British Defend Bir Hacheim 5/14/1941

[robot]

North Africa Bir Hacheim: 2000 Hours 5/14/1941

We have been ordered to set up a defensive line out side of Bir Hacheim. We expect the Germans to attack in force. We are short on men and tanks. We were unable to get all our tanks repaired in such a short time. This is goin to be one hell of a fight. I at least have the backing of a battery of 8 inchers on call. They are to answer to me and no one else.

The weather is clear and visability is 200 yards at least. I have set most of the 2 and 6 pounder guns to cover the center. At least the quarter master was able to scrounge up some more mines. They have been laid out and engineers have begun to set a few more extra surprises for the enemy.

This is going to be some kind of fight. The men have been hard at work digging down in the sand as far as they can get. Have made a lot of sand bag reinforcements around the guns and tanks. I have told the men to keep hidden as best as they can and not to open up till the Germans are with in 150 yards. We have plenty of water and ammo this time. I am sure the Germans do not have as much water as we do. This may are may not be a factor all depends on how long the fight lasts. It is hot very hot today. Think ill have a drink my mouth tastes like cotton already.

Commander VII Queens Royal Rifles: Col Thomas Helmsly

[robot]

North Africa Bir Hacheim: 2025 Hours 5/14/1941

The Germans hit our lines 20 minutes ago. The explosions from our mine field were deafening. They have rushed there tanks to the front and right into the jaws of death. At least 15 explosions were heard in the last 15 minutes.

They went right for the center objectives with there strength. I have called down the wrath of the 150 on them. For at least 20 minutes death has rained down on the center approaches to the mine field. Even with this at least 10 tanks made it thru the field and have taken 3 of the four VH in the center. They have taken out 2 squads of Engineers an ATR and one ATG of ours.
They even were able to plow thru the extra mines the Engineers had lain like they had a map thru.

I have given the order for the company from India who are 100 yards from the objective to counter attack. Three sections of tanks have also been dispatched to help. So far they have knocked out 4 of the tanks but have not retaken the VHs as yet. Have called down any 2 inch mortars that can reach the enemy. Our 3 inch have been hitting them ever since they appeared but with little or no effect. I also have started to move a section of 2 pounders into position to help the Indians. We will continue to attack them until they no longer occupy our ground.

This battle has a long way to go. We are no where near breaking and will hold our ground. God save the Queen.

Commander VII Queens Royal Rifles: Col Thomas Helmsly

[Hussar]

Sir, I realise that you have been here in North Africa for quite some time, however I am certain that you will find that King George VI is still King and that the Princess Elizabeth being still in her teens is serving in the ATS. Perhaps you are suffering from shell-shock. I suggest that you have your batman make a good strong cup of tea.
Obediently Yours

Tim "Hussar" Wynn

[robot]

North Africa Bir Hacheim: 2110 Hours 5/14/1941

The center is holding and have recaptured 2 of the VH. They have repulsed a very large tank force that made it thru all the mines. The Germans have left a lot of burnt hulks in that mine field tho. There infantry are just now coming thru the mines.

Our on call artty has been laying a murderous fire down on the mine field. They have caught there Engineers right in the middle of the field. I have been told by phone from the artty commander that they will only have enough ammo for a few more minutes of fire. I dont really think it will matter that much. This battle has been going on for over an hour now. I believe we have broken there back any ways. We are getting reports of there troops begining to break and run.

The right and left flank have had next to nothing going on. It seems the Germans put every thing into a big push at the middle of our lines. It worked for a while as they were able to penatrate our lines and capture the center VH. All this did was allow us to lay all our artty on the center. As soon as we can regroup the troops at the center we will push them back I am sure.

I have been called on my use of the term God save the Queen. It was a tremendous mistake of mine and I appologise to our fellow country men. I admit I was thinking of all those grand and colorful uniforms the King wears at times. God save the King.

Commander VII Royal Rifles: Col Thomas Helmsly

[robot]

North Africa Bir Hacheim: 2205 Hours 5/14/1941

This battle has raged for over two hours. The Indian company in the center took the brunt of the German attack. After the initial assault by the Germans when they took 3 of the five flags it was an in the face up close and personal fight. We counter attacked and took back 2 VH flags. They then counter attacked and took back 1 of those. It then became one assualt after another with us holding on with grim determination. I would like to recommend a unit citation for the troops from India. They lost over half of there company today and proved they are great fighters. They did not ever falter in there task of holding the center.

Today we lost another 271 men and 22 tanks which we can not afford to do. But we fought and defeated a much stronger force then ours. We killed 1096 of there men and took out 49 tanks. Since the inception of this command we have destroyed 385 of there tanks and sent 6000 of there men to Valhalla.

We have not recieved our orders as yet except to withdraw to the rear and wait. We still are not up to strength and expect to go into the next battle short as well. Maybe some day supply will catch up to us and we once again will be up to full strangth.

Commander VII Royal Rifles: Col Thomas Helmsly