Introductory

1. This short account of the operations of 25 Tank Brigade (Brigadier J. N. Tetley, D S 0., T.D.) covers the closing stages of the slogging match through the hills to the banks of the Arno opposite Florence, the move back to the Perugia area, and the move across to the Adriatic sector in preparation for the attack against the Gothic line.

2. During this period from 1 to 24 August of the activity was confined to movement and wherever possible overhaul of tanks and vehicles in preparation for the forthcoming assault.

The Drive for Florence

3. From 1 August the 25th Tank Brigade supported the operations of the 4th British Infantry Division in its drive south of the Arno towards the city of Florence. The task of the tanks in this advance was made extremely difficult by the very hilly nature of the terrain, but successful support was given to the infantry and the capture of Incontro by tanks of the North Irish Horse, up what appeared to be an almost unscaleable height for tracked vehicles, completely disorganised the enemy and 2nd DCLI were able to mop up and consolidate the position. The capture of this position undoubtedly forced the enemy to abandon his positions south of the Arno. Considerable speculation had been made during this period as to the future commitments of the Brigade. Plan and counter-plan was made and various affiliations effected with both the 1st British Infantry Division and the 46th Division with a view to the possibility of working with either of these formations, but on 8 August the situation was made clear with orders for the Brigade to move back and concentrate in the area of Foligno to come under command 5 Corps for operations and 1 Canadian Corps for administration.

Preparation for the Attack on the Gothic Line

4. On 9 August the Brigade having been relieved from operations in the Florence sector, reconnaissance parties from the Brigade units under the Brigade Major selected suitable areas in the vicinity of San Mariano 6181, five miles northwest of Perugia. Upon areas being allocated to the regiments and services, the move back to the concentration area commenced. For security reasons all unit signs were removed from personnel and vehicles. The move back was made in two phases owing to the heavy Army transporter programme and the limited number of transporters available. The tanks consequently moved on their tracks over very difficult roads and innumerable bad diversions, a distance of forty to fifty miles to Arezzo where they were loaded on to transporters for the remainder of the move to Perugia, Wheeled vehicles also staged at Arezzo before completing the journey.
5, Main Brigade Headquarters moved to the new location on 12 August and by 15 August the Brigade had completed concentration. Once in the new location everything was done to preserve secrecy and deception. The highest priority was given to camouflage of vehicles and tents, while movement within the Brigade area was kept to an absolute minimum. Repairs to tanks and overhauls were carried out on the spot by Light Aid Detachment personnel, thus obviating the movement to Brigade Workshops. It was soon apparent that little time was to be available for rest and to carry out the much needed workshops programme, and on 13 August orders were received placing the Brigade under command 5 Corps for administration and under the 46th Division for operations in the offensive which was planned to take place against the Gothic line on the Adriatic coastal sector.

The Move to the Adriatic Sector

6. Due to difficulties encountered in the bridging to overcome the demolitions on the routes forward to the new concentration area south of the River Metauro, the move forward of the Brigade was delayed longer than at first expected. The early days were mainly taken up with reconnaissances, conferences and liaison visits and it was not until 20 August that the first unit of the Brigade, the 142nd Army Field Regiment Royal Artillery (Royal Devon Yeomanry) commenced the move, followed on the same day by the North Irish Horse. On the following day the 5lst Royal Tanks moved to the new area to be followed by the 142nd Regiment Royal Armoured Corps and Brigade Headquarters, with the Brigade services following to complete the concentration, north of Fabriano. At 0300 hrs on 23 August Main Brigade Headquarters opened up at Sasso Ferrato 0727.
7. It is interesting to note that during the period 8 to 23 August inclusive, the four days 16 - 19 August were the only ones when the Brigade was not involved in movement of some kind, and so the hoped for period of rest vanished in the way it so often did.
8. Once again it was apparent that the Brigade was to be involved in a large scale battle to breach a strongly defended line, on this occasion the Gothic Line with the 46th Division and the necessary affiliations of tank regiments to infantry brigades (so very important in tank and infantry co-operation) was effected and the necessary liaison and tie up carried out. The necessary preliminary preparations for the impending attack were undertaken the tanks being given last minute maintenance while defence overprints, aerial photographs and tank going maps were studied.

Map 1a: The situation on the 10 Corps front at last light, 16 August 1944
Map 1b: 5 Corps concentration areas, 23 August 1944

Turn to Chapter Two
or return to the
Index