{"id":13693,"date":"2025-09-03T17:39:50","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T17:39:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=13693"},"modified":"2025-09-04T18:10:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:10:39","slug":"war-diaries-2-lir-december-1944","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/second-world-war\/war-diaries\/war-diaries-2-lir-december-1944\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diaries, 2 LIR \u2013 December 1944"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1 December \u2013ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0600<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn still in locations: Bttn HQ \u2013 000286 Casa Careggiana. E Coy \u2013 house 008287. G Coy \u2013 house 004287. H Coy \u2013 house 008298. Bttn mortars at 001289 and MMGs in E Coy\u2019s area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Considerable shelling and mortaring, especially on E Coy. MMG harassing fire on Bttn HQ during night from M Merlo direction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0900<\/strong>&nbsp;Brigade IO visits Bttn HQ to discuss general situation with CO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0930<\/strong>&nbsp;Preparations to hand over sector to 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1200<\/strong>&nbsp;2 Innisks Recce Group arrive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1800<\/strong>&nbsp;Main body of 2 Innisks moving in to take over Bttn position. A false alarm was created by enemy machine gunning of Ambush House (008287), which caused holding section to quickly evacuate it. Relief was held up until a platoon reoccupied the house and handed it over to 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1900<\/strong>&nbsp;Relief completed. Mortars were handed over but MMGs were brought back with Bttn. During the course of the day, the Battle Patrol OP received a direct hit during enemy shelling and the 2 Rifleman occupants were killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2000<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn left em-busing point 975279 in transport for rest area Castro San Martino 850044.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0900<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn now in village Castro San Martino. Baths, change of clothing and cinema shows laid on for coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CO\u2019s O Group: Bttn at 24 hours\u2019 notice for big attack. All LOBs to be changed over. If not called forward, bttn to receive 6 days rest before relieving 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bttn still at rest. Major JD Lofting took over command of H Coy and Major EJ Griffiths MC of G Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bttn still at rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1300<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn warned to be ready to relieve 1 RIrF night 7 Dec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1730<\/strong>&nbsp;CO\u2019s O Group on forthcoming move. CO\u2019s Recce Party to move forward 6 Dec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1300<\/strong>&nbsp;CO\u2019s recce party left for forward area, but had to spend night at main 38 Brigade HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn em-bused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1200<\/strong>&nbsp;CO\u2019s Recce Party arrived in 1 RIrF positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1400<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn arrived de-busing point 975279. Proceeded march route to mule point 994302.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1500<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn arrived at mule point, where stores were already being unloaded and split into mule loads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1600<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn moved forward along mule track to 1 RIrF positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1925<\/strong>&nbsp;Relief completed. Location: Bttn HQ \u2013 house 003301, E Coy \u2013 Point&nbsp; 435 003301, G Coy \u2013 007307, H Coy \u2013 005300.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mortars in H Coy area, MMGs in E coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Battle Patrol in position near Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2000<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: 1925hrs relief of 1 RIrF carried out without incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Voices and coughing heard in area Tamagnin 013303. Slight mortaring, shelling and machine gunning Bttn area during night. Otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 8\/9: all night Standing Patrols to Point 312 013307 and 012302. Recce Patrol to 014304, strength 1 and 2.. Time out \u2013 first dusk, in \u2013 2100 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bttn Mortar and MMG platoons using mortars and MMGs taken over from 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Flash spotting troop from DYO Yeomanry operating in bttn area with their HQ at Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reserve platoon from E Coy also based at Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1400<\/strong>&nbsp;Weather \u2013 heavy rain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1930<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: One enemy seen at Point 166 at 1200 hrs. Slight mortaring of left forward coy during morning. No casualties. Otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2100<\/strong>&nbsp;Weather \u2013 still