 In June 1943 , Horrocks sustained serious injuries during an air raid at Bizerte , while watching an amphibious rehearsal . Bullets from a strafing German fighter struck his upper chest and carried on through his body , piercing his lungs , stomach , and intestines . He underwent five operations and spent fourteen months recovering . This injury caused him pain for the rest of his life , and continuing health problems later led to his early retirement from active service . 
