Abbreviations
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124286 2 i/c ADMS Amb Amn Bde Bn CMP Comd Coy Div DS Fd Incl Inf L LCI LMG LZ Map Ref MG MO MT Northants OC Offr OR Pl Pt RAMC RAP RE Regt Rly RMO RSF RV Sec Sigs SMO Sqn Sta Tps |
Map Reference Second-in-Command Assistant Director Medical Services Ambulance Ammunition Brigade Battalion Corps of Military Police Commander Company Division Dressing Station Field Including Infantry Landing Landing Craft Infantry Light Machine Gun Landing Zone Map Reference Machine Gun Medical Officer Motor Transport The Northamptonshire Regiment Officer Commanding Officer Other Ranks Platoon Point Royal Royal Army Medical Corps Regimental Aid Post Royal Engineers Regiment Railway Regimental Medical Officer Royal Scots Fusiliers Rendezvous Section Signals Senior Medical Officer Squadron Station Troops |
Month and year: July 1943
Commanding Officer : Brigadier P.H.W. Hicks DSO, MC
The operation was envisaged as part of the invasion of SICILY. It was the first occasion on which glider tps had gone into action, and the first time an Airborne Bde had operated in toto.
The landing was timed for 2210 hrs with the object of capturing and holding the triple Bridge over the CANALE MAMMAIABICA and the Rivers CIANE and ANAPO, some 1500 yards South of the outskirts of SYRACUSE. This bridge was known to be prepared for demolition - charges were to be removed and destroyed and the crossing maintained intact for the passage of seaborne tps (See Appx 'A' for method).
Tps taking part were:- H.Q. 1 Airlanding Bde, 1 BORDER, 2 S. STAFFORDS, 9 Fd Coy R.E., 181 Fd Amb, Glider Pilot Regt, total all ranks approximately 2,000. The force was tugged by 51 Tp Carrier Wing USAAF and two sqns 38 Wing RAF.
9th July 1943
Place: Sousse area
1630 - Concentration commenced from Bivouac area - tps moving by M.T. to landing strips, six of which were used, lettered A-F. For details of Air Movement see Appx B'.
1800 - Tps assembled on Airstrips ready for emplaning.
1842 - First aircraft took off from 'A' strip. The flight across land was rough and considerable cross winds were encountered.
2130 - The first formation crossed MALTA. Wind strength had now risen appreciably and flight conditions were extremely difficult. The quarter moon was not as bright as expected, and a slight ground haze made recognition difficult at 3000 yards.
2210 - Approximately - first glider landed.
2310 - Approximately - last glider landed.
Owing to the adverse weather conditions and errors in navigation, gliders failed to land in any concentration and the force was unable to operate as a Bde. However, thanks to the initiative and bravery of those glider troops who did land, not only was the objective taken and held, but small groups of airborne tps ranging some 60 miles of the coast line, caused great disorganisation and were able to offer assistance to the seaborne landings over a wide area, and is evident from the following messages received by the Bde, and passed on by Major General G.F. Hopkinson, O.B.E., M.C., Commander 1st Airborne Division.
1. From General Sir Bernard Montgomery, Commanding 8th Army.
General Montgomery asked me to let the Air Landing Bde know that their contribution to the success of the landing operations had been invaluable. He regretted that the airborne operation had, through no fault of the Bde, proved more difficult than anticipated, but he wished to emphasise the important and gallant part played by all ranks. In spite of all difficulties and set backs, the main objective had been captured and held. For those responsible for this particular action he was filled with admiration. Others, who, by their own initiative, fought isolated actions in various parts of the battlefield, had played no small part in this most successful landing action. Had it not been for the skill and gallantry of the Air Landing Bde, the port of SYRACUSE would not have fallen until very much later, because the enemy would inevitably have formed a strong defensive line on the canal to the South of the town.
2. From Lieut General M.C. Dempsey, Commanding 13 Corps.
General Dempsey, after giving orders this afternoon for the move of the Air Landing Bde back to AFRICA, asked me to convey to Brigadier Hicks and the Air Landing Bde his thanks for the magnificent effort by the Bde during the night 9/10 July. He was filled with admiration for the fighting spirit and determination of all detachments of the airborne tps and particularly for the remarkable fight put up by the small party who captured the main bridge and by the others who assisted in holding it. This action, he considers, was the key to the subsequent capture of SYRACUSE.
3. The Commanders of the 5th and 50th Divisions, were full of praise for the splendid performance of the parties of airborne tps who operated in their areas. General Kirkman, who commands the 50th Division, saw officers and men who, by swimming ashore, took part in the fighting and was most impressed by their courage and determination.
