Lashmer Whistler - World War II - North Africa

North Africa

In August 1942, Whistler arrived with 44th Division in Egypt to join Montgomery's Eighth Army as part of Horrock's XIII Corps. His 4th Bn Royal Sussex Regiment was assigned to the Alam el Halfa Ridge for the Battle of Alam el Halfa although most of the action took place below. Brigadier Lee, the commander of 133rd (Sussex and Kent) Infantry Brigade in 44th Division fell ill and Whistler was appointed acting brigadier to replace him. Subsequently he was transferred to command of 132nd Infantry Brigade He led his brigade during the Second Battle of El Alamein where it took over ground captured on 25 October and where he and his Brigade Major were slightly wounded.

As the advance moved forward to Benghazi, Whistler was transferred to command the 131st (Surrey) Lorried Infantry Brigade on 19 December 1942. This brigade had originally arrived in Egypt as part of 44th Division but by this time was the mobile infantry element of 7th Armoured Division. He led the brigade, which because of its role with armour was often in the forefront of events, through the rest of the fighting in North Africa until the surrender of the Axis forces in Tunisia in May 1943. Whistler led his troops through the Battle of El Agheila in December 1942, the capture of Tripoli in January 1943, and along the coastal strip capturing Msallata, Zuwara, Zaltan and Pisida. The brigade then took part in the Battle of Medenine on 6 March 1943 and the Battle of Mareth at the end of March. Whistler's frequent visits to the front line earned him the nickname "Private Bolo". In the later stages of the Tunisia Campaign 7th Armoured Division was transferred to the First Army, joining IX Corps which by that time was commanded by Horrocks. Whistler was awarded the first Bar to his DSO in April 1943 for "gallant and distinguished services in the Middle East" and by 12 May 1943 German resistance in Tunis had ended and the North Africa campaign finished.