Brigade HQ \u2013 PETACCIATO.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0535 <\/strong>2 LIR reported all quiet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0545 <\/strong>6 Innisks reported occasional bursts of MG fire and flares west of R Trigno during night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0710<\/strong> 2 LIR to investigate new (?) diggings 300 yards in front of own positions found five \u2013 seven pits all unoccupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700 <\/strong>Sitrep and patrol results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500<\/strong> Battalion ordered to move. Recce Party. 36 Brigade were to attack San Salvo tomorrow and the intention was for the battalion to go to an assembly area tonight before taking up a position protecting the left flank of the attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2330<\/strong> Battalion moved to its old position in 6677.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 MASSA FANALE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn resting \u2013 cleaning weapons etc and making general preparations for battle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lt-Col Grazebrook took over command of the bttn (returned from A\/Brigadier)<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700 <\/strong>O Group conference on general plan for crossing River Trigno<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Intermittent enemy shelling throughout the day of area Bridge 631795.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 PETACCIATO.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0500 <\/strong>2 LIR reported quiet night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0545 <\/strong>6 Innisks observed flashing light during night otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0630 <\/strong>2 LIR patrol contacted enemy 602805. Reports enemy MGs rd and track junction 612815. Little shelling overnight in bridgehead area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0715<\/strong> 2 LIR report river diversion passable by new direction. Culvert north of crossing completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> 1 RIrF reported bttn in position by 0330hrs. Bttn HQ established on track 660767 otherwise NTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1140<\/strong> 2 LIR reported they were sending patrol to 598784 tonight but were later ordered not to patrol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1650<\/strong> 38 Brigade Operation Instruction No 3 issued.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1740<\/strong> Situation on Brigade front, see Sitrep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800<\/strong> 36 Brigade Tac HQ established 657829<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> 1 RIrF reported location 679791.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900 <\/strong>Battalion recce party.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> O Group Orders for move to position astride road 6678 and 6677. All battalion transport to move first followed immediately by marching troops. Order of march for both C, B, D, A, Bttn HQ and S Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1720<\/strong> Transport moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1745 <\/strong>Marching troops moved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2015 <\/strong>Battalion HQ established 666785.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 MASSA FANALE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800 <\/strong>O Group conference at OP Farm. Orders and study of ground for Trigno crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000 <\/strong>CO, IO and Coy commanders attend conference at 36 Brigade HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1430<\/strong> IO went off to recce and mark bttn concentration area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500 <\/strong>O Group conference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1545 <\/strong>Battle platoon went off to meet IO and REs for night task north of River Trigno.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1830<\/strong> Coy guides shown route to FUP by IO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900 <\/strong>Battle platoon shown route and task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900<\/strong> Commanding Officer called to Brigade HQ. He stopped overnight and temporary command of battalion fell to Major Gibbs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Intermittent enemy shelling throughout the day of area Bridge 631795. Some shells fell in E Company\u2019s area 612792 and caused seven casualties, one of them fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1130<\/strong> Commanding Officer returned from brigade and resumed command of battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Orders for attack on San Salvo. 11 Brigade right along the coast to San Salvo station, thence into village. 36 Brigade left along axis of main road. 6 Innisks under command of 36 Brigade 2 LIR to hold bridgehead over River Trigno. 1 RIrF on high ground south of the river covering the road from Montenero. 1 Squadron 56 Recce to area 6177. In support of attack, 5 Regiment Field Artillery 3 Regiments Medium Artillery, 46 RTR. Two Destroyers to shell Cupella 5586 and Vasto 5890. 36 and 38 Brigades support groups to concentrate in area 6478 and commence diversionary barrage on high ground west of San Salvo in order to mislead the enemy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2130<\/strong> Enemy put down concentrated artillery barrage on areas 631795, 632791, 624790.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Corporal Robert Thornton, London Irish Rifles.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Rifleman James Hackett, London Irish Rifles.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade HQ \u2013 PETACCIATO.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700 <\/strong>2 LIR reported own troops and tanks on pt40 (6282). Enemy shelling bridge all night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0745 <\/strong>5 Buffs informed 36 Brigade on first objective, and their neighbours on their objective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0845<\/strong> 36 Brigade informed 6 Innisks 622818 mined and booby trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0920<\/strong> Divisional Commander received information of possible counter attack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0922<\/strong> 5 Buffs reported few casualties, Advance continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1020<\/strong> 5 Buffs asked for assistance from 46 RTR as enemy tanks very near and in area 609840.Vineyard Hill in our hands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1035 <\/strong>Tac HQ reported 8 A&SH confirmed enemy tanks A\/Tk position 580844. Enemy mortar fire from Colle Olivetta 6082. One Mark IV knocked out. Tank battle brewing. Mines reported 622818.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1050 <\/strong>5 Buffs reported position critical. Heavy enemy mortar fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100 <\/strong>8-12 enemy aircraft attacked area road junction 6677. 6 Innisks A Echelon hit \u2013 4 killed, 9 wounded. 3 vehicles destroyed. 1 RIrF 1 killed and 3 wounded. 2 carriers and 2 15 cwt trucks 1 ammunition truck on fire. Road cratered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1500 <\/strong>12 Kittyhawks bombed area 5686.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1525<\/strong> Enemy aircraft attacked road junction 6677. Two trucks hit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1715<\/strong> Situation Brigade front. See Sitrep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> 1 RIrF moving to area 6381.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2100<\/strong> Escaped British PoW from San Salvo gave information on enemy plight when our barrage went down night 2\/3 Nov. Enemy MT fled leaving occupants in the town. Considerable demoralisation of enemy caused by bombardment. 2 LIR reported 2 PoW identified 16 Panzer Pi Bttn surrendered this afternoon. Forwarded to Divisional cage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A summary of 6 Innisks part in the battle of San Salvo 3 Nov 43 is attached as appendix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1 RIrF.