{"id":13689,"date":"2025-09-03T17:37:52","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T17:37:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=13689"},"modified":"2025-09-04T18:09:44","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:09:44","slug":"war-diaries-2-lir-november-1944","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/second-world-war\/war-diaries\/war-diaries-2-lir-november-1944\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diaries, 2 LIR \u2013 November 1944"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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1 November \u2013ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0730<\/strong> Bttn still in general concentration area San Apollinare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Brigade Commander visited Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> Bttn now in counter attack role \u2013 any part of the Brigade front. On receipt of the code word \u2018Blimey\u2019, coys will be ready within 2 hours to move forward in fighting order less mules. S Coy to be provided with 20 mules. When ready, coys to assemble on their own farm tracks as near to Tac Division. Coy Commanders to report to Bttn HQ. Cooks and A Echelon staff to occupy and claim vacated billets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> Adjutant left for Admin Point, thence to B Echelon to bring forward remaining LOBs and non essential  personnel etc. To return on following day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Heavy rain began to fall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0700<\/strong> Still raining heavily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> IO and 1 OR Intelligence Section went forward to recce lying up areas for Bttn\u2019s counter attacking role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0800<\/strong> 25 ORs from H Coy assisting REs on road maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Owing to the bad state of the road, Bttn supplies came forward on mules from Sassoleone, about a mile from Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1730<\/strong> Lt K Lovatt, Signal Officer, rejoined Bttn from CRU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0700<\/strong> G Coy assisting REs on road maintenance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Several ORs from each coy proceeded on 48 hours rest to Divisional Rest Camp at Castel del Rio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1015<\/strong> Bttn parade for CO\u2019s lecture at Bttn HQ. Chief topic being rumour mongering, exaggeration of casualties etc. Bttn informed that they would relieve 2 Innisks on 6\/11\/44.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1300<\/strong> CO, IO and Intelligence Sgt with coy guides, proceeded on recce to 2 Innisks\u2019 positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1730<\/strong> CO\u2019s recce party returned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1830<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group at Bttn HQ \u2013 Bttn to move off on 6 Nov from coy positions and rendezvous at Brigade HQ at San Apollinare, thence to move at 1730 hrs by \u2018personnel\u2019 track to 2 Innisks\u2019 positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Order of March \u2013 G Coy, E Coy and MMG Platoon, H Coy, Bttn HQ and Mortar Platoon. G Coy to relieve right hand coy with one platoon in eastern Salara (034263) and remainder around track junction 029259. E Coy to relieve left forward coy in area Spaduro House (029263). H Coy in reserve at western Salara (022263). Bttn in Casone farm at 023258. Mortar Platoon to take over 2 Innisks\u2019 mortars with forward coys. Forward positions to be dug by 2 Innisks for 2 LIR\u2019s MMGs. All ammunition, tools, water cans etc to be taken over from 2 Innisks. CO\u2019s Recce Group and Coy Commanders to move forward at 0900 hrs 6 November.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Billets vacated by bttn to be occupied by 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> CO\u2019s Recce Party left for forward positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morning spent in preparing mule loads etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> 1 RIrF recce party arrived at Bttn HQ to take over billets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1415<\/strong> Bttn HQ moved off to rendezvous at Brigade HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1710<\/strong> Coys began to move forward with mule teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2030<\/strong> Relief completed. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Spasmodic mortaring and shelling of bttn area during the night. Otherwise nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Brigadier and CO of 1 RIrF visited Bttn HQ with a view to moving up another coy of 1 RIrF in reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

H Coy to move forward from western Salara and relieve C Coy 1 RIrF, now under command at Spinello \u2013 Point 387, 032255 \u2013 during the course of the evening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pioneer Officer, Lt Barker, recced new mule track from stream junction 017258 to Bttn HQ to avoid previous precipitous track used by 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Sitrep: Intermittent shelling of E Coy area 028263. E Coy HQ shelled at 1340 hrs believed by 88 mm battery from general direction of Mulinetto. H Coy relieved C Coy 1 RIrF on Point 387 and Spinello. One coy 1 RIrF moved forward in reserve to western Salara 022263.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Listening patrol at 035264 fired on enemy patrol about 10 strong approaching from east at 038264. Fire not returned. Intermittent shelling of bttn area during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flank Information: 36 Brigade on right usually send a patrol to Casetta di Sotto 041259 every night. 