Although Frank joined the Army in June of 1939, he did not begin his diary until he left England for the Middle East in 1940, so to set the scene, I have used a section from an essay Frank wrote in 1991 for an Age Concern writing competition about "My 21st Year."
'In the Spring of 1939 the government issued a decree that every male, on reaching 21, should do 6 months compulsory service in one of the armed forces. I was the youngest of 9 children, living on a farm with no chance of a permanent job at home, and thought this was a marvellous opportunity for me to spread my wings at someone-else's expense. So I applied immediately, with the request to be on the first draft. And Dame fortune smiled on me for, within one week, I had been accepted and was instructed to report to Abbassia barracks, Tidworth, on June 14th. Tidworth? Before looking at the map, our family collectively thought it must be somewhere south of Manchester. Mother was a bit apprehensive when she found it was in Hampshire, but I don't remember being in the least concerned, even though, during the whole of my 20 years, I had never been further south than Wigan. So, on June 14th 1939, complete with rail warrant, carrying a huge fruit cake that Mother had lovingly baked for me, and wearing my first ever made-to -measure suit (which cost £4 at Burtons, Preston, 6 months earlier) I caught the train at Preston and set off to explore the outside world. There were 20 of us 'conscripts' – Militia men we were called- and on arrival at the barracks we were fitted out in army clothes and each given a number – from now on I was to be Private Wallbank, 7899116 of the 3rd King's Own Hussars, formerly a cavalry Regiment, but now mechanised with light tanks. And contrary to all expectations we were given very preferential treatment. All together in a separate billet we had beds with sheets, waiter service in our own dining room, mid-morning glasses of milk and a large slice of cake, and best of all, no night guard duties. Two sergeants, -Cooke and Gorman- were our tutors, firm but very capable, to take us through several weeks of marching, learning the fire-arms drill with revolvers, rifles, bren guns, machine guns, and the big guns in the tanks (all of which we had to fire) and learning to drive every type of vehicle in the Regiment which included Jeeps, Scout cars, 10 ton service trucks, and finally the tanks themselves. There was also plenty of sport and various kinds of entertainment, and we all knew it was too good to last. And it was! |
On the morning of September 3rd when Neville Chamberlain's broadcast told us that we were at war with Germany, our good lifestyle vanished. We were ordered on parade at noon and a Sergeant-Major , with a voice which sent shock waves through us, informed us that we were now in the Regular Army 'and if you think you're going home for Christmas, forget it. In fact, from now on, the Army will do your thinking for you.'
Gradually we learned to cope , we accepted the discipline and the challenge of being as good as the 'regulars', and there were now strong rumours that we would be posted abroad – something beyond even my wildest dreams. Incidentally , our pay was the princely sum of one shilling and sixpence per day, and out of that we had to buy our own toothpaste and boot polish.''
Gradually we learned to cope , we accepted the discipline and the challenge of being as good as the 'regulars', and there were now strong rumours that we would be posted abroad – something beyond even my wildest dreams. Incidentally , our pay was the princely sum of one shilling and sixpence per day, and out of that we had to buy our own toothpaste and boot polish.''
It was August 1940 before Frank was posted overseas, to the Middle East, destination Cairo, Egypt. After loading their vehicles onto the 'Bright Star' he boarded the 'Duchess of Bedford' at Liverpool , and as the Italians were in control of the Mediterranean, they could not go the short route through the Straits of Gibraltar and had to sail over 4,000 miles round the coast of Africa, through the Indian Ocean, through the Red Sea, and finally through the Suez Canal to Port Said and Cairo- a total of 35 days without getting off the boat.
Frank's diary begins here.'22 August 1940
The 'Duchess of Bedford' was a liner of over 20,000 tons, normally employed on pleasure cruises. On the 22nd, the anchor was raised and we were off. Our convoy is made up of 21 destroyers, 1 aircraft carrier, 1 battle cruiser, 1 light raider and best of all, the 'Ajax,' The first clash came on the 4th day when a depth charge was dropped for a suspected sub, but with no results. On that day, too, we saw a partly submerged merchant ship, but never heard how the crew fared. Now , a word about 'The Duchess.' We had a cabin for 2 with blanket, sheet and pillow, washbasin, wardrobe and desk. During the 5 week journey, the only 'work' was one hour's muster parade, food was excellent and we had showers every day. At night, it was so hot that we would often go on to the deck and sing under the stars. After 10 days we caught sight of our first glimpse of land which was Freetown on the west coast of Africa where we stayed for 8 hours to take on water. |
At night we took off again, and it was just a week to get to our next stop which was Cape-town. The journey so far had been very quiet for we saw only fish as our companions- flying fish, porpoises, six-feet long sharks and about half a mile away, whales. As we entered Cape-town harbour it was just dusk and about the grandest sight I ever saw. Dozens of small boats with every colour of light, thousands of lights in the sea, all glittering and reflected in the bay, with the Table mountain in the background.
On September 23rd 1940, they sailed up the Suez Canal to Port Said, staying there 3 days while all was unloaded.
September 26 1940
Had to say goodbye to our wonderful ship. After a wonderful trip I'm sure we were all rather sorry.During our 3 days at Port Said we spent many hours in the sea- climbed up the anchor chain onto a Greek cargo boat- and on one occasion pulling for the shore when a half-ton porpoise invaded our 'pitch.' Then we set off to Cairo, following the canal part of the way passing through countless native villages, seeing people ploughing and riding on very small camels. On the Sunday afternoon, 3 of us went to see the Sphinx and the Pyramids. After a camel race we went back to the city, visiting several places of interest including the Kings palace.
