1 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Bttn still located in Becchia Factory, Forli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> F Coy proceeded on Field Firing in Area D7 (just south east of Meldola). H Coy marching to same area prior to Field Firing in the afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 March\u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Normal training programmes carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Inter-Bn football match at the Stadium Ground, Forli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Result: 2 LIR 2 1 RIrF 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Brigade Boxing Tournament in the Dorchester Club, Forli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bttn won 7 out of 12 fights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> Chief Umpires for Bttn street fighting scheme proceeded to Calisese 6402 for conference and recce with Divisional Chief Umpire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> E and H Coys moved off in transport to Calisese village for Exercise Bologna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Exercise ended. E and H Coys returned to billets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n F & G Coys arrive Caliese to do same exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> All available personnel from all coys proceeded on preparation for Exercise Po.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2230<\/strong> Warning order that 38 Brigade would relieve 169 Brigade (56) Division by 0600 hrs 11\/3\/45.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 5 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Day of rest. Ceremonial Church Parade for C of E personnel, including a Brigade march past. The Salute was taken by the Brigade Commander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> CO\u2019s \u2018O\u2019 Group for Exercise Po.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0730<\/strong> Coys proceeded by transport to general area for Exercise Po. Major Davies, E Coy Commander, Action CO for the Exercise and Major Stewart acting as Brigade Commander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 7 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Football Match at Forli Stadium. 2 LIR 1 152 Field Ambulance 7<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> CO\u2019s Conference and discussion on previous day\u2019s exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> CO visits Brigade HQ for conference on relief of 169 Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 8 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Normal training programmes carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> Capt RJ Cockburn and recce party go to new Bttn area at Pieve di Cesato 373295.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 9 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> CO visits new bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Moving orders issued. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 10 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> 1st Party move off to B Echelon area 392298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1330<\/strong> 2nd Party move to Pieve di Cesato area, Location: Bttn HQ \u2013 372310, E Coy \u2013 383284, F coy \u2013 373294, G Coy \u2013 375299, H Coy \u2013 375304, S Coy \u2013 378303. Officers Mess \u2013 372308.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Bttn at 1 hours notice. In the event of an enemy breakthrough on the Senio, 2 LIR as reserve bttn in the brigade, would move forward to Granarola 355320 and defend it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 11 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> CO and Coy Commanders proceed to Granarola village to prepare defence position layout in case of emergency.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Lt Col HEN Bredin DSO BC returned from leave. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 12 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Major JD Stewart MBE proceeded on leave. Lt Col Bredin resumed command of bttn. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 13 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> CO and IO recce front line positions of 2 Innisks and 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Director of Military Training, Major General Wimberley visited bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> CO\u2019s O Group: bttn to relieve 1 RIrF on 16 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 14 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Capt GE Cole resumes duties of Adjutant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 15 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Baths at MBU. RC service in Pieve di Cesato.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> Coy recce parties visiting 1 RIrF coy positions. Sgt Johnson of G Coy was killed by an enemy sniper as he raised his head above the top of the Senio floodbank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 16 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Bttn prepares for relief of 1 RIrF.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Relief commences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> Relief of 1 RIrF completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Locations: Bttn HQ \u2013 Farm 353323, E Coy (right) \u2013 Villa Agrippina 353331, F Coy and one platoon H Coy (Centre) \u2013 345337, G Coy (left) \u2013 Villa Bulzacca \u2013 335333, remaining two platoons of H Coy \u2013 factory in Granarolo village \u2013 355320. 3\u201d mortars at 348327.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Topographical note \u2013 Bttn positions are on t east side of the Senio river. The river is protected on both sides by 25\u2019 high floodbanks. The country is quite flat and well cultivated, grape vines being very prominent and there are numerous farmhouses in the area. The enemy holds some positions on our side of the floodbank for the supplying of which he uses footbridges and rafts across the river. Owing to the predominance of the grape vines, visibility is very restricted. