Page 27
GOTHIC LINE
19th August - 26th September
The 4th British Infantry Division was now drawn into army reserve and the Regiment was left to concentrate south of Florence. Many of us had looked down upon this city from the southern hills but none of us had an opportunity of a closer inspection for many weeks to come. After three days of rest we were on the road again, this time southward-bound for Perugia. It soon became apparent that very little time would elapse before we must be ready for further operations. Everyone buckled to and work on the tanks went on at high speed during the few days that were allowed us. The Battle Report for the period 19th August to 4th September reads as follows:
15th August - Orders were received that the 25th Army Tank Brigade would come under command of the 46th British Infantry Division with N.I.H. affiliated to the 128th Infantry Brigade. The Commanding Officer contacted Brigadier D. A. Kendrew, D.S.O., on the 16th August.
17th August - The tanks and wheeled vehicles left Perugia, the former on transporters,
and by the 18th the Regiment had concentrated in the area of Serra Di Conti.
The period 19th to 25th August was spent in making reconnaissances of tank tracks and awaiting for the area south of the river Metauro to be cleared up.
25th August - The tanks were concentrated in the area of Fratte Rosa the 128th Infantry Brigade concentrated on the forward slope going down to the river Metauro. The plan was for the 2nd Hamps. to cross the river at 2300 hours and that A Squadron should move from Fratte Rosa at the same hour and cross the river at 0400 hours, 26th August.
26th August - A Squadron reached the river without incident but found that the approach the river would not bear the weight of Churchill tanks and a fresh crossing had to be found. A Squadron was across by 0620 hours and joined the 2nd Hamps. at Montefelcino. The problem now for the tanks was to find a crossing of the wadi just ahead. Foot reconnaissance was immediately got under way but it was 1730 hours before a crossing was found. It was too late for the infantry to reach this flank to attack with tanks so it was arranged that the 1st-4th Hamps. should attack Monte San Bartolo.
27th August - The 1st-4th Hamps. captured the feature during the night. B Squadron crossed the wadi at dawn and supported 1st-4th Hamps. from the lower slopes of Monte San Bartolo. Several houses in the area were still giving the 1st-4th Hamps. trouble and these were successfully shot up by B Squadron.
A Squadron now passed through to support the 2nd Hamps. on to a road junction. It was hoped to keep A Squadron on the high ground, but, as the going was slow, No. 1 Troop was detached to move along the road with the infantry. This Troop, No.3, successfully got round two road craters but was eventually held up by a big blow. As progress in the hills was slow the Commanding Officer ordered the remainder of the Squadron down to the road. A bulldozer was rushed up and three more blows filled in before the Squadron could reach the road junction. The 2nd Hamps were held up by enemy holding the foothills of Monte Albullo. A quick plan was made. A Squadron shot up the whole area, and the 2nd Hamps captured the feature by 2100 hours.
28th August - B Squadron passed through to support the 1st-4th Hamps to Montegaudio. Further bulldozing was required to get the tanks along the road. The village was found to be occupied by the enemy and street fighting ensued. About thirty prisoners were taken. By 1800 hours the village was clear but the enemy still held Point 414. The infantry found they were unable to advance owing to mortaring, so Nos.1 and 4 Troops advanced supported by Nos.2 and 5 Troops. Two machine-gun posts were knocked out on the way but as the infantry were still unable to come up the tanks withdrew at last light.
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