On the Way to the Objective
During the first attempt to conquer the village, an error in navigation was discovered, prompting a delay in the timetable.
On the evening of the 13.5.1948, the battalion set out, by foot, on the road leading from Rosh Pina to Tel Hai in the direction of Ramot Naftali. The route was misty and difficult, the mules refused to go forward and the men were forced to carry all the supplies and arms on their backs. Owing to the difficult conditions and navigational errors, there was a delay in the timetable and the attack was postponed to the following night. The force hid during the day amongst the rocks and bushes.
Shaike Gavish said: "The 1st Battalion was unfamiliar with the terrain and a great deal of effort was expended on walking 30 kilometers, carrying a large quantity of equipment on their backs. The accompanying air patrol was only able to signal general directions to the company commanders. The plan was for the battalion to arrive one or two nights ahead of the enemy, take control of Malkya village and occupy the Kedes valley. The commanders faced a serious problem – how to advance the force without being revealed and without a mishap that would cause the Lebanese to occupy the ridge. An additional problem was the need to transport all the necessary equipment on the men's backs, including food and water, for a few days."
Dan Laner decided that the force would move only at night and during the day each soldier would find a hiding place for himself between the bushes or behind rocks and, despite the 'hamsin' on that day, nobody was allowed to move. They were to complete the journey on the second night and then begin their attack. The fact that the battalion arrived at its destination without any navigational errors and without being discovered by the enemy, deserves a special mention.
On the following night, the battalion reorganized and divided into two divisions – one went in the direction of Kedes and the other in the direction of Malkya.
The plan was for the company under the command of Asaf Simchoni to conquer the Kedes village and following on that, to operate in the northern area of Malkya village.
The two companies commanded by Shaike Gavish and 'Chaka', were ordered to go up from the south, to the village and the Lebanese camp. A company, commanded by Yanun Ezroni was to serve as a barricade southwards.
Shaike Gavish said: "The 1st Battalion was unfamiliar with the terrain and a great deal of effort was expended on walking 30 kilometers, carrying a large quantity of equipment on their backs. The accompanying air patrol was only able to signal general directions to the company commanders. The plan was for the battalion to arrive one or two nights ahead of the enemy, take control of Malkya village and occupy the Kedes valley. The commanders faced a serious problem – how to advance the force without being revealed and without a mishap that would cause the Lebanese to occupy the ridge. An additional problem was the need to transport all the necessary equipment on the men's backs, including food and water, for a few days."
Dan Laner decided that the force would move only at night and during the day each soldier would find a hiding place for himself between the bushes or behind rocks and, despite the 'hamsin' on that day, nobody was allowed to move. They were to complete the journey on the second night and then begin their attack. The fact that the battalion arrived at its destination without any navigational errors and without being discovered by the enemy, deserves a special mention.
On the following night, the battalion reorganized and divided into two divisions – one went in the direction of Kedes and the other in the direction of Malkya.
The plan was for the company under the command of Asaf Simchoni to conquer the Kedes village and following on that, to operate in the northern area of Malkya village.
The two companies commanded by Shaike Gavish and 'Chaka', were ordered to go up from the south, to the village and the Lebanese camp. A company, commanded by Yanun Ezroni was to serve as a barricade southwards.