The Irish Brigade spent most of June 1943 undertaking training exercises for all men, and across all disciplines, whilst they were based in the Guelma area in eastern Algeria. At this time, their strength was supplemented by large numbers of much needed reinforcements for all three battalions.

On 17th June, the 78th Division was visited by King George VI, with men from the brigade lining the route of the royal motor cavalcade.

All three battalions started their move to Hammamet on the coast south of Tunis on 25th June, and, once settled in that area, continued brigade wide training.

On the last day of the month, General Montgomery visited all the battalions as he welcomed the Irish Brigade into the 8th Army.

Read Edmund O’Sullivan’s account of 2 LIR’s period in training at Guelma and Hammamet.

Key Dates:

17th June: King George VI visits 78th Division troops in the Guelma area.

18th June: Waterloo Day celebrated in traditional style by 6 Innisks.

25th June: The brigade move to Hammamet, south of Tunis.

30th June: General Montgomery visits the Irish Brigade at Hammamet, and confirms that they would immediately be joining the 8th Army.

June 1943 Roll of Honour:

Link to photographs from CWGC Cemeteries.

19th June 1943 – Rifleman James Carr, London Irish Rifles.

25th June 1943 – Fusilier Wilfred Thomas, Royal Irish Fusiliers.

June 1943 War Diaries:

38 (Irish) Brigade.

6 Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.

1 Royal Irish Fusiliers.

2 London Irish Rifles.

Day by Day.