Intercept Number 2

CX/MSS/2292/T12
VM 6939

Mediterranean

On 13/3 from Panzer Army 5, IC to General Staff of Army GHC.
Foreign Armies West.
Ref. Letter 1582 Secret of 24/2/43.
Subject: Appearance on English “Churchill” Tanks in Tunisia.
In the Sedjenane Sector 3 “Churchill III” Tanks were captured.
In the Bou Arada Sector three Churchill tanks were destroyed by 7.5 a 5 cm A/T guns. According to troop’s statements the tank in question is a heavy one with following armament. Strong protection for tracks and driving sprockets. According to prisoners-of-war statements this tank is called “Churchill VI”.
In front of Sbiba tanks of Churchill (Roman) I and III type were destroyed by 8.8 Flak.

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Intercept Number 3

CX/MSS/2292/T12 cont’d

The following was passed at 1458Z [2.58 pm] /20/3/43 as: VM 6939 CO/PK.

Details of Appearance on English “Churchill” Tanks in Tunisia.
Given by Panzer Army 5 on 13th February:
Subject: Appearance on English “Churchill” Tanks in Tunisia.
In the Sedjenane Sector 3 “Churchill III” Tanks were captured.
In the Bou Arada Sector three Churchill tanks were destroyed by 7.5 a 5 cm A/T guns. According to troop’s statements the tank in question is a heavy one with following armament. Strong protection for tracks and driving sprockets. According to prisoners-of-war statements this tank is called “Churchill VI”.
In front of Sbiba tanks of Churchill (Roman) I and III type were destroyed by 8.8 Flak.

BB/AM/ADY/WO

DC

View Original.

Notes
1: The three Churchills were of 'C' Squadron, North Irish Horse.
    The use of the word 'captured' in the military sense, 'to take by force or
    stratagem', is not strictly correct. For the true story of the fate of the three
    tanks, go to Axis Propaganda
2: Bou Arada - Churchills of 51st Battalion Royal Tank Regiment.
3: Sbiba - Churchills of the 142nd Regiment Royal Armoured Corps.

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