11 Brigade on left marking enemy minefield at 015263.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> Intention Night 8\/9: Standing Patrol of 1 NCO and 3 ORs to 037265. Time out 1900 hrs, in 2200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise local protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Slight shelling Casa Salara 034263 early in night. No casualties. Forward standing patrol report movement and firing of 6 rifle grenades from area of Pimples 038266. Grenades falling to right of forward platoon. Bttn mortars put HF on Pimples at 0545 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Intermittent mortaring of bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Weather \u2013 heavy shower of rain followed by first snowfall of season. Snow fell to depth of one inch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0630<\/strong> Sitrep: Nothing to Report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Allied Planes bombing and strafing enemy positions well ahead of bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1415<\/strong> One Allied plane shot down over bttn area. Plane landed in enemy lines. Pilot bales out and H Coy report him landing on right flank in 8 A&SH positions. 36 Brigade notified. 8 A&SH send out patrols to pick him up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> IO and coy guides left Bttn HQ to recce mule track to 11 Brigade reserve area at Parra Tombe di Sassatello, 999271.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Intention for 1 RIrF: to relieve 2 LIR on night of 13th<\/sup>. Bttn to move to area 999271 for 4 days before moving back to Castel del Rio for 4 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Enemy air activity in rear areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Spasmodic shelling and mortaring of bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

No casualties. Otherwise nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Intentions night 11\/12: 1 officer and 1 OR to patrol to area south of Pimples. Time out 2100 hrs, in 2300 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fighting patrol of 1 officer and 7 ORs to Pimples. Time out 0430 hrs, in 0630 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> 1 OR from H Coy proceeding to Bttn Rest House at Point 383, 031247, stepped on a  Schu mine and lost his right foot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Pioneer Platoon went out to begin re-marking of all minefields in bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> Enemy air activity on left flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12 November\u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Recce patrol to south of Pimples reported enemy in occupation. Fighting patrol found approach too open and were unable to carry out task before daylight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Otherwise nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group reference move back to 11 Brigade reserve area on night 13\/14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1100<\/strong> Intentions night 12\/13: Local protection only.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> Two deserters from sector on 78 Division\u2019s left flank brought in by G Coy. Identification \u2013 Mortar Bttn, 1 Para Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2030<\/strong> Enemy patrol reported moving in front of G Coy\u2019s positions. Orders to G Coy to let them get very close before opening fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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13 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Slight shelling and mortaring during night. Two deserters from 1 Para Division brought in by G Coy. Otherwise nothing to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> 1 RIrF recce parties arrive at Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Leave party \u2013 RSM and 6 ORs left for 1 month\u2019s leave in UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030<\/strong> Bttn recce party left for area Travelato, 999273.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> Bttn movement control post established in Valley Farm, 0171262. E and G Coys (less forward platoon in eastern Salara) relieved by 1 RIrF and rendezvoused with Bttn HQ at this farm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Bttn HQ, E, G (less 1 platoon), Mortars and H Coy began move to Travelato via Ripiano 017270, Casa I Rochi 009276, along gully to 006274, thence along newly made mule track to Il Tombe di Sassatello 999291. Guides met the column at Casa I Ronchi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> Column arrived as Sassatello. Two platoons of G Coy were billeted in Sasstello. H Coy, G Coy HQ and remaining platoon, MMGs and Mortars were billeted in house 998272. Arrangements were made for Bttn HQ to move to Casa Caniglio 990267.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This led to some disorganization as the billets were being taken over from 2 Innisks and the Command Post and Exchange Post were at Trevelato. Signal Platoon and Battle Patrol were therefore left in Travelato. Remainder of Bttn HQ moved to Caniglio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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14 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0330<\/strong> CO, Adjutant, IO and H Coy MMGs arrive in area Trevelato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0700<\/strong> Signal laid line between the two Bttn HQ farms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E Coy now established in farm Casa Selva di Sotto 007264.