lt. Mynheer — both to an unknown destination. On the night 22. Dec at about 0001 hours the Battalion entrained at Farnborough Station and arrived next morning at Liverpool. Station.Embarkation was carried out fairly successfully and in the evening of the 23rd found us anchored in the Mersey.
Christmas morning at 1125hrs the convoy set sail for the well known "unknown destination" On this day above all days one is supposed to have a feeling of fellowship and good cheer to mankind in general . Did we have it ? Did we …....Article by Captain A E Newman MBE and Captain Thomas Henry Mynheer MM
The Battalion was fortunate to occupy Risborough Barracks. Shorncliffe, here we got down to the " spit and polish.' in a big way — polished floors, whitewashed coalbunkers and also weekly barrack room inspections Bona The "5ft 5 guardee 'was rapidly taking shape, much to the delight of our Guards Colonel. Spring Drills were instituted and every morning mixed squads of officers, NCO's and men running around the playing fields in quick time.
In January '42 the Battalion once again assumed beach duties. relieving the 14th Bn The Durham Light Infantry in Folkestone. Our billets in this town included the hotels -Wampach" "Lyndhurst. and. unofficially. "Bobby's". Two months of defence duties saw us en-route to Rye In Sussex. The period spent In this old fashioned town of old fashioned Streets will long be remembered this Battalion. Rigorous training new carried out by the Companies during the day in the Pett, Winchelsea and Rye areas and, by night. intensive training in the shape of Dances at the Monastry" Other sundry entertainments resounded around the "George" "The New Inn" and the "Cinque Ports" The Battalion Dance Band under the "Mighty Atom" was born in this area. At this period Rye underwent hit and run raids One of these successfully demolished the Quartermasters Coalyard much to the ammusement of the Battalion and to the Quatermasters disgust as he had already managed to accumulate his usual surplus
In April, whilst stationed at Rye. Colonel Murray was posted and Lt/Col. R. F. Ware M. C. assumed command. The Battalion took part in exercise "Harold"" in August and marched 150 miles ( a popular phrase was who said we were mechanised )
It was in Rye ,Winchelsea area that the battalion crossed swords for the one and only time with a very famous Field Marshall Results —. many weird and wonderful men of all ranks from the Army Catering Corps were to be seen working in "C" and ."D" Coy cookhouse.
October brought rumours of complete mobilization. This was followed by Intense activity In the BOR, QM's and the RAP. Inoculations. G 1098, and addresses of next of kin were the chief topic of conversation and morale was never higher. On Dec 5th the Battalion bade farewell to Rye. Many Durham made faithful promises — no more women for me — the Officers said a fond farewell to their "training headquarters' that well known cafe "Simon the Pieman". In passing, it Is worth mentioning here that a mysterious body of men commanded by Lieut Buck Ryan now appeared In the Battallion pulling a small gun. This party later became known as the Anti-tank Platoon. Camberley became our next scene of activity a. many weird and wonderful signs appeared on the vehicles, whilst mysterious bars known as towing bars were welded on to the Carriers, bringing alarm and despondency to the Anti tank Platoon. Conferences were held at all hours of the day and night. counter order and disorder reigned supreme. Eventually, the Battalion became well organised and, at dawn one morning, the MT moved off by road under Lt. Richardson's command The Carriers dlsappeared the same night by rail under Lt. Mynheer — both to an unknown destination. On the night 22. Dec at about 0001 hours the Battalion entrained at Farnborough Station and arrived next morning at Liverpool. Station.Embarkation was carried out fairly successfully and in the evening of the 23rd found us anchored in the Mersey.
Christmas morning at 1125hrs the convoy set sail for the well known "unknown destination" On this day above all days one is supposed to have a feeling of fellowship and good cheer to mankind in general . Did we have it ? Did we …....Article by Captain A E Newman MBE and Captain Thomas Henry Mynheer MM
16th d.l.i North Africa & Italy
Sedjenane and North Africa 1943
After over eighteen months of training and preparation, the 16th D.L.I. were at last in the front line. It was a strange feeling for those who had been with the Battalion since it was formed. This was the thing for which they had been training for so long yet it was with grim reflection that they realized that should they be careless and show themselves then the enemy they were facing would without any doubts what so ever kill them. Nevertheless, initially things were pretty quiet and the Battalion was fortunate in being allowed time to settle down and accustom itself to the realities of war in easy stages. The positions occupied by the Battalion were over-looked by the enemy who were dug in on the sides of hills known as Greenhill and Baldy. For the next six weeks there was little activity in the battalions sector .. Patrolling in “No mans land" was the order of the day. Owing to the fact that the enemy had such good observation from his posts on the hills above the DLI positions the slightest movement would attract an enemy barrage of mortars or shells. This being the case it did not take long to realise that the bringing up of rations and any other necessary movement would be better off carried out at night. During this period parties of Commandos often passed through the positions held by the Battalion to carry out raids on Greenhill.
On 26th February 1943 the long lull of nearly two months was eventually broken as enemy patrols started to become very active in the battalion area. The expectation that the enemy would attack very soon influenced the decision to withdraw the Brigade to a better line of defence but, no sooner had the move been initiated than the Germans attacked in unknown strength and completely overran the village of Monopoles six miles north of Sedjenane ,the 16th DLI who were without its CO Lt Colonel Richard .F. Ware and all of its Company commanders at this time (all had been called away to recce new positions earmarked for a battalion move) were ordered to advance on the Cap Serrat Road and recapture the positions at Monopoles (The hope being that the village was held only by a strong German Fighting Patrol)
At approx 0700hrs on the 27th February the leading Company which was À were surprised by a strong German force which inflicted heavy casualties including all officers 4463752 Sergeant Major John Plemper was also killed he was the son of John and Jane Plemper, of Sunderland, Co. Durham; husband of Lydia Plemper, of Pallion, Sunderland and today lies at peace in Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery Section 1 Row C grave 23.(CWGC list him as having died between the 27th February and 1st March this is usually based on the last date he was seen alive and the date his body was recovered)Due to the ferocity of the attack all the other companies were left with no alternative but fall back
Orders were received on the 28th February for the 16th DLI to counter attack. `A` company who had been decimated were amalgamated with `D` Company to form a composite Company of some ninety or so men these would lead `C` Company who held a position on the hill were to be reinforced to exploit their initial gain before pushing on in an attempt to occupy higher ground to the north of Sedjenane. At 0600hrs on the 2nd March the attack was launched. Initially both forward companies had reached the top of the slope without much difficulty and actually took some prisoners then the Germans had opened up with mortar and machine gun fire unable to call for artillery support due to radio failure the 16th Durham`s found themselves attacked from both flanks and even from the rear as well trained German Parachute engineers left their concealed hollows in a well prepared counterattack. Despite the attack being pressed home with great determination bu the Durham Light Infantry , it soon became apparent that it had failed the stragglers filtered back looking pale and tired and large numbers men from all the companies had either become casualties or had been taken prisoner. . A withdrawal was ordered first to the woods of Sedjenane and then to the cover of the woods at Tabarka.
Casualties during this phase of operations were very heavy. All C.S.M's, apart from those of H.Q. and "C" Company, were killed and, from two of the forward companies, only one officer (wounded) and 80 OR's returned.Casualties listed for this phase of operations included;-
On 26th February 1943 the long lull of nearly two months was eventually broken as enemy patrols started to become very active in the battalion area. The expectation that the enemy would attack very soon influenced the decision to withdraw the Brigade to a better line of defence but, no sooner had the move been initiated than the Germans attacked in unknown strength and completely overran the village of Monopoles six miles north of Sedjenane ,the 16th DLI who were without its CO Lt Colonel Richard .F. Ware and all of its Company commanders at this time (all had been called away to recce new positions earmarked for a battalion move) were ordered to advance on the Cap Serrat Road and recapture the positions at Monopoles (The hope being that the village was held only by a strong German Fighting Patrol)
At approx 0700hrs on the 27th February the leading Company which was À were surprised by a strong German force which inflicted heavy casualties including all officers 4463752 Sergeant Major John Plemper was also killed he was the son of John and Jane Plemper, of Sunderland, Co. Durham; husband of Lydia Plemper, of Pallion, Sunderland and today lies at peace in Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery Section 1 Row C grave 23.(CWGC list him as having died between the 27th February and 1st March this is usually based on the last date he was seen alive and the date his body was recovered)Due to the ferocity of the attack all the other companies were left with no alternative but fall back
Orders were received on the 28th February for the 16th DLI to counter attack. `A` company who had been decimated were amalgamated with `D` Company to form a composite Company of some ninety or so men these would lead `C` Company who held a position on the hill were to be reinforced to exploit their initial gain before pushing on in an attempt to occupy higher ground to the north of Sedjenane. At 0600hrs on the 2nd March the attack was launched. Initially both forward companies had reached the top of the slope without much difficulty and actually took some prisoners then the Germans had opened up with mortar and machine gun fire unable to call for artillery support due to radio failure the 16th Durham`s found themselves attacked from both flanks and even from the rear as well trained German Parachute engineers left their concealed hollows in a well prepared counterattack. Despite the attack being pressed home with great determination bu the Durham Light Infantry , it soon became apparent that it had failed the stragglers filtered back looking pale and tired and large numbers men from all the companies had either become casualties or had been taken prisoner. . A withdrawal was ordered first to the woods of Sedjenane and then to the cover of the woods at Tabarka.
Casualties during this phase of operations were very heavy. All C.S.M's, apart from those of H.Q. and "C" Company, were killed and, from two of the forward companies, only one officer (wounded) and 80 OR's returned.Casualties listed for this phase of operations included;-
4469429 Pte Robert Allinson .16th Durham Light Infantry Died 4th March 1943 aged 30 Son of Thomas Willis Allinson and Mary Jane Allinson, of South Shields, Co. Durham; husband of Frances Allinson, of South Shields He lies in good company at Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery Section 3 Row D Grave 1
4469115 Pte Robert Armstrong, 16th Durham Light Infantry Died: 2nd March 1943 aged 23 . Commemorated Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Panel 28
4469440 William Bell, 16th Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 27 . Son of George and Mary Ann Bell, of Consett, Co Durham. D Company Commemorated Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Panel 29 .
4465568 Pte John Potts Bennell, 16th Durham Light Infantry KIA 27th February 1943 aged 29 he enlisted at South Shields Co Durham .Husband of Mrs M. Bennett. of 67 Lindisfarne Road Primrose. Jarrow, and son of Mrs Ellen Bennett and the late Mr Henry Bennett, of no 54 Lindisfarne Road.Commemorated on Medjez -El-Bab Memorial Panel 29
4469442 Pte Stanley Bernard The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Born Yorkshire enlisted Scarborough .Member of ` C Company` KIA 27th February 1943 aged 29 .No known grave commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Panel 29.
4465571 Cpl George Beveridge The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of John Lausin Beveridge and Sarah Beveridge; husband of Emma Vida Beveridge, of Gateshead, Co. Durham 3rd March 1943 aged 31 .No known grave commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Panel 28
4445200 Pte Joseph William Birbeck The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Mr. and Mrs. H. Birkbeck, of West Hartlepool, Co. Durham; husband of Gwendoline Birkbeck, of Bedford 2nd March 1943 aged 35 .No known grave commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Panel 29
5948261 WO Class II (CSM) George John Broadhead (Below) The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry `D Company `Originally enlisted The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment and still recorded on the CWGC as secondary regiment Died 28th February 1943 aged 32 the son of George Richard and Margaret Broadhead, husband of Dorothy Broadhead, of Muswell Hill, Middlesex. No known grave commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 28.His brother, Sgt William Francis Broadhead , also died on service on the 13th November 1946. a member of the RAOC.
4470213 L/Cpl Kenneth Byrom The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry `D Company `son of Ernest and Alice Ann Bryom, of Blackburn, Lancashire. 1st March 1943 aged 22. No known grave commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 28
5949034 Pte James Edward Cairns The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Formerly of The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment Died1st -2nd March 1943 aged 21. No known grave commemorated on the Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29.
189530 Lieutenant Charles William Duck, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Charles and Ann C. Duck, of Sunderland, Co. Durham; husband of Annabella Duck, of Roker, Sunderland Died: 1st March 1943 aged 32. Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery I B 7
4457407 Sgt Jeffrey Emerson, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Husband of Elizabeth Emerson, of Todmorden, Lancashire Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 24.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 28
4436896 WO Class II (CSM) Miles Etherington, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Miles T. and the late Margaret Ann Etherington, of 12 Edgeware Road, Deckham , Gateshead, Co. Durham. Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 42.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 28. He had served 24 years in the DLI.