It is not possible to compile a consecutive account of the operations carried out by individual glider loads, but the following are details of the outstanding achievements:-
CAPTURE OF PONTE GRANDE
The main objective was captured by Glider Party No.133 - No.15 Pl 2nd Bn The South Staffordshire Regt, commanded by Lieut Leonard Withers. This glider landed at 2245 hrs in the area directly South of the bridge. He found that the rest of his coy had failed to reach the landing area, and decided immediately to capture the bridge himself. He swam the canal with five men and attacked a pill box on the Northern bank to draw fire, while the rest of his platoon attacked the bridge from the South. The attack was successful and Lieut Withers removed the demolition charges and cut the telephone wires thus ensuring that the vital bridge could not be blown. He placed his platoon in defensive positions and held the bridge against determined counter attacks. It was not until 0430 hrs that the first help reached him - this took the form of a party from Glider No.6 commanded by Lt G. Welch of Bde H.Q. Defence Pl.
L/Cpl G. Pratt assisted materially by his leadership in the capture and holding of the bridge and his action of repelling a counter-attack by 12 men in a lorry, all of whom were killed, enabled Lieut Withers to remove the bridge charges.
It is difficult to detail in sequence the individual acts of gallantry of this small party. However, Pte William Henry Charlesworth, fifteen minutes after the capture of the bridge engaged a party of the men in a lorry who tried to force the Northern end of the bridge. He accounted for five with his Bren and when his magazine ran out, gallantly charged the remainder with his Bren as a club. By so doing he helped to ensure that the work of removing the charges was not interrupted. On another occasion he ran 50 yards under heavy fire with his Bren gun to neutralise this fire and enabled his section to disengage themselves. During the afternoon of the following day, Pte Charlesworth was wounded in the stomach and remained 24 hrs without medical attention, spending his time cleaning and maintaining his Bren. When the bridge was temporarily recaptured by the enemy, he refused to surrender and remained in hiding, later rejoining his platoon.
Pte Reginald Tyrer, Platoon Medical Orderly, and Pte Charles Weate carried out their duties with commendable bravery throughout the action. Pte James Eden another medical orderly, although wounded, continued to render first aid and undoubtedly saved many lives.
At one time this party was attacked by three armoured cars armed with canon and M.Gs. Pte Bernard Jackson engaged them killing the commander of one and causing the remainder to retire. During subsequent actions, Pte Jackson acted with complete disregard of his own safety.
From now on the story becomes one of small parties of troops arriving to reinforce the bridge party.
Glider No.6 commanded by Lieut Welch, Bde H.Q. landed at approximately 2215 hrs on the peninsula due South of SYRACUSE about ½ mile inland. The landing was a slight 'prang' but otherwise quite successful and within 10 minutes the handcart was assembled and the party moved off in a N.W. direction. At approximately 2330 hrs and enemy patrol of 4 men marching in twos with rifles slung was encountered. Two were killed, one taken prisoner and the fourth escaped. Our troops suffered a slight casualty only. Guided by the prisoner who was persuaded to guide clear of enemy posts by S/Sjt Taylor, they took the coast road and moved towards PONTEGRANDE. En route the party was challenged by civilians, who may have been Home Guard. These were dealt with and the party continued along the coast road.
At approximately 0300 hrs on Saturday 10 July, a glider load of 181 Fd Amb was contacted just East of Strong Point 124286 at the end of the lane which led to their eventual first H.Q. With them was Major Du Boulay of 1 BORDER who informed the Bde H.Q. party that the road in front was held by the enemy. He suggested leading half the party round the position and left the signallers and their handcart with the Fd Amb. Major Du Boulay was however lost in this area and as the concentration bombing of SYRACUSE started at this time the party rested and waited for the rest of Bde H.Q. to arrive. At the end of the bombing of SYRACUSE it was decided to make for PONTE GRANDE across country since Bde H.Q. had not arrived. The bridge was reached at approximately 0430 hrs, being in the hands of Lieut Withers of 2 S. STAFFORDS and his Pl. As his pl was very thin on the ground, the seven men with Lt Welch were divided amongst his sections and the bridge was put into a state of all round defence. The casualty was attended to by the Pl's medical orderly who had established a first aid post in a captured pill-box.
About 0500 hrs Major B.S. Beazley of 9 Fd Coy R.E., whose glider had landed some 1500 yards from the bridge had managed to fight his way through. He immediately dismantled the charges removed by Withers, but was killed later in the day.