raining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0700<\/strong>&nbsp;Weather \u2013 fair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Recce Patrol to 014304 starting from Point 312 012307 could not go direct because of landslides made when trying to go down gully. They worked along ridge and down into valley at 016305, where they contacted a listening patrol of 2 men who made off. They proceeded another 30 yards but found nothing else. They saw light in area 018304, possibly torches and heard mules, probably on Tamagnin track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Enemy mortaring of Bttn HQ area. No casualties. For approx 1 hour, single enemy 88 mm gun shelled valley in which Bttn Mule Point is established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1030<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 9\/10: All night Standing Patrols Point 312 0122207 and 010302. Fighting Patrol to clear area 017305 \u2013 strength 1 and 7.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1130<\/strong>&nbsp;CO 2 Innisks (right flanking bttn) visited Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1200<\/strong>&nbsp;Brigade Commander and Liaison Officer visited Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pioneer Platoon digging 4 new mortar pits in G Coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1930<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: 1000 hrs \u2013 88 mm gun shelling Bttn HQ area and road near mule point. Slight mortaring left forward coy at midday. 1900 hrs \u2013 aircraft flares over right front of bttn, believed own aircraft.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2300<\/strong>&nbsp;Enemy MG tracer landing in E Coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Fighting Patrol to 017305 found 10 or 12 waterlogged slit trenches. Own searchlights forced patrols to keep off skyline. On return,&nbsp; was harassed by heavy enemy MG fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intentions night 10\/11: Standing Patrol from E and G Coys to Point 312 and 009301. Battle Patrol to provide ambush patrol of 1 and 3 to 011301. Out \u2013 first dark, in \u2013 2200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>MMG harassing fire on Murano spur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Pioneer Platoon continue digging of new mortar positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1915<\/strong>&nbsp;Left forward coy (G) harassed during morning by 75 mm gun. Slight mortar HF on rest of bttn area during day. One casualty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2000<\/strong>&nbsp;MMGs from E Coy position began firing on Murano spur and continued at intervals for about 2 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Ambush Patrol to 011301 NMS SA fire heard from Point 358 at 2000 hrs. Daylight OP saw SP gun firing from house Point 166. Engaged by our artillery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Intention night 11\/12: If misty during following day, standing patrols to continue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pioneers still working on mortar pits in G Coy area, for 1 Recce mortars. 1 Recce mortars additional in future bttn attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1915<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Left forward coy shelled 0800 \u2013 0900 hrs by 75 mm gun. Fifty shells landed in area with six direct hits on Coy HQ, four shells on right forward coy at 1200 hrs. Enemy artillery and mortar shoot on Bazzano (left forward coy) area at 1815 hrs. No casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2000<\/strong>&nbsp;MMGs resumed HF on Murano spur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>12 December\u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Five green verey lights seen area Muiano 0700 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Left forward coy harassed by enemy artillery and mortar fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intentions night 12\/13: Standing patrols to Point 312 and 009301. Ambush patrol, 1 and 4, to track at 015304. Out \u2013 first dark. In \u2013 2200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Heavy mist over bttn area. Bttn stand to until mist clears. G Coy report enemy MG, grenade and SA fire in front of and to left of their positions. Believe 1 A&amp;SH (19 Brigade, 8 Indian Division) being attacked. 1 A&amp;SH reply unaware of any attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0825<\/strong>&nbsp;Brigade Major reports one platoon of 1 A&amp;SH overrun by enemy at Frassineto (009315).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0835<\/strong>&nbsp;G Coy report enemy withdrawing under cover of smoke. Bttn artillery, mortar and MG DFs put down on withdrawing enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0900<\/strong>&nbsp;Enemy reported to be attacking 3\/8 Punjabs on Monte Cerere on left flank of 1 A&amp;SH. First attack on 1 A&amp;SH now thought to be a diversionary one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0930<\/strong>&nbsp;Enemy identified as 1 Bttn 3 Para Regiment 1 Para Division reached Casa Nuova 005316 about 300 yards from summit of Monte Cerere but were beaten back by 6 RFFR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Heavy artillery, mortar and MG fire put down by both sides all morning, during which 1 NCO G Coy was killed by mortar bomb.