4470192 Pte Laurence Fleming,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 31. . Son of Thomas and Mary Fleming; husband of Hilda Fleming, of Newton Heath,No known grave commemorated on Manchester Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 29
4465598 Cpl James Golightly, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 28 February 1943 aged 28. He lies in good company at Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery 2 B 14
4464128 Cpl Ronald Green, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of George and Mary Hannah Green Died: 27 February-2 March 1943 aged 27.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 28
4457775 Pte Frederick Ernest Haywood The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.Son of Thomas George and Mary Jane Haywood, of Fulham, London. Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Died 4th March 1943 At rest Medjez-El-Bab War Cemetery Section 4 Row A Grave 2
4467071 Pte Valdemar Hessegar The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Maximillian Christian Hessegar, and of Fannie Louisa Hessegar, of Lapworth, Warwickshire Died 4th March 1943 No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 29
4469801 Pte Stephen Pringle Hewison, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 20.Son of Stephen and Florence Hewison, of no 7 John Street Boldon Colliery, Co. Durham.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 29
4469548 Pte Edward Hunter, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Stephen and Eva Hunter; husband of Catherine R. Hunter, of Forest Hall, Northumberland. Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 25. No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 29
4470267 Pte Richard Heslop Hunter, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 23 . Son of Richard and Mary Hunter; husband of Jenny Hankin Hunter, of Sunderland, Co Durham No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 29
4470382 Pte John Kershaw. The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Mrs. E. Kershaw, of Littleborough, Lancashire Age 20 Died 2nd March 1943.He lies in good company at Massicault War Cemetery Section VI Row A Grave 13.John Kershaw was born in Rochdale on 18th February 1923 Mrs. E. Kershaw, 687 Halifax Road, Hurstead, Rochdale, Lancashire,was first informed that her son was `missing`(letter dated 23rd March 1943)A further letter was received on the 24th August 1943 informing her that Private J. Kershaw had been wounded and was missing, On the 4th/12th/17th January 1944 letters were received with the final confirmation informing her that Private J. Kershaw died of wounds on 2nd March 1943 in the French hospital, Ferryville,in Tunisia, Confirmation of his burial place was received on the 15th February 1944 and stated that John had been buried in Ferryville Municipal Cemetery, Tunisia, later relocated to Massicault War Cemetery (confirmation received 16th February 1945)
4466497 Pte Joseph Kirkley, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 32 . Son of Joseph Longstaff Kirkley and Isabella Kirkley, of Hunwick, Co Durham No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 29
4464999 Cpl Alfred Cyril Lane The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.Son of Herbert and Ada Margaret Lane; husband of Rhoda Lane, of Barnsley, Yorkshire. Died 2nd March 1943 Aged 22 No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 29.
4469573 L/Cpl Stanley Malone The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.Son of Henry and Elizabeth Malone; husband of E. M. P. Malone, of North Stifford, Grays, Essex. Died 2nd March 1943 Aged 24 No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial Face 28
4466537 L/Sgt Francis McDonough,
(photographed right) The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 32. . Son of Ralph and Sarah McDonough; husband of Edith Majorie McDonough, of Darlington, Co Durham No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial 20313 Lt Donald McGregor, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Donald and Margaret Hutchison McGregor; husband of Edith McGregor. M.A. Died 1 March 1943 aged 32.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 28 |
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4459004 Cpl William Gordon Mellor The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.Son of Washington and Florence Elizabeth Mellor; husband of Eileen Mellor, of Bredbury, Cheshire. Died 4th March 1943 aged 23.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 28
4469577 L/Cpl Harold Mitchell The 16th Durham Light Infantry.Son of John and Agnes Maude Mitchell, of Bridlington, Yorkshire.Died 2nd March 1943 Aged 23 No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 28
4469914 Pte Stephen Neal, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. Son of Stephen and Mary Neal; husband of Jane Neal, Father of Joyce Peter and Mavis,brother of Mary, Maggie and Nellie of 36 Walker Street, Middleborough, Yorkshire Died: 27 February 1943 aged 30.He lies in good company Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Section I Row C Grave No 5
4464810 Pte William Nodder, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 30. . Son of J F and Nellie Nodder, of Castleford, Yorkshire No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29
4465023 Pte Herbert Oates The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. Died 2nd March 1943 Aged 24 No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29
4463752 Warrant Officer Class II (C.S.M.) John Plember .The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. Son of John and Jane Plemper, of Sunderland, Co. Durham; husband of Lydia Plemper, of Pallion, Sunderland.Date of Death listed by CWGC as between 27/02/1943 and 01/03/1943 Aged 30 yrs He lies in good company at Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery Section 1 Row C Grave no 23 .
4470254 Pte Ernest Rigby The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. Son of Frank and Alice Rigby, of Tottington, Lancashire; husband of Mary Ellen Rigby, of Tottington. Died between 01/03/1943 and 02/03/1943 Aged 34. He lies in good company at Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery Section 1 Row B Grave no 5 .
4469986 Pte John Stenton Roberts, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 28 February-1 March 1943 aged 21yrs Son of John Thomas Roberts and Jane Stenton Roberts, of Sturry, Kent. Born Sunderland; enlisted Sunderland Medjez-El-Bab War Memorial,Panel 29
4469329 Pte Henry Kenneth Rowland.The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.Son of William Henry and Olive Emma Rowland, of Stockton-on-Tees, Co. Durham. Died 2nd March 1943 Aged 22.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29
4468505 L/Cpl Cecil Sands,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 38yrs Son of Robert Ness Sands and Margaret Sands; husband of Laura Sands, of Byker, Newcastle-on-Tyne No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 28
4466581 L/Cpl Walter James Secker, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 31yrs Son of Walter James Secker and Mary James Secker; husband of Marie Lydia Secker, of Dunston, Gateshead, Co Durham No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 28
4469639 Pte George William Simpson The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of George Edward and Rhoda Gertrude Simpson, of Saltburn, Yorkshire Died 3rd March 1943 Aged 28 .He lies in good company Massicault War Cemetery Section VI Row A Grave 12.
5951620 L/Cpl John William Skellington,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry formerly The Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Regiment now The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Born Leicestershire; enlisted Hertfordshire Parents lived at 68 Cademan Street Died: 1 March 1943 aged 29. No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 28.
4464840 Pte Ronald Smith.The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.Son of Tom Robson Smith and Clara Smith; husband of Blanche Smith, of Linthwaite, Yorkshire. Died 27/02/1943 Aged 29.No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 29
4469645 Pte Robert William Smith, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 27. . Son of William and Catherine Smith; husband of Lilian Smith, of North Shields, Northumberland No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 29
4469637 L/Cpl Eric Snailham The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 29 Son of John E. Snailham, and of Jessie Snailham, of Cockerton, Darlington, Co. Durham; husband of Christine Snailham, of Clapham, London.Died 2nd March 1943 Aged 27 No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 28
4469652 Pte Sydney Whitley Southwick,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry between 1 st -2nd March 1943 aged 32.. No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 29
4470000 Pte Edward Spowart The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of John Spowart, and of Hannah Spowart, of Shildon, Co. Durham Died: between 27th February and 1st March1943 No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29
4465668 Pte Matthew Stapylton The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry.Son of Matthew and Agnes Maria Stapylton, of North Shields, Northumberland.Died between 01/03/1943 and 02/03/1943 Aged 22 .No known grave commemorated on Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 29
130959 Capt Dennis Beckworth Stark, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February 1943 aged 25. . Son of Thomas William and Mary Jane Stark, of Darlington, Co Durham. (Originally B Company, then transferred to A Company as second in command in Tunisia ) A Sgt in the DLI prior to his commission Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery I C 20
4465672 Pte Stephen Strachan,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Frederick and Mary Strachan; husband of Annie Strachan (nee Trotter), of Stockton-on-Tees, Co. Durham Died: 27 February 1943 aged 31. No Known grave commemorated Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 29
4466607 L/Sgt Thomas Norman Swan ,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Norman and Edith Swan, of Benwell, Newcastle-on-Tyne; husband of Dorothy Swan, of Glasgow.Died 2nd March 1943 Aged 26 No Known grave commemorated Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 28
4464856 Pte Ernest Thornley, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Ernest and Maria Thornley, of Pudsey, Yorkshire; husband of Lily Thornley, of Pudsey. Died: 27 February 1943 aged 31. Tabarka Ras Rajel War Cemetery, Tunisia I A 21
4464857 L/Cpl Kenneth William Thornton, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of George William and Gertrude Annie Thornton, of Carleton, Skipton Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 29. Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29
4468962 Cpl John Turnbull,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of John and Mary Turnbull; husband of Barbara Jane Turnbull, of Gateshead, Co. Durham. Died between 1st-2nd March 1943 Aged 32 No Known grave commemorated Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 28
4462227 L/Cpl Ernest Walker, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died: 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 29. Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 28
4470232 Pte Eric Watkins, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry. Son of Arthur and Ellen Watkins, of Longford, Warrington, Lancashire Died: 27 February 1943 aged 22. Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29
4469691 Pte William Cuthbert Wharton, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry .Son of Mr and Mrs Thomas C Wharton; husband of Annie E Wharton, of Seaham, Co Durham. B Company Died: 1 March 1943 aged 26. Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Panel 29.
4465686 Pte Richard Layon Henry Wilkinson ,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died 2nd March 1943 aged 22. Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29.
4465688 L/Cpl Frederick Willis,The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Son of Arthur and Isabella Willis; husband of Leonetta Willis, of Sunderland, Co. Durham. Died 2nd March 1943 aged 22. Aged 31.Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 28
4464887 Pte Cyril Windle, The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry Died 27 February-1 March 1943 aged 29. Medjez-El-Bab Memorial, Tunisia Face 29
Military Medal Action 4464742 L/Sgt Joseph Drake 16th DLI
4464742 L/Sgt Joseph Drake left his job with Hemsworth Urban Council where he had been employed as a lory driver and joined the 16th DLI in June 1940. 'On March 3 1943 while the main enemy attack on Sedjenane was being pressed from the East, a fresh threat developed from the North. L/Sgt Drake was a member of the party of 20 detailed to delay any new attack. Defensive positions having been taken up, the party was attacked by two companies of the enemy. This NCO, by continually moving the position of his two Bren guns, led the enemy to believe that the Durham Light Infantry positions were a great deal stronger than was the fact. By this action the advance was successfully held up until all ammunition was exhausted.` Joe Drake was the son of Mr and Mrs W Drake of 26 Regent Street in Hemsworth he himself residing at 10 Grove Avenue Hemsworth
On the afternoon of the 2nd March barely one Hundred men remained of this fine battalion. The village of Sedjenane was abandoned two days later.
March 10th 1943,saw Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Preston of The KOYLI assume command of the battalion in place of Lieutenant. Colonel R. H. Ware M.C.
The battalion strength was badly depleted two composite companies were formed the first under Major D.H.C, Worrall of the Dorsets who had joined the Battalion about ten days before, was in action on a feature close to the viaduct at Temara. The other Company was in the area known as `The Mine` some four miles south of Djebel Aboid. That night this composite Company was able to move up to the area of the viaduct, and take up a position behind Major Worrall's company. The 6th Lincolns were on the right with the 1st Parachute brigade on the left of the battalion at this time.
The Commanding Officer moved one Company under Major T. G. L. Ballance back to "the Mine" area south of Djebel Aboid. Here Major Ballance and Major Preen, who commanded a squadron of the 46th Reconnaissance Regiment, put their heads together and appreciated the threat the Germans were making to cut the Djebel Aboid—Beja road. On their own initiative they proceeded to move against some Germans who were located on the saddle which overlooked the main road. This operation was carried out with great success as the enemy withdrew and neither the Durhams nor Recce Regiment suffered any casualties. The Company under Major F. Duffy established themselves in what was known as the "German mines" area and this was later to prove the jumping off place for 138 Brigade's attack to retake Sedjenane.
By this time reinforcements of both officers and other ranks had arrived back at "B" echelon. Owing to the fact that both the composite Companies were in action, the C.O. was forced to form a Company made solelyout of the reinforcements and, thus, "E" Company was formed under the command of Captain A. E. C. Vizard. This new Company was placed under command of the 5th Foresters and moved down to "the Mine" at Djebel Aboid. On the 16th March 1943 the company were ordered by the C.O. of the 5th Foresters to take up a position at Temara in the area of the railway station. The platoon areas were given to Captain Vizard by the C.O. personally, and although he did not think them entirely suitable due to the very poor fields of fire he had no option but to occupy them. Patrols were ordered out to contact both the 5th Foresters who were forward and the 2nd Parachute Regiment bringing up the rear and, on the night of 16th/17th March, the road and railway were patrolled from 0400-0500 hours. The intention of the C.O. 5th Foresters was that this DLI. Company placed under his command should form a link between his right hand positions and the 2nd Parachute Regiment on the left flank. Further tasks were to keep open and free from infiltration both the road and railway through Temara and to hold the road and railway bridge at Temara against sabotage. At dawn on the 17th March the Company, consisting of 4 Officers and 137 OR's "stood to" and were subjected to severe shelling and mortar fire. No casualties were suffered from these attacks. A breakfast meal was served at 0730 hours At 0745 hours the Luftwaffe put in an appearance with Junkers 87B's, supported by ME 109s, attacking the gun lines in the valley to the DLI`s right. In the latter stages of this air attack bombs were dropped from a high altitude near to the Company area, but no damage was done. From 0930-1030 hours shelling and mortaring to the Durhams left flank and in the area of the 5th Forester positions was continuous. At 1045 hours the C.O. contacted captain Vizard on the phone and told him that the enemy had outflanked the French to the Forresters right and were also attacking the Leicesters along the line of the hills which were to the Durhams half right rear. From 1100--1230 hours the whole sector was heavily shelled and mortared. This was to prevent any assistance being afforded to the 2/5th Leicesters. Counter battery fire was heavy and enemy machine guns harrassed the Foresters, D.L.I., and 2nd Parachute Regiment's positions with a view to keeping their heads down. At 1300 hours as dinner was served Spitfires were seen overhead. At 1430 a dispatch rider arrived from the Foresters instructing Captain Vizard to go to his H.Q. to meet the C.O. On arrival there thir C.O. briefed the Captain and briefed him as to the counter-attack role and tasks which had been allocated to the DLI. After receiving his orders Captain Vizard carried out a reconnaissance of the planned assembly area and forming up place which was situated near to the railway. After this artillery support and arranged together with some supporting fire from the Foresters Mortars. "H" hour was originally planned for 1700 hours (dusk) at 1510hrs a message was sent to Lieutenant Reynolds ordering him to bring the Company forward to the planned assembly area. For some reason this message did not reach Lieutenant. Reynolds and the subsequent delay meant zero hour was put back to 1730 hours and a fresh warning order was despatched to the Company but at 1725 hours the Company had still not reached the assembly area and the C.O. was about to consider putting zero hour back to 1800 when a strong German attack came in on the Forresters HQ
Captain Vizard had no option but to postpone his attack and instead decided to use his company to aid the Forresters, however the Company had still not moved up. Captain Vizard made his way back along the line and arrived at Temara where he found his missing company. It was now 18;30hrs and the light had now faded to such an extent that to either go to the aid of the Forresters or carry on with the planned attack against an enemy of unknown strength and disposition would undoubtedly have been foolhardy. Instead Lieutenant Reynolds was ordered to fortify his position at Temara should the Germans attempt an attack meanwhile Captain Vizard made his way to the 2nd Parachute Battalion to attempt to make contact with the Forresters by radio to establish a situation report and receive further orders.