September 26 1940
Had to say goodbye to our wonderful ship. After a wonderful trip I'm sure we were all rather sorry.During our 3 days at Port Said we spent many hours in the sea- climbed up the anchor chain onto a Greek cargo boat- and on one occasion pulling for the shore when a half-ton porpoise invaded our 'pitch.' Then we set off to Cairo, following the canal part of the way passing through countless native villages, seeing people ploughing and riding on very small camels. On the Sunday afternoon, 3 of us went to see the Sphinx and the Pyramids. After a camel race we went back to the city, visiting several places of interest including the Kings palace.
October 1940
On the 12th day we left for the desert, doing 290 miles, by road, in one day, my truck being an 8cwt Morris. At 7pm we entered the desert and within an hour we saw our first activity- single planes came over and bombed about 4 miles away. In the darkness we came to a camp where we stayed 11 days. While here, I was transferred to Mr Scotts and began training for a DM.(distance measuring, training for night vision.)
Our next camp was 43 miles nearer the front, the tanks being only 9 miles from the enemy lines. We have been here for 16 days catching only glimpses of the enemy but never engaging them, and today we saw our first air-fight. A Lysander reconnaissance plane was crossing our camp when CR42's set on him. The pilot was injured, but brought down an Italian before he crash- landed. The enemy pilot and plane were burnt to a cinder, but our bloke survived 4 bullet wounds. The other pilot must have reported our position for at dawn the following day an enemy fighter came , machine-gunning. Healey of the Signals, and Major Phillips being killed. 6 Gladiators saw them off with a flourish, losing 1 for 7. The nearest fell about a mile away, but we were allowed to view the wreckage.
About an hour later over a hundred tanks and trucks were reported approaching our area and our brigade got ready for action. In a short , sharp struggle we suffered no injury whatsoever but destroyed 6 tanks and 2 lorries and captured 4 tanks, one field gun, four prisoners and 108 killed. Later in the day we moved back 21 miles.”
On the 12th day we left for the desert, doing 290 miles, by road, in one day, my truck being an 8cwt Morris. At 7pm we entered the desert and within an hour we saw our first activity- single planes came over and bombed about 4 miles away. In the darkness we came to a camp where we stayed 11 days. While here, I was transferred to Mr Scotts and began training for a DM.(distance measuring, training for night vision.)
Our next camp was 43 miles nearer the front, the tanks being only 9 miles from the enemy lines. We have been here for 16 days catching only glimpses of the enemy but never engaging them, and today we saw our first air-fight. A Lysander reconnaissance plane was crossing our camp when CR42's set on him. The pilot was injured, but brought down an Italian before he crash- landed. The enemy pilot and plane were burnt to a cinder, but our bloke survived 4 bullet wounds. The other pilot must have reported our position for at dawn the following day an enemy fighter came , machine-gunning. Healey of the Signals, and Major Phillips being killed. 6 Gladiators saw them off with a flourish, losing 1 for 7. The nearest fell about a mile away, but we were allowed to view the wreckage.
About an hour later over a hundred tanks and trucks were reported approaching our area and our brigade got ready for action. In a short , sharp struggle we suffered no injury whatsoever but destroyed 6 tanks and 2 lorries and captured 4 tanks, one field gun, four prisoners and 108 killed. Later in the day we moved back 21 miles.”
21 November 1940
“I had all my hair cut off for it gets very sandy and difficult to keep clean. At night I was on guard duty - 3rd night now- and tomorrow's orders have me down for DM's test along with 18 others. Two days later 3 of us heard that we had passed- very good news for it means an extra 9 shillings per day. During the last 2 of our 8 days at this camp, hundreds of lorries and tanks have been moving up to the front which is now 45 miles in front of us. Then we received orders to prepare for imminent action , or in other words 'The Big Push.'
“I had all my hair cut off for it gets very sandy and difficult to keep clean. At night I was on guard duty - 3rd night now- and tomorrow's orders have me down for DM's test along with 18 others. Two days later 3 of us heard that we had passed- very good news for it means an extra 9 shillings per day. During the last 2 of our 8 days at this camp, hundreds of lorries and tanks have been moving up to the front which is now 45 miles in front of us. Then we received orders to prepare for imminent action , or in other words 'The Big Push.'
7 December 1940 (Sidi-Barrani area)
We moved up eight miles and heard the orders for the start of the battle which was to start in the Sidi-Barrani area.. At 8 pm the battle began- a 4 hour shelling of the advanced enemy formation and from midnight onwards an RAF patrol of 90 bombers plastered them. At 6am on the 9th we moved up to the battle area, together with the Artillery, the 7th Tanks with 'Matilda's', the 1st Tanks with Cruisers and the 8th Hussars with 'lights.' At 10 am enemy planes came over dropping 40 bombs among thousands of our vehicles. At night we learnt that the total 'bag' was 42 'light's' several tanks and 2500 prisoners. At 8pm we went up to the front with supplies, coming back at dawn. |
10 December 1940
The whole brigade went out to take El Rabia, an escarpment defended by two Italian divisions – or about 25,000 against our 2000. But in less than 2 days of ceaseless bombing and shelling they were on the run , leaving hundreds of wounded. Their next fort was Buq Buq which held out for less than a day but unfortunately costing 'A' Squadron 9 tanks, 9 killed and 19 wounded and one died shortly afterwards.
The whole brigade went out to take El Rabia, an escarpment defended by two Italian divisions – or about 25,000 against our 2000. But in less than 2 days of ceaseless bombing and shelling they were on the run , leaving hundreds of wounded. Their next fort was Buq Buq which held out for less than a day but unfortunately costing 'A' Squadron 9 tanks, 9 killed and 19 wounded and one died shortly afterwards.
