1st February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
Brigade Commander visits 1 RIrF bttns carry out administrative duties. 1 RIrF held an Officers’ Dance in Florence, which proved a successful events.
1 RIrF – FLORENCE.
1st /2nd – Nothing to Report.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
Coys were busy making their billets more comfortable and generally cleaning up.
1030 Many changes were made in bttn appointments and commands and these were made at a special conference held by the Commanding Officer.
Two cinema performances were given, one in the afternoon and one in the evening. 150 men travelled to Florence in unit transport on day pass. Of these, 120 were allowed meals in Florence Command cafes. The others were able to obtain meals in EFI and NAAFI clubs.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0700 Bttn still in locations as follows: Bttn HQ – 023257. E Coy – 031253. G Coy – 028262. H Coy – 031257.
Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Patrol to Boschi , In – 2330 hrs. Recced to 250 yards north of Boschi. Fairly well worn track on west side of minefield. Taking and stamping of feet heard from house. Patrol Commander then returned to gully and recced to stream junction 042274. No sound heard from high ground 044274. Haystack at 039273 investigated. No signs of enemy but old tracks.
1200 Intentions 1/2: Normal contact patrol to 5 Northants (G Coy). Out – 2030 hrs. Ambush Patrol 1 and 6 (E Coy) to Casalino. Out – first dark, In – 2300 hrs. Checking of own minefields – moonlight until completion.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman Thomas Warren, London Irish Rifles.
2nd February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
Brigade Commander inspected 2 Innisks in their battalion area.
Lt Col Bevan. Commander 152 Field Ambulance, visited Brigade HQ and went on to 1 RIrF.
Lt Col Chadwick- Healey, AA and QMG 78 Division, accompanied by G II visited Brigade Commander.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
0900 The daily party for a day’s leave in Florence, went off in time. The system was changed to allow one whole coy to go to Florence for the plus a proportion of HQ Coy. This was designed in order that Coy Commanders would have their whole coys for the other days and so make better progress with the task of refitting and reorganisation.
1030 A/Brigadier (Lt Col TA Preston) visits the bttn and accompanied the CO in a tour of inspections in the area. The Bttn Pipe Band played while he inspected their part of the bttn area.
The Brigadier stayed to lunch with the Commanding Officer.
An Information Room was established in the Recreation Centre and maintained by the Battalion Intelligence Section.
The remainder of the day was quiet; most people taking full advantage of the opportunity to rest and write letters. The Mobile Cinema Unit gave two more showings of the film, “Let The Angels Sing”, one at 1800 hrs and one at 2000 hrs.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0700 Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Casalino patrol report voices and MG firing area Casetta di Sotto. Checking of minefields completed.
1200 Intentions night 2/3: Normal contact patrol to left flanking bttn. Recce patrol 1 and 3 (Battle Patrol) to Boschi. Out – first dark. In – on completion. Route out – gully 032263. Route in: via 038267 and Casa Salara 034263.
3rd February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
Florence day leave parties continue. Bttns carry out administrative duties on company level.
1 RIrF – FLORENCE.
Warning order for move to Forli. Coy officers and senior NCOs carry out wireless exercise.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
The Commanding Officer went away on leave and the 2nd in Command Major PJ Blake MC assumed command of the bttn. Normal routine was carried out through the bttn and the usual day leave party visited Florence.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0700 Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Intermittent MG fire from north and south east of Boschi area on probable DF tasks. Flares in Boschi area at 2200 hrs and 0115 hrs. Patrol to Boschi returned 0030 hrs. Reported coughing and talking in post at about 042273.
1200 Intentions night 3/4: Normal contact patrol to 1 ES. Out 2130 hrs (G Coy).
All night ambush patrols, each 1 and 6: i) Gully 034266 (E Coy). ii) Pimples 037266 (Battle Patrol). iii) Casalino area 036257 (E Coy). Route in and out for all three patrols via Casa Salara 035263.
Died on this Day:
Private Alexander Baxter, London Irish Rifles, attached from ACC.
4th February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
Florence day leave parties continue. 2 LIR relieved by 56 Recce in positions and revert to command 38 (Irish) Brigade.
1 RIrF – FLORENCE.
Nothing to Report.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
0930 A Church Parade for all denominations was held and the whole bttn attended. The Pipe Band played the bttn to the parade ground where the C of E service was held and the RCs marched onto their own service. The remainder of the day was spent in normal routine.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0700 Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Patrols NTR.
