MR310 Sec. 10 "TORCH" (1) Army and Navy Miscellaneous "TORCH" messages - March 16-31, 1943

0 MP 310 "TORCH" (1) Sec. 10 - Army and Navy Miscellaneous "TORCH" Messages. 3/16--31/43 "TORCH" Messages MR 310 "TORCH" (1) Sec. 10 - Army and Navy Miscellaneous (3/16-31/43) DECLASSIFIED SECRET DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC34 WDCC Filed 01/1323A April 1, 1943 sen 15552 From: Algiers To: War USFOR In reply cite: 794 March 31, 1943 Apparent discrepancy in tank figures be- tween second weekly summary (Troopers reptd AGWAR USFOR from G-3 Section AFHQ 794 31st Mar) ref 8614 March 23 and third weekly summary ref 338 March 30, Signed Eisenhower, Cite FHGCT. Is due to fact that Allied figures represent service- able tanks while Axis figures represent grand total. no sig Footnote: 338 is CM-IN-352 (1 Apr 43) OPD 8614 is CM-IN-14156 (26 Mar 43) CCS DECLASSIFIED Action: OPD JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY DATEFEB 7 1974 Information: G-2 CG AAF Gen. Deane (CC/S) 51 CM-IN-759 (2 Apr 43) 00302 VC COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 3 CCWD filed 31/0903Z Apr 1 dm 1533 Z URGENT SUPPLEMENTARY CORRECTION From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0/369 March 31, 1943 Refers to SITREP 158 Omission in original message should read as follows: In central Tunisia medium bombers attacked enemy landing ground Fucconneri area and concentrations west of Gabes many fires seen. No Sig Footnote: Supplemental correction to CM-IN-16948 (3-31-43) OPD Action: OPD Information: G-2 DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 CG AAF BY SR CGGN DATE FEB 7 1974 Gen Deane (CC/S) Adm King CM-IN-556 (1 April 43) 1934Z as S COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date 4/13/01/ WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER RC 15 CCWD Filed 1950Z/31INCOMING MESSA 31, 1943 ah 19292 URGENT From: Bern To: MILID In Reply Cite: 5.40, March 31, 1943 G2 Dist. Action Info. MC Orders received by Logistical Staff Italian STRONG German Forces Tunisia to put at disposition of Rommel KRONER by April 4th (repeated to ETOUSA) all available trans- BRATTON ports. This to me from 206 (Report date March 29th) SIT He can not feel sure of information although he rates CURR. source A our MILID 426 our ETOUSA 18 and was last DISS report this source. AIR E-A FE Legge, NA LA COLL SPEC DECLASSIFIED GEOG 0SD Letter, 5-3-72 TRMG MAY 23 1974 JSC EO FOOTNOTE: 426 is CM-IN-4147 (1/10/43) G-2 K EFF ACTION: G-2 CC FIN INFORMATION: OPD, CGAAF, LOG. POW REC FL CM-IN-16941 (31 Mar 43) 2235Z mew CIG JIC ONI WH M.I.8. JOURNAL NO.9 1 APR 1 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Juch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVBC48 INCOMING MESSAGE WDCC Filed 31/1358Z March 31, 1943 ecn 2115Z From: Algiers To: War-USFOR (Info) No. 517 In reply cite: BOC 293 March 31, 1943 French State Adler was (to USFOR and AGWAR from Freedom) employee BNCI Morocco sent Switzer- land because of racial laws. Reference our BOC 135. Your 3493 of March 9. Action AGWAR Combined Boards Treasury information USFOR British Chiefs of Staff signed Eisenhower cite FHAEB Glasser. BOC 293. Ad- ler acted as intermediary for communications be- tween BNCI Morocco and Vichy subsequent November 8. De La Neziere states he is satisfied BNCI has ceased using Adler this capacity and that he is no longer concerned about Adler. No information as to Adler's first name. Please send by airgram any information in your possession on BNCI likely to be of interest in connection with economic warfare work. no sig NOTE: BOC 135 is CM-OUT-11820 (23 Feb 43) CCS. 3493 is CM-OUT-2891 (9 Mar 43) SOS-Int. ACTION: General Deane (CCS) DECLASSIFIED JOB memo, 1-4-74 INFORMATION: OPD, G-2 (Col Sands), By RHP, NLR, Date MAY 2 3 1974 ASF, CAD. CM-IN-306 (1 Apr 43) 11492 ems 18 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 #158 WAR DEPARTMENT YQVB C 40 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 31/1812Z gmc INCOMING MESSAGE 1943 URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 612 March 31, 1943 March 30 (to USFOR rptd AGVAB, Troopers, Fifth Army, Mideast, 18 Army Group, Bq, Liaison Gp AFHQ, Malta, Adv NWAAF from G-3 section AFHQ 612 31 QJ) SITREP Part 2 number 158, Para 1. Naval. No reports. Para 2. Signed Eisenhower, Cite FHGCT. Move- ments commenced. 353 CA Bn Sep AA searchlight de- parted Oran for Telergma. Action USFOR. Rptd AGMAR, Troopers, Fifth Army, Mideast, 18 Armr Group Hq, Lisi- son Gp AFHQ, Malta, Adv NWAAF for information. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CGAAF CGGN GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING CM-IN-16954 (31 Mar 43) 2311Z new DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY, SR DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD 07552/31 INCOMING MESS 31, 1943 1306 2 URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0/354, March 31, 1943 (Part 1 Sitrep nbr 158 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 30 Mar. (Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta Personal for 7 M Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques 4th Group Bone Area for SOIS Hq L of C 1 ASC Nasaf Tactical Bomber Group Adv NAAF 2 US Corps 1st Army from 18th Army Group 0/354 March 31 Too 0750 A) from AFHQ signed c in c) Part 1 begins. Section 1 8th Army. 10th Corps fwd tps in contact with enemy posns Wadi Akarit T Z 2157 - DJ Zemelt El Beida T Z 5852 (0852). Concentration of 30th Corps continues. (A). 10th Corps. Patrols 16 m' of 10th Corps in touch with enemy from the sea along the line or the wadi Akarit to the DJ N.EI Zemlet El Beida. 1st Armd Div and 8th Armd Bde have moved north of the road running west from Hamma Oudref with 2 N Z Div following to the south. (Balm 30th Corps. 51st Div concentrated Teboulbou Area T Z 3428 4tb Ind Div concentrated E1 M'Bou Area T Z 3124. 7th Armd Div less* 201 Gds Bde and 4th Lt Armd Bde concentrated approx 6 miles south Eboulbou. 50th Div clearing battlefield Mareth Area. Section 2. South east Algeria, Follows. Section 3. 2nd Corps little progress made due to believed enemy Fear guard posn covered by alnes. Most advanced elements on Gabes-Gafen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 CM-IN 16840 (31-Ma SECP COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: To: INCOMING MESSAGE 2 In Reply Cite: 0/354, March 31, 1943 Road as follows. 9th Inf Div. Y 3964 Y 3962 Y 3461 Y 3361. 1st Inf Div. X 3467(3967) Y 3867 Y 3768 Y 4070 Y 4073. Leading tps Armoured Force reached Y 3776. In Maknassy Area lst US Armored Div holds T 8907 T 8609 T 8615. 34th Inf Div holding 0 821 0 8112 o 8310 0 8207 reported situation quiet their sector. No Sig * Being serviced. WDCC ACTION: OPD INFORMATION G-2 CGAAF CGGN GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING LOG CM-IN 16840 (31-March-43) 1800Z pb DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY, SR . DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASCIFIED = 1838 Boud WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER B 4 INCOMING MESSAGE led 312330Z April I, 1943 va 0253Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 369, March 31, 1943 (Troopers Pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Malta Personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army Rptd Jacques 242 Group Bone Area for Sois Hq L of c 12 ASC NASAF Tacti- cal Bomber Gp AD C NAAF 2 US Corps First Army 9 Corps from 18 Army Group 0 369 March 31 2300 z) Part 1 SITREP No 158 ending 1800 hours 31 Mar. From AFHQ signed C in c. Part one continued. Section 1. 8th Army. Forward patrols in contact with enemy strongly prepared position DJ Zemlet El Beida - Wadi Akrit. 9 L penetrated enemy positions east of DJ Haidoudi de- tails not available. Kebili occupied by partols Section 2. South Algerian Forces. NTR. Section 3. 2 US Corps. Little progress made by Armd Forces on E1 Guettar Gabes Road. Attack delayed by minefield area Y 4065. Some tanks reported to have penetrated 1415 hrs. Small enemy attacks in areaMaknassy. No further progress by 34 Div in area Fondouk. Slight enemy infiltration reported area 08004. 2 US Corps. Amendment to previous SITREP no 158. Leading Armoured Force reached Y 3766 not Y 3776. Section 4. 1st Army. (A). 19 Corps. N T R. (B). 5 Corps. 46 Div made progress eastwards and northwards from Sedjanpne as a result of ahnd fighting end of continuation Part 1. Cite FHGCT. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING LOG DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CM-IN-104 (1 Apr 43) 05092 cen BY SR DATE FEB 71974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 B.: un Rele WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT NR 17 CCWD Piled 1330/31 Mar. 31, 1943 ACM 1558 Z RECEASIVED OPERATIONAL PRIORITY E. O. 11602. ((D) (E) OBD Issue May, i, 1972 FEB 7 1974 From: Cairo By SLR Data To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 5369, March 31st, 1943. Forward troops 51st Div reached Gabes without opposition 1300 hrs GCT March 29th. Remainder Div concentrated south of town. Fourth Ind Div concen- trated area Z 32 El Mdou. Fiftieth Div concentrated area Mareth. Seventh Armd Div area Reintsis. Pat- rols 2nd New Zealand Div and 8th Armd Brig moving northwest and north from Gabes area and patrols 1st Armd Div moving northeast from El Hamma area con- tacted enemy positions around Metouis and Oudref afternoon 29th. March 30th reported Oudref captured and moving north from Gabes El Hamma Road crossing main road running west from Oudref. Rhennouch re- ported captured 1630 hrs GCT 29th. From Brereton RAF day 29th, fighter bombers operated Oudref Sfax Area causing much confusion, 50 motor transport destroyed 250 damaged. Light bombers with escort made 2 attacks these targets claim 6 ME 109's, 2 MC 202's and 1 JU 88 destroyed and 5 fighters dam- aged without loss. Escorted light bombers made 2 attacks on Zitouna and Sfax El Mdou claim 7 aircraft destroyed on ground 13 damaged. Fighter bombers made 3 attackes on Zitouns and landing ground Z 2220. Total sorties Kittyhawks 550 Spitfires 170. Seven Kittyhawks missing. Fifty five Wellingtons Halifaxes and Albocores attacked good concentration mechanical transport Oudref Area causing many fires night 28th 29th. Ninth Air Force Bomber Command reports 3 planes dropped 6,000 lbs of bombs each 1 from 50 feet on CM_IN 16841 (31-March-43) COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jonh DECI ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER 1980\gr From: Chiro INCOMING MESSAGE 2) To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5369, March 31, 1943 Crotone Chemical Factory second jettisoned over Italy and third salvoed before crossing Valentia sirdrome. Bomb hits in railroad yards warehouse small building and center of factory area. Six planes of 178th Squadron RAF had target mission ferry dock but all returned due solid overcast. Nineteen planes 12th Group dropped 22,200 lbs of bombs Sfax El Mdou landing ground scoring direct hits on 4 enemy aircraft, 2 fires seen on air- drome. Six planes 57th Group acted as escort. 79th Group reports 109 sorties as bomber escort. All US activity above March 30th. 57th Fighter reports March 29th, 102 planes dropped 33540 lbs of bombs during fighter bomber activities. No Sig ACTION: OPD IINFORMATION: G-2 CGAAF GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING LOG CM-IN 16841 (31-March+43) 1804Z pb DEGLASSIFIED E. O. 11602, Pre E(E) end 5(D) or (E) 08D May, 1, 1972 FEB 7 1974 By SLR Data SECRET COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 31 Filed 31/1750Z INCOMING MESSAGE 31, 1943 nws 1858Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In reply cite: AMSME 5382 March 31st, 1943 Patrols 10th Corps in contact with enemy positions along line of fortifications Wadi Akarit Z 2358 Diebel Zemlet El Beida Z 0047. First Armd Div north of road running west from Oudref with second New Zealand Div following to south. 17th G2 Dist. Action Info, Armd Div less 201 Guards Brig and 4th Lt Armd Brig concentrated approx 6 miles south Teboulbou Z 3629. MO 50th Div clearing battle field Mareth Area. (from STRONG Brereton RAF report no operations night 29th, KRONER 30th due to weather. Day 30th 3 Armed RCN failed BRATTON to find good targets. Escorted Mitchells and SIT Baltimores made 2 attacks Sfax E1 M'dou landing CURR. ground. Photo RCN shows 2 believed ME 210's in DISS. flames 1 smoking. Intense Ack Ack shot down, 1 AIR Baltimore target area. Fighters forward areas broke E-A up attack by ME 210's claim 1 ME 109 probable 1 FE damaged 1 ME 210 and 3 MC 202's damaged during day NA without loss. LA COLL SPEC. GEOG No Sig DECLASSIFIED TRNG JSC ACTION: G-2 E. O. 11652, Sec. 2(E) end 5(D) or (E) E0 OSD letter, May. 3, 1972 F8 INFORMATION: OPD CGAAF By SLR Date FEB 7 1974 PER CC FIN: CM-IN-16890 (31 Mar 43) 2019Z mew POW REC FL CIG nc LLC. SOURNAL ¥0.253 MAR31 1943 ONE 1, WH / SECRET COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MI 101. COMPIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT B10 YQV CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD NTF/30 March 31, 1943. HH INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 421 March 31, 1943. Catroux called on no yesterday and without s entering into the details of his conversation with Giraud which are still in the preliminary stages told me that he was most hopeful of an early and sucessful conclusion of his negotiations. Information ACWAR Combined Boards Cox Hull and USFOR British Chiefs of Staff and Matthews American Embassy. Signed Eisenhower cite FHCIV Murphy. NAF 196. He was confident that the principles of unity which were outlined in Girauds speech eliminated differences of principles between the High Command and the French National committee and created the basis of unity. Catroux agreed to the importance of giving priority to a recruiting agreement and will discuss with IBUWOD the possibility of issuing a public joint statement calling on all Frenchmen abroad to remain at their posts pending the creation of a joint militity and naval organization. I understand that the present program is that Catroux will complete the negotiations here and that De Gaulle will then proceed to North Africa to mark the formal conclusion of unity. In my opinion this is a hopeful sign as De Gaulles public declarations have now còm- mitted him to an early visit the postponent of which merely on the ground that Catroux and Giraud had not been able to agree would not be understood by French opinion. DECLASSIFIED J.C.B. Modo 29-71 No Sig. By SR Date FEB 71974 ACTION: CC/S INFORMATION: OPD General Strong Admiral King General Arnold LOG CM-IN-16874 (31 Mar 43) 1942Z med 12 L COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 22 INCOMING MESSAGE Filed 310830z March 31, 1943 eva 1354Z CORRECTED COPY URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 354, March 31, 1943 Section 4. 1st Army. Intermittent rain and tracks still bad. (354) (A) 19 Corps. No Change. (B) 5 Corps. 1 Div. 1 CDY (1) IG carried out raid 0600 hrs on ridge ( J 5236). Raiding party not yet returned. 46 Div. 1 CDO and 2/4 Koyli were counter attacked from Southeast by force estimated less than 1 Bn in area (J) 1970. Details not yet known but enemy reported held. Resistance area mine (J) 1974 reported weakening and 6 were approaching from west. One Sqn 46 Recce Regt with 1 Coy 8 A and SH in support entered Sedjfnane (J) 522, 6 (227) At 1500 hrs followed by remainder 8 A and SH. Br (J) 2176 found Turbe de- molished. One Para Bde holding DJ Awoh (J) 1376. Goums now occupy DJ Elazein. (J) 1178. Moves. 136 Bde (J) 1465. 36 Bde (J) 1166. Section 5. Air. Follows. End of Part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig DECLASSIFIED Confirmed as sent by originator. JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR - DATE FEB 71974 Corrected copy of CM-IN-16840 (31 Mar 43) OPD ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING CM-IN-207 (1 Apr 43) 0820Z cen COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SECRET , WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC19 WDCC Filed 31/07552 March 31, 43 eca 13062 URGENT SUPPLEMENTARY COPY From: Algiers To: War In reply cite; 0/354 March 31, 1943 Insert at * as follows: Four Inf Div concentrated E1 M'Bou area (T) Z 3124. 7 Armd Div less 201 GDS Bge and 4 Lt Armd Bge con- centrated approx six miles south Eboulbou. no sig FOOTNOTE: Supplementary copy of CM-IN-16840 (3/31/43) OPD ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED CGAAF BY SR . DATE CGGN FEB 71974 GEN DEANE CC/S) ADM KING CM-IN-1 (1 Apr 43) 00112 mew I COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 67 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1613Z/31 March 31, 1943 LB 1932Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 563, March 31, 1943. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 Corps ADV NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Malta Mideast ADV Ln Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G 2 Freedom signed Eisen- hower cite FHGBI). 2. G 2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 30th March. 4 aircraft reported 1 flying as far west as Oran, remaining 3, one of which on Meteoro flight, active between Bone and Algiers. Number of aircraft probably on anti submarine patrol north of Sicily were engaged. Bombers. No reports bombing operations in Western Med- iterranean. Transports. Reported arriving Tunis were about 80 German Transports. More than half landed in afternoon. Southern Sector enemy activity consisted of interception and defensive patrols north of Gabes and Sfax area by German and Italian fighters, ME 210's escorted by ME 109's attempted offensive sweep in afternoon over battle area but aircraft jettisoned bombs when intercepted by Allied fighters. Early morning recce of battle area made by escorted ME 109's and unidentified aircraft made midday recce (AGWAR Troopers 18th Army Group advance NAAF MBS ABS Malta Mideast advance Lisison Group AFHQ 5 Army from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 563 date nil. TOO nil. ) Of Allied left flank and Medenine rpd on several occasions German fighters were airborne to intercept Allied sweeps in Kairouan-Faid-Maknassy area. Northern Tunisia German fighters and ground attack aircraft made offensive sweeps CM-IN-21 (1 Apr 43) 01032 mew DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. DATE FEB 7 1974 BY SR COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By: Date: SECTIPT WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 563, March 31, 1943 Page 2 over Medjez El Bab and Sedjenane. Many attacks made on Allied road transport and armoured vehicles. Two German fighters destroyed several ME 109's and Macchi 202's damaged. 3. Naval. Two enemy MVS medium tonnage 4 DRS and aircraft escorts sighted 38 Degs 27 Mins north, 11 Degs 26 Mine east course 200 Degs speed 6 knots. In position 39 Degs 40 Mins north, 12 Degs 22 Mins east course 220 Degs speed 10 knots were 6 enemy MVS,3 DRS, 2 EBS and 5 JU 88's. Torpedoed and sunk in vicinity Cape Tenesdl by submarine were 2 our MVS in convoy, G2 Dirt No Sig Action info. Mr STRONG BRATTON < SEI ( CUBR DISS AIR EA FE NA LA COLL SPEC GEOG TRNG ISC ED ACTION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED ES JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 PER INFORMATION: OPD CGAAF BY SR FEB DATE 7 1974 CC FIN PGW CM-IN-21 (1 Apr 43) 0103Z mew REC FL CIG ne ONI WH M.I.B. JOURNAL NO.20 APR I 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED 0 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC39 WDCC Filed 31/1318Z March 31, 1943 ecn 1619Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 To: War In reply cite: 498 March 31, 1943 Enemy abandoned Sedienane retaining positions Djebel Tebouna J 26 with approx- imately battalion strength. Small counter attack in north westerly direction by this force area J 1970. Road Djebel Abiod-Sed- jenane heavily mined. Dense smoke screens 28 and 29 March area J 6820. Ousseltia shelled during morning. Recce patrols reached 0 6325 on road Pichon-Maktar. (To AGWAR Troopers 18 Army Group Advance NAAF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Advance Liaison Group AFHQ Five Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisen- hower 498 date nil. Time of origin nil). Foregoing northern Tunisia Part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 30 March. Central Tunisia. Fondouk area enemy MG and mortar fire. Maknassy area nothing to report. Guettar sector continued stubborn resistance especially north east Djebel Berda Y 36 but heavy MT eastwards Y 56 and Y 66. Oudref and Methouia clear of enemy 0715Z. Indications defense preparations Wadi Akarit position. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Grp pass One Army and Two Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ Five Army pass One Armd Corps and Six Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Identifications. German. Six Coy 755 IR J 3446, First Bn Goring Jaeger Regiment J 6919, Two Coy 755 IR south Sidi Nsir road, First Bn 47 Gr J 1966, Second Bn Barenthin J 1972. All by PW. Italian. None. General. Ensay on defensive in north but some indications CM-IN-16945 (31 Mar 43) COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SECRET 0 Page 2 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER 00 INCOMING MESSAGE In reply cite: 498 March 31, 1943 regrouping. Little reaction Fondouk area. Re- sistance continues stubborn Maknassy area and likely to stiffen. Some indications withdrawal Guettar sector suggest possibly only tempor- ary stand Wadi Akarit position. no sig G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG KRONYR BRATION SIT. CURR. DISS AIR E-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GROG TRNG JSC ACTION: G-2 EO PC INFORMATION: OPD PMI CGAAF CC FIN CM-IN-16945 (31 Mar 43) 2244Z mewow REC FL CIG IIC DECLASSIFIED ONI JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 WH BY SR DATE FEB 71974 M.I.8. JOURNAL NO.5 APR 1 1943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED S WAR DEPARTMENT YQVB 31 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 31/0903z INCOMING MESSAG ar 31, 1943 gmc 404Z URGENT BY DECLASSIFIED , DATE FEB 71974 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0825 March 31, 1943 From 18 Army Group. To Troopers USFOR (Troopers Pass) AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta - personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast Fifth Army repeated Jacques (sent by SDR) 242 Group Bone Area for SOIS Hq L of C 12 ASC ASAF Tac Bomber Group Adv NAAF 2 US Corps First Army. (Part 1 SITREP no 158 for 24 hours ending 2359 hrs 30 March. March 31st TOO 0825 A.) From AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 continues. QM Section 5. Air. Throughout the day enemy ground forces mov- ing on the road E1 Guettar - Gabes and enemy land- ing ground were repeatedly and successfully attacked by medium and light bombers of the Central Tactical and Desert Forces. Western Desert Air Force. Night 29/30. No operations due to weather. Day 30. Light and medium bombers attacked Sfax El Maou Lsg. Good results seen. Despite intense AA over forward areas fighters intercepted and probably destroyed 1 enemy aircraft and 4 damaged. No good army targets found all day, our losses 1 Baltimore destroyed by AA. In central Tunisis medium bombers attacked enemy landing ground * concentrations west of Gabes many fires seen. Fighter bombers and fighters attacked same concentrations destroying at least 12 Met and damaging many others. In north our hombers and offensive patrols operated against enemy troops Sedjanane Area. Several Mets destroyed. Our fighters attacked defensive enemy fighter screen throughout front destroying 12 enemy aircraft pro- bably destroying 7 and damaging 8 for loss of 6 aircraft and (end of continuation part 1. Cite CM-IN-16948 (31 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 SECTION WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER page 2 INCOMING MESSAGE DEGREE From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0825 March 31, 1943 FHGCT) 3 pilots. No Sig * Being Serviced. DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR # DATE FEB 7 1974 ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, CGAAF, CGGN, GEN DEANE (CC/S) ADM KING. CM-IN-16948 (31 Mar 43) 2301Z mew COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECLASSIFIED .. WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: AFHQ, Algiers, G-3 To: - Number 314, March 30, 1943 Second Part. During 27 and 28th operations were greatly hampered by bad weather. Many attacks were made by Western Desert Air Forces on enemy vehicles and tanks. Particularly successful operations were carried out on the afternoon 26 Mar when for a period of 2 and a half hours bombers and fighter bombers continously attacked enemy concentrations southwest of El Ham- ma. 5. Political. Lemaigre - Dubreil has resigned as Delagate General I( for Inter Allied Affairs. Rene Mayer has been designated as Head of Bureau of Communications. General Catroux arrived on Friday. There are definite signs of progress in the negotiations although General de Gaulle is not expected at once. ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF General Deane (CCS) Admiral King DECLASSIFIED BY, se DATE CM-IN-497 (1 Apr 43) 1807Z ems FEB 71974 SECTIV COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By: Rate 0 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB9 CCWD 2141/30 3/31/43 EW 0429 From: Algiers To: War USFOR No. 416 In Reply Cite: NAF 194 March 90 1943 As further evidence of the complete separation of the high command from the former Vichy Regime the Pyefet of Algiers Temple who was appointed by Laval has been re- placed by Muscatelli. Information AGWAR Combined Boards and Bull and USFOR British Chiefs and Matthews American Embassy of Staff, signed Eisenhower cite FHCIV Murphy NAF 194. Inasmuch as Temple has cooperated with the Allies since the landing he has not been retired but given the post of Inspector General in Algeria. Muscatelli's appoint- ment is a popular move. In his former capacity of Director of Public Security of the Algerian Government he was most helpful in facilitating the landing of the Allied Forces. He has a large following among the Democratic Pro-Allied Section of the Lomal population and is thoroughly familiar with Algerian questions. It will be recalled that he was among those recently released from prison where he had been held on unestablished charges in connection with Darlans assassination. Nosig ACTION: CC/S INFORMATION OPD DECLASSIFIED GEN STRONG JCS memo, 1-4-74 ADM KING GEN ARNOLD By RHP, NLR, Date MAY 23 1974 LOG CM-IN 16801 (3-31-43) 1638Z pb 11 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 157 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 11 WDCC 300607Z INCOMING MESSAGEXARCh 30, 1943 CE 2113Z URGENT CORRECTED COPY DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 mx.SR DATE FEB 7 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: #157, March 30, 1943 For 24 hours ending 2359 hours 29th March. (Part 1 SITREP number 157. Number 0 341 dated 30th March. TOO 535 A. From 18 Army Group to (1) Troopers (2) USFOR (Troopers pass) (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta-personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) Fifth Army (8) Jacques (9) 242 Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) Hq L of C (12) ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Gp (15) Adv NAAF for Col MacDonald A 2 (16) 2 US Corps (17) First Army From AFHQ signed c in C. Part 1 begins. Section 1. Eighth Army. To follow. Section 2. South East Algeria. To follow. Section 3. Two Corps. First and Ninth Div CM-IN-16524 (31 Mar 43) COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT lgiers CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page II WAR #157 INCOMING MESSAGE continued attack on positions making slight progress. First Armd Div was attacked by small forces during day. last attack occurred at 1000 A and all were repulsed. 34th Inf Div continued consolidation of positions south of Fondouk. No further movement of units of 1st Armd Div. Section 4. First Army G (A). 19th Corps. Welvert Div. Bn 2 RTA with DQR 1 recce regt directed on El Ala reached 0 5417. Bn 7 RTA at o 6029 were counter attacked this morning by inf and 9 tks fol- lowed by 2nd wave of 12 tks. Enemy made slight pen- etration but posns were re-established by successful counter-attack. Sqn 51 RTA with inf coy moving round enemy left flank Bn 7 RTA remain in posn at 0 6235 Matheuej Div. No changes moves. A sqn 51 RT to 0 3678 (2/1 RT T) Akesra. KB. 5 Corps. 1st Div no change. 46 Div attack made further progress in moun- tainous country in spite of very heavy going and thick undergrowth limiting field of vision to a few feet. Main road heavily mined. Leading bns of 138 Bde in contact with enemy in area J 2072 and J 1871. One bn 36 bde occupied ridge J 1272 and 3 CFA occupied ridge J 1771. Bns one Para Bde now in areas J 0973 J 1072 and J 0870 and patrolling north and north east in area DJ Bwl Harch J 1375, Goums on left flank reached J 1078. Total number of Pws taken since night 27/28 Mar is 785, No Sig Footnote: Corrected copy of CM-IN-16387 (3-30-43) OPD Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King DECL FIED CM-IN-16524 (31 Mar 43) 0212Z vc JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR ,DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 57 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER 16 756Z INCOMING MESSA My 3-30-43 URGENT From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0/342, March 30, 1943 Part 1. SITREP No. 157 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 29 Mar. To Troopers, USFOR Troopers, Pass AGWAR, Freedom, Governor Malta, Personal for FM Viscount Gort, Mideast 5th Army (T), Jacques, 242nd Group Bone Area, for SOIS Hq L of C 12, AKC NASAF Tactical Bomber Gp, Adv NAAF for Col McDonald A (2 US 37) Corps 1st Army, from 18th Army Group 0/342, 30th March TOO 0743A, from AFHQ, signed C of C. Part 1 continues: Section 1. 8th Army foward troops, 30th Corps reached Gabes this afternoon. 10th Corps forward troops moved north of road Gabe Chapel HHMMU * and contacted enemy rear guard positions in Metouia Oudref Area (T) Z 24th (A). 30Th Corps by 1300 A hours forward troops 51st Div reached Gabes without opposition, The remainder of 51st Div now concentrated South or the town. 4th Inf Div concentrated Area E1 M'Dou * (T) Z 32 (327). 50th Div concentrated Area Garath. 7th Armd Div Area Rentsia. (B) 10th Corps. Patrols 2nd NZ Div Cav and 8th Armd Bde moving North West and North from Gabes Area and Patrols 1st Armd Div moving North East from El Hamma made contact this afternoon with enemy positions around Metouia and Oudref at 1638 A hours. The North was reported clear of enemy. Further Patrols 1st Armd Div moving North from El Hamma, have reached area approx 2 miles South of Main Rja running West from Oudref. DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-16387 (30 Mar 43) BY BXSR JCS LETTER, 7:8:72 DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From A: INCOMING MESSAGE2 To: War In Reply Cite: 0/342, March 30, 1943 Section 2. South East Algiers, to follow Section 5 Air weather deteriorates during day but fighter bomber attacks maintained throughout day on enemy retreating North of Gabes. Western Desert Air Forces night 28/29 Medium and Heavy Bombers attacked X E M Oudref-Sfax road with good results. Day 29/30 295300 M E T Destroyed or damaged same area by Kitty Bombers also destroyed 3 Aircraft and damaged 12 on ground in combat 9 aircraft destroyed 5 damaged, 7 Pilots missing. Hurribombers success- fully attacked troop concentrations Qezzouna Area Fighter Sweeps in Central and Northern Tunisia destroyed 10 aircraft damaged 8. Our losses 2. No Sig. * Being Serviced. Footnote: Corrected copy of SITREP number 157 Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King LOG CM-IN-16387 (30 Mar 43) 2129Z vc DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE 6 CCWD ed 31/NFT March 31 02142 URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In reply cite: No. 7645, March 30, 1943 Svc 478 to AGWAR 5 Army Dv NWAAF from Freedom herewith repeat our msge halma.k7645 gps 243 dated 301727Z. (To USFOR information AGWAR Troopers 5th Army Mideast 18 Army Gp HQ Liaison Gp AFHQ Malta Adv NWAAF from G-3 Section AFHQ 337 - 30th secret signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT) Sitrep number 157 March 29. Part 2. 1. Naval. Dummy landing carried out according to plan night 27/28 March at Sidi Mechrig J 0986. Night 29/30 March our motor torpedo boats operated off Sfax and destroyers operated in Gulf of Hammamet. One of our submarines on patrol off North coast of Sicily probably sank 10,000 ton Southbound tanker and 3,000 ton Eastbound tanker which was in tow. 2. Movements completed. First Bn First Armd Regt arrived Tebessa, from Oran coming under command Two Corps. Movements commenced Gd 67th CA AA Regt (less 1st and 3rd Bns) and 434th CA Bn Sep AA departed Oran for Tebessa. No Sig Note: Pass copy to Major Briscoe, British Army Signals. DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-16732 (31 Mar 43) JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR ,DATE FEB 7 1974 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 continued URGENT from Algiers to WAR Mar 30 1943 ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GENERAL DEANE (CC/S) ADMIRAL KING LOG CM-IN-16732 (31 Mar 43) 1305Z med DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT YQV C 48 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 30/1618z gmc INCOMING MESSAG Mar 30, 1943 116% DECLASSIFIED URGENT JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 309 March 30, 1943 Algiers area 4 long range enemy (Action Amear Troopers information 18th Army Group AD (NAAF MBS ABS Malta Adv Liaison Gt our AFHQ Mideast 5 Army from Freedom Algiers 309 30th.) Reported recce with three additional daytime between Bone and Bougie. Closely observed vas shipping near Algiers and in harbour with west bound convoy shadowed between Bone and Bougie at dawn and until 1000z. Also contacted after- noon shipping northwest of Bougie. Early morning south of Sicily 10 to 12 enemy bomber recce active of which at Bizerts afternoon several landed. This part 2 Air of G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400 Z 29 March. Over Western Mediterranean to Algiers also off eastern Tunisian coast respectively westher flights from Sicily. AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18th Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AP MBS ABS Malta mideast ADC Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FROBI. Of which 5 detected near convoy between Bone and Bougie from 700 to 800 Z Torpedo bombers from Sardinia out twice. Bougie area evening about 13 bombers operated. While mine sweeper attacked off Bone by 1 bomber 0630z other details operations lacking. Early afternoon 28 March between 60 and 80 JU 52 enemy trans- port landed Tunis. Against our aircraft in Mareth area and north of Gabes German Italian fighters on defensive intercepting patrols operated throughout day. Making numerous small interception flights morning afternoon Faid Maknassy sectors were German fighters. Morning engaged by our aircraft near La Fauconneriel also near Sbeitla morning were ME 109s. On our troops near el Guetta early afternoon nine 109's and FW 190's made bomb- ing ground strafing attacks. Centered northern Tunisia CM-IN-16581 (31 Mar COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers Page 2 To: WAR In Reply Cite: 309 March 30, 1943 Sedjenane sector enemy main effort where on road targets strafing dive bombing attacks were made. In Medjez Pichon area early morning fighter patrols flown. Part 3 Naval. Off north Sicilian coast 17 and 21 March returning from patrol BY submarine claims attacks on two tankers of which escorted by destroyers first was of 10000 tone and second, in tow, already damaged was of 3000 tons. Both considered sunk. Submarine dispositions western Med. German. Between Alboran and Greenwich Meridian 2. 2 within 60 miles cape Tenez. Between Cape San Antonio Ibizia 1 damaged by Italian. No change. G2 Dist. Action Info. MC / STRONG KRONER BRATTON No Sig VS \ 817, CURR. \ DISS. AIR E-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GROG. TRNG JSC EO FS PER JCS DECLASSIFIED LETTER. 7-5-72FEB 7 1974 CC ACTION: G-2 FIN. BY SR DATE POW INFORMATION: OPD REC. CG AAF FL CIG no 1 CM-IN-16581 (31 Mar 43), 0429Z cen ONI WH M.I.S. JOURNAL NO.49 MAR311943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B 29 CCWD Filed 30/1332Z March 30, 1943 efg 2229Z From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 245 March 30, 1943 French rearmament convoy DGS 6 1/2 ships manifests list tanks M 412. AGWAR cite SPLLA and FHGDS 51 J signed Eisenhower. Your cable 2737 specifies M 4A4. Which is correct? No Sig. Ref. 2737 CM-OUT-8070 (23 Feb 43) SOS-INTER ACTION: ASF INFORMATION: OPD GEN. DEANE (CC/S) MAB CM-IN-16612 (31 Mar 43) 05412 cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR , DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No. 35 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B8 CCWD filed 2200z/30 INCOMING MESSAGE ch 31, 1943 BM 0205Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR . DATE FEB 7 1974 From Algiers To: WAR In reply cite: No Nr. March 30th, 1943. G2 Dist. Action Info. *Original position on 05846. Mathenet Div. No change. (B) 5 corps. 1 div dense smoke J6820 MC between 1430 hrs 28 Mar and 0800 hrs 29 Mar. Patrols' STRONG found FM J561389 occupied by enemy. Shots exchanged KRONER BRATTON \ no casualties. Otherwise no contact by patrols. 46 SIT: div northern sector Goums reached area mine Tabogna CURR. J 2464 1000 hrs. 138 BDE. Fighting continues appox* k DISS. and half miles south of mine J1974. Ione para BDE. AIR Road DJ Abiod - Sedjanane now clear of mines to Tamera F-A sta J 1074 Goums have reached area DJ Chlaibih J1077 ( FE capturing 30 KW. Allebrs previously destroyed by enemy NA now repaired. Road at J1358 heavily cratered by enemy LA air 0960 LHPS. Moves. 38 BDENOW inarea J2741 13 (9129) COLL BDE now in Beja. Section 5. Air. following yesterdays SPEC. intensive and most successful operations by the western GEOG. desert fighters against the retreating enemy T GT combined TRNG air forces of the desert and centeral fronts this JSC morning destroyed 7 aircrafts in bombing attacks on FO landing grounds and 9 plus 2 probables in combat for FS the loss of 3 planes. Lend of continuation part 1. CJTE PVP FHGCT. ce FIN No Sig POW REC. *Message is being serviced. FL CIG ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 JOURNAL NO.69 MAR31,1943 26 no S ONI CG AAF S COPY No. WH OF (31 AN Mar EXACT 43) COPY OF THIS 07212 MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN bim DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By DT NARA Date WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVC 37 filed 1620Z/30 INCOMING MESSAGE 1943 LB 2014Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 310, March 30, 1943, Enemy withdrawal North and East from Djebel Abiod continues. (AGWAR for WDGBI Troopers pass USFOR 18 Army Group pass 1st Army and 2nd Corps advance NAAF pass EAC and 12th Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mideast advance Liaison Group AFHO 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI 310 undated G2 Dist. Action Info. nil) Little opposition except mining of roads. Continued centres of resistance Djebel Choucha J 17 and Djebel MC Tabouna J 26 prisoners this sector now about 800, Medjez STRONG shelled 29 March no enemy encountered Karachoumepags KRONPR o 86, Small number enemy tanks possibly Italian at BRATTON o 6029 and 0 6227 slight penetration but subsequent SIT. withdrawal, Foregoing Northern Tunisia. CURR. DiSS. Part 1 and G 2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z AIR 29th March. Centre. High ground South of Fondouk abandoned. B-A Small Inf attacks only in Maknassy Sector. Enemy on de- FE fensive West of El Guettar, Part 2 will follow. South, NA ET Hamma evacuated night 28th March, Gabes morning 29 March, LA North enemy opposition coastal sector. Identifications. COLL German. 