A PROUD RECORD

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 95, 24 August 1942, Page 5

A PROUD RECORD

B' (HAURAKI) COMPANY

| HISTORY DURING PRESENT WAR (I:V) Lieut. Col. Dawe, Area Coirbmandfer (Paeroa) has kindly forwarded us a brief official account of the activities of B (Hauraki) Company- in the pre- - sent war. * The record is made by Major R. G. Webb up to the I opening of the Libyan campaign and is carried on from there by Oaipt. Jack Con ally (sine© posted as wounded). The history will be published in column form from issue to issue. On 13th November, 1941, the Company marched out with the 6th Brigade, and up towards the Italian, wire which they crassed on the night of 31st November through; a gap blown by New Zealand-Sappers. The first task set the Company was at Hill 175, the task being to drive out enemy machine gunners and snipers, who were holding -this feature. This was on Monday, 24th November, 1941. Zero hour was 1000 hours, and by 1130 hours the objective had been gained, without casualty. From behind a damaged I tank, which was the: only available observation point, Capt Brown directed the lire of his Company on to observed targets. Enemy S.A. martar, and A.T. fire was intense'. It was during this period that, the Company sustained 35 per cent casualties, including two officers, 2/Lieut • H. 8.-Ashton (killed) and 2/Lieut J. Brccn (seriously wounded). Sgt. T. Butler was also killed. 2/Lieut Ashton put up an excellent show by going forward with one of his Bren gunners (Pte Legon, J. 8.) and keeping down the enemy fire to a minimum. At. 1800 hours, the Company withdrew—2oo yards, and dug in. "Jigging in" in the stoney desert consisted of building up small rock protections.

At 0343 hours on 25th Novembef, the 24th Battalion pushed in a determined bayonet attack, which carried it forward 3000 yards. C and D Companies went forward with A and B in reserve, so that, casualties were light. Before first light the Company dug in under heavy fixed line fire 1 , and were ready at dawn to support 21 Bn's attack on the Blockhouse foiavard of 175. Captain C. D. Brown M.M., had been wounded in the leg, but, in true Hauraki style, continued his command until the Blockhouse had been taken. Only then did he hand over to Capt Wallace and return to the R.A.P. for

treatment. At 2200 hours the same day, the Company moved forward approximately 2000 yards, and took up a position north of Sidi Rezegh Aerodrome, the role of the Company being to protect a battery of 18 padrs., which were being used! as A.T. guns. These guns drew the lire, of long range enemy machine guns and mortars next morning. Later in the morning, tanks tried to break through the Company lines, but our 18 pounders pro-vet! too good for them.

After dark, at 2100 hours on 26th November, B Company moved forward to a temporary position overlooking Sidi Rezegh itself.

From this position, at dawn on 27th November, the Battalion pushed forward, captured Sidi Rezegh, 50 or GO prisoners and a large supply of enemy weapons and ammunition. For the rest of the day, the boys forgot the war. showers, washing and riding captured motor cycles taking pride* of place.

At 1400 hours on Friday, 28tli November, orders were issued to change the l'ront from H. to W. Positions wi*. e still unfinished Avhcn the enemy advance started from the W.

A and D Companies on the left were over-run by sheer weight of numbers, leaving B Company open to both Hank and frontal lire. Capt Wallace and Sgt/Major Derbyshire J. A.M. were killed, leaving 'the Company without an officer.

Attempts by the enemy to mount heavy machine guns failed becauseof the accurate lire of our 13rens. The enemy withdrew at 1800 hours, giving the Company the opportunity to complete its positions. At this \uncture, Li?ut. 11. Thompson, was placed in charge ot B Company,- which was subjected to intermittent motor fire lor the rest of the night, and the following morning. Between 1400 hurs and 1600 hours on 29t.h November, the enemy sent f over a heavy barrage of motar, and artillery shells, but the expected &W tack did not eventuate,