1942 FREYBERG Nz-Div-in-Cyreniaca - Societa italiana di storia ...

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Few prisoners were taken but great execution was done and in the morning
550 prisoners were captured in the adjacent area.
The 6th Brigade attack to consolidate on Sidi Rezeghi carried out by
weary troops was delivered with the greatest dash and determination
against superior numbers. Sidi Rezegh was a bloody battlefield. Losses
were again heavy but success complete. It is interesting to note the report
that the Bersaglieri, who opposed us here as well as Germans, held out longer
than the Germans, and that they fought their machine guns to the last.
On the morning of the 27th we were securely in possession of Sidi
Rezegh and except for some slight enemy movement in the West, which was
shelled, no enemy was to be seen. The organisation of a defensive position
was only difficult because of the small number left. Neither 24th nor 26th
Battalions could be considered as of greater fighting strength than a normal
company. The day, however, for the tired men on Sidi Rezegh was quiet
apart from a last point of resistance about a mile East of Sidi Rezegh. This
was heavily shelled and patrols operated against it during the day, but without
success.
4th Brigade (18th and 20th Battalions) were in action throughout the
27th. The Germans used a flag of truce to gain time to replenish and
reinforce for a counter-attack on 18th Battalion. This unit was held up
throughout the afternoon in an exposed position between Belhamed and Sidi
Rezegh, while 20th Battalion was also heavily engaged. The return of the
I Tanks from Ed Duda, however, eased the situation as they cleared up
enemy pockets on the way.
The Corps planas given to-us on the 27th was to establish our
positions on Sidi Rezegh, Belhamed. and Ed Duda and once these positions
were secure/continue the advance Westwards along the escarpment to the
general line Tobruk-El Adem-Bir El Gubi track. But it was made quite
clear :that until the threat of counter-attack had passed, New Zealand
Division was to hold what had been won while Tobruk Force' would be
responsible for establishing the corridor and holding it open.
THE PANZER DIVISIONS RETURN
(MAP IX)
The 28th November was a day of extreme ups and downs. The only
reserve we possessed was a weak squadron of " I , Tanks and these were
being moved like a stage army from our rear to the Southern flank, according
to the direction the enemy happened to be threatening us from. No
sooner had they gone in one direction than reports came in that enemy tank
columns were approaching from a new quarter.
It was reported from a reliable source that the German Commander
opposite us, General Boettcher, thought he was surrounded by armoured
forces and was continually asking, Where are our Panzer Divisions ? n
We really were in a'difficult position. During the morning we heard
that 1st South African Brigade would not arrive until the next day, the
29th. Corps moved up to be close to the Division, as they were being
attacked by enemy patrols from time to time. Both Corps and Divisional
Headquarters had very meagre defences.
Commander 4th Brigade planned an attack to clear out the enemy
pockets which existed between Belhamed and Sidi Rezegh. As all his
infantry were committed the attack had to be carried out by a company- of
the 18th Battalion. It was a most 'successful attack executed. with one
squadron of I. Tanks in echelon of five, two carrier troops from the
Divisional Cavalry squadron, and one company of 18th Battalion, supported
b- two artillery regiments which fired two timed concentrations ahead of
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