1st March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Training:
2 Innisks – Individual training. Games and sports.
2 LIR – Beating and Field Firing.
1 RIrF – Field Firing.
Brigade Commander visits training areas in the morning and boating exercises at midday.
The Pipes and Drums of 1 LIR played Retreat in Forli square at 1700 hrs after which the officers entertained the Brigade Commander and a considerable number of officers of the brigade.
1 RIrF– FORLI.
Nothing to Report. Lt SD McIlhinney admitted to hospital, sick.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0830 Coys carry out normal training. Two on field work and two on assault boat training. I Summary No 1 was issued. Weather bright and clear.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Bttn still located in Becchia Factory, Forli.
0900 F Coy proceeded on Field Firing in Area D7 (just south east of Meldola). H Coy marching to same area prior to Field Firing in the afternoon.
2nd March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Training:
2 Innisks – Field Firing.
2 LIR – Wasp demonstration. Films. Boating.
1 RIrF – Night attack formations. River crossing approach and boat handling.
Training films were shown for the brigade in the Oak Cinema Forli at 1100 hrs.
Brigade Commander visited a Tank Demonstration near Ravenna showing the use of grousers on Sherman tank tracks.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0830 The rifle range was allotted to HQ. Coy for the day and the rifle coys continued with their Field training and assault boat drill. The Rifle Coy Commanders and the IO made a recce of the area over which the exercise Bologna is to take place.
1400 A brigade Boxing tournament was arranged and some very good fights took place and all present had a very enjoyable time.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Normal training programmes carried out.
1100 Inter-Bn football match at the Stadium Ground, Forli.
Result: 2 LIR 2 1 RIrF 2.
1400 Brigade Boxing Tournament in the Dorchester Club, Forli.
The Bttn won 7 out of 12 fights.
1500 Chief Umpires for Bttn street fighting scheme proceeded to Calisese 6402 for conference and recce with Divisional Chief Umpire.
3rd March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Training:
2 Innisks carry out Night Attack Exercise commencing 1800 hrs.
2 LIR carry out Street Fighting Exercise at Calisese M 6402.
1 RIrF – practice river crossings in assault boats and bridging exercises over R Montone north of Forli.
Brigade Commander visits 2 LIR on their exercise and 2 Innisks on theirs in the evening.
1 RIrF – FORLI.
Coys practise river crossing for exercise PO.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0900 The Commanding Officer attended a river crossing demonstration given by the 2nd New Zealand Division on the Lamone river.
1645 Bttn em-bused for exercise Moonshine; an exercise designed to test communications and direction finding by night. The Bttn Boxing team, who fought the previous day, did not take part in the exercise as Brigade HQ had arranged a special dinner for the Brigade Boxers.
2200 Exercise Moonshine finished, the chief point being that 38 set operators should be trainer more.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 E and H Coys moved off in transport to Calisese village for Exercise Bologna.
1300 Exercise ended. E and H Coys returned to billets.
F & G Coys arrive Caliese to do same exercise.
4th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Training:
2 Innisks – Street Fighting Exercise at Calisese M 6402.
2 LIR – Practice river crossings in assault boats and bridging exercises.
1 RIrF – Carry out full scale River Crossing Exercise commencing 1000 hrs.
Brigade Commander visits 1 RIrF during their scheme.
1 RIrF – FORLI.
Exercise PO. All types of crossing went smoothly with the exception of Olafson bridge.
Warning order for move into 169 Brigade sector.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
The bttn was engaged on exercise Bologna; an advance across country dotted with farm houses, with a village to clear at the conclusion. The exercise was in the form of a two coy attack, therefore two coys were exercised in the morning and two in the afternoon; the skeleton Bttn HQ remained for both parts of the exercise.
1145 The bttn received a Warning Order from Brigade HQ that the bttn would be committed operationally 10th /11th March.
1930 All the Sergeants of the bttn were invited to the Officers’ Mess – an enjoyable evening.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 All available personnel from all coys proceeded on preparation for Exercise Po.
2230 Warning order that 38 Brigade would relieve 169 Brigade (56 Division) by 0600 hrs 11/3/45.
5th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
0930 Brigade Church Service was held in the Apollo Cinema, Forli and was conducted by the Reverend Victor Pike OBE ACC 8th Army.
After the service, the brigade led by the Brigade Pipes and Drums marched past a saluting base and the salute was taken by the Brigade Commander.
Brigadier A Low, Deputy Commander, Rome area, was present at the ceremony.
The ceremony was held on the occasion of the celebration of Barrosa Day by the 1 RIrF.
In the evening, the Brigade Commander and other officers were invited to dine with the Irish Fusiliers.
78 Division OO No 4 dated 5 March received. This order gave details of relief of 56 (London) Division commencing 10 March.
1 RIrF – FORLI.
Further warning order.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0930 Brigade Church of England Service held in the Apollo Cinema. Major EH Cochrane led the Bttn Parade. The Regimental Drum and Pipe Band attended.
Church Parade for RCs held in St Lucia Church. Lieut MG Murray was in charge of the party.
1400 An RSA Concert for 38th Brigade only at the Esperia Theatre. After Church Parades in the morning, the rest of the day was treated as a holiday. The CO and several officers went to the 1 RIrF Officers Mess for Barossa Day celebrations.
The Sergeants were invited to the 1 RIrF Sergeants’ Mess.
1730 Order for exercise Po issued.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Day of rest. Ceremonial Church Parade for C of E personnel, including a Brigade march past. The Salute was taken by the Brigade Commander.
1100 CO’s ‘O’ Group for Exercise Po.
6th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Training:
2 Innisks – practice river crossings in assault boats and bridging exercises of River Montone, north of Forli.
2 LIR – carry out full scale River Crossing Exercise over River Montone.
1 RIrF – carry out Street Fighting Exercise at Calisese M 6402.
Brigade Commander visits training area during the day.
Brigadier A Low (RIrF) visits the Brigade Commander before leaving for Rome.
GOC visits Brigade Commander at 1800 hrs, having been on a recce of 56 Division dispositions during the day. One or two points concerning the relief were checked up.
Brigade HQ held an all ranks’ dance in the evening.
Major Bryant (Glosters) posted to 2 LIR and take over Acting 2nd in Command.
1 RIrF – FORLI.
Exercise Bologna.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
Exercise Po was carried out by the bttn.
0945 Coys in Assembly area.
1000 O Group.
1032 A Coy move to Flank positions.
1102 A Coy reports in position.
1113 B and C Coys moving to FUP.
1124 B and C Coys in position FUP.
1132 B and C Coys assaulting.
1137 C Coy across the river and in position 397228.
1138 Two footbridges across.
1150 B Coy across and moving forward. Tac HQ also moving forward.
1200 C Coy in position at 387226 and Tac HQ at 395226.
1205 B Coy in position at 392230.
1211 A Coy HQ moving to La Bosca.
1222 A/Tk guns across the river.
1228 A Coy HQ established as La Bosca.
1245 Tac HQ moving forward.
1246 Exercise ends. Coys at 396224.
The following points were learned from the exercise, the following instructions must be carried out by the Beahcmaster.
- Crossings to be marked for the type of bridge to be used.
- Crossings to be given Code names or type of bridge named.
- A responsible NCO to be at each crossing in touch by line to the Beachmaster.
- Routes to crossings should be taped at night.
- Beachmaster in touch at all times by phone and constant information passed by Beachmaster to CO Infantry on boats or bridges or type of traffic and availability of crossing.
Major GRP Findlater taken on strength of the Bttn and becomes 2/i/c.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0730 Coys proceeded by transport to general area for Exercise Po. Major Davies, E Coy Commander, Action CO for the Exercise and Major Stewart acting as Brigade Commander.
7th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Training:
2 Innisks carry out full scale River Crossing Exercise over River Montone.
2 LIR – Individual training and games.
1 RIrF carry out Night Attack Exercise commencing 1800 hrs.
1900 Brigade Commander, G III and IO visit 169 Brigade HQ to recce areas and obtain full details of relief of 169 Brigade on night 10/11 March.
Brigade Group will consist of:
Under Command – 2 Innisks, 2 LIR, 1 RIrF, 56 Recce, D Support Group (1 Kensingtons), 254 A/Tk Battery RA, Bays (2 Armoured Brigade.
In Support – 17 Field Regiment RA, 501 Field Company RE (pending relief by 214 Field Company RE from Bridging Camp).
2 Innisks will relived two coys, 2/5 Queens and A Squadron 1 Horse.
1 RIrF will relieve one coy, 25 Queens and 2/6 Queens.
56 Recce will relieve 44 Recce.
2 LIR in reserve.
The majority of reliefs will be done in daylight except the forward section on the eastern floodbanks of Senio River and most of the positions at present held by 44 Recce.
1730 Brigade Commanders’ Conference, attended by all commanders in Brigade Group. Orders for the relief of 169 Brigade and a general idea of what to expect were given out.
1 RIrF – FORLI.
Exercise Moonshine.
Brigade O Group.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
Conference at Brigade re Training.
2 LIR – ITALY.
1000 Football Match at Forli Stadium. 2 LIR 1 152 Field Ambulance 7
1100 CO’s Conference and discussion on previous day’s exercise.
1800 CO visits Brigade HQ for conference on relief of 169 Brigade.
8th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Training:
2 Innisks – Individual training.
2 LIR – Coy training.
1 RIrF – Coy training and interior economy.
Brigade Commander visits bttns and training areas during the day.
1 RIrF – FORLI.
CO and IO to 2/6 an 2/5 Queens. Brigade move order.
Captain DEH Haywood MC and Lt KEG Taylor joined the bttn from 2 CRU.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
Normal training in the morning. Movement Order No 1 issued.
0930 The CO paid a visit to the Bttn HQ of the 2/5 Queens for the information on the area prior to our take over.
1210 CO’s conference on the new area and the type of country and fighting to be met there.
1500 Flame Throwing Demonstration.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Normal training programmes carried out.
0930 Capt RJ Cockburn and recce party go to new Bttn area at Pieve di Cesato 373295.
9th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Coy and individual training carried out. Bttns also prepare for future take over night 10/11.
1600 COs and Coy Commanders of all bttns, leave to commence recces of bttn and coy positions they were going to take over.
1 RIrF – FORLI.
Advance parties to 2/5 and 2/6 Queens. Brigade OO 41 and Bttn Move Order 13.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
Preparations were begun for move of the bttn. Movement Order No 2 issued.
0830 CO, IO, Coy Commanders and platoon representatives on advance party, went to recce new area.
The CO is pleased to announce the immediate award of the MM to 6976857 CSM J Nolan MM.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 CO visits new bttn area.
Moving orders issued.
10th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO RIVERBANKS.
Brigade Group moves up during the day and relief of 169 Brigade commences.
Brigade Commander visits COs of 2 Innisks and 1 RIrF during the morning accompanied by Brigade Commander, 169 Brigade.
1300 Brigade Commander went to see Demonstration of the capabilities of a Crocodile (flame throwing Churchill).
2130 Relief of 169 Brigade complete.
Locations 38 (Irish) Brigade Group:
HQ 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade: Main – 376311, Rear – 392289.
2 Innisks: Main HQ – 347316. B Coy HQ – 329328, plus at 324331-326334-329335. C Coy HQ – 332332, plus at 331332 – 329334 – 330334. A Coy HQ – 334330, plus at 333333 – 332335 – 333336. D Coy – 344319 in reserve.
1 RIrF: Main HQ – 304323. B Coy HQ – 336333, plus at 338338 – 335338 – 335337. C Coy HQ – 345336, plus at 341338 – 343338 – 346338 – 348337. D Coy HQ – 357329 plus at 351336 – 355335 – 355333. A coy – 355321 in reserve.