1 Bn Mareth Line Barenthin J 0976. March Bn SPEC. 34 South Fondouk Bn 1 04 B East Maknassy. Italian 744 GEOG Tunisian Bn South Fondouk. All by PSW General OG enemy TRNG on defensive all sectors continues block Maknassy and JSC E1 Guettar exits to coast covering retirement main forces EO from south, No indication where next stand likely. PC PER No Sig CC FIN Action: G-2 DECLASSIFIED POW JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 REC Information: OPD, CG AAF BY SR DATE FEB 71974 FL CiG CM-IN-16449 (30 Mar 43) 2333Z ne JOURNAL NO.5 MAR 31 1943 ONI WH COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB8 WDCC Filed 30/2200A March 31, 1943 von 0205Z PRIORITY CORRECTED COPY BY DECLASSIFIED DATE FEB 71974 From: Algiers To: War G2 Dist. In reply cite: 0351 March 30, 1943 Action Info. MC s Each 1st and 2nd RTA now in SP this force STRONG and are in area 05632 and 05229 respectively Two KRONER bns 9 RTA previously northeast of Ousseltia now BRATTON 1 returned to original position on o 5846. Mathenet SIT < Div no change (B) 5th Corps. One div dense smoke CURR ( J 6820 between 1430 hrs 28 Mar and 0800 hrs 29 DISS Mar. Patrols found FM J 561389 occupied by enemy. AIR X Shots exchanged no casualties otherwise no con- R-A tact by patrols. 46 Div northern sector Goums FE reached area mine Tabogna J 2464 1000 hrs. 138th NA Bde. Fighting continues approx one and half miles LA south of mine J 1974. One Para Bde. Road Dj Abiod- COLL Sedjanane now clear of mines to Tamera Sta J 1074 SPFC Goums have reached area DJ Chlaibih J 1077 captur- GROG ing 30 PW. All BRS previously destroyed by enemy TRNG now repaired. Road at J 1358 heavily cratered by ISC enemy air 0960 hrs. Moves. 38 Bde now in area J 2741. EO 9129 Bde now in Beja. FS Mark PFP Section 5. Air. Following yesterday's in- CC tensive and most successful operations by the Wes- FIN tern Desert Fighters against the retreating enemy POW the combined Air Forces of the Desert and Central REC fronts this morning destroyed seven aircraft in FL bombing attacks on landing grounds and nine plus two CIG probables in combat for the loss of three planes. TIC X Cite FHGCT. ONI 0831743 WH M.I.8. JOURNAL msig NO.57 APR 1 1943 Corrected copy of CM-SEORET: Mar 43) OPD COPY No. ACTION; OPD INFORMATION: V-AN EXACTORMPF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 CM-IN-116 (1 Apr 43) 0527Z cen WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE TQVB37 CCWD 1725/30 2230z BMS March 30 Priority From: Algiers To: War ald In Reply Cite: 338 March 30, 1943 Djebel Taferma TY 04 in the North and are approaching (to Troopers information AGWAR USFOR from G-3 AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 338 30 Mar nil. Second part third and last part follows). Sabria YD 16 in the South. Two US Corps. Operations were continued in Gafsa area. One US Inf Div occupied defensive positions 15 miles east of El Guettar 22 Mar. About 40 tanks of the 10 Panzer Div and 2 Armd Inf Bns attacked this position 23 Mar. Some of our gun positions were overrun but the attack was repulsed with a loss of about 19(15)* tanks. Enemy demonstrations have continued but the position has been maintained. Attacking along the Gafsa-Mahares Road on 21 Mar the 1 US Armd Div Captured Sened station. Enemy holding Sened were by passed and the advance continued towards Maknassy. Arriving 23 Mar at the pass east of Maknassy at T 8810. The high ground north and south of the pass has not yet been cleared although some progress has been made. Our Arty fire has been directed on Mezzouna airfield. In Sened area 1000 prisoners were captured. The flank force formerly at Hadjeb El Aioun has moved to area 12 miles north of Gafsa. First Army. There has been active patrolling on both sides but no major engagement has been fought. On 25 Mar the 1 British Inf Div relieved 78 Div in Medjez El Bab sector. Location statement. Eighth Army with Hq at A 1272 consists of 10 Corps D 8890 and 30 Corps E 8693. 10 Corps consists of 1 Br Armd Div Y9902 2 New Zealand Div Y 9501 (CM-IN-352 1 Apr 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No.54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN o WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 from Algiers to War In Reply Cite 338 8 Armd Brig Y 8601 L Force Fighting French flying column. Thirty Corps consists of 7 Armd Div E 7295 30 Div z 6804 51 Div Z 6102 4 Indian Div E 4668. Hq SE Algerian French Forces. 6086 2 US Corps with Hq 8 8138 consists of 1 US Armd Div 0 5501 (T 5501)* 1 US Inf Div Y 1879 9 Inf Div Y 0581 and 34 Inf Div T 2387. First Army with Hq at N 8498 consists of 5 Corps J 0718 and 19 Corps N 8037. 19 Corps consists of Welwert Div o 3045 and Mathinet Div o 4152. Five Corps consists of 1 BRvDiv J 4122 46 Div J 2030. Brig Army Group reserve consists of 9 Corp N 6767. No Sig *Service on Request ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-352 (1 Apr 43) 1352Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY sr DATE FEB 7 1974 SEGRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E o 12356 See 3.4 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQU C52 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD filed 1725z/30 March 30, 1943 BM INCOMING MESSAGE PRIORITY BY DECLASSIFIED SR DATE From Algiers FEB 1974 To: WAR In reply cite: 338 just a resume Of operations 20 to 26 Mar 8th Army. (To Troopers information AGWAR USFOR from G-3 AFHQ signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT 338 30 Mar Nil. 3rd weekly summary. Para 1. Summary) 50 Div supported by 50 Royal Tank Regt and heavy arty fire attacked enemy positions in Mareth line night 20/21 Mar. Attack made to NW over Wadi Zigzaou. Bridgehead secured by 50 Div on line TZ 6311-6111-6110- 6009. On night 21/22 enemy counter attacks succeeded largely as result of our lack of forward AT guns and our troops were forced to withdraw west of Wadi Zigzaou. 51 Div attacked night 22/23 Mar but were held up after a short advance. 2 New Zealand Corps made flanking movement the morning 20 Mar (SW) of the Matmata-Toujane feature and by 24 Mar reached positions 15 miles SW of El Hamrael. To counter this threat to communications of troops holding Mareth positions the 21 Panzer Div moved into this sector. Severe casualties were inflicted on the enemy and over 2000 prisoners captured during this operation. Because of failure of attack in the east it was decided. To Strengthen the attack on the left. Accordingly HQ 10 corps and 1 British Armd Div moved to Area 24 miles west of Metmata and the 10 Corps BQ took over from 2 New Zealand Corps on 26 Mar. 10 Corps then consisted of 1 Armd Div. 2 New Zealand Div 8 Armd Brig L(M) force and Free French flying column. At conclusion of period covered by this report attack by this Corps is in progress. SE (SE) Algerian forces. These forces operated throughout. On South flank of 2 US Corps. They encountered strong opposition from enemy at Djebel Rouana TY 15. Forward patrols reached western spur of Djebel Bou Jerra (TY 15) (CM-IN-351 1 Apr 43) SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From Algiers To: WAR In reply cite: and point 608 of Djebel Asker 25 Mar. (1st part 2nd part follows) Camel Corps detachments patrolling north and south of Chott Djerid arrived at. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King 4 DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 CM-IN-351 (1 Apr 43) 13522 ems SEGRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 14 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD filed 30/1110z 30, 1943 VH 1409Z DECLASSIFIED E.O. 11652, See 2(F) end 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 By SLR Date FEB 7 1974 OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite AMSME 5352 Mar 30, 1943 New Zealand Div forward patrols entered Gabes shortly after 1100 hrs GCT 29th. Isolated enemy posts reported still in this area, First Armd Div patrols approx 2 miles northeast and north of E1 Hamma Farning 29th. Enemy had evacuated town night before. Fifty First Div forward troops just southeast Teboulbod area Z 3428 at 1130 hrs GCT. Leading troops 4th Ind Div reached road junction Z 2608 by 1140 hrs GCT 29th. Steady progress of 30th Corps continues meeting no opposition. Axis air southern sector defensive patrols over Gabes, few offensive missions and close sup- port land forces El Hamma area. Ninth Air Force Bomber Command and 12th Group and 79th Group report no operations 28th. Fifty Seventh Group report 24 planes dropped 4400 lbs of bombs during Fighter Bomber and Ren sorties on El Hamma. From Brereton Bomber Command reports no operations for 29th. Report not yet received for 57th. Sixteen planes of 12th Group dropped 60100 1b of bombs on Sfax E1 Maon area. One hundred forty planes of 79th Group acted as bomber escort with loss 1 plane. No Sig Action: G-2 Information: OPD, CG AAF, Gen. Deane (CC/S), LOG CM-IN-16243 (30 Mar 43) 1601Z ce COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 311 Jonch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 26 Filed 1640Z/29 INCOMING MESSAGE CCMD 29, 1943 ab 1958Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 5439, March 29, 1943 Along whole Corps front 30 Corps continued G2 Dist. w advance afternoon March 28th: by dark Mareth position Action Info. we in British hands. Aram and Mareth occupied by Mah 50th Div before dark. Forward elements of 51 Div had STRONG # 0/330 reached line approximately 2 miles beyond Zarat - KRONER Mareth Road. For Marshall from Brereton. Forward BRATTON troops 131 Brig reached Toujane with 201 Guards Brig SIT. in area east of Rentsik. By 1700 hrs GCT forward CURR. troops 4 Lnd Div also reached Toujane, Zeltene and DISS. Matmata, all of which were reported clear of enemy. AIR March 28th advance toward Gabes by 2nd New Zealand E-A Div 8th Armd Brig continues, Enemy losses FE heavy in prisoners and equipment. 1st Armd Div NA continuing to hold enemy forces to El Hamma Area. LA Heavy enemy movement north from Gabes reported. COLL Day March 28th RAF reports Spitfires encountered SPEC. formation J U 87's (88's) Sfax Area while reconni- GEOG. tering enemy landing grounds. Three JU 87's, 1 TRNG ME 109 destroyed. Haze and sandstorms hindered JSC bomber activities. EO FS BECLASSIFIED PER E. O. 11652, Sne 8(E) and 5(D) or (E) CC OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 No Sig. FIN. Action: G-2 POW By SLR Date FEB 7.1974 REC. Information: OPD, CG AAF FL CIG JIC CM-IN-15893 (29 Mar 43) 2136z VC ONI WH MAR 29 SECRET COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jach DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 27 filed 16572/29 INCOMING MESSAGE 1943 LB 1920Z URGENT From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 5338, March 29. 1943. Enemy in Mareth position reported thinned morning 28th. 51st Div forward troops occupied Arram 1000 hrs GCT. 5th Ind Brig occupied high ground E 4378 Techine and E 3584 without opposition taking some prisoners G2 Dist. Action Info. For Marshall from Brereton. Enemy resistance decreased to 10th Corps evening 27th and many prisoners taken. MC Morning of 28th advance by 8th Armed Brig and 2nd STRONG New Zealand Div began towards Gabes. General movement KRONER enemy transport to east reported. 8th Armd Brig for. BRATTON ward troops reached area Ghir Zouitinat z 1915 by 900 SIT. hrs GCT. 1 Armd Div concentrated in area just south CURR. west E1 Amma area Z 0328 afternoon of 27th. Forward DISS. troops 131st Brig reached area E 4780 by 1750 hrs GCT AIR 27th, taking some prisoners. 7th Ind Brig concentrating E-A area E 3464 on 27th, Day 27th RAF reports 3 attacks by FE P 40 E's on MT between Mareth and E1 Hamma fronts which NA destroyed 4 MT 1 tank; 50 MT damaged by strafing. North LA of battle area Spitfires thrice intercepted formations COLL JU 88's and ME 210's destroying 2 JU 88's, one ME 210, SPEC damaging 3 JU 18's and 4 ME 210's. RAF losses 3 aircraft. GEOG. Total losses in 324 Sorties supporting March 26 New Zeal- TRNG and attack 8 fighter pilots, 2 light bomber crews missing. ISC Night 26/27 MT on roads Gabes area attacked and fires FO started by RAF bombers and Albacores. March 27 RAF losses PS 7 P 40 E pilots missing. Night March 27/28 weather stopped IFR operations. CO No Sig (IN BECLASSIFIED POW Action: G-2 REC. E. O. 11652, Enc. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) FL Information: OPD, CG AAF OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 CIG By SLR FEB 7 1974 TIC CM-IN-15877 (29 Mar 43) 21042 VC Date ONI WIL COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQVC 17 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTEREWD filed 16442/29 LB INCOMING MESSAGE 1943 URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR - USFOR In Reply Cite: 71, March 29, 1943. ((AGWAR for WDGBI USFOR pass Troopers 18 Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast ADMC LN Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI 71 date nil)) Part 3. Naval nothing to report. G 2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z, 28th March. Part 2 Air. With 5 enemy Bomber Action force reported between Algiers and 3 Degs west on Dist. Inio useless quest for shipping and 2 additional active be- NO tween Bone-Algiers of which 1 contacted afternoon be- STRONG tween Algiers and Bouie, 2 small convoys there was greater KRONER activity Western Mediterranean. Of Balearncs Area and IN ss south of Sicily usual recce. Nearly 28 March at least ETT 18 JU 88's bombers operated Southern Tunisis with no reports for night 28-29 March. Arrived Tunis of which DI 50 afternoon 27 March between 80 and 100 German trans- AIR port. With objective close support land forces El Нашша X-A Area, Stukas, JU 88's and Fighter Bombers on small WE operations Southern Tunisia. In Gabes Area defensive NA patrols by German Italian Fighters as well as in Maknassy- LA Faid Area. Over battle area and Medenine thorough recce COLL by 2 ME 109's with Fighters escort as far as E1 Hamma SF In Sfax Area engaged by aircraft of WDAF were 2 ME 210's GEOG. and 10 JU 88's. Beja-Medjez El Bab Sector German Fighter TRNG Patrols during day with road transport attacked after- J3C noon by ME 109's and FW 190's. 80 No Sig FS PER. Action : G-2 DECLASSIFIED CC Information: OPD, CG AAF UCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FIN FEB POW 71974 REC. 1943 FL CM-IN-15891 (29 March 43) 21272 as CIG лс ONI SECRET COPY No. 26 WH THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 3/0 Torch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NI 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER USFOR 1 INCOMING MESSAGE WDCC Filed 29/0840AM March 29, 1943 ecn 1914Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 From: Algiers To: AGWAR USFOR In reply cite: 0/330 March 29, Section 3. Two US Corps. Omekus Inf Div and Nine US Inf Div this (2nd and last part 0/330) morning started offensive operations to capture high ground north and south road Gafsa-Gabes SPON I 3563/T 4575. Enemy resistance was stub- born. By the evening Nine US Inf Div on the south of the road had partly succeeded in capturing its objective and met advanced elements 47 were on line Y 3560-Y 3865, To north of road One US Inf Div most advanced elements have reached line Y 3568-Y 3873-Y 4079. Maknassy area no material change. Advanced elements on line T 8808-T 8015. Area Foirouk o 8316. Advanced elements 34 Inf Div on line o 8206-0 8316 Active contact with enemy on all fronts. Section 4. First Army. (A): 19 Corps. Recon- naissances in force with in each case one batta- lion supported by Artillery carried out to o 5531 o 6135 o 7244 and o 7153. Enemy encountered Atu 5531 but later forward elements reached 06048 (6028) and took 23 prisoners. Battalion 6 RTA failed to take point 666 06888 owing strong resistance but company occupied point 704 o 6386. Little enemy opposition met at other points. (B) 5 Corps 1 Brit Inf Div no dhange. 46 Div. Beja Sector. 2 Hampshire patrol to point 380 J 3647 engaged enemy strength inflicting casualties. DJ Abiod Sector. Morning 28 Mar limited attack launched astride road Dj Abiod - Sedjenane with 36 BDE and CM-IN-15940 (29 Mar 43) 30 1943 26 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: 0/330 March 29. 1943. Page 2 138 BDE east of road and 1 Para BDE west of road. Attack progressed satisfactorily although hampered throughout the day by bad weather. By evening 138 BDE had reached area J 1870 J 1970 and had 1 Bn temporarily held up in area J 1971 forward units 36 BDE had reached J 1570 one PZR BDE was moving north from area K 0562(0572) -J 6570 (0570) after successfully beating off enemy counter attacks. Over 500 prisoners taken mostly Italian. Attack continues. Section 5. Air. Bad weather restricted bombing operations but fighters and fighter bombers continued to harass the enemy on both fronts. (A) Tunisian Air Forces offensive reconnaissances and fighter G2 Dist. Action Info. strafes Hurribombers made successful attack on tanks and guns NE Maknassy. (B) Western Desert Air Force. MC Fighter bomber attacks when ((end of part 1. Part 2.) STRONG (921. Cite FHGCT)). weather permitted. Fighter KRONER sweep destroyed 3 JU: 88's and 1 ME 109. BRATTON SIT. No Sig CURR. DISS. AIR E-A Action: OPD FE NA Information: G-2 LA CG AAF COLL. LOG SPEC. GEOG. TRNG JSC EO CM-IN-15940 (29 Mar 43) 2330Z VC FS PER. CC DECLASSIFIED FIN JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 POW BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 REC. FL CIG 1 MAR 30 1943 лс SECRET COPY No. ONI 26 WH THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 5 CCWD Filed 29/22152 March 30 AR 1151Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR USFOR In reply cite: No. 0337, March 29, 1943 For period ending 1200 hours 29 March (from 18 Army Group number 0337 dated 29 March. TOO V 100 A. to (1) Troopers (2) USFOR (Troopers pass) (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Midesst (7) Fifth Army (8) rptd Jacques (9) 242 Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) HQ L of C (12) 12 ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Group (15) Adv NAAF (for Col MacDonald F 2) (16) 2 US Corps (10) First Army continuation of SITREP number 156) Section 1. 8th Army. (A) Steady progress towards Gabes by 30 Corps continues. 2 NZ Div moving towards Gabes have encountered isolated enemy posts Southwest of the town. Last night enemy evacuated E1 Hamma which was occupied by troops of First Armd Div this morning. (B) 30 Corps. Adv elements 51 Div were reported just Southeast Teboulbou (T) Z 3428 (T) 23428 at 1130 A hrs by 1140 A hrs leading troops 4 Indian Div reached road junction AT Z2608. No opposition encountered by 30 Corps. (c) 10 Corps, Two NZ Div continued their advance. At 1100 A hrs our forward troops were within approx 3000 yards of Gabes and later our patrols entered the town. Isolated enemy posts reported still in this area. The enemy evacuated E1 Hamma last night and this morning patrols First Armd Div were on a line approx 2 miles Northeast and North of the town. Section 2. Southeast Algeria. NTR. Section 3. Two US Corps. First and Ninth Inf Div continued attacks during morning. 16 and 26 Inf Bns reached objectives at (Y) 4169 and (Y) 4167. 47 Inf reported on high ground at (Y) 3763. 34 Inf Div reported holding high ground South of Fondouh. Section 4. First Army. (A) 19 Corps. Strong recce in Olrseltia reached DJ Zouamaida (0) 6028 - DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CM-IN-16229 (30 Mar 43) BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Juch DECI ASSIFIED SECRET- WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers (Page 2) To: WAR USFOR In reply cite: No. 0337, March 29, 1943 Bled Margueb (0) 6236-Rd June (0) 7244-Es Stoum (0) 7254 (B) 5 Corps. 46 Div Dj Abiod Sector. 