1200 Intentions night 4/5: Local standing patrols to cover relief of bttn by 56 Recce.
1430 Bttn mule teams and no essential personnel left Bttn HQ.
1500 Advance elements of 56 Recce arrived Bttn HQ.
1715 Main body of 56 Recce arrived bttn area.
1930 Relief completed.
5th February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
Brigade Commander visits all battalions in the afternoon to tie up GOC’s visit and inspection. He stayed to tea with 2 LIR.
1 RIrF – FLORENCE.
Order for advance party to move 7 February. Capt EE Maginess MBE on UK leave.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
The coys tested automatic weapons and also carried out normal admin checks.
1800 The CO returned from leave.
2000 The Officers’ Mess held a dance, the sisters and nurses from Florence and Borgo San Lorenzo were invited. The Bttn Dance Band provided the music and the evening was voted by all as a great success.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0030 Last TCVs left em-busing point Cuviolo (996227).
0215 Last TCVs joined main bttn convoy, which had halted at Firenzuola.
0245 Bttn convoy moved from Firenzuola.
0530 Bttn established in new area – Caldine.
Locations: Bttn HQ – 856754. E Coy – 861762. G Coy – 842754. H Coy – 842750. S Coy – 836750.
Day spent in rest.
6th February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
GOC 78th Division inspects 1 RIrF in the morning. The battalion marched past a saluting base and then the GOC visited billets and inspected training. He stayed to lunch at Brigade HQ and then inspected 2 Innisks in the afternoon. They, too, marched past and billets and training were inspected.
1 RIrF – FLORENCE.
Nothing to Report.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
Most of the morning was spent in preparing for a visit by the Divisional Commander.
1330 The bttn paraded on the road south of the village and awaited the General’s arrival.
1400 The Divisional commander arrived and the bttn, headed by the Bttn Pipe Band, marched by the General who was standing on the saluting base under the Regimental flag. Coys saluted independently as they came up to the saluting base. The General expressed his satisfaction at the Parade.
1500 Transport left for the All Ranks Dance held in Florence. This Dance was extremely well run and the ORs, who had not been to a dance for some time, enjoyed themselves to the full. Dancing was from 1700 hrs to 2130 hrs, owing to the Curfew. The Divisional Commander and the Brigade Commander visited the Dance during the course of the evening.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Bttn bathing at MBU.
Day leave parties to Florence.
Bttn IO, Capt W Gentle, proceeded on leave. Lieut GR Browne took over duties of IO.
7th February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
GOC 78 Division inspects billets and training 2 LIR. There was no march past.
General GF Keightley, Commander 5 Corps, arrived at Brigade HQ and lunched there, along with GOC 78 Division.
1 RIrF – FLORENCE.
Advance party left for Forli..
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
Normal routine was the order of the day. Coy continued to check weapons.
Bttn snipers were tested and their rifles tested and zeroed.
2 LIR – ITALY.
1200 Divisional Commander arrived on tour of inspection of bttn area.
E Coy area visited.
1225 Divisional Commander arrived Bttn HQ.
1900 ORs’ dance at Caldine.
8th February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
Orders for move to 5 Corps area issued.
A villa was obtained quite close to Florence for use by all officers in the brigade.
1 RIrF – FLORENCE.
Move Order No 12 issued. Brigade Move Order No 1 now received.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
0700 Advance party, under the command of Major Blake MC, left for new bttn area at Forli.
Coys continued their normal allotment of day leave passes to Florence.
The bttn snipers put in some practice with their rifles.
1900 The Regimental Dance Band played in the wet canteen.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Advance party of 2 officers and 45 ORs proceeded to new area at Forli.
Day leave parties to Florence.
Issue of kit deficiencies etc.
9th February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
0600 Brigade HQ and 1 RIrF move to Forli and came under command 5 Corps.
Remainder of brigade remains present location.
Brigade Commander goes direct to 5 Corps HQ.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Bttn moved to Hitler Barracks, Forli where we took over from Italian 87th. Buildings and grounds indescribably filthy. Orders issued re cleaning the area, a monumental task.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
Normal day leave, the last from this area.
