1st October.
Brigade HQ – ANDRIA.
1835 38 Brigade OO No 27 issued.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day spent settling into the new area.
6 Innisks – BARLETTA.
0830 S Company carried out a 15 mile route march, having a bathe in the sea at Barletta en route. Remainder of bttn spent the day cleaning up after move from Taranto. Mosquitoes very bad in this area – many people bitten. T/Capt J Norman was appointed acting Major.
2 LIR.
One Sergeant and 30 Other Ranks to perform Route Piquet party to keep roads clear of civilian traffic on main Foggia-Barletta road.
Commanding Officer and Intelligence Officer report to Brigade HQ for conference on pending move.
2nd October.
Brigade HQ – ANDRIA.
0700 Brigade Group parties left Brigade HQ for new brigade area.
1415 Brigade Support Group column left Andria (O9293) for new area via Barletta (J9004), Cerignola (O5897), Foggia (J2919).
1815 Brigade Group Motor Transport (MT) column harboured for night off rd Foggia–San Severo at J1839. Total mileage for day – 68.
1 RIrF.
Bttn 20 mile route march during which the Colonel received a warning order to move to Termoli. The end of the march was accomplished in a sharp downpour of rain.
0700 Advance party under command of Captain JK Brown left for Termoli.
1500 Transport under command of Captain EL Gibbon left for its journey by road to Termoli.
The night was uncomfortable as each had only his ground sheet and blanket to cover them from the rain.
6 Innisks – BARLETTA.
0715 Bttn route march (less S Coy). Bathe on route in sea near Barletta. CO and Adjutant recalled from the march, and MT received orders to move at 1500hrs.
1830 March finished in rainstorm, and hasty packing for MT move was done during violent rainstorm. Transport moved off at 1500hrs to Foggia area. Clothes dried out in the late afternoon.
2 LIR.
One Sergeant and 30 Other Ranks on Route Piquet as for 1st.
One Sergeant and 30 Other Ranks traffic control on Andria-Barletta road.
0730 Battalion route march. Approx 17 miles (78 Div order).
1030 Brigade orders motor transport to be prepared to move from 1200 hrs.
1600 Motor transport left battalion area by road to area Torremaggiore (30/0743).
3rd October.
Brigade HQ – EN ROUTE/SAN SEVERO.
0820 Brigade Group MT column left area south of San Severo (J18l39).
1000 Brigade HQ established J1245. Instruction for marching personnel issued.
1 RIrF.
1315 Bttn marched to factory area in Barletta. Night spent under cover.
6 Innisks – BARLETTA.
Storm during night 2/3 October made troops very wet. Troops allowed in town until 1230hrs.
1400 Bttn moved by route march to factor buildings in Barletta. There was heavy rain after 25 minutes marching.
2 LIR.
Adjutant recced Barletta for billets.
1500 Battalion marched to factory in Barletta. Battalion HQ established Factory (37/9204)
4th October.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day in the same area. The men were allowed to go into town.
Major HEN Bredin MC joined the battalion as 2.i.c.
Captain DEH Hayward was promoted a/Major wef 22 Sept 1943.
Captain WG Dunn was promoted A/Major wef 23 Sept 1943.
Lieut L Franklyn-Vaile was promoted A/Captain wef 6 Sept 1943, and appointed 2.i.c B Coy.
Lieut MC Trousdell was promoted A/Captain wef 22 Sept 1943.
Captain RF Hodsall A Coy is posted to S Coy and assumed command.
Lieut LW Hutchison B Coy is posted to A Coy.
Lieut DE Thomason B Coy is posted to HQ Coy, and appointed IO vice Captain L Franklyn-Vaile.
2200 Transport arrives at Divisional Transport are 12 miles out of Termoli.
6 Innisks – BARLETTA.
Troops allowed in town until 1300hrs.
1500 Standing by to move.
1700 ‘No move’ order came through and clothes were dried. Warning orders received for move the following morning.
2 LIR.
Battalion allowed into Barletta from 0830-1200 hrs. Brigadier in Battalion area. Adjutant visited docks re embarkation.
1700 Lieutenant F Lyness & Company representatives transported Battalion stores to TLCs
W/Lieutenant JH Barker admitted hospital.
5th October.
Brigade HQ – EN ROUTE/TERMOLI.
0700 Brigade HQ transport column ordered to move. Owing to heavy rainfall, transport heavily bogged and unable to start before 1000hrs. Diversions on road San Severo-Serracapriola reported damaged by rain and caused further delay.
0945 Brigade marching personnel embarked at Barletta (J9004) for Termoli ((J8378). For details of move see Brigade OO No 27 attached
1830 Brigade HQ transport column arrived in concentration area south of Campomarina ((J8573).
1945 Brigade marching personnel arrived in Termoli (J8378). Town under heavy shell fire.
2000 Brigade Commander and IO visit SS Brigade HQ at Termoli. Situation reported to be in hand but critical.
2200 Conference with Divisional Commander at 36 Brigade HQ. Plan made for 38 Brigade to support CLY tanks in attack at 0800hrs 6 October.
2300 Brigade HQ established Termoli (J8378) near 11 Brigade HQ.
Brigade’s account of the battle at Termoli.
1 RIrF.
0220 Support Coy leave Divisional support area for Termoli
0500 They arrive at Termoli.
0630 Support Coy went into action astride the coast road to Pescara with 5 MGs and worked with a mixed force of Commandos (SRS) and Recce troops under command of OC Recce Regiment.
0745 Bttn main party embarked at Barletta in their LCIs, Nos 291, 294 and 122 under command of Lt-Col BH Butler DSO, Major Proctor and Major Wood respectively. Brigadier Russell travelled on LCI 294.
0930 Ships leave harbour.
2010 LCIs reach Termoli harbour having had a smooth voyage. Enemy shells are landing in the town.
2040 LCI 294 starts unloading. The jetty only allowed one ship to unload at a time, which proved a serious disadvantage later on.
2100 S Coy, which un-beknown to the rest of the bttn had been heavily engaged during the day by German tanks and infantry now withdrew three MGs.
A liaison officer from SS Brigade had contacted the brigadier (38 Brigade) and outlined the serious position to him and Brigadier Russell had gone off to Divisional HQ.
When the Colonel landed from LCI 297, he was put in the picture and immediately recced a concentration area.
2200 A, B and D Coys concentrated above the harbour in a narrow street. IO went to SS Brigade HQ. C Coy, which was on LCI 122, did not disembark until some hours later due to a lack of liaison with the convoy commander.
2330 CO was called to SS Brigade HQ, where he was told more details of the position.
6 Innisks – BARLETTA.
Heavy rainstorm during night.
0515 Reveille, breakfast at 0545. Transport. loaded with cooks’ equipment and rations, moved off for docks.
0715 Marching personnel moved off to docks. Embarkation commenced almost immediately on arrivals.
0745 Troops very crowded in LCIs (only 7 for brigade).
1000 LCIs sailed out – the sea was calm in the morning, choppy in the morning – a few people sea sick.
2000 Arrived Termoli. Anchored off shore owing to shallow water. Shelled at anchor – no casualties or hits.
2 LIR.
0710 Battalion marched to Barletta docks & embarked on TLCs. Convoy sailed at 1000 hrs..
1030 Battalion Rear party (1 jeep & 2 M/Cs) reported to Brigade HQ left to join remainder at Battalion transport on road south of Serracapriola (30/9655)
Motor transport halted at 2000hrs at 30/9559. Orders for all ‘F’ vehicles ready to move at 0100 hrs 6th instead.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman Eric Mitchell, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Arthur Groome, London Irish Rifles.
6th October.
Brigade HQ – TERMOLI.
0100 COs reported and bttns mostly ashore. Plan to form perimeter defence of Termoli to ward off possible enemy attack at first light and then to continue to front line for plan already made by Divisional Commander.
0200 Brigade transport column left concentration area Campomarina (J8573).
0300 Bttns in position. 1 RIrF and 6 Innisks covering approaches from Pescara road. 2 LIR making inner perimeter.
0545 Brigade transport column arrived Termoli.
0600 Enemy recommenced shelling town.
0830 Brigade Tac HQ established H823770. Enemy shelling increased in volume and accuracy. Much MG fire. Enemy’s accurate shelling later attributed to the fact that in the church tower of Termoli two enemy spotters were located.
0915 Divisional Commander visited Tac HQ.
Enemy active on Brigade front. Advanced on tanks along Pescara road at first light this morning. Now held and shelling town. Own tanks making progress but slow.
1000 Bttn commanders reported at Tac HQ. Bttns to go to start line and advance on planned axis Pescara road – 1 RIrF right, 6 Innisks right with objective high ground to approximately grid line 81 at 1130hrs and to dig in.
2 LF came under command 36 Brigade.
1030 Main Brigade HQ left Termoli and opened at H823770.
2035 38 Brigade patrol intentions and responsibilities issued.
2030 38 Brigade informed by Division that in event of the enemy withdrawing during night 6/7 October, units would endeavour to establish contact at first light. Bttns informed.
1 RIrF.
0115 The CO issued his orders.
0200 A, B, D and HQ Coys marched to the dispersal point.
0300 They were in position.
0315 C Coy disembark.
0515 C Coy in position in reserve.
The CO was advised that the bttn would take part in an attack that day and was instructed to bring the bttn up to a start line
0800 Bttn moved to start lines. CO goes for orders.
0815 Bttn issues his orders.
1130 Bttn advances to the attack. The opposition being very thin on the ground, the chief danger was from desultory mortar and artillery fire with the occasional machine gunner firing on fixed lines. The various farm buildings on the way were cleared.
1250 The first objective was reached with A Coy leading HQ Command, C Coy. B and D Coys had six MMGs left and were out of touch. They did not reorganise on the first objective but pressed on. Their left hand platoons, being able to do so, assisted the right flank of the 6 Innisks by fire. A and C reorganised and received or the next advance.
Orders: advance to continue parallel with and on south side of Guglionisi road, then to run left handed onto the final objective. Order of march: A Coy, HQ Command, C Coy. Tanks to follow A Coy. Intermediate farms to be cleared as before.
1310 Advance continues.
A number of casualties were incurred by persistent and accurate mortar fire, which had increased in intensity.
1515 Main objectives reached.
Coys consolidated astride road facing south west. Ammunition had run short and carriers were used to replace it.
1645 Bttn was attacked in mistake by cannon firing Spitfires and Hurribombers. Attacks lasted for 3/4 hour but there were no casualties.
A quiet night.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Thomas Farrow, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Arthur Kinch, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Michael Keogh, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal Arthur Villiers, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Percy Pitt, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal William Merryfield, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Henry Beardmore, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal Ronald Dean, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier James Dicker, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier John Jenkinson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Leonard Twiss, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal James Percival, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier George Robinson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Alfred Parker, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Arthur Bedford, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
2/Lieutenant Stanley White, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – TERMOLI.
0030 D were first to disembark, and half Bttn HQ with 70 of C and B Coys followed an hour later.
0130 The position in Termoli was extremely confused. Commandos and a bttn of 11 Brigade were holding the north and had beaten off a German counter attack the day before, assisted by our own carriers, and another one during the night.
Another counter attack was expected at dawn. The CO and Adjutant went off immediately to Brigade HQ to be told the situation and at 0230hrs, the Adjutant returned to lead the bttn (less half) to an assembly area. From here, the coys present were placed in defensive positions in the area of Termoli railway bridge and station. The RIrF were on our right and a troop of commandos formed on our left. In the meantime, the rest of the bttn under Major Crocker had disembarked at about 0300hrs and joined the bttn. Captain Hodgson contacted the bttn with the MG and carrier platoons so that by first light, the fog of war began to clear.
