{"id":13701,"date":"2025-09-03T17:55:04","date_gmt":"2025-09-03T17:55:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=13701"},"modified":"2025-09-04T18:07:52","modified_gmt":"2025-09-04T18:07:52","slug":"war-diaries-2-lir-february-1945","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/second-world-war\/war-diaries\/war-diaries-2-lir-february-1945\/","title":{"rendered":"War Diaries, 2 LIR \u2013 February 1945"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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1 February \u2013ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

0700<\/strong> Bttn still in locations as follows: Bttn HQ \u2013 023257. E Coy \u2013 031253. G Coy \u2013 028262. H Coy \u2013 031257.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Patrol to Boschi , In \u2013 2330 hrs. Recced to 250 yards north of Boschi. Fairly well worn track on west side of minefield. Taking and stamping of feet heard from house. Patrol Commander then returned to gully and recced to stream junction 042274. No sound heard from high ground 044274. Haystack at 039273 investigated. No signs of enemy but old tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Intentions 1\/2: Normal contact patrol to 5 Northants (G Coy). Out \u2013 2030 hrs. Ambush Patrol 1 and 6 (E Coy) to Casalino. Out \u2013 first dark, In \u2013 2300 hrs. Checking of own minefields \u2013 moonlight until completion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0700<\/strong> Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Casalino patrol report voices and MG firing area Casetta di Sotto. Checking of minefields completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Intentions night 2\/3: Normal contact patrol to left flanking bttn. Recce patrol 1 and 3 (Battle Patrol) to Boschi. Out \u2013 first dark. In \u2013 on completion. Route out \u2013 gully 032263. Route in: via 038267 and Casa Salara 034263.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0700<\/strong> Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Intermittent MG fire from north and south east of Boschi area on probable DF tasks. Flares in Boschi area at 2200 hrs and 0115 hrs. Patrol to Boschi returned 0030 hrs. Reported coughing and talking in post at about 042273.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Intentions night 3\/4: Normal contact patrol to 1 ES. Out 2130 hrs (G Coy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

All night ambush patrols, each 1 and 6: i) Gully 034266 (E Coy). ii) Pimples 037266 (Battle Patrol). iii) Casalino area 036257 (E Coy). Route in and out for all three patrols via Casa Salara 035263.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0700<\/strong> Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Patrols NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Intentions night 4\/5: Local standing patrols to cover relief of bttn by 56 Recce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1430<\/strong> Bttn mule teams and no essential personnel left Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> Advance elements of 56 Recce arrived Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1715<\/strong> Main body of 56 Recce arrived bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1930<\/strong> Relief completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0030<\/strong> Last TCVs left embussing point Cuviolo (996227).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0215<\/strong> Last TCVs joined main bttn convoy, which had halted at Firenzuola.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0245<\/strong> Bttn convoy moved from Firenzuola.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0530<\/strong> Bttn established in new area \u2013 Caldine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Locations: Bttn HQ \u2013 856754. E Coy \u2013 861762. G Coy \u2013 842754. H Coy \u2013 842750. S Coy \u2013 836750.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day spent in rest. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

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

Day leave parties to Florence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bttn IO, Capt W Gentle, proceeded on leave. Lieut GR Browne took over duties of IO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1200<\/strong> Divisional Commander arrived on tour of inspection of bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

E Coy area visited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1225<\/strong> Divisional Commander arrived Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1900<\/strong> ORs\u2019 dance at Caldine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0800<\/strong> Advance party of 2 officers and 45 ORs proceeded to new area at Forli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Day leave parties to Florence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Issue of kit deficiencies etc. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0800<\/strong> Day leave parties to Florence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2000<\/strong> Office party and dance at Bttn HQ. Corporal\u2019s dance in Caldine. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0800<\/strong> Day spent in preparations for move to Forli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carriers proceeded to Forli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0700<\/strong> Bttn convoy moved off. Order of march \u2013 Bttn HQ, E, HQ, G, H and S Coys, B Echelon. Route via Highway 67.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1200<\/strong> Head of column arrived in Forli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> Bttn complete billeting in factory in Forli \u2013 440164. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0800<\/strong> F Coy reformed wef today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0900<\/strong> Coys carrying out own training programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Signal Platoon commences Signal Course at Brigade HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

