Other LRDG’s NZ “T1” Patrol trucks destroyed in the ambush of Gebel Sherif by a patrol of the Italian Auto-Saharan Company were Tirau, (foreground), in which Cpl F. R. Beech was killed, and Te Aroha behind, from which Tpr R. J. Moore began his walk of 210 miles through the desert to avoid capture. 

Ambush of Gebel Sherif

The LRDG’s NZ truck Te Paki (T1 patrol, A Squadron) destroyed in the ambush of Gebel Sherif by a patrol of the Italian Auto-Saharan Company. (North Africa, 31 January 1941). New Zealanders of the LRDG gave their trucks Maori names.

Ambush!

Chevrolet 30 cwt 1533x2 truck “Tirau II” of the LRDG, NZ T”1” Patrol. One of the six “T1” Patrol trucks to attack the airport and train station of Barce, 13/14 September 1942, along with trucks and Jeeps of the “G1” British patrol. Barce Raid total force consisted of 17 vehicles (5 Jeeps and 12 trucks) and 47 men of 'G1' and 'T1' Patrols, which had to travel 1,155 miles (1,859 km) to reach their target. On arrival 'T1' Patrol attacked the airfield and 'G1' the Barce barracks. The attack on the airfield destroyed 35 aircraft according to an Italian prisoner of war. The attack was successfull, but only one truck (Te Anau II) and two Jeeps made it back home. The raid cost the LRDG six men wounded, all of whom recovered, ten prisoners of war (seven from T1 patrol and three from G1), several of whom were wounded. (Source: NZETC)