Basil Levin

Basil Levin (with pipe), father Sam in the centre, and

Dr. Stanley Levin (on the right)

Basil Levin, a sapper with the British Eighth Army in North Africa, as well as in Italy, was in charge of most of the defenses and mine-laying operations in the areas of Revivim, Gvulot and Nirim.  He was the South African whose role in the Beersheba victory was perhaps the largest of any of the South African volunteers.

Basil was later involved in the round-the-clock operation removing the sand that had accumulated over an old Roman road – known as the “Ruheiba trail” – and preparing it for an armored force to outflank the Egyptians, while a commando unit executed a broad sweep into the eastern desert to capture the “Mishrefe” stronghold, thus severing the lines of communication of the Egyptians based at Bir Asluj.  Clearing

and preparing this ancient Roman road contributed to the success of “Operation Horev” (22^nd December 1948 to 8^th January 1949).

Researcher’s Note:  Basil Levin’s brother, Dr. Stanley Levin, was also a Machalnik.  Link to Dr. Stanley Levin’s story

Source:  Excerpts from Henry Katzew’s book “South Africa’s 800.”