1 CDO in area DJ Chlucha (J) 1970 were attacked from East evening 28 March no details yet. Section 5. Air. Night 28/29. Bombing of enemy communications in Sfax-Sousse-Kairouan areas resumed in bad weather. Day 29 up to 1200 hours. Fighters strafed Met Gling North on roads from Gabes, Offensive fighter patrols Fuconneri Area destroyed 7 ME 109's and damaged 4. End of part 1. Cite FHGCT. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN DEANE (CCS) ADM KING LOG CM-IN-16229 (30 Mar 43) 1459Z mcs DECLASSIFIED JCS BY se ,DATE FEB 7 1974 LETTER. 7-5-72 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 GEGRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B58 CCWD Filed esf 29/1556Z INCOMING MESSAGE URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY BYSR DATE FEB 1974 From: Algiers To : USFOR-War In Reply Cite: 53 . March 29, 1943 N. Tunisia Djebel Abiod sector, lines Djebel Abiod- Tamera, Djebel Abiod-Sedienane (especially areas Djebel Chourha J 1971 and Djebel Es Sdedia J 0771) to our progress (to AGWAR for WDGBI USFOR pass Troopers 18 Army Gp pass 1st Army and 2 Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12 AF MBS ABS Malts Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6th Corps from Freedom 53 signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI) Strong enemy resistance offered. Later area enemy counter attack was failure. Inactive after 1030Z ehemy Arty. Captured were many PSW notwithstanding Inf resistance, Of which 50 percent German total of about 800 taken. Sidi Neir area quiet but by deserter cap- tured night 27-28 March indicated 2nd BN 47. Gr withdraw- ing pointing to perhaps further weakening enemy forces this sector. Retreat 1st BN 47 Gr covered in G-2 re- port 140, 28th March. Nothing to report Ouez Zarga, Medjez and Bou Arada sectors. Driven from strong point at 0 6686, grade Dorsale sector. enemy still holding out vigorously high ground o 6888. Encountered, Ousseltia Valley, at O 7230, 0 7455 and 0 6028 enemy advance units. Suggested by identifications fresh enemy units this area believed arrived Tunisia lately. Fondouk area nothing to report. Foregoing northern Tunisia Part I land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 28th March. Central Tunisia. Maknassy and El Guettar sectors we are confronted with determined re- sistance. From T 8015 to Djebel. Bou Dousou T 80 and from Y 4482 through Djebel Takadelt Y 47, Djebel E1 Mecheltat Y 36, to road junction Y 4165 are hostile JOURNAL NO.245 MAR 29 1943 CM-IN-15930 (29 March 43) as SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joch 26 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA Date 4/13/04 THE WAR DEPARTMENT From: g1c.ASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Part 2. To # In Rep NCOMING ch MESSAGE forward positions. Southern Tunisia. With E1 Hamma still strongly held and with determined resistance right of desert flank (Genetal area square Y 90) nevertheless enemy power this area reported weakening. Used chiefly for defense of Oued E1 Hamma and Oued E1 Merteba Z02 and (end of 1st cipher part. Part 2 follows) Z01 enemy armor. No Sig. G2 Dist. Action Info MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON Action: G-2 SIT. Information: OPD CURR. CG AAF DISS. AIR E-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GEOG. TRNG ISC CM-IN-15930 (29 March 43) 22592 EO as PS PER cc FIN. POW DECLASSIFIED REC. JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 FL CIG ne ONT J/ WH U.I.S. JOURNAL NO.245 MAR 29 1948 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 19400 DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B Filed MESSAGE.ch CCWD 29, 1943 efg 2055Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR-London USFOR In Reply Cite: Unnumbered March 29, 1943 Organization this Bde (with 2 motorized Inf Regts and Arty Bn) 3rd and last cipher part. With 1 regimental number unreported other apparently is 961 PS thought G2 Dist. Action Info. to be in command Colonel Kurt Thomas. On E1 Hamma front identified by PSW this area are all $ Inf Regts MC s 164 Div plus 104 PZR and 5 PZ Regt. Presence of 164 STRONG Div, 21 PZR Div confirmed by these identifications. KRONER Also located same general area 361 PZR and 190 AR. BRATTON Italian. By PSW north of Djebel Abiod 16 and 34 Bas 10 SIT. / Bersaglieri, General comment. Former reserves in CURR. north apparently still being withdrawn by enemy. In DISS. center our attacks south of the Dorsale demonstrated AIR enemy planned strengthening himself by use of new units. E-A Considered likely circumstances force enemy to use any FE elements already arrived before full reorganization NA could be accomplished. In south approaches to coastal LA plain from Maknassy and El Guettar still obstructed. COLL with determined resistance on EL flank. Probably SPFC. to accomplish evacuation Mareth garrison (apparently GROG. finally decided upon) is resistance El Hamma flank. As TRNG to whather anemy's next stand well be Djebel Tebaga JSC Fatuassa-Oued Akarat line no indications. Parts 2 FO and 3 will follow. = FFT CC 90343 No Sig. FIN DECLASSIFIED POW Action: G-2 JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 REC. Information: OPD BY se DATE FEB 7 1974, FL CG AAF On nc N.I.B. JOURNAL #0.25 1 MAR 29 1943 ONI CM-IN-15936 (29 March 43) 2318Z as WH \ COPY No, 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 65 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 15562/29 Mar 29, 1943 LB 2011Z DECLASSIFIED URGENT JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 53, March 29, 1943. Majority PSW taken this flank German for 1st time and total taken here and (2nd part of 53 G 2 report) Mareth flanks now considered above 6000. In E1 Hamma area, 90 Light Div supporting 21 PZ Div and 164 Div. Likely also withdrawn to this front is Spezia Div. Toujane area no details at hand but be- lieved Italian 21 Corps front weakening indicated by reported systematic cleaning up elements DC Pistola Div. Main Mareth Sector considerably weakened From Arram and Mareth during day enemy withdrawn. From PGR Afrika PW substantiated weakening in progress and added that PGR Afrika proceeding to north of Gabes by still unknown exact location Trieste and young Fascists Div. (( AGWAR for WDGBI USFOR pass Troopers 18th Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv. Liaison AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G 2 Freedom signed Eisen- hower cite FHGBI. Identifications. German. By PSW. Djebel Abiod- Tamera area 28 March, Marsch Bn 20 (T 3) 2nd and 3rd Bns Barenthin Regt and Witzig Bn. SI Neir Sector night 27-28 March 2nd Bn 47 IR by deserter who said this unit withdrawing same night from sector. To be also withdrawing now asserted by PSW from 1st and 2nd Bns. Area J 3740 night 27-28 March 3rd 755 IR. Comment. Again in front line probable 755 IR since checked area J 4239, March 26 was 3rd Bn. Area J 5836 by deserter night 27-28 March 2nd Coy 756 MTN Regt. Comment. Taken to substantiate area north of Medjez continued presence 1st Bn 756. Area o 6028, 28 March 1st Bn Afrika Schutzen Regt 961. Comment. While PSW allege to be from "999" considered likely this is CM-IN-15971 (30 Mar 43) JOURNAL NO. 25 SECRET COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By DT NARA Date SECRET- WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 53, March 29, 1943 Page 2 Afrika BDE 999 activated Antwerp early this year. By other sources in Feb elements last named unit designated for North Africa. Considered similar to that of (end of 2nd part. Part 3 follows) 90 G2 Dist. Light Div. Action Info. MC STRONG No Sig KRONER BRATTON SIT CURR. DISS. ACTION: G-2 AIR E-A INFORMATION: OPD FE CG AAF NA LA. ML <PFC GFOG TRNG NO FO PN FEP ce DECLASSIFIED FIN JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 PUX BY SR , DATE FEB 7 1974 REC. FL CIG ne ONE CM-IN-15971 (30 Mar 43) 0105Z ved WH SECKLE NO. 25 MAR3019B COPY No.26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 156 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 33 CCWD 29/08352 mej INCOMING MESSAG 1534Z -29-43 m The Hop per N tak my URGENT 22.75 = 22 From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 0/330 - March 29, 1943 For 24 hours ending 2359 hours 28 March (number 330, dated 29 March TOO 0800 A M from 18th Army Group to (1) Troopers (Pass USFOR) (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta-Personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) MidEast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques (9) 242nd Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) Hq L of C (12) 12 ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Group (15) Adv NAAF (For Col MacDonald ATG ) (16) 2nd US Corps (17) 1st Army. SITREP number 156 (556). From AFHQ, signed C in C. Part 1. Section 1. 8th Army (A). 30th Corps, During night 27/28 patrols found enemy had appreciably thinned out in Mareth position. In the morning 30th Corps advanced and by last light 50th Div had occupied Arosm and Mareth. Foward elements of 51st Div had reached a line approx 2 miles beyond road Zarat-Mareth, For- ward Troops 131st Bde reached Toujane with 201st Guards Bde area just East of Rentsia. At 1700 A hours forward troops 4th Ind Div had reached Toujane Zeltene and Matlata all of which were reported clear, (B). 10th Corps, During night 27/28 enemy resistance decreased in front of 2nd N2 Div as mopping up continued and general enemy NET movement to the East was reported in the morning 8th Armd Bde and 6th NZ Bde moved forward and BM 0900 A hours forward Troops 8th Armd Bde had reached Area Hir Zouitinat (21915) This move continued towards Gabes throughout the day, Much equipment and prisoners collected. (CM-IN-15835 29 Mar 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SK DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 3/0 Josh DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: Algiers Page To: INCOMING MESSAGE In Reply Cite: 0/330, March 29, 1943 Enemy tanks in area TZ1619. Were engaged with good results. 1st Armd Div concentrated in area just South West ET Hama and continued to contain enemy forces in this area throughout the day. E1 Hamiw has been reinforced by enemy from the East. Section 2. South East Algeria during 28 March enemy with tanks made unsuccessful raid against one of French positions area DJ Berda Y25, night 27/28 French Troops dispersed enemy motorized detach- ment by ambush near Oued El Alri on road Kebili Y30- Abir Our Ali Y4454. Enemy tanks attacked this ambush party afternoon 28. South of Djerid Camel Troops occupied Douz Y 3'837. Enemy resistance (part 2 follows) with AFV 15 Kilometers North of Douz. No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King Log CM-IN-15835 (29 Mar 43) 1918Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 CECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV B40 CCWD Filed 1408/29 Mar. 29, 1943 ACM 1708 a URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR London (Action) War (Information). In Reply Cite: 156, March 29, 1943. Number 156 March 28. Part 2 (USFOR AGWAR Troopers 5th Army Mideast 18 Army Gp Hq Liaison Gp AFHQ Malta Adv NWAAF from Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT nil 29th (sitrep). Part 1. Naval. Enemy aircraft and U Boats active against convoys. One ship was torpedoed by aircraft and sank, Two ships were torpedoed 1 by aircraft and 1 by U boat; both ships have been beached. During 2 attacks on convoy by enemy aircraft off Phillippeville 7 enemy aircraft were shot down and 3 damaged by our aircraft. Destroyers carried out IL boat hunt nest of Oran. Results considered very pro- mising, Algiers Harbour attacked by 8 enemy aircraft with circling torpedoes and bombs evening 26 Mar. One ship previously damaged and under repair received direct hit and is now total loss. Motor torpedo boats operated 011 intruder patrols from Bone nights 23/24 and 24/25 Mar. Para R. Movements in progress. Tenth Inf Brig on 4th DI, enroute to Souk El Arba by rail and motor. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF, CGGN, General Deane (CCS), DECLASSIFIED Admiral King, Log. BY SR LETTER, 7-5-72 DATE FEB 7 1974 CM-IN-1/821 (29 Mar 43) 1853Z ems COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jonh DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 -- Rate 1/2/21 CYPHER NAVAL IESSAGE T.O.O. 17504/28 IN Received: 29/March/43 Time 1 0736 Addressed: ADMIRALTY Repeated : C. in C. Levant for C.S. 12 COINOB Oran F.O.C. Gibraltar V.A.M. DECLASSIFIED S.N.O.C.A. JCS MEMO, 1-17-73 N.O. 1/c Bone BY IR DATE FEB 71974 Bougie Philippeville B.A.D. Washington From : C. in C. fediterranean Algiers Harbour attacked on 26th March by 8 J.U. 88's at dusk in poor visibility. Aircraft approached very low andidetected by R.D.F. Flew over harbour at about 200 feet from North Westward in two lines and dropped circling torpedoes and bombs in inner and outer harbour. Aircraft apparently carried two circling torpedoes and two bombs each- 2, Satisfactorily heavy fire was opened by light 4/A and ships C R weapons. Three aircraft confirmed shot down and one probable. One of these may have fouled merchant chip balloon wire. P/W state unaware of presence of balloons. 3. Five torpedoes dropped outside the breakwaters. Of these two were blown up by rifle fire one exploded spontaneously, one run on to the detached mole and has since been removed and one exploded -gainst outer side of Eastern breakwater. Four torpedoes landed in port area two struck buildings and exploded two others landed ashore but failed to ex lode. 4. Bombs struc: unloaded EMPIRE STANYARD previously torpedoed in K.M.S. ten and broke her back. 5. "finor damage includes destruction of chart depot building. Damage to French Port Directors Building Naval Canteen the sinking of several French harbour croft and superficial damage to trawler HULL. Naval casualties two ratings killed one missing six wounded, 6. This attack emphasises the vital importance for the protection of shipping of an R.D.F. set capable of deteo- ting very low flying aircraft. It : is understood that type 273 fark V is now available and will meet the requirements. Request maximum allocation as soon as practicable. Efforts are also being made to obtain supply of U.S. type S.C.R. 582. 1750A/28 F.M. Plans Admiral Plans M (2) Air Marshall Cdr. Coleridge (8) Gen. !acready N.I. COMINCH (2) Lt. Col. Cook S.O. MMB C.O.S. S.0.(0) Personal N.M.C.S. 3/0 Joch DECI ASSIFIED SECRET- WAR DEPARTMENT YQV B 68 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD 28/18262 alt INCOMING MESSAGE 3-28-43 2110z G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG URGENT KRONER BRATTON SIT. DECLASSIFIED X CURR. DATE DISS. From: Algiers FEB 7 1974 AIR To: WAR B-A FE In reply cite: 9888, March 28, 1943 NA LA 3. Naval. Nothing to report. (To AGWAR WDCBY USFOR pass Troopers 18 Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 SPEC. Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta GEOG. Mideast Adv Lisison Group AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Comm and 6 Corps from G 2 Freedom 9888 28 TH signed EisenSC hower cite FHGBI) G 2 report for 24 hours ending 2400z 27 March. FS PER 2. Air. Eastbound convoy contacted 0535z CC shadowed by 4 enemy bomber recce between Djidjelli FIN. and Bougie during day. After torpedo bomber attack POW convoy watched for several hours by second aircraft REC. afternoon. Between Oran and Gibralter morning 2 further enemy recce reported of which 1 on weather flight. off Belearic morning 2 JU 88's. Attacked by about 12 enday bomber torpedo aircraft was eastbound convoy between ONI Djidjelli and Bougie morning. THE V torpedo 0905z WH merchant vessel. Claimed destroyed by our fighters 1 enemy with others damaged. Operating over Southern Tunisia night March 27-28 between 15 and 20 JU 88's. with 8-6 engined planes arrived Tunis during day 26 March about 150 JU 52's. Little enemy activity south- ern Tunisia. Probably by ME 110's over area south of Matmata extensive mid morning recce performed. Inter- cepted Gabes area afternoon probably on offensive miss- ion formation JU 88's. Active over Tebaga and El Hamma during day occasional small fighter patrols including Italian. Gabes area last light Spitfires engaged es- corted offensive patrol. To small early morning fighter sweeps Mateur-Medjez El Bab sector northern Tunisis activity confined. ACTION: G-2 No Sig INFORMATION: OPD CG AAF CM-IN-15450 (28 10.5 MAR 29 Mar SEGRET COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Inch ASCIEIED 2110 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 35 Filed 0905Z/28 INCOMING MESSAGE 28, 1943 amr 14512 OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Algiers To: War In reply cite; 0/319 March 28.1943 livess English attach -Bomotr (A-20) With Albacores attacked enemy motor transport concentrations on roads in Gabes area. In spite of poor visibility they caused several fires. Day 27. After early recce reporting much movement on Gabes- El Hamma road Kittybombers made 2 attacks on these targets. 1st attack found good targets and claimed 4 MT and 1 tank in flames after direct hit and 50 motor transport damaged. 2nd attack targets dis- persed and intense Ack Ack encountered. A later Kittybomber attack on MT reported SW of Gabes found no targets and returned with bombs. Spitfires oper- ating deep into enemy territory in the Sfax area intercepted an escortèd formation of 8 ME 210's and claim one ME 210 destroyed and 2 others damaged. 2 Spitfires missing and 1 forced landed in our own lines. Spitfires also encountered 10 JU 88's about to attack our land forces south of E1 Hamma. They destroyed 2 and damaged 3 and forced the remainder to jettison their bombs on their own troops. Tunisian Air Forces. In the north haze prevented combat inter- ception patrols. Hurribombers attacked army targets Maknassy area. Offensive reconnaissance show little movement in front. End of continuation Part 1, Nr 0/319. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. ACTION: OPD No Sig INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF, CGGN, General Deane (CCS), DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 Admiral King, Log. BY & DATE FEB 71974 CM-IN-15344 (28 Mar 43) 1933Z ems SEOPET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joch DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB72 WDCC Filed 28/1831Z March 28, 1943 ecn 22252 URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR . DATE FEB 71974 From: Algiers To: War USFOR In reply cite: 9889 March 28, 1943 Northern Sector no reports enemy offen- sive operation. (AGWAR USFOR repeated 18 Army Group Advance NAAF, MBS, ABS, Malta, Mideast, Advance Liaison Group AFHQ, 5 Army from G-2 Free- dom. 9889. Signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. AGWAR for WDGBI USFOR pass Troopers 18 Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AP MBS, ABS, Malta Mideast, Adv La 2 Grp AFHQ, 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps) Along ridge running northeast from J 2280 to Djebel El Assel J 2563, 27 March enemy Bn perhaps from Barenthin Regt reported in position. Stated unoccupied, night 26/27 March but with some enemy observed high ground 500 yards north of Chassart, Smidia J 5939, Chassaln Teffaha J 5741 and Sidi Naceur. No reports Bou Arada-Djebel Mansour sector. Free from enemy Ousseltia Valley sector, Djebel Tou- ila o 8063 and Djebel Er Rihana o 7546. No other reports this sector. Foregoing Northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 27 March. Central Tunisia. With no opposition by enemy ground forces resistance our occupation Fondouk minimum, restricted to MG fire. Seen mid- day north Hadjeb E1 Aioun 0 6510, four unidentified tanks 27 March. Possibly from 31 Tank Regt or from 136 Anti Tank Bn. This unit thought to be Northern Tunisia. Mainly defensive, digging in, enemy's dispositions Maknassy sector. Southern Tunisia. With armor believed moved eastwards across Oued El Merteba Z 01, El Hamma sector, enemy withdrew to about two miles south of El Hamma result our CM-IN-15482 (29 MGEGRET COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 3/0 Joseh DECLASSIFIED 10356 Sea SECRET Ragy # WAR DEPARTMENT Treaties CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER To: From: INCOMING MESSAGE In regis cita: ABAB March RB, 1948 armored attack 26 March on principal highway from Gabes toward E1 Hamma 1330Z 27 March heavy move- ment seen by air recce. no sig G2 Dist. Action Info. ACTION: G-2 MC STRONG INFORMATION: OPD KRONER BRATTON CG AAF SIT. CURR. x DISS. AIR s E-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GEOG. TRNG 4SC EO #S PER CC FIN. POW REC. CM-IN-15482 (29 Mar 43) 00562 ved FL CIG nc X ONI WH DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 AMAINAL 15 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 DECI ASSIFIED #155 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD YQV C49 filed 1957Z/28 March 28, 1943 BM INCOMING MESSAGE URGENT From Algiors To: WAR In reply cite: 9926, March 28th, 1943. No reports. Para 2. Movements completed (action USFOR repoated AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group, Liaison Group AFHQ, Malta, ADV Northwest African Air Force for information. From G 3 section AFHQ 9926 28th. SITREP number 155 March 27 Part 2. Signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT. Para 1. Naval 355th CA BN Sep AA Searchlight arrived Telergma from Oran. Movements commenced 437th Ca Ba AW Sep departed Casablanca for Telergma. Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/8) Adm. King CM-IN-15452 (29 Mar 43) 0013Z VC DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY se DATE FEB 7 1974 GEORET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 310 Toch DECLASSIFIED NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPARTM DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE FROM C IN c MEDITERRANEAN ADMIRALTY PRIORITY RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ROUTINE DEFERRED DATE 29 MARCH 1943 C IN C LEVANT AFHA LONDON TOR CODEROOM 0414/0357 BAD WASHINGTON PRIORITY DECODED BY VALENTINE/SCHMONSEES INFORMATION FOC CIBRALTAR ROUTINE V A MALTA ROUTINE F 0 H DEFERRED PARAPHRASED BY COMINCH INDICATE BY ASTERISK ADDRESSEES FOR WHICH MAIL DELIVERY IS SATISFACTORY, DECLASSIFIED JCS MEMO. 1-17-73 1822A/28 BY DATE NCR 3879 FEB 7 1974 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL BE TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE. ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME DATE TIME GCT TEXT BASEGRAM. (( ADMIRALTY REPTD c IN C LEVANT AFHA LONDON BAD WASHINGTON FOC GIBRALTAR V A MALTA FOH FROM C IN C ACTION WEDITERRANEAN. SITUATION REPORT NUMBER 74.)) F-00 F-01 1. HMS HOLCOMBE ATTACKED CONTACT IN POSITION 36-28 NORTH F-015 F-0015 00-24 WEST AT 1115/24. ALL AVAILABLE DESTROYERS FROM FOR- F-05 CE HOW AT MERS EL KEBIR PROCEEDED TO HUNT WITH AIR COOP- F-07 ERATION UNTIL 0745/25. NO FURTHER CONTACT WAS OBTAINED. F-1 F-11 2. FRENCH TRAWLER SERGEANT GOUNE WAS SUNK BY U-BOAT AT F-2 0020/26 60 MILES EAST OF ALBORAN ISLAND. 14 SURVIVORS. F-3 F-30 3. PRINS WILHELM 3RD IN COLVOY KMS ELEVEN WAS TORPEDOED F-31 BY AIRCRAFT AT 8763/26 IN POSITION 37-00 NORTH 02-14 F-32 EAST. SHIP WAS TAKE IN TOW BUT CAPSIZED AND SANK AT F-33 F-34 0240/27. F-35 4. CITY OF PERTH 11: CONVOY MKS 10 TORPEDOED BY U-BOAT F-37 IG-00 IN POSITION 35-47 NORTH 01-30 WEST AT 1844/26. SHIP HAS VCNO BEEN BEACHED NEAR CAPE FEGALO WEATHER CONDITIONS PRE- VENTING TOWAGE TO ORAN. SALVAGE OPERATIONS ARE PROCEED- (P.1 OF 3.) Make original only. Deliver to communication watch officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) NCR-15 28/822 3/0 Forch 10-22018-2 DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPARTM DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE FROM PRIORITY RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ROUTINE DEFERRED DATE TOR CODEROOM PRIORITY DECODED BY INFORMATION ROUTINE DEFERRED PARAPHRASED BY INDICATE BY ASTERISK ADDRESSEES FOR WHICH MAIL DELIVERY IS SATISFACTORY. 1822A/28 NCR 3879 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL BE TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE. ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME DATE TIME GCT TEXT ING. ACTION 5. HMS TARTAR AND QUANTOCK MADE FOUR ATTACKS ON U-BOAT F-00 F-01 11. 35-55 NORTH 01-41 WEST AT 1920/26 AFTER QUANTOCKS F-015 LAST ATTACK EXPLOSION HEARD AFTER PATTERN DETONATED AND F-0015 1 CONTACT WAS LOST. LATER LARGE DIESEL OIL PATCH COVERED F-05 F-07 AREA HALF A MILE SQUARE. F-1 6. ALGIERS HARBOUR ATTACKED BY 8 JU'S 88 WITH CIRCLING F-11 F-2 TORPEDOES M.D DOMBS AT 1935/26. DETAILS ARE REPORTED IN F-3 BY 1750/28. F-30 7. EMPORE ROWAN IN CONVOY KMS 11 HIT BY AIRCRAFT TORPEDO F-31 F-32 IN POSITION 37-16 NORTH 0654 EAST AT 1005/27. SHIP HAS F-33 BEEN BEACHED 18 WILES WEST OF PHILIPPEVILLE AND SALVAGE F-34 OPERATIONS ARE IN PROGRESS. CONVOY WAS AGAIN ATTACKED F-35 IN F-37 BY AIRCRAFT ABOUT NOON WITHOUT 1.033 THE 2 RAIDS 7 IG-00 ENEMY AIRCRAFT SHOT DOWN BY FIGHTERS AND 3 DAMAGED. VCNO DECLASSIFIED JCS MEMO, 1-17-73 (PACE 2 OF 3.) BY SR DATE FEB 71974 SECRET Make original only. Deliver to communication watch officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) NCR-15 10-22419-2 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPARTM DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE FROM PRIORITY RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ROUTINE DEFERRED DATE TOR CODEROOM PRIORITY DECODED BY INFORMATION ROUTINE DEFERRED PARAPHRASED BY INDICATE BY ASTERISK ADDRESSEES FOR WHICH MAIL DELIVERY IS SATISFACTORY. 1822A/28 NCR 3879 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL BE TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE. ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME DATE TIME GCT TEXT ACTION 8. MTBS FROM SOME OPERATED ON MERHUDER PATROL BETWEEN F-00 F-01 GALITA AND MAINLAND ON NIGHTS 23/24 AND 24/25. F-015 F-0015 F-05 F-07 F-1 F-11 F-2 F-3 #-30 F-31 3 COPIES TO 20-C F-32 F-33 F-34 F-35 DECLASSIFIED F-37 JCS MEMO, 1-17-73 BY SR DATE IG-00 FEB 71974 VCNO (PAGE 3 OF 3.) SECRET NCR-15 Make original only. Deliver to communication watch officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) 10-23-18-2 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPART IT DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE PRIORITY FROM CINC MEDITERRAMEN RELEASED BY FOR ACTION ADMIRALTY RRRRR DEFERRED COMINCH BAD DATE 30 MARCH 1943 CINC LEVANT FOR C312 COM NOB ORAN PRIORITY TOR CODEROOM 1229/30 COFFMAN. INFORMATION FOC GIBRALTAR VAM SNOCA KARRR DECODED BY NOIC'S BONE, BOUGIE DEFERRED PHILIPPEVILLE PARAPHRASED BY INDICATE BY ASTERISK ADDRESSEES FOR WHICH MAIL DELIVERY IS SATISFACTORY. (PAGE 1 OF 2) 1750A/28 NCR 19776 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL BE TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE. ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME DATE TIME GCT TEXT --RECEIVED FROM BAD BY HAND-- ACTION F-00 ALGIERS HARBOUR ATTACKED ON 26TH MARCH BY 8 JU 88'S AT DUSK F-01 IN POOR VISIBILITY. AIRCRAFT APPROACHED VERY LOW AND DE- F-015 TECTED BY RDF. FLEW OVER HARBOUR AT ABOUT 200 FEET FROM F-0015 NORTH WESTWARD IN 2 LINES AND DROPPED CIRCLING TORPEDOES F-05 F-07 AND BOMBS IN INNER AND OUTER HARBOUR. AIRCRAFT APPARENTLY CARRIED 2 CIRCLING TORPEDOES AND 2 BOMBS EACH. F-1 F-11 2. SATISFACTORILY HEAVY FIRE WAS OPENED BY LIGHT A/A AND SHIPS CR WEAPONS. 3 AIRCRAFT CONFIRMED SHOT DOWN AND ONE F-2 F-3 PROBABLE. ONE OF THESE MAY HAVE FOULED MERCHANT SHIP BALLOON F-30 WIRE. P/W STATE UNAWARE OF PRESENCE OF BALLOONS. F-31 3. FIVE TORPEDOES DROPPED OUTSIDE THE BREAKWATERS. OF THESE F-32 TWO WERE BLCWN UP BY RIFLE FIRE ONE EXPLODED SPONTANEOUSLY, F-33 ONE RAN on TO THE DETACHED MOLE AND HAS SINCE BEEN REMOVED F-34 AND ONE EXPLODED AGAINST OUTER SIDE OF EASTERN BREAKWATER. F-35 4 TORPEDOES LANDED IN PORT AREA 2 STRUCK BUILDINGS AND EX- F-37 PLODED 2 OTHERS LANDED ASHORE BUT FAILED TO EXPLODE. IG-00 4. BOMBS STRUCK UNLOADED EMPIRE STANYARD PREVIOUSLY TOR- VCNO PEDOED IN KMS 10 AND BROKE MER BACK. DECLASSIFIED JCS MEMO, 1-17-73 BY SR DATE FEB 1974 SECRET Make original only. Deliver to communication watch officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) NCR-15 281750 310 Jock 10-23818-2 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 NAVAL MESSAGE NAVY DEPART IT DRAFTER EXTENSION NUMBER ADDRESSEES PRECEDENCE FROM PRIORITY FOR ACTION ROUTINE RELEASED BY DEFERRED DATE PRIORITY TOR CODEROOM DECODED BY INFORMATION ROUTINE DEFERRED PARAPHRASED BY INDICATE BY ASTERISK ADDRESSEES FOR WHICH MAIL DELIVERY IS SATISFACTORY. (PAGE 2 OF 2) 1750A/28 NCR 19776 UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED THIS DISPATCH WILL BE TRANSMITTED WITH DEFERRED PRECEDENCE. ORIGINATOR FILL IN DATE AND TIME DATE TIME GCT TEXT ACTION 5. MINOR DAMAGE INCLUDES DESTRUCTION OF CHART DEPOT BUILD- ING. DAMAGE TO FRENCH PORT DIRECTORS BUILDING NAVAL CANTEEN F-00 F-01 THE SINKING OF SEVERAL FRENCH HARBOUR CRAFT AND SUPERFICIAL DAMAGE TO TRAWLER HULL. NAVAL CASUALTIES 2 RATINGS KILLED F-015 F-0015 1 MISSING 6 WOUNDED. F-05 6. THIS ATTACK EMPHASISES THE VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR THE F-07 PROTECTION OF SHIPPING OF AN RDF SET CAPABLE OF DETECTING F-1 VERY LOW FLYING AIRCRAFT. IT 18 UNDERSTOOD THAT TYPE 273 F-11 MARK V IS NOW AVAILABLE AND WILL MEET THE REQUIREMENTS. RE- F-2 QUEST MAXIMUM ALLOCATION AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE. EFFORTS ARE F-3 ALSO BEING MADE TO OBTAIN SUPPLY OF U.S. TYPE SCR 582. F-30 F-31 F-32 F-33 F-34 F-35 3 COPIES F-37 DELIVERED IG-00 TO OP-20G DECLASSIFIED VCNO JCS MEMO. 1-17-73 BY MY.SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET Make original only. Deliver to communication watch officer in person. (See Art. 76 (4) NAVREGS.) NCR-15 10-23818-2 DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 30 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 08452/28 Mar 28, 1943 LB 1202Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY JCS DECLASSIFIED LETTER, 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 71974 To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/319, March 28, 1943. (HQ L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Group ADV NAAF 2 US Corps First Army from 18 Army Group 0/319 Mar 28, 599 0745A) From AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1 continues. Section 1 Eighth Army. 7th Armd Div continued to move forward towards area Rentsis and 4 Ind Div kept up their pressure towards Roujana and Teccine. On 10 Corps front severe fighting continued whilst German posts were cleared up in area 8W of El Homma. (A). 30 Corps. By 1750A hours- leading troops 131 BDE had reached Aiea (Y) E 4780. Forward troops of 5 103 BDE had reached (y) E 3876 and (y) E 3474 6 1740Ahours. Some PW were taken. 7 Ind BDE concentrating area (y) E 3474 (y) E 3464 (B). 10 Corps. During after- noon the enemy moved from area DY 9919 into deep Wadi running south from Oglat Mertebs (T) & 0314 1st Armd Div situated between road and Djebel in area (T) Z 0358 2 NZ Div astride road area (T) Y 0919 and still encountering stiff resistance on southern flank. Considerable enemy movement vas observed. During afternoon from east and south south east towards El Hamma which appears to be strongly held. Section 5, Pir. Following up enemy ground movements after yesterday's battle the vestern desert air For 08 continued to harass the enemy in the Gabes area, Western Desert Air Forces. Night 26/27 « Second part follows)). 54 Wellingtons and 6 Halifaxes. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFO: G-2 OG AAF CGGN GENERAL DEANE (CC/S) ADMIRAL KING LOG CM-IN-15264 (28 Mar 43) 1638Z med COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joneh DECLASSIFIED 10056 See SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT NR 9 28/10222 INCOMING mej 1314Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY why From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 5317, March 28, 1943 By 1515 hours GCT 26th the 5th Ind Brig G2 Dist. had reached area E 3472. After being delayed Action \ Info. by mines and enemy resistance on the 27th 4th MC Ind Div continued good progress by 1700 hours STRONG GCT with 5th Ind Brig towards Techine E 2887 KRONER from Southeast and 7th Ind Brig in Area E 26, BRATTON / Thirtieth Corps Patrols report enemy still SIT. \ holding Northern Sector positions 27th. CURR. \ 151st Brig E 6193 vice 201 guards brig relieved. DISS. Night 26th, 27th, 2nd New Zealand Div captured AIR commanding ground area York 9306, York 9305 later E-A " attacked Northeast astride E1 Homma road South FE Djebel Tebaga, First Armd Div commenced thrust NA towards El Hamma early hours morning 27th after LA successful completion concentration area York COLL 9912 night before. From Brereton. Enemy tanks SPEC. reported withdrawing East of Wadi E1 Verteba GEOG. Area 1313. New Zealand mopping up 26th TRNG battlefield areá meeting stiff enemy resistance JSC EO on high ground. FS No Sig. PEP CC FRA ACTION: G-2 RECLASSIFIED POW REC INFORMATION: OPD E. O. 11652, Sea I(E) and 5(D) or (E) FL CG AAF OED latter, May, 3, 1972 CIG By SLR Date FEB 7.1974 ne / ONI \ CM-IN-15301 (28 Mar 43) 1419Z ems WH M.I.8. JOURNAL NO.13 7 MAR 23 1943 COPY No. 25 310 Jone THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 15 Filed INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 28, 1943 efg 1131Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/318 March 23, 1943 Camel Platoon occupied Sabria (D) 1563 and Rhidma (D) 1874. (Number 0/318 to Troopers pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta-personal for FM Viscount Gort Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques Moulares 24 (242) group Bone area for Sois Hq L of CS 12 ASC Nasaf Tactical Bomber Group for Colonel MacDonald A 22 United States Corps First Army from 18 Army Group dated 28 March TOO 0455 A. Part 1 Sitrep number 155 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 27 March. From AFHQ signed CING. Part 1. Section 1. 8th Army. Follows later, Section 2. South east Algeria. Section 3. 2 Corp. 34 Division continued attack and Enereb Fondouk at 2100 A after encountering slight resistance. 1 Armd Division continued occupa- tion of Maknassy and maintained patrols. 62 FA Battalion moved from Gafsa to Maknassy. 1 Infantry Division and 9 Infantry Division continued organization. Patrol activity in front of 1 Infantry Div continued although visibility restricted by dust. Section 4. 1st Army. (A). 19 Corps. Velvert Div recconnaissance in force to Es Sauak Ridge (0) 7250 26 March was shelled on objective by enemy but made no contact with ground troops, Infan- try patrol night 26/27 March crossed Oued Merd astride Maktar-Pichon road and remain in positions Ras Edldhara (Q) 5929 Mathinet Division patrols report (0) 7449 CM-IN-15263 (28 Mar 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY se DATE FEB 1974 ECRET COPY No. 54 310 Joset THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 SECRET of s WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE.ro 2. From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/318 March 28, 1943 Bir-Elurni (0) 7753 (Ountela S1 Saad (0) 7756 unoccup- ied DJ Bou Dabouss (0) 85 DJ E1 Ouechiatin (0) 85 occupied by enemy. Goum patrol to DJ Touila (0)' 8036 made contact with Italians. (B), 5 Corps. 1 Division patrols night 26/27 March found Smidia (J) 5939 Chassart Teffana (J) 5741 Caceur (J) 5437 Daprat (J) 4735 unoccupied but saw enemy on hills 500 yards north of Chassart. 46 Div. Patrols 26 March crossed river (J) 1567. No contact. Night 26/27 March suc- cessful small raid on enemy positions (J) 5151. Bn 128 Bde pushed forward 27 March from area (J) 2254 to area (J) 2460 and report enemy possibly 1 Bn on line (J) 2260-(J) 2461 1 along ridge to DJ Assel (J) 2563. End of Part 1. Part 2 follows. Section 5. Air. to follow cite FRGCK. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFO: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GENERAL DEANE (CC/S) ADMIRAL KING LOG CM-IN-15263 (28 Mar 43) 1634Z med DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 CEORET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 10 CCWD filed 10352/28 Mar 28, 194° LB 1332Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 4319, March 28, 1943. Dusk evening 27th forward patrols 2nd Armd Brig Z 0025, 1st Armd Div Z 0424. Enemy tanks reported withdrawn north of them. New Zealand Div captured G2 Dist. high ground Djebel Tebaga and clearing up area. Forty Action Info. tanks suddenly appeared area Y 8508 routed by 8th Armd MC / Brig evening 27th. Previously reported concentration STRONG hull koes tanks Y 9613 believed 15th Armd Div. Enemy KRONER at Mareth Line positions showing nervousness. From BRATTON Brereton Djebel Er Reintsit E 5186 reported still SIT. S occupied by onemy. Eighty of Pistoia Div surrendered CURR. \ when threatened only 3 shots fired, Heavy movement DI88. motor transport reported north and northwest March AIR' 26th from Squares 2 40 and 41 and exceptionally heavy E-A ⑇ same direction from El Hamma Z 03. Ground and air FE reports indicate partial enemy withdrawal Mareth Line NA suggested by fresh movements. Main enemy Mareth defensed still in position. Fourth Ligt Armd Brig mopping up COLL area in south. SPEC. GEOG. No 325 TRNG JSC BECLASSIFIED ACTION: G-2 EO E. O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) PS INFORMATION: OPD OSD letter, May, 3v. 1972 PER CC CG AAF By SLR Date FEB 71974 FIN. Log POW General Deane (CCS) REC. FL CIG CM-IN-15206 (28 Mar 43) 1426Z ems JIC ONI M.I.8.JOU 231943 WH COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED 19356 Sea 2.4 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WVNT 21 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1245Z/28 Mar 28, 1943 LB 13592 OPERATIONAL PRIORITY From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 5330, March 28, 1943. Tank runners 40th Tank Regt 1200 hrs GCT 27th reported as 21. 15th Armd Div moving towards Gabes area z 0815 March 27th 1200 hrs GCT. Indications entire 164th Div was on high ground Djebel Tebaga as right flank 21st. Div in plain. Special elements identified left flank 21st Div. 5th Indian Brig moving G2 Dist. Action info. towards Toujane and Teshine report rest of Itelian 21st Corps this area moving northwest. Anti tank fortifications MC < east of Mareth Line reported vacated. From Brereton 9th STRONG Air Force Bomber Command reports no operations March 27th. KRONER 12th, 79th no report yet received. Thirty nine planes of BRATTON 57th Group dropped 5,760 lbs of bombs during fighter 811 bomber and strafing operation, report 40 transport de- CURR stroyed and 25 damaged, 1 tank damaged four 88 MM Ack Ack D/W gun crews shot up, 2 truck loads of men killed and many AIR other, 3 pilots missing. Operations report not received E-A from RAF, FE NA No Sig LA COLL SPFC ACTION: OPD DECLASSIFIED GEOG TRNG INFORMATION: G-2 E. O. 11652, See 3(E) and 5(D) or (E) JSC CG AAF OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 FO By SLR Date FEB 7 1974 ye PER con CM-IN-15238 (28 Mar 43) 15132 ems MY POW REC FL. CIG U.L.8. JOURNAL NO.154 MAR 281943 по s CO ONI 1 SECRET COPY No. WH f THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joseh GEORET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER TQVC2 INCOMING MESSAGE WDCC Filed 27/1846Z March 28, 1943 son 0109Z URGENT From: Algiers To: War USFOR In reply cite: 9663 March 27, 1943 (AGWAR for WDGBI USFOR pass Troopers 18 Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Liaison Grp AFBQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 2 Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. 