Coys were now beginning to make their preliminary arrangements for the bttn move on the 11th February.
WOs and NCOs of the bttn now at a CRU came up to the bttn on a visit and also to see if there was any chance of their coming back to join permanently.
1700 The Regimental Pipe Band played Retreat in Florence and attracted a great deal of attention from the civilian population, who have never got used to seeing kilts.
The Regimental Dance Band was lent to the 2 LIR for their dance in Florence at which the CO and three other officers of the Inniskillings were invited
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Day leave parties to Florence.
2000 Office party and dance at Bttn HQ. Corporal’s dance in Caldine.
10th February.
Brigade HQ – L’OLMO 859791.
0500 Brigaded carriers move to Forli via Faenza.
Brigade Commander returns to Brigade HQ.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Recce for training area. Bttn engaged in cleaning buildings and grounds.
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
0300 Reveille for Unit carriers and personnel travelling with them.
0500 Carriers moved off under the command of Captain PL Hamilton who was also in charge of the whole brigade carriers. These travelled on a 2nd class road to Faenza and then down Route 9 to Forli.
0600 The QM and his staff and stores vehicles left for Forli, followed at intervals by the stores’ vehicles of the coys.
1100 CO’s Conference to discuss the final points of the move.
The bttn spent the remainder of the day in preparing for the main move on the 11th. Advance party of the 1st East Surreys arrived and these were to take over the billets when we left.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Day spent in preparations for move to Forli.
Carriers proceeded to Forli.
11th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
2 LIR and 2 Innisks move to Forli by Route 67.
Brigade Location Statement:
Brigade HQ – 438165. 2 Innisks – 447158. 2 LIR – 438164. 1 RIrF – 456154.
17 Field Regiment – 513208. 214 Field Coy – 458156. 152 Field Ambulance – 453182.
All billets for the brigade were either in Forli or just outside the town. All had previously been used by the Italians and were in a filthy and disgusting state. Two or three days were necessary to clear up the mess.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
38 Brigade ordered available for Corps reserve
2 Innisks – BIVIGLIANO.
0400 Reveille.
0600 Everyone completed their last minute packing and were em-bused and ready to move. The MT was assembled in the open square on the west side of the villages and, on orders from the convoy commander Major Cochrane, the convoy moved off.
A rear party, under Capt McCorkell, stayed behind to hand over. The only incident throughout the journey was when a few trucks at the end of the column took the wrong turn at Dicamano but these were soon brought back to the right road by the MTO.
The column made good time and arrived in Forli at 1145 hrs, where guides were arranged to take the MT and personnel to their respective places. Accommodation was very limited and, when first taken over, was in a filthy condition, having been used by Italian troops. The advance party worked hard and, when the main party arrived, everything had been cleaned up by the liberal use of creosote.
The town was well organised with cinemas and canteens for the men and clubs for the Officers but nobody found time to use them today, being much too occupied with settling in before dark and catching up on sleep.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0700 Bttn convoy moved off. Order of march – Bttn HQ, E, HQ, G, H and S Coys, B Echelon. Route via Highway 67.
1200 Head of column arrived in Forli.
1400 Bttn complete billeting in factory in Forli – 440164.
12th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Final training areas and orders regarding training issued. One area was allotted for field firing, one for tank and infantry cooperation and one for practising a river crossing.
Brigade Commander went on recce of training areas during the morning.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Training areas allotted by Brigade Training . Instructions issued by bttn.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0900 The CO, 2 i/c, Adjutant and three Coy Commanders went to Florence to watch a parade for which the Inniskillings were providing the guard of honour and their Pipe Band. A few high ranking personage was expected.
1040 Brigade Commander paid a visit to the bttn and looked over the billets. For the remainder of the day, coys were busy, cleaning and improving their billets and generally making themselves more comfortable.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 F Coy reformed wef today.
0900 Coys carrying out own training programmes.
Signal Platoon commences Signal Course at Brigade HQ.
1400 CO’s inspection of Coys’ Battle Orders.
13th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Battalions commence training.
GOC visits Brigade HQ and stayed for lunch. Lt Col Saville and Brigadier T Tryon, AA and QMG 5 Corps. also came to lunch.
Brigade Commander went on recce of training areas during morning.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
13th/14th – Training on Section – Platoon – coy level.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
Bttn, having settled in, is concentrating on administrative checks, Allotments for the MBU was made.
