The Battle of Fondouk
The 17th/21st Lancers was ordered to advance through the pass and cut off retreating German forces. Enemy artillery and anti-tank guns held the high ground to both sides. The regiment sustained heavy losses and only a handful of tanks were left in action. Information that the dry riverbed to the left might prove to be a way through was passed to Brigade Headquarters. The 16th/5th Lancers was ordered to try that route, and despite a number of losses the regiment broke through. But the delay allowed the German forces to retreat unmolested towards Tunis.
Into the Jaws of Death: the Battle of Fondouk features original war footage and a commentary by Captain Mick Holtby. Produced by Mick Holtby and Terry Brighton.
At any cost
At Fondouk in 1943 the 17th/21st Lancers had to break through a heavily defended pass ‘at any cost’. Almost every tank was knocked out, but some enemy anti-tank guns were destroyed.
The 16th/5th Lancers went in next. Despite severe losses, the regiment broke through.
Brewing-up
Tank crewmen feared being ‘brewed-up’ – hit by enemy fire. A man of the 16th/5th Lancers wrote:
A great clang, the turret was full of flames, my clothes were on fire; I had to get out quick; I heaved open the front lid and jumped, rolling on the ground.
The Prime Minister
When the regiments reached Tunis in May, Winston Churchill visited and congratulated them on Victory in North Africa.
