{"id":13675,"date":"2025-09-03T17:29:53","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T17:29:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=13675"},"modified":"2025-09-04T18:08:49","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:08:49","slug":"war-diaries-2-lir-june-1944","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/second-world-war\/war-diaries\/war-diaries-2-lir-june-1944\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diaries, 2 LIR \u2013 June 1944"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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1 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> A Echelon arrived in bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Bttn bathing at MBU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1330<\/strong> New 2.i.c. Major MJF Palmer (1 RIrF) arrives at Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> New draft of approximately 30 men arrives Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> Bttn Promotion Conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> CO attends Brigadier\u2019s conference on W\/T Communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Battle Patrol disbanded and personnel returned to rifle coys. Reason given \u2013 that the patrol could not be used in swift advance, only in static warfare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

3 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Officers\u2019 and NCOs\u2019 parade for lecture on tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> B Echelon arrives in bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2230<\/strong> Tanks of 3 Hussars (9 Armoured Brigade) ceased to be attached and left bttn area for other operational duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Bttn bathing at MBU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2130<\/strong> ENSA film show in bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> CO addressed a parade of Signal Platoon and congratulated them on their good work during the recent operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> Bttn bathing at MBU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> Bttn at 24 hours notice to move forward to concentration area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Bttn at four hours notice. Recce at 1 hour notice to RV at 439393.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> Jeep blown up by mine. 4 ORs killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Bttn warned for move forward at 0530 hrs the following morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0530<\/strong> Bttm embussed, ready to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0730<\/strong> Bttn move off. Order of march \u2013 Bttn HQ, H, E, F, G and S Coys. Route \u2013 Frosinone, along Route 6 To Valmontone through south east suburbs of Rome, then north through Rignano to brigade concentration area at San Oreste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2100<\/strong> Bttn arrive in new area. Bttn HQ in farm 771036.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> One platoon of H Coy detailed to take guard at Kesselrings\u2019s former HQ in San Oreste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> G Coy moved into village San Oreste. E Coy moved to left flank of G Coy, taking up positions on ridge Monte Soratte (7605).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information: Retreating enemy divisions \u2013 HG Division, 4 Para Division and 15 PG Division \u2013 moving north on 78 Division\u2019s right flank; Rive Tiber being dividing line between 78 Division and enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G and E Coys now in defensive positions as safe guard against possible enemy patrols crossing the Tiber. 6 SA Armoured Division and 9 British Armoured Brigade north east of 78 Division in area of Viterbo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nothing to Report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Warning order for bttn representative to meet Staff Captain at road junction 6214 at 1200 hrs for recce of new area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030<\/strong> Brigadier visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2330<\/strong> Bttn warned for move forward on following morning. Embuss at 0530 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12 June\u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0700<\/strong> Bttn leave area San Oreste (in TCVs).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> Bttn HQ arrives farm 505441. Coys in some areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1530<\/strong> Divisional Commander visits Bttn HQ to confer with CO on immediate move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group. Information: Brigade at 516448 demolished. Enemy not in occupation of village Civitella D\u2019Agliano 512462. Intention: Bttn to proceed forward at once to seize village and deny its use to the enemy. F Coy with u\/c 2 detachment mortars, to go forward in transport as far as bridge, then to proceed on foot and occupy village. Other coys and supporting arms to move forward as soon as diversion is made. Approximate time to complete diversion \u2013 one hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1645<\/strong> CO\u2019s report to Divisional Commander \u2013 Objective taken. No opposition. Number of enemy believed north of village. Patrols night 12\/13 to gain identifications and prisoners. Two patrols, each of 1 officer and 10 ORs to 490485 and 520490.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1715<\/strong> Diversion completed. Tanks and SP guns move forward in support of bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2030<\/strong> CO confers with CO of 56 Recce at Tac HQ (518451) on possible exploitation or, if necessary, defence of ground gained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2100<\/strong> Bttn party returned from visit to Vatican City. During the visit, the Pope, speaking in English, addressed the 38 Brigade party of 90 officers and ORs in the audience room of his palace. The party attended mass in St Peter\u2019s Cathedral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2130<\/strong> On his return from Vatican City, the Brigadier visited Tac HQ. Bttn O Group warned for 0530 hrs the following morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