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1000<\/strong> Remainder of day spent resting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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15 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn still in 11 Brigade reserve area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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16 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Coy guides recced track from Travelato to village Cuviolo in preparation for move back at night 18\/19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transport to meet bttn at Cuviolo and to take them to Castel del Rio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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17 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn still in 11 Brigade reserve area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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18 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Morning spent preparing for move. All stores etc jeeped to central point, thence to be conveyed in 15 cwts to Castel del Rio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> CO, IO and Pioneer Corporal went forward to recce new positions in Monte Grande area, which 38 Brigade would be taking over from 1 Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1300<\/strong> CO\u2019s recce party returned to Caniglio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1730<\/strong> Bttn HQ, S, G and H Coys, in that order, moved off by march route along track from Travelato to Cuviolo. E Coy moved back from 007264.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900 Bttn arrived at Cuviolo and boarded transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2100<\/strong> Bttn now billeted in castle at Castel del Rio<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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19 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Baths, change of clothing and cinema shows arranged for all personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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20 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

CQMSs dealt with deficiencies and exchange of equipment<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Snow equipment drawn by QM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group.: to deal with forthcoming move into the line and general survey of local situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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21 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> CO\u2019s final O Group on forthcoming move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  1. 1 NCO from Mortar Platoon and 1 NCO from MMG Platoon to go to Sassoleone afternoon 21 to draw mortars and MMGs from 1 RIrF.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Recce party of CO, IO, Coy Commanders with 3 platoon representatives, SO and Signal Exchange, MMG and Mortar Platoons to move off at 0630 hrs 22 November.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Main body to move off at 1030 hrs 22 November. Order of March \u2013 H, E and G Coys, Bttn HQ and remainder of S Coy. Em-bus at Castel del Rio and debuss at approx 978282, about 1 \u00bd miles west of San Clemente.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. D Coy to be forward coy at Sasso (008294) and to be supplied by mules from Mule Point Casa Calvenela (994287). E Coy at Casa Corniano (009287) and G Coy Casa di Villa (004287). Bttn HQ in house at 000286 with Mortar Platoon in same general area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Bttn supplies to be ferried forward in 15 cwts and portees.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Two A\/Tk guns to be brought forward to bttn area.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. All LOBs to be changed over.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n

    22 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Morning spent preparing for move. Time schedule to be adhered to as definite times are laid down for the \u201cup\u201d and \u201cdown\u201d traffic on the main road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1400<\/strong> Bttn de-bused at 975278. H Coy moved off shortly afterwards to Mule Point at Calvanela. Remainder of bttn waited at de-busing point because the permanent smoke screen laid down over the area was not blowing the right way to allow for movement in forward areas. The tea meal was therefore prepared and issued in this area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1730<\/strong> E and G Coys, Bttn HQ and remainder of S Coy moved forward by march route along the main road to San Clemente (995287).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1830<\/strong> Bttn HQ arrives at Casa Caregiana (000286). Relief of 1st<\/sup> Recce (1 Division) completed and bttn accept command of sector.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Effects of the permanent smoke screen made several of the men vomit and many personnel had slight headaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2000<\/strong> Sitrep: Relief completed by 1900 hrs. Locations \u2013 Bttn HQ 000286, G Coy 004287,  H Coy 008298, E Coy 008287, Mortars 001287, own MMGs in E Coy area. Road between Bttn HQ and E Coy shelled regularly. Bttn HQ shelled 1700 hrs. No casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    23 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Intermittent mortaring and shelling of bttn area during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0900<\/strong> Owing to enemy observation and own smoke screen blowing wrong way, only absolutely essential movement was allowed in bttn area. The enemy periodically shelled the bttn area. CSM Charnick was wounded during shelling of E Coy HQ. Otherwise no casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Coy water parties collecting water at Bttn HQ initiated several shells in Bttn HQ area. As previously arranged, the Pioneer Platoon began to build dug outs in Mortar Platoon gully as alternative Command Post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1030<\/strong> Intentions night 23\/24: Local protection by Standing Patrols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Patrols \u2013 1) Ambush Patrol (1 and 4) to area 017288. Out at dusk, in at 2230 hrs. 2) Recce Patrol (1 and 5) to Point 358 013298. Out at dusk, in at 2130 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1700<\/strong> 3\u201d Mortar shoot on Sillaro 017292.