By December 2, Frost’s remaining 200 men reached an Arab farm and
linked with ‘A’ Company, only to be surrounded by German forces. Low
on ammunition, Frost led a daring charge through the weakest point in
the enemy line. Using his hunting horn to rally the survivors, he guided
them to the Allied-held town of Medjez el Bab, arriving on December 3
and linking with American patrols. Stragglers continued to reach Allied
lines in the following days. The operation ultimately claimed sixteen
ofcers and 250 other ranks killed, captured, or wounded.
For his leadership during the operation, he was awarded the
Distinguished Service Order in 1943.
Later that year, as part of Operation
Fustian, Frost led the 2nd Parachute
Battalion in a parachute assault aimed
at securing key positions in Sicily. His
battalion successfully captured the high
ground south of the Simeto River, while
other airborne units focused on seizing
the Primosole Bridge (shown opposite
after the battle). Despite facing challenges
such as bad weather and scattered drops,
Frost’s leadership was instrumental in the
operation’s partial success, and his men
fought with determination against German
paratroopers.
This was the nal action in the Mediterranean with the 1st
Airborne Division in Italy before being recalled to Britain in
preparation for the great airborne offensive in Northwest Europe.