13 December 1940
The last Italian was chased over the border into Libya- the frontier is a wire fence with guns at intervals for about 5 miles. We first went through at midnight on the 14th and could hear rounds and shells bursting continuously. It was decided that only 2 hours sleep was insufficient and they sent us back. A bomb in the next camp killed one man and injured 3 and destroyed a lorry.
The next day we moved up 23 miles and are now 1 mile on the Egyptian side of the wire. About 2 miles away is an ex-Italian fort and at 5pm the boss and myself set off to investigate. There were hundreds of rifles, blankets, boots, digging tools, bottles of wine, and we got a joiner's tool kit, a broken revolver, a good new knife and several odds and ends. It was almost dark when we set off back.
The last Italian was chased over the border into Libya- the frontier is a wire fence with guns at intervals for about 5 miles. We first went through at midnight on the 14th and could hear rounds and shells bursting continuously. It was decided that only 2 hours sleep was insufficient and they sent us back. A bomb in the next camp killed one man and injured 3 and destroyed a lorry.
The next day we moved up 23 miles and are now 1 mile on the Egyptian side of the wire. About 2 miles away is an ex-Italian fort and at 5pm the boss and myself set off to investigate. There were hundreds of rifles, blankets, boots, digging tools, bottles of wine, and we got a joiner's tool kit, a broken revolver, a good new knife and several odds and ends. It was almost dark when we set off back.
Next day we moved 8 miles through the wire to a camp just outside Capuzzo, 8 miles from Bardia which has now been bombarded for 3 days. We could hear the bomb shells and AA but we had a quiet day, The next day we first saw a heavy collection of bombers and fighters which attacked a camp five miles away. An Aussie Infantry Regiment passed through our camp during the day.
|
December 22 1940
At 11 o'clock I was under a truck doing maintenance when someone shouted, 'Here they come,' and I scrambled out to see what appeared about 2 miles away to be about a hundred planes. They came straight for us about 50 feet up but then dropped to 30 feet. Actually , there were 20 bombers and 17 fighters, and they began to bomb when they were about ¼ a mile away.
We were helpless and just prayed that we'd be still alive when they'd gone over. For over half a minute – it seemed like hours- the ground was one mass of flames, blast, smoke and roar. When only seconds later everything went quiet and they passed over our heads and we were safe. Altogether they dropped 140 bombs. The damage being 6 men killed, 2 injured and 5 lorries destroyed. An aerodrome 2 miles to our left has been shelled three times and our artillery has been at it almost all day.
At 11 o'clock I was under a truck doing maintenance when someone shouted, 'Here they come,' and I scrambled out to see what appeared about 2 miles away to be about a hundred planes. They came straight for us about 50 feet up but then dropped to 30 feet. Actually , there were 20 bombers and 17 fighters, and they began to bomb when they were about ¼ a mile away.
We were helpless and just prayed that we'd be still alive when they'd gone over. For over half a minute – it seemed like hours- the ground was one mass of flames, blast, smoke and roar. When only seconds later everything went quiet and they passed over our heads and we were safe. Altogether they dropped 140 bombs. The damage being 6 men killed, 2 injured and 5 lorries destroyed. An aerodrome 2 miles to our left has been shelled three times and our artillery has been at it almost all day.
("WesternDesertBattle Area1941 en" by Stephen Kirrage)
December 23 1940
Single reconnaissance planes have been out several times today. At 9.30 'the Birds' came on the scene, but 3 Hurricanes went in and made them jettison their bombs and run for it, one enemy bomber being brought down . Artillery and naval guns are still pounding. 24 December 1940 Ten Gladiators have been patrolling all day but were absent when 'the birds' appeared at 9 o'clock dropping their loads at Cappuzzo and leisurely returning home. At night we celebrated Christmas by having a big scoff of chocolate biscuits and tinned beer- the first time I was ever drunk. An ultimatum sent to Bardia expired at 1 am and received no reply. The fort is now surrounded so the intensive artillery began by land, sea and air. 25 December 1940 Same programme today in heavy land and air bombardment followed by an attack by Matildas, Cruisers, light tanks and Infantry. |
26 December 1940
A quiet day apart from artillery action and distant bombing. The 'birds' came over at 2.30 bombing the fort and dropping 5 bombs between 'B' squadron and ours, but doing no damage.
27 December 1940
Our guns commenced a heavy barrage one hour before. Plenty of our planes about. But they disappeared just before our daily performance of 'the birds' – this time 10 bombers and 16 fighters.
A quiet day apart from artillery action and distant bombing. The 'birds' came over at 2.30 bombing the fort and dropping 5 bombs between 'B' squadron and ours, but doing no damage.
27 December 1940
Our guns commenced a heavy barrage one hour before. Plenty of our planes about. But they disappeared just before our daily performance of 'the birds' – this time 10 bombers and 16 fighters.
6 pages illegible
…....and we moved 12 miles later in the day covering another 32 miles – still westward. Tobruk is stated to have held 23,000 men now prisoners and much war material, including tanks and we now have use of its harbour – the best one on the coast west of Alexandria.
…....and we moved 12 miles later in the day covering another 32 miles – still westward. Tobruk is stated to have held 23,000 men now prisoners and much war material, including tanks and we now have use of its harbour – the best one on the coast west of Alexandria.
