18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

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Urmel
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18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

#1

Post by Urmel » 13 Jul 2014, 17:24

I have this formation in Agheila around 3-5 January 1942. Does anyone have further information on it?

Many thanks in advance!
The enemy had superiority in numbers, his tanks were more heavily armoured, they had larger calibre guns with nearly twice the effective range of ours, and their telescopes were superior. 5 RTR 19/11/41

The CRUSADER Project - The Winter Battle 1941/42

zaptiè
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Re: 18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

#2

Post by zaptiè » 13 Jul 2014, 19:22

Was a mobilizated (in 1940 with libian reservist) battalion, named " Garian" ( a region of Libia) . these battalions generally where used for rear guard or costal guard .


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David W
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Re: 18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

#3

Post by David W » 14 Jul 2014, 08:10

Raised at Garian as stated above, somewhen before September of 1940.

Initially it was a Garrison unit, but it's presence around Agheila in 1942 would suggest that possibly it had been at least partially motorised. Although a long march was not out of the question. Either way it represented a change in role.

Four Companies, so Battalion.

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Urmel
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Re: 18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

#4

Post by Urmel » 14 Jul 2014, 08:25

Thanks guys!

For info, it is reported with the following weapons on that date:

4x4.7cm
8x2cm
40 machine guns
The enemy had superiority in numbers, his tanks were more heavily armoured, they had larger calibre guns with nearly twice the effective range of ours, and their telescopes were superior. 5 RTR 19/11/41

The CRUSADER Project - The Winter Battle 1941/42

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David W
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Re: 18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

#5

Post by David W » 14 Jul 2014, 08:29

Interesting. The Tabelle Organiche suggests 36x Light M/G & 11x 8mm.

Maybe the additional heavy weapons are a Colonial version of AS42!

Are the 2cm Solothurn or Breda?

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Urmel
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Re: 18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

#6

Post by Urmel » 14 Jul 2014, 10:11

If the Solothurn refers to the heavy Italian anti-tank rifle than I would suppose these were Bredas.

I am afraid what I have is not a full TO&E, it's just the short list I posted above.
The enemy had superiority in numbers, his tanks were more heavily armoured, they had larger calibre guns with nearly twice the effective range of ours, and their telescopes were superior. 5 RTR 19/11/41

The CRUSADER Project - The Winter Battle 1941/42

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David W
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Re: 18th Libyan Battalion or Brigade

#7

Post by David W » 15 Jul 2014, 07:15

Thanks.

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