大象传媒

Now in the centre of two enemy strongholds it was decided what was left of the battalion should move half a mile to a deeper hollow. Foe observation purpose a platoon remained in the old position. The new location though deeper was narrower. Less vulnerable for enemy artillery to shell us.
A further advantage, we could observe them but they could not see us.
While we were battling on Tanngouche a mule pack had replenished our ammunition and compo rations. Our company also had a new cook; Tich Beaman. By providing a hot breakfast of porridge, bacon with powdered egg and tea for us after the battle, he became an instant favourite. A further surprise for the battle weary warriors was the mule train had also brought the free weekly issue if cigarettes and cans of beer. Knowing I did not drink beer, my friend Corkie and I had an agreement. He would give me his chocolate ration in exchange for the 鈥榖lack stuff鈥� with its taste of Liffey water. It reminded him of his native home.
After the horror of the previous night, the hot meal and for many afterwards to swill it down with a can of the best established a spirit of bon-homie. At the back of our minds we knew we still had not seen the last of Tanngouche. Moments like these are precious. A bromide to banish fear.
Before sunset, what one hoped would be an easy night; it happened. A Messerschmitt swooped over our encampment. I t was flying too fast to see us. Even if we had been discovered, we would still be a difficult target for shell fire. We all had a good nights sleep鈥�.even though we kept our boots on.
The R.C. padre Rev. John Hayes, came and celebrated Mass. The alter comprised of four wooden compo boxes draped with a linen cloth, and reliquary. A small crucifix was placed in the centre. We clustered around as the priest began in Latin, 鈥淚n nominee Patris et Filii et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.鈥� My folk at home could be at Mass now. A pious thought but despite the distance, we were together in spirit6.
We were reminded that next Sunday was Easter Sunday and the following days-comprised Holy Week. One thing was certain, Holy Week regardless; the battle for Tanngouche, Hideous and the continuing fighting by the two brigades on Longstop would go on. To some lads I paraphrased the old adage, 鈥淏etter the day. Better the deed. Better the week. Better the deed.鈥�
We can only live in hope.

Tanngouche. Final Assault.
Among the reinforcements that joined us were some of our former comrades. They had incurred superficial wounds during previous skirmishes or the capture of Mahdi. We were glad to see them. A further surprise was the arrival in our area of three Churchill tanks from the, Northern Irish Horse regiment. Their presence increased our morale tremendously. A know-all in the platoon reminded us, 鈥淲e didn鈥檛 have tanks on Mahdi, and Tanngouche is steeper.鈥� He was right. Tanngouche had a deeper gradient. Our morale was too high to heed his claptrap.
In the twilight glow on April 22nd, the point platoons positioned themselves on the tanks. (As we had done in the exercise a few weeks earlier). The caterpillar tracks cranked and three tanks rumbled forward. Sonn Tanngouche came into view. Dominating the landscape. Black, sinister, almost sneering at us, 鈥淐oming for another bashing are you?鈥� On our right flank the sound of artillery could be heard as the battle for Longstop raged. In battle formation the tanks ploughed on. Tonight we were advancing on our objective with renewed confidence.
The battle began. The Churchill鈥檚 six pounder guns boomed into action. Captain Duddington spurred his company into action. Star shells from the enemy illuminated the night sky. Shells from their multi barrelled mortars and light armour dropped; even the constant rapid crossfire from the enemy could not stop us now. We had taken prisoners. Thankfully our casualties were light. Then there it was. A white flag appeared. Draped from a rock pinnacle. The Germans had surrendered. Tanngouche was ours. It was the dawn of a lovely day. The London Irish captured Hideous. The Irish Brigade consolidated forward of its objective. Longstop had been secured. For the 78th Division this was its finest hour.

Continued.....
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