By 0700 hrs several other glider loads had landed at the bridge having been given supporting fire from those already there; this enabled them to cross the open country South of the bridge which was under enemy fire from Pt 124286. Among these were a glider load under Lt.Col Walsh. Between 0700 hrs and 0800 hrs the bridge came under fire from the North end and was charged by some Italians in a lorry from the South. Italians were known to be concentrating North of the bridge. At approximately 0800 hrs the bridge and forward positions came under heavy and accurate mortar fire and the whole of the defenders were forced to take up a position on the Southernmost canal. Col Walsh organised the defence of this area, splitting it up into the East side and the West side of the bridge. Lt Welch and two of his section were on the East while the remainder were on the West.
Between 1000 hrs and 1500 hrs the defenders were under continual fire from North and South. Sentries were posted with L.M.Gs to keep the enemy at a distance and the remainder rested. Owing to shortage of amn they were only able to return the enemy's fire intermittently. At approximately 1500 hrs it was found that the West side of the bridge had been forced to give ground. Italians were also seen well South of the Rly bridge 115294 moving South so that it was presumed that this bridge had fallen to the enemy.
A heavy M.G. was established on the bridge. This was able to enfilade the Canal and at the same time the whole of the East side was systematically mortared from West-East driving us towards the sea, where there was no cover whatsoever. Italians were heard to be advancing behind this barrage of fire shouting "Kamerad and Surrender". Lt Welch and 6 others withdrew from the canal to get out of the line of fire, to an adjacent ditch running parallel to the canal and ten yards South of it. All firing had ceased in the canal and it was presumed that the remainder of the party under S/Sjt Taylor had been captured with the main body of the defenders, but subsequently effected an escape with the assistance of some British seaborne tps. Lt Welch and his party crawled to the sea end of the ditch and lay under a small stone bridge. The area was not searched. The enemy was not engaged as practically no amn was left and it was considered useless to do so. It was also known that the area was in full view of a heavy M.G. post well North of the canal line and so they were unable to expose themselves.
At approximately 1600 hrs some 20 Italians were seen retreating along the coast in complete disorder and the majority of them took the sea and tried to swim round the canal or across the bay of SYRACUSE. However, truck after truck of the leading elements of the 2 R.S.F. could be seen moving down the road to the bridge. The party then crawled inland along the ditch in pairs and contacted these troops. They had halted just South of the bridge and had been immediately mortared. Several casualties were sustained including slight injuries to three glider pilots who were leading the party. The North side of the bridge was thinly held by the Italians but little opposition was met and the 2 R.S.F. were delayed approximately ½ hr at the end of which time the Mortar position and the bridge area had been completely cleaned up. With the help of an R.S.F. cpl the party evacuated all casualties it could find in the whole area in a captured Italian ambulance. Lt Welch reported to Bde H.Q., which was situated at 124286 at approximately 1800 hrs.
Meantime Glider No.10 arrived off approximately correct release area 2210 hrs in company with at least two others in formation. The flight was bumpy due to flak which was never at any time near the glider. Made three circles over GEORGE Beach MORO DI PORCO area and did not release until 2310 hrs when the tug pilot said he did not know where he was. Release 2700 ft approx 5 miles from land. Height 600 ft one mile from shore. S/Sjt Andrews made an excellent landing with left wing on tree and fuselage on wire at edge of 50 ft cliff about 100 yards from searchlight in vineyard.
Within a few minutes enemy rifle fire opened up and Col Jones ordered party to move in a northerly direction. In about 100 yards arrived on track running East and West and found the signallers and Rev Kourigan not present. Capt Roberson went back to fetch signallers forward but could not get them to come as Rev Kourigan had ordered them to stand fast. On suggestion of Col Henniker party went back to glider and a No.77 was thrown which set the glider on fire. Search made for signallers, getting no response returned to track. Move about 100 yards to the right. Turned north to get onto high ground about half a mile then move East for about one mile when struck railway running East and West which was thought to be the SYRACUSE - CASSIBILE rly. Moved along about one mile, halted and attempted to destroy telephone wires. Unsuccessful - no wire cutters. Moved on to calvert where all Capt Robersons codes and orders of battle were burned. After moving another mile came on glider No.79 with nose and wheels on side of rly. Wings broken by landing in olive grove. Found a pair of wire-cutters, No.77 grenades and a melon which was much appreciated by one and all, also a two gallon tin of tea.