9663 undated nil) Off Algerian Coast three JU 88's enemy bomber recce of which one on weather flight two others active Algiers area, one at 0930z other 1400Z. From Sicily four ad- citional reported, one off eastern Tunisian coast one Gulf of Syrte. North of Dellys 2142z and chased to 30 miles northeast Cape Matifou during night one enemy recce which later again ongaged by fighters and chased off Cape Corbelin. Attacked shipping Algiers Harbour 1630Z at least six enemy bombers and circling torpedo bombers observed. Reported shot down in harbour two with one empty Allied ship struck. Returned probably to Sardinia after this operation. However landed in Majorca before attack on Algiers started was ORO, Landed Tunis morning 25 March between 80 and 1.00 German transport. Continuing slight and decreasing during day enemy air activity Southern Tonisia. While several small offensive sweeps southwest of El Hamma and in E1 Guettar and Mak-- naosey areas accomplished by enemy fighters, main activity was landing ground protection patrols over Gabes and Tebaga by German Italian fighters Encountered over target were 15 ME 109's FW 190's DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SX DATE FEB 7 1974 CM-IN-14967 (28 Mar 43) U.L.A. JOURNAL TOM 53 MAR 281943 26 SECRET COPY No. 310 Juch THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON March 27, 1943. MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT: TUNISIA: 1. New Zealand division has "reached its objective" 15 miles S.W. of El Harma. The British let Armored Division is also concentrated in this area, reinforcing the New Zealand column. 2. Division Headquarters and one infantry regiment of the 9th Division have been moved up to reinforce the 1st U.S. Division in the E1 Quettar region, 3. Cooperating with attack, 8th Army Western Desert Air Force caught large number of motor trânsport retreating northwards in concentrated bombing and straffing attacks whilst Northwest African Air Force assisted by pinning enemy air force to ground by heavy attacks on his landing grounds. Very respectfully, CHESTER HAMMOND, Lt. Colonel, General Staff. By Department U.S. By V. J. FEB 71974 GEORET DECLASSIFIED L.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MLR 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 11 WDCC Filed 27/1200E March 27, 1943 nws 13472 OPERATIONAL PRIORITY DECLASSIFIED E. 0. 11652, See. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) From: CAIRO OSD lotter, May, 3, 1972 To: AGWAR Date FEB 7 1974 By SLR In reply cites ANSME 5298 March 27, 1943 Battalion of Pistois Division reported identified Djebel Melab March 24th, 51st Division forward troops occupied area $ 6004, z 5904,25303. 7th Armed Division patrols con- tinue operations northwest and southwest Medenine. Evening 25th, 5th Ind Inf Brig reached Hallouf and leading troops 7th Ind Inf Brig area 54556 delayed by mines. Night 21st, Twenty-second Noval Gunboat bombarded Gabes. Later motor launches staging feint, landing north of Gabes, drew some machine gun fire. Additional small feint convoy mailed towards Gabes, not sighted by enemy. (from Brereton) Ninth Air Force Bomber Command reports no operations March 26th. 26 planes of 12th group dropped 57,025 pounds of bombs, 5,350 pounds of flares and fire bombs on Mareth area and PEN points. Claim 1 direct hit in target area, and fires in target area. 57th group reports no operations. 79th group reports 96 planes dropped 11,520 pounds of bombs during fighter bomber and straffing missions, No Sig ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD, CG AAF, General Deane (CCS). CM-IN-14630 (27 Mar 43) 1551Z ems SECRET COPY No. 51 310 Josh THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NI 101 #15t SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE JSFOR 3 WDCC Filed 27/18522 March 27, 1943 ICD 23172 URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR War In reply cite: 9656 March 27, 1943 Part two SITREP number 154 March 26. 1. Naval. (added USFOR rptd AGWAR Troopers 5th Army Mideast 18th Army Group Hq, Lisison Group AFHQ Malta Adv Northwest African Air Force for in- formation from G-3 Section AFHQ 9656 26 Mar) No reports. Signed Eisenhower. Cite FHGCT. Movements completed, Bq, Btry and 3rd Bn 213th CA AA Regt arrived Telergma from Casablanca. Novements commenced. 355th CA Bn Sep (AA) Search- light departed Oran for Telergma. no sig Action: OPD Information: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen. Deane (CC/S) Adm. King DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 CM-IN-14865 (28 Mar 43) 0026Z vc SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Toch SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE VNT 25 WDCC 'iled 27/15552 March 27, 1943 en 1701Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG KRONER From: Cairo BRATTON \ To: AGWAR SIT. CURR. In reply cite: 5307 March 27, 1943 DISS. AIR Units of 164th Div opposing New Zealanders E-A reported holding high ground area Y 6212. From FE Brereton British 1st Armd Div Southeast corner NA square Y 91 on 25th of March. LA COLL. SPEC. GEOG. TRNG JSC no sig EO FS PER. Action: OPD CC FIN. Information: G-2 POW CG AAF REC. FL DECLASSIFIED CIG JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 JIC BY SR . DATE FEB 71974 ONI WH CM-IN-14778 (27 Mar 43) 21352 vc 1.8. JOURNAL NO 31 7MAR27 1943 SECRET COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE VNT 31 WDCC iled 27/19172 March 27, 1943 en 2031Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG KRONER From: Cairo BRATTON To: AGWAR SIT. CURR. In reply cite: AMSME 5318 March 27, 1943 DISS. AIR E-A > Coastal sector 30th Corps reports little activity. 4th Inf Div reports good progress to- FE wards Toujane taking many Italians prisoners. NA 10th Corps launched attack afternoon 26th with LA COLL. 1st Armd Div, 2nd New Zealand Div, 8th Armd Brig, SPEC. L Force, and Fighting French Flying Column under GEOG. command. Operations reported proceeding according TRNG to plan. (From Brereton) Day 26th RAF reports three JSC formations bombers bombed enemy troops south of E1 EO Hamma followed by 20 squadrons fighter bombers FS bombing and strafing intensively same area two and PER. one half hours until 1700 hrs GCT claiming 80 mo- CC tor transport destroyed and 200 damaged. Concentra- FIN. tions enemy Inf also dispersed. Escort encountered POW one formation ME 109's claiming three damaged without REC. loss. Losses for day not yet known. Night 25/26 135 FL sorties by light medium and heavy bombers same area CIG caused many fires. ЛС BECLASSIFIED ONI WH E. O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 Action: OPD By SLR Date FEB 7 1974 no sig Information: G-2 CG AAF LOG CM-IN-14760 (27 Mar 43) 2119Z VC M. 1.8. JOURNAL NO 29 5MAR27 SHORIT 26 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 311 Tack DECI ASSIFIED #154 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 3 filed 28/0010Z INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 28, 1943 VH 0145z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR War In Reply Cite 0316 Mar 27, 1943 Active patrolling by 30 Corps during last night. (Number 0 316 dated 27 March to nil from 18 Army Group to Troopers Pass USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta personal for FM VIS Count Gor Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques Moulares 242 Group Bone area for SOIS Bq L of C 12 ASC NASAF tactical bomber group advance NAAF for Colonel MacDonald A 22 United States Corps 1st Armn. Part 1 SITREP number 154 for period ending 1800 hours 27 March. From AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1 continues. Section 1. 8th Army. South West El Hamma good progress has been' made but violent fighting continues. (A). 30 Corps. Patrols of 30 Crops report enemy still holds this position in the northern sector. The relief of 201 guards brigade by 151 BDE took place without incident. Four Indian Division after being delayed by mines enemy resistance continue to make good progress with 5th Indian BDE moving towards Teghine (Y) E 28 from the southeast and 7 Indian BDE in area (Y) E 26. (B). 10 Corps. Last night the concentration 1 Armored Division in area (T) Y 9912 was successfully accomplished and a thrust towards El Нашка was started in early hours of morning. By (1145) A hours 2 Armd BDE was 2 miles from El Hamma. Enemy tanks are reported to be withdrawing to east of the Wadi El Aertebs (T) Z 01. Further southwest in area yesterdays battle field mopping up operations by 2 New Zealand Division in face of stiff enemy resistance are in progress on B high ground Zemlet El Madjel (T) Y 90 and Djebel Tebaga. Section 2 south east Algeria. DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CM-IN-14994 (28 Mar 43) BY SR DATE FEB 7.1974 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 360 310 Toch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: INCOMING MESSAGE To: USFOR War in Reply Cite 0316 Mar 27, 1943 Follows in next SITREP. Section 3 2 Corps. 34 Infantry Division attacked eastwards at 1st light this morning and have reached area 10 miles southwest of Fondouk middle (0) 8317 after encountering slight opposition. NTR Tunsia in El Guettar and Maknassy area. (Rpd of Part 1. Cite FHGCT. Section 4 1st Army. Follows in next SITREP. Section 5. Air. Follows in next SITREP. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GEN. DEANE (CC/S) ADM. KING LOG CM-IN-14994 (28 Mar 43) 05052 cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 DECI ASSIFIED WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 5 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD filed 27/1838z 3/28/43 VH 0207z URGENT me From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite Y 7327 Mar 27, 1943 MARETH Unoccupied 2 6008 anti tank ditch' number of guns south of main road largely decreased and into position (second and last cipher part Freedom 9662) either side of road number of 88 MM guns have been placed. From Spezia Div Secto some northwesterly movement reported. Fowever 90 Light Div, pivoted whole defense line, ap- parently unmoved. Identifications. German by PSW. G2 Dist. Action Info. Area J 4239, 26 March 11 Coy 755 IR. Comment. Presumably in reserve areas for about 3 weeks this first contact MC identification since 5 March with 755 ea. West of STRONG Medjez night 25-26 March, by deserter, 10 Coy 757 (Mtn) KRONER Regt. Comment. Night 12-13 March northeast Oued Zarga BRATTON east identification 3rd Bn southwest E1* Sig. Four SIT. Div plus 2nd Btry Africa Arty Regt 1 reported. Italian CURR. 1st QN 66 IR (Triepte Div) Pisto Div area E 3374. DISS. General comment. Perhaps enemy has decided to retire AIR X from Mareth position suggested by. apparent weakening there E-A / plus reinforcement troops guarding southwestern approaches FE to Gabes by 15 PN Div 164 Light Div. To accomplish this NA enemy may endeavour maintain open corridor by strengthen- LA ing defense of all approaches from southwest and west. COLL If foregoing correct assumption perhaps on line. Djebel SPEC. Tebaga Fatnassa Z 05-Oued Akarit Z 25 main enemy body GROG. will attempt stand. prepared positions already dug, to TRNG certain extent, line indicated. parts 2 and 3 will JSC follows. EO No Sig PS *Being Serviced. PER DECLASSIFIED ce FIN. ACTION: G-2 BY JCS SR LETTER, 7-5-72 DATE POW FEB 7 1974 REC. INFORMATION: OPD FL, CG AAF JOURNAL MO. 87 MAR28 1943 CIG nc 8 CM-IN-15059 (28 cen ONI 26 COPY No. WH 310 Juck THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 80 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 1514Z/27th rch 27, 1943 efg 2335Z From: Algiers To: WAR - London USFOR Information In Reply Cite: 9571 March 27, 1943 It was officially announced last night (infor- mation AGWAR Washing USFOR bondon dvon Preedem 9571 27th March nil) 1 that General Catroux had arrived in Algiers and that he was immediately received by General Giraud, Information AGWAR Hull and Combined Chiefe of Staff USFOR British Chiefe of Staff and Amembassy Matthews signed Eisenhower cite PROIV Murphy. NAF 101. The announcement prominently published in the mornings local press together with a report of DeGaulles broad- cast from London stating that he would shortly proceed to North Africa and meet General Giraud, "A great soldier and a noble figure". No Sig. ACTION: CCS INFORMATION: OPD General Strong DECLASSIFIED Admiral King J.C.S. Regrading Memo 29-71 General Arnold By SR Log Date FEB 71974 CM-IN-15150 (28 Mar 43) 12572 ema CONFIDENTIAL COPY No. 12 310 Juch THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 #154 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVB 36 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 1346Z/27 Mar 27, 1943 LB 1535Z From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/310 P March 27, 1943. (( To (1) Troopers (pass USFOR) (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta - personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army rptd (8) Jacques Moulares (9) 242 Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) HQ L of c (12) 12 ABC (13) NASAF (14) Tectical Bomber Group (15) Adv NAAF (for Col MacDonald A 2 (16) 2nd US Corps (17) 1st Army. From. 18 Army Group number o 310, TOO 1030A/27.)) Part 1 SITREP No 154 for 24 hrs ending 2359 hrs 26 Mar. From AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1 continues. Section 1. 8th Army. Little activity on the Coastal Sector in 30 Corps front. Further to the south west 4 Inf Div made good progress towards the Toujane Area taking many Italian PW. In the area south west of El Hamma an attack was launched this afternoon by 10 corps with 1 Armd Div 2 NZ Div 8 Armd Bde L Force and Free French Flying Column under command. Excellent progress was made and operations are proceeding accord- ing to plan. WD Air Force carried out continuous and intensive bombing and strafing attacks on enemy forward troops and gun positions throughout the operation. (A) 30 Corps. Activity in the Coastal Sector last night and today was confined to patrol activity. 69 Bde relieved 131 Bde without incident. By 1100A hrs 5 Ind Bde forward troops had occupied CPH ground area. (K) E 4275 ( (Y) E 4275). Bde were somewhat held up by extensive minefield area (Y) E 4556. By 1615 A hrs 5 Ind Bde had reached area (8) E 3472. (B) 10 Corps. Last night 2 NZ Div captured commanding ground in area (T) Y 9306 - (T) Y 9305. At 1600 A hrs 2 NZ Div with 8 Armd Bde under DECLASSIFIED (CM-IN-14716 27 Mar 43) JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SEGRET COPY No.54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 310 Jarch DECLASSIFIED E o 12356. Sec 34 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/310, March 27, 1943. Page 2 command attacked north east astride the El HaMHa 9549-Z south of the Ajebel Tebaga. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-14716 (27 Mar 43) 1942Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR . DATE FEB 7 1974 GEORET* COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED I WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 5 CCWD filed 27/18382 Mar 28 du 02072 URGENT SUPPLEMENTARY CORRECTION From: Algiers To: War USFOR In Reply Cite: 9662 March 27, 1943 This is correction of garbled pertion of original sessage: --West of Medjez night 25-26 March, by deserter, 10 Coy 756 Ntn Regt. Comment. Night 12-13 March north- east Oued Zarga last identification 3rd Bn. Southwest El Hamma, desert flank, 104 Pgr, 155 RR (AR) and 5 PZ Regt all elements 21 Pz Div. Same general area all 3 Inf Regts 184 Div plus 2nd Btry Africa Arty Regt 1 reported. Italian. First Bn 66 IR (Trieste Div). Pistoia Div area E 3374. General comment. Perhaps enemy has decided to retire from Mareth position suggested by apparent weakening there. No Sig NOTE: Supplementary correction of CM-IN-15037 (28 Mar 43) G-2. ACTION: G-2 DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 INFORMATION: OPD BY, SR DATE FEB 71974 CG AAF General Deane (CCS) CM-IN-15220 (28 Mar 43) 1448Z ems COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 10 Joneh DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356. Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 #154 SECREP WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER TQV C 15 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 08102/27 Mar 27, 1943 LB 11152 URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/308, March 27, 1943. Number 154 for 24 hours ending 2359 hours 26 March. ((From 18 Army Group 0 308 to Troopers pass USFOR. AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta- Personal for FM Viscount Mideast 5th Aray rptd Jacques Moulares 242 Group Bone Area for SOIS HQ L of c 12 ABC NASAF Tectical Bomber Group Advance NAAF for Colonel McDonald A 22 US Corps 1st Army dated 27. TOO 0745. Part 1 SITREP)) From AFHQ signed CINC. Part 1 continues. Section 1. Eighth Army. Follows later. Section 2. South east Algeria. No change in situation. Night Fahtung French 25/28. Patrols reached Oglaj Mehanis and reported no movement seen on track Kebili - Biroum - ALL Our Camel Corps platoons advancing towards Douz. Section 3. Air. Cooperating with attack. 8th Army Western Desert Su map Air Force caught large number Mr retreating northwards in concentrated bombing and straffing attacks whilst Northwest African Air Force assisted by pinning enemy air force to ground by heavy attacks on his landing grounds.) Northwest African Air Force. Night 25/26 of bombers successfully attacked NT on roads Gales-Nfax area. Day 26. Escorted bombers made heavy attacks on 3 motor Tebega landing ground. Bombs burst across serodrome and on shelters and aircraft in open. Escort claim 1 ME 109 destroyed 1 probable and 2 damaged. Offensive transport recces made and MT attacked in forward areas. Spitfires covering returning bombers claim 2 ME 109 destroyed and 2 damaged. In northern sector patrols and offensive recces flown and fighters excorted bombers of NASAF to Crombalia. Enemy fighters active but reluctant to fight. Western Desert Air Force. Night 25/26. 155 Sorties made between dusk and dawn by heavy medium and light bombers against (CM-IN-14612 27 Mar 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED the E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0/308, March 27, 1943 Pago 3 enemy gathering in Eljgamta area. Day 26. For period of 2 1/2 hours bombers and fighter bombers bombed and straffed MT southwest of El Hamma. Enemy reported to be retreating towards noth. (End of part 1. (Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT) Many vehicles in flames. Dusty conditions prevailed. 3 ME 109. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King Log CM-IN-14612 (27 Mar 43) 1451Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED #154 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQV C 10 CCWD filed 27/nft Mar 27 VH 0927Z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR In Reply Cite SITREP 154 Mar 27, 1943 Ending 2359 hrs 26 Mar (number 0/3074307) too 270405 A to (1) Troopers Pass USFOR. (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta - personal for FM Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army repeat (8) Jacques Moulares (9) 242 Group (10) Bone area for Sois (11) Bq L of C (12) 12th ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Group (15) Adv NAAF for Col McConald A 2 (16) US Corps (17) 1st Armd. From 18 Army Group. Most These thous Divesion secret. Part 1 SITREP number 154 for 24 hrs) from AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 begins. Section 1. 8th Army. Follows later. Section 2. South east Algeria. Follows later. Section 3. 2 Corps. 1 Inf Div and 1 Armd Div in active contact with enemy, One Bn 39 Inf at Y 3677 9 Div CP at X 0583. Bru 27 Inf (-3Bn) 39 Inf 9th from is "gotsa moving Telessa in (-1 and 2 Bns) and 26 FA Bn all in vic Y 1280. Two Bn 39 vic X 9574. 34 FA Bn 805 TD Bn 894 TD Bn vic Sbeitla. Section 4 1st Army. (A) 19 Corps. Night 25/26 (A). Mathenet dilcm patrols to 08477 with contact. Day 26. Elvert Div. One and 8 half Bns SN (SP) with 15 tks rarr el out recce to Ousseltis 064 and thence to 07250. No details yet but all troops returned. (B). 2 VE Crops. to areat Three BDE. Night 25/26. Goums killed 6 enemy and took of 4 PW J 5814, Enemy activity J 6507. One Div. 24/25 Mar. t Patrols to Grich El Oued J 6438 and high ground south of Touksbeour J 5039 suffered some casualties. 46 Div. Suppor 26 Mar. Enemy mines lifted J 4037 and further minefield located J 2953. 