Ernest Horton

On 28 April 1943, the 2nd Battalion, Sherwood Foresters (Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Regiment) was heavily engaged in brutal front-line combat during the final phase of the Tunisian Campaign in North Africa.Operating as part of the 3rd Infantry Brigade within the British 1st Infantry Division, the battalion was integrated into the British First Army.

Their main objective during this specific window was breaking through the final mountain strongholds blocking the path to Tunis.The Tactical Situation: Late April 1943The Location: The battalion was fighting in the mountainous terrain north-west of Tunis, near positions often referred to as the Medjez Plain, Tamera, or the rugged hills flanking Medjez el Bab.The Fighting: This specific week in late April marked some of the fiercest hill-fighting of the campaign.

The Sherwood Foresters were tasked with clearing well-entrenched, highly determined German defensive lines that were resisting with heavy mortar fire, machine guns, and sudden counter-attacks..Fatalities on 28 April 1943The intense hill battles over these 48 hours resulted in numerous casualties. Among the local men who lost their lives on 28 April 1943 was Private Horace Derrick (Service Number 4974868) of the 2nd Battalion. Like many of his comrades who fell during this push, his sacrifice is recorded on regional registers like the Nottinghamshire County Council Roll of Honour. Those who died in this sector and have known graves are primarily buried nearby in the Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries in Tunisia, such as Medjez-el-Bab.

What Happened NextJust a few days after this intense action, the German front cracked. The British First Army surged forward, and the capital city of Tunis fell to Allied forces on 7 May 1943, leading to the total surrender of all Axis forces in North Africa shortly after.If you are researching a specific relative or soldier who served in the 2nd Battalion and was killed or wounded on this exact day, please reply with their name.

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