56 Recce: Main HQ – 375328. A Squadron HQ 365342, with troops at 361345 – 364345 – 364341. B Squadron HQ – 365337 with troops at 364337 – 361340 – 359341. C Squadron HQ – 361334 with troops at 361334 – 359336 – 357336.
17 Field Regiment RA HQ – 404316.
214 Field Company RE – 369312.
D Support Group HQ – 365315.
254 A/Tk Battery RA – 379316.
A Squadron Bays – 379317.
1 RIrF – HQ, 353322.
1700 Command taken over, 1 platoon 2/6 Queens, under command until relieved after dark.
2015 C Coy, two casualties from active grenading on river bank at 342338.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
The bttn spent the morning in making final preparations for the move.
1345 Btttn left Forli under command Major Nixon MC and travelled without incident to the de-busing point at Granarola 354321. Here, they were met by guides supplied by the 2/5 Queens, who led coys as far as their respective coys, and from there on, they were taken on by our own platoon representatives.
1445 A few necessary Bttn HQ vehicles arrived at Bttn HQ (348316), Signal truck, Intelligence truck etc, ahead of the bttn to fit up Bttn HQ as they came in.
1515 Bttn de-bussed at Granarola and marked to their coy areas.
1630 A Coy completed their take over and were established with their Coy HQ at 33383300, one platoon at 33303367, one at 33203355 and the Reserve Platoon at 33303334. Positions on the floodbank were well prepared and two sniper tunnels were built. Platoons had grenades in their positions.
1700 The CO made his routine visit to all coys.
1715 C Coy had two platoons in position at 331334 and 331333, with Coy HQ at 332333. The past platoon was waiting until dark before going to its position at 329334.
1730 D Coy were complete in their reserve area, Coy HQ and two platoons at 346318 and one platoon at 342321.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0930 1st Party move off to B Echelon area 392298.
1330 2nd Party move to Pieve di Cesato area, Location: Bttn HQ – 372310, E Coy – 383284, F coy – 373294, G Coy – 375299, H Coy – 375304, S Coy – 378303. Officers Mess – 372308.
1800 Bttn at 1 hours notice. In the event of an enemy breakthrough on the Senio, 2 LIR as reserve bttn in the brigade, would move forward to Granarola 355320 and defend it.
11th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO RIVERBANKS.
When the brigade took over this sector, the numbers of enemy outposts on the opposite side of our bank had been considerably reduced and enemy movement restricted to the minimum.
Enemy outposts existed at 360343, 359340 356339, 327335 and 333333.
All the remaining enemy on our bank had been very effectively dislodged by 169 Brigade and had established section posts along most of the floodbank. Visibility, too, is very restricted due to the low lying country and the abundance of vineyards. Observation of the enemy is only practicable from the nearby houses and some of ours and the enemy MGs are sited on the upper stories of the houses.
The enemy had built many footbridges and rafts across the river, enabling him to man the outposts and it is very difficult for us to engage and destroy the footbridges by artillery and mortar flow and any attempt by our own troops to appear over our own bank causes almost certain casualties.
1000 Brigade Commander visits 2 Innisks and 1 RIrF and goes to 56 Recce in the afternoon.
1300 Grenade duel in 1 RIrF sector took place at 342337 and lasted for about three hours. Three enemy believed killed. Own casualties included three wounded and one officer killed. It was thought that the enemy had crossed over the river during the night and may or may not have a permanent outpost in this sector.
Enemy snipers were active during the day.
1900 2 Innisks erected camouflage screens across the breach in floodbank at 329334 and due crawl trench behind to enable contact to be made during the day between section posts on the floodbank.
2030 56 Recce outpost at 362344 had a bazooka fired at them from far bank. DF put down and PIAT fired at house on opposite bank caused the front of the house to collapse.
1 RIrF – HQ, 353322.
0400 Grenade and Tommy Gun duel D Coy (Captain GR Unwin MC) left platoon area 351333. Enemy driven off. Captain Unwin, Lieut HC Quail wounded. 2 ORs wounded.
0700 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) 2 mortar stonk on enemy position caused by activity enemy SBs.
1305 C Coy section 342338 in grenade duel. One casualty.
1530 Duel still going on. Two more casualties.
1545 Lieut RRJ Bartlett of B Coy shot by sniper and killed while conducting two mortar shoot to assist C Coy section at 342338.
1605 C Coy situation quiet.
Died on this Day:
Lieutenant Reginald Bartlett, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal John Pottinger, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
0100 B Coy sent a patrol from their platoon at 327333 to the floodbank at 326335. When they were about to cross a single strand of wire at the bottom of the bank, a Spandau opened up on a fixed line on the patrol’s approach route, grenades were also thrown but these fell short. The Patrol went to ground and a few minutes later, a Spandau fired from another position further right. The Patrol then withdrew and the platoon engaged the positions with LMG and 2” Mortars. The remainder of the night saw normal harassing fire by both sides and grenade duels on the floodbank.
0630 A Troop of Tanks under Bttn Command were relieved by another troop of the Bays and occupied the same area (335325).
1000 2 Innisks ‘I’ Summary issued.
1015 The CO made his routine visit to all coys.
During the day, two men were seen digging in the area of 333336 and were engaged with grenades. Enemy snipers were active and two were located, one in a tree at 326336 and another near the Weir at 333337. Our own snipers were also active and hit a Bosche at 329334. During the night, C Coy erected a sheet 14 foot square across the blow in the floodbank, which was preventing communication between C Coy’s two forward platoons.
2300 B Coy sent out a patrol of one section armed with a PIAT to 323333, these saw no sign of the enemy and returned at 0100 hrs. B Coy also established a listening post at 326334 from dark until dawn. Artillery and Bofors harassed targets on our front during the night.
2 LIR – ITALY.
1400 CO and Coy Commanders proceed to Granarola village to prepare defence position layout in case of emergency.
1800 Lt Col HEN Bredin DSO MC returned from leave.
12th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
Apart from the two incidents reported by 56 Recce and 2 Innisks during the early part of the evening, there was normal floodbank activity and harassing fire of brigade area.
Slight enemy movement seen during the day and engaged by MMGs and PIATs. Two enemy believed hit.
2100 Enemy concentrated mortars and threw grenades on section post 1 RIrF at 34163381 wounding the whole section and making the position untenable.
A counter attack by two sections was unable to restore the situation.
The section post was finally re-established at 34253375.
It is now thought that the enemy must have a permanent outpost on our bank in this sector.
2 Innisks commenced an operation after first dark to eliminate the enemy outpost at 327335 but met strong opposition and suffered casualties.
A section post was successfully established at house 32353320.
A heavy gun, believed 210 mm, harassed San Severo cross roads 327330 between 1930 and 2100 hrs.
1 RIrF – HQ, 353322.
0227 D Coy (Major AJ Wilton) casualties from light mortaring. Two fatal, 1 wounded.
0500 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) right platoon 348338 attacked by enemy, estimated 9 strong. Enemy driven off by SA and grenades. One enemy known died.
0630 Enemy SBs active with Red Cross flags.
1000 Faulty 3’ mortar bomb fell short wounding C Coy cook.
1020 Vickers gun at 349334 shot enemy observer at 353336.
1600 One section with PIAT wounded 2 enemy area 345338.
2100 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) report section post 342338 evacuated after grenade duel, which inflicted four casualties.
2200 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) after preparation by Artillery fire and two mortar.Tow sections, led by Lt HR Carver, attempted to regain the position. Finding it not occupied by the enemy. Lt Carver occupied the post with 1 section but was again forced to withdraw, himself and 4 ORs being wounded in the ensuing grenade dual. After reference to Bttn HQ, an alternative position at 342337 was occupied and the former position made untenable by fire.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Patrick Fahy, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
Floodbank activity consisting of grenade duels took place during the night and some verey lights and Rifle grenades were fired down the San Severo road. C Coy observed two enemy crossing the bridge at 330334 and engaged them with SA hitting one. There was light harassing fire with Spandau and Artillery on the bttn front during the night and our own guns replied with our own HF.
0725 Tracked vehicles were heard on the far side of the river on A Coy front, moving north from the weir.
0805 B Coy reported the noise of hammering and sawing approximately 100 yards on the far side of their right platoon. 3” Mortars put a quick concentration down on this area and harassed periodically for the next two hours.
0900 ‘I’ Summary No 3 issued.
0945 Owing to the large number of grenades used each night by coys in the floodbank area, they were finding difficulty in resting their men, as it took most of the day to prepare the grenades, to be used at night. Therefore, a working party from the reserve coy (D) was set to work at Bttn HQ under the RSM and grenades were sent off ready, cleaned and primed
0950 A working party was heard on the far side of the river.
1000 The CO paid his usual routine visit to all coys. Lt Col Bredin DSO MC and 2.i.c. arrived from 2 LIR and visited forward positions of the bttn.
1100 Digging party working in blow at top of B Coy’s road, engaged by 2” Mortar and snipers. Working party then disappeared.
1115 B Coy’s left platoon (11) reports sounds of digging on a sound bearing of 296 degrees.
1145 Brigade Commander visited Bttn HQ and discussed recent activity and future intentions with the CO.
1230 B Coy’s right platoon being relieved by reserve platoon tonight. 6 LOBs sent to A, B, and C Coys for work in Coy HQ, grenade cleaning etc.
1830 Weather report received from Division reports that fog is expected between 2000 hrs and 1100 hrs.
1910 Three shells (2 dud) on Granarola. Information re Polish mine areas and Listening Post, mine area 32233290, 31833246, 31833278. Listening Post 32083288.
1925 HSR from C Coy.
1955 210 mm guns continue to harass B Coys area. CR firing bombard from 36 guns on to known enemy heavy gun position believed guilty. Spandau fire position being visited by Battle Patrol, opened up across B Coy’s front.
2030 Patrol from B Coy reached floodbank and inspected house there. House no longer exists as such and no adequate cover, so section established itself in a house at 32353320 and remained there.
2120 White verey light went up from position being visited by Sgt Doherty.
2130 Spandau and grenades from patrol area.
2140 Battle Patrol returned, 4 casualties, two serious, two light. Also, two of C Coy wounded when they went forward to assist patrol. Enemy brought mortar stonk on area, when cries of wounded were heard.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Major JD Stewart MBE proceeded on leave. Lt Col Bredin resumed command of bttn.
13th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
0645 Bazooka attack on forward positions 56 Recce at 360342 driven off.
1000 Brigade Commander visits 1 RIrF and 2 Innisks.
1100 General Wimberley IMT, visits Brigade Commander. They spoke of many matters including that of Reinforcements for the brigade.
1120 Tanks scored direct hits on enemy positions in bank 32203324.
1200 Col Nowina, Commander 6 Lwow Brigade lunches with Brigade Commander.
1630 Tank shot up enemy OP in house at 354336 and enemy outpost at 353336.
Enemy snipers successfully engaged during the day.
2000 Enemy tracked vehicles heard north of Weir 333337.
2010 Enemy crossing footbridge 329334 engaged causing three casualties.
1 RIrF – 353322.
1200 D Coy (Major AJ Wilton) engaged in grenade duel past 1 ½ hours. No casualties.
1630 Tank (Lieut John North – Queen’s Bays) firing from hull down position on floodbank at 348336 shot up enemy positions on north bank and OP at 354338.