Bttn HQ and the coy billets were cleaned and the approaches to the buildings cleared of mud and bricked. The mirror at Bttn HQ was set up and the wording over it (Do you look like a victorious British soldier now?) attracted much attention from the residents of the town.
General cleanliness and smartness of the Irish Regiments attracted much attention at first laughs but, after a day, whole hearted attempts by other units to follow the same example was noticed.
Notice was received from Brigade HQ that training was to commence on the 15th of February. Training programmes were to reach brigade on the 14th. Marked maps were received from Brigade HQ showing the training areas.
2 LIR – ITALY.
CO recced Forli area for outdoor coy training areas.
Five areas along railway line were decided on.
Bridge area 451165.
Station area 446168.
Factory area 440173.
Cemetery area 449178.
Canal area 431178.
14th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Training carried out by all battalions. Brigade Commander visits training areas.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
Coy Commanders received areas for training on the 15th. Coy checked weapons and equipment in readiness for training.
1430 The CO, 2 i/c, and IO went out to recce training area ‘D’. Some of the area was known to have been mined and, in many cases, the tracks were impassable to vehicles either through mud or through bridges having been blown.
The area proved to be good for training but the only practical approach was by vehicle to Medola and to march across the footbridge to the training area.
1830 Four officers from Rear HQ of the 1st NZ Division visited the Officers’ Mess and stayed for dinner. They had been invited in appreciation of the help they had given us in finding billets in the town and for the two houses of their own, which they had given over to us.
2 LIR – ITALY.
1400 Band of the 2nd Bttn Royal Ulster Rifles gave a performance in the central dining hall.
1800 Repeat performance by RUR band.
15th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Training carried out by all battalions. Brigade Commander visits training areas.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
15th/16th – Further allocation of training areas and forecast of training.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0830 Training commenced in earnest and took the form of weapon training and small tactical exercises.
1030 The CO visited the Dorchester NAAFI Canteen to see how the troops were catered for and was very impressed by what he saw and considered the NAAFI the best he had ever seen with plenty of facilities for everything. He asked permission for his Coy Commanders to be shown around in order that they also might see the way their men’s welfare was looked after.
1400 Bttn cross country run of 3 miles was carried out with all ranks under 35 years of age. Everyone ran extremely well, the winner covering the course in 24 minutes. By evening, the first signs of stiffness was beginning to show in all those who ran; a stiffness, which for most was to last for two or three days.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 CO’s inspection of F Coy.
1030 CO’s inspection of billets.
16th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Training carried out by all battalions.
Capt Coleridge (Bays) attached to brigade with three tanks from 2nd Armoured Brigade for infantry cooperation.
2000 Orders received to carry out recce for Operation Backstop. This operation was planned to counteract an attack by the enemy across the Senio and Lamone rivers and then south to cut Route 9 east of Faenza.
The line to be taken up stretched between the Lamone and Montone rivers about five thousand yards north of Route 6.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0830 Normal training continued with tactical exercises on a platoon and coy level.
Notice was received from brigade that positions had to be recced for the defence of the Reda Line, a projected plan, which would become effective if the enemy broke through north of Faenza, this recce to be carried out at 1000 hrs 17th Feb.
Coy Commanders were notified and the necessary maps issued.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Coy representatives reported to Brigade HQ for recce of bttn area in defensive role in the event of an enemy breakthrough.
Capt W Gentle resumed duties of Bttn IO.
1600 All personnel to carry out 15 minutes Rifle Drill daily.
1615 REs complete 30 yards range near Bridge area.
17th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
0900 Brigade Commander, OC 8 Royal Tanks and OC 214 Field Company go on recce of Operation Backstop.
1000 Recce parties from 2 Innisks, 2 LIR, 1 RIrF, 254 A/Tk Battery, 17 Field Regiment, 93 A/Tk Regiment (150 Battery) RV at Brigade HQ to receive detailed orders regarding the recce for Operation Backstop.
1700 Brigade Massed Pipe Band played in Forli Square together with the Band of the Royal Ulster Rifles. Officers of the Brigade Group were entertained afterwards by the Officers of Brigade HQ.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Recce brigade defensive position Albereto.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0830 Bttn less CO, IO and Coy Commanders set out on a 10 mile route march south of Forli.