Having contacted the C.O. Captain Vizard returned to Temara and found it in a good state of defence but, whilst he had been away the Company area had been heavily mortared and some casualties, including one killed, had been sustained. A direct hit on the cookhouse wounded two cooks and wrecked the equipment but Lieut. N. L. John and C.Q.M.S. Wilson, with commendable calm, quickly applied first aid and .sent the wounded back on some Forester carriers which were stationed in the battalion area
Orders were received from the Foresters instructing Captain Vizard`s company to proceed with all speed to his HQ, which was about 3/4 of a mile away, to act as a rear-guard through which his troops, could withdraw!
Lieutenant Reynolds and a small party consisting of C.Q.M.S. Wilson, Sgt.Stoll and six men moved forward as an advance guard, with the rest of the Company following on. There were quite a few NCO's and men from the Foresters straggling back down the railway line with tales that their Command Post had fallen. Despite this, the company journeyed on. The Company arrived at the Foresters H.Q and Lieutenant Reynolds was sent on a bicycle bearing a despatch to the Parachute Regiment asking for reinforcements or for permission to withdraw as the Forresters CO was certain the position could not be held after dawn. At midnight the orders to withdraw were received .Mr Vizards Company were ordered into position astride the road, At around 0345 hrs after the last of the Forresters had passed back through the DLI company Mr Vizard gave orders for his company to begin to fall back.
During the withdrawal 'E' Company of the 16th had D.L.I. suffered one killed, ten wounded and seven missing
The German March offensive had won them some valuable ground, and dealt a nasty blow to the First Army's preparations but, by the 20th of the month, the enemy had been held on all fronts. He had made his biggest gains in the north and had only been stopped at Djebel Aboid after pushing the British forces twenty miles back from Green Hill. On the Beja front he had been held at Hunt's Gap. The two enemy advances had made Bizerte much more secure and he had won several important heights, taken many prisoners and captured valuable equipment. British forces in Tunisia were now growing bigger every day and the change over of the 6th Armoured Division to Sherman tanks was complete. To the south, the Eighth Army had pierced the Mareth Line and the Americans were also attacking at El Guettar. It was in these circumstances that 46 Division was ordered to recapture Sedjenane. The 16th Battalion Durham Light Infantry received news that it was to be relieved by the 6th Battalion The Royal West Kent Regiment and be given a few days for rest and reorganisation. The relief was almost completed when the battalion was suddenly ordered to move to relieve the 6th Lincolns on a feature near to Nef'sa Station. The Battalion came under command of the 1st Parachute Brigade once more. This second relief was completed in pouring rain and was a cruel disappointment to the men. But, the Battalion had a quiet time for some ten days. When the attack to retake Sedjenane went in, the 16th Battalion DLI stayed behind to hold the firm base. The bloodthirsty Moroccan Goums got round behind the 10th Bersaglieri, a crack Italian regiment — and crack they did. The result of this attack was that one hundred and one Italian prisoners were taken by the 16th Durhams. the Italians marched themselves in and they were actually captured by a fighting patrol under Lieutenant Pritchard which had been sent out to investigate what all the waving of white flags was about. It was now approaching the end of March and the battle to retake Sedjenane had been successful. The 16th Battalion moved once again to the mines" at Djebel Aboid. After a few days it was on the move again loaned to the 38th (Irish) Brigade of the 78th Division. In this Brigade the Durham’s took the place of the 2nd Bn. The London Irish Rifles who had suffered a severe mauling. On the 7th April in the Oued Zarga area, 78 Division attacked to clear the enemy from the main road running into Medjez El Bab. The Battalion did not play a big part in this battle and again was in a holding role. Well established on the Djebel Malidi, the Battalion passed from the Irish Brigade to come under the command of the 12th Brigade of the 4th British Division which had just arrived in North Africa. April brought a further change when the Battalion was switched to 10th Brigade of the 4th Division. The positions occupied by the Battalion were in the Sidi Nsir valley but the stay in this area lasted only a few days.The Battalion reverted to the command of 139 Brigade at Gafour, near El Aroussa. This area was not in the front line and it was a chance for the 16thDLI to have that long promised "rest" at last but it would not be a long rest.
After a long march the 16thDLI arrived in their new area just after dawn it was shady and pleasant and there was a river close by. However at1100hrs hours the Commanding Officer was ordered to report to the Head-Quarters of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. On arrival the C.O. was told that the 16th DLI was to take over from a Battalion of the K.S.L.I. who were in the line the following evening. Thus the Durham’s had exactly two days and one night of rest.
The 16th Battalion found itself once again in defensive positions near Bou Aradai and opposite the Hermann Goering Division whom it was to meet at a later date in Italy. At this particular time they were a fine fighting Division composed mainly of young but ardent Nazis, who appeared to have been picked for their size!
It looked for a while that the 16th DLI would take no part in the coming battle but the Battalion were placed under the command of 128 (Hampshire) Brigade and took their place in the first full-scale attack made by 46th Division which was on the right of the divisional attack, the Battalion was directed against Sidi Barka which was well fortified with the German defenders having over two months to prepare their ground.
On the 22nd April, the 46th Division attacked with seven battalions up on an eight mile front. One hundred and twenty twenty-five pounders, a battery of and 231 A/T Battery supported 128 Brigade, while 138 Brigade had seventy two twenty-five pounders, twenty-four self-propelled guns, a battery of mediums and 229 A/T Battery supporting their attack. "H" hour was at 0300hrs
The Battalion went into the attack on a two Company front, supported by heavy artillery concentrations on known enemy positions. Soon after dawn, the two forward companies had managed to get close to their objective but not on it.
The CO had been informed that tanks would be available after dawn and that , if he was in trouble, he could rely upon the support of at least one troop to come to his assistance. However, the squadron of tanks which were supporting the Hampshire Brigade drove onto a deeply laid minefield and, in a short time there was only one left, the rest having been hit or had their tracks blown off it was a difficult day for the battalion.
The apparent top of the hill of Sidi Barka proved to be a false crest and the enemy held strong and commanding positions from the real summit above. Casualties from deadly mortar fire were numerous and Major A M K Martin, commanding `B` Company, was killed. Lieutenant T. Reynolds took over command and, with the help of Sergeant Threadgold, held the company together in what was a very exposed area and contained the enemy. For this Lieutenant T. Reynolds received the award of the Military Cross and Sergeant Threadgold the Military Medal.
That night it was found that the Germans had indeed fallen back Major Vizard and `A` Company had been a constant thorn in the enemy`s right flank and rather than risk being encircled the Germans pulled out", having first fired off everything they possessed. After a few days rest but still on the Sidi Barka, the Battalion moved forward a mile or so to rejoin the rest of the Brigade on the Djebel Bessioud. This feature had been taken by the other two Battalions of 139 Brigade on the 25th April. Two or three days later the Battalion moved across to the far side of the Salt Lake and came under the command of 138 Brigade who were on Djebel Kournine, more commonly known to all as "The Twin Tits". This feature had successfully prevented the 1st and 6th Armoured Divisions from effecting a break through as it rose up in a sheer face from the plain and completely dominated the surrounding countryside.
In the early days of May the 16th DLI took over from the 2/4th K.O.Y.L.I. on the edge of the salt lake Sall Lake and went under the command of the 1st Armoured Division.Here the task by day was easy due to the fact that the Germans would have been foolish to try any counterattack with such a vast weight of armour in the area At night, however, the Battalion's role was not so easy as its task was to prevent enemy patrols from infiltrating through the lines and reaching the tanks. A strong patrol of about thirty of the enemy arrived one night armed with explosives and "beehive" mines. This enemy patrol was dealt with accordingly by the 16th DLI. When hearing of this, the Commander of the 1st Armoured Division was very pleased and praise was duly given. News now started to come through that the death blow was being dealt to the enemy in the Medjez El Bab area (the gateway to the sea) and, sure enough, this battle was about to end. The Division was left out of the final triumphant decent on Tunis and Bizeta and the 16th Battalion, therefore, took no further part in the battle. By the 12th May it was all over — the African Campaign had been won. At about this time the 16th Durhams moved to the Oued Zarga area which involved a journey of about thirty miles.
In two months fighting the Durhams had been under command of nine different Brigades and had been in three Divisions as well as its own 46th Division. The Victory was celebrated by an extra issue of rum and there were wild rumours of leave and a good time for all. The Quartermaster called in all Battle Dresses and gave out K.D. in lieu. This was the first time that the Battalion had seen tropical kit. After just over a week at Oued Zarga, during which time it took part in the great Victory Parade in Tunis (20th May), the Battalion became involved in the guarding of prisoners of war.
A move took place back to Ghardimaou on Tunisian-Algerian frontier where the Battalion had staged in January. Fortunately there were hardly any prisoners to guard and trips to the sea at La Calle were fairly frequent. Towards the end of May, another move took the Battalion to Hamman Lif just south of Tunis and everyone was able to spend a very pleasant fortnight by the sea. It was here that the Battalion lined the road for the Prime Minister Mr. Winston Churchill, accompanied by Anthony Eden and the C.I.G.S.
Early in June the Battalion moved all the way back to Blida, some thirty miles south of Algiers. The whole of 139 Brigade was concentrated in this area and welcome reinforcements were received at this time. The Battalion was reorganised and got down to training in earnest. After the reorganisation the Company Commanders were: — "A" Company Major A. E. C. Vizard, "B" Company Major J. R. Johnson M.C, "C" Company Capt. G. Jobey, "D" Company Capt. F. Duffy, "H.Q." Comp, Capt. T. Reynolds M.C. and "S" Company Major T. G. L. Ballance M.C.
The period at Blida was enjoyed by everyone. A time for a little rest and recuperation. The beginning of August found the Battalion still at Blida training hard for its next encounter with the enemy. On the 11th August the Battalion . boarded ships once more and on the 13th, arrived at Bizerta and settled down in the Divisional Concentration Area. Here, once more, time was spent in gettill really fit and in taking part in two exercises connected with Assault Landing and it soon became very obvious that it would not be long. before the Battalion joined combat with the enemy once again.
March 10th 1943,saw Lieutenant Colonel J. C. Preston of The KOYLI assume command of the battalion in place of Lieutenant. Colonel R. H. Ware M.C.
The battalion strength was badly depleted two composite companies were formed the first under Major D.H.C, Worrall of the Dorsets who had joined the Battalion about ten days before, was in action on a feature close to the viaduct at Temara. The other Company was in the area known as `The Mine` some four miles south of Djebel Aboid. That night this composite Company was able to move up to the area of the viaduct, and take up a position behind Major Worrall's company. The 6th Lincolns were on the right with the 1st Parachute brigade on the left of the battalion at this time.
The Commanding Officer moved one Company under Major T. G. L. Ballance back to "the Mine" area south of Djebel Aboid. Here Major Ballance and Major Preen, who commanded a squadron of the 46th Reconnaissance Regiment, put their heads together and appreciated the threat the Germans were making to cut the Djebel Aboid—Beja road. On their own initiative they proceeded to move against some Germans who were located on the saddle which overlooked the main road. This operation was carried out with great success as the enemy withdrew and neither the Durhams nor Recce Regiment suffered any casualties. The Company under Major F. Duffy established themselves in what was known as the "German mines" area and this was later to prove the jumping off place for 138 Brigade's attack to retake Sedjenane.
By this time reinforcements of both officers and other ranks had arrived back at "B" echelon. Owing to the fact that both the composite Companies were in action, the C.O. was forced to form a Company made solelyout of the reinforcements and, thus, "E" Company was formed under the command of Captain A. E. C. Vizard. This new Company was placed under command of the 5th Foresters and moved down to "the Mine" at Djebel Aboid. On the 16th March 1943 the company were ordered by the C.O. of the 5th Foresters to take up a position at Temara in the area of the railway station. The platoon areas were given to Captain Vizard by the C.O. personally, and although he did not think them entirely suitable due to the very poor fields of fire he had no option but to occupy them. Patrols were ordered out to contact both the 5th Foresters who were forward and the 2nd Parachute Regiment bringing up the rear and, on the night of 16th/17th March, the road and railway were patrolled from 0400-0500 hours. The intention of the C.O. 5th Foresters was that this DLI. Company placed under his command should form a link between his right hand positions and the 2nd Parachute Regiment on the left flank. Further tasks were to keep open and free from infiltration both the road and railway through Temara and to hold the road and railway bridge at Temara against sabotage. At dawn on the 17th March the Company, consisting of 4 Officers and 137 OR's "stood to" and were subjected to severe shelling and mortar fire. No casualties were suffered from these attacks. A breakfast meal was served at 0730 hours At 0745 hours the Luftwaffe put in an appearance with Junkers 87B's, supported by ME 109s, attacking the gun lines in the valley to the DLI`s right. In the latter stages of this air attack bombs were dropped from a high altitude near to the Company area, but no damage was done. From 0930-1030 hours shelling and mortaring to the Durhams left flank and in the area of the 5th Forester positions was continuous. At 1045 hours the C.O. contacted captain Vizard on the phone and told him that the enemy had outflanked the French to the Forresters right and were also attacking the Leicesters along the line of the hills which were to the Durhams half right rear. From 1100--1230 hours the whole sector was heavily shelled and mortared. This was to prevent any assistance being afforded to the 2/5th Leicesters. Counter battery fire was heavy and enemy machine guns harrassed the Foresters, D.L.I., and 2nd Parachute Regiment's positions with a view to keeping their heads down. At 1300 hours as dinner was served Spitfires were seen overhead. At 1430 a dispatch rider arrived from the Foresters instructing Captain Vizard to go to his H.Q. to meet the C.O. On arrival there thir C.O. briefed the Captain and briefed him as to the counter-attack role and tasks which had been allocated to the DLI. After receiving his orders Captain Vizard carried out a reconnaissance of the planned assembly area and forming up place which was situated near to the railway. After this artillery support and arranged together with some supporting fire from the Foresters Mortars. "H" hour was originally planned for 1700 hours (dusk) at 1510hrs a message was sent to Lieutenant Reynolds ordering him to bring the Company forward to the planned assembly area. For some reason this message did not reach Lieutenant. Reynolds and the subsequent delay meant zero hour was put back to 1730 hours and a fresh warning order was despatched to the Company but at 1725 hours the Company had still not reached the assembly area and the C.O. was about to consider putting zero hour back to 1800 when a strong German attack came in on the Forresters HQ
Captain Vizard had no option but to postpone his attack and instead decided to use his company to aid the Forresters, however the Company had still not moved up. Captain Vizard made his way back along the line and arrived at Temara where he found his missing company. It was now 18;30hrs and the light had now faded to such an extent that to either go to the aid of the Forresters or carry on with the planned attack against an enemy of unknown strength and disposition would undoubtedly have been foolhardy. Instead Lieutenant Reynolds was ordered to fortify his position at Temara should the Germans attempt an attack meanwhile Captain Vizard made his way to the 2nd Parachute Battalion to attempt to make contact with the Forresters by radio to establish a situation report and receive further orders.
