June 16 and later

The Free French General Legentilhomme had been wounded, but he greatly desired to return to his headquarters, with the situation still in doubt. The Vichy forces were threatening his position, but Brigadier Lloyd, still in command of forces moving towards Damascus, boldy attacked Mezze and took it, although the forts in the hills were still in Vichy hands. The Vichy counterattacked on 19 and 20 June, and the defenders were hard-pressed, as the Vichy forces had tanks, while the defenders only had the Boys anti-tank rifle. Reinforcements arrived on 20 June, but by then, the defenders had been captured. This is based on the account in Vol.II of the Official History.