I am attempting to establish the actual lay-down of Combeforce on the morning of 6 Feb 1941. From the materials to which I have access, there are several significant variations to the positioning of the various companies/squadron/batteries. I am hoping that someone here has access to the war diaries of the various units that could provide primary source information.
Latimer’s Operation Compass 1940 (pp.75-76) has C/11 H to the west of the road, A Coy blocking the road, two coys east of the road, with one coy in reserve behind the two companies, along with the artillery. A/KDG is south of the position watching for Italian movement from the south.
Desert Rats has A and B Coys astride the road, S Coy between the road and the sea, and C Coy in reserve west of the road. C/11 H is east of the road and the artillery is behind the infantry (possibly west of the road).
Dando's The impact of terrain on British operations and doctrine in North Africa 1940-1943 p.59 states the artillery was 4 miles east (I assume of the road). The cite is the 11H War Diary.
Playfair and Macksey's Beda Fomm lack tactical detail.
Any assistance?
Grazie! Jeff
Latimer’s Operation Compass 1940 (pp.75-76) has C/11 H to the west of the road, A Coy blocking the road, two coys east of the road, with one coy in reserve behind the two companies, along with the artillery. A/KDG is south of the position watching for Italian movement from the south.
Desert Rats has A and B Coys astride the road, S Coy between the road and the sea, and C Coy in reserve west of the road. C/11 H is east of the road and the artillery is behind the infantry (possibly west of the road).
Dando's The impact of terrain on British operations and doctrine in North Africa 1940-1943 p.59 states the artillery was 4 miles east (I assume of the road). The cite is the 11H War Diary.
Playfair and Macksey's Beda Fomm lack tactical detail.
Any assistance?
Grazie! Jeff