Brigade HQ \u2013 TORINO.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0200 <\/strong>Intentions 1 December. 4 Armoured Brigade with C Squadron 56 Recce Regiment under command 38 Brigade in support to advance at first light along axis: Fossacesia\u2013Rocca 3705 \u2013 San Vito 3611.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0500<\/strong> 6 Innisks Sitrep. Some firing, otherwise a quiet night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0645<\/strong> 1 RIrF Sitrep. Bttn HQ 411057; A Coy 407056; B Coy east end ridge 4106; C Coy, Brigade HQ, D Coy 412058. Gulleys 414068 415063 impassable to tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> 2 LIR in Rocca (3805).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0945<\/strong> 6 Innisks in Rocca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0950<\/strong> 17 Indian Brigade now in San Maria. Mozzagrogna and Romagnoli.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> 6 Innisks astride road 365045.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200 Brigade HQ closed Torino 446986 and moved to Fossacesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300 <\/strong>2 LIR advancing on road 372073.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1430<\/strong> Brigade informed Division PoW collecting point at 415023. 11 Brigade providing guard, thence by RASC to collecting point at 445003. Bridges 376049 and 367043 repaired by RE.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> 2 LIR area 369073 joined by one squadron 44 Royal Tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remainder tanks between Fossacesia and Rocca. 3 CLY area 3804.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1615<\/strong> C Squadron 56 Recce Regiment 400090. Bridge 408083 prepared for demolition not blown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Minefield 200 x 50 North 406084. Minefields coastal area. Crater 120\u2019 369074 and 2 coys enemy 367072 prevented further advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks\u2019 locations HQ 396044, Coys 372042, 369038, 363045, 369049.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> 449 PoW passed through divisional cages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> Brigade HQ established Fossacesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> Army Command directs headlights to be used up to Fossacesia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Rum issued authorised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2115<\/strong> 78 Division intentions 1 \/ 2 December \u2013 11 Brigade hold line Fossacesia\u2013Fossacesia station. 38 Brigade move 2 LIR and 1 RIrF area 3707. Patrol vigorously to San Vito and line of river south west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 Dec \u2013 will continue advance Rocca\u2013San Vito\u2013Ortona with under command 56 Recce Regiment and support by 4 Armoured Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain TB Cammiade MC admitted to hospital. Captain DF Thomason arrived from LOB personnel to act as IO in his absence. Morning spent resting and recovering booty from the deep dug-outs and entrenchments in the area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> At 1400 hrs, the Battalion moved to area north of the road east of Rocca 3805. Battalion HQ 385055.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> At 1700 hrs, the CO received orders for the advance to San Vito 3611.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2200<\/strong> At 2200 hrs, the CO gave out his orders. Lt. MER Pattinson to hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 ROCCA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bttn prepared to continue the advance after breaking through the enemy\u2019s fortifications; the plan being to push on along the main Fossacesia to San Vito road with a regiment of tanks until resistance was met and then issue orders on the spot for dealing with it. A and C Coys were to meet the tanks at road 377047 and 383048 and push along road in that road followed by Bttn HQ, B and D Coys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630<\/strong> Bttn started off, and while leaving, the area was shelled fairly heavily for ten minutes, resulting in four casualties in D Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Coys reached tanks at RV but considerable delay was caused just after starting owing to the bridge at 377047 being demolished. REs were sent for and coys were deployed in protection of the bridge. The REs were very soon on the spot; and using the bulldozer got the road clear by 1230hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, a recce party had found that the next bridge at 367044 was also blown and work was started on that as soon as the first one was finished. While the Bttn was protecting the first bridge. B Coy brought in three PoWs from 3\/361 PGR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1430<\/strong> Bttn was astride road at 377044 and waiting for the second bridge to be completed (two PoWs were found here from 56 Werf Regiment).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> Orders came through from brigade not to continue any further owing to a threat that was growing on our left flank, but that another bttn (2 LIR) would pass through is that night; so the bttn disposed to cover the bridge, which had been prepared and by 0330hrs were established with Bttn HQ at 364048 and coys at 363048, 369049, and 365042.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> 2 LIR came through our positions and continued towards San Vito until they were held up by the bridge being blown at 369073, 370044. The advance up to this point had taken place without enemy resistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Private Kenneth Chinn, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached from ACC.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier William Duff, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Major Sydney Bunch MC, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, attached from Lincolnshire Regiment.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lance Corporal James McCann, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Intermittent enemy shelling throughout the day in area of Bridge 631795.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0430<\/strong> E Company report that there are still a few enemy in Rocca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800 <\/strong>Barrage to support F Company into Rocca is cancelled and G Company enter village without opposition. A few PWs were taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> Report from Bde states that a German counter-attack on the Lanciano-Mozzagrogna road last night was successfully repulsed by 2 NZ Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1030<\/strong> E Company join G Company forward of the village of Rocca and advance up the Rocca-San Vito road. Command group follows these two companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> E Company report enemy in area 355051, strength about one platoon. Civilians also report that the bridge 368074 was blown at 1000 hours today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1530<\/strong> Commanding Officer asks for tanks to come forward in support of the companies and one hour later F Company were linked up with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> Patrols were sent out to find routes across the ravine in front of the forward companies which was deep and narrow with precipitous sides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n F Company and tanks arrive and take up position in general area 362067.