The party continued to move N.E. along rly having failed to set glider on fire with No.77 grenade, having cut telephone wires before moving off. Now about 0230 hrs and rly having swung to due North obviously SYRACUSE line. Confirmed by commencement of R.A.F. bombardment of SYRACUSE. In about a mile heard unmistakable British ejaculation thought to be S. STAFFORDS. Pte Cox moved on ahead of party. Regt marching turned out to be Lt Budgen with recce sec of 1 BORDER who were trying to enter house on rly line. Party reorganised with 1 BORDER Recce sec leading and shortly afterwards came under rifle fire from the front (this was in fact about ¼ mile South of SANTA TERESA rly sta. Map ref 111242.
Advance continued up right track to calvert when by light of No.77 grenade three Italians were seen and Col Jones threw No.36 grenade which unfortunately wounded Col Henniker on the other side of the embankment. Advanced to rly sta. Crossed over main CASSIBILE - SYRACUSE rd and came on thick barbed wire fence. Decided this was too awkward a proposition to attack at night. Now about 0400 hrs and decided best thing was to find isolated area to lay up until light when position could be checked. During this whole period the complete absence of noise until about 0245 when there was some indication of the seaborne landing lead us to suppose that the glider landing had been a failure.
Moved party to farm FOMDOHOMES where took up defensive position, had meal of tomatoes and melons, wash and shave. At about 0700 hrs heard fire from enemy battery known as P.4 on 17 Inf Bde maps and marked on Naval map at 088238. Shortly after this salvo of naval shells landed about 100 yards from farm. Now about 0800 hrs and position was roughly fixed. Capt Roberson sent forward to main road to attempt to contact seaborne force. Lt Budgen, Col Jones and Pte Cox went on recce patrol to attempt to locate enemy battery.
The battery position was at the time under fire from British guns. The patrol returned and attack was organised:-
Prior to the attack Pte Cox went South along track to fire chaff to cause smoke cloud over enemy position and cover advance of assault party. This he did after one No.77 grenade had failed. Party moved forward and on reaching a wall 100 yards from enemy wire machine gun post was noticed. One rifleman was detailed to keep this quiet. The last 100 yards was crossed at the double by four officers who approached the Knife Rest and threw grenades. Camouflage nets on the first gun immediately went up in flames. On reaching the enemy, shouts of 'Mama alta' were heard. The Italians would not come out. Col Jones revolver emptied at this moment, threw No.36 grenades into dugout whereupon inhabitants emerged. At the same time a large number of Italians came out of slit trenches in vicinity of guns 2 and 3, holding their hands up. All opposition except machine gun in vicinity of house now ceased and these piped down almost immediately. The clinometers from all guns were now collected and taken away. All range tables were thrown into fires which were burning. Prisoners rounded up. Major Tompkins went round on a career of arson setting fire to tents etc.
Meanwhile a coy of NORTHANTS appeared on West side of the area, and had evidently engaged the enemy machine gun in the area of the house. They say they had left the road having been detailed to capture this position which was one of the tasks of Comd 17 Inf Bde. Approximate number of Italians killed 6, Wounded 6, unwounded prisoners 40. There were now marched back to the farm. Col Jones went with coy of 2 NORTHANTS to contact C.O. and Bde Comd 17 Inf Bde. About ½ hr later 1200 hrs there was a terrific explosion when amn went off.
Party then moved about 1400 hrs on the main road to house 500 yards South of SYRACUSE sta and having collected various other troops of 2 S. STAFFORDS was reorganised into a pl 40 strong with four bren guns, and moved up towards the bridge. In the meantime a L/Cpl of Airborne Div C.M.P. marched prisoners down to the beach. While in this area there were attacks by F.W.190s and Junkers 88s but they were not directed at our tps. On moving forward collected about 30 Airborne tps and formed them into a pl under Lt Wilson, 1 BORDER. On arrival of party at bridge, took up defensive position on Southern edge where Bde H.Q. was established in area held by mixed party of 1 BORDER & 2 S. STAFFORDS.
9th July 1943
2210 - Brigadier Hicks, Comd 1 Air Landing Bde - Glider No.2, landed in the sea 2 miles N.E. of GEORGE beach and after several hours in the water, swam ashore and joined a S.R. sqn, eventually contacting Bde H.Q. at the PONTE GRANDE.
INFORMATION REGARDING OTHER GLIDERS
2 S.STAFFORDS - Lt. Col W.D.H. McCardie
Commanding Officer's glider landed in the sea some two miles from the coast.
