A: Initial Crossing    B: Intended Follow-up Crossing    C: Alternative Crossing
Map reproduced (with my additions) with thanks to a Commando Veteran Association member who also provided me with specific details relative to units of 2nd Commando Brigade.

As a part of their network of river defenses (previously mentioned) the Germans had flooded the Valli di Comacchio to within about six kilometres of the Reno. As this dry area, which became known as the Argenta Gap, offered the only practical way for 8th Army to break through to Ferrara and the River Po it was decided to give the enemy the impression that the next offensive would be elsewhere, consequently much thought was given to how to convince the Germans that the main attack would come in the form of another landing north of Lake Comacchio. As a preliminary, an attack would be launched north, up the narrow strip of land between the lagoon and the sea, designed to convince Kesselring that a seaborne invasion was imminent while hiding its true purpose. The plan, Operation Roast that went into effect, in which 'B' Squadron played a pivotal role was simplicity itself and, as so often happened to plans simple in nature, proved to be highly successful. Not only was Kesselring deceived - he ordered the move of German forces, including 29th Panzer Division, to the Adriatic sector - more importantly, the true purpose of the operation was successfully concealed from the enemy to make the way clear for a left-hook, across the lagoon, to land troops of 56th Infantry Division behind enemy lines.

Although not technically correct, the narrow strip of land was referred to as the "Spit." It is about eight miles long and, except for the southern three miles, is only about two hundred yards or so wide. During the month of March, as the southern section was subjected to heavy attacks by field artillery and from air, substantial German forces were moved from the Argenta Gap to face the expected attack by 8th Army.

During the last two weeks of March the Squadron trained extensively with units of 2nd Commando Brigade in preparation for the forthcoming   attack on the "Spit." First with No.40 and No.43 (Royal Marines) Commandos, who were scheduled to make landings across the River Reno, then with the Cremona Brigade who were to take part in a sham frontal assault. Concerning the latter, Skipper's account of the conference with the Italian commander, where a mixture of Italian, French and English was employed, was absolutely hilarious. Cremona's Commander, while rubbing his index finger up the side of his nose, kept repeating "Le char Churchill, tres formidable." It brought memories of the same comment made by the fair damsels of Tunis at the Victory Parade. Richard Lamb, in his book War in Italy, records the support given to the Cremona Brigade by tanks of the North Irish Horse, Page 193.

 On 2nd April as darkness fell two of the  Squadron's Troops, which had been  waterproofed, set out to cross the Reno near  its mouth. (A on the map). However, the lead  Churchill quickly discovered the river to be  deeper than anticipated. Fortunately, the Royal Engineers had the parts of a Class 40 Raft nearby (Class 40 indicating, as with Bailey Bridges, the safe tonnage to be carried) which they finished assembling before midnight. Six tanks then moved across, advancing east until being held up by a deep ditch while awaiting the arrival of a Churchill Fascine Carrier.

What was not realised, due to the flooding activity of the Germans, the depth of water in Lake Comacchio was barely sufficient to float even shallow-drafted assault craft. Consequently No.2 Commando, which had set off on the night of 1st April from San Alberto, had a difficult time while avoiding, and sometimes running into, the many mud banks. As a result of the problems encountered while crossing all of the boats were late by several hours, however, their passengers made it ashore without meeting any enemy opposition. No.9 Commando embarked from the lake's south shore east of San Alberto at about the same time and also found themselves having to manhandle their lighter craft across the lake when the heavier craft became bogged down in the mud.