Jimbuna
02-24-14, 05:24 AM
The last soldier to fire on advancing German troops in one of the Second World War’s most important battles has died aged 94.
Ray Ellis, who died in Nottingham, was also the last surviving veteran of the famous 'Battle of Knightsbridge' in 1942.
The battle - one of the most celebrated acts of bravery in the Royal Artillery’s history - saw the 107th Regiment of the South Nottinghamshire Hussars virtually wiped out.
Former Hussar Captain Gil Aldridge hailed Mr Ellis as the last soldier to fire on the Germans at the end of the battle. Ordered to 'fight to the last man and the last round', they stuck to their guns as their comrades fell around them.
For three days, the band of Desert Rats suffered relentless Panzer attacks and mounting casualties as they held the line in North Africa from German Field Marshal Erwin 'Desert Fox' Rommel's advancing tanks. Their heroism during one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War was later immortalised on canvas.
~SALUTE~
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2566096/Last-soldier-fire-advancing-Nazi-troops-WWII-Battle-Knightsbridge-dies-aged-94.html
Ray Ellis, who died in Nottingham, was also the last surviving veteran of the famous 'Battle of Knightsbridge' in 1942.
The battle - one of the most celebrated acts of bravery in the Royal Artillery’s history - saw the 107th Regiment of the South Nottinghamshire Hussars virtually wiped out.
Former Hussar Captain Gil Aldridge hailed Mr Ellis as the last soldier to fire on the Germans at the end of the battle. Ordered to 'fight to the last man and the last round', they stuck to their guns as their comrades fell around them.
For three days, the band of Desert Rats suffered relentless Panzer attacks and mounting casualties as they held the line in North Africa from German Field Marshal Erwin 'Desert Fox' Rommel's advancing tanks. Their heroism during one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War was later immortalised on canvas.
~SALUTE~
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2566096/Last-soldier-fire-advancing-Nazi-troops-WWII-Battle-Knightsbridge-dies-aged-94.html