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> Commanding Officer reports general situation to brigade. Companies have reached ravine at bridge 368074. Bridge blown. Enemy hold Treglio ridge on further side of ravine with about two companies. The ground rises very steeply to those positions and an attack tonight would be difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade Commander orders that the battalion must get across, if not at first light then as soon after as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1920<\/strong> H Company ordered forward. Battalion HQ to remain in Rocca.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman William Coggle, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman William Coughlan, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman Clifford Jones, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sergeant Ernest Oakley, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 FOSSACESIA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0325 <\/strong>Bttns informed PoWs will be escorted to DMA at road junction 415023 where they will be taken over by 11 Brigade personnel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0330<\/strong> Last light Sitrep and intentions for 2 Dec issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0345<\/strong> 2 LIR reported task impossible owing to ground but trying to find way round flank. Enemy still in position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0430<\/strong> 1 RIrF reported leading coys nearing areas. No shooting. Going very difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0515<\/strong> 214 Field Company RE informed that original plan unable to be realised as 2 LIR stuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0605<\/strong> 1 RIrF reported 1000 yards short of San Vito. Civilians report town evacuated yesterday. 6 Innisks patrols \u2013 NCO and 10 each. No 31: 363047\u2013Scociosa\u2013346013. No 21: 368050\u2013362051\u2013Station 350050. Out 0915, In 1300 and 1500hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Forward HQ 1 RIrF 394898 reported stopping by in gully south of San Vito.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Slight contact D Coy 390095. Attacking town from San Vito. C Squadron 56 Recce Regiment in support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0915<\/strong> OC Rear Mule pack ordered to filter up remainder of Indian and Italian mules in daylight today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0945<\/strong> Brigade Commander suggested to Commander 4 Armoured Brigade the possibility of some tanks to area 6 Innisks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1025<\/strong> Brigade Commander order commander 1 RIrF to keep bttn less two coys at 3907 at present. Left flank of 2 LIR having a little difficulty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1108<\/strong> 6 Innisks reported one own aircraft crashed north west of San Vito. Two enemy counter attacks against 2 LIR from Treglio 3506 successfully repulsed. 10 PoWs and 3 MGs captured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1145<\/strong> 57 Field Regiment OP situated 367050.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> 6 Innisks captured code word list of 65 Panzer Group Division (copy belonging to III\/Werfer Regiment 56 in Rocca with other docs and maps) forwarded to Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1220<\/strong> 78 Division informed 38 Brigade that wef 2 Dec, 38 Brigade would be under command 1 Canadian Division.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1245<\/strong> 2 LIR fully established on last night\u2019s objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1250<\/strong> 1 RIrF reported not many enemy in San Vito.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 4 Armoured Brigade report 2 Mk IVs in flames area 3707 this am. 8 PoWs taken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1445<\/strong> 1 RIrF reported at coy 375110 2 coys at 385105.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enemy material found in Brigade area included 4 SP guns, one 105mm, one 75mm, 2 Infantry Guns, many mortars, MGs and mortars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> Muleteer personnel 5 Buffs coming under command 38 Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1740<\/strong> 1 RIrF concentrated at area 3909.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Divisional order 36 Brigade personnel with pack transport not relieved to be relieved. Immediately arrangements made for transportation to new area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1945<\/strong> Frost max 5 degrees night 2\/3 expected. All areas particularly above 1000 feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2015<\/strong> Headlights will be kept on up to exclude Mozzagrogna.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2030<\/strong> Command of coastal sector passed from 78 Division to 1 Canadian Division 1600 on 2 Dec.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2115<\/strong> Situation at last light and intentions 3 Dec see Sitrep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2250<\/strong> 57 Field Regiment reported 3 DF tasks..April \u2013 384103, May \u2013 382100, June \u2013 379095.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2300<\/strong> 1 RIrF Sitrep: HQ 404086, A Coy 402089, B Coy 396077 less one platoon, C Coy and one platoon B Coy 389094, D Coy 404088. Two coys went to ravine overlooking San Vito last night. Lieut Day and 15 men entered San Vito and a sharp engagement with armoured cars, majority of patrol taken PoW. Both companies tried to approach town from coast and had a running fight with enemy killing 2, finally drove enemy off. Coys turned left and crossed at 368107. Heavy fire from outskirts of town drove them back. Coys took up position on high ground to east of the ravine and repulsed two counter attacks. During pm, own artillery shot up enemy marching troops. Coys withdrew at 2100hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain J Hayes RA ChD posted to 5 CCS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut Webb Bowen (RUR) returned this HQ ex hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Captain JHF Hobbs (Reconnaissance Corps) Brigade IO returned this HQ ex hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0100<\/strong> A & D Coys moved off along track running to demolished bridge 4008.