First light saw the CO and Lt-Col CH Butler of the RIrF at an OP with an officer from the Commandos, where the ground for the day’s attack was pointed out. The enemy attack at dawn did not materialise but Termoli was bombed soon after first light.
Orders were then received from Bttn HQ for a two bttn attack, supported by tanks on either flank, on the area rd junction 803767–pt 161–San Giacomo, with the object of enlarging the Termoli bridgehead with RIrF right and 6 Innisks left. Information, both about the enemy’s strength and dispositions, and the locations of our own troops was almost nonexistent, but it was known that the enemy were supported by tanks.
0800 Hasty recces were completed and, at 0905, the bttn moved out of Termoli to an assembly area where it was met by the remainder of S Coy. The state of the ground, however, prevented cross country movement by vehicles other than tanks. The bttn had no artillery support as none was yet available.
1030 The attack started across broken country suitable for infantry. Communication within the bttn was by runner only, as no wireless batteries were available in the country. A tank battle proceeded on both flanks of the bttn, which progressed steadily forward with coys leapfrogging each other.
1300 The CO was wounded by fire from a tank and Major Crocker took command.
By the time the final objective (San Giacomo) had been reached, the enemy had already evacuated it, and in fact Bttn HQ was the first to enter the village after a long and arduous advance across very broken country.
Coys quickly followed and were allotted defensive positions on the outskirts of the village, which were occupied soon after dusk.
2100 OC S Coy brought up supporting weapons and rations after a patrol had cleared the road between and ourselves and the RIrF and the meal was very welcome after the long and arduous day. The welcome given to our troops by villagers spoke for itself. A 50% stand to was ordered for the night but no counter attack developed.
Casualties were 4 ORs killed, CO and 14 ORs wounded. Two enemy PoWs were taken.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier William Timmins, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Fusilier William Smith, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Fusilier Moffat McCormack, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
0130 Battalion disembarked at Termoli (8378). Moderate enemy shelling of harbour and docks during disembarkation. Commanding Officer and Intelligence Officer recced Battalion positions.
0130 ‘F’ vehicles left their harbour area and proceeded by road to Termoli. Arrived without incident 0600 hrs.
0230 Battalion HQ Advance Party and E Company arrived in town of Termoli & took up positions. Battalion HQ established in main street.
0300 Battalion “O” Group on recce. F Company disembarked completely. Remainder of Battalion disembarked at 30 minute intervals and went straight to their allotted positions. E Company in area of Station. F, G & H Companies in the town.
0700 German attack on Termoli. First thrust against 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers (2 LFs) in positions north of the town. Enemy shell the town. Battalion under temporary command of 11 Brigade.
1000 Enemy repulsed. Battalion back under command of 38th (Irish) Inf Brigade.
Two companies under orders to proceed to 2/LFs should they require them.
1015 6 Innisks & 1 RIrF attack through 2/LFs positions.
They encounter slight opposition and advance between 3 to 4 miles. 2/LIR in reserve.
1400 Battalion attack on two company front. H Company on right. E Company left. Objectives, Cemetery and high ground to the West. These were taken in 30 minutes.
1530 Battalion HQ moved forward to the Railway Station. G Company moved forward as defence Company on E Company’s left rear. Battalion positions were consolidated & preparations for German counter/attack were made. F Company moved forward over Rly. S Company to Rly Stn.
A/Major BH Westcott wounded in action. Admitted to hospital.
Captain Rev H Graydon granted award of MC.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman Oliver Whitham, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Graham Fenn, London Irish Rifles, attached from Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Rifleman James Kelly, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Ivor Morgan, London Irish Rifles.
Corporal Edward Murphy, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Stanley Peers, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman John Wilson, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman William Jenkins, London Irish Rifles.
7th October.
Brigade HQ – TERMOLI.
0630 12 CTR reported all tanks in position. Otherwise nothing to report.
Bomb line for 7 October, 2 miles west of River Simarca (7978) south to 750822.
6 Innisks reported all troops and support arms in position, otherwise nothing to report.
1000 36 Brigade reported enemy to be withdrawing west.
1105 Division altered bombline to 7082– rd to 6565– 7149. Brigade positions as per trace.
1630 2 LIR reported enemy shelling road 800765–805767 1530hrs.
1 RIrF reported intermittent enemy shelling area road 794–788755–784737.
1635 6 Innisks reported enemy shelling San Giacomo (H7870) from direction of Guglionesi (H7668). Shells fell in village and in valley in front of village.
1800 6 Innisks located enemy guns at 760695 and 760689 and requested M target.
6 Innisks contacted 5 Buffs in area 798716. Patrol contact small number of enemy in area 789716. Patrol opened fire and later, a car was found abandoned at 785721.
2 LIR reported that patrol saw two suspicious looking men in civilian clothing near buildings at 790785. When hailed, the men refused to stop and the patrol opened fire killing both. Both men were found to have German documents and were identified as I 64 Panzer Group Regiment.
1830 6 Innisks reported noise as of engines warming up (7 tanks) in valley west of Guglionesi at 1800hrs.
2100 1 RIrF patrols to 7750, 7677 and 7775. Nothing to report.
2330 Situation on Brigade front and future intention see Sitrep.
1 RIrF.
0500 Stand to for an hour. A and B Coys sent out patrols to their immediate front but found nothing.
0700 B Coy sent a platoon to search re-entrant on our left flank but again found nothing.
1000 Brigade Order Group Orders: Bttn will regroup. B Coy was to move to the high ground on the north of the Guglionisi. ¾ mile this side of the Brick Factory. D Coy was to take over B Coy’s old position. Bttn HQ moved to a building 200 yards from the road.
1100 Bttn in new positon.
1400 CO held office. A, B and C Coys sent out patrols to their immediate front. Nothing seen.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
The night 6/7 October passed quietly with spasmodic shelling our right.
0430 Stand to. Coy positions were changed to make full use of ground, Bttn supporting arms were put in position at first light. Two Platoons of Mortars and 1 of MGs from the Brigade Support Group, and one troop of 6 pounder A/Tk guns were allotted to bttn in support. One carrier was knocked out by shelling.
Lieut McVie was evacuated with shell shock.
2 LIR.
A/Lieutenant Col H Rogers granted temporary rank of Lieutenant/Col.
W/Lieutenant MOW Clarke MC admitted to hospital
0745 Intelligence observation post established 155/803780 with E Company HQ.
1000 G Company take 5 prisoners of war (2 Wounded) hiding near their positions.
1030 Brigadier at Battalion HQ.
1230 Battalion HQ moves forward to Farm 155/810770.
1530 Spasmodic enemy shelling of area 155/800765.
Commanding Officer and Intelligence Officer establish command post in E Company area.
8th October.
Brigade HQ – TERMOLI.
0500 1 RIrF reported by 788770 intact and no mines. South of bridge impassable to tanks and probably also for infantry.
0510 2 LIR reported quiet night and nothing to report.
0518 6 Innisks reported quiet night.
0720 6 Innisks reported information from Italian civilians estimated 300 enemy with tanks in Montenero ((7082)
1200 Bombline today Montenero (7082)–Montecilfone (7066)–Casacalenda (7048).
1250 38 Brigade requested aircraft target Montenero station (H7081). Target accepted 1515hrs. 2 LIR reported Simarca bridge not blown but culvert 100 yards north west blow. Desultory enemy shelling of bttn areas all day. 2 LIR locations: HQ 820782, E Coy 808782, F Coy 818782, G Coy 804708, H Coy 810785. Support Coy under Brigade arrangements.
1500 6 Innisks reported all quiet. Bttn HQ (Main and Tac) closed at …and opened same time at 823780 in Termoli. The house occupied was formerly HQ of Kampfgruppe Rau.
1600 2 LIR reported desultory shelling of bttn areas. Patrols to farm 7878 – 7978 reported all clear of enemy. Recce made of T Simarca.
2020 Brigade Group artillery shelled vehicle concentration area Station Di Montenero (H7081) with good results.
2300 1 RIrF report all quiet. 12 CTR reverted to be under command 1 Canadian Infantry Division. Summary of patrol report 8/9 October issued. Bttns informed that area Brickworks and Termoli Railway Station would not be occupied after 12 CTR vacated these areas without authority from Brigade HQ.
1 RIrF.
0500 Stand to and defensive patrols out on coy front.
0630 Italian civilian reported presence of Germans behind a ridge approximately one mile in front of C Coy’s position, German artillery strafed area.
1430 A Coy sent patrol to report on area between them and area of coast road immediately to their front (MR780773). They were mortared 400 yards west of objective but saw no enemy.
1510 C Coy sent patrol to area in front of them (objective: MR766758), but saw no enemy.
Intermittent shelling of area in front of B Coy.
No casualties.
2330 Recce: Patrol under 2/Lt Phillips investigated ridge in front of C Coy’s position but found no enemy (MR760741).
Stand to and defensive positions.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier John Jones, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
The day passed quietly with spasmodic shelling being the only enemy activity. Coys were able to check and improve their positions. The CO, whose head wound proved to be only superficial, came from Termoli to visit the bttn.
2 LIR.
0100 Battle Patrol (SS Pl) of 7 other ranks to make contact (if possible) with the enemy. Patrol reached area 155/762787. No contact made.
0545 Commanding Officer and RA (Royal Artillery) Officer to Command Post.
1000 Patrol of SS Platoon commanded by Lt HND Seymour crossed the River Simarca to make contact with enemy. Patrol searched houses along Rly (Railway) line running NW, nothing was found. Information from civilians say that German troops were in the vicinity, dressed in civilian clothes. Patrol found two suspects, killed them and documents revealed that one belonged to the 1 Battalion/64 Panzer Grenadier Regiment and the other to the second Battalion of the same regiment.
1000 Patrol of three men sent to Bridge (155/789771).
1730 Standing Patrol of one Platoon (G Company) established in area of bridge to prevent enemy attempts to destroy it.
W/Lieutenant TWH Wilson rejoined the Battalion from hospital.
T/Capt K Neely & W/Capt LJ Samuels, RAMC, Mentioned in Despatches.
A/CSM J Hamilton & A/Sergeant E Mayo awarded the MM.
The following other ranks were Mentioned in Despatches:
W/CQMS C Jones, A/Sergeant H Donaghy, MM, W/Cpl J Holden, W/Cpl J Walsh, W/Cpl H Butler, Rfn J Dowding, Rfn P Salmon.
The following deceased other ranks were Mentioned in Despatches:
Cpl J Hamilton, Lance Corporal A Doherty, Lance Corporal F McDonald, Rfn R Linihan.
9th October.
Brigade HQ – TERMOLI.
0545 Patrol 2 LIR reported to have reached 751799 without contact. A patrol to Petaciatto (H7179) was fired upon from area 7280. Enemy gun positions observed at 710810 and 7079. Enemy MT and tank activity was heard from beyond T Tecchio.
0630 6 Innisks reported some enemy activity on left flank and enemy shelling in area. no damage or casualties reported . Recce patrols to pt 149 (7372), but made no contact.
0830 1 RIrF patrol to 760742 made no contact.
0915 Details of Brigade patrols on night of 8/9 October see Appendix.
1300 Informed by 36 Brigade that 56 Recce Regiment (A Squadron) on recce from 773705–743709–757717 from 0700 – 1730hrs on 10th October.
