Bttn still at 949645 as 168 Brigade is in reserve. It was feared that the Bttn would be moved away from the sea to a less malarious area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1700 <\/strong>\u2013 Major General SC Kirkman OBE MC gave an informal address to all officers. He said that it was most unfortunate that the information received before the attack of July 17th<\/sup> had been incorrect and that due to it he had called off the artillery barrage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He said that he was very pleased that the Bttn reached its objectives nonetheless and that it was a great pity that the right flank did not have the same success. He concluded by saying that he hoped that during the last 14 days in the line the Bttn had gained valuable battle experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bttn made what was, as things happened, an unnecessary move to 9162. Before it had time to settle in, the CO received orders to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 168 Brigade remained in reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade passed through 69 Brigade at first light, 1 LIR passing through 5 EY. 1 London Scottish were on the right. 10 Royal Berkshires were in reserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Bttn continued the pursuit of the enemy beyond Catania until 1 LS passed through at 0910 on 10th<\/sup> August.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn was in reserve in the Linera area but from 0530 hrs, it was at 30 minutes notice, which tended to lessen the value of the rest as it was not possible to unpack anything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn moved up but was still in reserve. As a result of several changes in plan, it was not until 130 hrs on 13th<\/sup> August that the Bttn eventually passed through the London Scottish and advanced on San Giovanni area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout this period, the Germans were withdrawing fast and left only small parties behind to delay and do as much damage as possible. The ground consisting mainly of hills covered with vineyards lent itself to defence and the delaying parties and mines achieved a certain success. The former doing some damage particularly at Gravina here their elusiveness made them doubly irritating. The weather remained hot and fine throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Brigade was in reserve. Bttn remained at San Giovanni until the 15th<\/sup> August when it moved with the rest of the Brigade to Fiumefreddo area where it remained for the rest of the month. Here, it was able to rest and clean up as there was plenty of water and send, rather than the fine dust of the slopes of Etna, which pervaded everything.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cD\u201d Coy was detached. Training policy is shown in Appendix C.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Commanding Officer announced that the following awards had been made: Major WE Brooks awarded the MC and 7014244 Sgt J Madigan and 7014737 Rifleman T Brightman both awarded the MM.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Army Commander addressed the Bttn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A translation of a German account of the fighting on 17\/18 July, which was found in a German paper is attached for interest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1510<\/strong>. Bttn received verbal orders to move to 9162 under its own arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1630<\/strong> MT left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1815<\/strong> Bttn left in order: HQ, \u201cA\u201d, \u201cB\u201d, \u201cC\u201d, \u201cD\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1830<\/strong> MT arrived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1915<\/strong> CO ordered to Brigade for \u2018O\u2019 Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2115<\/strong> All Coys reported in new positions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2200<\/strong> Bttn \u2018O\u2019 Group called at Bttn HQ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2330 <\/strong>Information received that the enemy is believed withdrawing towards Catania defences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn ordered to be ready to move to concentration area, north of River Simeto at 1 \u00bd hours notice. No move likely before dawn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700<\/strong> Puffin (ie Bttn 30 minutes notice to move).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900 <\/strong>Zero hour. Bttn moved off by march route with \u201cA\u201d Echelon transport following.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1030<\/strong> Bttn held up at Simeto owing to 69 Brigade being delayed by enemy mines on airfield 9374.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1050<\/strong> 69 Brigade reported on Gander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1150 <\/strong>Bttn arrived in concentration area at 9269. 151 Brigae reported 2000 yards past Gander.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1315<\/strong> Teller mines are being booby trapped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1715 <\/strong>69 Brigade held up by enemy on line from 914773 to road junction 942765. Tanks and artillery to attack with infantry to take Duck bound. 151 Brigade held up by enemy on line 943753 to 959753.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2005<\/strong> Contact with 6 Green Howards gave information that enemy had been driven off ridge 910770 \u2013 929756 into dip behind. Enemy not in great strength. 