24 January 1941
Another 43 miles today finally camping in a ring of large hills, near the Italian fort of Matema, 14 miles away which has been continuously shelled and bombed all day. 25 January 1941 A group of enemy fighters passed over at 10 am and attacked the Aussies 4 miles away. When they returned our bren guns opened up on them. They immediately spread out and we got our first machine gun attack. Our truck, 20 yards from where we dropped, was set on fire and burnt out and a track of bullet holes in the sand missed us by feet. After 15 minutes they made off, the only other damage being to F.C. who had 2 bullet wounds and died later in the day. At dusk we all attended his funeral when he was buried at the foot of one of the hills- a very sad but well conducted ceremony. |
26 January 1941
Up hill and down dale for another 20 miles today, finally stopping 20 miles from Derna. One patrol reported between 30 and 40 enemy tanks at Mechili, a fort inland between Tobruk and Derna, but after being bombed by the RAF the inhabitants quickly withdrew. They were later captured in Derna, when the town fell without resistance on the 27th.At 4pm 9 bombers dropped their cargoes 1 1/2 miles away and we learnt that they were only 800 yards from the nearest camp.
Up hill and down dale for another 20 miles today, finally stopping 20 miles from Derna. One patrol reported between 30 and 40 enemy tanks at Mechili, a fort inland between Tobruk and Derna, but after being bombed by the RAF the inhabitants quickly withdrew. They were later captured in Derna, when the town fell without resistance on the 27th.At 4pm 9 bombers dropped their cargoes 1 1/2 miles away and we learnt that they were only 800 yards from the nearest camp.
30th January 1941
The heaviest programme of air activity so far. At 11 am 10 bombers and 65 fighters came straight for us and attacked and by Good Fortune or Bad Judgement dropped their bombs on the half mile of 'No Man's Land' between Brigade and us.
After the raid we found an unexploded bomb and we had 6 more raids during the afternoon. They did no damage at all, but did not improve our nerves.
For 3 weeks now we've had no fresh water, the wells having been salted by the retreating Italians. Today a well was found containing fresh water and we celebrated by having a bread issue to go with it- after more than 5 weeks on biscuits.
The heaviest programme of air activity so far. At 11 am 10 bombers and 65 fighters came straight for us and attacked and by Good Fortune or Bad Judgement dropped their bombs on the half mile of 'No Man's Land' between Brigade and us.
After the raid we found an unexploded bomb and we had 6 more raids during the afternoon. They did no damage at all, but did not improve our nerves.
For 3 weeks now we've had no fresh water, the wells having been salted by the retreating Italians. Today a well was found containing fresh water and we celebrated by having a bread issue to go with it- after more than 5 weeks on biscuits.
The battle of Beda-Fomm
3 February 1941
From 8.30 we moved up 9 miles and at 4am on the 4th, reveille was held. Our orders were to cut the coast road 10 miles SW of Benghazi and we had no time to waste. For 7 miles we went up the coast, then turned due west and came over one of the toughest rides of my life. The ground was one mass of rocks – no use trying to …...it took 9 and a half hours but when we came to the next bit we had a chance to speed up our programme and did another 42 miles before getting down for the night. Off again on the 5th along with thousands of other vehicles stretching as far as the eye can see. |
For 68 miles we crossed some of the best desert country we've seen. It was a treat to be able to stay in top gear for any length of time. During the night it rained heavily, but these days we are so tired that we never noticed the rain. Yesterday our cooks wagon got lost and we are now living on our emergency rations.All day there have been heavy showers and a strong wind. Our artillery are now fighting it out with the Italians who are trying to retreat westwards from Benghazi. The enemy, too, have a 6 mile column of tanks and our Matildas and Cruisers are going up to engage them. |
6 February 1941
Dozens of captured lorries filled with prisoners began to pass through our lines to Support Group. One batch of artillery fired on our tanks which withdrew, and were followed by the artillery in surrender. Several big guns are now being collected and for 2 days prisoners were moving back. After three days our cooks have rejoined us.
Dozens of captured lorries filled with prisoners began to pass through our lines to Support Group. One batch of artillery fired on our tanks which withdrew, and were followed by the artillery in surrender. Several big guns are now being collected and for 2 days prisoners were moving back. After three days our cooks have rejoined us.
8 February 1941
Another ordinary but important day-it marks the taking of Benghazi. Already 20,000 prisoners have been taken and are passing us in an unending stream .....created a road block of tanks to prevent further escape.
After dark the remaining enemy tanks attempted to get away but after 22 had been blown up, the rest quickly surrendered. Hundreds of vehicles, from motorbikes to 10 ton lorries have been destroyed or captured and there are still several dead bodies to bury. The Commander of Benghazi has been brought to our MO wounded in the chest but died later today, being buried with full military honours at Benghazi cathedral.
Our tank crews and infantry captured in the battle have now been 'retrieved' as well as captured loot – gallons and gallons of wine of all kinds and millions of cigs. And here there were (….illegible) taken to be interned for they were found in the ever present part of an Italian fort – the mobile brothel- poor devils.
Another ordinary but important day-it marks the taking of Benghazi. Already 20,000 prisoners have been taken and are passing us in an unending stream .....created a road block of tanks to prevent further escape.
After dark the remaining enemy tanks attempted to get away but after 22 had been blown up, the rest quickly surrendered. Hundreds of vehicles, from motorbikes to 10 ton lorries have been destroyed or captured and there are still several dead bodies to bury. The Commander of Benghazi has been brought to our MO wounded in the chest but died later today, being buried with full military honours at Benghazi cathedral.
Our tank crews and infantry captured in the battle have now been 'retrieved' as well as captured loot – gallons and gallons of wine of all kinds and millions of cigs. And here there were (….illegible) taken to be interned for they were found in the ever present part of an Italian fort – the mobile brothel- poor devils.
