Brigade HQ \u2013 CATENANUOVA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0130 <\/strong>Brigade HQ and Support Group moved to new concentration area south west of Catenanuova at 5683.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0530<\/strong> Brigade HQ established at 560830. 6 Innisks at 597832, 2 LIR 543822, 1 RIrF 561825.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000 <\/strong>Movement table for night 1\/2 August issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1250<\/strong> Brigade Group ordered to report all observed results of own bombing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> Brigade HQ closed at present location and reopened same time north of Catenanuova at 615863.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> Platoon 214, Field Company under command 38 Brigade wef 2200hrs 1 August. Platoon equipped with four mine detectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0415 <\/strong>Bttn moved to new area 596870 in MT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn\u2019s 3 tonners were afterwards used for ferrying 2 LIR into new area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2200 <\/strong>Bttns move again to new area 6388 preparatory to moving up to Centuripe the following morning if attack by East Surrey was a success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 CATENANUOVA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0200 <\/strong>A & B Coys in position. B forward on pt 250. A Coy and HQ Coy around farm 591939.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> MMG platoon and A\/Tk platoon arrived together with rations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> A & B Coys marched to lying up area in vineyard, which had very recently been evacuated by the enemy, 1 mile north of Catenanuova at 624863. C & D Coys rejoined the bttn there. 2 enemy trucks and signal stores salvaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> Battalion moves down from the hills to almond groves west of Catenanuova.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> Battalion warned to move for probable night attack on Centuripe if attack by 1 East Surreys is unsuccessful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100 <\/strong>Battalion moved by march route to concentration area in hills below town of Centuripe and was in position by 0230 hrs. Proposed battalion attack was cancelled and commanding officer went to Brigade for further orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 CATENANUOVA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0100<\/strong> COs\u2019 conference at Brigade HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700<\/strong> 1 RIrF informed that Centuripe (6591) still in enemy hands and that 8 A & SH was at 646918; left of A & SH being secure. 1 RIrF ordered to leave main road at 645905 and to make for track 642909 and attack village via pt 711, 646918.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0920 <\/strong>Code name list of Herman Goering Division found in area 627867 forwarded to division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> 6 Innisks reported enemy in area of cemetery (649918). Leading coy held up at pt 640 and now considering right flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 78 Divisional Commander announced that today\u2019s task for 38 Brigade was to consolidate high ground areas pt 688-pt 718-pt 702 as for a start for tomorrow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1015<\/strong> By W\/T intercept, information was received that 5 Northamptons were at 660900.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1020<\/strong> 6 Innisks informed that a platoon of heavy mortars supporting 11 Brigade troops (5 Northamptons) would probably be able to assist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1040 <\/strong>2 LIR reported pt 708 (6539120) and pt 709 and the cemetery area were enemy strong points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1050 <\/strong>Division confirmed that W\/T silence could be broken by 38 Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> 38 Brigade Support Group reported that a platoon of heavy mortars under command 11 Brigade have fired on targets in Centuripe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> Sitrep to Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800 <\/strong>2 LIR Zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1930<\/strong> One Squadron 56 Recce Regiment and one Squadron RTR under command 38 Brigade forthwith. Personal message from Army Commander received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> 1 RIrF Zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100 <\/strong>Division informed of enemy egg grenades with instantaneous fuses left near rd Catenanuova-Centuripe. All Brigade Group informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0730 <\/strong>Bttn marched up road towards Centuripe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0810 <\/strong>Leading platoon commanded by Lt Richards came under fire from 560 in village. CO decided to take bttn round the left flank via the track west of the road to 711. Half way up the track, CO found 8 A & SH Bttn HQ, where he was told that the 36 Brigade were all in the area, also the East Surreys, who had not attacked the town the previous evening as was expected. After a brief appreciation of the situation, it was decided that with so many bttns in the same area, a coordinated was essential and the Brigadier was asked to come up. Bttn was deployed into what cover there was available. During the next few hours, several casualties were inflicted on the enemy by very accurate sniping and excellent shooting of mortars by Lt Broadbent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> Brigadier arrived to coordinate plan. 6 Innisks were to attack the town from the right, while 2 LIR were to take some dominating features on the left thus enabling us to take 711 and get into the town from the east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600 <\/strong>CO orders.<\/p>\n\n\n\n By 1945,<\/strong> no success signal had come from 2 LIR and, as time was getting short, if the attack was to be carried out in daylight, it was decided to carry on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> Zero.