151 Brigade had reached Duck bound and were continuing to advance with tanks and artillery support. No contact between 69 and 151 Brigades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2215 <\/strong>Enemy strongholds at 944772, 940767, 940762, 932771, 923778, 918771. Holding at 1930 hrs on 935743, 958775.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2235 <\/strong>Brilliant fire from behind foothills Misterbianco bearing 360 degrees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0840<\/strong> 6 Green Howards commenced to pass through 7 Green Howards to reach Duck. 151 Brigade on outskirts of Catania on right of main road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0905<\/strong> 9 DLI reported to be entering town of Catania. 168 Brigade expected to be moving shortly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1100 <\/strong>CO attended \u2018O\u2019 Group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1200<\/strong> Bttn \u2018O\u2019 Group ordered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1215<\/strong> Bttn at \u00bc hour notice to move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1545<\/strong> Bttn left present area and were ferried by Brigade\u2019s MT to concentration area 933783. The Bttn marched from Catania to the concentration area owing to congestion of traffic. Bttn HQ arrived Catania 945785 at 1700 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1835 <\/strong>Bttn HQ established at 933783. All Coys in position in concentration area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> \u2018O\u2019 Group ordered. 168 Brigade to pass through 69 Brigade in area San Gio di Galerno. Bttn to pass through 5 East Yorkshires to make good bound Mallard (Mascalucia 929870 \u2013 Aci Castella).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bttn to commence moving at 0330 hrs. 1 London Scottish advancing on left.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 10 Royal Berkshires in reserve. Ordr of March: Bttn \u2013 4 platoon; with detachments 3 & 5 Platoons and Res, \u201cC\u201d Coy, Command Post. \u201cD\u201d Coy, Bttn HQ, 3 Platoon. MMG Platoon, 5 Platoon, Heavy Mortar Platoon, \u201cB\u201d Coy, \u201cA\u201d Coy, RAP and Platoon \u201cA\u201d Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0330 <\/strong>Bttn moved off as above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0445<\/strong> Carrier Platoon contacted 5 East Yorkshires (Little Duck).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0710<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy dealing with enemy MG post on right of road at 934832.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0725<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy reported past Drake \u2013 929842. Deploying on high ground and round houses. Carrier Platoon reported at junction point to meet 1 London Scottish but no representative there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800 <\/strong>Mortar Platoon engaging OP on \u201cC\u201d Coy\u2019s right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0810<\/strong> \u201cC2 Coy report enemy definitely located at Scalagrande 938846 area around heavily mined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0840<\/strong> Carrier Platoon report mines being found in forward area; 3 on top of another.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0900<\/strong> Enemy machine gun post located road and track junction 938844. \u201cC\u201d Coy to attack on left and then from north. Platoon of \u201cD\u201d Coy to attack from south and to contact1 London Scottish on Bttn\u2019s right flank. Remaining 2 platoons of \u201cD\u201d Coy blocking road at Gio di Galerno \u2013 Belpasso.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000<\/strong> Civilians state German HQ is in a dark red house at Brollo 8789. A lot of Germans at Nicolosi, Pedara,Trecastagne, Viagranade and then north to Zafferana 9700. Then Milo 9803. Germans not using coast road much. The few men at San Pietro have withdrawn to Mascalucia having mined the area with Teller mines. Brollo especially heavily mined. Civilians in San Gio di Galerno state that 6 Germans there until this morning watching through binoculars; they laid mines and left. The road to San Pietro has been cratered and about 30 Germans there. The road to Gravina di Catania also cratered. About 20 men and two 4.7mm A\/Tk guns at Gravina. They state that the Germans have no transport and have taken bicycles and carts and they are wearing khaki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1050<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy report located more MGs. \u201cB\u201d Coy to attack on left with artillery support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1055<\/strong> Platoon of \u201cD\u201d Coy under Sgt W Neilson not yet heard of so 16 Platoon under Lt Leahy was sent 1230 \u201cB\u201d Coy recced 935846 but unable to pin point MG nests. Artillery support shelled area. Bttn HQ established at 933832.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1250 <\/strong>\u201cB\u201d Coy almost on objective. A few Germans surrendering under white flags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1330 <\/strong>\u201cB\u201d Coy silent, wireless not working. \u201cC\u201d Coy unable to make progress ad continuing round on left instead of right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1405 <\/strong>\u201cB\u201dCoy now at 930850 but being heavily machine gunned from position 937855.