1530 Enemy shelling reported in area 784764. Estimated position of guns 715793.
1635 6 Innisks patrols to 7073 reported enemy guns in area 704679 and 722679. No enemy seen.
1800 Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
1945 1 RIrF reported recce patrol to Petaciatto (H7179). Estimated enemy strength in town and on forward slopes said to be approximately one battalion. Patrol observed on 88 gun firing from 725790. Enemy AA was seen north of Petaciatto.
2250 Sitrep reference patrols attached as Appendix.
1 RIrF.
0815 Recce patrol under Sgt Montgomery were sent to Petaciatto and succeeded in contacted the enemy.
1030 A Coy shelled. Two light casualties.
Intermittent shelling around A and B Coys.
Captain NW Bass rejoined from hospital.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Once again, the only activity was from enemy shell fire and a few shells fell on the town. There was one casualty, slightly wounded.
2 LIR.
0400 Patrol of 25 other ranks commanded by Lieutenant White went forward to make contact. No Contact was made with the enemy infantry. The Patrol was fired on by heavy guns and mortars from areas 7079 & 7280.
0900 Commanding Officer and IO (Intelligence Officer) tour Company areas. Divisional Commander in Battalion area.
Intermittent enemy shelling of G Company area during the day.
Standing Patrol as for the 8th.
10th October.
Brigade HQ – TERMOLI.
0630 6 Innisks reported all quiet. 1 RIrF reported early shellfire area 0300-0500hrs, otherwise to report.
1024 AASC clarified position as to bombings. Brigade to submit always through Tentacle. Division will only supplement bomb lines if it is thought that the brigades are not in a position to know the limits of forward troops on their own front.
1635 2 LIR reported many enemy patrols at 786771 1530hrs and 762765 1625hrs. Spasmodic enemy shelling throughout the day.
1 RIrF reported all quiet. Enemy gun located 743768.
1720 6 Innisks reported two enemy aircraft over Bttn area, otherwise nothing to report.
1845 Orders for transport check Termoli-San Giacomo issued.
2030 6 Innisks reported change over completed with interference.
2055 1 RIrF reported 5 casualties through enemy shelling, otherwise nothing to report. Civilian reports indicate OP at pt 286 (6875) composed of four semi-tracked vehicles.
2110 1 RIrF reported change over completed.
Letter on attachment of 8 Indian Division personnel to 38 Brigade issued. Situation brigade front see Sitrep.
1 RIrF.
0500 Stand to and defensive patrols.
1600 Captain BDH Clark admitted to hospital. Lt DFT Thomason takes over as Adjutant.
Orders Group. Orders: Bttn was move into reserve into the area that it took up on the night of the 5th.
1400 C and D Coy positions were to be taken over by 6 Innisks. B Coy positions were to be taken over by 2 LIR. Brigade support weapons to remain. A 15 cwt truck per coy to report at 1730 to take away heavy kit. Coys were to march away: D, HQ and S moving first. Bttn timings so arranged to ensure a smooth withdrawal.
1845 Bttn starts to withdrawal. On arrival at new position, Bttn HQ houses temporarily in building MR815780.
Died on this Day:
Lance Corporal Frederick Tinsley, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Major BL Bryar joined the bttn as 2.i.c. The CO returned to take command of the battalion and on the night of 10/11 October, coy positions were changed slightly.
The enemy continued his spasmodic shelling but was now concentrating more on the San Giacomo-Termoli road, and gun positions west San Giacomo.
Major AW Gibbons MC also joined the battalion today and assumed command of C Coy. Many civilians come through from the enemy’s lines bringing information, which often proved valuable.
2 LIR.
Am Intermittent enemy shelling of area from unobserved positions.
Am Enemy fighter-bombers attack area of Termoli harbour.
1500 CO’s “O” Group.
1530 Corps Commander and Divisional Commander in battalion area.
1700 Brigadier in Battalion area and visits Battalion HQ.
1900 H Company withdrawn into Battalion reserve. Carrier Platoon and MMG Pl; take over positions. F Company from reserve to area 155/791758.
1930 Patrol ‘June’ 8 other ranks commanded by Lieutenant O’Connor went forward to investigate enemy machine gun posts at road junction 155/722790. Patrol stated that they were stalked by enemy patrol in area 155/75885 & reached no further than 753784.
Standing Patrol at bridge 789771 to be replaced by a section to stay in the area all day. A Platoon to take up position nightly north of the road.
11th October.
Brigade HQ – TERMOLI.
0645 6 Innisks reported coy change over completed.
0700 2 LIR reported enemy shelling of G Coy area. (800767) 0330hrs, otherwise no activity.
0800 6 Innisks and 1 RIrF reported all quiet.
1400 It was decided in view of the anti-British feeling apparent in Termoli and reports of Germans remaining in the town in civilian clothes to carry out a careful investigation of all men of military age and to search all houses. Interpreters were provided under divisional arrangements and 1 RIrF provided personnel for search parties and the cordon around the town. The sweep disclosed a very large number of ex-military personnel in the town and these were dispatched to San Severo. Public feeling was not apparently embittered by the investigations and the Termolese expressed great satisfaction at our business like and justified action.
Lieut TC Osborn (Cheshire) attached to Brigade HQ.
A 2 LIR patrol of Lieut Seymour and 15 men ambushed the farm house at 761781 where, it had been reported, the farmer was a well known Fascist and had been regularly meeting enemy patrols there. Unfortunately, no enemy arrived but the patrol arrested the farmer and he was brought in and handed to divisional FSS.
6 Innisks’ patrols to 73760 on the western bank of the T Simarca and pt 88 (7722) found no suitable crossing of the river and encountered no enemy.
1 RIrF.
1100 Bttn HQ, C Coy and S Coy slightly move their position.
We were informed that the bttn would be used to round up inhabitants of the town in order that FS could investigate for suspects.
1200 CO gave his orders dividing the town up into blocks and detailing a company off to each block. Each coy wants to be divided into four groups: 1) Stops, 2) A search party consisting of an officer and two men. 3) Posse to take Italians to the Coy Report Centre, 4) Escort to take Italians to Bttn Report Centre. The adjutant was to establish a bttn consisting of I section and 2 ORs, which was to assist the FS Police and to which the coys would support when this missions were completed. The Regimental Police were established along the main road to direct escorts to the investigators.
The only incident was the shooting of a man, who threw grenades without injuring anyone.
1220 Bttn mission completed and coys return to their billets by 1730.
Thirty Reinforcements joined the bttn in the afternoon.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Patrick O’Regan, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
A party of officers, NCOs and men arrived from 8 Indian Division to stay with the bttn for three days.
Two escaped British PoWs came through our lines disguised as Italian peasants and spoken highly of the help they had received from civilians. A patrol programme was started with the dual purpose of contacting the enemy and reconnoitring lines of advance for a future attack.
2 LIR.
Patrol ‘Black’ locate enemy guns reported in areas 7576 & 7876 and if possible to shoot them up.
0900 Commanding Officer & Intelligence Officer visited company areas.
0945 Brigadier at Battalion HQ.
1345 Intelligence Officer visits Company areas re defence plans.
1630 Eight civilians crossed from enemy lines were interrogated. Passed back to brigade.
1900 Patrol ‘Green’ of 15 other ranks commanded by Lieutenant Seymour set out to ambush 5 Germans reported to be meeting Italian Fascist at Farm 761781. Patrol returned at 0515/12th. No enemy turned up. Owner of Farm brought back for interrogation said that Germans had used his Farm and had been in the locality recently. They had cleared out several days previously.
British & Indian Officers and NCOs from the 8th Indian Division attached to the battalion. They are sent out to Companies for training.
12th October.
Brigade HQ – TERMOLI.
0245 6 Innisks’ patrol reported enemy standing patrol at farm 760730 and another one suspected at pt 68 (7472).
0700 Bttns reported quiet night and no enemy activity.
1700 Bttns’ quiet day. 2 LIR established standing patrol at bridge 788771.
2200 Situation of Brigade front and patrol results see Sitrep.
Summary of enemy movement on brigade front 9-12 October issued
1 RIrF.
Eleven Reinforcements joined the bttn including some slightly injured during our last action.
Fusilier Thomas Rourke, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Heavy rain fell during the night and conditions in the coy areas were extremely unpleasant. More patrolling was carried out by night.
2 LIR.
0300 Patrol ‘Destruction’ 1 Platoon commanded by Lieutenant Bird, To patrol high ground in front of battalion, to dominate it and capture or kill any enemy that appear.
0500 Commanding Officer visited company areas.
0930 2/ic & Lieutenant Leigh (Essex Regiment) visited company areas.
T/Captain AD Woods MC & 2/Lieutenant Marmonstein posted to the Battalion.
W/Lieutenant CWL Bird admitted to hospital.
1800 Patrol ‘Snoop’ of 10 other ranks commanded by Sergeant Donaghy MM. To find guns reported in areas 7577 7477. To locate them accurately with view of destroying them later.
1900 Patrol ‘Destruction’ returned. Report of Patrol: at 0630 while lying up in area Farm 773783 A German Patrol of six men approached from the South. Ambush was laid but they turned NW in dead ground about 600 yards short of Farm. A section was sent off in pursuit but the Germans moved quickly and contact was lost in wooded area. Farms in area were searched. Owner of Farm 771781 said 7 Germans visited his Farm at 1330.
Apart from one enemy Air Burst shell in area 796763, there was no other enemy artillery activity during past 24 hours.
13th October.
Brigade HQ.
0500 Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
0600 2 LIR reported quiet night. Patrol shot up enemy vehicle on road at 753784 and although they failed to stop it, caused considerable damage to the vehicle and wounded at least one enemy inside.
0700 Sitrep.
0730 6 Innisks reported tank cross T Simarca probably at 750739.
1000 Brigade patrol results see Sitrep.
1930 Brigade bomb line now 68 easting.
1 RIrF.
An uneventful day.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Further improvements to the defensive position went on daily. Reliefs took place between reserve coy in the village and a forward coy every three days. The rain has now ceased and given place to brilliant sunshine. Patrols went out again at night.
2 LIR.
0230 Patrol ‘Observation’ of 20 other ranks commanded by Lieutenant Lyness. To establish forward observation post in order to study closely the village of Petacciato.
0600 Patrol ‘Snoop’ returned./information obtained’ At 0200 hrs Diesel Truck approached down road from Petacciato. It was engaged in area 755780. one occupant believed wounded.
1130 Brigadier accompanies by a brigadier from 8th Indian Division had conference with Officers Commanding 1/RIF, 2/LIR, 6/Innisks.
1430 Commanding Officer visits company areas.
1800 Patrol ‘Observation’ returned. Report of ‘Observation’ German Patrol in area 7578 morning of 12th German truck abandoned at 757780. Presumably the one fired upon by Patrol ‘Snoop’. Observation Post at 745790. Six hours at observation on Petacciato. Light anti-aircraft fire from town. Movement in woods forward of town & at 712810. Old German OP at Farm 745785. Red shoulder strap found.
1900 Patrol ‘Blood’ of 3 Other Ranks commanded by Sergeant Johnson. To find out if Petacciato was still occupied.
Lieutenant Lyness to Brigade to make verbal report on ‘Observation’.
No enemy activity in the battalion area during the last 24 hours.
14th October.
Brigade HQ.
