The battle for Greece & Crete.pdf - Army Museum of South Australia

Informed the Colonel regarding Cpl Pearce’s patrol in the early hours of that morning and there hadbeen no contact with NZ or any other troops on that road. Informed from NZ BHQ Volos, Col Rodgersconcurred and requested that such intelligence be sent to Brig. Lee. Sgt Finch, Cpl Pearce left at 0730hrs for Volos BHQ with instructions to proceed to Brig. Lee, Domokos. Sgt Finch, Cpl Pearce returned,their task completed.Lamia 18 April 1941: The volume of traffic from North to south very light. Members of Companypatrolling roads from Domokos to South side of Bralos Pass. At all times being subjected to machinegunning. Received intelligence from Brig. Lee that he expected to retire from his position betweenmidnight and 0300hrs on 18/19 th . At 1745hrs head of, Lee Force, column passed through Lamiatownship on way South. 1810hrs straight road from Lamia town to Bralos Pass subjected to intensebombing and machine gunning attack. Several vehicles damaged and slight delay. OC of conveyinstructed that under the circumstances continue whilst being attacked by enemy.All vehicles of Lee Force were cleared of the township of Lamia and the straight road without furtherloss. At 1900hrs vehicles of Lee force, successfully negotiating roads at the Bralos Pass. At 1905hrscontacted Brig. Lee, who reported all his men were clear. At 1915hrs, L/Cpls Swinfield, Hurst, Clarke,Laughton, and McPherson reported, that all troops and vehicles were clear from the pass, North ofLamia, through Lamia, and along the straight road. At 1920hrs members of this Coy, present when airbridge along the road from Bralos Pass to Lamia was destroyed.Liaouklade Railway Station and AuSup seen to be on fire, several culverts and a bridge on coast roadrear Lamia destroyed. At 1930hrs two very light lights were observed, South of the Lamia township,signifying the arrival of the German troops along the Volos Road. At 2015hrs Capt. Grimshaw, SgtHarris, Finch, Walton,, Cpl Delaney, Swinfield, Pearce Hurst, Barrington, Smith left position at foot ofBralos Pass on way south to locate Corps or force HQ. At 2025hrs and anti-tank gun opened fire, froma position half way up the Bralos Mountain in the direction of Lamia.From Bralos Pass proceeded to Thebes, stayed overnight.Thebes 19 April 1941: Fine. Windy. Contacted Force HQ 12 miles from Thebes along Chalkis Road.Moved entire Coy to camp site adjoining Force HQ. Chalkis Road bombed and machine gunned. Coywear, rested remained of the day.Thebes 20 April 1941: Fine. Convoy and Point Duty Patrols on duty all day and night. Roadscontinuously bombed and machine gunned throughout day.Thebes 21 April 1941: Fine and windy. Convoy and Point duty Patrols day and night. Chalkisbombed daily.Thebes 22 April 1941: Remainder of Coy and camp moved to pine forest, one kilometre from town at2330hrs.Thebes 23 April 1941: Fine and Windy. Patrols and Point Duty Men posted. Delayed action and HEbombs dropped on Thebes Railway Station. Took over complete traffic control from CMP at 2030hrsRSM and remainder of Coy, not detailed on duty, sent to evacuation point, “D” beach. Capt Grimshaw,Sgt Harris, Cpl Finch, Delaney, George,, Sgt Maddern, Cpl, Pearce, Batenby, L/Cps Potts and McEvoy,Mallyon and Barnes. These are the men who remained on duty in and around Thebes, until all troopsand convoys had been safely conducted through the town. Delayed action bombs exploding throughoutthe night. The party left Thebes at 0230hrs for evacuation point, “D” beach.April 24 1941: Made camp in Olive Grove, 12 miles from evacuation point. Porto Rafts “D” Beach.Remained hidden all day. Too late for evacuation that night.- 30 -