El Alamein

by Jack Murray

  There was silence in the tank although explosions continued outside. The silence was enough to send Manfred’s imagination racing.

  ‘British are pulling back,’ said a voice on the radio. It sounded like Stiefelmayer.

  ‘I’m not surprised,’ commented Kummel.

  Manfred looked through his periscope. There was too much smoke to have any real sense of the damage they’d inflicted but he could see black smoke and red flame engulfing a couple of the enemy tanks.

  Cramer called a halt. Manfred looked surprised which Kummel noted with a smile.

  ‘We don’t want to be drawn into the range of their anti-tank guns. At least not yet.’

  The roar of explosions lessened to such a degree that Manfred had to strain his ears to gain a sense of where they were detonating. They sounded distant as if the Panzers were giving the British tanks a send-off.

  ‘Forward,’ said Cramer, after a few minutes.

  Hubbuch grumbled into his mic, ‘Here we go again.’

  The tank rumbled forward and then was ordered to stop. Kummel looked down into the tank and said, ‘Everybody out. Get some air and see what we can find in the British tanks.’

  Manfred and the others hesitated a moment and then Beer kicked open the hatch which allowed the acrid smell of cordite-infused air to flood into the cabin. They exited the tank and Manfred took a few steps forward to view the landscape.

  All around were the smoking hulks of British tanks. Manfred stopped counting them when he reached forty. The smell that greeted him was more than just cordite. Manfred didn’t want to think about that. Perhaps one of the reasons why Kummel and the other senior commanders had ordered them out onto the open was to remind them of what the price of failure looked like. It was littered all around them. Black twisted shapes of metal, what had once been tanks, and the charred bodies of the men inside. A number of British soldiers wandered with their hands up. Manfred ignored them and joined Beer who was scavenging inside a British tank.

  In the gathering gloom, Manfred and the others took what they could. It seemed like a competition with the other Panzer crews. Just before Kummel called for them to return, Manfred ran into Gerhardt who was laden with two jerricans of water. They smiled at one another.

  ‘I wish it was always as easy as this,’ said Gerhardt as they stopped and shared a cigarette. ‘We stopped at least six of their tanks.’

  ‘We destroyed seven,’ said Manfred before bursting out into laughter joined by his friend. Then they quietened as they heard a small explosion inside a burning tank. They looked at one another, a trace of guilt in their eyes. There was no goodbye just a nod and they returned to their respective tanks.

  At the tank, Siefers was busy tying down the jerricans containing fuel and water. The tank seemed to be weighed down by their haul. Nearby, Kummel was talking to Cramer. Manfred watched them and the other company commanders in conference. It was quite animated, but this was normal. Disagreement and debate were not frowned upon. However, once a decision was made, obedience was demanded. Kummel returned to the tank and gathered the crew together.

  ‘We still do not have a clear idea of enemy numbers, but we’ve made a dent today. There are still British forces in and around Saunnu but they seem to be retreating. The intention is that we move at first light towards Msus and then the coast at Benghazi. If the British are retreating, then we will help them. Just to warn you, we have a long journey ahead of us.’

  7

  South East of Saunnu, Libya: 23rd January 1942

  They waited until midnight before setting off again. In the meantime, Arnold insisted that everyone rest. The reduced column followed flags left by Barrett on his initial reconnaissance. In the darkness it was difficult to see the faces of the other men. They drove in silence. His nervousness was exacerbated by the chill of the cold night air. He was glad it was dark, and that conversation was forbidden. Despite having been with the Jock Column for over six weeks, this was their first night mission. There was a hint of desperation in the air. Previously they were like pirates. The hunter preying on slow moving echelons. They could wade in and create all manner of hell before running away knowing that the enemy could not catch them.

  Now it felt different. This was not about harassing the enemy. It was about survival. For the first time since joining the group, Danny felt a prickle of real fear.

