This is Jocco Podcast number 175 with Echo Charles and me, Jocco Willink. Good evening, Echo.

Good evening.

23 October 1942, 8th Army.

Personal message from the Army Commander.

When I assumed command of the 8th Army, I said that the mandate was to destroy Rommel and his Army,

and that it would be done as soon as we are ready.

We are ready now.

The battle which is about to begin will be one of the decisive battles of history.

It will be the turning point of the war.

The eyes of the whole world will be on us, watching anxiously which way the battle will swing.

We can give them their answer at once.

It will swing our way.

We have first-class equipment, good tanks, good anti-tank guns, plenty of artillery and plenty of ammunition,

and we are backed up by the finest air striking force in the world.

All that is necessary is that each one of us, every officer and man, should enter this battle with a determination to see it through,

to fight and to kill and finally to win.

If we all do this, there can be only one result.

Together we will hit the enemy for six right out of North Africa.

The sooner we win this battle, which will be the turning point of the war, the sooner we shall all get back home to our families.

Therefore, let every officer and man enter the battle with a stout heart and the determination to do his duty as long as he has breathed in his body.

And let no man surrender so long as he is unwounded and can fight.

Let us all pray that the Lord, mighty in battle, will give us victory.

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