Having contacted the C.O. Captain Vizard returned to Temara and found it in a good state of defence but, whilst he had been away the Company area had been heavily mortared and some casualties, including one killed, had been sustained. A direct hit on the cookhouse wounded two cooks and wrecked the equipment but Lieut. N. L. John and C.Q.M.S. Wilson, with commendable calm, quickly applied first aid and .sent the wounded back on some Forester carriers which were stationed in the battalion area
Orders were received from the Foresters instructing Captain Vizard`s company to proceed with all speed to his HQ, which was about 3/4 of a mile away, to act as a rear-guard through which his troops, could withdraw!
Lieutenant Reynolds and a small party consisting of C.Q.M.S. Wilson, Sgt.Stoll and six men moved forward as an advance guard, with the rest of the Company following on. There were quite a few NCO's and men from the Foresters straggling back down the railway line with tales that their Command Post had fallen. Despite this, the company journeyed on. The Company arrived at the Foresters H.Q and Lieutenant Reynolds was sent on a bicycle bearing a despatch to the Parachute Regiment asking for reinforcements or for permission to withdraw as the Forresters CO was certain the position could not be held after dawn. At midnight the orders to withdraw were received .Mr Vizards Company were ordered into position astride the road, At around 0345 hrs after the last of the Forresters had passed back through the DLI company Mr Vizard gave orders for his company to begin to fall back.
During the withdrawal 'E' Company of the 16th had D.L.I. suffered one killed, ten wounded and seven missing
The German March offensive had won them some valuable ground, and dealt a nasty blow to the First Army's preparations but, by the 20th of the month, the enemy had been held on all fronts. He had made his biggest gains in the north and had only been stopped at Djebel Aboid after pushing the British forces twenty miles back from Green Hill. On the Beja front he had been held at Hunt's Gap. The two enemy advances had made Bizerte much more secure and he had won several important heights, taken many prisoners and captured valuable equipment. British forces in Tunisia were now growing bigger every day and the change over of the 6th Armoured Division to Sherman tanks was complete. To the south, the Eighth Army had pierced the Mareth Line and the Americans were also attacking at El Guettar. It was in these circumstances that 46 Division was ordered to recapture Sedjenane. The 16th Battalion Durham Light Infantry received news that it was to be relieved by the 6th Battalion The Royal West Kent Regiment and be given a few days for rest and reorganisation. The relief was almost completed when the battalion was suddenly ordered to move to relieve the 6th Lincolns on a feature near to Nef'sa Station. The Battalion came under command of the 1st Parachute Brigade once more. This second relief was completed in pouring rain and was a cruel disappointment to the men. But, the Battalion had a quiet time for some ten days. When the attack to retake Sedjenane went in, the 16th Battalion DLI stayed behind to hold the firm base. The bloodthirsty Moroccan Goums got round behind the 10th Bersaglieri, a crack Italian regiment — and crack they did. The result of this attack was that one hundred and one Italian prisoners were taken by the 16th Durhams. the Italians marched themselves in and they were actually captured by a fighting patrol under Lieutenant Pritchard which had been sent out to investigate what all the waving of white flags was about. It was now approaching the end of March and the battle to retake Sedjenane had been successful. The 16th Battalion moved once again to the mines" at Djebel Aboid. After a few days it was on the move again loaned to the 38th (Irish) Brigade of the 78th Division. In this Brigade the Durham’s took the place of the 2nd Bn. The London Irish Rifles who had suffered a severe mauling. On the 7th April in the Oued Zarga area, 78 Division attacked to clear the enemy from the main road running into Medjez El Bab. The Battalion did not play a big part in this battle and again was in a holding role. Well established on the Djebel Malidi, the Battalion passed from the Irish Brigade to come under the command of the 12th Brigade of the 4th British Division which had just arrived in North Africa. April brought a further change when the Battalion was switched to 10th Brigade of the 4th Division. The positions occupied by the Battalion were in the Sidi Nsir valley but the stay in this area lasted only a few days.The Battalion reverted to the command of 139 Brigade at Gafour, near El Aroussa. This area was not in the front line and it was a chance for the 16thDLI to have that long promised "rest" at last but it would not be a long rest.
After a long march the 16thDLI arrived in their new area just after dawn it was shady and pleasant and there was a river close by. However at1100hrs hours the Commanding Officer was ordered to report to the Head-Quarters of the 3rd Brigade, 1st Division. On arrival the C.O. was told that the 16th DLI was to take over from a Battalion of the K.S.L.I. who were in the line the following evening. Thus the Durham’s had exactly two days and one night of rest.
The 16th Battalion found itself once again in defensive positions near Bou Aradai and opposite the Hermann Goering Division whom it was to meet at a later date in Italy. At this particular time they were a fine fighting Division composed mainly of young but ardent Nazis, who appeared to have been picked for their size!
It looked for a while that the 16th DLI would take no part in the coming battle but the Battalion were placed under the command of 128 (Hampshire) Brigade and took their place in the first full-scale attack made by 46th Division which was on the right of the divisional attack, the Battalion was directed against Sidi Barka which was well fortified with the German defenders having over two months to prepare their ground.
On the 22nd April, the 46th Division attacked with seven battalions up on an eight mile front. One hundred and twenty twenty-five pounders, a battery of and 231 A/T Battery supported 128 Brigade, while 138 Brigade had seventy two twenty-five pounders, twenty-four self-propelled guns, a battery of mediums and 229 A/T Battery supporting their attack. "H" hour was at 0300hrs
The Battalion went into the attack on a two Company front, supported by heavy artillery concentrations on known enemy positions. Soon after dawn, the two forward companies had managed to get close to their objective but not on it.
The CO had been informed that tanks would be available after dawn and that , if he was in trouble, he could rely upon the support of at least one troop to come to his assistance. However, the squadron of tanks which were supporting the Hampshire Brigade drove onto a deeply laid minefield and, in a short time there was only one left, the rest having been hit or had their tracks blown off it was a difficult day for the battalion.
The apparent top of the hill of Sidi Barka proved to be a false crest and the enemy held strong and commanding positions from the real summit above. Casualties from deadly mortar fire were numerous and Major A M K Martin, commanding `B` Company, was killed. Lieutenant T. Reynolds took over command and, with the help of Sergeant Threadgold, held the company together in what was a very exposed area and contained the enemy. For this Lieutenant T. Reynolds received the award of the Military Cross and Sergeant Threadgold the Military Medal.
That night it was found that the Germans had indeed fallen back Major Vizard and `A` Company had been a constant thorn in the enemy`s right flank and rather than risk being encircled the Germans pulled out", having first fired off everything they possessed. After a few days rest but still on the Sidi Barka, the Battalion moved forward a mile or so to rejoin the rest of the Brigade on the Djebel Bessioud. This feature had been taken by the other two Battalions of 139 Brigade on the 25th April. Two or three days later the Battalion moved across to the far side of the Salt Lake and came under the command of 138 Brigade who were on Djebel Kournine, more commonly known to all as "The Twin Tits". This feature had successfully prevented the 1st and 6th Armoured Divisions from effecting a break through as it rose up in a sheer face from the plain and completely dominated the surrounding countryside.
In the early days of May the 16th DLI took over from the 2/4th K.O.Y.L.I. on the edge of the salt lake Sall Lake and went under the command of the 1st Armoured Division.Here the task by day was easy due to the fact that the Germans would have been foolish to try any counterattack with such a vast weight of armour in the area At night, however, the Battalion's role was not so easy as its task was to prevent enemy patrols from infiltrating through the lines and reaching the tanks. A strong patrol of about thirty of the enemy arrived one night armed with explosives and "beehive" mines. This enemy patrol was dealt with accordingly by the 16th DLI. When hearing of this, the Commander of the 1st Armoured Division was very pleased and praise was duly given. News now started to come through that the death blow was being dealt to the enemy in the Medjez El Bab area (the gateway to the sea) and, sure enough, this battle was about to end. The Division was left out of the final triumphant decent on Tunis and Bizeta and the 16th Battalion, therefore, took no further part in the battle. By the 12th May it was all over — the African Campaign had been won. At about this time the 16th Durhams moved to the Oued Zarga area which involved a journey of about thirty miles.
In two months fighting the Durhams had been under command of nine different Brigades and had been in three Divisions as well as its own 46th Division. The Victory was celebrated by an extra issue of rum and there were wild rumours of leave and a good time for all. The Quartermaster called in all Battle Dresses and gave out K.D. in lieu. This was the first time that the Battalion had seen tropical kit. After just over a week at Oued Zarga, during which time it took part in the great Victory Parade in Tunis (20th May), the Battalion became involved in the guarding of prisoners of war.
A move took place back to Ghardimaou on Tunisian-Algerian frontier where the Battalion had staged in January. Fortunately there were hardly any prisoners to guard and trips to the sea at La Calle were fairly frequent. Towards the end of May, another move took the Battalion to Hamman Lif just south of Tunis and everyone was able to spend a very pleasant fortnight by the sea. It was here that the Battalion lined the road for the Prime Minister Mr. Winston Churchill, accompanied by Anthony Eden and the C.I.G.S.
Early in June the Battalion moved all the way back to Blida, some thirty miles south of Algiers. The whole of 139 Brigade was concentrated in this area and welcome reinforcements were received at this time. The Battalion was reorganised and got down to training in earnest. After the reorganisation the Company Commanders were: — "A" Company Major A. E. C. Vizard, "B" Company Major J. R. Johnson M.C, "C" Company Capt. G. Jobey, "D" Company Capt. F. Duffy, "H.Q." Comp, Capt. T. Reynolds M.C. and "S" Company Major T. G. L. Ballance M.C.
The period at Blida was enjoyed by everyone. A time for a little rest and recuperation. The beginning of August found the Battalion still at Blida training hard for its next encounter with the enemy. On the 11th August the Battalion . boarded ships once more and on the 13th, arrived at Bizerta and settled down in the Divisional Concentration Area. Here, once more, time was spent in gettill really fit and in taking part in two exercises connected with Assault Landing and it soon became very obvious that it would not be long. before the Battalion joined combat with the enemy once again.
Military Medal Action 4689911 Sgt Donald Threadgood 16th DLI
'On 22 Apr, 16th DLI attacked a feature known as Sidi Barka near BOU ARADA. Sgt Threadgold was comd No 11 Pl, B Company When it became light the Company came under severe mortar fire and were held up on the slopes of the SADDLE. This fire was directed by an enemy Observation point firmly established in the strong point at the top of the Barka feature. Sjt Threadgold continued to try and reach this enemy OP which was controlling the mortar fire. The Company Comd of B Company Major A M K Martin (later killed) called for a repeat of Artillery concentration and as shells fell short ordered the Coy to withdraw to a safe distance. Sjt Threadgold withdrew his men under fire to a safer position and directed the occupation of this position. At all times he was a great example to his men, by his leadership and disregard of his own personal safety he controlled his Platoon in a difficult situation. Later he crawled forward under fire to look for wounded and brought back 5 or 6 personally.
Preparation for Invasion 16th Durham light infantry
The voyage up the Tunisian coast for the men of 16th DLI was uneventful and on arrival at Bizerta Docks they were marched to their Divisional area . Here they were engaged in training which much to everyones dismay took the form of route marches. Progressing into August the battalion was engaged in more specific training in preparation for the assault on the Italian mainland this included street fighting, and boarding and exiting from various types of landing craft.
On the last day of August the 16th DLI moved to an Assembly area near La Pecherie. On September 5th 1943 the entire Battalion consisting of 25 officers and 656 nco`s and men,were embarked aboard their various ships in readiness for the full scale invasion of Italy. The battalion although they did`nt know it were heading for the beaches South of Salerno.
On the last day of August the 16th DLI moved to an Assembly area near La Pecherie. On September 5th 1943 the entire Battalion consisting of 25 officers and 656 nco`s and men,were embarked aboard their various ships in readiness for the full scale invasion of Italy. The battalion although they did`nt know it were heading for the beaches South of Salerno.
