Obituaries

Continued from Page 51 about 5000 were German — together with 21 tanks, 35 anti-tank guns, 65 pieces of artillery, and 24 anti-aircraft guns

But, beginning on Nov. 10, shipments of men and materiél began arriving by plane and by ship to Tunisia, so much that a second Axis army was created — Fifth Panzerarmee, commanded by Hans-Jürgen von Arnim. Also, Field Marshal Rommel’s Panzerarmee Afrika was reinforced with the addition of Pistoia Infantry, La Spezia Airborne, Centauro Armored, and Giovani Fascisti (Young Fascist), Divisions, commanded by, respectively, Gens. Giuseppe Falugi, Gavino Pizzolato, Count Giorgio Calvi di Bergolo (who was also Italian King Victor Immanuel III’s son-in-law), and Ismaele Di Nisio.

Italian Dictator Benito Mussolini had been agitating his fellow German dictator to allow occupation of Tunisia for several years, because the distance between the Italian and Tunisian ports was so much shorter than between the Italian and Libyan ports. Now, that it was too late, Il Duce’s idea was accepted!

However, there were 15,000 French troops in Tunisia,under the command of Gen. Georges Barré. French Premier, collaborationist Pierre Lavale, accepted the German offer of “assistance.” German soldiers soon began arriving by sea and air.

American paratroopers landed in Tunisia on Nov. 15 and British paratroopers landed the next day. Two days later, the Kingdom of Italy formally incorporated Tunisia into Italian North Africa.

Beginning Nov. 19, Axis troops from the newly created XC Corps, commanded by Walter Nehring, forced Gen. Barre’s French troops out of Medjez el Bab, an important crossroads which controlled access from the west to Tunis. It controlled one of two east-west passes through the mountains. Medjez el Bab is located 36 miles southwest of Tunis and 80 miles south of the port of Bizerte.

Meanwhile, on Nov. 17, 1942, the British 78th Division, commanded by Maj. Gen. Vivian Evelegh, was heading east from Algeria, with its objective Tunis. However, to get to Tunis, it would have to go through Medjez el Bab, now defended by Gen. Nehring’s XC Corps.

By Nov. 19, units of Gen. Evelegh’s 78th Division were 30 miles from Medjez el Bab. Two days later, it was within 12 miles of the target. The British assault on Medjez el Bab began on Nov. 25. The next morning, American armor closed within 10 miles of Tunis, before being stopped by a pair of 88s, which Gen. Nehring had placed there to guard the approaches to the Tunisian capital.

But the close proximity of the Americans had convinced the German general that the Axis lines needed to be shortened to effectively defend Tunis and Bizerte. So, the order was given to withdraw the Axis units from Medjez el Bab. Some say that Gen. Nehring lost his nerve.

Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, commander of German forces in the south thought that Gen. Nehring’s withdrawal had been too precipitous, and ordered him to go over to the offensive, as more men and materiel were arriving in Tunisia daily.

Gen. Nehring ordered 10th Panzer Division, commanded by Wolfgang Fischer, to attack Tebourba, 21 miles northeast of Medjez el Bab, and on Dec. 1 Gen. Fischer personally led the assault. Tebourba is 20 miles west of Tunis and 80 miles southwest of Bizerte. It currently has a population of 28,000. By now, the Axis had shoveled more than 15,000 soldiers into Tunisia.

This would be the first time that the Allies encountered the terrifying Tiger tank, with its 16 foot long, 8.8cm cannon. That night, the Allied force was reinforced by American tanks. But the Germans added a battery of 88s.

Tebourba was captured on Dec. 4. The Allies had lost 55 tanks, 29 artillery pieces, and 300 vehicles. More than 1,000 Allied soldiers had been captured. The Allies’ position was now eight miles east of Medjez el Bab. Another Axis push was launched at Medjez el Bab two days later. Although making good progress, the assault was halted by the recently arrived Gen. von Arnim, who felt that the Axis should go on the defensive and conserve strength.

The German brass now recognized the importance of Medjez el Bab, and that it was the key to the defense of Tunis. The Allies launched an offensive from Medjez el Bab, with British, American and a few French soldiers against the Axis positions. By Dec. 26, after suffering 20,743 casualties, the Allies were back where they had started — Medjez el Bab.

The Axis planned an offensive to secure it for late January, but it was not launched until Feb. 26, 1943, without success. The Axis suffered nearly 2,800 casualties and another 2,200 men were captured, together with 90 percent of their armor, including 19 of the vaunted Tigers, and 60 other vehicles. The Allies suffered 1,800 casualties and lost 2,300 captured, and 16 tanks, 40 other vehicles and 30 guns. It would be the last Axis offensive in North Africa.

Next week: Destruction of Italian Eighth Army

Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.

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SCOTT WILLIAM TANNER Ocean City

Scott William Tanner, age 56, suffered a massive heart attack and passed away at home on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2022. Scott was preceded in death by his faithful dog, Ellie Mae, who died on Nov. 2. Scott was born May 5, 1966 in Annapolis, Maryland, Scott W. Tanner and has resided in Ocean City since 1973.

Scott loved spending time with his family. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, NASCAR, game shows and cruising North OC on his bike.

Those who knew Scott knew he didn’t speak much but when he did say something, it was usually a pun or a humorous one-liner.

Scott was the best father, husband, son, and a loyal friend to many, but especially Tommy P.

He was a hard worker and a great cook. Scott loved working with Slater and the crew at Whisker’s Pub in Ocean City.

Over the years, he made work families at the Fenwick Inn, Island Café, and Mancini’s.

He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him (along with Scotty’s Cajun Crab Lumps).