1845 Wasp flamed bank area 351336 was not close enough to be effective but caused screams, verey lights by the dozen.
1900 D Coy (Major AJ Wilton) being stonked by Artillery and Mortar, we replied with 3 and 4.2 Mortars and Artillery.
1920 D Coy report all quiet.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
Report on B Coy Patrol to gap on floodbank – the patrol moved up the axis of the road towards the floodbank for a short distance when it was fired on by rifle grenades. The patrol then lay up for 14 minutes while their 2” mortars engaged the target area, after which they moved on to within 20 yards of the bank. Here, a man’s head was seen to appear in the gap in the bank and more rifle grenades were fired at the patrol. The patrol pressed on and reached the bottom of the bank. There was no wire there and the prisoners with the patrol began to prod for mines, none were found. The enemy was continuously throwing grenades by this time and, as there was nothing further to gain, the patrol returned.
1000 The CO made his usual routine visit to all coys.
1530 The CO made his usual routine visit to all coys.
2110 A number of white verey lights were soon over 11 Platoon area.
2115 C Coy reports one verey light up over 13 Platoon. Enemy stretcher party crossed bridge and took away one stretcher case, believed leg blown off. Success attributed to 77 Grenades, which lit up targets and allowed firers to get to work.
2300 The position cleared by Sgt Doherty has not fired since his attack (confirmed by 11 Platoon Commander who kept a special watch).
2350 B Coy report new Spandau position 60 degree right of tank blow, firing behind C Coy. This tank blow has been cut deeper in the last two days, probably to enable shoot from opposite bank.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 CO and IO recce front line positions of 2 Innisks and 1 RIrF.
1100 Director of Military Training, Major General Wimberley visited bttn area.
1400 CO’s O Group: bttn to relieve 1 RIrF on 16 March.
14th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
0200 Enemy fired bazookas into left forward position 56 Recce and movement heard in Catania di Sotto 361343.
1230 Army Commander, Lieut General Sir R McCreery and GOC 78 Division visit Brigade HQ and stayed to lunch. Army Commander visited all three battalions of the brigade during the afternoon.
1550 Tank shot up bank at 33673380 and at 351336. Both shoots drew retaliatory fire.
General enemy movement along whole floodbank during day and all engaged by mortars and MMGs.
2130 Recce patrol from 2 Innisks found enemy outpost position at 323333 occupied and met grenades and rifle grenades.
2345 Movement heard in Catania di Sotto 3634 and, on engaging house 56 Recce, saw 2 enemy disappear over floodbank.
1 RIrF – 353322.
1215 D Coy report 1 man sniped, source not located.
1552 Tank beat up enemy post in south bank at 337338, enemy SBs active.
1725 Tank beat up enemy OP in south bank at 351336, blowing lumber and fragments into the air. Subsequent enemy artillery retaliation wounded.
2200 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) patrol to abandoned post 342338 engaged enemy in grenade duel. One casualty. Received order for relief by 2 LIR.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
0730 D Coy reports that they are going to test weapons at 1000 hrs.
0800 B Coy reports sounds of digging and clanking from floodbank where San Severo track joins the floodbank. Our own guns engaged the target area.
0815 The Troop Commander went to contact B Coy.
0835 B Coy’s LMG fired at suspected tunnel and one enemy was observed running past the gap.
0840 B Coy report 25 pounder direct on target.
0850 Report from B Coy. Six direct hits by own tank in area where digging was in progress. No further has been heard.
Intentions night 14/15 March. Recce patrol to 324334 to investigate position where enemy heard digging. Listening post to 323333. Both parties out at 2230 hrs.
1300 2 Innisks ‘I’ Summary issued to all coys.
1945 A Polish SP gun arrived unexpectedly behind Bttn HQ with the intention of firing at 2030 hrs. The bttn had no warning of this and the gun was allowed to fire.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Capt GE Cole resumes duties of Adjutant.
15th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
General light harassing fire during night. Floodbank activity quieter than usual.
0940 1 RIrF report four enemy trying to desert at 337338 but stick grenades were thrown by the enemy at them and our own troops shot one.
Brigade Commander lunches with HQ Carpathian Lancers.
1200 CCRA (5 Corps) visits Brigade HQ.
1405 One PoW (2 Coy, 289 Grenadier Regiment) taken at 327335.
1412 Enemy digging at 337338 engaged by tanks.
1600 Centre coy 1 RIrF attacked by bazookas but 2” mortars and Piats stopped this action.
1635 One deserter (14 Coy, 289 Grenadier Regiment) taken at 327335.
SP Battery 51 Recce successfully engaged houses during night. General light enemy HF during day.
2040 Explosions heard from our side of own floodbank 360343.
2100 Enemy detachment crossed bridge 329334 and opened fire from near floodbank. 2 Innisks opened fire and two of this party were wounded trying to re-cross bridge.
1 RIrF – 353322.
0940 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC) report 4 enemy with white flag.
1010 B Coy report argument between enemy groups and unseen enemy resulted in grenades being thrown by enemy. One Bosche killed, no prisoners.
1144 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) report destroying enemy footbridge with PIAT.
1200 Enemy OP area 351336 rebult during night and again in use.
1500 Tanks again destroyed above OP.
1530 Tanks again beat up enemy post 337338 blowing bits of wood into the air.
1740 Sgt of 2 LIR on recce area platoon position 335337. Killed by surprise.
2210 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) patrol to 342338 found enemy still in residence on north side of south bank and engaged in short grenade duel.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
0530 All coys and Bttn HQ ‘Standing To’ (Normal).
0835 B Coy report MMGs fired at suspected tunnel, one Bosche seem to run post gap shortly after.
0950 A Coy report that right forward platoon heard shouting and screaming from direction of Faughs’ left forward coy. Sgt Malone (left forward platoon) reported seeing white flag.
2 Innisks ‘I’ Summary No 6 issued. The CO made his usual routine visit to coys.
1050 Faughs’ report that one enemy shot in front of left forward coy. Enemy with white flag believed to give themselves up.
1405 B Coy report one prisoner taken. Brigade IO informed.
1535 B Coy reports 2nd prisoner.
1710 The CO made his usual routine visit to coys.
1736 C Coy report mortar fire in coy area.
1827 A Coy report that their coy sniper shot one Bosche at 1030 hrs.
2035 A Coy right hand platoon reports tracked vehicles to half right about 500 yards away.
2036 A Coy reports one casualty from rifle grenades bursting on the bank.
2055 A Coy reports left forward platoon ‘Standing To’, it is suggested enemy massing.
MMGs fire on task Sugar.
2100 C Coy report 4 men crossing bridge, fired upon and one ran back.
2115 A Coy fired upon from top of bank by automatics. Platoon ‘Standing To’.
2130 C Coy report the three men crossing back across the bridge and were scuttled, screaming was heard. Platoon stood down.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Philip Kirkham, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Baths at MBU. RC service in Pieve di Cesato.
1600 Coy recce parties visiting 1 RIrF coy positions. Sgt Johnston of G Coy was killed by an enemy sniper as he raised his head above the top of the Senio floodbank.
Died on this Day:
Sergeant Norman Johnston, London Irish Rifles.
16th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
0425 Enemy heard in Catania di Sotto by 56 Recce, who engaged and saw two men run to the floodbank.
56 Recce successfully engaged targets with SP Battery on Regiment front.
210 mm gun fired on 2 Innisks area towards latter end of the afternoon.
There were two casualties during the day from enemy snipers.
Brigade Commander went to Demonstration of attack by Infantry and Kangaroos in are Vale Torre (4924) north of Forli.
56 Recce again hear rumbling explosions at 359343 underneath their own bank. Many theories have been put forward as to the cause of these explosions. They may be our grenades bursting in the enemy dug outs or the enemy carrying out some sapper operation in the way of tunnelling or a camouflet.
1 RIrF – 353322.
0945 D Coy (Major AJ Wilton) section area 351336 engaged with rifle grenades, one landed in slit trench, two casualties.
1032 D Coy another grenade casualty.
1545 Relieved by 2 LIR and moved to Brigade Reserve area.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
Weather fine and clear.
The morning was uneventful, our 3” mortars registering targets on the floodbank being the only activity.
1550 One man in C Coy was wounded by an enemy sniper.
1745 While B Coy were registering an enemy position at 323333 with their 2” mortars, a near hit caused an enemy sniper to run out and disappear down the bank.
Three 210 mm shells fell in the area 33503325, wounding one man of the 3” mortars.
1900 The CO made his usual tour of the coy positions.
The night was much quieter than usual, the floodbank activity being on a reduced scale and enemy harassing fire both Artillery and Spandau were much less than normal
2 LIR – ITALY.
0800 Bttn prepares for relief of 1 RIrF.
1000 Relief commences.
2000 Relief of 1 RIrF completed.
Locations: Bttn HQ – Farm 353323, E Coy (right) – Villa Agrippina 353331, F Coy and one platoon H Coy (Centre) – 345337, G Coy (left) – Villa Bulzacca – 335333, remaining two platoons of H Coy – factory in Granarolo village – 355320. 3” mortars at 348327.
Topographical note – Bttn positions are on t east side of the Senio river. The river is protected on both sides by 25’ high floodbanks. The country is quite flat and well cultivated, grape vines being very prominent and there are numerous farmhouses in the area. The enemy holds some positions on our side of the floodbank for the supplying of which he uses footbridges and rafts across the river. Owing to the predominance of the grape vines, visibility is very restricted.
17th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
0300 Enemy bazooka-ed Catania di Sotto 360343 from floodbank.
0430 Enemy attacked night platoon of centre coy 2 Innisks with bazookas.
Enemy driven off by DF but he retaliated very quickly with his own DF which caused casualties. At dawn, the coy reported that the existing footbridge at 329334 had been broken.
2 LIR had a quiet night with light grenade duels and Spandau fire along bttn front.
St Patrick’s Day’s greetings were sent to all bttns and units in Brigade Group and many greetings were received.
0800 2 LIR took a deserter from 6 Coy, 289 Regiment. He had been buried by a shell in a dugout on our side of the floodbank for anything up to seven days. His information, therefore, was very much out of date and he was in too weak a condition to talk for long.
0820 Enemy periscope seen at east side of railway embankment at 357339 confirming presence of an enemy outpost on our bank. Explosions in the east floodbank again heard area 359343 in front of the outpost 56 Recce.
1200 Mrs Claire Booth Luce, Congresswoman of Connecticut accompanied by GOC 78 Division visited Brigade HQ. She stayed for about half an hour talking to the Brigade Commander on various subjects and dwelt for some time on Irish politics.
Slight enemy movement and snipers seen along the brigade front and our own mortars and MGs retaliated.
2015 Again, explosions were heard under floodbank at 359362. No conclusive appreciation can be made.
1 RIrF – 372310.
Recce routes for counter attack role.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
0403 Enemy rockets were launched at the floodbank in front of C and A Coys’ positions and this, coupled with unusual noise and movement on the opposite side of the river caused Artillery DF fire to be called for on that area.
0415 Enemy replied with his own DF using Artillery , mortars and rockets and this fire killed one man and wounded another in A Coy area.
0427 Situation was normal again
0530 The CO paid a visit to C Coy and went to the floodbank to learn the facts of the night’s activity.
0550 C Coy reported that the end of an enemy footbridge could be seen protruding above the enemy’s bank and also that the existing bridge in front of them was broken. The remainder of the night saw only normal floodbank activity of grenade and light mortar duels and one man in A Coy (Sgt Boyd) was wounded by SA.
0630 Observers reported that some of the rockets fired appeared to explode in a great sheet of flame and as two were known not to have exploded, a request for them to be brought in was sent to B Coy.
0700 The rocket arrived at Bttn HQ and was found to be a 32 cm Wurfgerat, the charge head of which was empty and smelled strongly of crude petrol or creosote. A CM representative from Divisional HQ took one away for examination and the other was kept as a n exhibit.