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1030<\/strong>&nbsp;1 A&amp;SH report they are still in possession of Frassineto with one enemy section holding out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1200<\/strong>&nbsp;1 A&amp;SH attack to clear remaining enemy from area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1210<\/strong>&nbsp;All positions reoccupied by own troops. First reports claim 8 PoWs taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During morning, Lt Col Horsfall (1 RIrF) and Recce party arrived to recce bttn area before taking over the positions on following night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The front quietened down during the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>13 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Morning spent in preparations for handing over to 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intention: Bttn HQ, E and H Coys to be relieved in daylight. G Coy to be relieved at first dark. Bttn then to move over to right flank and relieve 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;1 RIrF recce party moves in to bttn area. First mule train leaves for mule point 994302 with bttn stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1400<\/strong>&nbsp;Main body of 1 RIrF arrives bttn area. Second mule train leaves for mule point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1630<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn HQ moves off and proceeds down gully to house 000286 and take over from 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1700<\/strong>&nbsp;Relieving coy 1 RIrF arrived G Coy area but relief was held as enemy attack appeared to be developing on left flank against 1 A&amp;SH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1930<\/strong>&nbsp;Relief completed and G Coy proceeded by same route as Bttn HQ to reserve area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2100<\/strong>&nbsp;G Coy in position. Location: Bttn HQ \u2013 000286, E Coy \u2013 008298 with one platoon at Sasso 008294, G Coy \u2013 004287 and H Coy \u2013 008287 with one platoon at Ambush House (015287).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mortars \u2013 001287 and MMGs in E Coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>14 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0600<\/strong>&nbsp;During night, an attack by 36 Brigade on the right flank against Camaggio had the effect of bringing down heavy enemy DF on bttn area but caused no casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions 14\/15: Standing Patrol to Point 358 (1) Out \u2013first dark, In \u2013 2200 hrs. (2) Out \u2013 0430 hrs, In \u2013 first light. Fighting patrol of 1 and 6 to 017290. Out \u2013 midnight, In \u2013 on completion of task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1930<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Quiet day except for mortaring of road between forward and reserve coys. During morning, own aircraft bombed road forward of bttn positions but results could not be observed. Two red and 1 green verey lights seen over Monte Merlo area 1830 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>15 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Fighting Patrol clashed with enemy patrol. Own casualties \u2013 1 wounded. Standing patrols NTR. At 0430 hrs, six enemy crossing river bed from south to north at 013284 engaged from our area at Point 156 by SA fire. Enemy made off. Red verey lights observed area Monte Merlo and SA fire and explosions heard area Casio Benardi (015282).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CO took over command of 38 Brigade in Brigadier\u2019s absence. 2 i\/c Major Palmer took over command of bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intentions 15\/16: All night standing patrol to Point 358 (013298).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1930<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Enemy seen lying down smoke canisters on Sillaro Ridge, Otherwise quiet day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bttn stand to in expectation of an enemy attack under cover of smoke. Artillery and mortar DFs put down on likely forming up area. Attack did not materialise.<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>16 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Own smoke screen laying very thick over bttn positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sitrep: 1900 hrs enemy nearing house Point 156 beaten off by DF. Patrol sent out to sweep area found nothing. Heavy HF on right forward coy during night, especially on house Point 156. Two men missing from forward post at 008290 (E Coy area). 0410 hrs. Heavy MG fire on Bttn HQ house from 0100 to 0300 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intentions night 16\/17: All night standing patrol to Point 358 (013298). Standing patrols to 017288, 014286 and 015298. Out \u2013 first dark, In \u2013 midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fighting patrol to 018289.&nbsp; Out \u2013 0330 hrs, In \u2013 0530 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1900<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Heavy HF on right forward coy during morning. Own aircraft bombed aircraft bombed forward of bttn positions. Results not observed owing to bad visibility. Noises heard from Tamagnin area at first dark.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>17 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0700<\/strong>&nbsp;Heavy smoke screen over bttn positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: At 0200 hrs, small enemy patrol approached left forward coy but withdrew without contact. Fighting patrol to 018292 NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions 17\/18: Standing patrol of 1 and 4 to knoll 015290. Out \u2013 first dark, In \u2013 midnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All night standing patrols to 017288 and 019287. Fighting patrol, 1 officer and 4 to 018290. Out \u2013 0330, In \u2013 0530 hrs. Ambush patrol to area Point 358. Strength 1 and 2. Out \u2013 0200 hrs, In \u2013 first light.