9 and 10 February 1941
All available tanks out today moving the prisoners back to Support Camp. Our CAD has got a complete mobile repair shop, including generator, electric lathes and drills and countless tools. In the harbour we can see the remains of 4 enemy merchant ships, 2 destroyers and 7 sea-planes – Good old Air Force.
All available tanks out today moving the prisoners back to Support Camp. Our CAD has got a complete mobile repair shop, including generator, electric lathes and drills and countless tools. In the harbour we can see the remains of 4 enemy merchant ships, 2 destroyers and 7 sea-planes – Good old Air Force.
14 February 1941
Woke up at 6am to the sound of bombs dropping on the road 600 yards away and 10 minutes later another plane dropped 7 more. After that we spent 5 minutes machine gunning and as it was still barely dawn we could see the tracers coming down in dozens.
15 February 1941
Another early awakening by what sounds to be a naval battle. At intervals till noon, heavy gunfire has been coming from the direction of the coast. Went for another looting expedition in the afternoon.
Woke up at 6am to the sound of bombs dropping on the road 600 yards away and 10 minutes later another plane dropped 7 more. After that we spent 5 minutes machine gunning and as it was still barely dawn we could see the tracers coming down in dozens.
15 February 1941
Another early awakening by what sounds to be a naval battle. At intervals till noon, heavy gunfire has been coming from the direction of the coast. Went for another looting expedition in the afternoon.
This is labelled Beda-Fomm, and ,'shows a British truck being used to shield an “office”.This would have been a typical scene in respect of an Intelligence Officer
writing up a war diary at the end of the day. It features the British 4-gallon
petrol tin – painted white for use with water.'
(Comment from J.Shales)
(Comment from J.Shales)
17 February 1941
Another early morning raid but the Brens and Beauforts saw them off. At 10am dive-bombers attacked a group of Italian vehicles and equipment, but after 5 minutes Hurricanes came over and saw them off. Later heard that the enemy lost 2 planes. At 3 pm we moved 2 miles in from the road and are now near one of the desert mosques. & miles away, Support Group was heavily attacked by 30 dive-bombers and had 18 killed. 19 February 1941 The 9th Hussars behind us had 6 lorries and 2 light trucks destroyed today by dive-bombers. A Field RQ was attached to us today so we can now send cablegrams. 7 captured Breda guns have been taken over and are now in use so we feel fairly safe.After 2 days they all went but one and in the afternoon 7 planes machine-gunned the Ration dump , killing 3 men. |
22nd February 1941
Got a task in today -The CO's Humber Staff car with a week's work- broken springs, no brakes, damaged sump, engine dropped and needs de-carbonizing. F.C. Got severely burnt today when he put a tin of petrol instead of water on the fire. Next 4 days were very wet- still going strong on the Humber. 28th February 1941 4 Dormiers attacking Benghazi were were set upon by 2 Hurricanes and all 4 were brought down. 1st March 1941 Once more on the move in two hops of 48 miles all south........ 1 page illegible Two days ago 132 dive-bombers raided Tobruk, killing over 100. |
Beda-Fomm on the back, and in pencil 'Dad's desert workshop'
The gun on the right is a bren gun on a tripod.
The gun on the right is a bren gun on a tripod.
9 March 1941
Brought a Morris from the 8th and got the job of fixing up the engine and making the back into a workshop. Our lathe is almost finished and already it has done some work, grinding down valves. A lone plane was shot down by AA.
10 March 1941
Ready to move at 3 pm after a day's inspection by 'B' squadron to find a path through the marshes. The actual road is heavily mined and under near constant shelling. We travelled 26 miles SW passing through an Aussie AA camp and arriving just before dusk.
11th March 1941
Up at 5 getting going on a trench. Soon we heard a plane and through the glasses we could see a big black cross on its wings – a Messerschmitt 110. He dropped 4 small anti-personnel or blast bombs on the farther end of our camp and cleared off having done no damage. At 1.30 we suddenly sprang to life when we heard bombs dropping almost on us – 9 dive-bombers from nowhere. We just collapsed in our trench seconds before they began machine gunning. They stayed about 4 minutes then as our AA was doing some good shooting, they went off. Heaven knows how we managed to have neither casualties nor damage. A Bedouin shepherd has just told us that one was brought down near to his village – probably a convenient lie as an aid to his cadging! More 190's raided a village near us this afternoon, one girl being wounded in the hand which she later had amputated in our M.O. Truck.
Brought a Morris from the 8th and got the job of fixing up the engine and making the back into a workshop. Our lathe is almost finished and already it has done some work, grinding down valves. A lone plane was shot down by AA.
10 March 1941
Ready to move at 3 pm after a day's inspection by 'B' squadron to find a path through the marshes. The actual road is heavily mined and under near constant shelling. We travelled 26 miles SW passing through an Aussie AA camp and arriving just before dusk.
11th March 1941
Up at 5 getting going on a trench. Soon we heard a plane and through the glasses we could see a big black cross on its wings – a Messerschmitt 110. He dropped 4 small anti-personnel or blast bombs on the farther end of our camp and cleared off having done no damage. At 1.30 we suddenly sprang to life when we heard bombs dropping almost on us – 9 dive-bombers from nowhere. We just collapsed in our trench seconds before they began machine gunning. They stayed about 4 minutes then as our AA was doing some good shooting, they went off. Heaven knows how we managed to have neither casualties nor damage. A Bedouin shepherd has just told us that one was brought down near to his village – probably a convenient lie as an aid to his cadging! More 190's raided a village near us this afternoon, one girl being wounded in the hand which she later had amputated in our M.O. Truck.
