Susan Travers: Difference between revisions
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In late [[May]], as the [[Afrika Korps]] prepared to attack Bar Hakeim, General Koenig ordered Travers and the other [[female]]s out of the area. The [[Germany|Germans]] attacked on [[May 26]]. Not long after, Travers joined a [[convoy]] into the rear area and Koenig agreed to her requests to return to Bar Hakeim, as he felt the German attack was a failure. |
In late [[May]], as the [[Afrika Korps]] prepared to attack Bar Hakeim, General Koenig ordered Travers and the other [[female]]s out of the area. The [[Germany|Germans]] attacked on [[May 26]]. Not long after, Travers joined a [[convoy]] into the rear area and Koenig agreed to her requests to return to Bar Hakeim, as he felt the German attack was a failure. |
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Over the next two weeks, the [[Luftwaffe]] flew 1,400 sorties against the defenses of [[Bar Hakeim]], whilst |
Over the next two weeks, the [[Luftwaffe]] flew 1,400 sorties against the defenses of [[Bar Hakeim]], whilst 4 German\Italian divisions attacked. During the [[bomb]]ing, [[shrapnel]] tore a hole in the General's [[car]] and Travers (with the assistance of a [[Vietnam|Vietnamese]] driver]]) carried the part to a field worshop where [[mechanic]]s fixed it. |
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On [[June 10]], Travers drove the General's staff car (a [[Ford]]) during the retreat. The retreating column ran into [[minefield]]s and German [[machine gun]] fire. Koenig ordered Travers to drive at the front of the column. Travers stated, "He said, "We have to get in front. If we go the rest will follow." It is a delightful feeling, going as fast as you can in the dark. My main concern was that the engine would stall." |
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On June 2]], [[June 3|3]], and [[June 5|5]], the German forces requested that Koenig surrender, he refused. Bar Hakeim was under attack by 4 [[division]]s. Despite the explosion of the defence's [[ammunition|ammo]] dump, the French continued to fight using ammo brought in by [[Great Britain|British]] [[armored car]]s during the night. Meanwhile, the [[Royal Air Force]] dropped water and other supplies. |
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At 1030, on [[June 11]], the column entered British lines. Travers vehicle had been hit by 11 [[bullet]]s and not only was a [[shock absorber]] destroyed, but the [[brake]]s had also been ceased functioning. |
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Revision as of 19:21, 28 February 2003
Susan Travers, during World War II, was the chauffeur for Free French General Pierre Koenig. Prior to the war, she was a semi-pro tennis player. For her actions at the 1942 Battle of Bir Hakeim, Travers was awarded the Croix de Guerre.
Early War
Prior to the invasion of France, in 1940, Travers served as an ambulance driver in Finland. By 1941, she was the chauffeur for a medical officer of the French Foreign Legion, during the Syrian campaign in which Vichy French legionnaires fought Free French legionnaires. She then travelled to North Africa via Dahomey and the Congo (where she went on a crocodile hunt).
Bar Hakeim
In late May, as the Afrika Korps prepared to attack Bar Hakeim, General Koenig ordered Travers and the other females out of the area. The Germans attacked on May 26. Not long after, Travers joined a convoy into the rear area and Koenig agreed to her requests to return to Bar Hakeim, as he felt the German attack was a failure.
Over the next two weeks, the Luftwaffe flew 1,400 sorties against the defenses of Bar Hakeim, whilst 4 German\Italian divisions attacked. During the bombing, shrapnel tore a hole in the General's car and Travers (with the assistance of a Vietnamese driver]]) carried the part to a field worshop where mechanics fixed it.
On June 10, Travers drove the General's staff car (a Ford) during the retreat. The retreating column ran into minefields and German machine gun fire. Koenig ordered Travers to drive at the front of the column. Travers stated, "He said, "We have to get in front. If we go the rest will follow." It is a delightful feeling, going as fast as you can in the dark. My main concern was that the engine would stall."
At 1030, on June 11, the column entered British lines. Travers vehicle had been hit by 11 bullets and not only was a shock absorber destroyed, but the brakes had also been ceased functioning.