Page Two Into battle

Lest it be thought that that Brigadier Tetley and the CO’s of the other two Churchill units of 25th Tank Brigade were not fully aware of the Churchill’s climbing ability, the 51st Bn. RTR was the first to prove it in battle. The following is an extract from Ronald Addyman’s The 51st Royal Tank Regiment’ - Morley, Tunisia and Italy, 1939-1945.

“Early on the morning of the 27th February 1943, the Germans began a cautious reconnsaissance with a troop of tanks and lorried infantry down the road leading to El Arousa. Although a troop of the Derbyshire Yeomanry fought a gallant delaying action it was difficult to see what could prevent 'Y' Division from being cut off. Then, at the crucial moment, the leading unit of the 25th Tank Brigade, the North Irish Horse, appeared at El Arousa on its way south. Brigadier Russell immediately commandeered a squadron of Churchill tanks which he deployed north of the town. Then as the German appeared around a bend in the road two tanks and two lorries where precisely picked off by the Churchill tanks. The Germans hurriedly retreated to Steamroller Farm - so called by the British due to the presence of a steamroller in the farmyard."

The next day Colonel Koch made no further move. Brigadier Russell, on the other hand, having been allowed to retain the 25th Tank Brigade and further reinforced with a Guards brigade, decided to probe forward to determine the enemy's strength finding the farm, which stands at the head of a valley, was heavily defended by two battalions of the Hermann Goering Regiment, elements of a Panzer Grenadier regiment and 50mm and 88mm anti-tank guns. 'A" Squadron of the 51st RTR and a company of Coldstream Guards were chosen for the task.

The force set off just before midday of the 28th February and by 1600 hours they were in sight of the farm. Then heavy fire was directed at them and shortly afterwards they were attacked by dive bombers. The effect of the enemy action reduced the strength of the squadron to nine tanks of which a whole troop of was held up in a wadi. The squadron leader, however, ordered his 1st Troop, commanded by Captain E D (Gin) Hollands, D.C.M., to press forward into the farm area. Holland's tank and the Coldstreams achieved this but then became pinned down. More German parachutists had landed and two German tanks were seen approaching from the next valley. Hollands radioed for assistance which came in the shape of another Churchill tank commanded by Second Lieutenant J C Renton. When orders came through to clear the pass at all costs. Two Churchills, commanded by Captain E D Hollands and Lieutenant J G Renton made a 1,500 yard dash across an exposed causeway which was covered by an 88mm gun. Firing at a range of about 200 yards this gun got off two rounds, and missed on both occasions, before it was charged by the tanks and the crew ran away.

Next followed a difficult climb up a steep and winding track more suited to goats. It was slow going with tight corners and a rocky surface to negotiate while working their way to the top. From the crest, with incredibly accurate fire, they destroyed the two approaching tanks, two anti-tank guns and all the enemy's transport. A s dusk was falling and Hollands and Renton were ordered to rejoin their squadron. On the journey back the leading tank stalled and had to be given a tow start - not an easy operation at the best of times. Before rejoining their squadron, Hollands, Renton and their crews, rescued badly wounded crewmen from a knocked out Churchill.

Brigadier Russell thought a further attack on a larger scale might be necessary but Colonel Koch had had enough. A wireless message from Koch to his brigade commander was intercepted to the effect that:

"He had been attacked by a mad tank battalion which had scaled impossible heights and forced him to withdraw".

At first light the next day the French owner of the farm arrived at El Aroussa to say that the Germans had retreated across the Green Belt leaving behind three 88mm anti­-tank guns, two tanks, a number of wheeled vehicles and the graves of many German soldiers.

A sketch map of the Steam Roller Farm area is an addendum to this page.

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