13 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0400<\/strong> Patrol to 490485 report contact at 510477. Own casualties \u2013 1 OR killed ( F Coy). Patrol to 520490 report no contact with company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0530<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group \u2013 H Coy to capture Agliano 518471. G Coy to take La Torricella 519481. Bttn Bounds \u2013 512472 (Bishop), 514477 (Curate). Brigade Bounds \u2013 520484 (Deacon), 522492 (Priest), 520504 (Pope). Artillery to fire on 510476 and 510485. One squadron of 3 Hussars (9 Armoured Brigade) to support coys. When objectives taken, coys to face right flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0650<\/strong> Tac HQ move forward to house La Villa 510455.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0810<\/strong> H Coy report reached Bishop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0851<\/strong> Six enemy shells (air bursts) over Tac HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0933<\/strong> Ops and forward coys report enemy transport moving north along track 505505. Own artillery engage but smoke obscures view of results. G Coy report making good progress towards La Torricella.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigade Flank Sitrep: Large town 6000 \u2013 7000 yards north west of our position captured by own troops (Presumably Bagno Regio occupied by 6 SA Armoured Division). French troops occupy Monterado, a high feature south west of Bagno Regio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1115<\/strong> Artillery barrage called for on La Tore (pt 246) to the north of G Coy. Enemy infantry with tanks or SP guns reported at 519494. G Coy claim to have inflicted casualties on them with SA fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1130<\/strong> Enemy reported pulling out from 523482.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1135<\/strong> Brigadier visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1150<\/strong> One prisoner brought into Bttn HQ. Identification \u2013 365 Infantry Division. Prisoner, who was a Pole, reported that enemy artillery were running out of ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1215<\/strong> Divisional Commander visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1315<\/strong> Telephonic comm. Established with 56 Recce HQ and thence to 38 Brigade Tac HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1320<\/strong> Liaison officer from 56 Recce reported to Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> G Coy report large number of civilians in front of position. Patrols being sent to investigate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1405<\/strong> Enemy shelling in front of Castiglione.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1525<\/strong> G Coy patrol return with one prisoner.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1530<\/strong> Enemy transport moving north at 588507 engaged by own artillery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1615<\/strong> Tanks (Support Squadron of 6 Innisks) reported in Castiglione. 6 Innisks about one mile behind tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group. Intentions for night 13\/14th<\/sup> June: G and H Coys to extend their positions slightly. G Coy at 520488 and 519482. H Coy at 530489. To remain there for night. E and F Coys move forward to area 516495 and 523482 respectively. E Coy\u2019s defence system to be augmented by VMGs and two troops of tanks. The combined bttn intention being to protect the area south of Castiglione from possible counter attack from left flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1750<\/strong> Prisoner taken by G Coy patrol also identified as belonging to 365 Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1830<\/strong> Brigadier visits Bttn HQ and postpones bttn intentions for the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1955<\/strong> Bttn warned for move forward at 0530 hrs on 14th<\/sup> June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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14 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0530<\/strong> Bttn move forward by march route, accompanied by essential operational transport, through and beyond Castiglione.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0910<\/strong> Bttn halted on road 5054.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Brigadier visits CO. Intentions: 6 Innisks to move forward to cemetery 502558 and cross River Paglia, if possible at ford 485569 and protect 2 LIR\u2019s right flank. 