0800 Bttns reported quiet night. Situation on Brigade front and results on patrols see Sitrep.
1700 Bttns reported quiet day.
1725 Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
Summary of enemy movement on Brigade front issued.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day. 20% of bttn allowed into Termoli.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Three more escaped PoWs came through our lines with a Yugoslav, who had accompanied them on their journey south. At tonight, a patrol of 7 led by Major Crocker MC plus one officer of 46 RTR went out to recce tank runs, river crossings and a bttn assembly area in 7377. Battle dress was issued.
2 LIR.
0300 Patrol ‘Black’ of 1 Platoon commanded by Major Rowlette. To dominate ground in area Ring Contour 755787 and make fwd observation.
0600 Patrol ‘Blood’ returned. Report road junction 723790 clear. Patrol lay up in wood 713800. At 2345 heard heavy transport approaching town from north. At 0115 German Patrol of 22 passed within 40 yards of ‘Blood’ in NE direction towards the sea. They were moving in file at 8 yds interval. ‘Blood moved to 710799. Nothing heard.
0800 CO to 6 Innisks.
1050 Patrol ‘Black’ some mortar bombs landed on the slopes fwd of the Convent and to its left. This was observed by E Company also.
1100 ‘Black’ reports more mortar bombs near White Farm 734794.
1200 Arty DF Ack changed to SOS Ack. 1 Sec of Sappers arrive at F Company to go out with Patrol ‘Cover’.
1400 Capt Woods MC & Lieutenant Lyness to Brigade for lecture re German Army.
1500 Patrol ‘Sweat’ of 12 Other Ranks commanded by Lieutenant Seymour accompanied by an Italian Liaison Officer. To penetrate into Petacciato to find out enemy strength and if possible make him disclose his disposition. Also to take a prisoner.
1615 Patrols ‘Black & Sweat’ meet. ‘Black’ returning.
1900 Patrol ‘Cover’ of 1 Platoon F Company to cover sappers clearing road of mines on road to Petacciato.
2000 Patrol ‘Black’ returned at 2000 hrs. Reports that two OPs were posted at OP Farm 754787 and Road House 745785. 0810 hrs two British fighters flew over Petacciato, there was no enemy A/A fire. During the day the enemy was ranging with mortars on areas road 7180 and 7278. Multiple mortar firing from behind Petacciato on 733797. Enemy shelled areas 733797 & Red House. No movement observed.
Brigade authorise rum issue for all ranks tonight.
15th October.
Brigade HQ.
0800 Bttns reported quiet night.
1700 Situation on Brigade front and results of patrols see Sitrep.
1 RIrF.
A quiet day.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Another quiet day. Civilians began coming in great numbers requesting passes to visit their various farms. These civilian were checked but none were allowed to go forward of our positions. Another patrol, one platoon in strength went out at night.
2 LIR.
0130 Patrol ‘Cover’ returned. Sappers certified that road & verges clear of mines as far as 748784.
0300 Patrol ‘Pride’ of 2 Secs commanded by Capt Fitzgerald, plus 1 RA Officer to White Farm 750790. To dominate ground fwd to Petacciato and fight any enemy patrols. If possible obtain an identification.
0600 Patrol ‘Sweat’ returned. Report the enemy still hold Petacciato and have estimated a series of sentry posts just West of 72 Grid. Two were contacted at 713794 & 715802.
Report of Patrol ‘Sweat’. Road junction 723790 clear. Heard German voices in new village & a lot of movement including vehicles. Patrol preparing to attack bumped a sentry post on Sunken Track 713794. Sentry challenged in German and English. He ran off up road & Patrol fired on it. Patrol took up defensive positions on small ridge 200 yds South of Pt 235/7179 & fired in the direction of the enemy. This did not draw his fire.
0900 CO to brigade for conference.
1000 Patrol ‘Pride’ in area of Oblong Farm 772787. In W/T contact with E Company.
1200 Brigadier & BM at Battalion HQ.
Ensa Cinema Show in Termoli. Battalion allotment 100 seats. Artillery Air OP up and down coast tonight. Companies informed.
1500 Patrol ‘Shephard’ of 15 Other Ranks commanded by Lieutenant O’Connor. To lie up for enemy relief party seen by Patrol ‘Blood’ in area 713800 between 2345 & 0030 hrs. Also to find out as much as possible of enemy dispositions in Petacciato. Obtain an identification.
Seven Other Ranks joined the Battalion from 7th Battalion RUR.
1940 Patrol ‘Pride’ returned. Deductions made. Enemy registering possible forming up areas with mortars.
Report of ‘Pride’ no movement between Pt 103/756788 & Petacciato. One German seen in area of Station de Montenero at 0800.
2000 Patrol ‘Cover 2’ briefed for 1900 hrs is cancelled owing to non arrival of sappers.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman George Freshwater, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Basil Belmar, London Irish Rifles.
16th October.
Brigade HQ.
0800 Bttns reported quiet night.
1000 Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
1125 Brigade informed by Division following troops under command wef 0900 18th October:
One battery 17 Field Regiment, one battery 64 A/Tk Regiment, one squadron 46 RTR, 56 Recce less two squadrons.
1200 Patrol 2 LIR captured 3 PoWs area 748784. Identified I Bttn 64 Panzer Grenadier Regiment.
1220 RA 78 Division informed 17 Field Regiment and 64 A/Tk Regiment that 13 Battery 17 Field Regiment and 254 Battery 64 A/Tk Regiment troops u/c 38 Brigade 0900 18th October.
1900 2 LIR reported large numbers of civilians coming through Bttn lines from Petacciato. Civilians were sent to Brigade HQ for interrogation and not allowed to return through lines. RE section clearing and sweeping road of mines from Termoli-Petacciato.
1 RIrF.
Nothing outstanding to report.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Numbers of Italian soldiers were now beginning to come through our lines – any that had good information was sent immediately to Brigade HQ and the remainder were directed to the authorities at Termoli or San Severo.
Patrolling continued at night with another patrol of a platoon in strength.
2 LIR.
During the morning the enemy mortared area Pt 150/732787. From Pt 150 the ground falls away to the sea. There is little cover fwd until the slope is reached on the right of Petacciato.
0300 Patrol ‘John’ of 1 Platoon commanded by Capt St Maur-Shiel accompanied by 2 officers of the RTR. To establish a base at OP Fm 750790 and dominate ground to Petacciato and fight enemy patrols.
0650 One enemy plane over Termoli. No bombs dropped.
0700 Patrol ‘Shepards’ return. (see sheet 13 for report). Report of Shepards. Met Patrol ‘Pride’ at O P Fm at 1730 hrs. Moved to area 727794 to lie up for enemy. Lay up from 2345 to 0300 hrs. Moved fwd West of main rd to 720793, then right along secondary rd to 710797. At 0420 hrs man ran out of house below them at 713798. Patrol moved through thick undergrowth to attack house. About 25 men brought from Petacciato by man engaged ‘Pride’ with ….
0830 C O holds “O” Group at Battalion HQ.
0900 C O reports to Brigade HQ for conference.
1230 Three German P O W captured by Patrol ‘John’ arrive at Battalion HQ. Identified as 1 Battalion Panzer Grenadier Regt.
1400 C O accompanied by O Cs of F, G & H Companies on recce.
1500 Patrol ‘Raider’ of 8 Other Ranks commanded by Lieutenant Seymour. To locate MMGs reported west of Tri Petacciato and Stn De Montenero. To bring back an identification. Patrol contacted ‘John’ at O P Fm 749787 as previously arranged.
1700 C O at Brigade HQ.
1900 Patrol ‘John’ returns. (see sheet 14 for report). Report of Patrol ‘John’ 3 prisoners of war taken at Road Fm 748784 at 1000 hrs. Movement seen in tower in Petacciato. Civilians report/3-4 gun positions near road at 715802. Two MGs in Petacciato in houses. Enemy strength 100-200. MG posts in Tower. No tanks. They left few days previously. Enemy withdrawn to behind River Trigno, except for a few infantry & some guns in town.
1930 Patrol ‘Cover 2’ of one platoon commanded by Capt Woods MC. To cover Sappers clearing road of mines as far fwd as Pt 150/731787.
17th October.
Brigade HQ.
0800 Patrol 6 Innisks to area Cemetery (709782) found no signs of enemy but heard enemy MT movement and saw enemy patrol on way but no contact.
Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
1100 2 LIR reported enemy deserter from 16 Panzer Recce Bttn gave himself up at 1015.
1630 2 LIR reported enemy shelling in area 757787.
1745 2 LIR informed that Brigade Commander orders that 22 W/T sets be man packed and move with forward troops. 38 Brigade OO No 25 issued.
38 Brigade Intelligence Summary issued in conjunction with OO No 28.
Amendment No 1 to 38 Brigade OO No 28 issued.
Captain RM Cunningham, Staff Captain, admitted to ADS 152 Field Ambulance and evacuated to 3 CCS. A/Major J Norman, 6 Innisks, appointed A/Staff Captain vice Captain RM Cunningham.
1 RIrF.
1400 CO gives orders with regard to the bttn taking over the 2 LIR positions tomorrow.
Major HEN Bredin admitted to hospital.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
A church service was held for the troops in the village church.
Captain McCaldin took out the night patrol and two Indian NCOs went out also.
2 LIR.
0200 Patrol ‘Cover 2’ returns. Sappers cleared road of mines up to Pt 150. No enemy encountered or seen.
0215 Patrol ‘Raider’ returns. At 1830 hrs found Tre Petacciato unoccupied. Evidence suggest it was used as an OP (see sheet 14 for report) during the day and not as an MG post. The Railway House 50 yds further inland was empty. Advancing Patrol was challenged from Railway at 734804. Two Germans ran fwd one was shot in the stomach and the other also fell. The MG from the post was thrown into the sea. There was no identification in the area. Heavy MG fire on fixed lines was coming from area 721797 and also from re-entrant at 728800. The patrol replied, while a quick search was made for the wounded man, they could not be found, and may have fallen over the embankment which was under continuous fire if any movement was made. Information confirms position of 1 Company/1 Battalion 64 Panzer Grenadier Regiment as given by prisoners.
0730 CO out on recce.
0845 An American pilot who had been shot down over Petacciato eight days previously and has been hiding in the village, escaped to our lines and reached Battalion HQ.
1000 Numerous civilians crossed over to our lines from Petacciato giving the impression of mass exodus. They were escorted to Brigade HQ for interrogation.
German soldier of Dutch origin surrendered to Carrier Pl identified as belonging to 16 Recce Battalion.
1130 CO & 2/ic called to Brigade for conference.
1500 Patrol ‘Probe’ of 5 ORs commanded by Cpl McKnight. Xxx
Platoon locality reported to be in area 725800.
1930 Patrol ‘Screen’ of 1 Pl commanded by Captain Grannell. To protect Sappers sweeping road of mines up to Pt 150/733786.
2155 Patrol ‘Prejudice’ returns. Report of Patrol ‘Prejudice’:
1000hrs German Patrol of seven men were seen. Two men were seen. Two men approached Road House, 748785. When fired on they took avoiding action and disappeared. At 1400hrs Road House was shelled from area behind Petacciato. Patrol returned at 0045hrs 18th. They lay up in area 731802 saw and heard nothing.
Lieutenant F Lyness took over duties of Intelligence Officer.
Died on this Day:
Lance Corporal Frank Clinch, London Irish Rifles.
18th October.
Brigade HQ.