Military Medal Action 4468255 L/Sgt William Hudson 16th DLI
Born in Sunderland in 1920, William Hudson enlisted for the duration in November/December 1940 and saw action with the 18th Battalion DLI as part of a Beach Group on the invasion beaches of Sicily and Salerno, where he was wounded. On the 4th January 1944 he joined the 16th Durham Light Infantry in Italy and was awarded the Military Medal bravery Citation;- 'On 3rd September 1944, a Section of the Carrier Platoon was driven out of a position which they were holding SERRA Ridge. 13 Platoon, commanded by 4468255 L/Sgt Hudson was ordered to recapture the position, which they did, L/Sgt Hudson leading the assault with great dash. L/Sgt Hudson was then ordered forward with 8 men to search and clear a house nearby. This was done, taking two prisoners and killing two other Germans
From this house they came under fire from a further dug in enemy position. Without waiting for orders, L/Sgt Hudson advanced against the post, through enemy machine gun fire, throwing grenades and firing his TSMG. He went in with such dash and determination that the party (now reduced to four men) were able to overwhelm the enemy, killing two and taking eight prisoners.'Shortly afterwards, L/Sgt Hudson was temporarily knocked out by blast from a mortar bomb and was ordered to go back to the Regimental Aid Post. Realising, however, that the Company, was by now very weak in numbers, especially in Officers and Non-commissioned officers, he insisted on returning, and during the night that followed, his example and inspiration was invaluable in encouraging and keeping alert the men under his command.
L/Sgt Hudson joined the 1st DLI in January 1946 later that year he left the Army only to re-enlist in 1949 as a Regular soldier again with the 1st DLI. He served in the Korean War and finally retired from the Army in November 1958. William Hudson died in 1992.
L/Sgt Hudson joined the 1st DLI in January 1946 later that year he left the Army only to re-enlist in 1949 as a Regular soldier again with the 1st DLI. He served in the Korean War and finally retired from the Army in November 1958. William Hudson died in 1992.
Salerno invasion and `Hospital Hill` sept 43
The first days od September 1943 were uneventful as the battalion prepared to board their their landing craft in Bizerta . All battalion personell were boarded by September 5th 1943 and these landing craft infantry (LCI`s) set off in convoy towards Sicily leaving behind the Landing Craft Transport (LCT`s) carrying the battalions HQ and transport , These LCT`s were moored on the Bizerta Lake in preparation to follow the LCI`s on September 7th 1943
On September 9th 1943, `C` and `A` Coys of the 16th DLI landed on Green Beach which was still under heavy fire and made their way with some difficulty to their Assembly Area some 600yds from the beach. The Germans had dug 88mm guns into the sand and the initial assault troops ,who were now some 1000 yards inland had by passed some of these weapons which continued firing upon the troops and landing craft following behind the assault. Whilst awaiting the arrival of the remainder of the battalion these companies did what they could to help the Hampshire Regiment who had received a hot reception when landing .The 16th battalion sadly lost 68316 Captain Frederick Brookes Kirkup (Photograph right) and 4470328 Pte John Alexander Mills on the 9th September both are buried at Salerno War Cemetery . Capt Frederick David Brookes Kirkup had previously served with the 8th DLI of whom his uncle Brigadier Phillip Kirkup had been C in C. A younger brother 73651 Lieutenant William Brookes Kirkup was serving with 11th DLI at this time.
The remainder of the Battalion landed on the 10th September according to the war diary without mishap . The first night on Italian soil passed without incident although air attacks on Allied shipping in the Gulf of Salerno could be clearly heard.
The 16th DLI preceeded by the carrier platoon avanced without opposition onto the first line of low hills running Northwards and inland from Salerno to Avellino. It was deceptively peaceful . The first task for the men of the 16th DLI was to relieve the 6th Yorks and Lancs who were in the area of the hospital at La Mennold. The area was to be known as Hospital or Light Infantry Hill. The battalion marched through Salerno, which was being shelled regularly but by 20:10 hrs the battalion had completed their task and the Yorks and Lancs began to withdraw.
The battalion were then deployed on the secondary road which dominated the R.Granco Valley area, their responsibility being the right boundary . The Carrier platoon blocked the road and it was covered by a six pounder .`D` Company and `C` Company held seperate positions to the left of Hospital Hill ,its terraced vineyards toped by the sanatorium visible from the DLI`s slightly more elevated positions. `A` Company were in reserve and together with battalion HQ occupied positions slightly to the rear of `Hospital Hill`
At about 2100hrs on the 11th September 1943 `B `Coy were ordered forward to occupy the feature known as Parato passing through the Carrier section who had been skirmishing with the enemy. Heavy Resistance was encountered before the objective could be reached . The Anti Tank platoon fired into the houses which lined the road . During the fighting 301497 2/Lieutenant Herbert Duffy and 2764063 L/Cpl John Dolly (photo below) died.
Stubborn resistance prevented the company from completing the night advance and at dawn on the 12th September 1943 `B` Coy settled in to positions in the vineyards nearby in readiness for any possible German counter attack . At dawn the expected German attack came in and suceeded in pushing B Coy back a short way, before they were able to rally and hold their ground.
Sniping and persistent mortaring of `B` Coy continued throughout the day but no further Counter attack developed. 4689911 Sergeant Donald Threadgold was killed by a motar bomb whilst tracking an enemy sniper . Threadgold who had previously won a Military Medal was one of three fatalities on the 12th September 1943. 5950938 Cpl Walter Daniel Casson and 301336 Lieutenant Douglas Richard Montgomery Harrison (attached to 2/5th Leicesters) were the other two .
During the night the enemy succeeded in mounting an MG in a commanding position just below the sanatorium, but, this was withdrawn following a swift counter-attack by the Durhams.
On the 13th September `A` company were ordered to work their way to the left of `Hospital Hill ` and beyond thus denying the enemy of any approach ,however the Company came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire resulting in the wounding of both the Company Commander Major A E C Vizard and his second in command 203926 Captain T R Logan . Thomas Ralph Logan died from his wounds the next day (14th September 1943) at the field hospital. Lieutenant W A Miller took command of the company but despite their best efforts were forced to withdraw under the cover of a smoke screen. In the action 3435626 CSM Stanley Arthur Wilson was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal . The battalion HQ was also forced ro relocate after the Germans targeted the area. After `A` Company were attacked the enemy shifted their focus onto `C` Company positions and even managed to infiltrate to the top of the feature and positioned a machine gun on the hill. A determined counter-attack led by 256432 Lieutenant Patrick Anthony Casey not only dislodged the Germans but their gun and ammunition were turned around and used against the fleeing enemy. 4693806 Pte George Cook was killed on this day 13th September 1943....continued below..
On September 9th 1943, `C` and `A` Coys of the 16th DLI landed on Green Beach which was still under heavy fire and made their way with some difficulty to their Assembly Area some 600yds from the beach. The Germans had dug 88mm guns into the sand and the initial assault troops ,who were now some 1000 yards inland had by passed some of these weapons which continued firing upon the troops and landing craft following behind the assault. Whilst awaiting the arrival of the remainder of the battalion these companies did what they could to help the Hampshire Regiment who had received a hot reception when landing .The 16th battalion sadly lost 68316 Captain Frederick Brookes Kirkup (Photograph right) and 4470328 Pte John Alexander Mills on the 9th September both are buried at Salerno War Cemetery . Capt Frederick David Brookes Kirkup had previously served with the 8th DLI of whom his uncle Brigadier Phillip Kirkup had been C in C. A younger brother 73651 Lieutenant William Brookes Kirkup was serving with 11th DLI at this time.
The remainder of the Battalion landed on the 10th September according to the war diary without mishap . The first night on Italian soil passed without incident although air attacks on Allied shipping in the Gulf of Salerno could be clearly heard.
The 16th DLI preceeded by the carrier platoon avanced without opposition onto the first line of low hills running Northwards and inland from Salerno to Avellino. It was deceptively peaceful . The first task for the men of the 16th DLI was to relieve the 6th Yorks and Lancs who were in the area of the hospital at La Mennold. The area was to be known as Hospital or Light Infantry Hill. The battalion marched through Salerno, which was being shelled regularly but by 20:10 hrs the battalion had completed their task and the Yorks and Lancs began to withdraw.
The battalion were then deployed on the secondary road which dominated the R.Granco Valley area, their responsibility being the right boundary . The Carrier platoon blocked the road and it was covered by a six pounder .`D` Company and `C` Company held seperate positions to the left of Hospital Hill ,its terraced vineyards toped by the sanatorium visible from the DLI`s slightly more elevated positions. `A` Company were in reserve and together with battalion HQ occupied positions slightly to the rear of `Hospital Hill`
At about 2100hrs on the 11th September 1943 `B `Coy were ordered forward to occupy the feature known as Parato passing through the Carrier section who had been skirmishing with the enemy. Heavy Resistance was encountered before the objective could be reached . The Anti Tank platoon fired into the houses which lined the road . During the fighting 301497 2/Lieutenant Herbert Duffy and 2764063 L/Cpl John Dolly (photo below) died.
Stubborn resistance prevented the company from completing the night advance and at dawn on the 12th September 1943 `B` Coy settled in to positions in the vineyards nearby in readiness for any possible German counter attack . At dawn the expected German attack came in and suceeded in pushing B Coy back a short way, before they were able to rally and hold their ground.
Sniping and persistent mortaring of `B` Coy continued throughout the day but no further Counter attack developed. 4689911 Sergeant Donald Threadgold was killed by a motar bomb whilst tracking an enemy sniper . Threadgold who had previously won a Military Medal was one of three fatalities on the 12th September 1943. 5950938 Cpl Walter Daniel Casson and 301336 Lieutenant Douglas Richard Montgomery Harrison (attached to 2/5th Leicesters) were the other two .
During the night the enemy succeeded in mounting an MG in a commanding position just below the sanatorium, but, this was withdrawn following a swift counter-attack by the Durhams.
On the 13th September `A` company were ordered to work their way to the left of `Hospital Hill ` and beyond thus denying the enemy of any approach ,however the Company came under heavy machine gun and mortar fire resulting in the wounding of both the Company Commander Major A E C Vizard and his second in command 203926 Captain T R Logan . Thomas Ralph Logan died from his wounds the next day (14th September 1943) at the field hospital. Lieutenant W A Miller took command of the company but despite their best efforts were forced to withdraw under the cover of a smoke screen. In the action 3435626 CSM Stanley Arthur Wilson was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal . The battalion HQ was also forced ro relocate after the Germans targeted the area. After `A` Company were attacked the enemy shifted their focus onto `C` Company positions and even managed to infiltrate to the top of the feature and positioned a machine gun on the hill. A determined counter-attack led by 256432 Lieutenant Patrick Anthony Casey not only dislodged the Germans but their gun and ammunition were turned around and used against the fleeing enemy. 4693806 Pte George Cook was killed on this day 13th September 1943....continued below..
distinguished conduct medal action
3435626 CSM stanley arthur wilson
16th durham light infantry
'On the morning of 13th September 1943, the enemy got into position on the side of the hospital North of SALERNO. As it was occupied by civilians, the hospital buildings and grounds had been respected by us, but now it became apparent that the Germans were using it. `A` Company, 16th Btn The Durham Light Infantry to which Company Sgt Major Wilson belongs, were ordered to attack and drive the enemy off the position they had occupied. The time was about 1000 hours. A Company supported by mortar fire (3") and smoke went up the hill into the attack. As the majority of the Company swung right handed to get round the enemy's flank, they came under intense machine gun fire. The Company Commander and Second-in-Command were both wounded. The only other officer was further over moving round the left flank. The Company Commander ordered the Company back and to move over to the left to join the other platoon who were using a more covered line of approach 'Company Sergeant Major Wilson who has always shown real powers of leadership, courage and determination, came into his own at once. He directed the Company (less a platoon) over to the left. At that moment the enemy started to shell the area having registered it the day before. Company Sergeant Major Wilson continued to direct operations. He sent the men off to join the left platoon. He organised the evacuation of the wounded. Company Sergeant Major Wilson stayed forward for two hours and then slipped back. He satisfied himself that all wounded had been evacuated. The information he brought back greatly assisted the 2/4th Bn KOYLI to attack later that night. The way in which Company Sergeant Major WILSON controlled two thirds of the Company was an example to all ranks.
continued ....The 14th September brought a day of heavy shelling and `B` Company were relieved by KOYLI who fell back to the area of battalion HQ. The area of Hospital Hill now became the responsibility of two battalions the 2/4 KOYLI on the right including the Hospital itself with 16th DLI retaining the two features to the left . `B` Company sent out a patrol to grab a prisoner however the one they bagged had neither papers or his actual tunic and no identification of his unit could immediately be made.
Brigade HQ was again shelled. On the night of the 15th September `D` Coy were attacked by a company of Panzer Grenadiers from 16th Panzer Grenadier Regt,The initial counter attack by platoons of 16 DLI was unsuccesful . A Company attack then went in led by the Company Commander a bayonet charge followed by a 3" mortar barrage now dispersed the remainder of the enemy,and inflicted heavy casualties amongst them .Several men were awarded Gallantry medals for this action including 219902 Major Frank Duffy who was awared a Military Cross for his part in the action. Equipment and prisoners were taken and normal order was restored with the 16th DLI positions retained intact . It later became known that the Germans had attacked along the whole of the Divisional front but the front had held firm the 15th was regarded as the climax of the battle for the Salerno bridgehead and the enemy had been pushed back. The cost to the battalion on the 15th September 1943 was four men killed. 4469800 Pte John Hesslington,4466269 Cpl Thomas Richardson,4203718 Pte Charles Broom and 4464776 Pte Lawrence Horace Horn.
