The problems encountered from 24 June 1941

The 16th Brigade, with only two battalions, was moved from Palestine for the attack on Damascus. The remnants of the 5th Indian Brigade were sitting on the Damascus-Beirut Highway, facing west. The Vichy offered stiff resistance, and were in possession of the Jebel Mazar, a 5,000ft mountain. The 2/3rd Australian Battalion tried to take the mountain on 24 and 25 June 1941. They made more progress the next night. Early on 27 June, the 2/3rd Australian Battalion and the 2nd Queens did take the twin peaks, but were pushed back. This is based on the account in Vol.II of the Official History.