  Half a mile from the oasis they stopped. Barrett and a group of infantry soldiers set off to their objective with orders to send a runner when the guard changed over. For an hour they sat in this position. Danny’s muscles were beginning to lock into place when they heard the two messengers return. They went straight to Arnold. Danny was too cold to listen to what was being said.

  Arnold called Blair over and quickly gave some orders to the lieutenant. One of the infantry men hopped into the back of the truck. When Arnold had finished issuing the orders, Blair returned and joined Sergeant Gray in the front.

  ‘We are to drive to within four hundred yards of the oasis,’ announced Blair. ‘We think that the hills will help muffle the noise of the engines. The infantry will look to take out the pickets. Meantime, the truck will circle around and wait for a signal once the pickets have been removed. It will freewheel into the oasis and we will load as much as we can, hopefully without attracting the attention of Jerry. If for some reason Jerry catches us in the act, then clearly, we’re in a bit of a pickle. This is when you men come in. We are to keep Jerry interested by hitting him with all we’ve got while our men make their getaway.’

  Danny didn’t need to look at Buller to feel that this was a plan full of risk.

  ‘What are we aiming at?’ asked Buller.

  This was no small matter. It was dark; they could not be sure of distance or direction. They couldn’t get close enough to see.

  ‘We could try to get closer,’ suggested Gray, trying to keep the edge out of his voice.

  ‘Out of the question,’ said Blair. ‘We’ll have someone on the hill giving us guidance via radio. Shaw, you’ve had experience with radio.’ Then he ordered the truck to turn to allow the gun to face in the direction of the oasis.

  Danny accompanied a young infantry man to the hill overlooking the oasis. Danny was carrying a small radio set.

  ‘I’m Danny Shaw,’ said Danny as they walked towards the oasis.

  ‘Lenny Piper,’ said the soldier. He was about Danny’s age. By his accent, Danny guessed he was from London. ‘What do you think of the plan?’ asked the young soldier nervously.

  Danny was tempted to say ‘the same as you probably’ but decided not to be so negative.

  ‘It’s a risk. But we need the petrol.’

  A couple of minutes later they were sitting on a ridge overlooking the oasis. It was larger than Danny had imagined. A thicket of palm trees surrounded the water on one side. Across the oasis, on the other side, were a couple of dozen of tents. Set off from the tents was a compound containing the fuel and, presumably, the water. A dozen trucks were lined up near the fuel dump. Soldiers milled around but for the most part, none seemed particularly on the lookout for the enemy.

  Two hours passed, mostly in a brooding silence. There was nothing they could think to talk about. Danny glanced at his watch. It was now close to two in the morning. There was little or no moonlight. The desert was a dark blue sea behind them, with a few palm trees and a company of Germans in front of them. Nothing to worry about, thought Danny grimly.

  With each passing hour, the camp emptied with soldiers going to their tents. The only soldiers that Danny could see were two guards on each side of the camp. They were sitting on makeshift wooden benches, smoking. Neither appeared interested in looking out into the night. Across from them, fifty yards to the other side of the camp, the other two German soldiers were also smoking. Danny watched them both for a few minutes and wondered when they would strike.

  They waited.

  Just before three in the morning, Danny felt a tug on his elbow. Dark figures were approa
ching the German soldiers who were standing picket. Two soldiers had met on the middle for a chat, leaving one of their comrades alone. Seconds later there was a noise which attracted the attention of the three soldiers. They both walked forward. Overlooking the scene Danny could see the lone soldier being overwhelmed by a small group of British soldiers. From out of the shadows another group appeared. The infantry men were upon the Germans before they could get their guns off their shoulders.

  Seeing that the pickets had been dealt with, less than a minute later the British truck rolled silently towards the oasis, partly freewheeling, partly pushed by the remaining infantry. It drew to a halt and quickly the infantry men began to take jerricans of petrol from the store and load it onto the truck. Danny watched the operation spellbound. It was freezing now but perspiration dripped from his forehead. Fear gripped him as he watched the petrol being quietly loaded onto the truck. It seemed impossible that they would not be discovered.

