Capture in the desert: 3 Anti-Tank Regiment at Mechili 1941 and Alamein 1942

Frank Sharp would have felt the frustration swirling in his head. There he was, in the North African desert, at the old fort of Mechili, about fifty miles south of Derna, Libya. It was 8 April 1941. Not long before, he had narrowly escaped bullets fired at a truck that he was in. This WW1 decorated veteran was confronting the German officer before him, in yet another world war and at another faraway place. 'I am sorry to be taking prisoner a man of your age,' Frank was surprised to hear. Quick with his retort, and with just enough dollop of optimism, Frank quipped, 'When we win this bloody war, you come to Australia and I'll buy you a beer.' The German officer was never to forget the words of this Aussie prisoner.