2 LIR to strike north along axis Route 71.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1115<\/strong> Bttn move to Tordimonte. Bttn HQ in building 504562. Spasmodic enemy shelling of area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1215<\/strong> 6 Innisks report good progress. Bttn in readiness to move forward when 6 Innisks in position. Report Line:  Horn 516562 \u2013 492570.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1245<\/strong> Brigadier and Brigade LO visit Bttn HQ. Plans changed as follows \u2013 2 coys to take pt 296, 499596. Two coys in reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Method \u2013 to cross River Paglia and proceed under escarpment to approximately 492563, then to strike north east over rising ground and secure objective. Reserve coys only called for, if needed. Code Word for objective \u2013 Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information: Bttn boundaries \u2013 streams Foiano and Fabio. 6 Innisks already across Paglia and securing our right flank over Fabio. 11 Brigade to pass through 38 Brigade on morning of 15th<\/sup> June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1445<\/strong> Tanks of 3 Hussars report no enemy infantry or guns encountered in area of bttn future operations. Plans therefore altered. Bttn ordered to cross River Paglia by diversion at 488565 and thence to proceed up Route 71 as far as general area pts 246, 210 and 193 (4662) and seize and hold that area until 11 Brigade pas through on following morning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> E and F Coys to take objectives \u2013 G and H Coys in immediate reserve. CO\u2019s Recce party forward in transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> Tanks (3 Hussars) seen on bttn\u2019s objective firing to north.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1625<\/strong> E and F Coys reported on objectives. CO liaises with Tank Commander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1725<\/strong> Tac HQ at 463628. Coys now leaving present location and moving north west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1945<\/strong> Four prisoners surrendered to bttn. Identification \u2013 1 Regiment, 1 Para Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1950<\/strong> Main Bttn HQ joins Tac HQ at 463612.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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15 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0530<\/strong> Three prisoners. Identifications \u2013 2 from 1 Regiment, 1 Para Division, 1 from a fusilier bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> Five prisoners brought in from G Coy. Identifications \u2013 1027 Lehr Regiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Advance parties from 11 Brigade pass through bttn area, followed by main bodies and supporting armour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Divisional Commander visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030<\/strong> Brigadier visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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16 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> Bttn bathing at MBU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information: 11 Brigade passed through bttn area moving north along axis Route 71 and reached Ficulle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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17 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Brigadier visits Bttn HQ. Informs CO that bttn will probably not be committed for 5 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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18 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0500<\/strong> Bttn move to area to Montegiove 4880.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0945<\/strong> Bttn including B Echelon, move by transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1345<\/strong> Bttn arrive in area Montegiove. Bttn established at 485816.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Sitrep to coys: 1 RIrF in area 5086. 56 Recce across river 5090. Piegaro in our hands. Enemy hold Citta Della Pieve with paratroops. 1 RIrF entered Citta Della Pieve two days ago, killed 25 enemy and took 50 PoWs. Responsiblity of the town was handed over to 1 East Surreys. The enemy afterwards reoccupied the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

