Tuesday, March 06, 2007

Early on the 14th Day

With the sun rising on the 14th day of the Crusader Battle, Robert Crisp led his troop forward in the "protection front" role. Sidi Rezegh was still littered with knocked out vehicles, as when Robert had last seen it. Robert could still see the image of Jock Campbell and his blonde driver. Robert was surprised that Point 175 was occupied by Axis forces. He could see Germans beyond the New Zealanders who they had come to support. Robert and his troop reached the southern escarpment at about 7:30am. At 8am, they were ordered forward to connect with the New Zealanders. He was to find the NZ commander and tell him to withdraw, falling back behind the tanks. Robert got out with Harry Maegraith and looked around. He recognized Bernard Freyberg, sitting. Robert told Harry to wait, and walked across the airfield towards the New Zealand Division commander, a man who was already famous. Robert introduced himself and saluted. General Freyberg told him to get in the trench, but Robert stayed up and delivered his message. This is based on the account in Robert Crisp's book Brazen Chariots.

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