Description

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 18-19: Excerpts from Top-Hats in Tobruk by Kenneth Rankin (152 Battery – Kassman was in 153 Battery at this point). Diary entries (partial) graphically describing events of April 26-27, 1941. Bombs falling, gunfire, damages. Two dead, 3-4 others badly injured, and 25 injured in total. Shell shock described. Damages to gear and possessions. “It seems that the machine-gunning had done more damage than bombs.” Last rites and arrangements for burial and service for the two dead. Brief description of “very sad, sorrowful, and jaded” moods following.

Drawing of the fight by Jack Daniel (‘Dan’). Drawing labeled “Front at Fort Palest[r]ina Tobruk 1941”.

Mention that “[a]nother diary of the siege by a comrade of Henry’s from his own battery is found in Appendix 1.”

Two pages, typed. One reproduced drawing. Dated to April 26-27, 1941.

1.-Gunner-HH-Kassman-1-6.1941-19.pdf