Journal of the Society for Army Historical Research 99/397

208

ARMY HISTORICAL RESEARCH

control of a Commander Royal Engineers (CRE). As an example, the Engineers of X Corps were required to provide two main ‘corridors’ through the minefield to their immediate west and each Armoured Division required three ‘lanes’ with a minimum width of 40 yards. Each of the Infantry Division required three ‘lanes’ 16-yards wide. An estimate of the work involved showed that the Sappers of XXX Corps’ Minefield Task Force (MTF) would be involved in creating at least 18 ‘lanes’ through about four minefields, each one approximately 400 yards in depth for a total estimated distance of about 6,000 yards or for about 3 1 / 2 miles. In addition, and to complicate the operation, there were also patches of mines referred to as ‘mine marshes’ laid on no particular pattern between the regular minefields. 35 Captured German documents provided evidence that Rommel’s command staff were issuing instructions for laying more complex minefields in front of the British positions at Alamein. The very fact that Kisch and his Sappers overcame Matilda Scorpion Mine Clearing tank – front view with flail operating. The terrifying effect on the enemy may be well imagined, as also the difficulties and problems caused by the vast amount of sandy dust thrown up by the device. Ref: 0331-E2 Courtesy of The Tank Museum Ltd

35 Maj-Gen H.L. Pritchard (ed.), History of the Corps of Royal Engineers , 12 volumes, (Chatham: Institute of Royal Engineers, 1952), Vol. VII, 1939-48, p. 385.