The Battle for Degania
(May 20, 1948)
The Syrian
attack on Degania
A and Degania B began at dawn of 20 May 1948. The main objectives
of the Syrian advance were the Jordan river bridges north of Degania
A. After shelling the center of kibbutz by mortars and tank guns which continued even during the fights. An
integrated Syrian force comprised of tanks, armored cars and infantry
attacked the defense position at the outer perimeter of Degania A.
They forced the defenders, 70 in number, out of their positions and
into the communication trenches. Some of the Syrian tanks and armored
vehicles were able to advance close to and eventually penetrate the
kibbutz fence. But they were stopped by 20 mm cannons, Piat antitank
shells and Molotov cocktails. One Renault 35 tank which penetrated
into the kibbutz was attacked by Molotov cocktails and hand grenades
. It remains in the kibbutz till today as a monument.
Syrian infantry troops who approached the kibbutz
perimeters were stopped by the defenders. During the attack, Syrian
artillery isolated the routes thus preventing reinforcements from
arriving. The defenders' positions were hit and the defenders
suffered casualties. Yet, despite their losses and lack of
appropriate weapons and ammunition, the defenders were able to hold
their positions and the Syrians retreated after several of their
armored vehicles were hit.
With the battle for Degania A over, the Syrians
attacked Degania B. Shelling the kibbutz with mortar bombs as tanks
and armored cars approached the kibbutz. This time the tanks stopped
at a safe distance of 400 meters from the fence and shelled the
defenders' positions.
Syrian infantry that attempted to approach the
troops were driven back. A second assault by infantry and armored
vehicles was also repelled. At this time new field artillery pieces
arrived . They were thrown into action before their crews had the
time to train with them. However the artillery barrages caused
surprise and confusion among the Syrian troops who began to withdraw.
The battle ended with the Syrian retreat. Israeli
forces captured the village of Zemah, North-East of Degania.
Sources: Israel Defense
Forces |