Brigade HQ was again shelled. On the night of the 15th September `D` Coy were attacked by a company of Panzer Grenadiers from 16th Panzer Grenadier Regt,The initial counter attack by platoons of 16 DLI was unsuccesful . A Company attack then went in led by the Company Commander a bayonet charge followed by a 3" mortar barrage now dispersed the remainder of the enemy,and inflicted heavy casualties amongst them .Several men were awarded Gallantry medals for this action including 219902 Major Frank Duffy who was awared a Military Cross for his part in the action. Equipment and prisoners were taken and normal order was restored with the 16th DLI positions retained intact . It later became known that the Germans had attacked along the whole of the Divisional front but the front had held firm the 15th was regarded as the climax of the battle for the Salerno bridgehead and the enemy had been pushed back. The cost to the battalion on the 15th September 1943 was four men killed. 4469800 Pte John Hesslington,4466269 Cpl Thomas Richardson,4203718 Pte Charles Broom and 4464776 Pte Lawrence Horace Horn.
killed in action 11th september 1943 .2764063 l/cpl john dolly 16th dli
2764063 L/Cpl John Dolly originally enlisted into the Black Watch . The son of John and Margaret (Finney) Dolly of Denaby Main in Yorkshire was born in Rotheram in 1922 .
Transferring to the DLI he was serving with `B` Company 16th Durham Light Infantry when he was killed on the 11th September 1943 aged 21. Reburied from his field grave on the 24th May 1944 into Salerno War Cemetery, Italy Section I Row B Grave 44. The grave concentration document held by the commonwealth war graves commission records his original war grave was marked with a wooden stake but that did not record his army number.
A total of three 16th Durham Light Infantrymen were recorded on the document to have been reburied on the 24th May 1944 alongside John Dolly ,4689911 Sgt Donald Threadgold and 4693806 Pte D Cook were also laid to rest at Salerno.
Transferring to the DLI he was serving with `B` Company 16th Durham Light Infantry when he was killed on the 11th September 1943 aged 21. Reburied from his field grave on the 24th May 1944 into Salerno War Cemetery, Italy Section I Row B Grave 44. The grave concentration document held by the commonwealth war graves commission records his original war grave was marked with a wooden stake but that did not record his army number.
A total of three 16th Durham Light Infantrymen were recorded on the document to have been reburied on the 24th May 1944 alongside John Dolly ,4689911 Sgt Donald Threadgold and 4693806 Pte D Cook were also laid to rest at Salerno.
219902 Lieutenant Frank Duffy The 16th DLI
'On the evening of 15th September 1943, D Company, 16th Bn THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY were in position on a feature close to the hospital on the outskirts of Salerno. The Company had been in action for 48 hours and had incurred some casualties. At approximately 1915 hours, the enemy put in a strong attack with 90 to 100 men supported by mortar fire. Captain F DUFFY, who was commanding D Company, and has trained it in NORTH AFRICA, had the majority of the Company held back on the reverse slope. The enemy reached the top after suffering casualties and then Captain DUFFY, leading his Company, put in his counter-attack. By his splendid leadership and excellent control, combined with dash and drive, he routed the enemy. 15 were killed and 11 prisoners taken, also several wounded and D Company only had one man wounded in this bayonet charge. |
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Military Medal Action 5951827 CPL. J. LEWINDON. 16th DURHAM .L.I
5951827 Corporal John Lewindon The 16th Durham Light Infantry
"On the night of 14/15th September 1943, Corporal Lewindon was commanding a section in 18 Platoon of 'D' Company, 16th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. This section were giving local protection to a machine gun sited on top of a feature overlooking the hospital north of Salerno. During the night, about 2200 hours, an enemy patrol of 10 men worked their way up and tried to rush the position. The enemy were temporarily checked and then Corporal Lewindon went at them with his Tommy gun killing two and scattering the remainder. His prompt action and courage restored the situation, heartening his section and allowed the machine gun to remain in position. I recommend that this young NCO be given the immediate award of a Military Medal."
"On the night of 14/15th September 1943, Corporal Lewindon was commanding a section in 18 Platoon of 'D' Company, 16th Battalion Durham Light Infantry. This section were giving local protection to a machine gun sited on top of a feature overlooking the hospital north of Salerno. During the night, about 2200 hours, an enemy patrol of 10 men worked their way up and tried to rush the position. The enemy were temporarily checked and then Corporal Lewindon went at them with his Tommy gun killing two and scattering the remainder. His prompt action and courage restored the situation, heartening his section and allowed the machine gun to remain in position. I recommend that this young NCO be given the immediate award of a Military Medal."
John Lewindon was born in October 1919 in Muswell Hill, London, and was living and working in Hemel Hempstead when he was called up and intially joined the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment. In July 1940 John was transferred to the 16th Battalion Durham Light Infantry which was one of the so called "Dunkirk" battalions raised during the summer of 1940 following the BEF evacuation . During the World War 2, he served in North Africa, Italy, Greece and Austria and was awarded a Military Medal, , for his bravery near Salerno in Italy in September 1943, when he drove back a German patrol with his sub-machine gun. He was "de-mobbed" on 4th August 1946 and in 1947 married Freda, a war widow with two young daughters. After the war John worked as a maintenance engineer . John Lewindon died in Hertford on the 10th August 2001.
military medal action 4271657 Pte Ernest Hulse The 16th Durham Light Infantry
4271657 Pte Ernest Hulse The 16th Durham Light Infantry
No 4271657 Pte HULSE is a stretcher-bearer with C Company, 16th Btn The Durham Light Infantry. During the night 15/16th September 1943, on a hill feature to the NORTH of SALERNO overlooking the hospital, he showed great courage and devotion to his duty in evacuating wounded when under enemy machine gun fire. On 16th September 1943 Private HULSE was again conspicuous by the way in which he continued to evacuate wounded men when the Company position was being mortared. It is fair to say that he was responsible for evacuating some 30 casualties on the dates stated and the majority of them under fire
No 4271657 Pte HULSE is a stretcher-bearer with C Company, 16th Btn The Durham Light Infantry. During the night 15/16th September 1943, on a hill feature to the NORTH of SALERNO overlooking the hospital, he showed great courage and devotion to his duty in evacuating wounded when under enemy machine gun fire. On 16th September 1943 Private HULSE was again conspicuous by the way in which he continued to evacuate wounded men when the Company position was being mortared. It is fair to say that he was responsible for evacuating some 30 casualties on the dates stated and the majority of them under fire
con... On September 23 1943 after a short rest period the 16th DLI took up offensive operations as part of 138 Brigade. The task allotted to them was clearing the Northern exits of the Vietri defile a few miles North West of Salerno to enable the tanks of 7th Armoured to pass onto the city of Naples.
The 16th DLI were given the feature known as Hill 600 (La Crocella 600 metres high feature) which `B` Company were tasked to reach whilst `D` Company would secure the spur which ran at right angles to it further down the road . Elements of KOYLI and 6th Lincolns were to take the heights on the 16th DLI right with 6th Y&L `s tasked on the left to take the villages of Dragone, Corpo Di Cava and a low hill known as Mt Di Amica. It was ordered that this be a silent attack although Artillery could be called upon if necessary. `C` Company and `Hq` Company would follow and occupy Dragone with `A` Company held in reserve. The move forward was commenced at 0100hrs and Dragone was taken without incident. All companies moved up and whilst `C` Hq` and `a` Companies remained `B` and `D` Companies moved to secure at 0300hrs.
The way forward was over a torturous track and a deep ravine the fierce fighting for the village of Corpo Di Cava was clearly heard as the 6th Y&L engaged the enemy at their village objective. On the right of the 16 DLI there was also heavy fighting and strong opposition to the units engaged there but still the 16 DLI pushed on , manoeuvring through the difficult terrain until both DLI companies secured both of their objectives at 0630hrs on the 24th September 1943 . A remarkable achievement and one which was initially dismissed by brigade HQ as no other unit had managed to break through.
On the 23rd September casualties included the following men . 4470325 Pte Leonard George Mantle ,3975361 Pte Joseph Leslie Tomlinson, 5444749 Pte Harry Starr, 3451575 L/Cpl Robert Cusick and 4465742 Pte Allen Gibson, All recorded as died on the 23rd September and at rest at Salerno War Cemetery .The next two soldiers although definately 16th DLI are still recorded under their former battalions 4386185 Pte Albert Pearson Apps 8th DLI was wounded at Mareth in March 1943 with the 8th DLI and joined 16th DLI later . 4467100 Pte Frederick Denniss Phipps is recorded as 9th DLI although definately recorded by graves registration units . The following three men have no known grave and are recorded on the Cassino Memorial 2391183 Pte Herbert Anthony Lefever ,5677818 Pte Emmanuel Charles Norton Burt, 4464689 Pte Alfred Baldwin .
The 16th DLI`s success however posed a problem, with their objectives secure they were virtually cut off the road between Dragone and Corpo Di Capa was still under enemy control and now daylight had returned it would take a determined effort to open the road.
A fighting patrol led by Lieutenant R Sherlaw set out to the isolated companies. Lieutenat Sherlaw`s platoon dealt with several enemy snipers en-route and assisted men of the Yorks and Lancs to clear out Corpo di Cava the fighting in this village was described as ferocious and Lieutenant Ronnie Sherlaw was later awarded a Military Cross for his part . As this action was going on `A` Company cleared a small group of soldiers from Mt Amica who retreated taking with them their machine gun. The Germans used mortars to cover their troops retreat and during this action one , `A` Coy Platoon Commanders Lieutenant H J Inall was wounded.
At 1700hrs on the 24th September enemy tanks supported by enemy troops were spotted heading towards `D` Company positions . The ground troops were engaged by small arms fire whilst Lieutenant Sherlaw engaged the tanks with his improvised firing of a two inch mortar . Although the German troops scattered the German tanks moved forward into the middle of `D` Company positions. It was now that the decision was taken by `D` Company Commander to contact the Royal Artillery observation post, situated in `B` Company`s area, after speaking with the Forward Observation Officer (FOO) the decision was made to call down a medium artillery barrage directly upon `D` Company`s current position. Orders were hastily given to all `D` Company personnel to take cover in their slit trenches . The artillery disabled one tank and forced the other two to withdraw but afterwards the men of `D` Company 16th DLI swore that it was them the Artillery was aiming at rather than the tanks!
As night fell Major D H C Worrall the battalion 2nd in command collected together a ration party, several jeeps and a fighting patrol (one platoon) and with a determined effort fought their way up to the two forward companies to deliver much needed food and supplies .For this action, Major Worrall received the award of the Military Cross. Casualties on the 24th September 1943 were 3972836 Pte Eurfryn Davies (Original grave stated 23rd September 1943) and 4470375 Pte Frank Evans.
Next day the 25th September 1943 was compared to previous days relatively quiet . `A` Company were able to advance and take the small village of Sant` Arcangelo which was situated just ahead of `D` Company positions . The Yorks and Lancs were also making good progress on the battalions right hand side and succeeded in taking a large number of prisoners. On the other side of the valley fighting continued to be heavy but on the night of 25th September 128 Brigade was able to push through the valley and enabled 7th Armoured to pass through on its way to Naples. Although contemporary reports stated that both of 16th DLI`s objectives were taken without a single casualty the war office listings tell a different tale. Nevertheless it was a great achievement and one for which the battalions commander Lieutenant Colonel J C Preston was awarded a DSO .
The 16th DLI were given the feature known as Hill 600 (La Crocella 600 metres high feature) which `B` Company were tasked to reach whilst `D` Company would secure the spur which ran at right angles to it further down the road . Elements of KOYLI and 6th Lincolns were to take the heights on the 16th DLI right with 6th Y&L `s tasked on the left to take the villages of Dragone, Corpo Di Cava and a low hill known as Mt Di Amica. It was ordered that this be a silent attack although Artillery could be called upon if necessary. `C` Company and `Hq` Company would follow and occupy Dragone with `A` Company held in reserve. The move forward was commenced at 0100hrs and Dragone was taken without incident. All companies moved up and whilst `C` Hq` and `a` Companies remained `B` and `D` Companies moved to secure at 0300hrs.
The way forward was over a torturous track and a deep ravine the fierce fighting for the village of Corpo Di Cava was clearly heard as the 6th Y&L engaged the enemy at their village objective. On the right of the 16 DLI there was also heavy fighting and strong opposition to the units engaged there but still the 16 DLI pushed on , manoeuvring through the difficult terrain until both DLI companies secured both of their objectives at 0630hrs on the 24th September 1943 . A remarkable achievement and one which was initially dismissed by brigade HQ as no other unit had managed to break through.
On the 23rd September casualties included the following men . 4470325 Pte Leonard George Mantle ,3975361 Pte Joseph Leslie Tomlinson, 5444749 Pte Harry Starr, 3451575 L/Cpl Robert Cusick and 4465742 Pte Allen Gibson, All recorded as died on the 23rd September and at rest at Salerno War Cemetery .The next two soldiers although definately 16th DLI are still recorded under their former battalions 4386185 Pte Albert Pearson Apps 8th DLI was wounded at Mareth in March 1943 with the 8th DLI and joined 16th DLI later . 4467100 Pte Frederick Denniss Phipps is recorded as 9th DLI although definately recorded by graves registration units . The following three men have no known grave and are recorded on the Cassino Memorial 2391183 Pte Herbert Anthony Lefever ,5677818 Pte Emmanuel Charles Norton Burt, 4464689 Pte Alfred Baldwin .
The 16th DLI`s success however posed a problem, with their objectives secure they were virtually cut off the road between Dragone and Corpo Di Capa was still under enemy control and now daylight had returned it would take a determined effort to open the road.
A fighting patrol led by Lieutenant R Sherlaw set out to the isolated companies. Lieutenat Sherlaw`s platoon dealt with several enemy snipers en-route and assisted men of the Yorks and Lancs to clear out Corpo di Cava the fighting in this village was described as ferocious and Lieutenant Ronnie Sherlaw was later awarded a Military Cross for his part . As this action was going on `A` Company cleared a small group of soldiers from Mt Amica who retreated taking with them their machine gun. The Germans used mortars to cover their troops retreat and during this action one , `A` Coy Platoon Commanders Lieutenant H J Inall was wounded.
