Frank Martin

In May 1942, the 72nd (Northumbrian) Field Regiment, Royal Artillery was deployed in North Africa, deeply embroiled in the Western Desert Campaign. Attached directly to the 150th Infantry Brigade of the 50th (Northumbrian) Infantry Division, the regiment's actions during this month reached a critical climax.

Frank Martin's unit was completely isolated and encircled by Axis armour at the "150th Brigade Box" during the Battle of Gazala (The Cauldron) in late May 1942. He was killed on 31 May 1942, one day before the remnants of his overrun regiment were forced to surrender due to a total lack of ammunition.

May 1942 Timeline & The Battle of Gazala

• The Calm Before the Storm (Early May): The regiment, consisting of 285, 286, and 451 Batteries equipped with 25-pounder field guns, occupied a fortified defensive position known as the 150th Brigade Box. This position sat isolated in the middle of the Allied "Gazala Line" in Libya, south-west of Tobruk.

• The German Offensive (26–27 May): Axis forces under General Erwin Rommel launched Operation Venice, sweeping south around the Gazala Line to outflank the Allied forces.

• The Trap Snaps (Late May): Rommel's armored units unexpectedly ran into supply difficulties and found themselves wedged right against the British minefields—directly behind the 150th Brigade Box. Desperate to open a direct supply route, German and Italian forces completely encircled the 150th Brigade and the 72nd Field Regiment.

• The Stand at "The Cauldron": By May 30–31, the regiment was heavily engaged in a fierce, isolated defensive battle that historians refer to as the Battle of the Cauldron. The gunners of the 72nd fired their 25-pounders over open sights directly into oncoming German panzers.