Home » Second World War » Month by Month » February 1945

February 1945

The start of February 1945 saw the 1st Battalion (1 LIR) continuing at rest and the 2nd Battalion (2 LIR), under command of 11 Brigade, were in the mountains near to San Clemente but, within a short period, their respective roles were reversed.

On the 4th of the month, 2 LIR were eventually relieved from the front line and travelled southwards to join up with the rest of 38 (Irish) Brigade for a short rest just to the north of Florence. On the 11th, the Irish Brigade moved to the town of Forli where they would remain for the next four weeks and they soon started to undertake training exercises in expectation of the next offensive, which was expected in the drier spring time.

After themselves spending three weeks in Forli, 1 LIR was brought up to the banks of the Senio river to relieve other units of 56th (London) Division close to the town of Cotignola. Although occupying defensive positions close to the Germans, the area was generally quiet although occasional shells were dropped into their lines. After coming out of the line for a week, they returned to new positions near Granarola on 20th February before moving up close to the Senio riverbanks three days later. The battalion was again relieved at the end of the month and this time moved back to Forli where they could join their comrades from 2 LIR.

Key Dates:

3rd February: 1 LIR move to Cotignola near to the Senio riverbank.

4th February: 2 LIR relieved from the line.

11th February: 2 LIR move to Forli where they would remain for a month.

13th February: 1 LIR relieved from front line positions.

20th February: 1 LIR return to the line near Granarola.

23rd February: 1 LIR move up again to the Senio river.

26th February: 1 LIR move back to rest at Forli.

Roll of Honour: February 1945.

Rifleman TW Warren 01/02/1945 Arezzo Italy 2 LIR

Private A Baxter 03/02/1945 Haldenleeben Germany 2 LIR

Rifleman T Garnham 04/02/1945 Forli Italy 1 LIR