The 4th and 5th Battalions arrived in Egypt in July,1942 when the 8th Army was defending a position at Alamein. On August 31st the enemy launched an attack which was halted at Alam Halfa Ridge. The British plan was to threaten the enemy’s supply route. A night operation was carried by a force which included the 4th and 5th Battalions. On reaching their objective these battalions were met with a hail of fire. Nonetheless they stormed some of the trenches but, having suffered fifty per cent casualties, were forced to withdraw just before dawn. However this threat to the enemy’s supply and escape route hastened their retreat in to the desert where the RAF took a very heavy toll
See also 132nd Infantry Brigade & 44th Home Counties Brigade