No.7 Glider (Major M.W. Brennan, Capt J.E. Miller, RAMC (M.O.), Lt C.J. Austin)
Landing in the sea 250 yards from shore. One man, Pte Waldron, was drowned and Lt Austin was killed by machine gun fire from the shore. The remainder reached the shore safely although still being fired at as they were swimming ashore. A number were exhausted and remained where they landed until daybreak but Major Brennan, the two glider pilots - Lieuts Impey and Robson, together with the Medical Officer, a medical orderly and a signalman of the R Corps of Signals (Bde Sigs) moved off to rejoin the Bn. This involved a crawl through 20 ft of barbed wire, covered by the pill-box about 100 yards away. This was done successfully and the party was able to get clear of the beach defences. Eventually, towards the close of the day after walking a distance of about 16 miles, joining up with three men of Anti-tank detachment and of the composite E Coy, the party rejoined the main body of the Bn having captured two pill-boxes, 21 prisoners, three machine guns and an anti-tank gun. Lieut Impey of the Glider Pilot Regt had accidentally shot himself with a captured enemy rifle and subsequently died.
Glider No.128 (Major T.B. Lane, Lt R.A. Barrett)
The rope broke before reaching the shore and a landing was made on the sea. C.S.M. Woolhouse and Sjt Baird (RE) were drowned. Major Lane and four others swam for the shore which they reached safely and were eventually picked up in the morning by naval craft as also were the men left on the glider.
Glider No.129 (Capt McCooke)
Landed successfully South of L.Z.2. Party moved North and at dawn occupied the high ground South of rly bridge 115294, their objective. Unfortunately Capt McCooke and his batman had divorced themselves from the Pl under Sjt Williams and were eventually captured. After skirmishes and an abortive attempt to capture the bridge, Sjt Williams and his pl were also captured. Later they were released by the 2 NORTHANTS.
'B' Coy (Gliders 1, 5, 9, 13, 17, 21, 25, 29, 33, 37)
Of all coys 'B' were the luckiest as seven of their ten gliders landed on shore, two in the sea and one of which there is no news. In no case did the gliders land in their correct landing areas, although a few were not very far away. Capt Foot organised his glider load and other troops he could find in a valiant but unsuccessful attempt on the Coy objective which was very strongly held. Lt Deucher collected his glider load and moved to PONTE GRANDE where he and his men gallantly assisted in the defence at the bridge until it was eventually recaptured by the Italians. Amn had run short. The Coy Comd, Maj R.H. Cain, together with his glider load landed in the sea and eventually took refuge on a small island where they remained for nearly two days when the water ran out and they swam ashore at 1400 hrs on 11 Jul. Other glider loads were involved in minor skirmishes with the enemy.
Glider No.132 - Horsa (Major E.G. Ballinger - Coy H.Q. No.17 Pl)
Crashed about 400 yards upstream from the bridge bursting into flames on landing. The only survivors were Lieut H.D. Scott and two other ranks, all badly injured and now in hospital.
Glider No.24 (Lieut E.W. Broadbridge)
Landed three miles at North of PORTOPALO which is 56 miles West of landing area. After skirmishes they joined up with the seaborne forces eventually rejoining the Bn at 1700 hrs 12 Jul having suffered no casualties and having brought all their kit including their handcart with them. A creditable effort.
Glider Z (Lieut Reynolds)
Landed safely. Pte Back killed by M.G. fire shortly after landing. After marching all night linked with personnel of Recce Pl and B Coy and moved to PONTE GRANDE to assist Lieut Withers and his Pl in its defence. Eventually this party were ordered to surrender to be later released.
1 BORDER
Out of 72 gliders:-
18 as yet unaccounted for
8 landed in MALTA or AFRICA
5 landed in SICILY with 5 miles of correct position
15 landed in SICILY within 8 miles of correct position
26 landed in the sea.
Glider loads put down on land were too widely dispersed to reach any pre-arranged R.Vs. Enemy posts and batteries in the area were numerous, and many small parties on the bn, five to 10 men strong, did a useful and necessary job of work in neutralising or destroying these, and spreading confusion and dismay, leading ultimately to surrender in other Italian tps. The Recce Pl, less one party under Capt Wilkie and another under Lt Budgen played an important part in these operations, and a glider load of 'D' Coy assisted in the defence of PONTE GRANDE against Italian counter-attacks.
10th July 1943
Place: Syracuse
2200 - The Commanding Officer and 2 i/c reached Bde H.Q. and by the following morning 9 offrs and 90 O.Rs had concentrated at Bde H.Q.
