Libyan Pioneer Battalions

Discussions on all aspects of the The United Kingdom & its Empire and Commonwealth during the Inter-War era and Second World War. Hosted by Andy H
Post Reply
User avatar
Andy H
Forum Staff
Posts: 15326
Joined: 12 Mar 2002, 21:51
Location: UK and USA

Libyan Pioneer Battalions

#1

Post by Andy H » 11 May 2003, 18:34

During the siege of Tobruk the British had 3 Pioneer (Labour) Btn’s-1st, 2nd & 4th Libyan, within the garrison.

Does anyone know anything about these units and what was the reaction of the Italians towards these troops if captured, were they considered traitors?

Andy

daveh
Member
Posts: 1439
Joined: 11 Feb 2003, 19:14
Location: uk

#2

Post by daveh » 12 May 2003, 16:16

Sorry andy so far all i know is that these units existed, my references give no details of their use or of any consequences on being captured if any were.


sand digger
Member
Posts: 33
Joined: 11 Mar 2003, 05:42
Location: Australia

#3

Post by sand digger » 17 May 2003, 05:29

The Libyan labour battalions consisted of refugees, presumably civilains. By mid June '41 their number was around 1100.

User avatar
Andy H
Forum Staff
Posts: 15326
Joined: 12 Mar 2002, 21:51
Location: UK and USA

#4

Post by Andy H » 17 May 2003, 13:15

Sand Digger

What ref's give you the detail that the Pioneer Btn's were made up from Refugee's and not recruited locally from Tobruk?

Andy

sand digger
Member
Posts: 33
Joined: 11 Mar 2003, 05:42
Location: Australia

#5

Post by sand digger » 20 May 2003, 05:37

Andy, the Australian history series, vol III, Tobruk and El Alamein.

It mentions the word refugees but not where they came from.

User avatar
Andy H
Forum Staff
Posts: 15326
Joined: 12 Mar 2002, 21:51
Location: UK and USA

#6

Post by Andy H » 21 May 2003, 00:18

Sandigger

Thanks for that, do you have the ISBN so I can try and obtain a copy of this volume?

Andy

sand digger
Member
Posts: 33
Joined: 11 Mar 2003, 05:42
Location: Australia

#7

Post by sand digger » 21 May 2003, 06:04

Andy H wrote:Sandigger

Thanks for that, do you have the ISBN so I can try and obtain a copy of this volume?

Andy
ISBN 0 00 217549 5. The author is Barton Maughan.

User avatar
Andy H
Forum Staff
Posts: 15326
Joined: 12 Mar 2002, 21:51
Location: UK and USA

#8

Post by Andy H » 21 May 2003, 14:06

Thank you again

Andy

Post Reply

Return to “The United Kingdom & its Empire and Commonwealth 1919-45”