78 Div. Bq at N 6989 and proportion Div Tps now in Corps reserve. Section 5. Air. Follows later. end of part one. Part 2 follows cite FOHCT. No Sig DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-14537 (27 Mar 43) JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET 54 COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECI ASSIFIED SECRET- WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 continued SITREP 154 March 27, 1943 ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN GENERAL DEANE (CC/S) ADMIRAL KING P CM-IN-14537 (27 Mar 43) 1153Z med DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 CEOPET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT, NARA, Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQVB 29 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCMD 27/1130z 3-27-43 mej INCOMING MESSAGE URGENT From: Algiers To: War - London USFOR In Reply Cite: Z6629, March 27, 1943 See (End of Part 1 my o 310 pass as requested in 1st section Part 1). By last night 2 NZ Div had gained all objectives and were estab- lished astride road in approx area((T) Y 9211). One Armd Div passed through NZ Div and is concentrating area (T) Y 9912. Bud of contin- ustion Part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN General Deane (CCS) Admiral King CM-IN-14613 (27 Mar< 43) 1453Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETJER 7-5-72 BY sr , DATE FEB 71974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT NARA Date 4/13/21 #153 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQVEB 35 INCOMING MESSAGE filed 09302/26 Mar 26, 1943 rlw 1452Z URGENT From: Algiers To: WAR In Reply Cite: 0297, March 26, 1943. (FM 18 Army Group to Troopers USFOR AGWAR Freedom Governor Malta (personal for Viscount Gort) Mideast 5th Army rptd Jacques Moulares 242 STBNJ SOIS Bone Hq L of C 12 ASC NASAF Tactical Bomber Group Adv NAAF (for Col McDonald AWL (2) US Corps 1st Army No 0297. Part 1 SITREP No 153 for 24 hours to 2359 hrs 25 Mar from AFHQ signed C in c)). Part 1 begins. 57 Div Section 1. 8th Army. (A). 30. Corps. 51 3 Z8 advanced last night occupied area Z6004 Z5904 Z5903. Patrols 7th Armd Div to North West and South West of Medenine. The advance of 4th Ind Div continued and good progress was made during the day. By evening Inf 5th Ind Bde had reached Hanllouf and leading Tps of 7th Ind Bde area Z 4556 where they were delayed by mines. (B). L Force. NTR. (C). 10. NTER. (QD). NZ Corps. Operations continued. Section 2. Southwest Algeria. Patrols night 24/25 Mar reached Spur west of Djebel Berda Adjebel Rouna and Point 680 Djebel Asker. Camel tps moved towards Sabria. Section 3. 2nd Corps. 1st Inf Div. During the morning 1 light attack by enemy was repulsed. Little enemy air activity over the Div. (1) Armd Div continuing attack on the pass T 8811. Much air activity over the Div. Section 4. 1st Army. (A). 19th Corps. Enemy patrol reached 07198 and 07199. Further advance stopped. Increased enemy activity observed DJ Mansour 079. (B). 5th Corps. 3rd Inf Bde. Contacted enemy batrol area J 6014. Believed 4 enemy killed 3 wounded. 3 PW taken. Own casualties 1 killed 4 wounded. 46th Div. 7th Italian PW taken in Dy Aboid Sector. 20th Corps all ranks of 1 commando landed unopposed at Yhun a Mar. 1st Div DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-14152 (26 Mar 43) JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT From: Algiers CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTERPage 2 To: War In Reply INCOMING 2MESSAGE took over command Medje Z Sector from 78th Div at 1200 hrs 25 Mar. Hq 78th Div closed Tedtour 1200 hrs and reopened same time at N 6989. Section 5. Air. Follows later. End of part 1. Part 2 follows cite FGHT. No Sig * Being serviced. WDCC ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: CCS G-2 CG AAF CGGN ADM. KING LOG CM-IN-14152 (26 Mar 43) 20372 cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 1974 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 54 WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVC 39 CCWD Filed 26/16472 March 26 AR 2026Z From: Algiers To: WAR (action) USFOR (information) No. 9360 In reply cite: No. BOC273, March 26, 1943 Initial stages and planning of operation of civilian relief in Tunisia by Tunisian Detachment is a military responsibility (action AGWAR Combined Boards information USFOR British Chiefs of Staff signed Eisenhower cite FHAEB Murphy, BOC 273.) It is being directed by the Civil Affairs Section of this HQ. The North African Economic Board is included in that section as is the representative of OFRRO. These agencies act jointly in the Tunisian operation. No Sig ACTION: CCS INFORMATION: OPD G-2 (Col Sands) ASF CAD DECLASSIFIED JCS memo, 1-4-74 By RHP, NLR, Date MAY 23 1974 CM-1N-14509 (27 Mar 43) 1056Z mcs COPY N18 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 Date #153 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQV B29 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD Filed 01352/26 March 26, 1943 rlw INCOMING MESSAGE CORRECTED COPY URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE From: Algiers FEB 7 1974 To: War In Reply Cite: 0298, March 26, 1943 Tendency of enemy to disperse from 18th Army Group number 0298 to 1st Troopers pass USFOR (2) USFOR (3) AGWAR (4) Freedom (5) Governor Malta personal for F M Viscount Gort (6) Mideast (7) 5th Army (8) Rptd Jacques Moulares (9) 242nd Group (10) Bone Area for SOIS (11) Hq L of C (12) 12th ASC (13) NASAF (14) Tactical Bomber Group (15) Adv NAAF for Col McDonald A 2 (16) 2nd US Corps (17) 1st Army. Part 1 SITREP number 153 for 24 hours ending 2359 hrs 25 Mar. From AFHQ signed C in C. Part 1 continues. Section 5.) Resulted in fewer bomber operations in South West Tunisia but attacks on enemy landing grounds continued on reduced scale. Western desert day bomber operations also reduced but fighter activity continued on heavy scale. (A). Western Desert Air Forces. Night 24/25. Bombers attacked positions South West OK El Hamma throughout night. Day 25. Es- corted bombers attacked railway june West of Sfax. Ground straffing by fighters throughout day. Total tanks now destroyed by tank busters 23. 18 ME 210's intercepted. Jettisoned bombs on own troops. 1 Ju 1 ME 210 destroyed. (B). Tunisian Air Force. Night 24/25 Bisleys attacked Tebegan landing ground with good results and M/T on roads between Sousse Sfar Fondouk and Faid. Day 25. Sweeps and offensive recces were flown in northern sector. Increased CM-IN-14243 (27 Mar SECRET COPY No.54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: INCOMING MESSAGE 2. To : In Reply Cite: 0298, March 26, 1943 enemy air activity apparent including appearance of Italian Fighters. One ME 109 destroyed 1 ME 202 probably destroyed and 2 ME 109's damaged. In southern sector fighter sweeps and offensive Recce continued over enemy landing grounds. Hurri- bombers attacked M/T east of Guettar destroying several. Fighters ground straffed personnel and M T in same area and escorted bombers in attack on Tebega north Lis G (L/G). On BFM 100 (190) des- troyed in combat. End of part 1. Part 2 follows. Cite FHGCT. No Sig. Corrected copy of CM-IN-14046 (26 Mar 43) OPD ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2 CG AAF CGGN Gen Deane (CC/S) Admiral King CM-IN-14243 (27 Mar 43) 0001Z bjm DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECTION COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN #153 153 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQV C 44 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WDCC 261847Z March 26, 1943 CE INCOMING MESSAGE 2136Z URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR London (Action) WAR (Informational) In Reply Cite: 9416, March 26, 1943 March 25, (action USFOR information AGWAR Troop- ers 5th Army Mideast 18th Army Group Hq Liaison Group AFHQ Malta from G-3 section AFHQ 9416 26 March. Nil. Sitrep number 153, part 2) signed Eisenhower, cite FHGCT. Naval. During the night 21-22 March a naval gun- boat bombarded Gabes. The same night motor launches staged a feint landing north of Gabes and drew some fire, In addition a small feint convoy was sailed towards Gabes but was not sighted by the enemy. Movements completed. 65 Armd Arty Bn arrived Tebessa from Casablanca completing move of 5th Armd Arty Gp to under command 2 Corps. 354th Ca Bn Sep AA searchlight arrived Telergma from Oran. Action USFOR, added AGWAR, Troopers, 5th Army, Mideast, 18th Army Group Hq, Liaison Group AFHQ, Malta for information. No Sig ACTION: OPD DECLASSIFIED INFORMATION: G-2 JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 CG AAF BY sr . DATE CGGN FEB 7 1974 General Deane (CCS) Admiral King Log CM-IN-14208 (26 Mar 43) 2246Z ems COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN I WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE WVNT 32 WDCC Filed 26/1747Z March 26, 1943 een 2009Z OPERATIONAL PRIORITY RECLASSIFIED G2 Dist. Action Info. E. O. 11652, Sec. S(I) end 5(D) or (E) OSD letter, May, 1, 1972 MC From: Cairo STRONG By SLR To: AGWAR Date FED 71974 KRONER BRATTON 5 In reply cite: AMSME 5295 March 26, 1943 SIT. CURR. Latest dispositions Southerstern Tunisia: DISS. March 21st, 8th Army main Bq E 7292, 30th Corps Hq K 71W7, 10th Corps E 7683 7th Armd Div E 7291, 22nd Armd Brig FE E-A ) E 6991, 131st Not Inf Brig E 6796, 4th Lt Armd Brig E 6858, 1st Armd Div E 7586, 2nd Armd Brig E 7285, NA 7th Lorried Inf E 6586. March 24th, 69th Brig z 8802, LA 151st Brig E 8896, 154th Brig z 6709, 153rd Brig z 66050LL SPFC. 152nd Brig Z 6801. March 25th, Hq 50th Diy z 8002, 4th Inf Div proceeding toward Toujane from Kreddache GROG. in two columns, Djebel El Reintjia area E 5286 re- TRNG ported still occupied by enemy. (From Brereton) Nor- JSC ED thern Sector Mareth Line reported held by Italians FS only. 15th Armd Div Bq dusk 25th area & 2219 on way PER to assist 21st Div result belief British Armor join- cc ing New Zealand Corps. FIN. POW REC. FL 4th lud beached Haalouf CIG JIC X 4136 no sig ONI " WH 5.5 ACTION: G-2 INFORMATION: OPD FF w Benda CG AAF 680 asker M.I.8. JOURNAL NO 28 5 MAR 26 1943 CM-IN-14186 (26 Mar 43) 2139Z cen COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT WVNT 34 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER CCWD Filed 1900Z/26 March 26, 1943 rlw INCOMING MESSAGE RECLASSIFIED E. O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (E) OPERATIONAL PRIORITY OSD letter, May, 3, 1972 By SLR Date FEB 7 1974 DECLASSIFIED From: Cairo To: AGWAR In Reply Cite: AMSME 5294, March 26, 1943 Midnight 23rd 154th Inf Brig Z 6210 vice 69th Inf Brig Z 90 with 151st Brig area Bou Chrara. One Thirty First Brig 201st Guards Brig and 4th Lt Armd Brig under command 7th Armd Div patrolling front northwest to south of Medenine in contact with enemy. Fourth Inf Div consisting Div Troops 5th and 7th Inf Brigs moving towards Kreddache. From Brereton. Action against enemy positions southwest E1 Hamma continue. No change on patrol lines. Eighth Armd Brig advanced about 2 miles on 24th, forward troops approx NO 9009. L Force now area Zemlet El Madjel Y 9703 with Kings Dragoon Guard patrols southeastern flank. From Mannerini Group 72 officers 2,066 men captured, 57 guns and 40 HMG taken or destroyed. Twenty seven officers 632 men captured Mareth area. Young Fascists replaced 115th PGR of 15th PZ Div and 200th PGR of 90th Lt Div which have reverted to div formations after counter attack dur night 24-25 Light Medium and Heavy bombers attacked enemy in New Zealand Sector. Targets good and several large fires started. Day 25th RAF bombers bombed Raizwis Junction west of Sfax. Bombers attacked success- fully north landing ground Djebel Tabaga. Hurricane tank dusters attacked 20 tanks claim direct hits on 9. Fighters destroyed 1 ME 210 south of El Hamma and shot up enemy camps and motor transport Sfax and Oudref areas. Fighters further claim 3 NC 202's 1 ME 109 destroyed 1 JU 88 3 ME 109's damaged. Three pilots missing. Bombers destroyed 1 ME 109. (CM-IN-14219 26 Mar 43) SECRET COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECRET> WAR DEPARTMENT From: Cairo CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page 2 To: In Repl INCOMING. MESSAGE From Brereton 9th Air Force Bomber Command reports no operations 25th. Fifteen planes of 12th Group dropped 45,450 lbs of bombs from 10 to 1100 feet on Mareth area. Fires observed. Fifty Seventh Group reports no operations. Seventy Ninth Group reports 22 sorties claim 2 Italian tanks hit. Delayed report 178th Squadron RAF 6 planes dropped 47,000 lbs of bombs from 12 to 15,500 feet on Messina observing burst at pin points in vicinity of Ferry. No Sig Gt Dist. Action Info. ACTION: G-2 MC > STRONG INFORMATION: OPD KRONER CG AAF BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR E-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GEOG. TRNG JSC EO FS DECLASSIFIED PER E. O. 11652, Sec. S(E) and 5(D) or (H) CC FIN. OSD letter, May. 1, 1972 FEB 7 1974 POW By SLR Date REC. FL CIG no CM-IN-14219 (26 Mar 43) 2320Z ems ONI WH MA&JOURNAL NO 18 MAR 271943 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 26 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT YQV B 95 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER WDCC 261900Z CE INCOMING MESSAGE 97, 0020Z 1943 URGENT From: Algiers To: USFOR (Action) WAR (Informational) In Reply Cite: #9409, March 26, 1943 No gain by attack 1200Z 25 March. (To AGWAR USFOR information 18th Army Group Advance NAAF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Advance Liaison Group AFHQ 5 Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 9409 undated nil.) Signs point 49 Engineer Bn 10 OMC Bn with elements 10 Pz Div (mentioned G-2 report 136 March 24) now operating. Suggesting remnants Centauro Divn south of Road Oued Hadfayd Area Y 35 are concentrations there. Southern Tunisia. Southeast of El Hamma 21 Pd Div still operating. Probably moving from Zarat to northwest of Djebel Melab tactical recce suggests 15 Pz Div. AGWAR for WDGBI pass Troopers 18 Army Group pass 1st Army and 2nd Corps Adv NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5th Army pass 1st Armd Corps and 6th Corps from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Identifi- cations German. Apparently normal but unconfirmed 7 Coy Hermann Goring Gr 25 Mar at J 5914. Area Fonndouk Eluokbi 0 81 by PW Marsch Bn 27 March 19. Comment. Opin Area Si Nasr Filsh T 99 with detached Coy near Djebel Ouselat o 73 this unit formally. Maknassy Area 24-25 March by PSW 1st Bn 69 Pgr and 1st Bn 86 Pgr and Kastah Ob. Southwest of Djebel Hamme by PW 104 Pgr (21 Pz Div). Italian. Djebel Mansour Area 0 79, 24 DECLASSIFIED CM-IN-14285 (27 Mar 43) JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 JOURNAL NO 17MAR271943 COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT Algiers CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page II USFOR #9409 WAR INCOMING MESSAGE March by deserters 3rd Bn 92 RI. Normal. General comment. To accomplish following indicated by dis- position enemy forces: TO block allied push from Makhassy toward coast. To reconstitute defensive line east of E1 Guettar. To counter, by concentration Armd elements, threat from southwest between Matmata- Tebaga Mtns. For this practically all mobile reserves from north withdrawn and defense main Mareth position left to static forces, Italian, supported by 90 light div with in reserve 2 further German Bns. Parts 2 and 3 will follow, G2 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG No Sig KRONER BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR E-A FE NA LA COLL SPFC. GROG. TRNG ACTION: G-2 ISC EO INFORMATION: OPD FS CG AAF PER ce FIN POW REC. CM-IN-14285 (27 Mar 43) 0229Z cen FL CIG DECLASSIFIED no JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 ONI WH JOURNAL NO 47MAR271943 COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C43 Filed 26/1829Z INCOMING MESSAGE 1943 esf 2132Z URGENT From: Algiers To : War - USFOR London In Reply Cite: 9408, March 26, 1943 Off Algerian coast 3 enemy bomber recce (action AGWAR USFOR information 18 Army Group ADV NAAF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Advance Liaison Group AFHQ 5th Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 9408, 26th Mar. nil.) of which 1 shortly after noon contacted north of Oran last eastbound convoy while 2nd performed weather flight morning to Algiers and 3rd, afternoon, active as far as Oran. During night 2 additional shadowed convoy off Cape Tenez until dawn 26th March. Engaged a recce central Mediterranean several from Sicily also. Near convoy west of Algiers and also north same about 14 enemy bombers between 0400 and 0600Z 26th March, torpedood 06002 merchant vessel by either submarine or aircraft. Over 100 JU 52's plus number 6 engined aircraft 24th March performed transport from Naples Sicily and Reggio to Tunis. G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 25th March. Reduced in size mainly offensive sweeps, patrols and bombing raids battle area southwest El Hamma enemy air acti- vity Southern Tunisia. Intercepted by ours afternoon same area Maetour 210's escorted by ME 109's. Small in number not pressing attacks other patrols. Through- out day participated in by Italian were interception patrols Mareth-Gabes-Tetaga area. Afternoon Maknassy area sweeps by ME 109's and FW 190's. Over Sousse 1330Z encountered by our bombers fighters were 12 to 15 ME 109's and FW 190's. Over Souc El Area morning offensive sweep.by 10 enemy fighters. Ours on offen- DECLASSIFIED BY JCS SR LETTER. 7-5-72 CM-IN-14261 (27 Mar 43) DATE FEB 1974 SECRET COPY Noze THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To : War - USFOR London In Reply Cite: 9408, Mer 26, 1943 sive sweep Mateur-Sedjenane area of which 3 destroy- ed probably, encountered German fighters on defen- sive patrol over Tunis Bizerta at least 20. Foregoing part 2 Air (AGWAR for WDGBI USFOR pass troopers 18 Army Group pass 1 Army and 2 Corps ADV NAAF pass EAC and 12th AF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Adv Ln Grp AFHQ 5 Army pass 1 Armd Corps and 6 Corps from G-2 Free- dom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Part 3 Naval. Nothing to report. 