1200 ‘I’ Summary No 8 issued.
1220 Two men were seen fighting at 322372 and B Coy fired on them with 2” mortars, wounding one of them.
1300 A St Patrick’s Day lunch was given at Bttn HQ and attended by all Coy Commanders, plus Major Blake MC and Captain Vincent from B Echelon and Brigadier O’Brien Twohig, who commanded the bttn up to the fall of Rome. After lunch, the Brigade Commander called in to give his greeting accompanied by the BM.
1740 One of B Coy’s snipers recorded another hit on a Bosche.
1745 An enemy sniper wounded one man of C Coy.
1900 A programme broadcast by 8th Army for the Irish Brigade was not heard by many of the bttn owing to lack of sets.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Eric Severn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR – ITALY.
St Patrick’s Day; Owing to the Irish Brigade being in the line, celebrations were postponed until 29 March.
0600 Sitrep: Normal MG and mortar fire on bttn front. Otherwise NTR.
1200 One wounded German brought into RAP from the floodbank area by F Coy. Identification – 6 Coy, II Bttn, 289 Regiment, 98 Division.
1230 Reported by G Coy that one of the bttn 15 cwts, carrying load of ammunition, being sniped at and machine gunned in forward area. Driver slightly wounded. Ammunition did not explode and truck was later towed to safety by a carrier under covering fire from Bttn MGs.
1300 Intentions night 17/18: Recce patrols to position at 342338. Out – 2200 hrs, in – 0400hrs.
1800 Sitrep: 2 enemy seen at 342339, engaged by artillery. One PoW taken at 343339. Snipers seen and engaged by mortars 337339. Movement seen throughout day at 337338 and engaged by mortars.
18th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
Enemy attempts to cross the river by his footbridges were frustrated.
Enemy working parties on the far bank were engaged successfully during the night.
Major General Sinclair, DMI, War Office, did not visit the Brigade HQ as he had originally intended.
Considerable mortaring of 56 Recce during the morning.
1145 Tank shot up area 337338 in 2 LIR sector very successfully. Six casualties seen evacuated over small footbridge.
1330 Brigade Commander visits HQ 2 LIR.
1530 As a result of this morning’s success, tank shot up enemy outpost again and a section followed up to attempt to mop up the outpost and blow up the footbridge. It was impossible to eliminate the enemy on the far side of our bank but a section position was successfully established up on the floodbank at 337338.
At 1955 hrs, Platoon Commander 2 LIR jumped over the floodbank and caught two enemy coming across the bridge into the outpost. One was wounded and the other taken prisoner.
At 0025 hrs, a small enemy counter attack with grenades was driven off.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLA.
0055 Left platoon of C Coy heard on enemy working party digging on east side of eastern floodbank and MMGs were fired on the area.
0130 This party was still working and this time they were engaged with artillery and 3” mortars. These successfully broke the party up and a patrol sent out from C Coy to investigate reported no continuation of the digging. Unfortunately, one shell from the artillery shoot fell short.
Phosphorous smoke grenades were thrown at the left platoon of C Coy (platoon D Coy under command) but fell on the top of the bank.
0430 Vehicles were heard moving on the far side of the river at approximately 327335.
0515 Normal stand to. Till 0615hrs.
0825 2 LIR on our right informed us of their intentions to clear mines with tanks in area 336377 at 1100 hrs using smoke.
0955 An enemy Red Cross party was seen to collect in casualties from the east side of the river and evacuate them via the footbridge at 327335. ‘I’ summary No 9 issued.
1055 Spitfires attacked a church 292358, which provided observation of the bttn area.
1150 Spitfires made another attack on the church at 292358.
1240 2 LIR gave the information that mine clearing would take place again at 1500 hrs and request A Coy on their left to watch for a sniper that had been troubling them during the morning.
1410 B Coy sniper hit an enemy sniper, who was later seen to be hanging over the side of his trench.
1450 Four shells landed around C Coy HQ. Bearing sent to CBO. No casualties.
1830 C Coy report that the enemy is using rafts at the bridge site 327335.
B Coy warned to “Stand To” till 1930 hrs.
An FSS representative visited Bttn HQ to discuss the problem of civilians who were suspected of being the culprits in the cutting of telephone wires, which had occurred recently.
2125 The enemy threw three egg grenades into A Coy positions, slightly injuring three men. Evacuation not necessary.
2142 B Coy report enemy transport on the road running north west from 320332. This was engaged by artillery.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Alexander Price, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0600 Sitrep: Tracked vehicles heard 335340. 2330 hrs – MG fire from 355339. Patrols report grenade exchanges and found position at 342 338 unoccupied. Otherwise normal floodbank activity.
1030 Armoured car was sent along track on which ammunition truck was sniped at yesterday. The intention being to draw enemy sniper’s or machine gunner’s fire and this locate his position.
1100 Tank went forward to area of Bund 337338 (supporting floodbank which forms an arc with the main floodbank) to sweep a safe lane for the infantry who could then follow the tank tracks without fear of Schu-mines.
During the operation, an enemy position on the reverse slope of the Bund was shot up and 5 enemy were seen to wave a white flag. Consequent on this, an attack was planned for 1530 hrs. One section of G coy, with the support of two tanks, to capture the five enemy, whilst covering fire is given by PIATs, mortars and artillery to keep down enemy snipers, MMGs and bazookas on the far bank.
1200 Intentions night 18/19: Patrol to 337338 if position not consolidated after capture. 0200 hrs – patrol to 342338. Normal HF during night.
1630 Attack on enemy position at 337338 gained only limited ground. No prisoners taken, but section of G Coy now digging in on reverse slope of the bank with orders to try and capture the enemy position tonight.
1800 Sitrep: MG position spotted 342338 and engaged by 2” mortars at 1200 hrs. Six enemy SBs seen crossing bridge 337338 and re-crossing 5 minutes later. Enemy position at 338338 occupied by 1730 hrs. One casualty caused by Schu-mine. Another casualty in area 343338 at 1850 hrs.
2030 One PoW brought in by G Coy. Prisoner had been in line only 3 days. Possible identification came as PoW taken on 17 March.
2355 G Coy’s newly won position a 338338 reported being counter attacked.
19th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
0600 Right coy 2 Innisks destroyed barrels and part of small footbridge ready to be used at 332336 with PIAT bombs.
GOC 78 Division visited all bttns during the morning and stayed to lunch with Brigade Commander.
Enemy now seen during the day engaged successfully and snipers have been active on both sides.
Brigade Commander visits 2 Innisks and 2 LIR during the afternoon.
2100 Tracked vehicle movement heard along brigade front and enemy SP came down road to 358365.
56 Recce put down 3” mortar DF and caused SP to retire.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
Normal floodbank activity for most of the night. Weather, fine and clear, light cloud.
0550 A Coy destroyed an enemy bridge at 332336 with their PIAT.
0600 C Coy’s right Platoon Commander Lieut GH Murray MC was killed by a burst of Spandau fire from the opposite side of the river. A section commander, who was with him, was also wounded. Arrangements were made for C Coy to have more brushwood for the top of the bank in order to permit better facilities for observing over the bank,
0840 Troop of Bays asked permission to test their 76 mm and MMGs. Permission was given and all concerned warned.
0900 Spent bullets were falling in B Coy’s area and brigade informed us it was thought to be our own guns from further along the river and caused through the river bending. Considerable difficulty was had in controlling civilians, who having come into the bttn area with a road repairing party of REs wandered off to search the houses. Four were taken to the FSS and a warning issued to others.
1145 Divisional Commander called in to see the CO and discussed recent activities with him.
1415 A Corporal of A Coy lost his foot on a Schu mine, which was in the ditch at the side of the road near the forward platoons.
1425 B Coy sniper scored another kill on an enemy seen at 322332.
1510 Brigade Commander arrived and discussed general activities with the CO.
1900 CO made his routine tour of coys.
2245 B Coy reported the sound of tracked vehicles moving left to right on the other side of the river in front of their positions and this information was passed to CBO in case it should prove to be an SP gun.
2300 C Coy report tanks moving due north in front of their left platoon and stopped about 1,000 yards beyond the river.
Died on this Day:
Lieutenant George Murray, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0025 Enemy attack driven off by grenades and SA fire. One casualty to own troops.
0300 Patrol to 342388 report position not occupied by enemy and no trace of tunnels.
0530 Grenade battle at 338338. Platoon Commander, Lieut Gartside MC slightly wounded.
1100 Divisional Commander, Major General Keith Arbuthnott visited Bttn HQ.
1200 Total bttn casualties from 15 March to date – 1 killed, 1 officer and 12 ORs wounded (2 remained at duty).
1300 Intentions night 19/20: Standing patrol to observe bridge 337338. Out – dusk, in – 2000 hrs. Recce patrol to 343338. Out – 0330 hrs, in – first light. Artillery harassing intermittently areas 339339 and 337339.
1550 Brigade Commander visits Bttn HQ.
1800 Pioneer Platoon have so far lifted a total of 56 Schu-mines in area 327338.
1805 Sitrep: 0900 hrs – 1 enemy seen digging 337338. 56 Schu-mines lifted in area 327338.
20th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
0300 56 Recce heavily shelled and mortared and a small party of enemy attacked right forward position from direction of Catania di Sotto. Attack was beaten off.
Sniping and grenade duels continued in 2 LIR sector.
0730 Small attack by tanks and section of infantry reached enemy position 323333. Position evacuated by enemy but own troops did not occupy the position.
1400 Colonel Tozer, AFHQ, accompanied by CO, 78 Division Signals and G2 (I), 5 Corps visit Brigade Commander to discuss the use of a Special Duties Section.
Enemy snipers active and enemy movement seen, engaged by own mortars and MMGs.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
The whole night had been much quieter and even the floodbank activity had been on a reduced scale. The line protection patrol had not seen any movement but it is interesting to note that since this patrol was started, there had been no further incidents of cut telephone cables.
Weather fine with light cloud.
0730 One section of B Coy, supported by two tanks, made an attempt to reach the floodbank at 323333. Positions on the right were smoked and those on the left were neutralised by MMG and LMG fire. The advance went well up to the foot of the bank, very little resistance being met. When the officer leading the party started climbing the bank, a Schmeisser opened up from the house at 32233323 at short range, killing the officer, Lieut M Young, and wounding the man immediately behind him. The enemy outpost withdrew and were fired on as they retreated along the river bank
1000 The gunner OP at San Severo saw some extensive digging on the enemy side of the river at 32053304 and registered one gun on the spot.
1045 The enemy put down a concentration of mortar fire at 324332.
1050 The Brigade Commander arrived and discussed with the CO the results and effects of the morning’s attack on the enemy outpost on the river bank.
1445 Coy and platoon representatives from 1 RIrF looked over area in preparation for the bttn relief on the 21st.
1830 Our own section and the tanks returned to their base.
1850 Thirteen enemy were seen moving from left to right along the river bank at 324334.
1915 Digging heard in front of B Coy’s left forward section at 323332 and, shortly after, a Panzerfaust fired at the house but the round fell short. Three men were seen to disappear over the bank when this incident occurred and the platoon immediately fired into the area with PIAT bombs.
More enemy vehicle movement was heard during the night but generally the night was much quieter than usual, the floodbank activity too, being on a much reduced scale.
Died on this Day:
Lieutenant Maurice Young, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0545 Sitrep: 1830 hrs – Own sniper killed 1 enemy at 338338. Patrol to 337338 attempted to cross bank was engaged with grenades. Patrol to Bund NTR. 2140 hrs – MT heard 354337. Usual floodbank MG and mortar activity.
