The task of twice getting sixty tanks on the same wavelength, followed by each Squadron with eighteen, occupied quite some time before Lt. King was satisfied. Now all that remained for the operators was to wait for the signal to go.

Despite the experience of having lost two Squadron Leaders in Tunisia, at this time the Regiment was still following the cavalry tradition that HQF Troops, headed by the OC's tank, should lead the way into battle. It must be confessed I was feeling quite nervous as, unlike previous battles when I crewed the third tank in line, shortly I would be aboard Ballyrashane-4 as she led the way. Her crew: Major Gordon P.Russell, commander; L/Cpl H.Jenkins, driver; L/Cpl W.Wheatley, co-driver; Tpr A. Hughes, gunner and myself, operator.

At 05.40 hours the Royal Canadian Artillery commenced laying down a thunderous barrage. Fifteen minutes later came the order to advance.

Assault on the Hitler Line

The distance to the objective was a little less than a thousand yards, the first half of which had to be negotiated through a forest of small but closely packed trees. Visibility was so poor that we started off "heads out" which soon ended when we came under sniper fire. Sadly Lt G.C.Brown MC was killed before he could reach the safety of the turret. Then followed an intense and continuing artillery barrage, despite which the rest of the Squadron reached the northern edge of the forest unharmed. The unprotected infantry were not so fortunate many were killed and wounded including all of their 18 Set operators. About 07.30 hrs (the enemy fire having slackened considerably) orders were received for the Squadron to regroup with the Seaforth Highlanders, in readiness for the next phase of the operation.

At about 08.00 hrs, having concluded that the combination of smoke, dust and exhaust fumes, which had reduced visibility to but a few yards, would provide good cover, the order to move out was given. Ballyrashane-4 led the way out of the woods, followed by Capt. Pope's tank, which took up a position a short way to the left, and by Bangor, commanded by Sgt Roy Burns, moving to the right. Almost immediately, we received two quick hits on the starboard side. Although neither hit had penetrated the hull, Major Russell wisely gave the order to bail out.

Bill Wheatley exited through the pannier door, with great presence of mind, bringing one of the tank's first-aid kits with him. I shot out of the turret to take up cover on our tank's port side. No sooner had I done so when another A/T shell destroyed the right track cover, mortally wounding Harry Jenkins and severely injuring our Skipper who fell off the turret on to the left track. Behind him, Alan Hughes managed to evacuate safely. No sooner had he done so, when another shot penetrated the turret causing the ammo to start exploding. While Alan and I were lifting Major Russell down I was slightly wounded by some flying debris. By great good fortune, a few yards in front of us was a small wadi, which provided us with some cover, into which we managed to carry the dying Harry.