At 1700hrs on the 24th September enemy tanks supported by enemy troops were spotted heading towards `D` Company positions . The ground troops were engaged by small arms fire whilst Lieutenant Sherlaw engaged the tanks with his improvised firing of a two inch mortar . Although the German troops scattered the German tanks moved forward into the middle of `D` Company positions. It was now that the decision was taken by `D` Company Commander to contact the Royal Artillery observation post, situated in `B` Company`s area, after speaking with the Forward Observation Officer (FOO) the decision was made to call down a medium artillery barrage directly upon `D` Company`s current position. Orders were hastily given to all `D` Company personnel to take cover in their slit trenches . The artillery disabled one tank and forced the other two to withdraw but afterwards the men of `D` Company 16th DLI swore that it was them the Artillery was aiming at rather than the tanks!
As night fell Major D H C Worrall the battalion 2nd in command collected together a ration party, several jeeps and a fighting patrol (one platoon) and with a determined effort fought their way up to the two forward companies to deliver much needed food and supplies .For this action, Major Worrall received the award of the Military Cross. Casualties on the 24th September 1943 were 3972836 Pte Eurfryn Davies (Original grave stated 23rd September 1943) and 4470375 Pte Frank Evans.
Next day the 25th September 1943 was compared to previous days relatively quiet . `A` Company were able to advance and take the small village of Sant` Arcangelo which was situated just ahead of `D` Company positions . The Yorks and Lancs were also making good progress on the battalions right hand side and succeeded in taking a large number of prisoners. On the other side of the valley fighting continued to be heavy but on the night of 25th September 128 Brigade was able to push through the valley and enabled 7th Armoured to pass through on its way to Naples. Although contemporary reports stated that both of 16th DLI`s objectives were taken without a single casualty the war office listings tell a different tale. Nevertheless it was a great achievement and one for which the battalions commander Lieutenant Colonel J C Preston was awarded a DSO .
crossing the volturno river october 1943
Naples fell to the 7th Armoured Division . On the 6th October the 16th Durham Light Infantry paraded in their transport through the streets of Naples and were welcomed warmly by the Neopolitans although their habit of pelting the troops with apples was not always appreciated. The time for celebrations was short and soon Naples was left far behind as the advance into Italy continued.
The Germans were concentrated some twenty miles from Naples along the River Volturno . The 16th DLI moved to the village of Qualiano just over eight miles North West of Naples the stay was short and two days later moved to Villa Literno . ` D` Coy had attempted to reach Castel Volturno on 10th October 1943, but when crossing a canal were engaged by a German patrol. A bloody battle ensued and heavy casualties were sustained by both sides. Many wounded fell into the canal and would have drowned had it not been for the brave actions of 130828 Captain Wilson Whitehead who was killed whilst attempting to pull his men from the canal. Whitehead was attached to 16th DLI from the East Yorkshire Regiment.
Using Villa Literno as a base the battalion was tasked with sending out patrols to determine if the area had any suitable crossing points across the Volturno . Captain Mitchell, Captain Kirk, Lieutenant Collins and Lieutenant Miller took out patrols and found a suitable crossing point, even sending a patrol across just to make doubly sure!
The Germans were concentrated some twenty miles from Naples along the River Volturno . The 16th DLI moved to the village of Qualiano just over eight miles North West of Naples the stay was short and two days later moved to Villa Literno . ` D` Coy had attempted to reach Castel Volturno on 10th October 1943, but when crossing a canal were engaged by a German patrol. A bloody battle ensued and heavy casualties were sustained by both sides. Many wounded fell into the canal and would have drowned had it not been for the brave actions of 130828 Captain Wilson Whitehead who was killed whilst attempting to pull his men from the canal. Whitehead was attached to 16th DLI from the East Yorkshire Regiment.
Using Villa Literno as a base the battalion was tasked with sending out patrols to determine if the area had any suitable crossing points across the Volturno . Captain Mitchell, Captain Kirk, Lieutenant Collins and Lieutenant Miller took out patrols and found a suitable crossing point, even sending a patrol across just to make doubly sure!
The 16th DLI were given the task of penetrating furthest inland once their crossing of the Volturno had been made, moving to then cut access to the main road. A limited bridgehead was to made at Cancello where the Forrester`s were crossing with the Leicester Regt protecting the 16th DLI left flank and follow the battalion across before turning North.
At 1700hrs on the 12th October advanced towards the river in trucks it was dark by the time they debussed at 1830hrs to carry on the journey on foot. `A` Company led by Captain J Morant (in the absence of Major Waylen who had been struck down by meningitis) were the assault unit and they obtained complete surprise only engaging the enemy some 400 yards beyond the river crossing on the track beyond the high bank which had been set as their first objective.
The crossing point for the 16th DLI had been a stretch of the Volturno River some 100yds wide and four feet six in depth and had a steady flow of some 6 mph . The crossing was made in small boats who were found to be unstable and were sent spinning in the river current. `A` Company had secured a rope to aid the boats but the signal officer Captain G Harris and his men were still nearly drowned by one hysterical soldier who panicked and feared he would drown ,tipping the boat and the men it was carrying into the cold waters. The panicked soldier alerted the German`s who up to this point had been quite unaware of the battalions presence. Machine guns opened up and Nebelwerfers rained down their rockets but in the pitch blackness and firing blind the Germans defensive fire fell wide of the actual crossing point.
The Germans were now alert and starting to range their mortars on the crossing point `B` and `D` Companies did not wait for the boats but plunged into the cold waters and waded across. Bearing right they advanced across open flat ground on which the Germans appeared to be firing on fixed lines. Despite the difficulties the advance continued and the objective was taken . Once established news was received from the Brigadier that this was to be the limit of `B` and `D` Companies advance and to hold fast.
`C` Company moved quickly forward in the wake of `B` and `D` and battalion HQ followed . The German machine guns which were firing blind were still causing issues and with little over an hour until dawn things would get worse once the Germans could actually see what they were firing at. Lieutenant R H Collins led a fighting patrol to locate and if possible destroy these positions . He succeeded in pinpointing their positions and called down for 10 three inch mortar rounds to fired in quick succession .As the last round landed Collins and his men rushed forward with bayonets and after killing several of the occupants took prisoner three officers, two NCOS and eleven other ranks. Also captured were two machine guns, wireless and telephone sets. In essence a vital German communications post had been captured nullifying the machine gun threat and breaking German communications.
At 1700hrs on the 12th October advanced towards the river in trucks it was dark by the time they debussed at 1830hrs to carry on the journey on foot. `A` Company led by Captain J Morant (in the absence of Major Waylen who had been struck down by meningitis) were the assault unit and they obtained complete surprise only engaging the enemy some 400 yards beyond the river crossing on the track beyond the high bank which had been set as their first objective.
The crossing point for the 16th DLI had been a stretch of the Volturno River some 100yds wide and four feet six in depth and had a steady flow of some 6 mph . The crossing was made in small boats who were found to be unstable and were sent spinning in the river current. `A` Company had secured a rope to aid the boats but the signal officer Captain G Harris and his men were still nearly drowned by one hysterical soldier who panicked and feared he would drown ,tipping the boat and the men it was carrying into the cold waters. The panicked soldier alerted the German`s who up to this point had been quite unaware of the battalions presence. Machine guns opened up and Nebelwerfers rained down their rockets but in the pitch blackness and firing blind the Germans defensive fire fell wide of the actual crossing point.
The Germans were now alert and starting to range their mortars on the crossing point `B` and `D` Companies did not wait for the boats but plunged into the cold waters and waded across. Bearing right they advanced across open flat ground on which the Germans appeared to be firing on fixed lines. Despite the difficulties the advance continued and the objective was taken . Once established news was received from the Brigadier that this was to be the limit of `B` and `D` Companies advance and to hold fast.
`C` Company moved quickly forward in the wake of `B` and `D` and battalion HQ followed . The German machine guns which were firing blind were still causing issues and with little over an hour until dawn things would get worse once the Germans could actually see what they were firing at. Lieutenant R H Collins led a fighting patrol to locate and if possible destroy these positions . He succeeded in pinpointing their positions and called down for 10 three inch mortar rounds to fired in quick succession .As the last round landed Collins and his men rushed forward with bayonets and after killing several of the occupants took prisoner three officers, two NCOS and eleven other ranks. Also captured were two machine guns, wireless and telephone sets. In essence a vital German communications post had been captured nullifying the machine gun threat and breaking German communications.
Cassino War Cemetery 2009 4469562 L/Cpl George (John) Leadbitter MM
During the summer of 2009 my family and I travelled to Italy.We ventured to the Cassino War Cemetery which is at the foot of Monte Cassino with its monastery now restored to its former glory looking down upon it.Here we found the lads of 16th DLI.
4469562 L/Cpl George (John) Leadbitter MM
The 16th Durham Light Infantry George (John) Leadbitter was the son of William and Mary Leadbitter, of Newcastle-on-Tyne he was awarded the Military Medal whilst on active service in Tunisia during the Battle of Sedjenane. On March 2nd 1943, when the 16th Durham Light Infantry attacked Djebel Guerba, Pte Leadbitter of `D` Company was in charge of a Bren gun. When the attack was at its fiercest, this soldier ran out of ammunition. He ran through heavy fire to obtain more magazines and returning to his gun he put out of action an enemy MG position which was holding up the advance. He then went forward firing the gun from the hip and thus enabled the advance of his Platoon to be continued. This was the first Military Medal to be awarded to the 16th DLI |
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4469562 L/Cpl George (John) Leadbitter was killed in action on the 8th December 1943 originally his grave stone was dated 1944 and it was some sixty years later that someone noticed the mistake..sad to think that no one had noticed or double checked the records before then..today he lies in good company in section VII. Row B. Grave 21 of the Cassino War Cemetery Italy.
Sgt Douglas Kennedy & Pte William Milner....16th DLI KIA 06/12/1944
4459612 Sgt Douglas Kennedy, 16th DLI is recorded Killed in Action on 6th December 1943 aged 26.The 16th DLI were in action on the Cocurruzo Spur which formed the Western side the Calabritto Basin at this time Company Sgt Major Les Thornton of the Support Company ,a friend of Sgt Kennedy ,recalled coming across the body of his friend and another soldier of the regiment 14375847 Pte William Milner (Left) 16th DLI both men had been shot through the head by German Troops who had been positioned on a Knoll on the Spur. CSM Thornton buried the pair wrapped in their gas capes in shallow graves where they fell,taking the ID discs and marking the Graves they would be recovered later and formerly re-buried.
Sgt Douglas Kennedy was the son of Thomas and Jane Ellen Kennedy, of South Shields, Co Durham; and husband of Elsie Kennedy, of South Shields.Pte William Milner was another Durham lad the son of William Dobson Milner and Amelia Milner; husband of Margaret Jane Milner, of Eastbourne, Darlington, Co. Durham .Today they lie at peace side by side as they were in life, at rest in Cassino War Cemetery Italy.
Sgt Douglas Kennedy was the son of Thomas and Jane Ellen Kennedy, of South Shields, Co Durham; and husband of Elsie Kennedy, of South Shields.Pte William Milner was another Durham lad the son of William Dobson Milner and Amelia Milner; husband of Margaret Jane Milner, of Eastbourne, Darlington, Co. Durham .Today they lie at peace side by side as they were in life, at rest in Cassino War Cemetery Italy.
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Sgt Kennedy lies in section VII Row B grave 18 Pte Milner lies in section VII. Row B. Grave19
Newspaper clipping with announcement of Sgt Douglas Kennedy`s death in Italy. Four men of the 16th Durham Light Infantry died on the 6th December 1943 the other two were 7614876 Pte Clifford Millett a former member of The Royal Army Ordnance Corps. The son of Thomas Henry and Mary Elizabeth Millett, of Pendleton, Salford, Lancashire. He was originally buried as an unknown soldier, He lies today at Minturno War Cemetery section IV, Row F, Grave No 22.. The other soldier was 4035437 Pte Bernard Davenport a former member of The King's Shropshire Light Infantry . The son of Henry Richard and Charlotte Davenport, of Oswestry, Shropshire. Bernard too rests at Minturno alongside Clifford Section IV Row F, Grave No 21
military medal action 4464722 cpl John charles cawdron 16th dli
4464722 Corporal John Charles Cawdron
The 16th Durham Light Infantry On 6th December 1943, at about 1130 hours, Corporal Cawdron was in charge of a Stretcher Bearer squad in the area of Pt 615 map reference 941068, ref map ITALY 1/50,000. CASSINO Sheet 160 II. Corporal Cawdron showed great bravery and devotion to duty. He collected casualties in full view of the enemy and under sniping and machine gun fire. Two stretcher bearers were killed by a sniper but Corporal Cawdron continued to carry out his work in collecting casualties. His gallant action enabled wounded to receive medical attention at the earliest possible moment and he undoubtedly was instrumental in saving the lives of several of his comrades. |
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one who died;- a gemanno casualty
4699867 Private Ronald Steele served in the 16th Battalion, The Durham Light Infantry he was born in Barnsley in 1921 the son of Fred and Ada Steele, of Barnsley, Yorkshire and lived at 30 Harvey Street, Barnsley, Yorkshire.
Ronald enlisted on the 18th June 1942 initially with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry before moving to the 16th DLI.
4699867 Pte Ronald Steele was wounded on the 26th April 1943 but following his recovery returned to active duty. On the 24th September 1944 Ronald Steele’s mother was once again notified that her son was in 71st General Hospital with a wound to the head sustained on the 13th September 1944 near Gemmano.He was transferred to 93rd [British] General Hospital where his condition deteriorated . On the 10th October a further letter from the Infantry Record Office at York, was received by the family informing them that Private Ronald Steele had been transferred to the seriously ill list .Yet another letter was received on the 27th October 1944 informing them that their son Ronald Steele had died of his wounds on the 20th October 1944, He was 21 years old .Today Ronald lies in Bari Military Cemetery, Italy Section XI Row A Grave 5.
