150th INFANTRY BRIGADE (50th [Northumbrian] Division) in the Middle East June 1941-June 1942

150th Infantry Brigade served in the Middle East and was overrun and forced to surrender during the Battle of Gazala in the North African Campaign. For almost 72 hours (29-31 May 1942) during the battle, the 150th Brigade and the 44th Royal Tank Regiment held out against Erwin Rommel's concentrated attacks, without any support. Early on 30 May elements of the Afrika Korps attempted to break through the brigade's position but drew off after taking losses. Next day, the Italian Trieste Division and German 90th Light Division attacked, but made little progress against a defence that they described as "skilful and stubborn". On 1 June, Rommel reinforced the attackers with the 21st Panzer Division and more artillery, and the assault was resumed after heavy dive-bombing. Early in the afternoon, 150th Brigade was overcome by a series of concentric attacks and overrun, Brigadier Haydon was killed, and the survivors (including Brigadier O'Carroll) became prisoners of war. On 1 June, the German Army finally forced their surrender. Panzerarmee Afrika said in its daily battle report: "The encircled enemy, supported by numerous infantry tanks, again resisted most stubbornly. Each separate element within the fortress-like strengthened defences had to be fought for. The enemy suffered extraordinary heavy, bloody losses. Eventually the operation, which also caused considerable losses to our troops, ended in complete success".