The Archers of Um Sheham MTO (id:#57267)

Critical Hit (Critical Hit # 6.3 ID: Genesis 18)   [next]   [previous]

Um Sheham, Sinai 1956-10-31 (6 others)

Overview:

The key to the positions at Abu Aweigila was an area known as Um Sheham, an elaborate series of strongpoints consisting of barbed wire, mine fields and emplacements for anti-tank guns, machine-guns and artillery, all situated on higher ground. The positions were sited to shoot east, the only approach an attacker could take. . .By late afternoon on D+2 the decision was made to make a sunset attack on the positions at Um Sheham with whatever force was on hand. This consisted of a single company of Sherman tanks and an infantry company in half-tracks. These would have to advance across two miles of open round against enemy positions situated on a dominating ridge.

Defender: Egyptian (Elements of the 6th Infantry Brigade)  

Errata (source)