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After three quiet days, commander 78th Division was ordered to push forward along the valley towards Tebourba. C Squadron N.I.H. supported this advance and the following action took place: At 1000 hours, 30th April, C Squadron N.I.H led the 8th Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders on to Points160, 177 and 202, which necessitated the crossing of two difficult oueds. By 1115 hours the tanks were on Point 160 and Point 177 and the pre-arranged signal was given to the A. & S. H. to advance. During their advance the infantry met with some machine-gun fire from the gulleys in the high ground north of Points 177 and 202 but succeeded in getting on to these two features.

At 1145 hours three Mark IV German tanks appeared from the direction of Sidi Zekri. These tanks were engaged and hits were seen on two of them. All three tanks then withdrew to the wadi. At about 1215 hours a Mark IV, equipped with a long barrelled 75 mm. gun, appeared round the right-hand side of Point 177, knocked out Sjt. Elliott's tank, killing the gunner, Cpl. Dickson, and holed Lieut. Mann's tank. Sjt. Elliott's crew baled out and went to ground but 2nd Lieut. Mann's crew stayed put and the co-driver, Trooper Eastwood, drove the tank back out of action but unfortunately overturned it in the bad oued at the bottom of the hill. It was then found that Lieut. Mann and Trooper Whalley were dead.

Just after this, another Mark IV appeared over the rise and was hit on the cupola by Major Welch's 2-pounder. It immediately went backwards down the hill and at least one man baled out. No more tanks were seen during the afternoon but heavy shell fire was put down by a big gun which blew a track off Sjt. Johansen's tank. When ordered to withdraw, Cpl. Bone picked up Sjt. Johansen's crew and withdrew first. Major Welch then withdrew the other two tanks to a position south of Sidi Ahmed at 1900 hours and returned to harbour. The infantry had withdrawn about an hour previousl Sjt. EllioFtt reported in at about 2400 hours, having waited until it was dark and then made his way down to the A. & S. H. position. In the early hours of 1st May Troopers Rooke and Chapman, the latter wounded, also got back. During this action it is estimated that ten enemy were killed, fifty prisoners were taken, and several hits were scored on three enemy tanks.

From 1st May it was obvious from various Troop movements that 18th Army Group was regrouping. Rumours were circulating freely as to the composition of the break through force and the direction of the attack. We first of all thought that we were to assist in the break through to Tunis but, after order and counter order, to our extreme disappointment, we were finally split into three parts, R.H.Q., and A Squadron coming under command of 78th Division, B Squadron under command of 1st Division and C Squadron under command of 142nd Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps who were to support the 4th Indian Division in the big attack.

The Regiment moved to its new harbour areas on the night of 4th May after handing over seven tanks to 145th Regiment, Royal Armoured Corps.

5th May was taken up with reconnaissance by B and C Squadrons and final preparation for the big attack by C Squadron. In the evening, at 1700 hours 1st Division, with a Squadron of 142nd R.A.C. in support, finally occupied the Djebel Bou.

At 0430 hours on 6th May the big attack started. The 4th British Division was on the right and 4th Indian Division, supported by 142nd R.A.C., with N.I.H. C Squadron vice their A Squadron, and 145th R.A.C., were on the left. 145th R.A.C., supported 5th Indian Brigade and 142nd R.A.C. the 7th Indian Brigade. C Squadron N.I.H. passed through the Gab Gab Gap and moved forward to an assembly area. By 0600 hours the first phase of the attack had proved successful and 142nd R.A.C. pushed through the Gap at about 0800 hours. C Squadron N.I.H., whose role was to protect the left flank, formed up behind Souissi but the advance was slightly delayed by the infantry, who were late. By 1000 hours 7th Indian Infantry Brigade were on their first objective and immediately afterwards they pushed right on to Aoud Zriga. During this action C Squadron captured six 88 mm. anti-tank guns, two of whose crews did not fire a shot.

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