Italians defend British Attack 6/41

[robot]

Bir Hacheim Libya
6/21/1941
0700 Hours

Once again we sit here waiting for the hordes of British that will soon be comin at us. Once again supply has managed to get us a mess of mines. Our Engineers have laid out 125 mines in a 2 and sometime 3 row layout in front of our defenses. We managed to get 2 more 152mm FH back for HQ. Also got at least 4 75mm IG repaired. Will give us a little more fire power then last month.

A bunch of new green recruits came in and filled out the ranks of C Co. Have been working hard with them all the past month. I hope they are ready and will stand there ground when the going gets tough. Have begun to get a nucles of vets around which to build on.

At least the last battle went so well we did not have to call on the Germans for help as my predessesor had too. I got a letter from El Duche yesterday congratulating me for the job I did after we lost Col Pavetti. He said to keep up the good work and the promotions will come in time.

HQ: I Ariete Roma Legion
1st Lt: Tito Patronie Acting CO

[robot]

Bir Hacheim Libya
6/21/1941
0735 Hours

The british have come with at least 2 companys of tanks and maybe more. We have seen at least 20 blow up in the minefield. So I am guessing that there are a lot more then 3 companys. At least 7 have busted thru our minefield and are getting close to our front lines. Our ATR have taken out at least 5 so far.

The British have taken at least one and a half of the objectives and we will have to counter attack in order to take them back. The only front objective we still fully hold is the northern most one. And that one looks to be near giving up as well. Even tho our minefield has accounted for heavy enemy casualties and a big loss of armor for them they continue to press the attack. Our losses are not heavy as yet but that could change when we try and retake the objectives.

We are doing all we can to hold them but we have no heavy armor at all. Only light ATG and A few 75mm IG to try and hold a major push by the British. The men are fighting bravely with what they have to fight with. Several troopers have showed exempleary strength and morale in fighting today. I believe some medals should be handed out today for there bravery showed under very hard and trying conditions. Fighting and being expected to not only hold but to defeat a far more superior foe goes beyond the call of duty.

HQ: I Ariete Roma Legion
1st Lt: Tito Patronie Acting CO

[robot]

Bir Hacheim Libya
6/21/1941
0805 Hours

Just went past one hour and this battle is still very intense. Even tho we have hurt them and taken out a lot of there armor they still continue to press the attack. Our troops are begining to pull back from our original line of defense as they are being put under extreme pressure by the British armor.

Our minefield did a lot of damage but it really never slowed down there forward momentem. They came thru the minefields showing no fear as they lost men and equipment to the mines. Our losses are starting to mount as they get right up into our faces and fire at point blank range. Our men have been gallantly holding there own as they grudgingly give up ground. For every 50 feet we lose we make them pay dearly in human lives. But then again it is costing us in the fallen comrads we are losing to there heavy onslaught.

We have regained the southern objectives and at the moment they are secure. Of course this may change if they again send a mess of tanks to try and retake it. The battle field is begining to thin out some from the mass of troops the enemy threw at us today. Slowly but surely we are whittilling them down. The field is strewn with hugh chunks of debree and hugh burning hulks all mishappen and distorted. Every where you look large piles of junk twisted and burning can be seen. The stentch of burning flesh and the rancid smell of blood fills your nostrils. It is a scence out of Dantes Hell.

I hate to say this but once again we are being helped by those dam Germans. A German panzer company heard the sounds of the battle and decided to come over and see if they could get a piece of the British. God knows we really needed there help but I will not tell them that. At least they cant throw up to us that we begged for there help. I did not send out any kind of distress call and I would not even if i thought I was goin to die or be captured. Dam I hate there poumpus asses as if they are so superior to us poor dumb Italians.

HQ: I Ariete Roma Legion
1st Lt. Tito Patronie Acting CO