Page Nineteen

On the LEFT ‘C’ Squadron supported an attack in very close country with infantry giving protection against enemy faustpatrones. Limited objectives were of the order of the day and the tanks proceeded slowly with many incidents taking place. Shelling and mortaring were particularly heavy all day but the biggest thorn in the flesh of both infantry and tanks was a certain TIGER tank which moved about from fire position to fire position on the high ground above. One of its positions from which it was spotted firing was practically unassailable; it was between two buildings protected in front by a brick wall, apparently some five or ten yards in front of the tank and below which the ground fell sharply. The only target which the TIGER presented was its gun barrel and the very top of the turret, which was just visible. By gradual degrees the infantry advanced to within 200 yards of the objective and by last light all tanks were short of petrol and ammunition and it was NOT possible to make a further attack that evening. Positions were accordingly consolidated and the tanks were pulled back. During that date the enemy finally withdrew from SAN MARTINO and 48 HIGHLANDERS with RCR on their RIGHT made good progress with the GREEKS having reached a line running NORTH of the airfield. Later in the day RCR were pulled back to relieve the PPCLI and 2 BRIGADE was warned to prepare for action the following night.

At 1715 hours Brigadier GIBSON, commanding 2 INFANTRY BRIGADE, held an ORDER GROUP and gave out the following plan. The R 22e R, supported by two troops of ‘A’ Squadron 145 RAC, were to advance and establish themselves LEFT of the WNSR. At 2000 hours the EDMONTONS would advance and, passing between the H&PER and WNSR, capture the spur, SAN LORENZO IN MONTE, running NORTH-WEST from the main feature. ‘C’ Squadron 145 RAC would be prepared to support by first light. The SEAFORTHS were to follow the EDMONTONS and, swinging RIGHT, to capture the remainder of the feature NORTH of COVIGNANO. ‘B’ Squadron 48 R TKS was instructed to tie up with PPCLI.

The attack by R 22e R went well and by 2050 hours they had taken 50 prisoners and at last light one troop of ‘A’ Squadron had joined them. The EDMONTONS and SEAFORTHS carried out their tasks as planned and infiltrated through the enemy positions successfully, the rectangular stonks which preceded their advance being particularly effective. During this move the EDMONTONS ambushed and destroyed one TIGER tank with HAWKIN’ S grenades, which blew off its tracks, and PIATS, having first of all accounted for the infantry which were accompanying it. ‘C’ Squadron 145 RAC moved up to join the EDMONTONS about three-quarters of an hour before first light. This was a wise move as there were still TIGERS undealt with in the area and, as the first streaks of light appeared, the rear tanks of the column were engaged just before reaching the sunken road. By 0600 hours 20 Sep the squadron was within half a mile of their infantry and despite being held up by a blow in the road they arrived in good time. The whole day was taken up with mopping-up operations along the whole feature. Many enemy were killed and large numbers of prisoners were rounded up. During the morning one troop of ‘C’ Squadron was sent to support the SEAFORTHS on to COVIGNANO. H&PER, supported by ‘A’ Squadron 48 R TKS, who had returned after replenishing, prepared to make a LEFT-hook attack but before this could be put in the SEAFORTHS had captured the objective from the NORTHERN side. H&PER then mopped up. Meanwhile ‘C’ Squadron 48 R TKS had also returned and had climbed in the hill to FRANCOLINO 826943 to support WNSR, who had captured SAN FORTUNATO once again. Remaining in a counter-attack role both squadrons were heavily shelled but by 1500 hours they were on their way back for a rest and reorganisation. Meanwhile R 22e R had captured more prisoners further to the SOUTH-WEST.

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