The Bloody Battle for Hill 609

27th April 1943: The US 34th 'Red Bull' Infantry Division begin a three day battle that will redeem their reputation

The critical German defensive position of Hill 609, together with interlocking positions on the surrounding hills, blocked the US advance.

United States Army soldiers sitting under trees near Hill 609.

Long U.S. truck convoy stopped on a desert road,. North Africa.

On 9th April, in the battle for Fondouk, the US 34th Infantry Division had failed in a frontal assault on a hilltop position. The German anti-tank guns remained on the hill - and the British armoured brigade lost 39 tanks in the valley below when they were ordered to take the Fondouk Pass ‘at any cost’.

Humiliatingly the 34th Division had then been ordered out of the line for ‘further training’. Whether they deserved such implied criticism is a moot point, some would argue that it was the overall strategy and tactics that were at fault. But the harsh reality of war imposed immediate judgements.

The Allied commander with the two senior US commanders in North Africa. Generals George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower and Omar N. Bradley.

“Get me that hill and you’ll break up the enemy’s defenses clear across our front. Take it and no one will ever again doubt the toughness of your division.”