0500 Bttns reported quiet night.
1500 Brigade HQ closed present location and reopened same time at farm 807777.
1555 132 Field Regiment reported enemy registering DF tasks at 723785 and 745800.
1600 132 Field Regiment OO No 4 received.
1610 132 Field Regiment reported enemy registering 715809.
1635 Brigade informed maximum air support for 19 October.
1800 Brigade informed Divisional FSO to expect approximately 100 Italian villages report coming from San Giacomo as a result of 6 Innisks sweep of the village.
1825 6 Innisks reported movement observed in Cemetery area 1130hrs.
1 RIrF.
Captain BDH Clark returns to duty.
2 LIR had the task of assaulting Petaciatto in the early hours of tomorrow morning. Battle patrol had the job of patrolling the right flank of the attack.
1400 Battle patrol left for OP Farm (MR750790), where they were lie up until midnight. BP Commander was 2/Lt Phillips.
1700 Bttn begins to move into new area.
2125 Move completed.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
A very quiet day with no activity whatsoever.
Five more escaped British PoWs came through today – they were given a hot meal and sent back through the usual channels.
2 LIR.
0100 Patrol ‘Screen’ returns. REs clear road of mines up to Pt 150
0300 Standing Patrol of one platoon of E Company commanded by Sgt McNally. To secure ad protect road Termoli-Petacciato from 731787 to 741785.
CO’s “O” Group. Final instructions for an attack on Petacciato. Brigade to attack on a 2 Company front. F right and G left. E Company to move after dusk and secure positions astride road up to and including Pt 150/731788 and to protect Battalion Forming Up Point H Company in reserve, to move along side Battalion HQ.
1400 Battalion Intelligence Section and Battle Patrol leave area. Battalion HQ to go and mark Battalion FUP (Start Line).
1800 E Company move fwd.
1930 Battalion march to assembly area 755700. Order of march. F G H Battalion HQ. Route via road Termoli-Petacciato.
2100 E Company in position. 7 Pl 726786. 8 Pl 736786. 9 Pl & Company HQ. Route via road Termoli-Petacciato.
2200 Battalion FUP established on line 740786 south to 739700.
19th October.
Brigade HQ.
0130 2 LIR reported started. Own artillery opened fire.
0200 Fire reported in town, probably an ammunition dump.
0230 Artillery ceased fire.
0245 RE mine lifting parties progressing favourably.
0330 2 LIR HQ established Scrubby Farm (740784). Out of touch with forward coys but apparently no opposition.
0405 RE mine lifting party working on road fork at 724789.
0450 Delay in progress due to mines.
0457 C Squadron 46 RTR held 300 yards up left fork from 724789 by RE mine lifting party.
0458 M target (15 roads intense) on Montenero station (704816).
0520 2 LIR reported forward coys held up, exact location unknown, situation confused.
0525 Situation 0500hrs, see Sitrep.
0620 C Squadron 46 RTR and one coy infantry approaching Convent.
0625 254 S/Tk Battery reported that 2 LIR not in Old Town by first light and that tanks were held by mines. Enemy reported still active on town.
0640 Old Town and high ground reported in our hands. One coy west of Old Town. 14 PoWs reported captured.
0645 RE reported now in Old Town.
0720 Nine PoWs identified I Bttn 64 Panzer Grenadier Regiment being sent back.
0845 One coy 2 LIR and C Squadron 46 RTR moving attack to New Town.
One small bridge reported blown, not known which one.
0850 6 Innisks reported patrol to area 6976 killed one enemy (later identified 9 Coy 79 Panzer Grenadier Regiment).
0930 2 LIR reported capture of New Town.
0940 HQ 2 LIR established 714792.
0945 1 RIrF patrol to area Station (7081) reported being near when M target 0458 hrs went down. Saw only two enemy who they shot at but with no apparent result.
1010 254 A/Tk Battery moving into position Petacciato.
1055 2 LIR reported bridges blown at 716799, 699816, 695805, 691802, 660765.
1400 6 Innisks carried out investigation of all non residents San Giacomo with FSS personnel. Forty Italian soldiers and twenty civilians to be evacuated tomorrow.
1515 56 Recce Regiment reported pt241 (7077) cleared.
1640 56 Recce Regiment reported at Colle di Breccia (6976) clear.
1715 Result of 2 LIR attack on Petacciato last night. See Sitrep.
1730 56 Recce Regiment reported farthest point reached approximately pt263 (6973) to be clear. Civilian information report enemy still in Montenero (H6572).
1805 38 Brigade immediate programme issued.
1900 TP established road junction 8076 first light tomorrow. Only vehicles 38 Brigade Group , Lt-Cols and above of 78 Division to be allowed forward.
Enemy losses in attack on Petacciato: 5 killed (at least), 17 PoWs (4 wounded), 2 x 75mm guns, 2 MG 42, 4 x 81mm mortars, 2 M/C combinations, 2 schmeissers, M/pistols, 4 MG 42s destroyed. Own losses: one officer and three ORs wounded, one carrier, one Sherman tank lost track.
Brigade’s account of the assault on Petacciato.
1 RIrF.
0001 A Coy established a prisoner of war cage area of Brick Factory (MR 803767).
0130 Battle Patrol in position for their task in area White Farm (MR 736798).
0600 Battle Patrol mission completed and they return.
The 2 LIR attack was successful. In the afternoon, the CO accompanied by the IO/paid a visit to Petacciato to congratulate Lt-Col Rogers and view the ground ahead.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
0130 LIR attacked Petacciato. All objectives taken by 0730hrs Captain Clark MC held left flank with two platoons and killed one enemy.
Major Little and Captain McPhillips rejoined the bttn from hospital.
1400 FSP came to the town and in conjunction with Bttn IO interrogated all civilians not permanent residents of the town.
Bttn placed at short notice to move forward.
2 LIR.
G Company move fwd to FUP F Company move fwd at 0045.
0115 H Company move fwd to area in rear of G Company. Battalion HQ at 756781.
0130 Zero Hour. F & G Companies advance towards Petacciato supported by Arty barrage. Company enter Old Town (Petacciato) 5 minutes after barrage lifts at approx 0230 hrs. G Company get held up by MG fire. Battalion supported by C Sqn 46 Royal Tank Regiment. H Company carrier blown up on mine at Road Junction 722797. Captain G Fitzgerald and 3 Other Ranks wounded. An Engineer’s truck was also blown up at this junction. And a tank of 46 RTR had a track blown off.
0500 Petacciato clear of enemy. E Company in New Town 711786.
0530 Battalion less Battalion HQ occupy Petacciato. F Company 712797. G Company 710795. E Company 713790. H Company 716794.
0630 Battalion HQ move to Farm 715793. Companies dig in and prepare for possible counter attack.
Enemy occasionally shell fwd slopes in front of Petacciato & Road Junction 722791.
The personnel in H Companies Carrier were the only casualties suffered by the Battalion in the attack on Petacciato.
1800 One Pl from 6 Innisks take up position on E Company’s left.
20th October.
Brigade HQ.
0500 6 Innisks reported quiet night. 2 LIR reported slight shelling.
0920 6 Innisks patrol to area 6876 made no contact but found no crashed American aircraft at 685760. Pilot could not be found. 2 LIR patrol to area 6679 made no contact, no enemy seen.
1000 56 Recce Regiment reported being on Colle Di Breccia and preparing for second task (Montenero). Local report that all enemy evacuated Montenero last night. Civilians evacuating Montenero to our lines.
1055 56 Recce Regiment reported pt195 (6874) issued.
1120 56 Recce Regiment OP reported having seen two enemy in Montenero.
1125 56 Recce Regiment reported pt190 (6872) clear. Large enemy vehicles including tanks seen in Montenero. Enemy shelling 696762 at 1230hrs.
1315 56 Recce Regiment reported contact with their patrol 1215hrs at 672722.
Enemy withdrew. Two demolitions observed going up south of Montenero.
1700 Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
1935 Orders for move of 6 Innisks issued.
1 RIrF.
Bttn patrol. Nothing of importance occurred.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
Bttn not at short notice any further. Training notes sent to coys for a short period of training.
Major Norman went to Brigade HQ to act as Staff Captain. Major Little took over command of S Coy.
1900 CO returned from Brigade HQ with orders for move that night.
2000 O Group conference. A, B, D and Bttn HQ move at 0330hrs to area 263. C Coy and A/Tk to move the following day.
2 LIR.
8th Army Comdr, Div & Brigade Comdrs visit bttn area. Battalion supply escort of one sec to accompany them to FUP.
1045 Heavy enemy Arty barrage on Petacciato lasting 10 minutes.
Section OP at F Companies HQ in Town Hall report 8 guns firing on bearing 2908 Mag. Arty say guns are too far away for counter battery fire. No casualties.
18 ORs posted to Battalion from X2 list.
T/Capt DHM Davies admitted to hospital.
21st October.
Brigade HQ.
0330 6 Innisks moved from area San Giacomo to area Colle di Breccia.
Bttn HQ located at 695766.
0530 6 Innisks RV area cemetery (H7178).
0730 2 LIR patrol to pt123 (H7479) contacted enemy post. Patrol exchanged fire without loss, believed one enemy car casualty.
1000 56 Recce Regiment report pt195 clear.
1130 56 Recce reported party of 12 Germans seen digging south of Montenero and seen carrying timber to diggings.
1220 56 Recce Regiment reported two enemy guns 652757 now being fired on by own artillery.
1300 56 Recce Regiment reported enemy still in Montenero strength estimated 60. Digging party dispersed.
1500 Brigade HQ closed at present location and reopened same time at Road House Farm (752783).
1800 Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
2150 6 Innisks reported enemy shelling area pt263 (6976). 1945-2015hrs.
1 RIrF.
1500 O Group, at which the CO gave orders for the Bttn to move forward to Petacciato.
2230 Bttn moved.
Captain MC Trousdell admitted to hospital.
Lieut CMF Chambers joined the bttn.
6 Innisks – SAN GIACOMO.
0330 A, B, D and Bttn HQ left San Giacomo by MT for forward assembly area at Petacciato.
Arrived at Petacciato at approximately 0500hrs.
At first light, CO went forward to recce new area.
0800 CO met Brigadier.
1015 CO O Group and Recce.
1345 Bttn moved up to new position by march route and coys commenced digging in. Bttn established at H6976.
1700 A few enemy shells came over, but caused no damage.
2000 Captain Duddington took out a patrol of one platoon strength.
2 LIR.
T/Major G Phillips posted to battalion and 22 ORs from 111 IRTD.
Brigade Comdr at Battalion HQ. W/Lieutenant HND Seymour admitted to hospital.
6 Innisks pass through battalion lines during the early morning and established themselves on the battalion’s left flank. Their Battalion HQ established at pt 263/694766.
1930 German prisoner of war from 1/64 Panzer Grenadier Regiment. Evacuated to ADS.
Patrol of one platoon commanded by Lieutenant White accompanied by Sappers. To ascertain if Bridge 6378 (over River Trigno) was mined. The patrol had a sharp engagement with enemy in the vicinity of the bridge. Sappers found no charges or mines in the bridge area.
22nd October.
Brigade HQ – 752783.
0120 6 Innisks reported enemy patrol estimated strength 17 infiltrated between A and B Coys and captured MMG crew. In the subsequent melee, two of MG crew escaped. One man missing. Enemy left one dead and one MG 42. Identification: 5 Coy, 79 Panzer Grenadier Regiment.
RE reported Trigno bridge not prepared for demolition.