1213 Six shells fell in Granarolo village 200 yards from Bttn HQ.
1300 Intentions night 20/21: Recce patrol to 342338. Out – 2300 hrs, in – 0300 hrs. Continuation of tunneling through floodbank at 337338. Artillery HFs on 341338 and 339338 intermittently throughout the night. Artillery concentration on 341338 at 1930 hrs. 4.2” mortars areas 345344 and 35342, 1st dark – 2330 hrs and 0500 – 0600 hrs. MMG HFs on 343345, 1st dark – 2330 hrs and 0500 – 0600 hrs and intermittently throughout the night on area 336345.
3” mortars concentrating on area 342340 during the night.
1440 Brigade Commander visits Bttn HQ.
1515 G Coy report that they have successfully blown up enemy footbridge at 337338 by mortar fire.
1800 Sitrep: 2 enemy hit by our sniping at 335338 and 335340.
1000 hrs – twelve 88 mm shells landed in area 335334.
1705 hrs – 4 heavy shells in area 341337.
21st March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
A very quiet night with slight shelling of forward areas. Two slight grenade duels occurred.
0900 Brigade Commander goes to a discussion on Cloth Model at Divisional HQ on River Crossings and exploiting a breakthrough.
1200 General Nye, DGIGS, accompanied by the Army Commander, visited Bttn HQ, 2 Innisks and Bttn HQ, 2 LIR. He had a long talk with Lt-Col Bredin, CO 2 LIR, on various subjects, including that of Irish reinforcements.
Normal floodbank activity during the day. 1 RIrF completed daylight relief of 2 Innisks, except for three forward platoon positions. These were relieved after dark without incident.
1 RIrF – 347316.
Relieved 2 Innisks.
2140 A Coy (Captain L Manson MC) report six rockets fell short in enemy territory.
2200 PWB record in German broadcast to enemy.
2245 D Coy (Major AJ Wilton) report 2 crumps of 81 mm each of 6 rounds area 333335.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
0500 B Coy’s 2” Mortars fired on an enemy position at 327335 and screams and yells were heard.
0900 CO went off to Russi with Brigade Commander to attend a cloth model exercise on the use of Kangaroos and tanks in an armoured battle. Major Findlater, the Bttn 2.i.c. came to the Command Post, to command the bttn in the absence of the CO as he was not expected back until evening, by which time the relief of the bttn would be nearly complete.
1000 The vehicles with stores moved off to the reserve bttn area and the RIrF vehicles arrived at Bttn HQ to begin the establishment of their Command Post.
1345 The Army Commander and Lieut Gen Nye visited Bttn HQ and discussed several points
1400 1 RIrF Bttn HQ Staff arrived and our own Bttn HQ Staff less CO and IO left command of the Adjutant. Transport had been arranged for all coys in the form of 15 cwts running a shuttle service to the new area; the em-busing point being on the track running past Bttn HQ.
1500 D Coys relief completed and the coy marched to the em-busing point where sufficient 15 cwts were waiting for them
1535 C Coy’s two platoons relieved and marched back to the em-busing point. Transports for the men due at 1600 hrs.
1540 RAP and S Coy completed reliefs and moved off. Communications manned throughout by 1 RIrF personnel.
1645 Reserve platoon of B Coy, Pioneers and SBs were relieved and were o their way back. This completed the relief of all troops that could get out in daylight. The others, ie one platoon C Coy and three platoons of B Coy, will be relieved at first dark.
2010 C Coy completed relief of last platoon. B Coy still one platoon to relieve.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0600 Sitrep: Grenade activity increased on centre coy (F) but decreased on left coy (G) where they are being fired from across the river. 1940 hrs – fire observed at 35344. Light shelling of forward areas.
1225 Vice CIGS Lieut Gen Nye and 8th Army Commander Lieut General Sir Richard L McCreery visit Bttn HQ.
1526 Nine shells in rapid succession in area 357322 about 2-300 yards from Bttn HQ.
1530 Intentions night 21/22: Normal recce patrol to 341338. Out – 0300 hrs, in – 0430 hrs. HF from 4.2” mortars on 339343 and 351343, MMGs on area 351343 – intermittently throughout the night.
1630 CO’s Conference with Coy Commanders on local op by H Coy tomorrow.
1800 Sitrep: 0800 hrs – 4 enemy seen shaking blankets at 342338.
22nd March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
Very slight activity during the night. An explosion was heard again on near side of floodbank in 56 Recce area at 356339. This time, it was believed to be the enemy improving his positions.
2 LIR completed one of their tunnels through the bund at 343338 and, at 0430 hrs, a patrol to 341338 located enemy about forty yards east and a short grenade duel ensued.
1040 Enemy mortaring and shelling 56 Recce sector.
1200 GOC 78 Division visits Brigade HQ and stayed to lunch.
1500 2 LIR carried out a highly successful raid on the enemy outpost at 342338 with a diversionary fire plan on another outpost at 337338. As a result of the raid, enemy casualties inflicted were estimated to be about 4 killed, 11 wounded and 5 PoW. The outpost at 342338 was completely wiped out and the other one at 337338 was the recipient of forty 3” mortar bombs fired at 80 yards range and several stretcher cases were seen to be evacuated later on in the afternoon. The slit trenches of the post were completely wrecked.
1 RIrF – 347316.
0140 D Coy (Major AJ Wilton) enemy party digging area 332338 dispersed by rifle fire.
0150 D Coy, enemy retaliate with three 81 mm Mortar bombs.
0815 A Coy (Capt Manson MC) – two enemy seen 321331 requested a sniper.
1530 Enemy in “Blow” 329334 shot by Lieut G Melliard.
2100 Tank Officer (Lieut Dawney), Pioneer Officer and IO out to recce route and site for tank shoot.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Victor Pywell, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
1100 The Church Army Canteen paid a visit to Bttn HQ.
1200 CO’s Conference. Programme issued re future training and arrangements made for improving billets. Admin Order No 2 issued.
1530 The CO paid a visit to all coy areas. The day was spent in cleaning and improving billets. One coy each day to be Duty Company and to be ready to move at an hour’s notice to defend Granarola crossroads until the rest of the bttn arrived, in the event of an enemy counter attack. The IO paid a visit to the area where the scheme ‘Hosanna’ was to be held.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0430 Patrol to 341338 reported grenade clash with enemy.
0600 Sitrep: Tunnelling through the Bund at 343338 now completed.
0700 Casualties occurred in F Coy during the night when a Bofors grenade fell short and exploded. Two men were killed and 3 wounded.
1000 Plan of attack on enemy positions in right Bund completed. 17 Platoon of H Coy (Lieut Salter and 18 ORs) to attack the position at 1500 hrs. Supporting fire from two tanks in the left Bund. All enemy river bank targets to be neutralized by 3” mortars and Bttn MMGs and the use of smoke canisters all along the Bttn front. Before making the assault, one Bofors grenade and one smoke canisters will be thrown over the bank direct onto enemy position. One section of Pioneers will assist the platoon by removing any mines in the area and blowing up the bridge over the river.
1500 Attack begins. AFPU Sgts were on hand to photograph results.
1504 Attack completed. Two enemy killed and 5 prisoners taken, one of whom was wounded. Own casualties – 9 slightly wounded, 2 of whom remained at duty. Lieut Salter, who led the attack received a GSW. Rfn Moran, Pioneer Platoon, detonated his charge below the bridge but results were not observed.
1515 One enemy sniper at 343339 either killed or wounded by own sniper.
1600 Three enemy wounded evacuated from area 337338.
1615 Three enemy wounded evacuated by stretcher from area 342339.
1630 Two enemy snipers accounted for at 337339. One killed and 1 wounded.
1710 New position gained in afternoon’s attack now consolidated.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman Norman Irwin, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Eric Nixon, London Irish Rifles.
23rd March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
Considerable floodbank activity during the night in area 328334 and there was a considerable increase in shelling and nebels over the whole brigade sector.
0830 Brigade Commander goes on recce of Kangaroo Exercise with GOC 78 Division and Commander, 2 Armoured Brigade.
1500 1 RIrF brought up a troop of tanks to shoot up the newly established enemy outpost at 328334. This caused 13-14 men to depart hastily across the footbridge behind the outpost position to their own bank.
Later on, the enemy returned and further grenading took place. This caused a great red cross display and four casualties were evacuated. This red cross display was slowly becoming a feature of the Germans on the floodbank and various attempts had been made to observe our positions under cover of the red cross. One stretcher bearer came too close to our positions during the last evacuation from the enemy outpost and was promptly taken prisoner. He was quickly followed by a Polish deserter. They both belonged to 2 Coy, 289 Regiment and stated that anything up to 25 casualties had been inflicted on the enemy during the grenade and mortar duels of the past fifteen hours.
After dark, the grenade duels flared up again and it became evident that the enemy was endeavouring to maintain 15-20 men on our bank with the object of trying to either wipe out our positions or obtain a prisoner.
This fierce grenading by both sides died down about 2000 hrs and intermittent grenades were thrown for the remainder of the night. DFs were fired at intervals during the night and enemy mortaring, which was heavy during the night, reached a climax between 0430 and 0545 hrs, during which time 300 mortar bombs landed in centre coy 1 RIrF.
1 RIrF – 347316.
0100 Recce party returned.
0110 A Coy (Captain Manson MC) 2 rockets landed area 328328.
0115 D Coy (Major AJ Wilton) 1 rocket hit buildings 334333, 3” Mortar and Artillery DFs fired.
0140 A Coy (Captain Manson MC) platoon position 323332 hit by bazooka. Suitable DF and harassing fire.
0325 B Coy (Major P Phelan MC) left platoon being attacked with grenades. Dugouts and trenches collapsed. Two sections of reserve platoon committed to help while weapons etc are dug out. Two casualties. Close DFs fired.
0350 B Coy report situation under control.
0415 B Coy, 2 more casualties. 1 fatal.
0450 B Coy. 1 Hun shot.
0810 Enemy digging party 12 strong area 327335 dispersed by Artillery fire.
1600 Tank shoot carried out, beating up flood banks 323333 to 327334. Three enemy ran across footbridge and were engaged by 2 Mortar and PIAT. Immediately after the shoot 10 enemy were seen swanning uncertainly on north side of south flooded bank in beat up area and were engaged with 2″ Mortar and PIAT.
1601 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC) report 4 enemy have crossed bank into vacant trench positions on left flank of left platoon. Tank standing by.
1635 B Coy. Enemy driven from former position to one further away. Vickers covering. Tank moving back to area of battle. Large body of enemy on north side of bank being engaged by 2 Mortar and PIAT.
1642 B Coy. Enemy showing Red Cross flags.
1650 Under cover of Red Cross flag. Enemy looking over our positions.
1652 Red Cross flags gone. Battle proceeds.
Under Red Cross flag, the four enemy on our side of bank were evacuated. Two stretcher cases.
1655 Enemy (2) fired bazooka at tank and missed. Tank MG got both enemy.
1720 B Coy report two more enemy stretcher cases removed. Own casualties 7.
1745 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC) request more ammunition for Vickers. Four more enemy stretcher cases seen evacuated.
1820 B Coy report frequent use by enemy of Red Cross flag. Every time, B Coy open fire, up go the flags and up on to the bank come the enemy, though there can be no casualties there.
On this last occasion, one enemy SB came and stood looking at our left Platoon HQ so the Platoon Commander (Lieut K Taylor) grabbed him by the ankles and pulled him in. At the same time, a deserter came, according to whom our Tank shoot thwarted a coy attack against our position. The enemy SB stated there were 11 casualties in the morning and 25 in the afternoon with 1 killed.