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1700<\/strong> Position at approximately 1700 hrs. Left \u201cB\u201d Coy area 930853 or4. \u201dC\u201d Coy point 362 at 954839. Right 1 Platoon \u201cA\u201d Coy pushing down road to Gravina 9484 (not to get too involved). 1 platoon \u201cD\u201d Coy lost believed to be holding out on right). Remainder \u201cA\u201d and \u201cD\u201d Coys in reserve with CO in San Giovanni di Galerno 930840 (less 1 Platoon of \u201dD\u201d Coy blocking road as in original task).<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1830<\/strong> \u201cA\u201d Coy Platoon advancing down road to Gravina road junction 937843 met considerable enemy MG fire and were halted. Runner returned to Bttn HQ and Platoon is expected to return to San Gio do Galerno. Believed suffered some casualties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1930 <\/strong>Bttn HQ moved to advance HQ at 930859.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2015<\/strong> Enemy MG positions pinpointed well camouflaged at 936844.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2030 <\/strong>Patrol information No 1 2330 \u2013 0030 to find out if enemy are in area, track North Lavanica 9383. Recce patrol from \u201cA\u201d Coy No 2 2230 \u2013 0230 5 find out any information about the enemy area 93984<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0050<\/strong> \u201cB\u201d Coy reported in position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0325<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy reported patrol in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA\u201d Coy patrol reported in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0725 <\/strong>Enemy believed retired from his positions round Gravina. \u201cB\u201d Coy to advance to track932854 and \u201cA\u201d Coy and snipers to advance to the road to Gravina. \u201cC\u201d Coy to advance owards road junction 937854.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0730<\/strong> Division reports Adrano, Belpasso, San Maria di Locosia captured yesterday. Enemy digging in to area 089852 \u2013 Aci Castello and holds positions Catir 9725.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0750<\/strong> Patrol report last night 6\/7 Number 2, 1 officer and 2 ORs. Task to discover any information about the enemy in area 938845. Rpoute out and along line San Giovanni \u2013 Scalagrande, times out and in 2230-0330. Information number 2 went 40 yards past bridge 934845 and found permanent post 25 yards from bridge, 2 armed sentries seen to leave gate 50 yards east of bridge and take up positions 100 yards to the south. Patrol also saw 4 men on ridge 935846 where one have orders. Number 1 patrol found it impossible to reach road 930855 to 937854 owing to high cactus bushes and other natural obstacles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0550<\/strong> OP established in building next to church at 929844.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0700 <\/strong>Owing to enemy quiet and civilians who say that the Germans have definitely evacuated Gravina and Mascalucia. \u201cA\u201d Coy to push on to road junction 936845 and beyond. \u201cB\u201d Coy to push northwards. If enemy encountered, \u201cC\u201d Coy to push through centre.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0705 <\/strong>\u201cC\u201d Coy report church bells heard ringing and sounds of rejoicing in direction Gravina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0810 <\/strong>\u201cC\u201d Coy report no enemy encountered yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cA\u201d Coy report road cratered t 934844. Party of 30 men could make passable for vehicles. Clearing minefield at road junction 936845. Enemy gone, continuing advance when road cleared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0855<\/strong> \u201cA\u201d Coys entered Gravina and were received with enthusiasm by civilians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0945<\/strong> \u201cA\u201d Coy entered Mascalucia and received a tremendous welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0950 <\/strong>An officer of 5 Division Recce Corps informed OC \u201cA\u201d Coy that he was part of a mobile column which was beginning to pass through Mascalucia and was directed on Tremestieri and thence east.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1135 <\/strong>\u201cA\u201d Coy Mascalucia. One platoon road 926867, one platoon road 926870, one platoon road 931857. \u201cC\u201d Coy moving along road Gravina \u2013 Concezione 951862 followed by \u201cB\u201d Coy, \u201cD\u201d Coy and Bttn HQ at Gravina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No enemy yet encountered but believed by 5 Division to be in Tremestieri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1330<\/strong> OC 5 Division Recce i\/c column contacted. He gave the information that his ordered had his orders had been changed and that he was now turning north at Tremestieri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> \u201cA\u201d Coy remaining occupying Mascalucia. \u201cC\u201d Coy arriving at Tremestieri, \u201cB\u201d Coy at Concezione 952861. \u201cD\u201d Coy and Bttn HQ remaining at 938853. 1 London Scottish advancing up road San Agata 955850 \u2013 San Giovanni La Punta 9687. 10 Royal Berkshires advancing up road Pomaro 970850 \u2013 San Gregorio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1900 <\/strong>OC Antin Tank RA brought orders to CO from Brigade for Bttn to concentrate in are Tremestieri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2000<\/strong> Bttn left present area to move into new concentration area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2140<\/strong> Bttn in positions as follows: Bttn HQ 949868, \u201cA\u201d Coy 946868, \u201cB\u201d Coy 947973, \u201cC\u201d Coy 942972, \u201cD\u201d Coy 949864. 