1000 Major AW Gibbon, A & SH, attached to Brigade HQ as acting Brigade Major vice Major FFK Ball DCLI to B Echelon.
1330 2 LIR report spasmodic shelling area 6976, one casualty.
1800 Brigade Tac HQ established H711789.
1 RIrF supported by 2 LIR ordered to take Trigno bridge before demolition by enemy.
2335 1 RIrF reported meeting strong opposition area pt 155.
1 RIrF.
0100 Bttn in position. Bttn HQ at Farm 748785. A Coy on right of road. Remaining coys on left.
1530 O Group at school 711794. Orders for attack on the River Trigno road bridge with the intention of making and securing a bridgehead.
1630 Bttn moved to assembly area school 711794.
1700 Bttn assembled.
1815 Bttn left assembly area to start line at road junction 663778.
2200 C and D Coys (Major RLC Wood and Major DEH Haywood MC) moved forward abreast with a platoon of D ahead covering them to road, and track junction 645787. Opposition from MG was met and overcome at pt155 – 645784. On reaching the road and track junction, 645787, the coys moved along the south side of the road, C Coy leading. As the leading company moved towards the object, the bridge was blown up. C and D Coys then took up a defensive position between pt115 – 6378 and the road to await the CO.
2359 The remainder of the bttn moved down the line of the road to contact C and D Coys.
Lieut Thomason and Lieut R Gamble were admitted to hospital.
6 Innisks – Pt 263 (H6976).
0130 Spasmodic shelling in bttn area lasting for one hour.
0120 enemy patrol worked its way between A and D Coys to a MMG position – the crew were taken prisoner and A & D Coys opened fire as the patrol withdrew. They caused the patrol to split up and three of the MMG gun crew away. Fusilier Harris missing. One enemy casualty, a Sgt (killed) from 5 Coy, 79 PGR, an identification which proved useful to higher formations. One MG 42 was also killed.
1300 Spasmodic shelling for two hours, chiefly in A Coy’s area, caused one casualty, slightly wounded. Captain Kendall (Adjutant) admitted to hospital with suspected malaria.
RIrF ordered to take bridge over Trigno following successful patrol by LIR the previous night. LIR to advance on their right and 6 Innisks to hold present position and raid Montenero in force the following night (Two Coys A & B).
Recce patrols from A & B Coys find suitable route to Montenero.
C Coy withdrawn to guard brigade command post.
Major Gibbon went to Brigade HQ as acting Brigade Major.
2 LIR.
1400 CO and Company Comdrs on recce. ‘O’ Group at 1630 hrs.
H Company move fwd to area 648606 & establish position overlooking the River Trigno. 1 RIrF from Termoli to Battalion area.
1800 1 RIrF advance down road Petacciato–San Salvo with the intention of establishing a bridgehead across River Trigno.
Several spans of the bridge 6379 were blown shortly before 1 RIrF reached the river.
1820 The Battalion less H Company move along road behind 1 RIrF.
2300 Enemy MG and mortar fire on area in front of the Battalion. Possibly against the 1 RIrF.
2330 Battalion established in positions – H Company 546606. E Company 655764. F Company 653790. G Company 658789. Battalion HQ 656790.
23rd October.
Brigade HQ.
0050 Lieut Lorrimer posted as 2.i.c. Brigade Signal section.
Two coys 6 Innisks move to Montenero.
0200 2 LIR reported in position. Bttn HQ 670793.
0210 Battery 70 Medium Regiment firing on enemy battery south of San Salvo.
0227 RA reported two enemy SP guns west of R Trigno.
0235 2 LIR firmly established and moving up behind 1 RIrF.
0240 2 LIR A/Tk guns and support arms ordered to move down.
0245 River Trigno bridge reported blown.
0330 RE report road to bridge now clear of mines.
0335 Own troops now crossing River Trigno.
0450 Bridge reported to be gapped for 200 feet. Culvert 400 yards west of bridge reported blown, crater 60 x 20 feet.
0500 C Squadron 46 RTR and support arms ordered to move down, well on way. Both bttns in position. Two coys 1 RIrF across the river. Bridgehead of 200 yards depth formed but further progress barred by extensive minefield. 2 LIR positions: Bttn HQ 655789, E Coy 656786, F Coy 655793, G Coy 648798, H Coy 655789.
0715 Civilian reports indicate Montenero evacuated by enemy. Air task for today called off.
56 Recce Regiment ordered to proceed to Montenero.
0720 Report on bridge as follows: 100 yards north east of bridge, depth varying from one to two feet, bottom sound and accessible from Petacciato side.
0810 56 Recce Regiment 1 ½ miles south of Montenero.
0845 GOC and CRA visited Tac HQ.
0930 Corps Commander and BGS visited Tac HQ.
0945 2 LIR report movement in Farm 643810. Artillery taking target on and 2 LIR arranging snipers.
1000 Extensive Teller minefield located 650793–650803. Tracks, fields and farms all suspected to be mined. All mines heavily booby trapped, sometimes three times and with dynamite.
1030 OC Support Coy 1 RIrF reported bttn to be extending bridgehead to depth of 500 yards. Battle casualties: 4 killed, 24 wounded (22 mine casualties).
1100 56 Recce Regiment reported Montenero clear.
1140 38 Brigade Tac HQ closed. Control reverted to main HQ.
Extract from Times Weekly Sept 43 issued.
1515 56 Recce Regiment revert to Divisional Command wef 0001hrs, 24 October.
6 Innisks informed by Brigade Commander that they will occupy Montenero this afternoon. 1 RIrF will enlarge bridgehead but will not go too far until A/Tk protection is able to cross the river.
Detachments REs and A/Tk will arrive tonight.
Mine lifting will continue on western bank of river.
Limited patrols to gain contact will be arranged if defensive work permits.
Army Commander’s message on anniversary of Alamein received.
2 LIR informed that they will consolidate and send forward vigorous patrols, one to recce possible river crossings and another to gain contact with enemy.
2 LF will occupy high ground east of river crossing tonight. This will be the brigade programme for the next few days.
1830 56 Recce Regiment reported leading patrols entered 1045hrs and town occupied by 1130hrs. Mines encountered and lifted, 646746, 646739 and also observed in track 640728 and 644729 – not cleared. Montenero-Tavenna road deeply cratered at 652700 and bridge on Mafada road at 638737 and 686738 blown. 2 LIR will get in touch with 2 LF as soon as possible, by first light at the latest.
2335 6 Innisks locations: Bttn HQ 646729, 648731, 648726, 648728, 645728.
Captain GK Parsons OC Brigade Signals Section ADS.
1 RIrF.
0300 C and D Coys crossed the river on the north side of the bridge under orders from the CO, who had arrived shortly before. They met no opposition but on reaching the far bank were stopped by a minefield.
0430 The area of consolidation occupied by C and D Coys was too limited so D Coy was ordered to withdraw to the east side of the river to area Farm 636783.
0800 B Coy (Major JW Dunn) moved across the river and took up a position on the north side of the river. C Coy moved to the south side. A Coy (Major PJ Proctor) was established in area 632793. Bttn HQ near road and track junction 624790.
1020 Enemy shelled area 6378.
1350 Bttn HQ moved up track to 634787.
1405 Enemy shelled area Bttn HQ.
1900 RE party arrived for mine clearing.
Throughout the night, the enemy regularly shelled the road 6378.
Died on this Day:
Corporal Frank Hare, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Harry Slinger, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier David Owen, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Clifford Bass, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Sergeant Percy Allison, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier John Robinson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Lewis Brown, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier James Bill, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – Pt 263 (H6976).
56 Recce reported Montenero clear of enemy, but area mined.
1230 Bttn ordered to Montenero.
1400 Bttn moved off by march route in following order: A, B, Bttn HQ and D Coy. Recce party moved forward by transport.
1530 O Group at OP in Montenero.
1615 A Coy arrived and moved into position, closely followed by the other coys including C Coy, which was released by brigade at 1330hrs. By dusk, all coys were in position and the town was strongly defended. Bttn HQ at 648729.
DF tasks arranged.
2 LIR.
1 RIrF establish bridgehead with two companies (B & C Companies.). No serious opposition.
0815 Brigadier cancels Artillery bombardment of Montenero 6473 and orders 56 Recce (under command of 38th (Irish) Infantry Brigade) to enter the town. Town found to be clear.
0930 H Company report enemy OP Farm 634610. Arty shell it.
1730 Battalion HQ move to position more central to companies at 663790.
6 Innisks established at Montenero. 2 LFs on our right flank.
Died on this Day:
Lance Corporal Martin Byrne, London Irish Rifles.
24th October.
Brigade HQ.
0035 1 RIrF reported spasmodic shell fire in gully 633791 and on road.
0123 Commander 1 RIrF requested RE to commence work immediately on crater at 634793, because otherwise impossible to get A/Tk guns forward.
0220 RE informed of 1 RIrF request and RE replied matter in hand.
0530 2 LIR patrol reported no contact with enemy. 2 LIR contacted Recce patrol to river for crossings found two probable crossings 400 yards north east of bridge and another approximately one mile north east. Intervening ground impossible owing to high banks. South west of bridge, good crossing for quarter mile.
0615 1 RIrF reported that forward companies had patrolled 1000 yards towards San Salvo and searched all farms and houses without contact. Situation on brigade front see Sitrep.
0800 6 Innisks reported no enemy activity on their front. Enemy shelling and MG fire head on right flank.
1 RIrF reported enemy M/C combination, came down San Salvo road and was stopped by SAA fire at 628803. The driver and M/C combination escaped but the passenger was captured. Identified as 9 Coy Panzer Group Regiment.
1100 Division ordered that no vehicles other than essential recce parties, staff cars or jeeps will move forward of road junction 712802, except of hours of darkness.
1700 6 Innisks reported one A/Tk in position.
1900 Situation on brigade front – see Sitrep.
2020 6 Innisks reported 5 A/Tk guns in position.
1 RIrF.
0530 Enemy patrol bumped into C Coy MG fire exchanged. No casualties.
0750 An enemy M/C ran into C Coy’s position and the rider was captured. He was from 9 Coy 11/79 PGR.
1830 A very heavy enemy artillery concentration on area between Bttn HQ and road.
2030 Patrol of NCO and 2 men from battle patrol went to area Long Farm 620804.
There had been intermittent shelling of our positions during the day but the night was quiet.
6 Innisks – MONTENERO.
Fire plan coordinated at first light. . No enemy activity on our immediate front but some shelling was observed to our north. The task of clearing the enemy mines was continued and completed by the pioneer platoon and a detachment of REs. At night, a patrol was sent to establish a position on high ground H6375 and to observe river line.
2 LIR.
0730 Brigadier at Battalion HQ. Lieutenant JD White & A/Captain JA St Maur-Sheil admitted to hospital.
1000 CO’s “O” Group.
8th Indian Division on 78th Division left flank take Palata.
1930 IO & 2/ic recce River Trigno for Battalion forming up area and crossing. Returned at 0200 25th. No suitable places found.
2000 Battle Patrol commanded by Sgt Stalker crossed River Trigno to make contact with enemy, if any, in area 630830. Returned at 0300. No contact.
25th October.
Brigade HQ.
0500 Bttns reported no enemy activity during night.
0600 Sitrep. Patrols report enemy astride road half mile south east of San Salvo.
RE diversion now available for single file traffic.
