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Book excerpt (diary entry) included in a file of Gunner H. Henry Kassman’s correspondence between 1941-1943 compiled by his daughter in 2010. File’s contents are primarily typed letters and other correspondence, occasionally reproduced (often in addition to the typed version), and also include photographs, diary entries from Kenneth Rankin’s book Top-Hats in Tobruk, some other written materials, and some explanatory material. For further information, please see the folder summary. For all posts about this collection, please click on the “H. Henry Kassman” tag in this post.

Top-Hats in Tobruk by Kenneth Rankin is a published version of the author’s diary from his time in Tobruk while serving as an officer in the 152 HAA Battery, 51st HAA Regiment RA during World War II. The titular top hat was the Battery’s insignia. Excerpts from this book were likely chosen for inclusion in this file due to Kassman’s having been in 153 Battery (and later 152 Battery as well), in order to round out and give additional context to the events described in his correspondence.

Pages 10-11: Extract from Top-Hats in Tobruk by Kenneth Rankin (152 Battery). Diary entry for August 12, 1941. Between 1:00 AM and 3:30 AM, nine planes bombed the area. One set passed too close for comfort. Another “whistled low over our heads”. Others “passed within 400 yards” and the town caught fire.

Description of sleeping and planes (Hurricanes) which were greeted cheerfully before they flew away again (to more ironic cheers). No sign of damage or injuries after the bombing; bombs were mostly 100 or 500 pound weight.

After breakfast, some more bombing, countered, which did hit an ammunition dump. Some minor description of fellow soldiers and mention of preparation for visits by the Major and a new Brigadier. The ammunition dump turned out to have been Italian – but collected for British use from other ammunition dumps. Description of injuries in that area. The Germans shelled the area where rescue work was happening. A lot of Italian ammunition and guns being used by the British.

Some description of camp life, meeting with an Australian soldier. Another raid, in the camp area. No mention of injuries. Some further description of camp life. Mention of news of heavy raids by the British [or the Allies in general? Unclear] on Bardia for three days in a row.

Just over 1 page, typed. Dated August 12, 1941.

2.-Gunner-HH-Kassman-6-8.1941-27.pdf