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2050<\/strong> D Coy reported they were on their first objective but not their second. While attacking the second, the Coy Commander Captain W Hanna was killed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sgt Brandon\u2019s platoon had had some very close fighting on the reverse slope of the first objective before they finally took it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lt OPB Jewell was left in command of the coy and having reassembled the coy on the first objective put in a further attack. From this point on, communication with that coy was lost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2230<\/strong> CO ordered C Coy under Captain Clarke to send a fighting patrol to 711 to see if D Coy was there. If so, to occupy it with D Coy. Success signal was two green verey lights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Oswald Griffiths, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Alfred Butler, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain William Hanna, Royal Irish Fusiliers attached from RUR.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 CATENANUOVA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0400<\/strong> Orders received for Irish Brigade to advance to Centuripe, which was believed to have been captured by 36 Brigade. A warning order had been issued to coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0530<\/strong> Bttn, less S Coy, started to advance by mule track to Centuripe, an advance of 6000 yards, with a climb of over 2000 feet. Coys moved in light order without small packs and hard rations carried, wrapped in gas capes. The Faughs were advancing along the main road on our left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0845 <\/strong>C Coy in the lead came under mortar and rifle fire from the left flank and took up a position on pt 640 (653907), where they were also fired on from the ridge on the south east of the town. Bttn HQ was immediately established in the rear and the remaining coys closed under cover while recces were carried out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immediately in front of C Coy lay pt 708 which dominated our position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> After artillery fire had been directed by 10 Field Battery under command on to enemy positions, D Coy, followed by B Coy, were ordered to move on to the ridge on the right flank and to seize the farm on the top of pt 664 (663907), which was the ground vital to the enemy\u2019s defence. Unfortunately, the opposition from here was strong and progress was held up at a distance of 300 yards. Meanwhile, the heat on the southern slopes of the hills had become intense and because of this and the shortage of water (although wells were fortunately found in the area) and the steepness of the mountain, it was decided by the CO to await the relative cool of the afternoon before recommencing operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600 <\/strong>D Coy were fired on by units of another brigade, which was attacking another feature on their right rear. After a little time, contact was established.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> Bttn HQ moved up to pt 640 and C Coy with artillery support moved forward to and scaled a 100 foot cliff to pt 708 and succeeded in gaining a foothold in the town. A Coy followed but owing to a mischance, artillery support was not available and they were fired on from both flanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After reorganisation, A Coy passed through C Coy into the town and encountered strong enemy resistance including a tank. House to house fighting at close quarters ensued during which Major Crocker and Lieut Morrow were wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n C Coy was then ordered to move east and occupy pt 709 (658914), which controls the ridge to the east of the town. This was done but the enemy got between A & C Coys and the situation became confused during the remaining hours of daylight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1720<\/strong> Zero hour for the attack by D Coy, supported by B Coy on the farm at pt 664. Over the most difficult country, and in the face of heavy fire, Lieut McClinton succeeded in gaining the objective with his platoon but was driven off b a well organised immediate counter attack. A further attack was launched by B Coy after dark, but it was then found that the enemy had evacuated the position. During the operations, Lt Ferris (D) and Lt Harpur (B) were wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Corporal William Williams, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Corporal Patrick Hanley, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier William Jones, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Corporal Robert Bates, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Stanley Walsh, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Haydn Dackins, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Michael Beer, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lance Corporal John McCrorie, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Warning order: Brigade to attack and capture Centuripe and the surrounding features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF and 6 Inniskillings to capture the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR to capture Pts 661, 704 and 703 (639) towards the rear of the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Battalion moves to forming up position behind forward companies of 6 RWK on Pts 610 and 668 (6291), Italy, Sheet 269-1 NW, 1\/25000.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> Commanding Officer\u2019s orders for the attack: F Company to capture Pt 661, G Company to capture Pt 704. H Company to Pt 703. E Company in reserve as carrying company. Battalion HQ to be established on Pt 488.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> F and G Companies moved forward into the attack and after very little opposition were established on their objectives by 2000 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> H Company moved forward to attack pt 703 and after clearing small pockets of resistance in the way of snipers and machine gun posts were in position by 2100 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> Battalion locations were as follows;<\/p>\n\n\n\n F Company Pt 661 632921. G Company Pt 704 637920. E Company Pt 644920.<\/p>\n\n\n\n E Company and Battalion HQ Pt 688 632915.