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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume II

166 — General Freyberg to the Minister of Defence

166
General Freyberg to the Minister of Defence

30 October 1942

As you know, the Division has again been in action in the Battle for Egypt. In the opening attack on the night of 23 October your Division went forward with the South Africans on one flank and the Highlanders and Australians on the other.2 It was a very long and difficult night attack against prepared positions and over ground thickly sown with mines and booby traps. While our artillery were firing the greatest timed concentrations yet seen in Africa, our infantry went through to their objective, the vital Miteiriya Ridge, which they captured in company with South African forces. They were followed by the sappers, who cleared gaps in the minefields for tanks and guns. All counter-attacks were repulsed during the succeeding days and our position was made secure by a further night attack.

We have just been withdrawn from our sector for further operations in the course of the next few days. Our casualties to date are as follows:

  • Killed: 15 officers, 148 other ranks

  • Wounded: 46 officers, 901 other ranks

  • Missing: 5 officers, 162 other ranks

page 132

I have made it clear to the Army Commander that since June we have had very heavy casualties. For the next attack he has attached to us two British brigades,1 which will enable us to conserve our infantry for a mobile role if and when a gap is made for the armour to go through. As a result of the operations I can report that our present equipment compares favourably with the Germans'. Air support has been on a satisfactory scale.

I am sending this report from the battlefield just before we move into a new position. I hope you will therefore forgive its brevity due to pressure of operational matters. This is a hard battle and I want the New Zealand Government to know that the next phase will also be severe and difficult. I can assure you that the training of your Division has stood the test of a most exacting battle and that the morale of the men is excellent.

2 These were the 1st South African, 51st Highland, and 9th Australian Divisions.

1 The 151st (Tyneside) Brigade and 152nd Highland Brigade from the 50th British Division and 51st Highland Division respectively.