The 2nd Battalion spent the early part of February 1943 in continuing patrolling activity in areas north of Bou Arada, and towards Djebel Rihane. On 26th February their positions on Stuka Ridge, to the west of the Goubellat to Bou Arada road, were attacked by a significant force.
The German assaults on 2 LIR’s positions was part of a wide frontal attack on Allied positions south of Medjez-el-Bab, and followed soon after American reverses at Kasserine in mid February. The Brigade’s position was eventually stabilised by a combination of strong defensive actions by 2 LIR and most critically by the counterattacking actions of two companies of 1 RIrF, one company of 6 Innisks, six tanks from the North Irish Horse and with closely applied artillery support. During the day, B Company of 1 RIrF was able to clear Stuka Ridge fully of German forces.
2 LIR’s full account of the German attack on Stuka Ridge can be found by clicking here.
Key Dates:
1st to 25th February – 2 LIR continue patrolling activity in the area west of the Goubellat to Bou Arada road.
16th February – The Irish Brigade forms part of a newly created temporary ‘Y’ Division with 1 Parachute Brigade, a French battalion and armoured support.
26th February – Massive German attacks on 2 LIR’s positions on Stuka Ridge. Total 2 LIR casualties were 21 killed, 48 wounded and 25 missing, presumed captured.
Roll of Honour, February 1943:
Rifleman J McIntyre 09/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman AA Barrett 11/02/1943 Dely Ibrahim Algeria 2 LIR
Rifleman AE Fitzgibbon 22/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman TH Booth 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
CQMS F Brooks 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman RS Brooks 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman JJA Carey 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Cpl R Church 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Memorial Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman AT Crush 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Cpl WH Dunsmuir 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman DA Flaherty 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman C Hamilton 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman R Henderson 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Cpl A Kawalsky 26/02/1943 Massicault Tunisia 2 LIR
Cpl MP McGrath 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Cpl S Metcalfe 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
L/Cpl CH Mills 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman S Roberts 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman WGD Ruddock 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman D Scott 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman JF Smith 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Memorial Tunisia 2 LIR
L/Cpl J Tryers 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman JL Turner 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman GE Watts 26/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR
Rifleman JH Taylor 27/02/1943 Medjez-el-Bab Tunisia 2 LIR