  Minutes passed in agonizing slowness. Danny wanted to shout down to the men to hurry up or stop. How much was enough?

  Then he saw the flickering torches. These were followed by shouts. Danny knew the men had been seen. He quickly grabbed the radio, switched it on and began to transmit.

  ‘Operation is compromised. Repeat compromised. Begin to fire.’

  Just as he said this, he heard the first gunshots. A few cracks at first and then more. Half a dozen British soldiers were streaming towards the truck. The engine of the truck kicked in but around twenty or thirty German soldiers, many half-dressed, were running towards the truck firing.

  The truck began to reverse at great speed but in its haste the wheels began to spin without traction. Danny looked on helplessly and yelled ‘fire’ into the mic.

  At that moment an explosion landed forty yards to the left of the compound.

  ‘Traverse right forty yards. Distance is good,’ shouted Danny.

  The Germans were firing at the truck which had managed to start moving. A second explosion landed on one of the armoured cars. A blossom of flame erupted from it as the fuel caught fire.

  ‘Faster’ shouted Danny but he wasn’t sure who he was talking to.

  The truck was now widening the gap with the Germans chasing it. And then Danny saw a German soldier with a mortar.

  ‘Look,’ he said to Piper.

  Piper nodded and directed his rifle towards the soldier with the mortar. He fired. The soldier fell wounded but two others grabbed the mortar. Some of the soldiers turned their attention to where Danny and Piper were positioned. Bullets began to lash the sand around them.

  ‘You have to get them,’ said Danny, ‘They’ll hit the truck.’

  Piper leased off another shot but the intensity of fire was such that both boys had to keep their heads down.

  ‘We can’t stay here,’ said Danny. ‘There’s too many.’

  He risked a glance at the truck. At that moment it exploded.

  ‘What happened?’ shouted Piper anxiously.

  Danny couldn’t speak. They were all dead. The mortar had been a direct hit. The fuel exploded. No one could have survived such an explosion. He shook his head and grabbed Piper. They stumbled down the back of the slope just as a mortar landed where they’d been sitting. Other mortars were now being launched and landing to their left and right.

  Overhead, Very lights were launched and they heard shouts behind them. Danny, weighed down by the radio, fell behind Piper. They were now on the flat and running much faster now. The light died and Danny changed direction just as shooting started from the top of the hill.

  Danny was now thirty yards to the side of Piper and at least twenty yards behind. Danny dived into a hollow as the night was lit up by another light. Piper was still running, however.

  ‘Get down,’ shouted Danny. Piper was now bathed in light. Danny saw sand fly up behind his feet. Then he saw Piper fall. A few seconds passed. The young soldier did not move. And then darkness returned. Danny stood up and began running again. He heard a shot and then another light went up. He dived to the ground. Shots raked the ground nearby. There were shouts now as the Germans soldiers began to race down the slope, confident that they were not going to be shot.

  When the Very light went out, Danny got up and began to sprint again, switching back towards where Piper lay. He arrived at the Piper’s body. Piper was dead. Shots pinged a few yards away. He grabbed Piper’s rifle and stumbled forward a few yards before diving to the ground when another Very light lit up the night.

  The light revealed to Danny that half a dozen soldiers were in pursuit around forty yards away from him. They had fanned out and were walking slowly. Danny took aim and fired. One soldier was down forcing the others to hit the ground. By firing he had effectively given away his position. Moments later he heard a mortar being launched. It landed twenty feet behind him.

  Darkness returned. Danny stayed where he was. Another light soon went up. A German soldier risked standing.

  Danny shot him. He fell and did not move.

  -

  ‘Stop firing,’ ordered Blair gazing at the Very lights going up five hundred yards away.

  There had been no more wireless contact since the firing had started. Buller looked at Blair and then to Gray. He wanted to keep the barrage going. Gray stared at Blair.

  ‘Shouldn’t we keep firing, sir? We don’t know what’s happening…’

  ‘My point, Gray. We don’t know what’s happening. Captain Arnold was specific. If a firefight develops use your own initiative.’