02 Dist. Action Info. MC STRONG No Sig. KRONER BRATTON s SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR E-A > FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GEOG. TRNG JSC EO FS ACTION: G-2 PER CC INFORMATION: OPD FIN. CG AAF POW REC. FL CIG CM-IN-14261 (27 Mar 43) 01067 cen JIC ONI WH DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 M.I.B. #OURNAL NO 31 MAR 27 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 MI 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV C 53 WDCC 2618332 INCOMING MESSAGE 27, 1943 CE 0110Z URGENT DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 From: Algiers To: USFOR (Action) WAR (Information) In Reply Cite: #9409, March 26, 1943 Unsuccessful early 25. March was attempted raid our positions Djebel Abiod. (To AGWAR USFOR nformation 18 Army Group Advance NAAF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Advance Liaison Group AFHQ 5 Army from G-2 Freedom signed Eisen- hower 9409 undated nill Rest of northern sector nothing to report. With patrols encountered at 0 7198 and o 7199, observed Djebel Mansour Area o 79 more enemy activity. Ousseltia Valley quiet. Foregoing Northern Tunisia G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 25 March, Central Tunisia. Composed of inf same Italian tanks morning Maknassy Sector small attack from north believed in Meheri Zebbeus Area T 71. From elements Centauro believed tanks probably detached from Div main body (G-2 report 137 March 25). Driven back with one tank in flames this attack Pd observed Mezzouna-Maknassy Road with no attack, 10 tanks probably German. With purpose blocking exit from Maknassy to east information from PSW other sources suggest Ad Hoc battle group mixed German Italian troops placed this area. Following units compose this force. German. Kasta 08 580 Recce Unit 501 Heavy Tank Bn First Bn 86 PGR First Bn 69 PGR elements AR 929 Marsch Bn. Italian. Elements 31 Tank Regt 5 Blackshirt Bn unspecified Ber- saglieri and MG Units. Already general area were Kasta 0B 580 Recce Unit probably 29 Marsch Bn Italian units in 50 Bde. From north have arrived, apart from elements MURNAL NO 45 MAR 22 1943 CM-IN-14297 (27 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SEGRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER From: Algiers Page II To: WAR INCOMING MESSAGE #9409 of Centauro all other units. Occupied now Maknassy- E1 Guetter Sectors almost all of 10 Pz Div thought remnant from northern sector (G-2 report 137 March 25) with nothing heard are 2nd Bn 754 IR and 2nd Bn 756 Mtn Regt. (First cipher part second and last follows). At 2100Z E1 Guettar Sector enemy attack 24 March (G-2 report 137 March 20 failed. No Sig Of Did. Action Info. MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON SIT. X CURR. DISS. AIR B-A FE NA LA COLL SPEC. GEOG. TRNG JSC ACTION: G-2 EO FS INFORMATION: OPD PER CG AAF CC FIN. POW REC. CM-IN-14297 (27 Mar 43) 0313Z cen FL CIG no DECLASSIFIED ONI WH BY JCS LETTER, SR 7-5-72 DATE FEB 71974 M.I.8. JOURNAL NO 4 5 MAR 271943 COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE March 26, 1943 From: G-2 Freedom Signed Eisenhower To: Agwar Usfor Rptd. 18 Army Group - NAAF - MBS - ABF - MALTA - MIDEAST - ADVANCE LIAISON GROUP - AFHQF - 5 ARMY Number 9166 No reports enemy ground operations. His reaction to out deep patrolling slight. Apparently related to troop movements reinforcements noted central Tunisia is evidence from PSW that reliefs have occurred and perhaps altogether withdrawn certain units in FREBEL ABIOD Sector. Free of Enemy TOUKABEUR Sector LEA SIDI NACEUR Jig 5437 and SIDIMDAKRINE Jig 5237. OUSSELTIA Valley region quiet. No enemy patrolling reported. Foregoing Northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2report for 24 hours ending 2400 Z 24 March. Central Tunisia. Observed by air recce over 200 vehicles with 6 mile length southbound from FONDOSK OBOE 81 to Sidi Naceur Allah T 99. Considered reinforcements to MAKNASSEY-Lepdd Ouna Area T 70-U 00 late afternoon activity Faid Area, perhaps REL? ED* same column. High ground East of MAKNASSEY enemy resistance persists. SEHB daytime MEHERI ZEBBEUS T 71 about 10 probably Italian tanks. Afternoon moving on road MEZZOUNA-MAKNASSEY further 20 German tanks. Thought moving southward these, perhaps from 501 heavy tank to which unit believed have participated action HADJEB EL AIOUN. (See G 2 report 136 March 24). Claimed destroyed by our ground forces 4 medium tanks with 2 additional damaged. During day on DJEBEL BERDA YOKE 23 ELTLUETTAR Sector small enemy Inf attacks. Seen same locality but without action day time total of about 40 AFVs. DECLASSIFIED *Missing group. JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 CM-IN-14023 (26 Mar 43) COPY No. 51 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 9ECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE No. 9166 Page 2 Mar 26 1943 On road at YOKE 6577 moving northwest 1700 perhaps 150 MT. Detected. Later west direction EL AYACHA YOKE 5174 this column turned. Early recommencement defense DJEBEL and Sector Yoke 37 shown by ground indications. With nothing specifically known launched at 200 Z strong enemy attacked reported. Representing chiefly remains Centauro sector north of DJEBEL SIF EL LAHAM YOKE 45 enemy tanks Inf reported. 15 immobile enemy tanks claimed observed. Part two follows. Action: G-2 Information: OPD CG AAF Gen Deane (CC/S) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 CM-IN-14023 (26 Mar 43) 1657Z law 51 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN ACCIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV B 35 INCOMING MESSAGE CCWD 09302/26th March 26, 1943 efg 1452Z URGENT SUPPLEMENTARY COPY From: Algiers To: AGWAR - London USFOR In Reply Cite: 0297 March 26, 1943 The following is omitted portion of the above message. Three PW taken. Own casualties 1 killed 4 wounded. 46 Div. 7 Italian PW taken in Dy Aboid Sector. 20 Corps all ranks of 1 Cammando landed unopposed at J 0986 night 24/25 March. One Div. took over command Medje Z Zector from 78 Div at 1200 Hrs 25 March. WDCC NOTE: Supplementary copy of CM-IN-14152 (26 Mar 43) OPD. ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: G-2, CG AAF, CGGN, General Deane (CCS), Admiral King. CM-IN-14639 (27 Mar 43) 1629Z ems DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 BY SR a DATE FEB 7 1974 GEORET COPY No. 54 310 310 Jorch THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SEGRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE March 26, 1943 From: G-3 Section AFHQ my To: War Office (Pass to HM Ambassador Madrid for US) No. 9419 March 26, 1943 Summary of operations 22 to 24 March. Linrep 32. 1. Eighth Army. In the Mareth Area. A strong counter attack during the afternoon 22 March. The attacks continued throughout the night. When it became apparent that most of our bridgehead positions had been penetrated the majority of our troops were withdrawn East of Wadi Zigzaou. Fighting con- tinued throughout 23 March. On the night of 23/24 March the remainder of our troops were withdrawn across the Wadi. 24 March was a quiet day in this sector. On the New Zealand front South West of El Hamma fierce fighting continued through- out 22 and 23 March. On 24 March our armored Forces advanced about 2 miles. Patrols have reached the foothills of the Djebel Tebaga range. 2. Two Corps. On 22 March U S Infantry Forces conso- lidated their positions East and South East of El Guettar and US Armored Troops attacked and occupied the high ground 6 miles East of Maknassey. On 23 March the enemy launched 2 attacks with Armor and Infantry from the South East against our Forces East of El Guettar. The first attack was held during the morning after some slight penetration of our lines and 1C enemy tanks were destroyed. The second attack during the evening was also stopped but was preceded by intensive dive bombing which caused considerable material damage to our forces. Fighting continues in the area East of Maknassey. During evening 24 March the enemy again attacked our positions South East of Elguettar. 3. Results of operations in South Tunisia. The com- bined pressure of the attacks of Eighth Army and the eastward (thrust?) Mec of the American Forces from Gafsa have forced the enemy to comit a great part of his reserves. The enemy's CM-IN-14797 (3-27-43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 FEB 26 BY SR DATE 7 1974 SECRET COPY No. 310 Juch THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page 2 March 26, 1943 Western flank now (?) on the last possible defensive line } on which he can block our approach to his communications from the North to the Mareth line. 4. Naval. Two of our submarines have returned from successful patrols. One Submarine sank 5,000 ton enemy merchant vessel and probably hit 2 more ships with torpedoes. Another submarine sank an enemy cased petrol ship off Palermo. During the night 21/22 March a Naval gunboat bombarded Gabes. The same light motor launches stages a feint landing North of Gabes and drew some fire. In addition & small feint convoy Action was sailed towards Gabes but was not sighted by the enemy. G2 Diet. Info. During night 22/23 March motor torpedo boats operating from Bone located 4 enemy vessels. Believed Siebel Ferries. MC STRONG Estimated ship hit by torpedo and 1 probably damaged by KRONER gunfire. Personnel convoy arrived Algiers with the loss of BRATTON one ship. SIT. Air. The air offensive of both the Tunisian Air Forces CURR. DISS. and the Western Desert Air Forces in support of our land AIR Forces has been maintained in strength both day and night E-A throughout the period tank buster squadrons of the Western FE Desert Air Forces have had considerable success. Enemy land- NA ing grounds near Gabes were attacked on many occasions, LA Palermo, Bizerta and Ferryville were heavily bombed and enemy COLL. shipping between Tunisia and Sicily has also attacked with SPEC. success. Subsequent photographs show that the raids on GEOG. Palermo and Ferryville caused very extensive material damage. TRNG JSC 6. Political. Jules Abadie appointed secretary of EO Interior to replace Rigault. Couve De Murville has replaced FS Bergeret as Secretary General. Both men capable and from PER. our point of view desirable. The shortage of top grade loyal CC personnel, 80 apparent in weeks following landing, is gradually FIN. being supplied by arrivals, largely from France, although not POW adequate to fill the demands. General Giraud is improving the REC. character and efficiency of the Government and further con- FL structive changes are expected. CIG JIC ACTION: OPD DECLASSIFIED ONI JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 WH INFORMATION: G-2 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 CGAAF LOG CM-IN-14797 (27 Mar 43) 2206Z MAR 28 1943 26 SECRET COPY No. THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE DEPARTMENT OF STATE THE SECRETARY March 27, 1943 Telegram No. 455 Dated: March 26, 1943 From: Tangier Rec'd: March 26, 8:45p.m. whi Following message has been sent to both Algiers and Casablanca and for attention of General Clark. On March 24 the French Consul stated that the French naval units in Casablanca currently maintained radio communication with Vichy. He apparently referred to Admiral Michelier. He made this statement in my presence and that of the Netherlands Consul. The French Consul did not give other details but made his statement most earnestly and remarked that we should know about this. CHILDS American Charge d'Affaires ad interim Action: G-2 Information: OPD DECLASSIFIED CG AAF State Dept. Lotter, 1-11-72 LOG FEB 7 1974 By R. H. Parks Date SI CM-1N-15368 (28 March 43) 2031Z as 9.1.8. JOURNAL NO.25 5 MAR 28 1943 SECRET COPY No. 25 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Joch DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 By RT. NARA. Date 4/13/94 SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV c 6 INCOMING MESSAGE Filed 261849Z March 27, 1943 eva 0327Z From: Algiers To: War - USFOR In Reply Cite: 9419, March 26, 1943 Twenty two to 24 March. (Action Troopers information rptd USFOR, Mideast, Britmae Washington, Armindia Delhi, Paic, Landforces Melbourne, Dechiefs Pretoria, Dechiefs Capetown. Force Nairobi from G-3 section AFHQ 9419 26th March Nil. Summary of operations) Linrep 32. 1. 8th Army. In the Mareth Area thorgde fy singled a strong counter attack during the afternoon 22 March but the attacks continued throughout the night nd when it became apparent that most of our bridgehead positions had been penetrated the majority of our troops were withdrawn east of Wadi Zigzaou. Fighting continued throughout 23 March nd on night of 23/24 March the remainder of our troops were withdrawn across the Wadi. 24 March was a quiet day in this sector. On the New Zealand front south west of E1 Hamma fierce fighting continued throughout 22 and 23 March. On 24 March our armored forces advanced about 2 miles. Patrols have reached the foot hills of the Djgke Yebaga range (Signed Eisenhower cite FHGCT. Action Troopers Pass to HM Ambassador Madrid for US Ambassador Madrid, Resident Minister Aghimota, Britmilat Ankara WBEJSLDOJ L Chakmak Defender Wellington for Yuttick. 2. 2nd Corps. 22 March US Infantry Forces consoli- dated their positions east and south east of E1 Guettar and US Armored Forces attacked and occupied the high ground 6 miles east of Maknassy. On 23 March the enemy launched 2 attacks with armor and Infantry from the CM-IN-14981 (28 Mar 43) DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN 310 Jorch DECLASSIFIED E.O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 better are WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE Page two: From: Algiers To: WAR - USFOR In Reply Cite: 9419, March 26, 1943 the south east against our Forces east of El Guettar. The first attack was held during the morning after some slight penetration of our lines and 10 enemy tanks were destroyed. The second attack during the evening was also stopped but was preceded by intensive dive boming which caused considerable material damage to our forces. Fighting continues in the area east of Maknassy. (Part two following. ). During evening 24 March the enemy again attacked our positions south east of E1 Guettar. 3. Results of operations in south Tunisia. The combined pressure of the attacks of 8th Army and the eastward advances of the American Forces from Gafsa have forced the enemy to commit a great part of his reserves. No Sig ACTION: OPD INFORMATION: CCS G-2 CG AAF CGGN ADM. KING CM-IN-14981 (28 Mar 43) 04302 cen DECLASSIFIED JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BYSR DATE FEB 7 1974 SECRET COPY No. 54 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER YQV c 42 CCWD 25/1802Z alt INCOMING MESSAGE 3-25-43 2255Z URGENT DECLASE D JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 From: Algiers BY SR DATE FEB 7 1974 To: WAR-USFOR In reply cite: 9166, March 25, 1943 No reports enemy ground operations. (AGWAR USFOR rptd 18 Army Group NAAF MBS ABS Malta Mideast Advance Liaison Group AFHQ 5 Army from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower 9166 undated nil). His reaction to our deep patrolling slight. Apparently related to troop movements reinforcements noted Central Tunisia is evidence from PSW that reliefs have occured and per- haps altogether withdrawn certain units in Djebel Abiod sector. Free of enemy Toukab Ur sector Lea Sidi Naceur J 5437 and Sidimdakrine J 5237. Ousseltia Valley region quiet. No enemy patrolling reported. Foregoing Northern Tunisia part 1 land G-2 report for 24 hours ending 2400Z 24 March. Central Tunisia. Ob- served by air recce over 200 CP vehicles with 6 mile length southbound from Fondouk 0 81 to Sidi Naceur Allah T 99. Considered reinforcements to Maknassey- Mepdd Ouna Area T 70-U 00 late afternoon activity Faid area, perhaps rel oph same column. High ground east of Maknassey enemy resistance persists. Seen daytime Meheri Zebbeus T 71 about 10 probably Italian tanks. Afternoon moving on road Mezzouna-Maknassey further 20 German tanks. Thought moving southwards these, per- haps from 501 heavy tank TK which unit believed to have participated action Hadjeb El Aioun. (See G-2 report 136 March 24). Claimed destroyed by our ground forces 4 medium tanks with 2 additional damaged. Dur- ing day on Djebel Berda Y 23 El Guettar sector small enemy Inf attacks. Seen same locality but without action daytime total of about 40 AFVS. On road at Y 6577 moving northwest 1700 z perhaps 150 MT detect- ed. Later west direction E1 Ayacha Y 5174 this column turned. Early recommencement offense Diebel Ank sector Y 37 shown by ground indications. With CM-IN-13735 (26 Mar 43 JOURNAL NO. 29 MAR 26 1943 COPY No.28 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY, OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER Page 2. INCOMING MESSAGE From: Algiers To: WAR - USFOR In reply cite: 9166, March 25, 1943 nothing specifically known launched at 2100Z strong enemy attacked reported. Representing chiefly re- mains Centauro sector north of Djebel Sif Il Laham Y 45 enemy tanks Inf reported. 15 immobile enemy tanks claimed observed (*) action. NO. Sig G2 Dist. Action Info. (*) Omission being serviced. MC STRONG KRONER BRATTON SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR E-A FE NA LA COLL. SPEC. GEOG TRNG JSC ACTION: G-2 FO FS INFORMATION: OPD PF4 CGAAF CC FIN CM-IN-13735 (26 Mar 43) 0253Z mew POW REC. FL CIG DECLASSIFIED JIC JCS LETTER, 7-5-72 ONI BY SR . DATE FEB 7 1974 WH s M.L.S. JOURNAL NO. 29 MAR 26 1943 COPY N2.5 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER INCOMING MESSAGE YQVB 110 CCWD filed 19222/25 March 26, 1943 fb 0032 z URGENT my DECLASSIFIED JCS DATE FEB 7 1974 BY SR From: Algiers To: WAR-USFOR London In Reply Cite: 9166 March 25, 1943 Twenty three March of which destroyed by Sappers 6. (9166 undated nil most secret.) Positions Djebel Bou Jerra 7 15 and Djebel El Asker Y 14 still occupied by enemy. Southern Tunisia. Increasing Elshamma-Djebel Melab sector enemy resist- ance. Here by rechecked figures from Mannerini group 72 officers 2066 men captured, Taken or de- stroyed also 47 guns 40 heavy machine guns. Mareth Line Oued Zigzaou sector first positions reoccupied by enemy. Gone back to formations elements 15 PZ Div (115 PGR) and 90 Light Div (200 PGR) which en- gaged in counter attack. By units Young Fascists Div these replaced. Recheck shows 27 officers 632 men taken this front. AGWAR for WDGBI USFOR pass Troopers 18 Army Group pass One Army and 2 Corps NAAF pass EAC and 12th Air Force MBS ABS Malta Mid- east Adv Ln Group AFHQ 5 Army pass One Armed Corps and 6 Corps from G 2 Freedom signed Eisenhower cite FHGBI. Identifications. German. By PSW north of Debelaboid T 3 Bn. Comment. Returned to line to replace Mtn Inf Bn PSW therefore stated this unit (G 2 report 135 March 23) perhaps 2nd Bn 756 Mtn Regt earlier this sector. Earlier spotted same area 2nd Bn 754 IR (G 2 report 131 March 19) additional description enemy installations failed locate present whereabouts. To have rejoined about 20 March its 49MAR261943 CM-IN-13769 (26 Nay 43) COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED SECRET WAR DEPARTMENT CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER MESSAGE Page 2 To: WAR-USFOR In Reply Cite: 9166 March 25, 1943 Div PSW stated 1st Bn 69 PGR which also had been located same area as 2nd Bn 756 Mtn Regt and 2nd Bn 754 IR (G 2 report 130 March 18). Perhaps trans- ferred as reinforcements other sectors all 3 Bns. Related to such disposition perhaps traffic Fondouk area. In support of Armd units perhaps 501 Heavy Tank Bn Mezzouna area already operating, is 1st Bn 69 PGR according to PSW. Confirmed by PSW taken 24 March at J 6309 is identification 9 Coy Hermann Goering Gr on road east of Maknassey from PW 3rd Coy 1st Bn 69 PGR Italian. Sixteen and 63 Bersaglieri Bns from 20 PSW captured J 0277 Cap Negro area 23 March and by additional group 123 taken at hill J 0669 night 23-24 March. That 10 Bersaglieri Regt northern sector of front confirmed by these identi- fications. In Meheri Zebbeus area T 71, 15 Bn 31 Tank Regt from PW. Comment. Perhaps detached to G2 Dist. Action Info. strengthen its defense elements Centauro Div. Sened Village Y 4890 2nd Bn 92 RI by PSW. Comment. Under MC command 50 Bde known this unit placed. Miscellaneous STRONG Italian units area Sened and Maknassey administered KRONER by 50 Bde. General comment. In order to strengthen BRATTON exposed sectors of center enemy now to certain degree SIT. forced to weaken line extreme north. Occupied CURR. Central and Southern Tunisia all his mobile and Armd DISS. reserves. To stop in Central Tunisia severing his AIR coastal communications and to diverge dual threat to E-A rear main Mareth position, now gathering strength from FE west and southwest enemys main effort at present. To NA this end his armd forces split. Considered probable LA Mareth Line to be held in any event even if, for COLL. protection open flank between Matmata and Tebaga Mtns SPEC. weakening enemy forces main position necessary. GEOG. Parts 2 and 3 will follow. TRNG JSC No Sig EO FS Action: G-2 PF% DECLARSIFIER CC Information: OPD JCS LETTER 7-5-22 FIN BY SR DATE CG AAF FEB 7 1974 POW REC. CM-IN-13769 (26 Mar 43) 0431Z ce FL CIG JIC ONI 19MAR261943 SECRE WH COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED E. O. 12356, Sec. 3.3 or Sec. 3.4 NLR 101 CONFIDENTIAL WAR DEPARTMENT YQV CCWD 25/18022 CLASSIFIED MESSAGE CENTER 3/25/43 me INCOMING MESSAGE2 SUPPLEMENTARY COPY From: Algiers To: War In Reply Cite: 9166 March 25, 1943 15 immobile enemy tanks claimed observed result action. G2 Dist. Action Info. No Sig MC STRONG Note: This is correction 2nd page, end of KRONER BRATTON message. SIT. CURR. DISS. AIR Supplementary copy of CM-IN-13735 (3-26-43)G-2 E-A FE NA LA COLL ACTION: G-2 SPEC. GROG. INFORMATION: OPD TRNG CG AAF JSC EO FS PFS ce CM-IN-13877 (26 Mar 43) 09102 fly FIN. POW REC. FL DECLASSIFIED CIG JCS LETTER. 7-5-72 BY SR DATE FEB 71974 ne ONI N WH use #GURKAL 91 MAR26 1943 CONFIDENTIAL COPY No. 26 THE MAKING OF AN EXACT COPY OF THIS MESSAGE IS FORBIDDEN DECLASSIFIED