2035 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC) ask for more 36 grenades and PIAT bombs. There has been constant mortaring and grenading of our position to which we have replied with DFs of 3” Mortar Artillery, 2” Mortar, PIAT and grenades.
2135 MO reports total evacuations since evening of 21 Mach. B Coy -17, C Coy -3, D Coy -1, S Coy -1.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
0900 Coy Commander of B Coy and a Platoon Commander of D plus Signals RSO IO went to Massa 5121, to watch the exercise ‘Hosanna’ being carried out.
1400 Coy Commanders of A, C, D Coys visited Massa for the same purposes. Pullover Order was adopted by the bttn while in present area.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0600 Sitrep: Increased enemy HF on bttn sector during night, including 8 rockets in left coy area.
1300 Intentions night 23/24: 2200 hrs – grenading of enemy from dummy positions area 348337. Consolidated new position at 342338. Standing patrol at 337338. Out – 2300 hrs, in – 0100 hrs.
1630 LO from 11 Brigade (future relieving brigade) visited Bttn HQ.
1800 Sitrep: Quite day.
Additional Intentions: Dependent upon information from standing patrol at 337338, a raid on enemy position in that area will probably take place at 0445 hrs.
24th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
A raiding party from 2 LIR attacked the enemy outpost at 337338 but was heavily grenaded and forced to return. This took place at 0445 hrs.
1100 1 RIrF took 2 PoW, one a stretcher bearer from 2 Coy, 289 Regiment and the other a deserter from 1 Coy, 289 Regiment. The SB stated that the total casualties inflicted on 2 Coy during the grenade and mortar duels of the 23rd were 3 killed and 47 wounded. They also stated that men were brought in from the other companies in the battalion to reinforce the depleted 2 Coy and there were rumours of the 98 Fusilier Bttn being committed.
1400 A Cloth Model Exercise, conducted by Brigade Commander and Commander, 2 Armoured Brigade, was held at Brigade HQ to discuss the following Kangaroo and Infantry Exercise and their tactical employment. The discussion was attended by officers of 2 Armoured Brigade, 4th Hussars, officers of 38 Brigade down to Coy Commanders and other representatives of 36 Brigade.
Lieut J Barker 2 LIR, attached to Brigade HQ and LO vice Lieut CH Heather, posted to 2 Innisks.
1 RIrF – 347316.
0025 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC) being heavily mortared ask for retaliatory fire.
0030 B Coy request 36 more grenades.
0337 Enemy digging area 327335 being engaged by 2” Mortars and PIATs of both A and B Coys.
0420 B Coy report enemy rocket area 334327.
0433 B Coy. Twenty heavy mortar bombs in coy area.
0440 B Coy. Track vehicle heard across river.
0515 A Coy (Captain L Manson MC). tracks heard across river.
0525 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC). 30 heavy mortar bombs.
0545 17 Field. 138 Field. 74 Medium Regiment fire retaliatory programme.
0737 B Coy. Six enemy appeared and were engaged by 2” Mortars and PIATS of A,B, D Coys.
0923 Enemy displaying Red Cross flags on B coy front area 327335.
1040 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC). More Red Cross flags. Casualties being dug out at collapsed enemy positions.
1125 B Coy. Two more deserters from enemy lines. One being enemy SB.
2015 D Coy (Major J Wilton) report 4 incendiary rockets, area 343333.
A Coy (Captain L Manson MC) report incendiary rockets falling in B Coy area.
2030 B Coy confirm.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
0900 Church Parade for C of Es.
0930 Church Parade for RCs.
The bttn was allotted the use of the MBU stationed in the area for the day.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0600 Sitrep: Raid on 337338 enemy position was met by strong grenade and SA fire and raiding party was forced to retire but suffered no casualties.
1000 Recce party from 5 Northants visited bttn area prior to arrival of their advance party this afternoon.
1200 Intentions: 1330 hrs – Tank shoot on house 344338 supported by SA and 3” mortars. Usual artillery and mortars HF during night.
1330 Tank shoot destroyed enemy snipers post in house 354337.
1400 Tank engine was heard in area 347337 and large cloud of dust seen.
1700 Advance parties from 5 Northants (relieving bttn) arrived in bttn area.
1800 Sitrep: Enemy HF from medium mortars on area 345335 from 1530 – 1600 hrs. Enemy 105 mm on same area 1700 – 1800 hrs.
25th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
Slight enemy activity during the night. Some nebels fell in the brigade sector during the early part of the evening.
0530 Enemy broadcast to 2 LIR – Text, ‘Why sit on the Floodbank with your wives in England.”
0550 Enemy broadcast to 1 LIR demanding the return of the two stretcher bearers taken prisoner.
0900 2 Innisks carry out Kangaroo Exercise “Hosannah” in area Bagnola, north of Forlimpopoli.
1400 1 RIrF carry out tank shorts against outposts on floodbank at 327335 and 322332 combined with artillery and mortar fire. Shoot believed successful. Enemy retaliated by dropping 12 heavy mortar bombs in area 327333.
1447 A/Tk guns 1 RIrF scored hits on houses at 317334 and also caused a fire at 315356.
There was a fair amount of enemy activity during the day, mainly movement and all engaged by MMGs or mortars.
2100 Own broadcast to enemy in 1 RIrF sector, telling them that the stretcher bearers would not be returned and that the use of the red flag must be curtailed, evoked no reaction.
2210 Left forward troop 56 Recce 360341 had a short grenade battle with enemy on own bank.
1 RIrF – 347316.
0210 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC) report tracked and wheeled vehicle movement (engaged by 4.2 Mortar).
0220 B Coy – 2 casualties, 1 grenade splinters, 1 blast.
0600 Enemy broadcast demand return of the SB PoW (neither of whom evidenced any desire for release).
0635 A Coy (Capt L Manson MC) report enemy deserter on way in.
0800 B Coy (Major J Phelan MC) report 3 more casualties.
0935 B Coy report 3 enemy casualties evacuated.
1225 B Coy report enemy SBs remove one casualty in their fourth trip across this morning.
1447 A/T gunners registered 14 hits on houses in area 317334 and started fire area 315356. Enemy 88 fired 8 rounds into area in retaliation.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
0645 Bttn em-bused and proceeded to area Massa (5121) for Exercise ‘Hosanna’.
1500 Exercise ends.
1630 Bttn em-bused and returned to Granarolo
1930 Dinner at Command Post for all officers of the bttn at the invitation of the CO.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0600 Sitrep: Ten rockets fell in left coy area between 2000 and 2200 hrs. 0520 – enemy broadcast on amplifier; text –‘Why sit on the floodbank when your wives are waiting for you in England?’.
0930 RC Service in Granarolo Church for Bttn HQ and reserve platoons.
1000 Intentions night 25/26: Patrol to 337338 to try to exploit any unwariness on the part of the enemy. Normal harassing of enemy targets during the night.
1800 Sitrep: 0600 – half constructed raft and new hole in own floodbank 348338 noticed. 1200 hrs – enemy shelling area 347335. 1420 hrs – 6 enemy observed at 337338. 1440 hrs – 6 enemy observed at 337338. 2 enemy killed by own sniped at 336338. 1710 hrs – 2 enemy wounded by PIAT at 353336.
26th March.
Brigade HQ – SENIO FLOODBANKS.
0500 2 LIR patrol to enemy outposts at 337338 found enemy alert and was met with grenades and SA fire causing three casualties.
Only slight MG and mortar HF on brigade sector during the night.
1200 Relief of 2 LIR and 1 RIrF commenced.
1500 Daylight relief of 2 LIR by 5 Northamptons completed without incident.
1600 Majority of 1 RIrF relieved, except for three platoons.
1730 Command of sector passed by 11 Infantry Brigade.
1900 Relief of 1 RIrF by 2 LF completed without incident.
Main Brigade HQ opens at previous Rear HQ 392289.
Battalions on relief lie up for the night at the B Echelon areas.
1 RIrF – 347316.
0005 C Coy (Major RSV Howard) platoon in left platoon position at B Coy – 2 casualties.
1700 Sniper (Fusilier Clanahan) with A coy shot two Bosche, 1 dead, 1 probable.
1900 Relief by 2 Lancashire Fusiliers complete.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO.
Preparations were started for the bttn move to Forli. Coys started ferrying kit to B Echelon area. Movement Order No 4 issued.
2 LIR – ITALY.
Sitrep: Quiet night except for light enemy mortaring.
0500 hrs – own patrol to enemy position at 337338 met by SA and grenade fire. Enemy trench at the top of the floodbank not occupied but enemy alert at bottom. Own casualties – 1 ORs, 2 ORs wounded.
0800 Morning spent preparing to hand over sector to 5 Northants. Relief to take place in daylight. On relief each coy to march back to Granarolo village, thence by transport to B Echelon area 392298.
1700 Relief completed and bttn now bivouacked in B Echelon area.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman William Hewlett, London Irish Rifles.
27th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
1100 Brigade Group commences to move from B Echelon areas to Forli. Billets were practically the same as before, in and around the town, except for 2 LIR, who were more scattered around the town.
Brigade HQ established at M 432171 (Forli).
1500 Brigade Commander visits 2 Armoured Brigade.
1630 GOC 78 Division arrives at Brigade HQ and stays to tea.
1700 A conference and discussion was held in the Prefecture, Forli, on the Kangaroo and Infantry exercise. “Hosannah.” Points that arose from the previous exercise carried out by 2 Innisks were brought out.
Those attending were officers from 2 Armoured Brigade, 4th Hussars, all officers of 38 Brigade down to Coy Commanders and representatives from 36 Brigade.
1 RIrF.
27th to 31st March – Crocodile demonstration on 31st.
2 Innisks – GRANAROLO/FORLI.
0900 56 Recce party arrived to take over billets.
1045 Bttn Convoy formed up at crossroads 372295.
1100 Bttn convoy moved off.
1200 Bttn arrives at Forli and occupied billets held on previous visit.
1615 B Echelon left for Forli.
1700 B Echelon arrived at Forli. CO, 2.i.c., IO RSO and Company Commanders attended a conference at brigade on Hosanna Exercise.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Bttn commenced move back to Forli area.
Locations – Bttn HQ in house 442162 with coys in close proximity.
1700 CO and Coy Commanders proceed to O Group on forthcoming ‘Kangaroo’ Exercise. The O Group took place in the AMGOT building in St Andrew’s Square, Forli.
28th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
Forecast of training and operations issued to all bttns.
Training will commence on 30th March and will continue for a period until 8th April. Main items will be the continuation of cooperation with Infantry and Kangaroos and tanks, river crossings, field firing and demonstration of the use of Crocodiles.
Recces by COs and Coy Commanders of various exercises and training areas carried out.
Trial preparations for St Patrick’s Day parade and celebrations carried out.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
1000 CO’s Orders. Personnel mentioned in Brigade Orders received Brigade certificates from the CO. Arrangements were made for the St Patrick’s Day Celebrations to be held on the 29th. Lieut PIM Foort and Lieut DM Hill taken on strength of bttn.
There was a bath allotment at St Patrick’s Barracks (1 RIrF) for A, B, C Coys.
2 LIR – ITALY.
1200 CO’s address to bttn on past events, future training, bttn’s probable future role etc.
29th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
1000 Divine Service was held in the Esperia Cinema for Church of England. Mass was celebrated at Forli Cathedral.
1100 Brigade Group formed up in St Andrew’s Square, Forli for the formal presentation of Shamrock by Lieut General CF Keightley, CB DSO OBE, Commander 5 Corps. Major General RK Arbuthnot CBE DSO MC, Commander 78 Division was also present.