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1800<\/strong>&nbsp;CO returned from 38 Brigade HQ and resumed command of bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1900<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Movement seen in area Sillaro, which artillery engaged. Heavy HF on road between San Clemente and right forward coy. Standing patrol out last light found enemy in occupation of culvert 017288 and returned under fire. Own DF on culvert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>18 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Patrol to 018290 fired on by enemy in that area. Patrol estimated enemy section position very alert. Ambush patrol to Point 358 (013298) NTR. Remaining standing patrols NTR. Very slight shelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 18\/19: all night standing patrols to Point 358, culvert 017288 and knoll 015290. Fighting patrol to sweep area from Valley Farm (013288) and gully 014291 to culvert 017288. Out \u2013 1800 hrs, In \u2013 2200 hrs. Recce patrol to gully at 012296. Out \u2013 0300 hrs, In \u2013 dawn. Sniper patrol to 015289. Out \u2013 last dark, In \u2013 dusk 19.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1930<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Very misty during day. Heavy HF on road in forward coy area. Standing patrol at culvert 017288 approached by enemy from road and river. Enemy party on road deployed and opened fire on culvert. Grenades and automatic fire return. Standing patrol withdrew and 3\u201d mortars engaged culvert. Fighting patrol sent to reoccupy and hold culvert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>During the evening, the 1 RIrF and bttn\u2019s left flank carried out a coy raid on Tamagnin (013303). Very light signals, MF fire etc from that area were reported by our forward coys when 1 RIrF reached Tamagnin at 2155 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>19 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Strep: Patrol to knoll 015290 heard coughing and talking from Sillaro Ridge area during night. Knoll itself fired on by MG from Sillaro Ridge. E Coy platoon area Lucia mortared at 0100 hrs. Fighting patrol to sweep gull 014291 were stalked by enemy patrol but no contact was made. Patrol commander thinks enemy has standing patrol 013292 at night. Culvert patrol reoccupied culvert and had NTR. Enemy mortar HF on H Coy during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 19\/20: Ambush patrol, strength one platoon to area 017288. Out \u2013 last light, In \u2013 2300 hrs. Thereafter standing patrol to culvert 017288. All night standing patrols to Point 358 and knoll 015290. Ambush patrol to 013293. Out \u2013 first dark, In \u2013 2200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2000<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Snipers at knoll 015290 saw three enemy at first light crossing ridge up to Point 278 and one man on track to Sillaro at 1400 hrs. Also observed dugouts area 018290, one dugout under haystack. 1845 hrs \u2013 patrol clash, area culvert 017288. Two enemy shot at close range. Fighting continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2100<\/strong>&nbsp;Own casualties in patrol clash \u2013 2 wounded. Enemy begin to put down mortar DFs in culvert area. Both sides using grenades and MGs. Patrol now ordered to hold the culvert all night instead of coming in at 2300 hrs. Heavy artillery DF being put down by enemy between Bttn HQ and forward coy. Own artillery and mortars replying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>20 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0730<\/strong>&nbsp;Total casualties from all night patrol battle \u2013 4 wounded. One PoW taken. Identification \u2013 2 Coy, 1 Bttn, 3 Para Regiment, 1 Para Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0800<\/strong>&nbsp;Preparations for handing&nbsp; over of sector to 2 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1300<\/strong>&nbsp;2 Innisks Recce Group arrive in bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1400<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn 2 i\/c Major Palmer, takes over command of 1 RIrF during absence of Lt Col Horsfall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1800<\/strong>&nbsp;Main body of 2 Innisks arrive bttn area. On relief, coys proceeded by march route to embossing point 975279.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1845<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn left em-busing point in transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2215<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn arrived resting area Castro San Martino (850044).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>21 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bttn resting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Capt WCW Hood took over duties of Bttn IO from Capt F Lyness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>22 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baths and cinema shows arranged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>23 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Baths and cinema shows arranged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>24 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Leave party left for UK. One man each from E, G, H and HQ Coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>25 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0900<\/strong>&nbsp;Voluntary Church Parade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;CO\u2019s O Group. Bttn to relieve 1 RIrF on following day. Head of column to pass Firenzuola 0930 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1200-1300<\/strong>&nbsp;CO visited coys at Christmas dinners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>26 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0815<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn em-bused, ready to move off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0830<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn left Castro San Martino.