12th March 1941
Today we have been in our trench nearly all day. Jerry has had a regular patrol over us. At breakfast time 2 fighters attacked 'C' Squadron and we had raids at 10 am, 1.30, 3.45 and 4.20. After they'd finished for the day, 2 Dormiers returned and bombed 'B' Squadron and strafed the blocks for 5 minutes. They were too low for the Breda guns and the Brens made little effect on their lazy flight. They were about 300 yards from our trench and we could see their guns cutting a trail of dust right through the valley. 'A' Squadron, too, were bombed. During the day 2 chaps, J.L. And T.P. were killed. Our 1200 gallon ex-Italian water tank was riddled with cannon-shot but the driver got clear just before.
Today we have been in our trench nearly all day. Jerry has had a regular patrol over us. At breakfast time 2 fighters attacked 'C' Squadron and we had raids at 10 am, 1.30, 3.45 and 4.20. After they'd finished for the day, 2 Dormiers returned and bombed 'B' Squadron and strafed the blocks for 5 minutes. They were too low for the Breda guns and the Brens made little effect on their lazy flight. They were about 300 yards from our trench and we could see their guns cutting a trail of dust right through the valley. 'A' Squadron, too, were bombed. During the day 2 chaps, J.L. And T.P. were killed. Our 1200 gallon ex-Italian water tank was riddled with cannon-shot but the driver got clear just before.
13 March 1941
Only 10.am and we've already had sufficient for one day. After machine-gunning 'C' Squadron, 2 planes came for us dropping 4 bombs in our camp but killing nothing. The nearest one to us was 40 yards away, which blew our trench in on top of us. Over again at 1 o'clock and 5, machine-gunning from 600 yards but with no results. 14 March 1941 At 11am a single plane passed over us very high up – dropping his bombs on a camp 3 miles away, then he suddenly turned back and dropped a single bomb in our camp. After dinner the wind sprang up, beginning a sandstorm, which stopped activity for the day. 15 March 1941 The sandstorm – a real beaut too- is still in action, and the only movement during the day was at meal times. |
(Extract from 'Age Concern' essay , 1991)
'The worst thing we found to tolerate in the desert were sand storms. Suddenly daylight disappears and the air is a solid mass of blown sand so thick that you can't see your hand in front of your face and everything comes to a standstill. Engines have all to be switched off immediately otherwise the sand would damage the engines irreparably- everything comes to a standstill and you've just got to sit it out and wait for it to disappear. Usually they only lasted a day or so, though on one occasion we had one for a whole week.' |
16 March 1941
2 bombs dropping on the edge of our camp at 8am began the day's operations and enemy planes approached but were driven off by the Beauforts. At 4.20 a single Messerschmitt came over low. 17 March 1941 During the night a bomber flew round for about half an hour, before dropping 15 bombs 4 miles away. 18, 19 March 1941 All air activity was by reconnaissance planes, flying very high. 20 March 1941 During the night we had a heavy thunderstorm with plenty of lightning. 23 March 1941 First raid at 9am when 3 bombers dived over our camp and machine-gunned all the way to the fort, dropping several small bombs. One of our trucks was set on fire by explosives. At 19.30 a single plane at 300 feet flew very slowly over us- the Breda fired one shot and then got a stoppage and our Brens and rifles aren't much use against the armour-plated Messerschmitt. At the next camp he was heavily fired on but luckily got through. |
25-27 March 1941 3 quiet days- visibility 40 yards owing to sandstorm. 28 March 1941 Only 1 raid today by a Heinkel which dive-bombed the port but was soon driven off by AA. 29 March 1941 First raid today was at 1.30 when 3 planes dropped bombs on waste land near our camp. At 4 o'clock, 3 more bombed the fort, then came up the track destroying 2 trucks and injuring one chap by machine gun fire. They cleared off over brigade and AA guns went on for 20 minutes. 30 March 1941 The next camp to ours has been heavily bombed at half-hour intervals for over 5 hours. At 4pm some fighters flew right by us but apparently saw nothing. |
1 April 1941
Yesterday, enemy mechanised forces moved up and we decided to try and draw them to a better battle-field – or so our 'brass hats' say. We set off at 3.30 am leaving behind several trucks and 2 tanks. We had our first raid after 2 miles and from then we were bombed twice and machine gunned 5 times – 4 trucks very damaged and 2 blokes severely injured. After 3 pm 10 Hurricanes covered our withdrawal and we saw no more enemy planes. During the journey we lost one more tank and another lorry. 2 Messers were brought down, one of which we passed soon after the crash. |
2 April 1941
First job today was to dig in. Hurricanes overhead patrolling. 200 yards yards away is a large Arab camp with hundreds of sheep, goats, camels and ponies. All day the Bedouin have been over, cadging tea or sugar or exchanging cigs and goats' milk. The sun is very hot today- it's impossible to get comfortable before the night and our water is almost too hot to drink. I'd give the truck away now for a glass of iced lemonade. |
The Strategic Withdrawal
2nd-15 April 1941
For 14 days we have been tasting the bitter cup of defeat. Our strategic withdrawal of April Fool's Day finally turned into a wild dash for freedom. On the 2nd we set off to move back to Benghazi with the Jerries following. The K.D.G's and the 5th Tanks were at the front and during the night allowed a whole Panzer brigade to get through unseen. We had gone 8 miles back when we met an Aussie Captain. ''See those cars,'' said he, pointing to trucks moving in a cloud of dust only 2 miles off-''Well, they're Jerries.'' So we did a top gear 27 miles lying camouflaged in a small valley until dark. As soon as it was dusk we set towards the coast moving all night to a point near Regina Aerodrome, a distance as the crow flies of 12 miles, but we actually covered 23 miles having to give a wide berth to all likely points of action. Dawn found us all in another valley still having to be cautious but being much safer than the previous day. During the day we moved at dusk covering six miles, then we came to a so-called 'impossible' ravine. It took us from 8 pm to the following morning to get across. During the crossing we lost 29 vehicles, but no-one was injured. On the other side we decided to risk an hour's stay for a meal, but after 10 minutes enemy long-range artillery were landing shells less than 600 yards away. Once more we 'nipped off' and after 2 hours rough going hit the main coast road. And didn't we eat up the miles, finally arriving at a point 14 miles from Mechili where we stayed the night. At dawn we learnt that the enemy had been in the fort since the previous noon- so we took the hint. Water was now getting very scarce and the water truck had a 24 hour guard. On the way up the trail to Giovanni Berta 9 planes machine-gunned us and we lost another lorry. That night we went through the town of Baree...jo (?) a whole mass of flames, all the industries being demolished by our RE's.
