Assault on the Hitler Line, May 1944

On 2nd May 1944, 25th Tank Brigade came under command of 1st Canadian Infantry Division, of which the North Irish Horse was placed under command of 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. From 5th May until 12th May in the vicinity of Lucera (near Foggia) the Regiment carried out exercises with Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, Seaforth Highlanders of Canada and the Loyal Edmonton Regiment.

Seaforth Highlanders with C Squadron, 3 Troop's Castlederg.
(Photo Canadian Official, MH.4503)

Troops of 1st Canadian Infantry Division Approaching the Start Line
(Photo from Canadian Archives)

Tuesday, 23rd May 1944. Breaking the Hitler Line

Taken on either 24th or 25th May, 1944, by one of the NIH crew who, together with personnel of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada (Pipe-Major Edmund Esson was in charge) were clearing up after the breaking of Hitler Line. NIH Churchills were the first tanks of the Western Allies to knock out Panthers, two of them, during the battle. The photograph, with Seaforths atop, is one of them. She was hit on her starboard side.(Photo NIH Archives)

The other Panther bagged by Churchills of the NIH. (Photo NIH Archives}

The remains of the dug-in Panther turret which destroyed two tanks on their way into battle. The crew, having remained in place fired at returning tanks, knocking out/disabling seven, before the turret was completely destroyed by Churchill 6-pdr guns. (Photo NIH Archives)

This destroyed Panther turret did not put-out of action the two tanks seen on the photograph. Both had been hit on the starboard side advancing into action. (Photo IWM)

Destroyed Panther turret with the ruins of the Benedictine Monastery in the background.
(Photo IWM)

Another destroyed Panther turret. (Photo NIH Archives)

Canadian Soldier Examining Panther Turret
(Photo from Canadian Archives)

Men of the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada examining a Nebelwerfer.
(Photo from Canadian Archives)

One of the formidable 88mm armed turrets. It was knocked out by a shot on its port side.
(Photo NIH Archives)

The Cost of Victory

The 1st Canadian Division suffered over one thousand casualties. The North Irish Horse had twenty-five tanks put out of action (fifteen were recovered) thirty-four officers and men were killed and thirty-six
wounded. In the background of the following photographs can be seen the edge of the forest from which tanks of the NIH emerged. Also can be seen stumps of trees which had been felled to create a killing zone.

Two of the tanks knocked on their way back after the Hitler Line had been broken. As can be seen they were hit on the port side. (Photo IWM)

This shows a previously knocked out Churchill. The Sherman has its gun aimed at the turret before she herself was hit. Between the two, in the background, the turret can just be seen. (Photo IWM)

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