NAM.1981-12-24-1

Convoy under shellfire at Sidi Rezegh, 1941. Colour photolithograph after Peter McIntyre, nd. Published by the Queen Elizabeth II Army Memorial Trust, New Zealand, 1980. The image shows lorries of ‘Clifton’s Convoy’ bringing up supplies during the Battle of Sidi Rezegh. This was led by the New Zealander Brig George Herbert Clifton, then Chief Engineer of 30 Corps and Brigade Major, 5th New Zealand Brigade. The convoy was escorted by part of the British 7th Armoured Division and brought up supplies to the New Zealand Division. In 1944 Clifton was cited for the Distinguished Service Order for his actions in Greece in spring 1941 and for a bar to this DSO for his actions at Sidi Rezegh. His citation describes the latter as follows: “On 28/29 November, 1941 Colonel Clifton volunteered to lead a convoy of 250 vehicles for some 25 miles through enemy lines, from the Gabr Saleh area ... That the convoy reached its destination safely ... was due to Colonel Clifton's personality and example, which inspired confidence in the drivers, all of whom showed marked coolness and fortitude when fired on by the enemy.”

CRUSADER, Operation, 1941 (World War Two, North Africa 1940-1945), Sidi Rezegh, Battle of, 1941 (World War Two, North Africa 1940-1945)