KASSERINE PASS BATTLES Readings - US Army Center Of Military ...

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HEADQUARTERS 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION
A. P. 0 . #1, U. S . Army
8 ?larch 1943
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES OF 1ST INFANTRY DIVISION
After the initial successful landing operations at ORAN, the Division underwent
intensive training in a large area south of ORAN . Emphasis was placed on
rapidity of maneuver and quick use of supporting fires . It was also necessary
to guard TAFARAOUI and IA SE11IA airdromes, and air field -at NOUVION, and to
furnish a battalion to maintain order in ORAN .
On November 20, the 5th FA Battalion started east from ORAN to join the
British 5th Corps . By November 25, they were in action Sf of TUNIS. They
have operated continuously on the Tunisian front since then and have been at
BEJA, TABOURBA, MOM EL BAG, GAFSA, SBEITLA, OUSSELTIA, and KESSERA. They re-
Joined the Division on March 4th.
On November 20, -the third battalion, 26th Infantry, tree flown by air transport
from ORAN to YOUKS-LES-GAINS airpdrt and attached to the remaining elements
of Col. Raff's parachute battalion. They took part in the initial action at
FAID and then operated from FERIANA-GAM as part of the RAFF FORCE. They conducted
numerous raids on SEVED and MACKNASSY and together pith the Rangers,
covered the withdrawal of II Corps elements from GAFSA and FERIANA . The battalion
came back under Division control on February 21 .
On November 19, Btry "C", 33d FA Battalion and the Anti-tank Company, 26th
Infantry, were ordered to MARTINPREY DU KISS from ORAN to reinforce the French
units of the TLEMCEN sub-division . They were returned to the Regiment . on -December
27.
Combat Team 18 was ordered east on December 8, and attached to British 5th
Corps . They went into the lines at MEDJEZ EL BAB on December 23. The first
battalion was given the mission of relieving the Coldstream (lizards, after the
Guards had taken LONGSTOP BILL which is northeast of M©JEZ EL GAB. In a twoday
action, the first battalion suffered casualties of 44-gfficers and men.
Drafts were taken from the other battalions of the Regiment to re-man this
battalion .
The 18th CT operated in the MEDJEZ area until February 15, when they were
relievad and sent south to the gDC French Corps . While in the MEDJEZ area the
18th Combat Team took part in many raids and were very active in their patroll
ing. They were well spoken of by all elements of the 5th Corps, and our 32nd
Field Artillery battalion was taken as a model for artillery of this British
Corps .
Upon passing to the command of the XIX French Corps, the 18th Combat Team
was placed in the line at SBIBA between the British Guards Brigade and the American
;4th Division . In this sector on February 19-20 the 18th Infantry distinguis2w,rd
itself by completely stopping every German tank and infantry attack .
They are expected to rejoin the Division within the newt few days .
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