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From Khanikin, in Iraq, the 14th/20th Hussars crossed into Iran, where they were soon engaged in a narrow pass in the hills.
From Khanikin, Iraq, the 14th/20th Hussars crossed into Persia, where they were soon engaged in a narrow pass in the hills. Reconnaissance Troop came under heavy fire and went to ground. Two troops, under the command of Captain ‘Bodge’ Browne were sent up the pass to extricate them. They too were fired on and while Lieutenant Donovan was manoeuvring into a fire position, his tank got stuck.
Captain Browne brought up a troop carrier driven by Squadron Sergeant Major Senior to tow him out. On arrival, Browne dismounted from the carrier under continuous small-arms fire, fixed a towline and pulled the tank out. Major Browne’s vehicle then ran out of petrol and had to be towed out by Lieutenant Donovan’s tank. No casualties were taken and the extraction of Reconnaissance Troop was successful. Major Browne was awarded an immediate Military Cross for his actions. After an unexpected surrender by the Iranian forces at Shahabad, the 14th/20th Hussars moved 350 miles (560 kms) to Hamadan after a victory march through Kermanshah.
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