0930 CO and IO attended a conference at Brigade HQ on the defence of the Reda Line.
At this conference, a map marked with positions to be occupied was issued and also the OO affecting it. Warning was given not to wander across fields too much during recce as there were mines known to be in the area.
1000 CO met Coy Commanders at Brigade HQ and gave them the positions they would occupy. Then, in company with the Squadron Commanders of the tanks that would assist in the defence of the bttn area, went out to visit the positions, meeting each Coy Commander and Tank Commander in their respective positions to discuss points with them.
1100 At a point approximately half way round the route march circuit, Captain Long gave a demonstration of the WASP flame thrower.
1730 Brigade Pipe Bands together with the Silver Band of the RUR played Retreat in the town square It was an impressive ceremony and attracted a large crowd of spectators. This was followed by drinks and light refreshments supplied by Brigade HQ in the AMGOT building to which officers from each department of the division were invited. The Divisional Commander was also invited.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier John Fitzpatrick, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 All G 1098 instruments handed in for REME inspection.
1800 Brigade Pipe Band and RUR brass band played ceremonial retreat in town square.
18th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4318.
Brigade Commander went on a recce of training areas during the morning.
1300 Brigadier TPD Scott DSO returns from home leave and visited 2 LIR at lunch time.
Church Parade and Divine Services held at Forli.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Mine training arranged by Pioneers.
2 Innisks – FORLI
0900 The RCs paraded with the Bttn Pipe Band and marched to church in Forli.
The C of Es attended a voluntary service in the NAAFI.
1000 The IO went to the training area to recce site for a rifle range. This was made necessary as the allotment of the bttn on the existing range was one day, which the CO refused, deciding to build his own. A suitable site was found on the northern edge of D training area Ref 467066.
1400 A Sgt and three men were sent to live in a farm by a range to supervise its building by fatigue parties sent out each day and to maintain the range targets etc when firing commenced.
1430 Training programmes were issued to coys.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 IO, SO, I Sgt, Sig Sgt and coy representatives visited bttn counter attack and defence area
19th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4318.
Individual and platoon training by all battalions.
Brigade Commander visits 2 Innisks.
Lt Col J Preston DSO goes to Main Eighth Army to take up the Appointment of Colonel GS. Brigade Commander dines with 1 RIrF in the evening.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Further recce of Backstop position.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0830 Bttn training continued as usual.
0900 A five days’ Snipers course was started under the direction of the IO.
Coy Commanders left for a more detailed recce of the Reda Line positions.
1000 CO Battery Commander and IO left for Reda Line to arrange final positions with Coy Commanders. The CO changed most of the positions to points further forward where better fields of fire could be obtained.
1300 Final positions were established and support weapons sited, also 3” Mortars and Artillery DFs, were fixed and the CO returned.
1400 Platoon Commanders went out to the Reda Line and met Coy Commanders who showed them around the area and allotted their positions.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0845 Coys begin day’s training with 15 mins Rifle Drill.
20th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Platoon and individual training by all battalions.
Brigade Commander visits 1 RIrF.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Brigade conference to coordinate defensive position.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0830 Coys continued with their training.
The rifle range was ready for use but owing to other commitments. Coys could not as yet take advantage of it.
1430 The CO, 2 i/c, and IO went out to ‘A’ training, area to recce ground for a river crossing exercise, which was to take place shortly.
1730 The IO attended a Conference at Brigade HQ to coordinate our changed positions on the Reda Line and to tie up with the flanking units and supporting arms.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0830 Snipers’ Course commenced, under L/Sgt C O’Connor (2 ORs from each rifle coy).
21st February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Individual training by 1 RIrF and 2 LIR.
Coy in attack by 2 Innisks.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Kangaroo exercise by coys to familiarise and acquaint with difficulties of control.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0800 Three officers and three NCOs per coy left bttn area for a short demonstration exercise with Kangaroos. Remainder of the bttn continued normal training.
0900 Exercise at Kangaroo Park in Forli was preceded by a 20 minute lecture by the Commander. Describing capabilities and inter comm. This was the first time most of us had seen a Kangaroo as such (It is a Sherman tank with the turret off and the unnecessary fitments taken off making it capable of carrying 9 men).