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1730<\/strong> Sitrep: Ambush patrol to 017288 found house at 015287 occupied. Patrol returned at 1830 hrs after losing 1 killed and 2 wounded through enemy mortaring. House mortared and shelled by us. Recce Patrol engaged by enemy with grenades. No casualties on either side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2100<\/strong> Total battalion casualties so far -1 killed and 3 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2200<\/strong> Patrol brought in member of the Ambush Patrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    24 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0800<\/strong> Sitrep: Intermittent shelling and mortaring on all coys and Bttn HQ throughout night. Heavy shelling on E Coy at 2300 hrs including 2 phosphorous bombs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Intentions night 24\/25: Strong patrol from E Coy to house 015287. To occupy if empty. Time out \u2013 2100 hrs. Recce Patrol forward to 015289. Patrol signal for DF on house 015287 \u2013 red over green. Pioneer Platoon continuing work on alternate positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1930<\/strong> Sitrep: 0610 \u2013 6 heavy shells on G Coy area. 0630 \u2013 3 enemy seen digging at 015297, disappeared after being engaged by mortars, bren and sniper. 0715 \u2013 10 rounds small calibre mortar on H Coy area. 1620 \u2013 15 rounds on Sasso 005295 from 81 mm mortar.  1700 \u2013 enemy mortars (small caliber) engage 008298.2 wounded. 1710 \u2013 6 heavy mortar bombs in Bttn HQ area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2100<\/strong> E Coy patrol moved off. Nothing heard for several hours as wireless communication between patrol and company HQ broke down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    25 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0050<\/strong> E Coy report house 015287 unoccupied and take possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0800<\/strong> Sitrep: House 015287 found unoccupied. Occupied until night 25th<\/sup> by 1 officer and 12 ORs. Recce Patrol to 015289 NTR. Enemy MG fired during night from Point 358 013298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0930<\/strong> Brigade Commander and BM visit Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Pioneer Platoon continue work on alternative positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1030<\/strong> Slight showers of rain commenced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1100<\/strong> Intentions night 25\/26: H Coy to send Fighting Patrol to Point 358 013298 and establish listening post. Time out \u2013 first dark, in \u2013 midnight. Strength 1 and 6. Ambush Patrol (1 and 6) to track at 018290. Out \u2013 first dark, in \u2013 2200 hrs. Recce Patrol to 015289. Time out \u2013 0500 hrs, in \u2013 first light. Ambush and Recce to be supplied by E Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1930<\/strong> Sitrep: Quiet day except in H Coy area. Small enemy mortars fired on 008298 at 1225 and 1440 hrs. Four enemy observed on crest at 013303 at 1545 hrs. One enemy seen at 019292 at 1630 hrs. 1830 hrs \u2013 slight enemy HF on road from San Clemente to E Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2100<\/strong> Recce patrol shot at from road\/track junction 019288. 20 minutes later 6 or 8 enemy observed by bridge 018288.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2205<\/strong> RA and mortars engage enemy positions spotted by Recce Patrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2305<\/strong> Enemy positions again engaged by bttn mortars for 10 minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2337<\/strong> Fighting Patrol to Point 358 \u2013 NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    26 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0800<\/strong> Sitrep: Recce Patrol to bridge 018278 reported enemy outpost and was subsequently heavily mortared. Patrol sent out to deal with outpost reported it held in strength and approach difficult. Slight shelling during night. Otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Intentions night 26\/27: E Coy to send Ambush Patrol (1 and 6) to bridge at 017288. Time out \u2013 first dark, in at midnight. Recce Patrol to send Sniper Patrol (1 and 1) to 013298 Time out \u2013 0530 27th<\/sup>, in at first light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1930<\/strong> Sitrep: Five enemy seen digging at 013298 when mist lifted at 0800 hrs. H Coy mortared by light mortar during afternoon. No casualties. Otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    During the night, the Pioneer Platoon laid a booby trap at north corner track junction 008299.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Weather \u2013 drizzling rain throughout the day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    27 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0600<\/strong> Still raining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0800<\/strong> Sitrep: Sixteen shells fell in G Coy area at 2030 hrs. No casualties. Patrol to gully at 017288 found it unoccupied. Signs of previous occupation but no digging.  