Owing to the Brigade being in the line on March 17, it was decided to postpone all celebrations and presentations until this date, when we would out of the line. The parade looked most impressive and, apart from the three battalions and Brigade HQ, representatives from D Support Group (1 Kensingtons), North Irish Horse, 152 Field Ambulance, and 1 LIR were also present.
The Brigade Commander made a short speech and then handed over the parade to Lieut General Keightley, who also spoke a few words. He made references to the Brigade’s own associations with him in the past and how pleased he was to be able to present the Shamrock this day. He pointed out the remarkable successes on the Western Front and showed how directly concerned the Brigade and all the troops in Italy had contributed to these successes. They were holding 26 German Divisions in Italy and, if allowed to go, would have serious repercussions in producing a very unfavourable counter attack.
After the Corps Commander had spoken, he presented all officers with Shamrock and the RSMs presented Shamrock to their men – such as were available.
When the Brigade had been dismissed, the massed Pipes and Drums of four battalions – 2 Innisks, 2 LIR, 1 LIR and 1 RIrF played in the square. The band was a most impressive sight comprising of 72 members of which 42 were pipers. It was a great achievement and triumph to those who had worked in the past to bring the band to perfection and to see the magnificent results of their labours.
The officers of Brigade HQ entertained all officers of the Brigade and other guests to a cocktail party at midday.
During the afternoon, the battalions held their own entertainments. The London Irish held an Officers v Sgts football match, which to any casual spectator might have considered a minor war and various sports items.
The Inniskillings also had an Officers v Sgts football match and the Irish Fusiliers held a race meeting with a magnificent tote in which mules and insecure officers astride them featured.
The day was wound up by the London Irish holding a very successful dance in their mess in the evening.
1 RIrF
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Frederick Masters, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0930 Bttn Church Parade. The Regimental Pipe Band had led the parade as far as the Esperia Theatre. At this point the C of E’s Parade, led by Major EH Cochrane, marched to the British Church and the RC’s Parade carried on to the Cathedral led by Major PL Blake MC.
1100 Brigade formed up on St Andrew’s Square for address by the Corps Commander and Brigadier Scott. After the address, the Commander distributed Shamrock to all the Officers. After morning parades, the remainder of the day was treated as a holiday. The Bttn Vino Bar opened at 1300 hrs to 1400 hrs and Vino was served free in the evening from 1800 hrs to 2300 hrs.
1630 Officers v Sergeants Football match. The Regimental Pipe Band was in attendance.
1730 ENSA show arranged by 2 LIR. 100 ORs were invited to attend from our bttn.
2 LIR – ITALY.
Bttn celebrated St Patrick’s Day.
0930 Brigade C of E and RC Church Parades.
1045 Address by Lieut General CE Keightley CB DSO OBE, who afterwards presented shamrocks.
1135 Retreat by the Brigade Pipe Band and pipe band of 1 LIR.
1230 Sports Meeting at Forli Stadium. Events included mule races, Officers v Sgts fancy dress football match, comic events and a free vino bar.
1400 Dinners. CO visits the dining halls.
1730 Special ENSA Show for the bttn in the Apollo Theatre.
1930 Officers Dance.
30th March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
2 Innisks carry out a River Crossing Exercise in the morning over River Ronco in area H 4715.
2 LIR carry out a River Crossing Exercise and practice in some area in the afternoon.
Platoon of 1 RIrF rehearse demonstration of attack on defended locality with Crocodiles in support at M 501181.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
1200 CO’s Orders.
1300 29 reinforcements arrived from No 2 CRU. Lieut WA Keyworth taken on the strength of the bttn. Baths allotted at St Patrick’s Barracks for D, S and HQ Coys.
2 LIR – ITALY.
1400 Two coys on boating drill.
1700 CO’s O group on Tank and Infantry Cooperation Exercise ‘Massa’ to be held on the following day.
1930 Sgts celebrated St Patrick’s Day. Celebrations held in ANGOT building in St Andrew’s Square.
31st March.
Brigade HQ – FORLI 432171.
2 LIR carry out Exercise “Massa” area (M 5121) north of Forlimpopoli. This exercise, carried out in conjunction with C Squadron Bays was designed to bring out all the salient points of infantry and tank cooperation including wireless procedure.
1000 Demonstration of an assault on a defended locality by a platoon of infantry supported Crocodiles took place at M 501181. Spectators included 100 from 2 Innisks and 1 RIrF and those available from 2 LIR, who were not on the exercise.
2 Innisks carry out River Crossing Exercise and practice over River Ronco in area M 4715.
2 Innisks – FORLI.
0800 RSM’s Parade. The Regimental Pipe Band was in attendance at the Parade and it attracted quite a bit of attention from the civilian population of Forli.
1100 Order from brigade to say that the Bttn Advance Part to move to A&SH area (11 Brigade) preparatory to bttn taking over and will stay night 1 / 2.
2100 2 Innisks Movement Order No 1 issued.
2 LIR – ITALY.
0900 Exercise ‘Massa’ commenced.
1000 One officer from G Coy and 1 NCO from each of the other coys proceeded to area 505181 to watch demonstration ‘Crocodiles’ (Churchill flame throwing tanks).
About this time, I decided that it would be some satisfaction to the men who were continually performing some gallant or outstanding act if we published their names in Brigade Orders. I also intended to give a simple certification to each man, recording the fact that their names had been so published. The trouble was that the allotment of “Mentions in Despatches” was very small and it took from nine months to a year for the London Gazette to publish the award.
We felt that this simple token could not be thought by anyone to infringe the general awards and would give COs some way of giving early recognition to good work, which did not quite come up to the standard of an immediate award.
I enclose, at the end, a copy of the certificate and a list of those published to date in Brigade Orders for outstanding work.
That the idea was sound was encouraged by the fact that the Divisional Commander decided, about two months later, to institute a similar arrangement throughout the Division. His object was the same as mine but he hit on the excellent plan of allowing anyone who was awarded the Divisional “Mark of Merit”, to wear a small piece of braid under that their divisional sign. He also decided to make it retrospective to the beginning of October, when we returned from Egypt.
I then made our publication of names in Brigade Orders retrospectively to the same time and that automatically carried on award of the Divisional “Mark of Merit”.
The Brigade Commander has directed that the following names be published in Brigade Orders to record outstanding devotion to duty in the service of the Irish Brigade.
February 1945:
2 Innisks:
6980348 Sgt A Boyd.
For outstanding leadership and bravery when attacking Spandau post at Spaduro and for exceptional patrol work in San Clemente area during the period Nov – Dec 44.
7045001 CQMS R Brown.
For delivering rations and supplies entailing journeys with mules under trying conditions during the period from 20 Dec 44 to 25 Jan 44.
6018027 Fus A Day.
During the period Oct – Dec 44, Fus Day has repeatedly distinguished himself in his work as signal linesman. Working often under heavy fire, on the most exposed sections of the front, he has never failed to accomplish whatever task has been given to him, however difficult or dangerous it may have been. In the San Clemente area in Nov 44, he laid and maintained two of the most difficult and dangerous lines to the standing patrols in Valley Farm and at Pt 156.
7043983 Sgt H Hughes.
Whilst holding House 156 in San Clemente area, Sgt Hughes showed great resourcefulness and coolness, when under enemy fire, he launched three cows within fifty yards of enemy positions in order that they might let off a suspected belt of mines.
6982197 Fus J Irving.
Fus Irving has been in charge of the signal terminal with “B” Coy for more than a year and has, in this capacity, ensured the transmission by phone and wireless of all the vital messages from his Coy Commander to Bttn HQ in three major battles. During the action of Spaduro in Oct 44, despite the heavy fire and the difficulty of the ground, working with the assault troops, he passed back by wireless during the battle all the information vital to the battalion Commander.
4458925 Sgt L Kelly.
For laying mines and booby traps in forward positions under extremely difficult conditions and for excellent work repairing billets during period from 20 Dec 44 to 25 Jan 44.
6975320 CQMS A Leinster/6981459 L/Cpl A Whitlam.
Outstanding work and devotion to duty in maintaining supplies from Cuviola to Casoni, under hardships of climactic conditions and terrain and under shellfire.
14381069 L/Cpl R Lloyd.
For maintaining a very high standard of efficiency in his section throughout the period 1 Oct – 31 Dec 1944 and for… and continuous work on patrol throughout this period.
6983986 Fus H Lonsdale.
Fus Lonsdale has been a Coy’s runner at Bttn HQ for more than a year and has always discharged his duties with the most conspicuous coolness and determination, often carrying important messages from Bttn HQ to his Coy under heavy fire. During the period Oct – Dec 44 when the task of a runner has been an especially arduous one on account of the weather and the ground, Fus Lonsdale has never failed to carry his message through, however adverse the weather.
6980795 L/Sgt F Lyttle.
Perfomed outstanding duties when attacking the Spaduro feature on 23 Oct 44.
6977352 Sgt W McCusker.
Performed outstanding duties when assaulting Spaduro feature on 23 Oct 44.
6983063 L/Cpl G Malkin.
On the night of the Spaduro attack, this NCO was a SB in “B” Coy. “C” Coy suffered a few casualties and L/Cpl Makin went over to assist. It was largely due to his quick actions in dressing wounds and the way he carried the wounded down the hill that enabled them to receive early skilled treatment. At all times, he disregarded personal danger to look after the wounded.
6980270 Fus K Meenagh.
During the period of Oct 44, Fus Meenagh was Coy signaller with “D” Coy. A line forward from “D” Coy HQ to a Platoon position on the forward slope of the Sillaro ridge. This line was repeatedly broken by enemy mortar fire which fell between the Platoon position and Coy HQ. Fus Meenagh went out repeatedly during every night repeatedly during every night to repair this very vital line. To accomplish this, he had on many occasions to crawl several hundred yards through mud across country, which was traversed by enemy patrols.
3860491 L/Sgt J Neary.
When House 156, San Clemente area was being subjected to heavy mortar and MG fire, L/Sgt Neary led a patrol from out of the house and engaged and drove off an enemy patrol that had approached. Throughout this operation, Sgt Neary showed complete disregard for personal safety.
6981706 CQMS S Norton.
Worked tremendously hard under the most difficult circumstances, often shell fire, when supplying the coy with food and ammunition in the most difficult mountainous terrain, in appalling conditions from 23 Oct 44 to 14 Nov 44.
6980896 Cpl W O’Connor/6980343 L/Cpl T Topham/6979415 Fus T Dickenson/6984015 Fus J Prosser.
For their excellent work as muleteers, under enemy shellfire, and very adverse weather conditions, during the period 1 Oct to 31 Dec 44. Had these NCOs and men not shown great stamina and determination on occasions, forward coys would not have received rations and ammunition.
6983630 Fusilier W Peden.
For outstanding work in signal lines in exposed positions thus enabling communications with forward platoons to be maintained during period 5 to 17 January.
6977501 Cpl J Quinn.
Outstanding work and devotion to duty when “A” Echelon transport was under shellfire and when an RE 15 cwt truck loaded with explosives received a direct hit thereby igniting a Bttn petrol truck. This Cpl tirelessly worked putting out fires amongst the transport whilst under shellfire.
5509815 Cpl A Richardson/6981358 Fusilier J Hutchinson/6979903 Fusilier J Hunt.
For cooking under adverse conditions and under mortar and shell fire during period from 20 Dec 44 to 25 Jan 45.
6081505 L/Cpl J Sherburn.
Showed great devotion to duty when evacuating casualties from a minefield on the 23 Oct 44 and again when under shell fire on 26 Nov 44.
