New Grant tanks enter the action

29th May 1942: The British still do not have the tactics to match their new equipment in the desert

There were high hopes for the new American ‘General Grant’ when they arrived in the desert in early 1942, with much better firepower than previous British tanks.

When Rommel had launched his new assault in the desert on 26th May Captain Rea Leakey¹ had been on leave in Cairo. He had been ordered to transfer to another unit in Iraq, a move he had tried to resist. Now he decided to use up his remaining 10 days leave by returning to his unit of the Royal Tank Regiment, now fighting in the desert. After an eventful journey by jeep he eventually found them.

Grant tanks moving forward.

Finding that there were no spare tanks to command Leakey found himself as a gun loader on one of the new 'General Grant' tanks.

A British tank driver wearing sand goggles and peering out of his Grant tank.

The battle was now entering a period of intense and confused fighting. His Squadron was ordered to mount an attack against a German line, consisting of mainly anti-tank guns, all well dug in. It was hoped to 'crash through' the Germans lines. His commander protested vehemently at this tactic and was removed from his post for his troubles.

A Grant tank closed down at speed.

The attack went ahead as ordered:

As we approached the crest of the rise, the order was given to speed up and the tanks on either side of us followed suit. But we were the first to reach the skyline, at least of those in our immediate vicinity, and as we came into full view of the enemy so the shells arrived.