Douglas Kenneth Gutberlet

Born 15 Jun 1917 - Died 26 Mar 1943

Service number: 29668 AWMM
Also known as: —
Armed force / branch: Army AWMM
Last rank: Lance Corporal/Military AWMM 24 (Auckland) Infantry Battalion AWMM
War: World War II, 1939-1945 AWMM

Douglas Kenneth Gutberlet — Portrait, Weekly News - This image may be subject to copyright

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Biographical information

Son of Charles and Lizzie Gutberlet of Timuka, South Canterbury.

Two sons, brothers served in WW2: Douglas Kenneth Gutberlet (29668) kia and Peter Richard Gutberlet (12193).

The map, 24 Battalion part in the Tebaga Gap attack, 26 March 1943. The day began with a dust storm which cleared by the time the fighting began in the afternoon. The troops were met by stiff opposition and suffered 58 killed in the week beginning 20 March. On 27 March they spent the day burying the dead in a cemetery half way between the start line of the offensive and the first objective. The action in which he was killed was part of the 8th Army's advance to Medenine which began in February 1943. General Alexander's plan of campaign had two phases. One was to get the 8th Army north of Gabes where it could join up with the 1st Army. The second phase involved securing airfields in order to develop the Allied air forces growing strength to advantage. Towards the end of March the 8th Army was faced by the Mareth Line. The Mareth Line was originally constructed by the French to protect their Tunisian frontier against attack by the Italians from Tripolitania. The Germans held this line which they had improved upon. It extended from the sea in the east to Wadi Zigzaou, and to the Matmata Hills in the west. The final assault on the line provided for the 30th Corps of the 8th Army to make a heavy attack on the north-east end of the line, near the sea. The 10th Corps was to exploit success by passing through and occupying Gabes and Sfax. At the same time the New Zealanders were to carry out a flanking movement to the west of the Matmata Hills, to take El Hamma and cut off the enemy's route of escape through Gabes. The New Zealanders started from Foum Tatahouine on 19 March on the outflanking movement towards El Hamma around the Matmata Hills. The attack on the Mareth Line was preceded by the heaviest artillery barrage since El Alamein with over 300 guns in action. The New Zealanders advanced steadily towards El Hamma, reinforced by the 10th Corps. Contronted by the strongly held Tebaga Gap it was decided to rush this position with the maximum support that the Desert Air Force could give. The attack began in the late afternoon of 26 March and successfully broke into the enemy defences. The enemy brought up reinforcements but by the evening of 27th were defeated. On 28 March the New Zealand Corps and the 30th Corps both entered Gabes. AWMM

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Douglas Kenneth Gutberlet