The First Attacks
The first attack took place on the night of 8.5.48; the second, the following night.
The first attack took place on the night of 8.5.48. The plan was that the Fifth Battalion should capture the outposts on the North side of the road at Sha’ar Hagai (Bab-el-Wad), while the Fourth, with mortars (including “Davidka”) should move into outpost 16, on the South side of the road.
The Fifth Battalion captured the outposts assigned to it. The Fourth Battalion reached outpost 16, but were unable to get the support weapons up, and it was decided to retreat.
The following day there was a further attempt. the Fourth Battalion was transported as far as the lower pump houses, and began moving towards outpost 16 along a path, leading from the pumps to Beit Mahsir.
The enemy, apparently, had observed movement the preceding day, and blocked the path with additional forces. Our force was taken by surprise and the attack failed. The commander of the regiment saw that the objective was unattainable. He demanded from the brigade commander authorization to retreat. After intense discussion, the retreat was authorized.
The Fifth Battalion captured the outposts assigned to it. The Fourth Battalion reached outpost 16, but were unable to get the support weapons up, and it was decided to retreat.
The following day there was a further attempt. the Fourth Battalion was transported as far as the lower pump houses, and began moving towards outpost 16 along a path, leading from the pumps to Beit Mahsir.
The enemy, apparently, had observed movement the preceding day, and blocked the path with additional forces. Our force was taken by surprise and the attack failed. The commander of the regiment saw that the objective was unattainable. He demanded from the brigade commander authorization to retreat. After intense discussion, the retreat was authorized.