The line was not equally staffed with a greater number of troops covering the coast leaving the south less protected.

The terrain and heavy rain, however, prevented deployment of tanks and anti-tank guns and the 15th Panzer Division's counter-attack on 22 March recaptured much of the bridgehead.

On 20/21 March 1943 at the Mareth Line, Tunisia, Lieutenant-Colonel Seagrim's courage and leadership led directly to the capture of an important objective.

When it appeared that the attack on the position would fail owing to the intensity of the enemy fire, he placed himself at the head of his battalion and led them forward.

The 4th Indian Infantry Division was detailed to make a night attack on 23 March around the left-hand end of the Line.

[3] "When we were about ten yards away we had reached the top of the slit trench and we killed any of the survivors," recalled British infantryman Bill Cheall of the 6th Green Howards, who had just seen his section leader shot down by a San Marco Marine.

"[4] German General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim later said of the San Marco Marines fighting abilities in Tunisia in 1943, that they were "the best soldiers I ever commanded".

[5] The Eighth Army's attack along the eastern coast of Tunisia, lead eventually to the surrender of Axis forces in Africa.

After Sicily the brigade and the division were recalled from the Eighth Army in Italy to prepare for the invasion of North-West Europe.

The 69th Brigade assaulted the east side of Gold, with attached armour support from the 4th/7th Royal Dragoon Guards.

Company Sergeant-Major Stanley Hollis of the brigade's Green Howard battalion single handededly captured a pill box.