The Monastery DTO (id:#64370)

(Jerusalem: Siege ID: Jeru48#2)   [next]   [previous]

Jerusalem, Israel 1948-05-23 (4 others)

Overview:

As the British pulled out of the Jerusalem area, both sides rushed to occupy the various strategic sites in and around the city. One such site was the mammoth French Monastery of Notre Dame. Its upper locations dominated the entrances to both the New Gate and Damascus Gate. The Jews got to it first as a company of Lehi soldiers occupied the structure on May 14. After a day of receiving serious fire from the Arabs on the Wall and elsewhere, the Lehi troops were withdrawn to be replaced by a mixed Haganach/Palmach force which included a large contingent of the Gadna Youth Brigade. They immediately set upon the task of fortifying the building. Meanwhile, Glubb ordered the newly arrive 3rd Regiment of his Arab Legion to take Notre Dame. The force, led by Lt. Ghazi el-Harbi, was assisted by armor, a 25-pdr artillery piece, and a 6-pdr ATG sitting atop the Old Wall. The attack began at dawn.

Defender: Israeli (Gadna Youth Brigade)  

Errata (source)