2 LIR:
7015055 CSM G Charnick.
For keeping his Coy supplied with ammunition in conditions of darkness, heavy fire and unmarked minefields at Spinello.
5674055 U/L/Cpl M Corp.
For courage and devotion to duty in maintaining supplies and communications to Platoons under enemy fire.
7020851 Rfn S Cummings.
For effective sniping against 3 Para Regiment, particularly on 20 Jan 45 when he inflicted 2 observed casualties, one of whom was probably killed.
7011503 W/CSM G Dardis.
For his outstanding ability and tireless effort in organising supplies by mule in difficult conditions.
6481488 L/Cpl E Edland.
For setting an example of bravery in the attack, to the rifleman of his Coy.
7046631 L/Cpl G Faizey.
For capturing a patrol of four Germans on the night of 17/18 Jan 45.
6357125 Cpl E Flavell MM.
For exceptional steadiness under fire on the night of 16 Jan 45 when he and the standing patrol under his command were caught in a heavy concentration of 28 mm Nebelwerfer bombs.
7021333 Sgt P Francis.
For outstanding service in patrol actions against 3 Para Regiment, particularly in a raid on 3 Jan 45 and on an ambush patrol on 15 Jan 45.
4696490 L/Cpl D Galvin.
For good work whilst a stretcher bearer in evacuating wounded under fire.
7015188 W/Sgt R Graham.
For excellent leadership in commanding his platoon.
5672361 U/L/Sgt W Higson.
For prompt and successful acceptance of responsibility, ie taking over command first of his Platoon and then his Coy after heavy casualties.
6348526 W/Cpl W Johnson.
For cool and courageous leadership of his MMG section during a prolonged series of determined duels against enemy spandaus whilst under shellfire and for his initiative in removing S and Schu mines from the Platoon area in Oct 44.
7018844 Sgt N Johnston.
For courage and devotion, whilst performing the duties of Platoon Commander and Coy Sgt Major, at all times.
7011033 Platoon L/Sgt E Logue.
For consistent devotion to duty and exemplary leadership in action of a standard to be proud of, as a senior regular soldier of his regiment.
7012146 CQMS J McKee.
For maintaining supplies under extremely hazardous conditions, which must have tested his endurance to the utmost.
7011368 Rfn H Murphy.
For devotion to duty in collecting valuable equipment from casualties under fire.
6976296 Sgt C Nixon (ACC attch 2 LIR).
For his services as Cook Sgt in maintaining the highest standard in the company cookhouses by his unfailing energy, cheerfulness and disregard of personal danger.
7019620 Platoon L/Sgt C Connor.
For constant good work in observation and sniping to the detriment of the Hun.
7016159 W/Sgt H Ogilvie.
For outstanding service and able leadership as Platoon Sgt and Platoon Commander of the Mortar Platoon when occupying difficult positions in Dec 44.
7016665 Local CSM G Plummer.
For devotion to duty and maintenance of efficiency in his Coy, both in and out of the line.
2588462 Cpl H Sadler (ACC).
As Coy cook for carrying out his duties in an exemplary manner in trying circumstances.
5336344 Rfn R Steemson.
For maintaining forward signal lines when in close contact with the enemy.
6214604 U/L/Cpl C Thomas.
For coolness, cheerfulness and maintenance of his objective in action.
5954994 L/Cpl H Tidmarsh.
For accomplishing difficult and dangerous work in organising the RAP in battle.
6409561 W/Sgt M Weafer.
For first class leadership in the attack on Spinello when ill with malaria.
1 RIrF:
14561338 Fus H Bloomer.
This Fusilier has been a Coy Runner of merit for some considerable time. Always cheerful and conscientious, he has never failed in his duties of guiding or message delivering, both in and out of action.
6984396 Cpl L Cathcart.
On 11 Mar 45, Cpl Cathcart’s post on the east bank of the River Senio was attacked in strength. During a three hour flight, he organised resistance and denied the position to the enemy despite a serious ammunition shortage. His courage was an inspiration to his men.
14506374 L/Cpl C Charlton.
On the night of 10 Jan 45. L/Cpl Charlton was in command of a section in Casa di Sopra, south of Frasinetto. An enemy patrol approached the house and was observed by this NCO, who, together with fire and grenades, killing one and probably wounding others. He displayed initiative and courage in dealing with the situation without reference to his commander.
7045417 Cpl A Copeland (ACC).
Cpl Copeland has cooked for his coy under almost all conceivable conditions, both in an out of action. At all times, he has maintained a high standard of feeding and this fact has in no small way contributed to the morale of his coy.
7045778 Fus T Davies (Signals).
This Fusilier has worked hard and efficiently in various capacities within the Signal Platoon. His zeal has been noticeable during the winter months and particularly during the raid on Tamagnin, 18 Dec 44, where he helped to lay a line behind the raiding force and kept this means of communication open throughout the operation.
7043477 Fus T Gates.
During the period in the mountains, this Fusilier was outstanding for his steadfast conduct. On 19 Jan 45, an enemy patrol approached his position and, regardless of his own safety, he stood up and hurled eight grenades, dispersing the enemy.
7044594 Fus H Hutchinson (Signals).
In the past few months, Fus Hutchinson has worked hard, often under shellfire, to mend broken signal cables. But for his sense of duty, on many occasions, valuable time would have been lost owing to the impossibility of passing messages.
14452064 L/Sgt J Lang.
Throughout the grim fighting of Oct 44 in the mountains and on the plain since, this NCO has maintained a high standard of courage and command which has been an inspiration to his men.
7043341 Sgt P Lynch.
During the recent period on the east bank of the Senio, Sgt Lynch has acted both as Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander. In either capacity, he has been outstanding as an example to his men – whether it be at hurling grenades, or firing the 2 inch mortar and the PIAT, from which the latter his Platoon fired 300 bombs during one night. His enthusiasm at tormenting the enemy had a great effect on the morale of his men
6978127 L/Cpl W McComish (Signals).
An outstanding man in the Signal Platoon. Always industrious, under any conditions. During the last few months has shown extreme devotion to duty in the laying and maintenance of lines.
6976706 Sgt G McDratney (ACC attch 1 RIrF).
For excellent service to the battalion as Cook Sgt during the period Oct 44 to Jan 45.
14218774 Fus M McLean.
Since the occupation of the positions of the bank of the River Senio, this Fusilier has shown himself to be keen and willing to obey any orders. On various occasions, he has shown initiative and has participated highly successfully in grenade exchanges.
6983573 Cpl C Moore (Signals).
This NCO has been given a variety of tasks in the past winter months and has always tackled them cheerfully, inspiring his comrades with the same attitude whether under fire or adverse weather conditions.
6976935 Sgt J Moorhead.
Sgt Moorhead has been MT Sgt, 1 RIrF for over three years. During this period, he has carried out his duties with skill and efficiency. Throughout the winter months 44/45, he worked hard to keep his transport on the road, under the severest conditions. This involved recovery of vehicles from forward positions whilst under fire.
7043390 Sgt S Needham.
Since the Bttn came abroad, Sgt Needham has acted both as Detachment Commander and Platoon Sergeant of the Mortar Platoon. His performance in action has always been of the highest standard and especially during the attack on Monte Spaduro, when he commanded the Platoon in the absence of his Commander.
7022726 Cpl R Slade.
This NCO has maintained a high individual standard of work in the Pioneer Platoon throughout the past five months and was particularly conspicuous in his patrol and recce prior to the first raid on Tamagnin 18 Dec 44.
7045268 Fus T Smart.
During the night on Tamagnin 18 Dec 44, Fusilier Smart displayed great determination and tenacity of purpose.
6978150 Fus A Smith (Signals).
This Fusilier has been a Signals DR since the Bttn came abroad. His service has always been of the highest standard, particularly noteworthy has been his performance throughout the winter months, driving under fire and under the severest weather conditions.
6099932 Private G Smith (ACC).
Since October, Private Smith has served as a Coy Cook in all weathers, both in an out of the line. At all times, he maintained a high standard of feeding and cooking within the FDLs on 12 Mar 45 when he was wounded by a mortar bomb.
6985826 Fus F Turton.
This Fusilier acted as a Muleteer during the period in the mountains. At all times, he was cheerful under the worst weather conditions and made several journeys daily to ensure that supplies went forward, despite enemy shelling and almost impossible tracks.
6976165 Fus W Weir.
In his capacity as stretcher bearer, Fusilier Weir has been outstanding on all occasions when his services have been required, during the winter months whether under fire or under adverse weather conditions.
Signal Section 38 (Irish) Infantry Brigade:
2383237 Driver R Bennett.
For ability and cheerfulness when working long hours driving a Line Maintenance Jeep on roads, which were regularly shelled and laying lines by mule over very difficult country.
14348027 Signalman JW Farrar.
For outstanding efficiency and speed in maintaining Lines to bttns under adverse conditions during the period 22 Oct 44 to 31 Dec 44.
2348331 Signalman FS Turley.
For continuous zeal and ability in maintaining charging equipment, Wireless Set and Exchanges under the most difficult conditions.
Tuesday 20th March 1945 – 2 Innisks
The Commanding Officer is pleased to make the following appointments with effect from the dates shown:
To be paid Acting Sergeants.
6980759 PLS F Lyttle, C Coy (vice Boyd) – 17.3.45.
6984922 PLS A Malone, A Coy (vice McCusker) – 17.3.45.
To be paid Lance Sergeants.
7043473 ULS J Creighton, C Coy (vice Sheehy) – 13.1.45.
3860491 ULS J Neary, A Coy (vice Lyttle) – 17.3.45.
7043473 ULS J Chatburn MM, D Coy (vice Malone) – 17.3.45.
To be unpaid Lance Sergeant.
6984401 W/Cpl J Meredith, C Coy – 17.3.45.
To be paid Acting Corporals.
6105242 PLS D Carroll, B coy (vice Lyttle) – 17.3.45.
14599087 ULC H Flint, A Coy (vice Lyttle) – 17.3.45.
3772664 ULC C Cornwall, B Coy (vice Malone) – 17.3.45.
7044366 ULC H Hesketh, C Coy (vice Mason) – 19.3.45.
13095825 ULC D Williamson, A Coy (vice Hearn) – 19.3.45.
14381069 ULC R Lloyd, A Coy (vice Weatherfield – 19.3.45.
To be paid Lance Corporals.
6983011 ULC A Durrance, D Coy (vice Cork) – 10.3.45.
7015877 ULC R Dubey, D Coy (vice Carroll) – 12.3.45.
14215384 ULC H Mabey, S Coy (vice Heath) – 10.3.45.
6984154 ULC E Woods, D Coy – 18.3.45.
14379105 ULC T Holmes, HQ Coy – 18.3.45.
14655599 ULC C Knight, B Coy – 18.3.45.
6983044 ULC H Jibb, C Coy – 18.3.45.
To be unpaid Lance Corporal
4752450 Fusilier C Barron, A Coy – 18.3.45.
Transfers Inter Company.
6984730 L/Cpl J O’Reilly from S to HQ Coy – 18.3.45.
6412621 Fusilier E Woodjetts from D to C Coy – 18.3.45.
14641416 Fusilier H Reynolds from D to C Coy – 18.3.45.
14319691 Fusilier G Gaynor from D to C Coy – 18.3.45.
2130405 Fusilier W McKenna from D to C Coy – 18.3.45.
6985893 Fusilier E Goode from D to C Coy – 18.3.45.
6105232 Corporal D Carroll from B to C Coy – 19.3.45.
3772664 Corporal C Cornwall from B to C Coy – 19.3.45.