The attack on ‘Cannon Ridge’
On 16 July 1948 two Companies from the 6th Battalion and one Company from the 5th Battalion attacked the Ridge Position aiming to continue and capture Latrun. The attacking infantry found it hard to break into the Arab Legion’s fortified positions under British command and were forced to withdraw in the face of the Legion’s armoured vehicles and counter attacks.
On the night of 16 July ‘Harel’ Brigade carried out an attack on ‘Cannon Ridge’. The plan was for the 6th Battalion to take Ayalon Ridge and thus the 4th Battalion would advance towards the village of Latrun and the police station.
Brigade Commander Tabenkin decided that the objective of the attack was to hold on to the Position which could be reached from Sha’ar HaGai.
Brigade Commander Tabenkin decided that the objective of the attack was to hold on to the Position which could be reached from Sha’ar HaGai.