| Accession Number | P02688.001 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Photograph |
| Object type | Black & white, Landscape |
| Physical description | Black & white, Landscape |
| Date made | 20 April 1941 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
| Copyright |
Item copyright: Copyright expired - public domain
|
Near Tobruk, Libya. 20 April 1941. An informal group of members of the Bren Gun Carrier Section, ...
Description
Near Tobruk, Libya. 20 April 1941. An informal group of members of the Bren Gun Carrier Section, 2/48th Battalion, leaning against a universal carrier (Bren Gun carrier) two days before the raid on Carrier Hill during the siege of Tobruk. Left to right: SX7272 Private (Pte) Jack L Spavin MM, who was later killed in action in Egypt on the 10 July 1942; SX7863 Pte Ron Daniels MM and SX7605 Sgt Leonard William Charles Batty DCM. Sgt Batty, the Bren Gun Carrier Section Commander, was wounded during the action against an Italian battery at Carrier Hill. Sgt Batty's section of carriers circled the battery at a range of less than 50 yards, directing intense and accurate fire at the enemy gun crews. After the battery was taken Sgt Batty took his carrier to another centre of enemy resistance. His carrier received a direct hit from an anti-tank shell and he was wounded. His gunner, Pte Daniels, engaged the enemy from the ground until he too was wounded. Pte Spavin, the driver then took over and held the enemy back until help arrived. Sgt Batty was awarded a Distinguished Conduct Medal (DCM) for "his audacious determination and bravery" in this action which resulted in the success of the operation.