In Memory Of

WINTERBACH, BASIL

Service Details
Age:
 27
Date of Birth:
 -0001-11-30
Service No:
 89022
Rank:
 Lance Corporal
Unit:
 1st
Regiment:
 South African Irish
Date of Death:
 1942-04-24
Cause of Death:
 Died of natural causes
Commemoration
Grave Reference:
 XXXII. D. 8.
Cemetery:
 EL ALAMEIN WAR CEMETERY
Country:
 Egypt
Additional Information
Decorations:
 M M
Citations:
 LG Sup 24 February 1942 pg. 898 - "5 S.A. Inf. Bde. Sidi Rezegh 23 November 1941 - After the order had been given to withdraw and their Mortar had been destroyed by an enemy tank, L/Cpl Winterbach with Pte. Burton and Pte. Buys remained in his position firing at personnel of three enemy tanks with his rifle, forcing the tank crews to keep their heads below the level of the turrets when the crews were trying to attract the attention of other enemy tanks in the vicinity by signals. The determined action of these men which was carried out under heavy fire, held up the progress of the tanks for some time, and greatly assisted in allowing their comrades to withdraw safely."
Son of Mr. and Mrs. N. J. Winterbach, of Beaconsfield, Cape Province, South Africa.