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THE operation here described was one of the stiffest in which New Zealand troops have ever been engaged. In broad daylight, on open ground giving every advantage to a determined and skilful defence, the infantry companies engaged took their objective and, despite very severe losses, held it against fierce counter-attacks. They were gallantly and skilfully supported by an entirely inadequate number of guns and tanks, but in the main they had to rely on their own weapons, and they showed what resolute troops can do.

It is always extremely difficult to discover what has actually happened in hard infantry fighting. This action has been most closely studied, the evidence (mostly contemporary) of over sixty participants examined; the story is given mostly in their own words, and it is believed to be authentic. There are few more completely truthful accounts in military history.

Usually in battle there are some for whom the strain is too much. It is interesting and impressive to note how well and gallantly everyone in this combat seems to have behaved. If there had been any failure it would have been mentioned or at least hinted at, but there is no suggestion of any in these candid letters and diaries. It is often said that the spirit of our troops was never higher than in the Libyan campaign of 1941, and this account goes far to confirm that opinion.

It is worth reading and thinking over.