For 14 days we have been tasting the bitter cup of defeat. Our strategic withdrawal of April Fool's Day finally turned into a wild dash for freedom. On the 2nd we set off to move back to Benghazi with the Jerries following. The K.D.G's and the 5th Tanks were at the front and during the night allowed a whole Panzer brigade to get through unseen. We had gone 8 miles back when we met an Aussie Captain. ''See those cars,'' said he, pointing to trucks moving in a cloud of dust only 2 miles off-''Well, they're Jerries.'' So we did a top gear 27 miles lying camouflaged in a small valley until dark. As soon as it was dusk we set towards the coast moving all night to a point near Regina Aerodrome, a distance as the crow flies of 12 miles, but we actually covered 23 miles having to give a wide berth to all likely points of action. Dawn found us all in another valley still having to be cautious but being much safer than the previous day. During the day we moved at dusk covering six miles, then we came to a so-called 'impossible' ravine. It took us from 8 pm to the following morning to get across. During the crossing we lost 29 vehicles, but no-one was injured. On the other side we decided to risk an hour's stay for a meal, but after 10 minutes enemy long-range artillery were landing shells less than 600 yards away. Once more we 'nipped off' and after 2 hours rough going hit the main coast road. And didn't we eat up the miles, finally arriving at a point 14 miles from Mechili where we stayed the night. At dawn we learnt that the enemy had been in the fort since the previous noon- so we took the hint. Water was now getting very scarce and the water truck had a 24 hour guard. On the way up the trail to Giovanni Berta 9 planes machine-gunned us and we lost another lorry. That night we went through the town of Baree...jo (?) a whole mass of flames, all the industries being demolished by our RE's.
Then we went up the pass, a mountain of 7000 feet with a temporary wooden bridge over a ravine – was I glad to get over it. On account of nervous reaction, no-one was allowed to cross it in daylight. At the top we were stopped by Aussies with water and bottles of rum – very welcome. We followed the road for 10 miles. At every important point, RE's were waiting to put the finishing touches to all the mines when the last trucks had passed. Twice we were bombed, 2 trucks being hit and a man killed. At one point a bridge had been blown up and we spent 4 hours building a by-pass. At night we came to Derna, another coastal town, and once more hundreds of fires were going nicely. Here was another pass, 8,000 feet high where we lost another 5 lorries and one scout car. On the top we quickly took advantage of a 4 hour sleep. Dawn next day saw us on the road to Tobruk passing across the aerodrome of Bomda-ef-Erado. We found that the enemy armoured cars had taken the drome on the previous day and were actually there when we passed through but never challenged us.
On the 11th we got into camp at Tobruk and had our first decent meal and sleep for days. During the whole journey we covered 900 miles, lost 48 trucks and all our tanks and have 18 men missing. We are now camped on the edge of Tobruk. Each day Jerry dive-bombers come over to bomb the harbour and yesterday 4 were brought down. Today, 9 more have just visited and we're now waiting to see how many got away. They just drop their bombs and shoot off at full speed with several Hurricanes after them. In the harbour now is the 'Waitora'- one of the ships in our convoy from Blighty bringing a cargo of tanks, mostly Matildas. All the spare files have been sent back to Cairo away from the approaching battle. An AA battery of 25 pounders is now practising about a mile away. This is a field, formerly belonging to the Italians and is covered with dozens of plane-wrecks and within 50 yards of our truck are 3 Capronis and 1 Savoia all burnt-out and a cemetery of Italian airmen.
Never had such an exciting fortnight and the campaign is only just beginning. 4 Junkers with 23 fighters as escorts have just bombed the 'drome and our lads are now seeing them off. In the last 4 days Hurricanes have got 12 and AA got 3.
Never had such an exciting fortnight and the campaign is only just beginning. 4 Junkers with 23 fighters as escorts have just bombed the 'drome and our lads are now seeing them off. In the last 4 days Hurricanes have got 12 and AA got 3.