1445 1 RIrF reported further points reached by patrols night 24/25 618821 and 627827. Enemy located on ridge 618823 but strength unknown. Cable winding heard area 622823. 6 A/Tk guns now in position, none west of river owing to diversion being only passable fro west to east.
1345 Orders for possible moves of Brigade units 26 October issued.
Lieut RD Room, OC Defence Platoon admitted to 152 Field Ambulance.
1800 6 Innisks reported patrol to pt176 (6075) in position and established two OPs.
2155 6 Innisks patrol to Mafalda returned 2115hrs with 4 PoWs identified 5 Coy 79 Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 2 more enemy wounded, one of whom escaped and the other Mafalda. 3 MG 42s and one M/pistol captured. Patrol commander’s patrol is attached.
1 RIrF.
During the day, there was considerable shelling of the bttn area especially B Coy’s position.
2000 Heavy shelling.
2030 Patrol of NCO and 2 men from the Battle Patrol went to area Long Farm 620804.
RE began work on the bridge but had to give up owing to heavy shellfire.
F Coy of 2 LIR was put under command of CO.
6 Innisks – MONTENERO.
Day quiet, patrolling being the only activity. One patrol, strength one platoon was sent out at 1130hrs to find out enemy situation in Mafalda. Three escaped PoWs came through our lines, two from RASC and one 1st Sherwoods.
1500 Three Sections made a sweep of farms in area H6173-6273-6174-6274. Montenero bombed by enemy aircraft. No casualties.
2 LIR.
1630 Eight enemy fighter bombers (FW 190s) bomb and strafe brigade fwd areas and battalion areas. No damage or casualties.
1930 Intelligence Sgt & seven OR recce River Trigno north of bridge for possible crossing place. Returned at 0130 hrs. Nil result.
1930 E Company move from present location to cross River Trigno and establish themselves in area of wood 634810 under command of 1 RIrF. Eventually, the company did not cross the Trigno and lay up in area of 1 RIrF Battalion HQ.
26th October.
Brigade HQ.
0540 1 RIrF reported patrols confirmed enemy position 604816. Patrol attacked pt115 (627759). MG fire heard from area 6081 and 6481 during night and small position located 610820.
0600 6 Innisks and 2 LIR nothing to report during night.
1000 Brigade Commander and IO returned to main Brigade HQ from recce.
1115 1 RIrF reported enemy shelling area 652792 from 1100 to 1110.
1305 2 LIR reported 6 FW 190s bombed area 656798 at 1330hrs.
1330 6 Innisks in Montenero (6474) attacked by 8-12 FW 190s. No casualties or damage.
1920 Division and 11 and 36 Brigades and Brigade Group informed Brigade HQ closing present locations. 2100hrs opening same time at Convent near Petacciato (712792).
Tac HQ opens same time 663789.
2320 RIrF reported enemy battery concentration on bridge and road area 6379.
38 Brigade OO No 29 issued amendment No 1 to above issued.
Brigadier N Russell DSO MC issued to ADS.
Lieut Col N Grazebrook DSO CO of 6 Innisks took over command 38 Brigade.
Lieut A McI Smyth RIrF posted to 1 RIrF.
Lieut GMJ Chambers RIrF posted to this HQ from 1 RIrF as IO vice Lieut A McI Smyth
Captain JFS Griffin EME admitted 152 Field Ambulance and evacuated CCS following M/C accident.
1 RIrF.
1400 O Group at Bttn HQ. Orders for a readjustment of positions preparatory to an attack on San Salvo. This was a recce of new positions.
1700 Lieut HL Hutchison and two men went to recce a Start Line for the bttn in the area of pt42-6181. The patrol lost its way and had to return.
2100 D Coy and carriers relieved by 6 Innisks.
2200 C Coy to 622793. D Coy to 628797.
2210 B Coy relieved by 2 LIR and moved to 623799.
Carrier platoon 4 3” Mortars and 3 MGs moved into position in support of coys across river.
Lieut DF Thomason rejoined from hospital.
Lieut A McI Smyth rejoined from 38 (Irish) Brigade.
Lieut CMJ Chambers posted to Brigade.
6 Innisks – MONTENERO.
1030 O Group – 8 A & SH to relieve us from Montenero, 6 Innisks to take over from 2 LIR, A Coy to come under command 1 RIrF.
The changeover to be effected
A Coy + 2 MMG and 2 Mortars with D Coy, 1 RIrF.
B Coy + 2 MMG, 2 Mortars and 2 A/Tk guns – G Coy 2 LIR.
Bttn HQ to change to Bttn HQ 2 LIR.
C Coy + 1 A/Tk change with F Coy 2 LIR.
D Coy + 2 Mortars change with E Coy 2 LIR.
C Coy to remain in Montenero until two coys 8 A & SH arrive.
Montenero again bombed with effect.
1430 Marching personnel, less C Coy moved off. Transport waited until dusk in order to avoid observation.
1730 Take over from LIR completed. A Coy moved down to 1 RIrF position on River Trigno after dusk and came under their command.
Brigadier was taken sick and CO assumed temporary command of Brigade; Major Bryar taking command of bttn.
2 LIR.
0600 Brigadier’s “O” Group at Battalion HQ.
0800 Intelligence Sgt recce route from battalion area to 1 RIrF thence down to the River Trigno. W/Lieutenant JA Hunter admitted to hospital.
1100 CO’s “O” Group. Battalion to move across the river. W/Lieutenant HND Seymour awarded the MC.
1200 Eight enemy fighters – Bombers (FW 190s) bomb and strafe same area as yesterday.
1730 E Company, Battle Patrol, Intelligence Section, F & G Companies cross River Trigno in that order. As there had been no rain the river was only about one foot deep.
1745 Battalion HQ move to area 649805.
1815 Heavy enemy shelling of River diversion and Bridge lasting for 5 minutes.
1830 All Companies but H Company across the river and established in defence positions. E Company 638811. F Company 633809. G Company 629805. Battle Patrol and Intelligence Section 633804. Companies dig in. Intermittent enemy shelling on Bridge, Diversion and Wood 5380 during the night. No casualties. The enemy constantly shelled the diversion while our vehicles were crossing the river but none were hit. One carrier was bogged after crossing. It was not possible for all company transport to return across the River owing to the slippery nature of the ground & the coming light.
27th October.
Brigade HQ.
0015 1 RIrF requested brigade to send another Scammel and crew to bridge immediately.
0410 DR, who was dispatched at 0015 for Scammel not reported in or returned to this HQ.
0445 Tac HQ ordered Brigade LAD Scammel to proceed to bridge forthwith.
0530 Brigade commander spoke to 2 LIR, but they were out of contact with forward coys.
0550 6 Innisks reported HQ 663787. All coys arrived by 2300 26th October and took up positions vacated by 2 LIR.
6 Innisks patrol to 6375 searched farms but found no enemy.
0600 2 LIR reported everything went according to plan. Three coys over river. Locations: Bttn HQ 648802, Coys: 635804, 633802, 628802, 649805. Slight opposition encountered.
0615 1 RIrF reported three coys over river and one coy and Brigade HQ this side as before.
Locations of three coys over river: 623799, 622793, 628797. Bridge shelled during night and 1 RIrF suffered 14 casualties. Patrol to recce area south of San Salvo located 2 MGs 615811 and suffered one casualty. Tracks in the area mined. All vehicles reported across river except a carrier, portee and q..CREME Scammel at Rec Pt near bridge moved off without orders when shelling started.
1000 GOC and AQ visited Tac HQ for conference with Brigade Commander. Orders for night made. Tac HQ moving tonight area 653785.
1700 2 LIR reported intermittent enemy shelling area bridge 6379.
Brigade letter on traffic control ref 29/Q issued.
Amendment No 1 to 38 OO No 29 dated 26 October 43 issued.
Captain KF MacLennan, REME, attached to Brigade HQ as REME Captain JFS Griffin evacuated to CCS.
1550 CO 1 RIrF enquired whether it was possible to postpone attack owing to sticky nature of ground, which would exhaust attackers. Brigade Commander replied that the attack would go in as already planned.
1830 Rain, which had fallen in the last hour and a half, prevented crossing of vehicles over diversion owing to the state of the ground on the far side, which was reported to be nothing better than a sea of mud. Four vehicles reported overturned on the diversion.
2200 Brigade diversion now usable but the programme of crossing necessarily curtailed.
2300 Barrage opened.
2335 6 Innisks reported in position.
38 Brigade Admin Order No 6 issued.
Read the Brigade’s account of the assault om San Salvo.
1 RIrF.
0400 Lieut HL Hutchison took out his patrol again. One of his men set off a booby trap and was killed. The enemy MGs opened up and forced the patrol to retire.
1030 O Group at the Bttn HQ. Orders for the attack on San Salvo.
1800 A Coy crossed the river to join the other coys.
1815 Bttn HQ joined coys.
2130 C Coy moved to a position 500 yards in front of Long Farm to protect Start Line.
2230 Tape was laid along Start Line by IO.
2245 Coys moved into position covered by C Coy in the following order: Forward – A Coy left, B Coy right, followed by the HQ, followed by C Coy left, D coy right.
2300 Own artillery barrage starts.
2306 Forward coys crossed start line A Company on a bearing of 302 degrees, B Coy on 314 degrees. They had only gone a short way when heavy MG and shell fire was opened up on them. The whole bttn was pinned down, the rear areas still in area of start line. As the intensity of the fire increased, it became obvious that the bttn was in an enemy DF area.
The CO held an O Group at which he ordered D Coy, which had fallen behind to move up on the left of C Coy.
Sometime during the next half hour, the CO was killed by a stray MG bullet, which struck in the head.
B Coy continued the advance but was finally halted by the intensity of the enemy MG fire.
Major PJ Proctor had been hit and was missing, later known to be KIA and Major Wood assumed command
The CO took the decision to return to the area of the bridgehead, but not before it became obvious that any further attempt to advance would be futile and lead to a needless sacrifice of life.
Lieut JGC Glennie KIA, Lieut HL Hutchison (since died of wounds), 2/Lieut JV Baker wounded as were the other officer casualties.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Leslie Broadbridge, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier John Orr, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Edward Lightburn, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier John Williams, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal Leonard Brown, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier George Walls Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier John Plant, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal Sidney Cooke, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Kevin Curran, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lance Sergeant Albert Kidd, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Charles Warren, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Joseph Johnston, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal John Kelly, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
WO II John Keir, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lance Sergeant Baldwin Lloyd, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lieutenant John Glennie, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Major Patrick Proctor, Royal Irish Fusiliers, attached from Royal Ulster Rifles.
Fusilier Leonard Stone, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Percy Childs, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Sergeant William Jackson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier Mathew Shuttleworth, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Sergeant Alfred Smith, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – RIVER TRIGNO.
Rainfall making river crossing extremely bad. This crossing was under direct observation by the enemy and was accurately shell throughout the day and night.
During the night, the RIrF and LIR completed their move across the river into the narrow bridgehead in preparation for their attack on San Salvo. 6 Innisks moved down to the river to take over the bridgehead with B, C and D Coys across the river and Bttn HQ and A Coy, which reverted to command, on the near side.
2 LIR.
1000 CO visits Company areas.
1300 Intelligence Officer recces area for Battalion Start Line for tonight’s attack on San Salvo.
W/Lieutenant MOW Clarke MC joined the Battalion from hospital.
2130 Battalion HQ & H Company move from present location and cross River Trigno.
Battalion HQ established in area 633806. H Company in area 632807 at 2300 hrs.
F & G Companies move to start line.
