Page Fifty-two
Despite the fact that the Germans had made the Cerasola Ridge and the river Auso into a major line of defense, manned by elements of several divisions, in three days the ridge was cleared and the river successfully crossed. Much of the credit for the capture of such an important objective, accomplished in such short order while under almost continuous shell and mortar fire and spells of heavy rain, once again must go to the Churchill tank's unmatched climbing ability. During the operation, 'B' Squadron lost three tanks and the lives of Troopers David George James and Raymond Thomas Mitchell, who are buried side-by-side in Gradara War Cemetery.
Two incidents, during the advance through the Gothic Line remain fresh in my memory. Losing our starboard track after going over a mine - speedily repaired by the crew of the Squadron's AVRE, and being buzzed twice by a Spitfire. What a scramble it was, after the aircraft's first pass, to get up and place the yellow identification flag atop the turret!
Keeping to the foothills, the Regiment moved around the north-eastern tip of The Most Serene Republic of San Marino to then move westward. After tanks of 'B' Squadron had successfully crossed the Marecchia (the last river before the Uso, sometimes but incorrectly referred to as the Rubicon) operations ceased towards the end of the month.
While our tanks were undergoing much needed maintenance and the replacements made ready, a leave programme was put in place. However, before many were able have a couple of days enjoying the facility set up by the Canadians in Riccione, the programme abruptly came to an end. The word had come down for the Regiment to prepare for immediate action! The crew of Ballyrashane was not among the fortunate few. On Sunday, October 1st, the reason for the cancellation became known, the Regiment had another river to cross and had been given only a few days to do it.
The Month of October, 1944
When it became known that the German Army had positioned elements of ten divisions (including those that had been driven off the Coriano Ridge), to form a formidable line of defence on the northwest side of the river Uso, it was obvious any attempt at a direct assault would be costly indeed. Consequently it was decided that the Regiment would come under command of the 10th Indian Division, effective 1st October, with its four experienced hill-fighting brigades. The Division had been ordered to immediately cross the rivers Uso and Rubicone, as far upstream as possible, then to advance to the north-east to cut Highway 9 (Via Emilia), thus blocking the enemy's only escape route. The Regiment, for its part, had a daunting task to perform - unlike the attack on the Hitler Line where each Infantry Regiment had a Squadron in support, this time it would be three Squadrons supporting four full Infantry Brigades! As the action progressed, in order to give as much support to the infantry as possible, Squadrons were at times split in two, sometimes three, units.
To better follow the tracks of 'B' Squadron and of Ballyrashane in particular, over the next few weeks, see Crossing the Rubicon. During this period, the Squadron's tanks were supporting the Gurkha, Mahratta and Punjabi Regiments.
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