E. C. Phillips

“Rommel was lacking in certain of the qualities of all-round generalship.””

“The Staffordshire Yeomanry quickly lost ten tanks and Eadie ordered them back a little to save further loss. The two other regiments then, according to the new orders, withdrew right back to Miteiriya Ridge. A little later Eadie himself drove back to the ridge, where he saw Gatehouse. Eadie was weeping. Some of his dearest friends had just been killed before his eyes, their bodies roasted or broken in pieces. He had lost virtually a whole squadron. Two nights of fighting had cost him thirteen out of his fifteen Crusaders, fourteen out of his twenty-eight heavies. He was certain to lose more if he stayed out in the open and he asked Gatehouse’s permission to withdraw. Gatehouse had been in an angry mood; the events of the night had given him ample cause. But the quality of the man inside the general now appeared to the little group of spectators. Eadie’s distress touched him deeply. His own grievance was instantly annulled. His anger melted and he became, in the words of Ian Spence, who was standing by, ‘the soul of charm’. He spoke very gently to Eadie and, accepting a responsibility that was in keeping with his judgement and his conscience, if not with his orders, gave him the permission that he wanted.””

“the most glorious.””