78 Division Intention: To bypass enemy strongpoint Citta Della Pieve by crossing river in area 5090. 38 Brigade Intention: 1 RIrF to push forward through 56 Recce bridgehead. 2 LIR presumably will go through 1 RIrF \u2013 probable route via track Montegrande \u2013 Castiglione 5087.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn at 1 hrs\u2019 notice to move \u2013 later cancelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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19 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

O Group at immediate notice to move as from 0700 hrs. To RV at road fork 482812. Bttn at 1 hrs\u2019 notice from 0700 hrs. Order of march \u2013 E, F, G, H Coys, Bttn HQ  and S Coy. S Coy prepared to go forward after bttn reaches new area in following priority \u2013 Mortar Platoon, VMG Platoon, A\/Tk Platoon. B Echelon to remain in present area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1300<\/strong> Bttn warned to move at 1500 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Bttn arrives area Tavernelle. Bttn HQ established 498813.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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20 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0930<\/strong> Bttn warned for move forward at midday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information \u2013 Brigade Group concentrated in area Tavernelle. 28 Amphibious Jeeps under brigade control (presumably for future operations across Lake Trasimene in order to attack enemy in rear on west side of lake).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> Move forward postponed. CO\u2019s O Group. Intention: Bttn, with B Squadron CTR to surge up west side of Lake Trasimene. 11 Brigade to reach line 408920 \u2013 381900 on night of 20th<\/sup> and allow 2 LIR to pass through at 0700 hrs on 21st<\/sup> June. Order of march from present area; E, F, G, H Coys, Main Bttn HQ, S Coy and Kensingtons\u2019 4.2\u201d Mortars. Debussing point \u2013 415900. Attack to commence at 0700 hrs. Order of battle \u2013 E Coy with 1 to tanks (forward recce), R Group, Pioneers (for bridging and clearing mines), 3\u201d and 4\u201d Mortars, S Coy Commander\u2019s Recce party, remainder of tanks, F, G and H Coys (H Coy to mop up any bypassed enemy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flank Support \u2013 6 Innisks following on right rear to take Castiglione, if necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Artillery Support \u2013 Divisional artillery, 1 Battery Mediums, 2 troops of M 10s. Latter cooperating with tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Final Intention \u2013 to reach crossroads and bridge 365040 (Codeword \u2013 Longbow).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Information: 11 Brigade failed to reach their objective. DP thereupon changed to La Chiusa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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21 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0400<\/strong> Bttn embussed, ready to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0530<\/strong> Bttn reach debussing point and \u2018married up\u2019 with tanks. Main Bttn HQ established at Macchie 431870.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0630<\/strong> CO\u2019s orders \u2013 Bttn to attack Sanfatucchio 411893 at 0800 hrs in conjunction with 2 LFs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0705<\/strong> Brigadier arrives at Bttn HQ, proceeds forward to Tac HQ 424888 to confer with CO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0755<\/strong> E and F Coys move forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0805<\/strong> Smoke being laid in forward areas to cover advance of tanks and infantry. Bttn A\/Tk guns engaging targets since zero hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G and H Coys moving into area vacated by E Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0840<\/strong> E and F Coys making good progress. G and H Coys following up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> E and F Coys call for DF artillery fire on 411893 (Sanfatucchio).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Map ref checked and recalled for as 400900.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0919<\/strong> One troop tanks on objective. One troop tanks moving round left of E Coy. E Coy report still held up by fire from west end of objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0930<\/strong> Artillery to put down smoke for E Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0940<\/strong> F Coy held up by opposition on left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1010<\/strong> E Coy report penetration of objective. Depth not yet known.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Information \u2013 1 RIrF concentrating north west of the bttn area. 6 Innisks moving up behind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1012<\/strong> F Coy held up by fire from cemetery at 404896. Tanks asked to deal with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1017<\/strong> E Coy report now entering second block of buildings in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1115<\/strong> Objective fully occupied. G and H Company Commanders called to Tac HQ for O Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1130<\/strong> Twelve prisoners (754 PGR ) taken by E Coy in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1132<\/strong> CO asks for 6 Innisks to move into position with the bttn prior to combined move forward with plenty of artillery support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1145<\/strong> G Coy moving onto 2nd<\/sup> objective \u2013 Report Line 33 (Lateral road 405898 \u2013 424900).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1355<\/strong> G Coy reporting on left of objective. H Coy reported approaching right hand objective overcoming stiff opposition. Nine more prisoners taken (754 PGR). Main Bttn HQ now at 424885. CO requests dive bombing of Castiglione Del Lago because of heavy artillery and mortar opposition. Major Woods (OC, H Coy) wounded. Captain Craig reports to Bttn HQ to take over H Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1410<\/strong> 6 Innisks and tank support moving up road 4288 and forking right behind Main Bttn HQ along track 424888-429889.