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El Alamein, October 1942

We were a small section of Sappers with a roving role. Lifting mines, immobilising knocked out enemy tanks and generally checking the area. Our instructions often came by radio. We had no radio and relied upon the artillery to pass on messages received on our behalf. It was essential that we maintained a very firm contact with the Gunners.

On one occasion, I noticed activity on the part of the Gunners who moved from their location. There was intense activity and we followed them into their new positions. Close enough to hear verbal orders. The guns, now self-propelled 105 mm, were traversed loosely and an order “Gun Control” was shouted. There was a fair amount of tracer flying around and we wondered what the next move would be. In the semi-gloom, making their way to attack the guns, were a group of German tanks.

The gunners in semi hull down positions waited and, as the German tanks came into full view, fired over open sights. The range was short and the gunners’ fire was accurate. The tanks silhouetted against a murky background were obvious and provided a vivid target.

As the echoes of shells hit their targets, leaving blazing wrecks, the tank attack petered out and the remainder of the tanks withdrew. Firing ceased and things became quiet again. A visit to the wireless truck revealed no further orders for us and we bedded down for the night in some of the numerous slit trenches dug in the area.

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