CO recced Forli area for outdoor coy training areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Five areas along railway line were decided on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bridge area 451165.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Station area 446168.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Factory area 440173<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cemetery area 449178.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Canal area 431178.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1400<\/strong> Band of the 2nd<\/sup> Bttn Royal Ulster Rifles gave a performance in the central dining hall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Repeat performance by RUR band. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> CO\u2019s inspection of F Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1030<\/strong> CO\u2019s inspection of billets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> CO\u2019s inspection of Coys\u2019 Battle Orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> Coy representatives reported to Brigade HQ for recce of bttn area in defensive role in the event of an enemy breakthrough.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Capt W Gentle resumed duties of Bttn IO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1600<\/strong> All personnel to carry out 15 minutes Rifle Drill daily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1615<\/strong> REs complete 30 yards range near Bridge area. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> All G 1098 instruments handed in for REME inspection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Brigade Pipe Band and RUR brass band played ceremonial retreat in town square.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> IO, SO, I Sgt, Sig Sgt and coy representatives visited bttn counter attack and defence area<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0845<\/strong> Coys begin day\u2019s training with 15 mins Rifle Drill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0830<\/strong> Snipers\u2019 Course commenced, under L\/Sgt C O\u2019Connor (2 ORs from each rifle coy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0830<\/strong> CO, IO, RSM and coy representatives proceeded on lecture and practical demonstration of Control of Kangaroos (Troop carrying tanks).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group held on Kangaroo Exercise and details arranged for the four rifle coys to do an exercise with Kangaroos on morning of the 22nd<\/sup>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Regimental Canteen opened for bttn ORs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Bttn Commander, Lt Col HEN Bredin DSO MC relinquished his post at 78 Division HQ returned to the battalion and proceeded on leave to Rome. Major JD Stewart carried on as temporary CO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> Rifle coys proceeded on Kangaroo Exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1800<\/strong> Capt W Gentle assumed duties of Adjutant in place of Capt G Cole, who proceeded to hospital. Lt MC Murphy assumed duties of IO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

1700<\/strong> Lecture by Lt Foley of 1 LIR to bttn officers and coy representatives on type of fighting which the bttn might expect in future operations on the Lombardy Plain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consequent on this lecture, the CO pointed out to Coy Commanders that 2\u201d mortar and Piat training as well as mine detecting was to be impressed on all ranks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> E and G Coys proceeded on street fighting exercise at Casetti  6402, followed by a demonstration of the Wasp flame thrower by Lt Neale (Bttn MG Officer).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

0930<\/strong> AIA began inspection of all bttn weapons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1400<\/strong> F and H Coys proceeded on street fighting exercise at Casetti.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1715<\/strong> Coy Commanders and S Coy platoon representative proceeded to Bttn HQ for lecture on river crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> CE Ceremonial Parade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1500<\/strong> CO\u2019s conference with Coy Commanders on training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> MTO begins inspection of all bttn motor cycles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

G Coy weapons inspected by AIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Lecture to all Coy Commanders, Platoon Commanders and Sgts on artillery and infantry cooperation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong>  F Coy practising river crossing over the River Ronco.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Normal coy training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

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

0900<\/strong> Normal coy training. H Coy practicing with Kangaroos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1700<\/strong> Discussion on Kangaroos held in Officers\u2019 Mess. All officers and platoon sergeants. Points discussed included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • What stores to bring forward in the Kangaroos.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Whether to have Section Commanders travelling with Platoon Commanders.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Whether to leave small packs etc in the Kangaroos before the attack.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Types of communication to be used.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • How to evacuate casualties and PoWs. ie by forming a reserve of Kangaroos specially for the job.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Whether to advance right up to the objective on the Kangaroos or dismount beforehand.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
    \n\n\n\n
    \n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    1 February \u2013ITALY. 0700 Bttn still in locations as follows: Bttn HQ \u2013 023257. E Coy \u2013 031253. G Coy \u2013 028262. H Coy \u2013 031257. Sitrep: Quiet day and night. Patrol to Boschi , In \u2013 2330 hrs. Recced to 250 yards north of Boschi. Fairly well worn track on west side of minefield. Taking […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":13610,"menu_order":26,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13701","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13701","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=13701"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13701\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13702,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/13701\/revisions\/13702"}],"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=13701"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}