The surmise that action was imminent was confirmed when the OC called a meeting on his return from RHQ. We were told to prepare for action on the morrow and that the ultimate objective was to capture, intact, the bridges over the river Arno in the proximity of Florence. With the Pratomagno massif effectively restricting an approach on the eastern side of the river, the main attack was being launched on the west side up a narrow front between the river and Monte del Chianti.

The next day, with 'B' Squadron and 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry in reserve, the battle commenced and, after two days, although the centuries old castle had not been seriously damaged, much of the village of Meleto, sitting on the road at the foot of the hill, had been destroyed.

About this time, Major MacKean told me he had decided to use the scout car as his Tac HQ, as aerial photographs showed a narrow track, linking farms, running a few hundred feet up and parallel to the river Arno. However, although the track ran almost to the final objective, it was too narrow for tanks to use. As the Squadron was moving into a start-line after dark, Trooper Griff and I had just a couple of hours to get the scout car ready for its important role.

Learning from our previous experience, the first priority was to obtain an auxiliary charger - this we "borrowed" from Ballyrashane. Next came the stowing of Compo Boxes, jerricans of petrol and water, etc. By the time the scout car was fully loaded and ready for action, it looked more like a gypsy caravan than a Tactical Headquarters!

The next nineteen days and nights were so hectic that it is difficult for this writer to recall much of what occurred. What is well remembered, however, was the day when Tac HQ became a target for enemy shellfire.