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman Bernard Radford, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman Norman Wildgoose, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 CATENENUOVA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0055 <\/strong>1 RIrF reported first objective taken and CO about to carry out his original plan<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0200<\/strong> RE section ordered to go out and fill crater at 647905 on rd Catenanuova-Centuripe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0350<\/strong> 1 RIrF reported hill 6490 now in their hands. Little opposition. Flank coy 6 Innisks joined with coy 1 RIrF in Centuripe and are trying to find out if there is any enemy in the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0400 <\/strong>38 Brigade Support Group report platoon Heavy Mortars 645894, another 650886. Remainder of group still west of Catenanuova.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0405 <\/strong>1 RIrF troops reported at 649917 (church area), and apparently finding little opposition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0720<\/strong> Pt 718 (656923) occupied by B Coy 1 RIrF at 0600hrs without opposition. Enemy believed to have evacuated Centuripe during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> 2 LIR report situation normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0915<\/strong> PoW taken by 6 Innisks south of Centuripe identified as of 7 Coy 3 Para Regiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n HQ RA reports all bridges north of Centuripe blown. Targets for today\u2019s bombing received.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0951<\/strong> 2 LIR request their MT to go up to Centuripe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An Italian deserter from 30 Artig. Regiment was brought in. Stated he had come from Messina and was asking his way home to Syracuse. Forwarded to PoW cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1025<\/strong> Artillery recce party report road crater 582930 and 581944. RE working on the first and it will be clear in six hours. Second has mines around it, and so far no one is working on it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1029 <\/strong>Division informed Brigade that no transport was to be allowed on the north road to Centuripe. All Brigade Group informed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1125<\/strong> Brigade requested permission from Division to move 2 LIR mortars, A\/Tk guns and carriers to 650885. This request was agreed to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1214<\/strong> Division ordered that no vehicles other than those operationally essential will move into Centuripe or north of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1430<\/strong> A Squadron 56 Recce Regiment report unable to get vehicles over wadi 667930. Carriers reached 665940 but cannot get further. Foot patrol from 665940 to line of road from bridge 682947 \u2013 Regalbuto. No enemy seen. Vehicles fairly heavily shelled whilst trying to cross wadi from high ground 675980. Brigade HQ moving to 647894.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500 <\/strong>Division ordered that convoys in excess of 5 vehicles will move onto road Catenanuova-Centuripe. Timings to be applied for at Q Command Post.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600 <\/strong>A Squadron 56 Recce Regiment report that bridge 683948 was reached by a foot patrol. The bridge was found to be blown for about 100 yards. The river bed is thick and no crossing could be found for 300 yards on either side of the bridge. No enemy seen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> Brigade Tac HQ established north of Centuripe at 669923.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks report locations \u2013 Bttn HQ 668929, A Coy 669928, B Coy 667933, C Coy 668930, D Coy 666930, S Coy Centuripe. Brigade Major visited Divisional HQ and make arrangements to get A Squadron 56 Recce Regiment to new location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2115 <\/strong>Conference at Brigade HQ attended by COs\u2019 38 Brigade, Support Group and 17 Field Regiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0021 <\/strong>C Coy success signal. A Coy sent forward to gain further objective in town \u2013 Church Hill. Success signal is two green verey lights<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0300 <\/strong>Success signal from town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0545<\/strong> Command post established at cemetery 711.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As D Coy had already taken A Coy\u2019s objective before A Coy arrived at the cemetery, A and C Coys were both there. D Coy had fired the success signal at 0021.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0600 <\/strong>A Coy went forward to relieve D Coy and B Coy occupied 718.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630 <\/strong>Bttn, less B Coy who remained on 718, consolidated in the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0830<\/strong> Bttn moved out of the town and a patrol of one platoon under Lt JB Cammiade was sent out to see if the bridge over the Salso was held or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500 <\/strong>Bttn less transport advanced by march route across very rough country until main road was reached to take up positions on near bank of Salso. No transport other than jeeps and carriers could be taken forward owing to a large crater in the road, which was constantly shelled making repair work difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> Bttn, less A Coy, were in position A Coy had got lost on the march down the mountain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lt Cammiade\u2019s patrol had by now crossed the river and met some opposition. The country was very flat and thickly covered with short bushy topped orange trees. Visibility was never more than about ten yards. The patrol with grenades and TSMGs accounted for at least one MG 34 before withdrawing at dusk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One night patrol was sent out to cover an RE working party, but came under very heavy fire from 3 MGs, while crossing the river and had to withdraw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Thomas Davies, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Faughs moving to Catenanuova.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2nd August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Read the Brigade\u2019s account of the attack on Centuripe here.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Faughs at Centuripe.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Skins in Sicily.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The London Irish Rifles at Centuripe\/Salso river.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3rd August<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n