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26th July - No. 1 Troop was not engaged during the day but No. 2 Troop engaged enemy occupied houses in the Poggio Secco area, which had been observed from Meleto. Good results were obtained, air bursts being particularly effective. Enemy were seen to evacuate casualties. This position had been bothering and Kings but direct fire from the tanks from a flank finally dislodged them.
During the day Partisan information indicated a possible crossing of the deep ravine ahead, the ordinary bridge having been blown. A patrol, one platoon in strength, went out at last light accompanied by Capt. R. S. H. Sidebottom, and Sjt. Ridley of the Royal Engineers Section attached to B Squadron. They reported that the crossing was difficult but possible after demolitions.
27th July - At 0530 hours the infantry moved forward and crossed the river. The Royal Engineers went down immediately afterwards and made the demolitions. No. 2 Troop moved into a position to give covering fire along the track. No. 1 Troop went down to the crossing but both leading tanks broke tracks on the approach to the crossing and the Troops did not cross until 1500 hours. Immediately after they crossed No. 2 Troop went over without incident and prepared to support another advance. These two Troops leaguered in the area and in spite of heavy nebelwerfer fire suffered no casualties. It was decided that 2nd-4th Hamps with C Squadron should capture Martino the following day.
28th July - The plan was that 2nd-4th Hamps were to take Martino and the surrounding heights, supported by the tanks, first from Pavelli and then, if possible, from one of the heights - Point 531. A bad wadi was encountered but after an hour's hard work by the R.Es. four tanks were got safely across and the remainder positioned on the hill overlooking Martino. The infantry reached Palagio, but it was obvious that all movement forward of this place was observed by enemy forces holding the high ground at San Lucia. Lieut. Col. Mitchell thus decided to attack Point 505 which, after heavy fighting, was occupied and eventually consolidated. During this attack C Squadron engaged targets in Martino and Nos. 3 and 4 Troops advanced to San Andrea in an endeavour to reach Point 531. However, the ground was impossible and it was decided to leave them there for the night.
29th July - The 2nd-4th Hamps were ordered to probe forward with a view to occupying Point 531, but were subjected to heavy fire and the attack was postponed until the following morning.
During the morning Nos. 3 and 4 Troops shot up targets in the Martino area and the forward observation officer directed his guns on to the same area in the afternoon. In the process a lot of counter shelling was experienced and consequently the tanks withdrew to a more sheltered position for the night.
30th July - At 0430 hours the 2nd-4th Hamps launched their attack on Point 531 and by 0600 hours the enemy had been driven from the feature. The 2nd Kings passed through 2nd-4th Hamps. A Squadron were not able to accompany them as no movement for tanks past the San Andrea area was possible and Martino was still in enemy hands.
31st July - The Somersets supported by B Squadron captured Martino, and A Squadron, plus two Shermans, passed through on to Point 531. It proved impossible for A Squadron to follow 2nd Kings across the hills so all the 75 mm. Churchills, plus the two Shermans, engaged targets across the river on the 6th British Armoured Divisional front. Targets included a headquarters, two gun positions, a nebelwerfer position and transport on Route 69.
As this position gave such excellent observation in front of the 6th Armoured Division, Lieut J Waters, and the two Sherman tanks were left at Point 531 on the three following days. Liaison was affected with 6th Armoured Division Forward Observation Officer and flash spotter, and Lieut. Waters fired off an average of 200 rounds per gun per day for the next three days.
1st August - Sjt. Ridley and his R.E. Section repaired three demolitions in readiness for the next day's advance. C Squadron was moved up to Raggio a La Croche. The brigade axis now passed through a long defile which it was thought likely the enemy would defend.
2nd August - Plans were made for an attack by C Squadron with one Troop of A Squadron to give right flank protection and also to shoot up part of the area by moonlight. Enemy fire from this flank had been giving the 2nd Kings trouble. Later on this day information was received that the enemy were likely to withdraw.
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