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0515<\/strong> Stand to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1150<\/strong> Bombing attack on Battalion area by FW 190s Casualties 1 killed 6 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1530<\/strong> Bombing attack. No casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2015<\/strong> O Group Orders for move to San Salvo area to relieve Buffs by first light on the 4th. Captain L Franklyn-Vaile rejoined battalion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lance Corporal Harry Jones, Royal Irish Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 6 Innisks \u2013 MASSA FANALE.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0001 <\/strong>Hot tea served to all ranks. Bttn came under command 36 Brigade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0115 <\/strong>Bttn moved off from area 6479.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0245 <\/strong>Bttn concentrated in assembly area west of River Trigno (6380).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0400 <\/strong>Leading coys (Right C, Left A) left front edge of wood, followed by Bttn HQ and reserve coys (Right B, Left D).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0430 <\/strong>Leading coys crossed start line with left on bridge over Molino 631812. S Mines were encountered in area of bridge, which caused a number of casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0530<\/strong> Leading troops on first objective, ring contour 40 (6282), followed ten minutes later by two troops B Squadron 46 RTR.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Remaining coys followed but D Coy on the left was delayed by a further minefield, causing more casualties. Reorganisation was necessary as coys were considerably intermingled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0715<\/strong> B Coy right, and D Coy left, started advance to second objective (San Salvo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0730<\/strong> A Coy started advance to second objective, but its remaining officer was killed shortly afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First objective was shelled, and occasional bursts of small arms fire came from both flanks. Forward coys were fired on by enemy tanks, east of San Salvo, which were concealed in farm buildings and olive groves. This fire was extremely accurate and pinned down the forward rifle coys, who found themselves in flat and open country. Our own tanks were unable to locate the enemy tanks from the positions they often occupied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0930<\/strong> Part of D Coy, however, managed to move round the right flank under cover, and entered San Salvo. Enemy tanks and infantry were still in occupation of the town, but were in the process of pulling out,<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1030<\/strong> C Coy with one troop of tanks in support, was ordered to move well round to the right and get into the town from the north east. They also came under fire from the enemy tanks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1130<\/strong> Four enemy tanks moved northwards along a track to the east of the town and two of these were put out of action by the troop of tanks supporting C Coy. This eased the situation, as some half hour later the remaining tanks withdrew from the south half of the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300<\/strong> C Coy then moved forward into the town, followed by B Coy and Bttn HQ and by 1400hrs, the bttn was established in a defensive lay out , although the enemy were still firing into the town from the west.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1430<\/strong> A Coy reached the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> An enemy counter attack developed round the north flank of San Salvo, tanks being used. Although none of them actually entered the town, they were on the outskirts and fired shells and MGs into the buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While this counter attack was still proceeding, the Bttn A\/Tk Gun, mortars, MGs and the RAP moved into the town from the south east and were in position by 1730hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casualties for the day were:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Officers \u2013 2 killed, 3 wounded (and 3 rifle company commanders).<\/p>\n\n\n\n ORs \u2013 15 killed, 45 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> \u201cStand to\u201d followed by 50% \u201cStand to\u201d all night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n About 150 personnel of 5 Buffs entered the town, thickening up defences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2300<\/strong> German preparation for counter attack was detected and artillery made it an \u201cuncle\u201d target effectively breaking it up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2305<\/strong> 2 DFs brought down north of San Salvo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enemy MG fire continued spasmodically until 0300hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Echelon was bombed at midday; One 15 cwt and two carriers destroyed and two 15 cwts damaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Casualties \u2013 4 killed, 9 wounded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Died on this Day:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier William Slack, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Lawrence Bishop, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Henry Camp, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier James Byrne, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Major George Crocker, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier William Harries, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Philip Stanley, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Alfred Cooper, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Joseph Wild, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Peter Bain, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier George Barnes, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieutenant Ernest Hewitt, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Thomas Jackson, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Alexander Jeffers, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Emilyn Jones, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lance Sergeant Thomas Law, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Lance Corporal Andrew McVeigh, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Fusilier Albert Richardson, Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 2 LIR.<\/strong> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 0200<\/strong> Diversionary barrage by 36 and 38 Brigade\u2019s support groups commenced. Enemy counter battery work in protest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0400<\/strong> Zero hour for attack<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Enemy withdrawing from San Salvo. RAF bombing retreating troops. Cupello bombed for the third time within an hour. Our tanks and two battalions of infantry by-passed San Salvo and are north of the town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lieutenant F Lyness relinquished appointment of intelligence officer and Lieutenant JD White appointed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1050<\/strong> 6 Innisks and 5 Buffs on objectives and the position is as follows: 5 Buffs area 605835 \u2013 606843 with some of our tanks on their left. 6 Innisks area 601828\u2013609829 with one Company cleaning up San Salvo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100<\/strong> Andrew (609840) taken by 5 Buffs. This Battalion was being heavily mortared and the enemy were counter attacking with tanks. Our own tanks are going to their assistance. So far 1 Mark IV Tank and 2 anti-tank guns are known to have been knocked out, and many enemy anti-tank guns are known to have been located at 580844 and their mortars SW of San Salvo area 6082, and it seems as if a tank battle is imminent. 1 E S and 36 Brigade transport and tanks are all across the river, the diversion still being OK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1130 <\/strong>Approx 15 FW 190s bomb gun areas 6778 \u2013 6779<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n2nd November<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\n3rd November<\/strong>.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
78 Infantry Division’s attack on San Salvo.<\/a><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Read the battalion\u2019s account here.<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n