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 17 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n St Patrick\u2019s Day; Owing to the Irish Brigade being in the line, celebrations were postponed until 29 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Normal MG and mortar fire on bttn front. Otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> One wounded German brought into RAP from the floodbank area by F Coy. Identification \u2013 6 Coy, II Bttn, 289 Regiment, 98 Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1230<\/strong> Reported by G Coy that one of the bttn 15 cwts, carrying load of ammunition, being sniped at and machine gunned in forward area. Driver slightly wounded. Ammunition did not explode and truck was later towed to safety by a carrier under covering fire from Bttn MGs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Intentions night 17\/18: Recce patrols to position at 342338. Out \u2013 2200 hrs, in \u2013 0400hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Sitrep: 2 enemy seen at 342339, engaged by artillery. One PoW taken at 343339. Snipers seen and engaged by mortars 337339. Movement seen throughout day at 337338 and engaged by mortars. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 18 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Tracked vehicles heard 335340. 2330 hrs \u2013 MG fire from 355339. Patrols report grenade exchanges and found position at 342 338 unoccupied. Otherwise normal floodbank activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1030<\/strong> Armoured car was sent along track on which ammunition truck was sniped at yesterday. The intention being to draw enemy sniper\u2019s or machine gunner\u2019s fire and this locate his position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Tank went forward to area of Bund 337338 (supporting floodbank which forms an arc with the main floodbank) to sweep a safe lane for the infantry who could then follow the tank tracks without fear of Schu-mines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n During the operation, an enemy position on the reverse slope of the Bund was shot up and 5 enemy were seen to wave a white flag. Consequent on this, an attack was planned for 1530 hrs. One section of G coy, with the support of two tanks, to capture the five enemy, whilst covering fire is given by PIATs, mortars and artillery to keep down enemy snipers, MMGs and bazookas on the far bank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Intentions night 18\/19: Patrol to 337338 if position not consolidated after capture. 0200 hrs \u2013 patrol to 342338. Normal HF during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> Attack on enemy position at 337338 gained only limited ground. No prisoners taken, but section of G Coy now digging in on reverse slope of the bank with orders to try and capture the enemy position tonight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Sitrep: MG position spotted 342338 and engaged by 2\u201d mortars at 1200 hrs. Six enemy SBs seen crossing bridge 337338 and re-crossing 5 minutes later. Enemy position at 338338 occupied by 1730 hrs. One casualty caused by Schu-mine. Another casualty in area 343338 at 1850 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2030<\/strong> One PoW brought in by G Coy. Prisoner had been in line only 3 days. Possible identification came as PoW taken on 17 March.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2355<\/strong> G Coy\u2019s newly won position a 338338 reported being counter attacked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 19 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0025<\/strong> Enemy attack driven off by grenades and SA fire. One casualty to own troops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0300<\/strong> Patrol to 342388 report position not occupied by enemy and no trace of tunnels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0530<\/strong> Grenade battle at 338338. Platoon Commander, Lieut Gartside MC slightly wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Divisional Commander, Major General Keith Arbuthnot visited Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Total bttn casualties from 15 March to date \u2013 1 killed, 1 officer and 12 ORs wounded (2 remained at duty).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Intentions night 19\/20: Standing patrol to observe bridge 337338. Out \u2013 dusk, in \u2013 2000 hrs. Recce patrol to 343338. Out \u2013 0330 hrs, in \u2013 first light. Artillery harassing intermittently areas 339339 and 337339.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1550<\/strong> Brigade Commander visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Pioneer Platoon have so far lifted a total of 56 Schu-mines in area 327338.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1805<\/strong> Sitrep: 0900 hrs \u2013 1 enemy seen digging 337338. 56 Schu-mines lifted in area 327338.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 20 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0545<\/strong> Sitrep: 1830 hrs \u2013 Own sniper killed 1 enemy at 338338. Patrol to 337338 attempted to cross bank was engaged with grenades. Patrol to Bund NTR. 2140 hrs \u2013 MT heard 354337. Usual floodbank MG and mortar activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1213<\/strong> Six shells fell in Granarolo village 200 yards from Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Intentions night 20\/21: Recce patrol to 342338. Out \u2013 2300 hrs, in \u2013 0300 hrs. Continuation of tunneling through floodbank at 337338. Artillery HFs on 341338 and 339338 intermittently throughout the night. Artillery concentration on 341338 at 1930 hrs. 4.2\u201d mortars areas 345344 and 35342, 1st<\/sup> dark \u2013 2330 hrs and 0500 \u2013 0600 hrs. MMG HFs on 343345, 1st<\/sup> dark \u2013 2330 hrs and 0500 \u2013 0600 hrs and intermittently throughout the night on area 336345.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 3\u201d mortars concentrating on area 342340 during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1440<\/strong> Brigade Commander visits Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1515<\/strong> G Coy report that they have successfully blown up enemy footbridge at 337338 by mortar fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Sitrep: 2 enemy hit by our sniping at 335338 and 335340.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000 hrs \u2013 twelve 88 mm shells landed in area 335334.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1705 hrs \u2013 4 heavy shells in area 341337.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 21 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Grenade activity increased on centre coy (F) but decreased on left coy (G) where they are being fired from across the river. 