Ronald enlisted on the 18th June 1942 initially with the Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry before moving to the 16th DLI.
4699867 Pte Ronald Steele was wounded on the 26th April 1943 but following his recovery returned to active duty. On the 24th September 1944 Ronald Steele’s mother was once again notified that her son was in 71st General Hospital with a wound to the head sustained on the 13th September 1944 near Gemmano.He was transferred to 93rd [British] General Hospital where his condition deteriorated . On the 10th October a further letter from the Infantry Record Office at York, was received by the family informing them that Private Ronald Steele had been transferred to the seriously ill list .Yet another letter was received on the 27th October 1944 informing them that their son Ronald Steele had died of his wounds on the 20th October 1944, He was 21 years old .Today Ronald lies in Bari Military Cemetery, Italy Section XI Row A Grave 5.
for gallantry in action .-soldiers of the 16th durham light infantry
MILITARY MEDAL ACTION 4464846 cpl (A/Sgt) Raymond Sykes
The 16th Durham Light Infantry
4464846 A/Sgt Raymond Sykes The 16th Durham Light Infantry
On 13th October 1943 D Company 16th Bn THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY were established on their second objective on the line of a Canal some three miles North of the VOLTURNO River. Corporal (Now A/Sergeant) SYKES was acting as Platoon Sergeant and the Platoon were on the far bank of the Canal. At about 1200 hours the Platoon were counter-attacked by a force of the enemy heavily armed with automatic weapons and grenades. They succeeded in over-running the observation post on the forward slope. Sergeant SYKES, alone and armed only with a TSMG and three grenades, immediately ran across to the assistance of the two men in their observation post both of whom were wounded. The canal bank which he crossed was under constant gunfire from the flank. One of the wounded men told Sergeant Sykes that the enemy were establishing a machine gun on the bank of the Canal. Without hesitation, Sergeant Sykes ran along the top of the bank under fire, threw his grenades at the enemy and caused them to withdraw. The situation then having been restored, SYKES then returned to the wounded men still under heavy fire from the flank and managed to bring them both back to safety. The gallantry of this NCO and his complete disregard for his own personal safety was an inspiration to those who saw his action. Not only did he chase the enemy away, but also probably saved the lives of these two wounded men whom he brought back to safety and medical attention.
On 13th October 1943 D Company 16th Bn THE DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY were established on their second objective on the line of a Canal some three miles North of the VOLTURNO River. Corporal (Now A/Sergeant) SYKES was acting as Platoon Sergeant and the Platoon were on the far bank of the Canal. At about 1200 hours the Platoon were counter-attacked by a force of the enemy heavily armed with automatic weapons and grenades. They succeeded in over-running the observation post on the forward slope. Sergeant SYKES, alone and armed only with a TSMG and three grenades, immediately ran across to the assistance of the two men in their observation post both of whom were wounded. The canal bank which he crossed was under constant gunfire from the flank. One of the wounded men told Sergeant Sykes that the enemy were establishing a machine gun on the bank of the Canal. Without hesitation, Sergeant Sykes ran along the top of the bank under fire, threw his grenades at the enemy and caused them to withdraw. The situation then having been restored, SYKES then returned to the wounded men still under heavy fire from the flank and managed to bring them both back to safety. The gallantry of this NCO and his complete disregard for his own personal safety was an inspiration to those who saw his action. Not only did he chase the enemy away, but also probably saved the lives of these two wounded men whom he brought back to safety and medical attention.
Military medal Action 4617159 Pte Henry `Harry` hooley 16th durham light infantry
4617159 Pte Henry Hooley
The 16th Durham Light Infantry On 27th September 1944, D Company of The 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry attacked the enemy position known as 'JOHNSON'. Pte H Hooley`s platoon were in reserve and had been cut off from the rest of the Company. His Platoon Commander was wounded and his platoon had scattered owing to mortar and machine gun fire. Private Hooley rallied as many of his platoon as possible and led them up to the objective through devastating enemy shell and mortar fire, thus successfully reinforcing the two platoons whose position on the objective was becoming critical. |
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Private Hooley's action, in collecting and leading forward reinforcements under heavy fire, enabled the company to consolidate and hold a most important feature.It was strongly recommended that Pte Hooley be granted the immediate award of a Distinguished Conduct Medal this was denied but he was granted a Military Medal for his outstanding actions.
Manchester Evening News 14 December 1944 Harry Hooley Recalled....................gothic line was not too easy to smash..
Landings at Salerno,crossings of the Volturno and the actions at Garigliano are on a few of the engagements Lance Corporal Harry Hooley of Port Street, Heaton Norris, Stockport has seen in his two years overseas service .
In August he was sent back into the fighting (Having previously been wounded on the 20th November 1943) to help smash the Gothic Line. He said that in spite of public belief to the contrary the line was very well defended with its concrete pill boxes,built in tank traps and machine gun nests.
Their most recent action was the taking of Cesena . One company approached the town on tanks and were fired on about a hundred yards from the entrance of the town. They dismounted and advanced on foot. For awhile they held some positions in deserted houses while the Germans dropped mortars all around . They later advanced with tanks and with the help of a few partisans spent the rest of the day mopping up enemy sniper and machine gun posts.
The townspeople gave them a rousing reception throwing them flowers and offering them wine
In August he was sent back into the fighting (Having previously been wounded on the 20th November 1943) to help smash the Gothic Line. He said that in spite of public belief to the contrary the line was very well defended with its concrete pill boxes,built in tank traps and machine gun nests.
Their most recent action was the taking of Cesena . One company approached the town on tanks and were fired on about a hundred yards from the entrance of the town. They dismounted and advanced on foot. For awhile they held some positions in deserted houses while the Germans dropped mortars all around . They later advanced with tanks and with the help of a few partisans spent the rest of the day mopping up enemy sniper and machine gun posts.
The townspeople gave them a rousing reception throwing them flowers and offering them wine
Military Medal Action Pte 6094785 FREDERICK GEROWSKI, 16TH DLI
On the night of 22 November 1944, Private Gerowski's Platoon crossed the River COSINA. After it had consolidated, several spandaus opened fire on it. The enemy then attacked in strength and Private Gerowski immediately went out to meet them, killing several of them with his Tommy Gun. This action so inspired his comrades that the enemy was driven back with heavy casualties. 'On the following day, the same Platoon attacked a house. On nearing the objective a spandau opened fire on them from the right flank causing several casualties. Private Gerowski immediately rushed forward with his Tommy Gun, killed one of the Bosche and silenced the spandau. This action enabled the platoon to advance and take the objective. The bravery shown by Private Gerowski on the days stated was of the highest order and an inspiration to his comrades
Pte Gerowski (above) was initially recommended for a Distinguished Conduct Medal he was awarded an immediate Military Medal. Freddie Gerowski lived at 103 Marsden Street South Shields he attended St Hildas school and worked at Whitburn Colliery before enlisting into the Army. He enlisted into The Queen's Royal Regiment on the 25th May 1940 transferring to The Durham Light Infantry on the 23rd December 1942 .
He was reported to be a prisoner of the ELAS in Greece Private Gerowski served with the 16th Battalion DLI during the Second World War. In November 1944, he was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery during the crossing of the River Cosina in Italy. Badly wounded in the head by shrapnel, he never fully recovered and was resident at Cherry Knowle Hospital in Sunderland from 1945. Frederick Gerowski died of Cancer in November 1995. His Military Medal was gazetted on the 10th May 1945
He was reported to be a prisoner of the ELAS in Greece Private Gerowski served with the 16th Battalion DLI during the Second World War. In November 1944, he was awarded the Military Medal for his bravery during the crossing of the River Cosina in Italy. Badly wounded in the head by shrapnel, he never fully recovered and was resident at Cherry Knowle Hospital in Sunderland from 1945. Frederick Gerowski died of Cancer in November 1995. His Military Medal was gazetted on the 10th May 1945
Military Cross Action 256432 T/ Major Patrick Anthony Casey 16th DLI
On the 23rd November 1944 `C` Company of the 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry commanded by Major Casey were ordered to attack an enemy position across the River COSINA This task was carried out with great dash,Major Casey leading the attack himself and silencing an enemy machine gun post.On reaching their objective `C` Company were ordered at short notice to take part in a further attack on a position known as DESMOND.Major Casey re-organized his company and gave out orders for the second attack under extremely difficult conditions and under persistent enemy fire.He then took part in the second attack and captured his objective together with 15 of the enemy.Major Casey`s disregard of enemy fire and devotion to duty enabled the company to put in an attack on important enemy positions the taking of which had a great effect on the operations in the area.I strongly recommend that Major Casey be awarded an immediate Military Cross.
Mortar Platoon 16th DLI Sgt Israel Raphaelson
Two photographs featuring Sgt Israel Raphaelson of the 16th Durham Light Infantry Photographs kindly supplied by his daughter`s.
military medal action 4696086 cpl jack hall 16th durham light infantry
4696086 CORPORAL JACK HALL 16th DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY
On 1st September 1944, an assault section of the Pioneer Platoon of 16th Bn The Durham Light Infantry, commanded by Corporal Hall, were ordered to gap a minefield in the FOGLIA valley. The minefield was covered by enemy machine-gun fire and had a tank blown up in it, which was drawing enemy artillery fire. Corporal Hall carried out a reconnaissance of the minefield, with complete disregard for personal safety. He then led his section forward and was twice driven back, one of the section being wounded. Corporal Hall made a third attempt covered by smoke and succeeded in reaching and eventually gapping the minefield. 'The following day Corporal Hall rescued two wounded men from a minefield which was under enemy small arms fire.
Corporal Hall showed fine devotation [sic] to duty on both these occasions. I strongly recommend that he be awarded an immediate Military Medal; Lt Colonel D H C Worrall. MC Commanding 16th Durham Light Infantry.
On 1st September 1944, an assault section of the Pioneer Platoon of 16th Bn The Durham Light Infantry, commanded by Corporal Hall, were ordered to gap a minefield in the FOGLIA valley. The minefield was covered by enemy machine-gun fire and had a tank blown up in it, which was drawing enemy artillery fire. Corporal Hall carried out a reconnaissance of the minefield, with complete disregard for personal safety. He then led his section forward and was twice driven back, one of the section being wounded. Corporal Hall made a third attempt covered by smoke and succeeded in reaching and eventually gapping the minefield. 'The following day Corporal Hall rescued two wounded men from a minefield which was under enemy small arms fire.
Corporal Hall showed fine devotation [sic] to duty on both these occasions. I strongly recommend that he be awarded an immediate Military Medal; Lt Colonel D H C Worrall. MC Commanding 16th Durham Light Infantry.
military medal 4466422 Pte robert douglas 16th Durham Light infantry
4466422 Pte Robert Douglas 16th Durham Light Infantry
Private Douglas has been a motor transport driver in the 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry since September 1942. He has taken part in all the actions in which the Battalion has fought since the landings at SALERNO on 9th September 1943, as a Jeep driver.
In September 1944, when the Battalion was engaged in fighting on Gemmano Pte Douglas was driving the stretcher jeep and was responsible for evacuating many casualties under heavy shell fire. During this period his jeep was destroyed by shellfire whilst he was beside it. Private Douglas obtained another jeep and continued to evacuate casualties. 'Private Douglas's calm manner in action has been an
inspiration to his comrades. His devotion to duty in bringing up rations and ammunition and evacuating casualties under difficult conditions has contributed largely to the success of his Company in action.
Private Douglas has been a motor transport driver in the 16th Battalion The Durham Light Infantry since September 1942. He has taken part in all the actions in which the Battalion has fought since the landings at SALERNO on 9th September 1943, as a Jeep driver.
In September 1944, when the Battalion was engaged in fighting on Gemmano Pte Douglas was driving the stretcher jeep and was responsible for evacuating many casualties under heavy shell fire. During this period his jeep was destroyed by shellfire whilst he was beside it. Private Douglas obtained another jeep and continued to evacuate casualties. 'Private Douglas's calm manner in action has been an
inspiration to his comrades. His devotion to duty in bringing up rations and ammunition and evacuating casualties under difficult conditions has contributed largely to the success of his Company in action.
military medal action 5951910 SgT P W H Griffin 16th Durham Light Infantry
5951910 Sergeant Peter William Hamilton Griffin 16th Durham Light Infantry
Sergeant Griffin is Medical Sergeant and has been employed in this job in the Regimental Aid Post since 1st July 1942. In action he has proved that his one concern are the wounded, regardless of himself. He is the Senior combatant rank in the Regimental Aid Post and by his own personal courage and leadership has at all times set a splendid example to the Stretcher Bearers. His bravery in the face of the enemy led to his being put forward for an immediate award in December 1943. During the period in question (1st-January-30th April 1944) he has continued to set a fine example and to carry out his work most conscientiously both in and out of action, thereby gaining the confidence of the whole Battalion in his responsible task.
Also mentioned in despatches SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 24 AUGUST, 1944 Page 3933
Sergeant Griffin is Medical Sergeant and has been employed in this job in the Regimental Aid Post since 1st July 1942. In action he has proved that his one concern are the wounded, regardless of himself. He is the Senior combatant rank in the Regimental Aid Post and by his own personal courage and leadership has at all times set a splendid example to the Stretcher Bearers. His bravery in the face of the enemy led to his being put forward for an immediate award in December 1943. During the period in question (1st-January-30th April 1944) he has continued to set a fine example and to carry out his work most conscientiously both in and out of action, thereby gaining the confidence of the whole Battalion in his responsible task.
Also mentioned in despatches SUPPLEMENT TO THE LONDON GAZETTE, 24 AUGUST, 1944 Page 3933