11th July 1943
Place: Syracuse
0900 - SYRACUSE having been occupied by 17 Bde the previous night, Bns moved up to the new town area. 2 S.STAFFORDS S.E. of the rly covering the approaches from BELVEDERE and the BORDER Regt defending the Northern outskirts of the S.LUCIA quarter.
12th July 1943
Place: Syracuse
Salvage and burial parties worked while as many tps as possible were rested.
13th July 1943
Place: Syracuse
1200 - Warning order for embarkation sent to Bns. The force of some 800 officers and men embarked on four L.C.Is at SYRACUSE and sailed at approximately 2000 hrs.
14th July 1943
After a night and day at sea the force arrived at SOUSSE about 2100 hrs. Parties disembarked immediately and were back in camp by 2230 hrs.
Appendix 'E'
Report on Medical Aspects of Operation BIGOT
1. Forces Employed
(a) Bn RAMC personnel were thickened up with Field Ambulance personnel - so that bns went in with 24 RAMC and 1 M.O. - in addition 2 orderlies were provided for each L. area (2 in number).
(b) 1 section complete was attached to each bn - 6 WACO gliders were put at the disposal of Mod.
(c) A surgical team (with officer anaesthetist) was taken.
(d) A skeleton H.Q. of O.C., R.S.M. and 1 M.O. travelled with Bde.
2. Equipment
(a) Bn RAMC personnel (incl attached) were equipped with Airborne haversacks or special haversacks, containing shell dressings, sulphanilomide powder and tubes, scissors, S.B. Field + Medical Cards, Morphia (6 tubernics).
(b) Fd Amb Secs - sufficient equipment was carried to open a forward D.S. Each member of the sec carried a pack containing essential dressings and morphia in addition to the section equipment necessary for the dressing station.
(c) Surgical team carried sufficient to operate in conjunction with a section.
3. Transport
(a) Air Each section was allotted 3 gliders. Into these had to be fitted, in addition to the sections with transport, the surgical team.
(b) Wheeled 1 blitz buggy was taken by each section - in addition 1 ambulance trailer was taken by the section not carrying the surgical team personnel. Each section had a handcart.
4. Distribution of Loads
The principle adopted was that each glider load should be capable of functioning as a modified Dressing Station or Aid Post. Accordingly, glider loads were made up as follows:-
Each Section (1) Section Commander + 3 and blitz buggy
(2) S/Sjt and 10 with handcart
(3) Surgeon or anaesthetist, with surgical team or stretcher trailer and remainder of section.
5. The Medical Plan
Each sec was to RV with the bn it was attached to and move up in its rear to a pre-selected site in the Bn area. The surgical team was to function in the rear bn area and operate on essential cases - then move forward. Casualties, as they occurred, would be evacuated to Company Collecting Posts where there were 4 RAMC Orderlies. The R.M.O. would arrange collection from there to the R.A.P. situated in the same area as the section. Evacuation to the rear was the responsibility of A.D.M.S., 5 Div.
6. Actual Happenings
(a) Of the six medical gliders which set out, only one landed on the island. This contained the surgical team, under Capt Rigby-Jones, and 4 members of Section 2. This glider load was able to function as a very modified Dressing Station - cum - R.A.P. and did a lot of good work. Later they functioned in an M.D.S. as a surgical team.
(b) The medical orderlies who landed with companies, or swam ashore, did excellent work in the way of first aid and fully justified their inclusion in the operation.
Conclusions
(1) It was unfortunate that the medical service failed to arrive in any number. Those that did were adequately equipped to function within one hour of landing.
(2) The widespread dispersal of highly trained medical orderlies throughout the battalions, who suffered several casualties on landing, were entirely justified.
(3) It is essential to have a staff officer from Airborne Forces with the H.Q. of the relieving seaborne force. He should have at his disposal a small pool of ambulances. When the seaborne forces came up, this officer should meet S.M.O. Brigade or his representative at a pre-selected spot and arrange for the immediate collection of outlying cases or evacuation of casualties in the R.A.P.
(4) Medical services managed to function in spite of the fact that no company was ever complete - and rarely a platoon. Practically every 'Penny Packet' was attended to quickly and it is considered that the lives of a definite proportion of the casualties were saved by quick and efficient first aid treatment.
B.N.A.F.
19 Jul 43
GMW/MHG.
(Signed)
G.W. Warrack Lt Col., R.A.M.C.
Commanding 181 Air Landing Field Ambulance
