Friday, January 05, 2007

"Enemy M.E.T. heading southeast"

After Robert Crisp and his companions arrived back at the 4th Armoured Brigade HQ, they rested for ten minutes, and then were sent off towards "a large column of enemy M.E.T. heading southeast". This was on the seventh day of the Crusader Battle. Robert Crisp says that the column was densely packed, and moved from north to south. The Stuarts positioned themselves hull down, with just enough turret showing to allow the tank commanders to observe the scene. The column was "about 2,000 yards" away. The column was a mix of vehicles carrying troops, supply trucks, and a few 88's being towed. Alec Gatehouse ordered the remnants of the three battalions to attack the column. This was to be a cavalry attack, and Robert says he felt like he was with the Earl of Cardigan at Balaclava. Robert had his friend Harry Maegraith next to him. They drove past an 88 and got behind it, with their machine guns firing. The column broke and ran, leaving several 88s behind. This is based on the account in Robert Crisp's book Brazen Chariots.

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