Patrol returned after booby trapping entrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Intentions night 27\/28: Ambush Patrol, strength 7 to culvert 017288. Time out \u2013 last light, in 2200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2000<\/strong> Sitrep: Six enemy seen working on defences at Point 342 013298 at first light. Slight HF during day, including light mortars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    28 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0800<\/strong> Sitrep: Patrol to culvert 017287. On way back, saw three enemy, 400 yards east of house 015286, 3 enemy half way between house and culvert and about 6 enemy at culvert. Attempt to get behind them and cut them off failed. Knoll at 015299 searched at last dark and 2 trenches found. Snipers at Point 342 013299 all day yesterday saw nothing owing to own smoke screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Intentions night 28\/29: Fighting Patrol, strength 2 platoons, to culvert area 017288. Detached patrols to investigate 020288 and 017292. Time out \u2013 first dark, in midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recce Patrol, 1 and 2, to Point 358 at 013298, then along ridge south east to Casa Il Sillaro. Time out \u2013 first dark, in 2200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sniper Patrol, strength 2, to Point 358. Time out \u2013 0500 hrs 29th<\/sup>, in \u2013 last light, 29th<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1900<\/strong> Sitrep: Left forward coy mortared intermittently during day. Four enemy observed on crest at 016297 and engaged by MMGs at 1405 hrs. House at 015287 shelled and heavily mortared during day. 0900 hrs \u2013 movement observed at Casa Monte Merlo 033286. Engaged by artillery and 12 enemy made quick exit when house was hit<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    29 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0800 <\/strong>Sitrep: shelling and mortaring of battalion area during night. Recce Patrol to Point 358 report track leading to Casa Sillaro 018293 to be very narrow with an almost sheer drop of 20-30 feet on either side. Movement head from Sillaro house and area of point. Patrol reached there just before enemy and drove them off. Estimated strength of enemy about 12. Section of knoll 015290 found about 30 in occupation and were fired on, then tried to work round to left and discovered another 8 enemy in gully between knoll and Sillaro and were again fired at. Section patrol on right of culvert engaged enemy patrol about 150 yards forward of bridge 017288. Patrol withdrew leaving holding party at house 015287.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1000<\/strong> CO proceeded to Brigade HQ for orders regarding future move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1100<\/strong> Smoke screen coming up the valley to envelope bttn area. Bttn casualties so far \u2013 1 killed and 10 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1800 <\/strong>E Coy\u2019s forward house being heavily shelled. Bren gun knocked out. Orders given for house to be held despite shelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2000<\/strong> Sitep: Slight HF on left forward coy. Heavy mortaring and shelling of house 014287. At 0815 hrs \u2013 enemy pamphlets on bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2200<\/strong> Brigade HQ ask for names of 4 personnel for month\u2019s leave in UK. One each from E,G, H and S Coys chosen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    30 November \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0010 <\/strong>Several heavy shells landed immediate area Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0210<\/strong> Several more shells landed in Bttn HQ area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0610<\/strong> More shelling Bttn HQ. Line to mortars reported out of action. Linesmen out to repair it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0800<\/strong> Sitrep: Patrol saw enemy digging in at knoll 015289. Patrol returned and had area mortared. Stand Patrol Point 156 heavily shelled and mortared during night. Intermittent shelling of bttn area during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0900<\/strong> Drizzling rain in the valley. Smoke screen enveloping bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    0930<\/strong> Intentions night 30 Nov\/1 Dec: Fighting Patrol, strength 1 and 12 to knoll 015290. Time out \u2013 first dark, in 2200 hrs. Local protection by standing patrols.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1600<\/strong> Mortar OP report 1 deserter gave himself up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1830<\/strong> Patrol to knoll 015290 report capture of 2 prisoners from an enemy patrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Two 15 cwts with ammunition for forthcoming move forward not now needed as attack cancelled but ammunition unloaded at E Coy. Mortar Platoon, who were to move forward in support of attack, to remain in present position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    2000<\/strong> Sitrep: Mortaring and shelling of bttn area during day. 1 PoW surrendered at 008289 \u2013 Identification, 2 Para Regiment, 1 Para Division. Patrol to knoll 015290 returned with 2 PoWs \u2013 Identification, 7 Coy, 2 Bttn, 289 Regiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Shelling, mortaring and an increase of MG fire on bttn area during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

    1 November \u2013ITALY. 0730 Bttn still in general concentration area San Apollinare. 1000 Brigade Commander visited Bttn HQ. 1400 Bttn now in counter attack role \u2013 any part of the Brigade front. On receipt of the code word \u2018Blimey\u2019, coys will be ready within 2 hours to move forward in fighting order less mules. S Coy to be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":13610,"menu_order":23,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13689","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13689","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=13689"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13689\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13690,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13689\/revisions\/13690"}],"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=13689"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}