Tuesday, 13 February 2024

8124 Corporal Robert Wood Doig, (1917-28/6/1942). "hold your fire"

 Its crew flushed with victory, a captured two-pounder en portée led a group of other vehicles at high speed down the Khalda track towards the gap in the minefield. Lieutenant Cottrell of 9 Platoon A Company describes its reception:

We were well dug in and the portee (a captured one of ours with a swastika across the front) came straight through at full speed towards my platoon. My front section was in charge of an old soldier, Corporal Bob Doig from Ashburton, who was killed that night. In a clear voice he said, ‘Hold your fire till I tell you.’ Every man in the platoon had his weapon trained on that portee. On and on it came and still Doig's calm voice said, ‘Hold it — hold it — hold it — Fire!’ Every gun hit its mark and the portee stopped immediately. Most of its crew were dead — we sent the wounded ones back as prisoners and kept the swastika.  -Official History of the 20th (Otago) Battalion.






In Memorium

DOIG — In loving memory of 8124 Corporal Robert Wood Doig, who died of wounds on June 28, 1942. — Inserted by his loving father and sister Aner.
DOIG — In loving memory of a dear brother, 8124 Corporal R. W. Doig. who died of wounds at Mersa Matruh on June 1 28, 1942. 
 Always remembered. — Inserted by Doug, and Betty and wee Barry. -Press, 28/6/1944.

Chertsey Cemetery, NZ.


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