0930 Kangaroos then went out, each bttn group representing a platoon and short tasks were given over the air, so that the infantry could see the method of passing on orders and getting to an objective.
1130 Exercise finished.
1300 A large number of the bttn attended the 8th Army race meeting at Cesena.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0830 CO, IO, RSM and coy representatives proceeded on lecture and practical demonstration of Control of Kangaroos (Troop carrying tanks).
1800 CO’s O Group held on Kangaroo Exercise and details arranged for the four rifle coys to do an exercise with Kangaroos on morning of the 22nd.
Regimental Canteen opened for Bttn ORs.
The Bttn Commander, Lt Col HEN Bredin DSO MC relinquished his post at 78 Division HQ returned to the battalion and proceeded on leave to Rome. Major JD Stewart carried on as temporary CO.
22nd February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Coy and individual training by all battalions. Capt Foley 1 LIR talks with to 2 Innisks on street fighting and general experiences gained in fighting in the present Plain.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Discussion with Lt Foley (1 LIR) of lessons learnt in the fighting on the plain.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
Normal training continued and Coy Commanders went out to field training areas to arrange exercises.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Rifle coys proceeded on Kangaroo Exercise.
1800 Capt W Gentle assumed duties of Adjutant in place of Capt G Cole, who proceeded to hospital. Lt MC Murphy assumed duties of IO.
23rd February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Coy and individual training.
Capt Foley lectures to 2 LIR on the same subject. 2 Innisks held a battalion cross country run.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Bttn rifle range at Meldola in daily use.
Provision of targets being greatest difficulty.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0800 Coys in turn carried out small exercises on Kangaroos. The exercises lasted about one hour and were designed mainly to illustrate the use of Kangaroos and to accustom the men to them prior to a larger exercise in which they are to be used. Two subalterns of 2 Innisks start a four day attachment to the Desert Air Force to study their method of working etc and one pilot of the Desert Air Force was attached to us for the same period and for the same purpose.
1700 All officers went to Brigade HQ to hear a lecture by a Canadian Coy Commander on his experiences of fighting in this type of country and particularly of the peculiarities of the rivers and the methods used in crossing them. Enemy tactics in holding these river lines were also discussed.
1930 Major Blake MC and five other officers were invited to Divisional HQ to a party held in their ‘B’ Mess.
2 LIR – ITALY.
1700 Lecture by Lt Foley of 1 LIR to bttn officers and coy representatives on type of fighting which the bttn might expect in future operations on the Lombardy Plain.
Consequent on this lecture, the CO pointed out to Coy Commanders that 2” mortar and PIAT training as well as mine detecting was to be impressed on all ranks.
24th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Route march by 2 Innisks. 2 LIR and 1 RIrF carry out coy and individual training.
Major Horsey (C&Y) talked to all officers of the Brigade Group on the subject of River Crossings based on his experiences of the crossing of the River Lamone.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Training Instruction No 2 issued.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0900 C Coy Commander Major J Duane MC went out with the CRA to recce a plan re Divisional exercise which is intended to take place shortly. Coys continued normal training in the mornings and organised games was the main programme in the afternoon.
1930 WOs and Sgts organised a dance to which all the Bttn Officers were invited and Sgts from other units in the brigade. The Sgts spared nothing in their efforts to make the party a success and the reputation of the Sgts’ Mess was maintained. WOs and Sgts of the Regiment at present held at No 2 CRU were not forgotten and a large number attended.
2350 There was an accident outside the bttn billet when Sgt Phillips of A Coy was knocked down and seriously injured by a truck while crossing the road.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 E and G Coys proceeded on street fighting exercise at Casetti 6402, followed by a demonstration of the Wasp flame thrower by Lt Neale (Bttn MG Officer).
0930 AIA began inspection of all bttn weapons.
1400 F and H Coys proceeded on street fighting exercise at Casetti.
1715 Coy Commanders and S Coy platoon representative proceeded to Bttn HQ for lecture on river crossing.
25th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Coy and individual training by all battalions.
Brigade Commander lunches at Main 8th Army.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Orders re TEWT and exercise at Calisese.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0930 A church parade was held for RCs and the parade was headed by the Regimental Pipe Band.
