The Plan of Action
The plan called for a preliminary softening-up, with fire from machine guns and “Davidka”; these would then cover an assault by two platoons: the one from “Jimmy”’s company would come up the side of the gully.
The ”Augusta Victoria” building is about 600 meters from Mount Scopus. The building is surrounded by a high, massive stone wall, outside of which barbed wire could be seen. The Augusta building is separated from Mount Scopus by a deep gully, with dense undergrowth. Nothing was known of the strength, disposition, or equipment of the enemy forces inside the building. The plan called for a preliminary softening-up action from Mt. Scopus, with machine guns and “Davidka”. After it, an assault would be made by two platoons from the Fifth Battalion. One platoon, from “Jimmy”’s company, would come up the side of the gully, and break through the wall at its north-eastern corner; after which, Idel’s company would enter through the breach, and take the building.
The orders received by Menahem Rusek, the battalion commander, were: to capture the hospital, to hand it over to the “Ezioni” brigade, and then to advance into the A-Tur neighborhood. The force was provided with “Davidka” with three rounds, a three-inch mortar with 16 rounds, and a medium machine gun.
The orders received by Menahem Rusek, the battalion commander, were: to capture the hospital, to hand it over to the “Ezioni” brigade, and then to advance into the A-Tur neighborhood. The force was provided with “Davidka” with three rounds, a three-inch mortar with 16 rounds, and a medium machine gun.