1 London Scottish area San Giovanni, 10 Royal Berkshires area Valverde. 5 Division having been sent north and east of Mascalucia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0515 <\/strong>All coys report no enemy contact and a quiet night.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0910 <\/strong>Bttn moved off to concentrate in area rear of Royal Berkshires at Valverde.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1015<\/strong> Bttn arrived in area Valverde, Bttn HQ 095874. \u201cA\u201d Coy 993884, \u201cB\u201d Coy 996878, \u201cC\u201d Coy 997882, \u201cD\u201d Coy 996873.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1103<\/strong> enemy heavy mortar bombs fired in Bttn area. A Coy area shelled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1400<\/strong> Bttn left Valverde for San Antonio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1530<\/strong> \u201cA\u201d Coy under heavy mortar fire at 001905. Road cratered at 003907 and 004905.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1835 <\/strong>Bttn HQ established 998901. \u201cA\u201d Coy 005915, \u201cB\u201d Coy 004910, \u201cC\u201d Coy 000908, \u201cD\u201d Coy 008906.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2300<\/strong> Bttn warned to be ready to move at 0645 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0625<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy to move at 0645 hrs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0645<\/strong> Bttn moved off in the following order: \u201cC\u201d Coy, \u201cB\u201d Coy, \u201cA2 Coy, Bttn HQ,\u201cD\u201d Coy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0750 <\/strong>Civilian reports enemy laid mines under rocks and in the vineyard besides tracks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0800<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy reached road junction 008923.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0810<\/strong> Road Malovrio cratered but passable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 0815<\/strong> Advancing beyond Malovrio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1000 <\/strong>\u201cC\u201d Coy \u2013 Enemy MG post reported by civilians at 006952.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1035 <\/strong>\u201cC\u201d Coy located enemy MG post and are mortaring it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1130 <\/strong>Enemy shell fire (88 mm) in 006937.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1245 <\/strong>Civilians report enemy resistance 0098 and 0407 and heavy resistance likely at 0412, 0611 and 0814.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1255<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy report Fowl clear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1300 \u201c<\/strong>C\u201d Coy report that when mortar bombs fall on enemy MG post \u2013 then behind in retreat, 2 MGs, 1 M Pistol and 1 parachutist\u2019s steel helmet<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1320 <\/strong>Enemy mortar firing on to rear positions. Artillery replied with fire on red house where enemy position located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1340<\/strong> \u201cC\u201d Coy report that there has been a tank in the field beside road junction 006995. Enemy left behind 2 tank track links or may be field guns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1600<\/strong> Bttn HQ established 006961, \u201cA\u201d Coy at 004966, \u201cB\u201d Coy 002961, \u201cC\u201d Coy 008967,\u201cD\u201d Coy 007965.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1730<\/strong> \u201cD\u201d Coy recce patrol left from 006967 right of Losentini church 998970 via Papentonazzo 00966 to Ceccazzo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1800 <\/strong>OP established 003972.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1830<\/strong> DLI on copyright reported to be 800 yards beyond river (Pullet). \u201cD2 Coy patrol sent out to recce river.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2140<\/strong> Patrols to bridge at Venerina leaving 2330 hrs returning 0500 hrs. Route approximately line of road from \u201cB\u201d Coy to area Carica 0294 from \u201cA\u201d Coy and \u201cB\u201d Coy 10 Royal Berkshires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2230<\/strong> \u201cD\u201d Coy patrol returning at 2100 hrs reports road block 005985. Enemy holding Cinito 9898 and Bocca d\u2019Aldi 9699.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 2400 <\/strong>\u201cB\u201d Coy patrol report contact with DLI on right. Forward coys now 400 to 600 yards ahead of Guardia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3rd<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4th<\/sup> to 5th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6th<\/sup> to 10th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10th<\/sup> to 12th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
21st<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
30th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nIntelligence Summary.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3rd<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
5th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
6th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9th<\/sup> August<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10