  That doesn’t mean running away leaving the men behind, thought Buller. He shot a glance at Fitz. The Irishman’s face was a mask of anger. Gray pressed again.

  ‘Can’t we just keep the volley going a bit longer, sir?’

  Blair shook his head.

  ‘What about Shaw and Piper, sir?’

  ‘We have to assume they’re dead, Corporal. There’s been no contact. Now pack up. That’s an order.’

  ‘But what about the Very lights and the gunfire?’

  Blair wasn’t listening. He turned around and stalked back to the front of the truck. There was no choice. The chain of command brooked no argument. Buller’s training kicked in and he, Fitz and Gray quickly reattached the gun trailer to the back of the truck.

  Buller glanced at Evans who was manning the radio. The Welshman shook his head. Gray climbed into the front of the truck and started the engine. He put the truck into gear and began to turn away from the oasis. Just then the radio crackled in the back of the truck.

  ‘Shaw here. Operation has failed. Repeat, Operation failed. I’m, pinned down about four hundred yards from you on the other side of the hill. Piper is dead. All the others, too.’

  Gray stopped the truck and looked at Blair. The lieutenant’s eyes were wide with fear. Then they hardened for a moment.

  ‘We can’t stop. Drive on, Gray.’

  -

  Danny finished his message and switched off the radio. He didn’t want a reply to give away his new position. The situation was now impossible. Behind him was a hill. On the other side of the hill, some three or four hundred yards away, was the truck. The Germans would easily pick him off as he went up the hill. He couldn’t stay there as they would soon overwhelm him. His ammunition was almost spent even though he’d been careful.

  It was hopeless.

  He thought about surrendering. But what would be his chances? He’d probably be killed. The enemy soldiers would want to take full revenge for the men he’d killed or wounded. Another light went up. Indifference replaced fear now. In front of him the landscape seemed empty but he knew they were there. Someone would be acting as spotter. Then the others would either attack or they would mortar him to smithereens. At the very least he would make life difficult. Just as the Very light started to dim the mortar bombing started. They were closer now. The light went out. He rose to his feet and sprinted directly towards the hill then dived into a depression.

  There was darkness for a few seconds
. Danny heard the sound of footsteps. The Germans were using the cover of darkness to encircle him. He was down to his last few bullets. Somewhere in the distance he heard a motor engine. They were bringing up the armoured car with its machine gun.

  Twenty yards to his right he caught sight of a shadow. It was rushing towards him. He fired at the shadow. It dropped. Having revealed his position a volley of bullets threw up sand in front of him, which forced him to duck. A grenade or mortar would follow soon, he knew.

  A sense of resignation swept over him. It was over.

  An explosion, then another and then an even larger one rocked the earth around him. Danny looked up. He was alive. How could they have missed? A Very light went up revealing close to a dozen Germans standing less than fifteen yards in front of him. Gunfire erupted from somewhere and the Germans began dropping.

  Danny turned around just in time to see Fitz and Buller with the big gun unleashing another shot at the Germans. He ducked his head and heard its crump. The explosion rent the earth apart just as the Very light faded. In the darkness Danny could make out the more advanced German soldiers retreating. The gunfire ceased and Danny risked standing up.

  He made a beeline for where he’d seen Fitz and Buller.

  ‘Don’t shoot. It’s me,’ he shouted, fearful of surviving one firefight only to get killed by mistake

  ‘Get a move on, ya eejit,’ said Fitz. ‘Help us get this thing back onto the truck.’

  ‘Took your bloody time about it,’ said Danny.

  ‘Bloody lucky we came at all,’ said Buller but did not expand further on the point. They hauled the gun down the hill towards the truck. Blair was manning the wheel.

  ‘Hurry,’ ordered Blair, somewhat unnecessarily. In less than thirty seconds the gun trailer was attached and they tore off into the night. Gray turned around to Danny.

  ‘What happened?’