Page Sixty-seven
As can be seen on the sketch, the buildings housing the FOO and his German counterpart were separated only by the width of the river, only the upper storey being visible to each other. Apparently there had been a brief exchange of mortar fire which ceased with an informal agreement between both sides that one would not direct fire on the other's building. However, the agreement only lasted until the day came when the Canadians could no longer tolerate the behavior of one of the enemy. Evidently, each morning a rather fat German would appear on the levee to dump a load of rubbish into the river but, on his departure, he habitually made rude gestures that got progressively more offensive.
A preface to the event of the day that caused the FOO and his crew to say "No more" is perhaps necessary. It may be remembered, while the Regiment was waiting to make the final push to Tunis that a stray 25pdr shell fell uncomfortably close to one employing the facility known as the "Most fertile spot in Tunisia."
One morning (my recollection being it was one day after we had all the trouble finding a break in the wire) the "Lordo Tedesco" appeared carrying a trenching-tool which he promptly employed to dig a hole on top of the levee. To the astonishment of the watching Canadians, he lowered his trousers and squatted down. That was the last straw! The FOO ordered a mortar bomb to be lobbed over the river but not close enough to hurt the German. From all accounts, the sight of him departing as speedily as he could, with his trousers around his feet, was hilarious.
On the last Sunday of February the Padre, Captain Elwyn M. Hughes, arrived to hold Church Services for each of the Troops. Happily, he was able to reach 5 Troop without attracting any mortar fire! The driver of his jeep (if memory serves me aright) took the photograph below. The tank was Captain HE Irwin's Mark V Churchill. Other than the Padre and Tpr. Brindle, all are HQF Troop crew members.
From Left to Right
Front: Tpr Tommy Bowers, Padre Hughes, Tpr John Calvert
Rear: L/Cpl Alan Hughes, Tpr "Titch" Young, Tpr Henry Dawson, Tpr Bert Brindle (B Sqn fitter) Tpr John Johnston, Cpl Billy Keville, Yours Truly.
On Monday, 6th March, the Squadron was relieved by tanks of the Recce Squadron. Happily, despite some near misses, no one was hurt while during those weeks we were engaged in static warfare. 'C' Squadron was not so fortunate, having
Sergeant Baker (4 Troop) and three Troopers wounded. After showing my counterpart from the Recce Squadron the workings of the "exchange" it was all aboard, bound once again for billets in Ravenna.
or return to the
Narrative Index