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn casualties since 0800 hrs \u2013 1 killed, 2 officers, and approximately 15 ORs wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> CO calls for mortar fire on 407907 and road junction 406906.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1445<\/strong> Flank Information: 6 Innisks joined up with their tanks at track junction 427896 but not yet ready to go forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1450<\/strong> Coys held up 300 yards above 2nd<\/sup> objective but hope to be able to continue the advance at dawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1530<\/strong> One German officer (755 Regiment) brought to Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> Enemy shelling area road 425885.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1603<\/strong> E Coy request replenishment of 2\u201d and 3\u201d mortar ammunition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1604<\/strong> Enemy counter attacking on left flank (H Coy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1610<\/strong> Replacement of 18 set and 38 set operators for H Coy called for. Enemy believed to have penetrated H Coy defences, but CO confident that the counter attack can be stopped. Situation confused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1630<\/strong> Situation apparently under control \u2013 Other Coys intact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> 6 Innisks begin their attack on right flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1732<\/strong> Seventeen prisoners passed through Bttn HQ to brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> 6 Innisks reach RL 33. Strong SA opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1820<\/strong> One wounded German officer and 1 wounded  German OR passed through Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1907<\/strong> Five more prisoners (755 Gren Regiment) passed through Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2150<\/strong> E Coy being counter attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2200<\/strong> Kensingtons\u2019 MMGs move up to bttn area to support E Coy, now being counter attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2230<\/strong> Incomplete total of day\u2019s casualties: 5 killed, 55 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Last light Strep: Bttn HQ \u2013 413893, E Coy \u2013 410897, F Coy \u2013 407900, G Coy \u2013 411897, H Coy \u2013 404896. G Coy now in counter attack role. All A\/Tk guns in position. Kensingtons\u2019 VMGs in G Coy\u2019s area,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E Coy was counter attacked but enemy halted at 20 yards distance. 17 Field Regiment, 4.2\u201d and 3\u201d mortars brought down DF tasks on enemy. Tracked vehicles heard forward of F coy at 2135 hrs. Own tanks in H Coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2315<\/strong> 6 Innisks report unable to contact 2 LIR but contacted pocket of enemy between the two bttns. 6 Innisks to make contact with us at first land on 22nd<\/sup> June.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Four prisoners sent back to brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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22 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Flank Information: 6 Innisks in village Pucciarelli 416906. 2 LIR and 6 Innisks to hold Report Line 33 on day 22nd<\/sup> June. 1 RIrF held in counter attack role or follow up role if enemy withdraw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0730<\/strong> Four prisoners (755 Gren Regiment) passed through Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> Total casualties in last 24 hrs: Lieut Dunseath, and 9 ORs killed. Major Woods, Lieut Hunter and 64 ORs wounded. None missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0845<\/strong> CO began local ops to clear gap between bttn and 6 Innisks at 402902. First objective \u2013 412903, 2nd<\/sup> objective \u2013 400901. One platoon of G Coy supported by tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enemy using 10 barreled mortars at intervals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0936<\/strong> Local ops going well. 30 yards from 1st<\/sup> objective. Tanks engaging targets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1020<\/strong> 1st<\/sup> objective taken. Pushing onto 2nd<\/sup> objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030<\/strong> Gap between bttn and 6 Innisks now regarded as closed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1050<\/strong> Three more prisoners taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1055<\/strong> G Coy report enemy counter attack coming in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1110<\/strong> DF fire laid down in front of G Coy. Our tanks move into G Coy\u2019s area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1125<\/strong> G Coy consolidated. Tanks and mortars engaging houses 800 yards due north. G Coy area being heavily shelled. H Coy RAP. Jeep forward to pick up 3 wounded prisoners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1135<\/strong> One platoon G Coy and MMGs under command H Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1140<\/strong> Two enemy tanks reported at 423915.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1141<\/strong> Seven prisoners taken by G Coy in local ops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flank Information: 4 Division relieving 36 Brigade today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1422<\/strong> Nine more prisoners (755 Gren Regiment) .<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1645<\/strong> Main Bttn HQ join Tac HQ in Sanfatucchio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1715<\/strong> F Coy seize group of buildings 600 yards to the north of their position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1945<\/strong> F Coy report being counter attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> 3\u201d and 4.2\u201d mortars engage enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2030<\/strong> Enemy reported to have entered house 402903. Tanks asked to deal with it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