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1200<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn arrived at de-busing point 975279 and proceeded by march route to Mule Point 994302, thence to forward positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1500<\/strong>&nbsp;Bttn HQ and coys, except for H Coy (left forward) in position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1835<\/strong>&nbsp;Relief of 1 RIrF completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Locations: Bttn HQ \u2013 003301. E Coy \u2013 Pt 435 003301. G Coy \u2013 005300. H Coy \u2013 007307. Battle Patrol in position near Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Intentions night 26\/27: Standing patrol from H Coy to 014306. Otherwise local protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>27 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0600<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Quiet night. White flares seen about 3 miles down river 2125 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 27\/28: All night Standing Patrols to 007302 and 014306. Recce patrol to 009303. Out \u2013 first dark, In \u2013 2300 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>28 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0600<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitep: Quiet night except for spasmodic mortaring between 2200 and 2359 hrs. Recce patrol to track 009303 saw movement Tamagnin 013303. 0505 hrs- white flares and MG bursts on Cereto Ridge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 28\/29: All night standing patrols to 019306 and 007302. Recce patrol to 009303. Out \u2013 0100 hrs, In \u2013 0500 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>29 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0600<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Patrol saw movement around Tamagnin 0330 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 29\/30: Standing patrols, dusk to dawn, to 014306 and 007302. Two man sniper patrol to 009303 via Point 439 005304. Out \u2013 0500 hrs, In \u2013 1200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2000<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: 1400 hrs \u2013 one enemy seen in window of Tamagnin house. Otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>30 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 30\/31: All night standing patrols to 014306 and 007302.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2200<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Officer and sniper patrol to 011303 from dawn to 1200 hrs&nbsp; saw smoke from chimney of Tamagnin House. 1330 hrs \u2013 Five direct hits on Tamagnin House by own 3\u201d mortars, one direct hit by 4.2\u201d mortars. Slight mortaring bttn area and shelling of heavy gun of left forward coy 005307.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>31 December \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0600<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Standing patrol on Point 312 report digging area Tamagnin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>0900\u20130930<\/strong>&nbsp;Six bombs from enemy heavy mortar fell in gully between&nbsp; Bttn HQ and G Coy (right forward).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1000<\/strong>&nbsp;Intentions night 31\/1: All night standing patrols to 014306 and 007302. Recce patrols to 012203 and stream junction 017306. Out \u2013 first dark, In \u2013 2200 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1200<\/strong>&nbsp;Brigade Commander and BM visit Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1430\u20131500<\/strong>&nbsp;Enemy mortaring of H Coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1700<\/strong>&nbsp;Slight shelling of G Coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2200<\/strong>&nbsp;Sitrep: Slight HF bttn area during day. 1605 hrs \u2013 aircraft strafed gully 017304 and area Monte Castellazo 0434 starting fire, which might be petrol dump. Fire still burning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2359<\/strong>&nbsp;CO visited E and G Coys accompanied by two pipers, who played the Old Year out and the New Year in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1 December \u2013ITALY. 0600&nbsp;Bttn still in locations: Bttn HQ \u2013 000286 Casa Careggiana. E Coy \u2013 house 008287. G Coy \u2013 house 004287. H Coy \u2013 house 008298. Bttn mortars at 001289 and MMGs in E Coy\u2019s area. 0800&nbsp;Sitrep: Considerable shelling and mortaring, especially on E Coy. MMG harassing fire on Bttn HQ during night [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":13610,"menu_order":24,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13693","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13693","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=13693"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13693\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13695,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13693\/revisions\/13695"}],"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=13693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}