A RANKER'S DIARY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 44, 24 April 1942, Page 5

A RANKER'S DIARY

GLIMPSES OF LIBYAN 1 BATTLE

CAPTURED MAN'S EXPERIENCES

EVENTS FROM DAY TO DAY

The following diary extracts bjr Signalman L. K. Ryan who was captured by the Germans and in-, terned at Bardia until finally" released by the South Africans will be of interest te those of our readers whose relatives participated in the Libyan campaign.

November 27. After two or three days of alarm and skirmishes we were attacked at 7 a.m. by German armoured forces. Most of our guns and other means of protection had. been taken away by this time to help other brigades and battalions who had run into a spot of trouble. We were left with a small force of infantry, 4 25 pounders, a few 18 pounders and some smaller calibres. Hun artillery knocked out our transport and guns in short time. Lt. Stevenson and self in trench, with: shells, bullets, trench mortars whistling overhead. Nothing burst very close as it turned out but seemedl only a few feet away at times. About 9 I looked up to find our chaps running past us. Don't know where they thought they were going. Lt. Stevenson left me and started to follow but dropped into another hole a few yards to rear. Still plenty of lead about so decided to stay put. A few minutes later take another peep to see a 30 ton Hun tank with 3 inch gun coming my way. Kissed my rifle (still unfircd) an affectionate good-bye threw it away very, very, smartly then stood in the trench with my hands up. See Lt. S. start to leave trench then hear more bullets fly past us go to earth once more. When I come up, find him badly wountfed lying near my trench. He said he was paralysed and couldn't feel anything. Had him in hospital in a few minutes, but he died about half an hour later. We all stand round with hands up wondering what is going to happen next. Enemyforces consisted of about 30 tanks, some field guns, infantry and motor cycle troops. Shelled for nearly two hours before surrender. Tanks had guns firing Gib shells and they looked like super naval guns to' me when [ first got out of my trench and saw them coming towards me. German infantry carried rifles, tommy guns, hand grenades, pick nad shovel, while each motor cycle unit had a Spandau M/C gun on side car in addition to rifles and tommy guns car-: ried by the three members of th& crew. The Germans allowed some tou have breakfast and collect the gear - [ was unlucky and had only usualdress and greatcoat. While waiting round to be marched off, two cif our planes flew round overhead and we all put up our hands once more so that they could see we were prisoners. Trucks burning everywhere, and! explosives going off continuously* Planes arrived too late, but there is much doubt as to whether they actually got our 5.0.5., so can't blame them in the meantime. Germans opened fire on us at 7 a.m., we sur-

rendered about 8.45 and by 9.30

they had taken all our trucks and' equipment they wanted, destroyed what was left, and were- on their way. All clone with hardly a word spoken. About ten we were searched tor arms and fallen in ready tor march off. Guards told us we had about 20 miles to go. Only had water bottle full of water to carry. Set off scon after ten under guard of about six motor cycles and their troops. Nothing to eat on the way nnd towards evening when some started to drop out German guards were quickly cn the scene with wat-* r>r for the patient. Had a spell of i.wo hours after we entered the outer defences of Bardia. Arrived in our prison about 9 p.m. and some were lucky enough to obtain a drink of brackish water, but not enough to go round. Just a piece of rocky" ground enclosed by four walls with no roof. Try to sleep where ever we can find a space.

November 28. Night A 7 ery cokl and only coat to keep it out. Find accommodation about 100 x /•'i ya r Ts» Given a drink of water all roup/' Trt lhe morning and the afternoon finetin beef and leaf of brown H/ilb) per man. O'ne of the c 1 -ns gave me a blanket. Searched for knives, scissors and >n> instruments. Shift, into a fi;rr nt camp.

(To lie continued)