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0400<\/strong> At 0400 hrs, C Coy & Battalion Command Group took same route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0515<\/strong> It ultimately transpired that A & D Coys had reached 373110 at 0515hrs where they made a firm base and sent a patrol under Lieut Day into San Vito<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0545<\/strong> Cheers & shouting of \u201cInglese\u201d were heard followed by shooting. The patrol had been lead into the town by a local. They had gained the square in the town before contacting Germans and had received a great welcome from the populace. They took several prisoners before they were observed by two armoured cars which opened fire on the patrol. Great confusion was resultant in the town, in which ten of the patrol escaped & laid up \u2013 Lt Day was seriously wounded & is now posted as POW. Eight others were captured. This patrol must have had a terrific effect on the German forces defending the bridge 3607 against the 2 LIR<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Adjutant received a delayed report that forward coys were making good progress over very difficult ground and had reached approx 378108. Command Group in HO 405085. C Coy area high ground 399086. B Coy still in area 408077. Adjutant\u2019s Group then moved to Command Group & B Coy was ordered on to high ground 400080. It ultimately transpired that A & D Coys had reached 373110 at 0515 hrs where they made a firm base & sent a patrol under Lt Day into San Vito.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> A & D Coys remained in area 372113 all day and were counter attacked determinedly at approximately 1100 hrs and 1300 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> Captain OFB Jewell and Lt Fricke were wounded in this latter action. Both attacks were driven off with a very satisfactory ratio of casualties. Apart from these formed attacks, infiltration by the enemy took place all day and at one time they were cut off by fire from the remainder of the Battalion. The FOO, Captain Evans, 26\/17 Field Regiment, gave valuable assistance throughout the course of the action. At first dusk, Major JS Clarke, D Coy, ordered both coys back from the lip of the gully & prepared to spend the night at 376108.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> He received orders from the CO to withdraw to area station 398093 and C Coy plus one platoon B Coy, moved up to high ground 390095. The Battalion was then out of contact with the enemy. Casualties for this action \u2013 Nil and 10 killed, 2 and 10 wounded, 1 and 9 missing. Captain NW Bass rejoined from hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier James Anderson, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lance Corporal John Mawhinney, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier James Pearce, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Edgar Cowan, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Jack Storr, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lance Corporal Ronald Martin, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier William Bennett, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier John Anthony, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sergeant Robert Martin, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Eric Maden, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier George Holmes, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieutenant John Day, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Joseph Lempard, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The enemy started shelling the bttn, but caused no casualties. The advance party of the Seaforth Highlanders (1 Canadian Division) arrived and preparations had been made for handing over the position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> O Group conference and orders issued to assist the 2 LIR in crossing river at 369073 where enemy resistance had been met.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Bttn moved off and by 1510, Bttn HQ had reached 361060 and were disposed in that area while the CO, who had found the LIR were not so far forward as expected, went back to Brigade HQ. The enemy was shelling this area, but no casualties were caused. Bttn stayed there until 1900hrs, when orders were received for our return to Rocca 3805, where we arrived at 2140hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2330<\/strong> O Group conference was called and it was made known that the bttn was to support elements of 4 Armoured Brigade in an attack on San Vito from the left flank, infantry to be lorry borne. This coin was to proceed along the Lanciano to San Vito road as far as possible until resistance was met, when further orders would be issued to deal with it. Orders of march \u2013 Troop Tanks, B Coy, Regimental HQ, 2 Scout Cars (CO and 22 set in one, Adjutant and 18 set in the other), jeep for the IO, two artillery carriers, C Coy, A Coy, D Coy, S Coy, Bttn HQ, RAP.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieut Beglin appointed to the rank of A\/Captain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Samuel Roberts, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0200<\/strong> It was thought that the right flank offered the best approach across the ravine. Patrols returned at 0200hrs and said that this would not be possible, so plan were changed accordingly for an attack to go in and the bridgehead established from the left flank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At first light F Company and H Company crossed the ravine to secure high ground east of Treglio. Advance 300 yards and were held up by heavy automatic and machine gun fire. All attempts to advance were frustrated and several enemy counter-attacks were beaten off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1030<\/strong> Enemy counter-attacks petering out. E Company mopping up area behind forward companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> 6 Inniskillings and tanks to attack along axis Lanciano-Treglio road, as forward companies were withdrawn to the other side of the ravine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n T\/Major J D Lofting (RUR) wounded in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n W\/Lieutenant M W Gentle (RUR) wounded in action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman Leonard Hawes, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman Ernest Kingston, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman Frank Ward, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n CQMS Hugh Donaghy MM, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nFrom the Sangro to the Moro.<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2nd December<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n