23 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Total bttn casualties since 0800 hrs on 21st<\/sup> June \u2013 14 killed, approximately 80 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Lt Col Dunnill and liaison party from 1 RIrF arrive at Tac HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2030<\/strong> Sitrep \u2013 Locations Bttn HQ \u2013 411893, E Coy \u2013 411902, F Coy \u2013 405900, G Coy \u2013 408897, H Coy \u2013 404896. Slight shelling and mortaring during morning. E Coy\u2019s area swept by SA and A\/Tk fire at 1100 hrs. Own tanks fired on and neutralised source of trouble. Own mortars in F Coy area engaged houses held by enemy. Enemy seen evacuating casualties from these houses under cover of Red Cross flag. Coy shelled and mortared during afternoon. At 2000 hrs, two enemy vehicles were seen moving north east up road at 402908.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

24 June\u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> 1 RIrF supported by C Squadrons 11 CAR attack enemy positions in front of bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0830<\/strong> 1 RIrF, 300 yards beyond first objective but held up on left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0845<\/strong> Eighteen prisoners (755 Regiment) taken by 1 RIrF and passed back through Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Intentions: Two platoons F Coy to extend their positions further over to the left flank. G Coy to move into the area vacated by the two F Coy platoons. All as safeguard to left flank 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> Bttn casualties so far estimated as 16 killed, 98 wounded, none missing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intentions for night 24\/25th<\/sup> June: Patrols around coy areas (a) to provide against any infiltration, b) to round up any disorganized enemy still in area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

25 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> Ten enemy prisoners rounded up during night 24\/25th<\/sup> June in area of cemetery 413896. Three more prisoners at dawn in same area. Intermittent shelling and mortaring of all forward coys all day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> 8 A & SH pass through bttn area moving forward.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

26 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Six enemy air bursts over Sanfatucchio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1330<\/strong> Brigadier and Brigade LO visit Main Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intention: to move forward to areas 3890 and 3889 to dominate lateral road to Badia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1345<\/strong> CO and Squadron Leader, B Squadron 11 CAR move forward with Tac HQ to supervise move forward of the two coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> Brigade IO and two War Correspondents arrive at Bttn HQ to cover bttn\u2019s part in previous four days\u2019 fighting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> 11 Brigade Commander and CO, 2 LFs visit Bttn HQ to obtain lie of land for tomorrow\u2019s operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G Coy patrols report village of Badia 380907 unoccupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn ordered to be ready to move back out of the line in approximately 4-5 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2330<\/strong> Coy relieved from forward positions and arriving at embussing point at Sanfatucchio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

27 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0130<\/strong> Bttn left Sanfatucchio in TCVs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0230<\/strong> Bttn arrive in area 4688.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> CO addressed bttn on its fine performance during the battle for Sanfatucchio and said that, although in reserve to 36 Brigade who were still in the line, there was a possibility of the bttn being out of the line for quite a time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1300<\/strong> Preparations began to hand over all G 1098 stores and all vehicles to relieving bttn,<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

28 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference on future movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> CO gives a dinner for all officers of 11 CAR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

29 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Training \u2013 Bttn Cadre Courses<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030 <\/strong> Enemy reported to have withdrawn in Castiglione sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1130<\/strong> CO visits coy areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Brigadier visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

30 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Bttn Training Cadres.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Intercoy football matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

1 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY). 0800 A Echelon arrived in bttn area. 0900 Bttn bathing at MBU. 1330 New 2.i.c. Major MJF Palmer (1 RIrF) arrives at Bttn HQ. 2000 New draft of approximately 30 men arrives Bttn HQ. 2 June \u2013 IN THE FIELD (ITALY). 1100 Bttn Promotion Conference. 1400 CO\u2019s O Group. 1800 CO attends Brigadier\u2019s conference on […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":13610,"menu_order":18,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13675","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13675","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13675"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13675\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13676,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13675\/revisions\/13676"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13610"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13675"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}