Operations in North Africa and the Middle East 1942-1944 by John Grehan

Author:John Grehan
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: HISTORY / Military / World War II
ISBN: 9781473859463
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Published: 2015-04-29T16:00:00+00:00

57. At 0600, BROKE reported that she had berthed alongside in Algiers harbour and was landing troops, and a few minutes later that she had little difficulty in entering.

58. At 0632, BROKE reported that a submarine was leaving harbour. This was attacked and forced to dive by aircraft from VICTORIOUS, and STORK and two A/S vessels were detached to search for it.

59. At this time news from shore was very scarce. The landing of the 11th Brigade at A Sector appeared to be going well; and General Mast, Commanding Algiers Division, was reported at Sidi Ferruch to be offering full co-operation and urging that our forces should push on to Algiers without delay. On the other hand it was known that Cap Matifou had not yet surrendered; and at 0625 WILTON, who was in support of landing craft at SCRAMBLE landings, reported that she was under fire from Fort Duperre. No hits were made and WILTON withdrew to the westward, joining patrol at B Beaches until the military situation clarified.

60. At 0827, the welcome news that Maison Blanche aerodrome had been captured was received. At 1000 the aerodrome was reported serviceable, and a few minutes later a squadron of Hurricanes flown from Gibraltar landed on. Although the R.A.F. did not formally take over the defence of Algiers until D + 2, R.A.F. fighters were operational on D day, making several sorties on D day and D + 1. This helped materially to supplement the extremely efficient air support given by the hard-pressed fighters and squadrons of R.A.A.25

61. At 0856, information was received that tanks were concentrating and moving along the road from Algiers in the direction of Maison Blanche. Three of these tanks subsequently returned to the harbour in an effort to dislodge BROKE; she had, however, made good her withdrawal before they came into action.

62. The unloading of M.T. was proceeding very slowly. B GREEN Beach had to be abandoned owing to the swell and general unsuitability. B WHITE had to be restricted to a width of 100 yards. C Beach was a lee shore, and felt the full effects of the slight swell, and many landing craft broached to.

63. At 0930, BROKE requested bombing of the battery on Jetée du Nord to cover her intended withdrawal at 1030, as her position was becoming untenable. Bomber support was also called for urgently on Fort Duperre at 1030. R.A.A. was asked to fulfil these commitments.

64. At 0934, a Martlet landed on Blida aerodrome and reported a friendly reception.

65. At about 1000, BROKE left harbour. The battery on Jetée du Nord was bombed most successfully at 1030. Twelve hits were obtained on this small target and severe damage was done to the buildings and living quarters in the fort. BROKE was engaged by a number of batteries on her way out and was badly damaged. ZETLAND went to her aid, steering between her and Cap Matifou battery. This was successfully bombarded, hitting the control tower and putting the range-finder out of action.

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