14 April 1941
Today we had a grandstand view of the biggest air battle out here yet. At 7am two 109's dropped from the clouds and had a Hurricane in flames in about 10 seconds. The pilot safely baled out and the plane crashed 70 yards away. Then the Battle Royal started. There were about 55 Jerries and our Hurricanes were going up in 2's and 3's for about 20 minutes. It lasted for over an hour, the sky being full of planes and AA fire. We could see the bombs dropping. What a fight it was, with plane after plane coming down on targets. One plane came down in two pieces. At the count up we lost 3 planes and got 18 of theirs. A new squadron of fighters arrived and are now cruising around. This afternoon over 70,000 Aussie Infantry and Artillery are said to be arriving at the harbour. At 4pm 5 more Jerries came over and 2 more were brought down. One was brought down by one of our fighters and the other was damaged and crashed about a mile away. He came over us at about 30 feet, machine gunning all the way but as he landed among the Aussies I don't suppose he now takes any interest in life. The first raid was after 10 when 4 bombers raided the harbour, losing one. In the last 48 hours 53 Jerries have fallen to our lads The next afternoon we moved across the road to a new position – and soon regretted it as covering artillery got our range and gave us a lively 10 minutes- it was marvellous that nothing was hit but we didn't stay longer than necessary. Our new camp is half a mile nearer the sea between the aerodrome and a new landing ground. On our left is the ordnance arsenal so we should see some fun. Each night artillery from both sides carry on with the fireworks. At 8 pm eight dive-bombers came down practically right over us- we found afterwards that the arsenal had been their objective. Loads of shrapnel shells all round us from bombs sixty yards away and from AA. One bomb fell on an 8 ton stack of gelignite and burned everyone in this dump. Later we went to inspect the damage and found plenty of craters, including one which was about 40 feet deep and 20 feet across. There were also 2 aeroplanes with bombs still on board and Aussie RE's were removing the fuses. During the night, several planes were over the harbour. The following day was fairly quiet except at 4pm when 8 109's came out of the low cloud and bombed the harbour, Ack-Acks bringing one down. |
21 April1941
Today I went in the store truck to Canteen. In the harbour were 18 boats, 11 of them half submerged, and ? Seaplanes. 3 of the ships only came in this morning with troops from Abyssinia. On the way back we saw a captured German heavy tank and without its 95mm gun and very thick armour , it doesn't look as bad. 10 minutes later 12 bombers and 8 fighters bombed the 'drome and machine-gunned on their way, meaning that we had to lie low until the AA saw them off. 15 pages totally illegible. On 14 April ‘A’ and ‘C’ Squadrons were sent to Egypt from Tobruk due to heavy losses. Meanwhile, RHQ and ‘B’ Squadron, along with one squadron of 5th Royal Tank Regiment, formed a composite regiment under 3rd Armoured Brigade. Frank is listed with these in a personnel list in the War diary. |
This Youtube video of the Siege of Tobruk gives a good Idea of the situation Frank was in from May to August 1940, when some of the diary is missing. His Squadron was allied to the 1st Royal Tank Regiment, working under the Australians.
4 June 1941
Today our regiment had its final split-up. One squadron was at Crete – we are still waiting for news of them- one squadron is at Sollum, and of the 2 remaining squadrons half of them have today gone back as reinforcements to a Mersa Matruh attacking party. We are now being made up into one Squadron and attached to 1st Tanks. (Thus 3H B Squadron becomes D squadron 1 RTR- war diary P5270668)
5 June 1941
Only artillery action on both sides today until 5pm when about 45 dive-bombers came in 3 separate groups attacking the camps and harbour, though doing apparently very little damage. 3 planes were brought down, one being blown to shreds when it got a direct hit.
6 June 1941
Only single planes today bombing the town. Stewy is at present having his 'daily dozen' just out of range of the Ack-Ack and spotting for the artillery. When we went swimming today we found a dead Italian parachutist, probably washed up from Crete, and we buried him on the shore with a dated cross to mark the spot.
7 June 1941
Enemy artillery sent some heavy stuff over today which landed about 100 yards from us. We were soon ready to depart if the range increased, but after 15 minutes the barrage stopped. After dinner a single 110(?) bombed the harbour, and later 2 more performed the same hit-and-run stunt.
8 June 1941
Only one heavy raid today by 12 110's on our artillery position – 8 men were killed and one gun knocked out. Heavy artillery action on both sides.
Today our regiment had its final split-up. One squadron was at Crete – we are still waiting for news of them- one squadron is at Sollum, and of the 2 remaining squadrons half of them have today gone back as reinforcements to a Mersa Matruh attacking party. We are now being made up into one Squadron and attached to 1st Tanks. (Thus 3H B Squadron becomes D squadron 1 RTR- war diary P5270668)
5 June 1941
Only artillery action on both sides today until 5pm when about 45 dive-bombers came in 3 separate groups attacking the camps and harbour, though doing apparently very little damage. 3 planes were brought down, one being blown to shreds when it got a direct hit.
6 June 1941
Only single planes today bombing the town. Stewy is at present having his 'daily dozen' just out of range of the Ack-Ack and spotting for the artillery. When we went swimming today we found a dead Italian parachutist, probably washed up from Crete, and we buried him on the shore with a dated cross to mark the spot.
7 June 1941
Enemy artillery sent some heavy stuff over today which landed about 100 yards from us. We were soon ready to depart if the range increased, but after 15 minutes the barrage stopped. After dinner a single 110(?) bombed the harbour, and later 2 more performed the same hit-and-run stunt.
8 June 1941
Only one heavy raid today by 12 110's on our artillery position – 8 men were killed and one gun knocked out. Heavy artillery action on both sides.
At this point there are 38 pages which are totally illegible, and when the writing can again be deciphered, it is 9 months later. Section 2 begins with what happened during the next few months, then shows Frank's pictures from Cyprus, and his next diary entries, in March 1942, when he is in Palestine, appear in Section 3.
Finally - Our favourite photo.
When my sisters, brother and I looked at Dad's photo album, we all had a favourite photo, which was this one. Thanks to the helpful members of the forum 'World War 2 Talk' (WW2talk.com)
I now know that this was a very popular desert photo, which has shown up in the collection of many different servicemen, probably on sale at the photography shop. Perhaps it's an early example of the wonders of 'Photoshop'!