Scott is survived by his loving wife, Lori A. Tanner; and two sons, Kyle (Kayla) and Dylan Tanner, all of Ocean City, Maryland; mother, Penny Carley (aka Meems) of Bishopville; one brother, Bob Tanner of Bishopville; two sisters, Tammy Bubczyk (Mike) of Westminster, Maryland, Dail North of Federalsburg, Maryland; niece, Ashely Lazarewicz (Steve), and great-nieces, Skylar and Addison of Ellicott City, Maryland; mother-in-law, Lori Schramm; and brother-in-law, Tim Schramm, both of Catonsville, Maryland and Ocean View, Delaware.

He was preceded in death by his father, Bob Tanner; stepfather, Skip Carley; and father-in-law, Buzzy Schramm.

A special thanks to the Shumate’s and our large extended family for your unwavering love and support.

Also, a very special thank you to the OCFD, OCPD, Worcester Crisis Response Team and William Cooper, Chaplain. You all treated our family with respect and care, thank you all for you service.

In honor of Scott, please consider donating to Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company (1409 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City, Maryland 21842), or Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (124 North Main Street Suite C, Berlin, Maryland 21811).

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingfh.com.

WILLIAM G.B. OCHSE Berlin

William G.B. Ochse, age 85, passed away at his home in Berlin on Friday, Nov. 25, 2022.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, he was the son of the late Walter Ochse and Gracie Bowers. Ochse founded The Kite Loft in 1975, helping to make Ocean City become known as the ‘Kite Capital of the World.’ Affectionately known as the ‘King of the Wind,’ he was active and held numerous leadership positions in Ocean City organizations.

He was named the Ocean City Chamber’s Spirit of Ocean City Award winner in 1999.

He was an avid sailor and completed a transatlantic voyage on his sailboat with his wife, Mary. He loved laughter, great food and his dog, Riley.

Bill’s favorite quote was, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space!”

He is survived by his wife, Mary Carlson Ochse; four sons, Steve Ochse (Shari), Gregory Ochse (Kathie), Bryan Ochse (Kathy) and Christopher Ochse (Linda); two daughters, Caryn Sullivan (Chris) and Traci Chadbourne (Charlie); and 10 grandchildren, Isabel, Samantha, Caleb, John Mark, Brady, Harrison, Mark, William, Julia and Jack.

A celebration of life will be held at Atlantic United Methodist Church in Ocean City, Maryland, at a later date.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. GINA MARIA MOLLICONE Ocean City

Gina Maria Mollicone, age 63, passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2022 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore with her husband, Vinnie, by her side.

Gina was born in Manhattan, New York, to Vito D’Erasmo and Lucille (nee D’Aguillo) D’Erasmo. After vacationing for years in Ocean City, she and her husband moved to West Ocean City permanently in May, 2013. She fought a valiant battle against scleroderma for more than 18 years during which she never lost her grace, her dignity and her sense of humor.

Gina enjoyed the beach, cooking for her husband and her friends and spending social time with her lodge brothers and sisters at Sons and Daughters of Italy, Ocean City Lodge 2474.

Her passions were decorating her home, sewing, crafting and caring for her beloved cats who truly were her adopted family.

In addition to her husband, Vincent Mollicone, Gina is survived by her brothers, Frank D’Erasmo of Scarsdale, New York, and William D’Erasmo of Yonkers, New York.

A memorial service will be held and announced at a later date. JERRY HENRY HALLER Berlin

I am heartbroken to announce the death of my father, Jerry Henry Haller (Jan. 28, 1953- Nov. 23, 2022).

He passed away peacefully on Nov. 23, at the age of 69 surrounded by friends and family. My dad enjoyed fishing, shooting pool, playing poker, pour painting, macrame and watching his grandkids play sports. He is predeceased by his mother, Joyce Ann Haller (White); father, James Robert Haller; and sister, Priscilla.

He is survived by daughter, April Bireley (Keith); grandsons, Cory, Dylan and Eric Braica; siblings, and Michael and Debbie, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2023, at The Cork Bar in Ocean City at 6 p.m. He told me he wanted to have a milestone birthday party so we will honor him on that day. DR. PATRICIA J. (FITZGERALD) GRAVES Berlin

Dr. Patricia J. (Fitzgerald) Graves passed away unexpectedly Nov. 21, 2022, at TidalHealth, Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Maryland.

Born in Washington D.C., she was the daughter of the late Wilfred Fitzgerald and Jeanette (Lohofer) Fitzgerald. Patricia is survived by her husband, Kenneth Graves; son, Bart Talbert; grandchildren, Katelin, Alissa and Julie Talbert; brothers, Dan Fitzgerald (Susan) and Kevin Fitzgerald (Wendy); daughter-in-law, Laura McCoy; Kenneth’s daughters, Donna Hall, Sandy Gene Graves and Margaret Jo Sandifer; and Emily, Zachary, Dilan, and Sheppard.

She truly was a force of nature, always curious and deeply searching, she found ultimate peace in this life through the grace of God. She put her faith into practice.

In mid-life she went back to school and earned her MBA from the University of Maryland and was CFO of a nationwide healthcare service in Hilton Head, South Carolina, for many years.

She went on to earn a PhD in faith-

based psychiatric counseling. Moving to the Eastern Shore and establishing her own practice, Hope Happens, she devoted herself to helping others in times of darkness, sharing her hard-won insights through the love of the Lord. She will be deeply missed and never forgotten by all who knew her. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Holy Savior Catholic Church, 1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 at 11 a.m. on William Ochse Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patricia’s memory to the Worcester Co. Humane Society, 12330 Eagles Nest Rd., Berlin, Maryland 21811; or to Diakonia, 12747 Old Bridge Rd., Ocean City, Maryland 21842. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland. Condolences may be shared with the family via: www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Jerry H. Haller

Gina Mollicone Patricia Graves

OBITUARY NOTICES

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