1940 hrs \u2013 fire observed at 35344. Light shelling of forward areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1225<\/strong> Vice CIGS Lieut Gen Nye and 8th<\/sup> Army Commander Lieut General Sir Richard L McCreery visit Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1526<\/strong> Nine shells in rapid succession in area 357322 about 2-300 yards from Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1530<\/strong> Intentions night 21\/22: Normal recce patrol to 341338. Out \u2013 0300 hrs, in \u2013 0430 hrs. HF from 4.2\u201d mortars on 339343 and 351343, MMGs on area 351343 \u2013 intermittently throughout the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> CO\u2019s Conference with Coy Commanders on local op by H Coy tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Sitrep: 0800 hrs \u2013 4 enemy seen shaking blankets at 342338.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 22 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0430<\/strong> Patrol to 341338 reported grenade clash with enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Tunnelling through the Bund at 343338 now completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700<\/strong> Casualties occurred in F Coy during the night when a Bofors grenade fell short and exploded. Two men were killed and 3 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Plan of attack on enemy positions in right Bund completed. 17 Platoon of H Coy (Lieut Salter and 18 ORs) to attack the position at 1500 hrs. Supporting fire from two tanks in the left Bund. All enemy river bank targets to be neutralized by 3\u201d mortars and Bttn MMGs and the use of smoke canisters all along the Bttn front. Before making the assault, one Bofors grenade and one smoke canisters will be thrown over the bank direct onto enemy position. One section of Pioneers will assist the platoon by removing any mines in the area and blowing up the bridge over the river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> Attack begins. AFPU Sgts were on hand to photograph results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1504<\/strong> Attack completed. Two enemy killed and 5 prisoners taken, one of whom was wounded. Own casualties \u2013 9 slightly wounded, 2 of whom remained at duty. Lieut Salter, who led the attack received a GSW. Rfn Moran, Pioneer Platoon, detonated his charge below the bridge but results were not observed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1515<\/strong> One enemy sniper at 343339 either killed or wounded by own sniper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> Three enemy wounded evacuated from area 337338.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1615<\/strong> Three enemy wounded evacuated by stretcher from area 342339.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> Two enemy snipers accounted for at 337339. One killed and 1 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1710<\/strong> New position gained in afternoon\u2019s attack now consolidated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 23 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Increased enemy HF on bttn sector during night, including 8 rockets in left coy area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Intentions night 23\/24: 2200 hrs \u2013 grenading of enemy from dummy positions area 348337. Consolidated new position at 342338. Standing patrol at 337338. Out \u2013 2300 hrs, in \u2013 0100 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> LO from 11 Brigade (future relieving brigade) visited Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Sitrep: Quiet day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Additional Intentions: Dependent upon information from standing patrol at 337338, a raid on enemy position in that area will probably take place at 0445 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 24 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Raid on 337338 enemy position was met by strong grenade and SA fire and raiding party was forced to retire but suffered no casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Recce party from 5 Northants visited bttn area prior to arrival of their advance party this afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Intentions: 1330 hrs \u2013 Tank shoot on house 344338 supported by SA and 3\u201d mortars. Usual artillery and mortars HF during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1330<\/strong> Tank shoot destroyed enemy snipers post in house 354337.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Tank engine was heard in area 347337 and large cloud of dust seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> Advance parties from 5 Northants (relieving bttn) arrived in bttn area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Sitrep: Enemy HF from medium mortars on area 345335 from 1530 \u2013 1600 hrs. Enemy 105 mm on same area 1700 \u2013 1800 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 25 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600<\/strong> Sitrep: Ten rockets fell in left coy area between 2000 and 2200 hrs. 0520 \u2013 enemy broadcast on amplifier; text \u2013\u2018Why sit on the floodbank when your wives are waiting for you in England\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> RC Service in Granarolo Church for Bttn HQ and reserve platoons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Intentions night 25\/26: Patrol to 337338 to try to exploit any unwariness on the part of the enemy. Normal harassing of enemy targets during the night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> Sitrep: 0600 \u2013 half constructed raft and new hole in own floodbank 348338 noticed. 1200 hrs \u2013 enemy shelling area 347335. 1420 hrs \u2013 6 enemy observed at 337338. 1440 hrs \u2013 6 enemy observed at 337338. 2 enemy killed by own sniped at 336338. 1710 hrs \u2013 2 enemy wounded by PIAT at 353336.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 26 March \u2013 ITALY.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sitrep: Quiet night except for light enemy mortaring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0500 hrs \u2013 own patrol to enemy position at 337338 met by SA and grenade fire. Enemy trench at the top of the floodbank not occupied but enemy alert at bottom. Own casualties \u2013 1 ORs, 2 ORs wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Morning spent preparing to hand over sector to 5 Northants. Relief to take place in daylight. On relief each coy to march back to Granarolo village, thence by transport to B Echelon area 392298.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> Relief completed and bttn now bivouacked in B Echelon area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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