As 'B' Squadron's tanks had been left in Cesena, we were the first to reach Ravenna (liberated by the Canadians 4th December) where we were subsequently joined by RHQ's newly created Recce Squadron. During the next several days, to bring the Squadron up to strength, half-a-dozen Churchill Mark Vs arrived, one of which became the last to proudly bear the name, Ballyrashane, T173256.

Turret L-R:  L/Cpl Alan Hughes   Me   Major RSH Sidebottom
Drivers L-R:  L/Cpl "Darkie" Gault  Tpr. Tommy Bowers

Following the surrender of Italy in the autumn of 1943, apart from diehard Fascisti, more and more Italians came over to fight for the Allies. So effective were the efforts of the Partisans, that a suggestion was put forward to create a regular Italian fighting unit, thus, despite some misgivings, Cremona Brigades were created. It fell to the British to provide weapons training and equipment, even to clothing, except the battle dress was dyed green.

It was now the NIH's responsibility to support the first Cremona Brigade as they manned a so called "quiet sector" extending from the upper reaches of the river Senio, as it flowed to the north, to the Adriatic Sea. As had happened in the Ardennes the German Army proved again their ability to exploit "quiet sectors" to their advantage. However, in the Po Valley it was not their intention to mount a major attack, rather to construct a series of river based defences, namely the Irmgard Line - River Senio, the Laura Line - River Santerno, the Paula Line - River Sillaro and the Genghiz Khan Line - River Idice.

While these lines of defence were being put in place, to prevent a crossing of the river Reno was essential, consequently, the Germans launched a series of attacks south of the river capturing several areas held by the Italians. As it soon became obvious that the inexperienced Cremona Brigade was too thin on the ground, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade was called upon to relieve the pressure. Once more the Regiment was in the now familiar role of simultaneously supporting more than one brigade of infantry.

During the few days we spent in Ravenna, some of us got the opportunity of viewing the mosaics of which the town is famous. Additionally, "my" Canadian felling axe was located and restored to its rightful place aboard our new Mark V.

When the time came for the Squadron to move into action again, it was to support the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry in their efforts to recover the ground lost by the Cremona Brigade. During the seven or so days it took, the 95mm guns of the Squadron were extensively used. Despite not having any prior experience firing the guns (unlike those of the other Squadrons who had had gunnery practice while in Riccione) the shoots were very effective.

3rd February was a sad day for the Princess Pats. Aided by supporting fire from 2 Troop, they took possession of a large house (Casa Baronio) after a brief but fierce battle. Unfortunately, it was not known that the casa had been booby trapped and, when it was blown up by remote control, thirty of the Canadians became casualties.

Also on 3rd February, as the Germans had been discovered busily engaged in the flooding of the marshy ground, south of Lake Commacchio almost to the river Reno except for its western end near Argenta, the order came to suspend further offensive operations.