Sunday, February 18, 2007

Robert Crisp back at 4th Armoured Brigade HQ

After the sharp fight on the 11th Day of the Crusader Battle, Robert Crisp and his squadron drove back to 4th Armoured Brigade HQ, which had been in sight, the entire time of the action. When he got back, he went to Alec Gatehouse, the Brigadier, who started to berate him for fighting at long range. Robert pointed out that while Brigadier Gatehouse might have thought that he fought at fought at long range, but he had six holes in his tank from German AP shot. Alec Gatehouse was a lot nicer to Robert after Robert told him that. Brigadier Gatehouse told Robert that he had recalled the 3rd RTR and 5th RTR to HQ. Dr. MacMillan was already there at HQ, and congratulated Robert for his performance in battle. Dr. MacMillan had recommended that Robert take a break from fighting, but he could see that Robert was doing well again, so there was no need. The remainder of the 3rd RTR eventually returned, minus three Stuarts lost that morning in a fight. The 4th Armoured Brigade was now back to having two battalions, somewhat reduced. The 8th Hussars were still off, operating independently. This is based on the account in Robert Crisp's book Brazen Chariots. I estimate that the 11th day was 28 December 1941.

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