2200 Heavy and concentrated enemy shelling of FUP as the two Companies take up position. There were no casualties.
2300 Tanks of the 46 RTR across the River in support of 38 Brigade.
2300 Units of 78th Division move fwd to attack San Salvo. 2/LFs (11 Brigade) right. Object Stn di San Salvo 639848. 38 Brigade due left. Objective San Salvo. 2/LIR. Right 1/RIF Left. The attack was supported by five regiments of Field Arty and one battery of Mediums.
2300 Companies move fwd F right. G left.
2315 Heavy enemy MG fire from 2/LFs front.
2330 The enemy lay down a heavy and concentrated DF from guns and 6” mortars.
2335 A wall of enemy machine gun fire on fixed lines causes companies to get down.
Died on this Day:
Lieutenant Michael Marmorstein, London Irish Rifles.
28th October.
Brigade HQ.
0100 1 RIrF and 2 LIR reported held up and Lt-Col Butler CO 1 RIrF killed. Opposition appeared very determined. Many flares and verey lights on the front. MG is apparent from all directions and the whole of the front is being heavily mortared.
0130 1 RIrF held up on line 610805 – 622806.
(c 0130-0230hrs, Tac HQ out of touch with bttns and information obtained through RA channels).
0230 Position extremely obscure although front itself appeared quiet.
0300 2 LIR established comms with Tac HQ and reported that they were in touch with coys who, although they had met determined resistance, were in some cases, within 1200 yards of San Salvo. A repetition of the last nine lifts of the barrage was asked for. These become available at 0340hrs and they made further slight progress.
0330 C Squadron 46 RTR reported over river diversion together with guns of 255 A/Tk Battery and A/Tk guns of 1 RIrF and 2 LIR closely following.
0430 2 LIR ordered to establish themselves and dig in the best available positions. 1 RIrF, who had been trying to retain contact with forward coys, ordered to withdraw from bridgehead over river to area 6677.
0715 Division informed Brigade of conference at 11 Brigade HQ 0900hrs. Brigade commander to attend.
0845 6 Innisks reported 5 casualties. Enemy shelled diversion 0740hrs and mortared it at 0805hrs. No enemy movement observed. 2 LIR reported Major AK O’Connor 2.i.c. killed.
1005 6 Innisks reported heavy concentration area of bridge. 2 LIR locations: Bttn HQ 632804, 626804, 626806, 629808, 632805, 633801.
1900 Brigade ordered food and ammunition to be taken across diversion by horses and carts.
Horses and carts RV at T junction 6677, approximately 1600hrs. Horse and carts requisitioned by main Brigade HQ from Petacciato. 1 RIrF reported in area 657773.
1 RIrF.
0330 The Adjutant was ordered to take the Command Group and the remnants of D Coy back.
0500 The rest of the bttn took up a position around the bridge, having been brought out of action by Major RLG Wood.
During the day, Major Wood went back and made arrangements to bring the bttn out of bridgehead at dusk.
1800 The bttn withdrew to area 6677.
2230 Bttn in new position.
The bridgehead was shelled in the morning and the bttn suffered more casualties. Major WG Dunn was killed and Captain Franklyn-Vaile was wounded.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier John Allen, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Corporal Henry Pritchard, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Fusilier William James, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Sergeant Leslie Farbrother, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Major William Dunn MC, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – RIVER TRIGNO.
The attack proved to be a costly failure and LIR and RIrF were withdrawn back in to the bridgehead by first light. One squadron of tanks had also crossed the river during the night. Consequently, the crossing and bridgehead were under frequent and accurate shell fire throughout the day. Heavy rain fell again and prevented another attack on San Salvo, in which 6 Innisks were to have taken the lead, from taking place.
Maintenance of forward coys was extremely difficult in the wet, and could only be done at night.
Slit trenches became full of water, but the shelling forced their use. LIR and RIrF recrossed the river thus relieving the congestion in the area.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Albert Cockayne, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
Corporal Henry Johnson, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
0001 The fighting and progress of the battle is the very confused owing to the difficulty of communication caused by the heavy Arty and Mortar fire on the forward troops and Battalion HQ.
0001 Enemy plaster area of the wood, bridge and diversion with medium and Field Arty. The 6” Mortars fall just in front of the wood and on the line of the Companies approach. In the Battalion HQ it was impossible to differentiate between our own support Arty and the enemy guns firing on our fwd troops. The Arty and the fire on the enemy started on the 2/LFs front and worked from right to left across the Battalion on to the 1 RIF. At one period, the 1 RIF reported 200 shells in their area in 6 minutes.
This fire was heavy and continuous until about 0330 hrs.
0400 E Company move fwd to defensive position in right rear of F Company.
0615 Major CAF Gibbs comes in to report that F Company is in a gully between the wood and the enemy MG positions. He reports that 2/Lieutenant MC Marmorstein was probably killed when his platoon, which he was leading, was caught in the first enemy DF fire. Major G Phillips G Company Comdr was wounded in the head and taken to hospital.
1030 Major APK O’Connor, 2/ic, killed by enemy shell, in the wood 6380 while supervising the supplies of the battalion.
The division attack was repulsed. One company of 2/LFs reached the Rly Stn and left one platoon there. When daylight came, this platoon was isolated. No news has come through about them 1/RIrF suffered rather heavily. The Battalion’s final casualty figures were 9 killed, 23 wounded and 20 missing. The majority belonged to F Company.
One company of 6 Innisks in position near Bridge.
Brigade’s “O” Group. 2/LIR and 6 Innisks to attack San Salvo tonight.
1700 5th Corps Comdr orders 1/RIrF and 2/LIR to retire back across the River, leaving 6 Innisks on the North side to hold the bridgehead. Brigade attack cancelled. S Company remains across the River and the tanks in support of 6 Innisks.
Heavy rain during the day has made it almost impossible for transport to move.
The Battalion withdraws to defensive positions South of the Trigno.
H Company in their original position at farm 648801. Battalion HQ 655796.
E Company 659800. F Company 653799. G Company 653795.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman Norman Sharp, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Herbert Ryan, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Christopher Clarke, London Irish Rifles.
Corporal Sidney Tye, London Irish Rifles.
Corporal George Evans, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Alfred Glass, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman James Johnston, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman James King, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Patrick McCauley, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Bernard Wignall, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman G Gallop, London Irish Rifles.
Major Arthur Kevin O’Connor, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Reginald Thompson, London Irish Rifles.
Lance Corporal Cecil Rowley, London Irish Rifles.
Rifleman Desmond Delaney, London Irish Rifles.
Corporal Frederick Webster, London Irish Rifles.
29th October.
Brigade HQ.
0625 Brigade Major ordered strict MT control. Only operationally necessary vehicles to be on roads. Chains to be discarded when leaving tracks.
0920 Divisional order ref MT restrictions in view of bad weather received.
1400 Main Brigade HQ closed Convent, Petacciato (H712792) and reopened same time Farm H6777. Tac HQ closed 1430 and joined Main HQ at above location.
1730 6 Innisks sitrep. Intermittent shelling all day bridge area. Enemy MG fire reported from area Olive Grove 627827 at 1055hrs and 1550hrs.
1830 Brigade HQ closed Farm H6777 and reopened Convent, Petacciato same time.
2105 Brigade Commander to attend conference Divisional HQ A Mess 1730 30th October.
2305 Divisional order to prevent unnecessary transport on roads. Vehicles to be issued with COs’ permit. CMP arranging checkpoints.
1 RIrF.
0645 Bttn was ordered to move to San Giacomo.
1045 Bttn moved.
1300 Bttn in new position.
Captain BDH Clark, Adjutant and Captain WH Lang RMO were admitted to hospital. Lieut DF Thomason took over the duties of adjutant.
Died on this Day:
Lieutenant Hugh Hutchison, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
Lance Corporal William Baker, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – RIVER TRIGNO.
Weather improved somewhat. Shelling of crossing now became so accurate that individual men crossing by day were fired at by 105mm guns. A Coy relieved B Coy forward of river by night.
2 LIR.
The battalion dig in their new positions.
Occasional enemy shelling of the diversion and bridge. Enemy counter battery fire on guns just behind the battalion area.
30th October.
Brigade HQ.
0730 2 LIR reported in defensive positions area Grazebrook Farm. No enemy shelling reported.
1400 6 Innisks captured two PoWs identified 3 Coy, 79 Panzer Grenadier Regiment area Farm 624788 1100hrs.
A report of this patrol is attached.
Patrols night 29/30 October see Sitrep 1700hrs.
1700 Situation on Brigade front see Sitrep.
2 LIR took over 6 Innisks’ positions west of River Trigno during night 30/31 October.
1800 Owing to the changeover of bttns, 2 LIR will undertake patrols planned by 6 Innisks. Major FFK Ball DCLI posted to No 1 Advanced Army Reinforcement Unit. Foggia (Authority 5 Corps MS.78 Division A/730 dated 30 October). Major AW Gibbon A & SH relinquished appointment as acting Brigade Major to undertake the reorganisation of 1 RIrF. Major HFW Holmes R IrF posted to this HQ from 5 Corps vice Major AW Gibbon.
An appreciation of the enemy defence of San Salvo issued.
1 RIrF.
Major AW Gibbon assumed command. Bttn started to reorganise. Captain EE Rawlings joined as RMO.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier James Henderson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – RIVER TRIGNO.
Acting on civilian reports, B Coy sent out a patrol to a neighbouring farm and brought in two prisoners of 79 PGR driving back more of the enemy patrol.
1815 Bttn was relieved on the bridgehead by LIR and withdrew to a position on the east side of the River Trigno and north of the crossing.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Frank Oldham, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.
2 LIR.
1100 Battalion warned for move across the River Trigno to relieve the 6 Innisks who are to be attached to 36 Brigade for the second attack on San Salvo.
1130 CO’s “O” Group. Companies to move across the river tonight.
1300 Confirmation of the brigade move across the River Trigno.
1730 G Company cross river take up positions area 527795.
1800 E & H Companies cross the river. E Company 630159. H Company 633802.
1830 F Company and Battalion HQ move to positions xxxx
F Company 631790. Battalion HQ 634790.
Died on this Day:
Rifleman Frederick Anscombe, London Irish Rifles.
31st October.
Brigade HQ.
0050 2 LIR reported all well and nothing to report.
0240 6 Innisks reported all well and nothing to report.
0600 Brigade reported to Division changeover of 2 LIR and 6 Innisks completed satisfactorily and without enemy interference. Locations as before.
0745 2 LIR patrol reported two enemy MG area 615815 and another area 620815.
1200 CO 2 LIR reported enemy patrol on recce last flank of bridgehead yesterday. CO expressed himself very disquieted at the vulnerability of the left flank of the bridgehead and of his own inability with troops under his command to maintain the bridgehead should the enemy launch a determined attack.
1600 Brigadier N Russell DSO MC returned to Brigade HQ from CCS Termoli.
1700 Situation on Brigade front. See Sitrep.
1 RIrF.
Reorganisation continued.
Died on this Day:
Lance Sergeant Forbes Gilberg, Royal Irish Fusiliers.
6 Innisks – RIVER TRIGNO.
Weather definitely improved and ground drying out; Bttn rests and dries, and starts getting the mud off equipment and clothing.
The casualties during the time the battalion held the bridgehead was as follows:
1 officer wounded.
3 ORs killed.
21 ORs wounded.
2 ORs missing.
Died on this Day:
Fusilier Peter Awcock, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.