1100 A lecture was given at the Oak cinema for three officers and three NCOs from each coy, the subject once again was conditions of fighting in the type of country we are now in. The lecture was good and very enlightening and all ranks were thoroughly interested. The lecturer was a Platoon Commander from 56 Division, who had been in the sector for a considerable period.
1200 The CO returned from leave.
The remainder of the day was quite uneventful.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 CE Ceremonial Parade.
1500 CO’s conference with Coy Commanders on training.
26th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Coy and individual training by all battalions.
Brigade Commander visits 2 LIR in the morning.
Demonstration in the afternoon for officers and NCOs on the Weasel and its accomplishments.
2 Innisks commence inter coy football competition.
Mortrep course commences at Forlimpopoli under CCMO 78 Division.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
TEWT and exercise. House and village clearing.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0800 Two coys went out to Field firing areas and carried out exercises arranged by the Coy Commander. Other coys continued their normal training in the area close to Forli. The Snipers’ course was extended for another three days in order that more practice could be gained in firing.
1200 Brigadier visited Bttn HQ on a social call.
1330 The first game of football in a newly organised league was played. Officers v B Coy first time. B Coy won by 6 goals to nil.
1900 The CO, Adjutant and four other officers went to dinner at 10 Battery 17 Field Regiment on the invitation of Major Steedman, the Battery Commander. This is the Battery, which always supports the bttn in action.
1930 Lt AC Gladitz was transferred to the LIR.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 MTO begins inspection of all bttn motor cycles.
G Coy weapons inspected by AIA.
1700 Lecture to all Coy Commanders, Platoon Commanders and Sgts on artillery and infantry cooperation.
27th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Training:
2 Innisks – Coy training. 2 LIR – Assault boating, individual training. 1 RIrF – Route marches and bttn demonstrations.
Training films were shown for whole brigade in Apollo Cinema, Forli.
Brigade Commander visits training areas.
The officers of Medical Services of 78 Division held a dance in Forli to which invitations were extended to the Brigade Commander and other officers.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Demonstration area D8, fire power of a section, Vickers, 3” mortars, Wasp and Life Buoy Flamethrowers. Lecture by Lt Leckie of 17 Field Regiment.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0800 Coys continued Field training and practising river crossings with assault boats. In view of the large number of mines laid by the enemy, a new organisation of the Platoon Pioneer was proposed, which would enable all coys to benefit from the specialised knowledge and ability to neutralise all types of mine.
1730 The CO of the 17th Field Regiment gave a lecture to the officers on the advantages and disadvantages of artillery in flat country and particularly in the area of the lower Po valley where OPs were often not possible. He stressed the importance of Platoon Commanders being able, not only to observe for the guns, but to be able to shoot and correct them, in order that all possible targets might be engaged despite the difficulties confronting the FOOs.
2000 The CO and two other officers attended a Dance and Cabaret held by the Divisional Medical Services.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 F Coy practising river crossing over the River Ronco.
Normal coy training.
28th February.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 4316.
Training:
2 Innisks – Field firing. 2 LIR – Flamethrower demonstration. Boating drill. 1 RIrF – Field firing. Individual training.
2 Innisks played Brigade HQ at football and beat Brigade HQ by three goals to one.
Brigade Commander visits training areas.
1 RIrF – FORLI 4515.
Visit to Adolf Hitler barracks by General Mark Clark and Corps Commander.
TEWT at 26 Battery, 17 Field Regiment on corrections by Intelligence Officers.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0800 Coys continued Field Firing and assault best practice.
1500 The Bttn Pipe Band played in the town square and General McCreery arrived to watch the performance, afterwards speaking for the while to the CO.
1815 A lecture was given by the Battery Commander of 10 Battery, 17 Field Regiment RA on the peculiarities of the 25 pounder and also the best means of communication when the Platoon Commander wishes to fire the gun on to a target out of view of the FOO.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Normal coy training. H Coy practicing with Kangaroos.
1700 Discussion on Kangaroos held in Officers’ Mess. All officers and platoon sergeants. Points discussed included:
- What stores to bring forward in the Kangaroos.
- Whether to have Section Commanders travelling with Platoon Commanders.
- Whether to leave small packs etc in the Kangaroos before the attack.
- Types of communication to be used.
- How to evacuate casualties and PoWs. ie by forming a reserve of Kangaroos specially for the job.
- Whether to advance right up to the objective on the Kangaroos or dismount beforehand.