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29th August - The 5th Hampshires advanced to Monte Buseto during the night of 28th-29th August. C Squadron were to attempt to cross the watershed to this hill at first light. The going proved very bad but two tanks made the trip. The Commanding Officer suggested that the remainder of the Squadron move round by Ripe, via the road junction to Serra Di Enga. Brigadier Kendrew agreed and the Squadron were in the process of moving when orders were received that N.I.H. were to return and come under command of 25th Army Tank Brigade.

30th August - At 0500 hours the Brigadier, 128th Infantry Brigade, asked the Commanding Officer to accompany him to Colbordolo to make a reconnaissance. It was clear that the Monte Gridolfo feature would have to be taken before tanks or infantry could move across the lower slopes. The Commanding Officer returned to Monte Grosso where the whole Regiment had concentrated the prevoius evening, with a promise of twenty-four hours' rest and maintenance.
At 1130 hours the Commanding Officer was ordered to an opera­tion group at Colbordolo. Here he was informed that the 2nd Hamps. were to cross the river Foglia at 1400 hours on this day and Brigadier Kendrew asked for tank support. The Commanding Officer explained that the tanks were stripped for maintenance but that he would do his utmost to get up tanks. The Recon­naissance Troop was ordered to move in one hour's time. Traffic on the road was considerable and the tanks were much delayed. In view of the late hour Brigadier Kendrew decided that he would not use the tanks till the following morning. At 1700 hours orders were received for the Regiment to concentrate in the Ripe area and to revert to command of 25th Army Tank Brigade again. A plan was now made for Brigadier Kendrew tcommand a column of the Divisional Reconnaissance Regiment, the 5th Hamps. and the 142nd Regiment R.A.C. to attempt to burst round the lower slopes of Monte Gridolfo. The Commanding Officer offered the use of the Reconnaissance Troop and the armoured “Gin Box."

31st August - At 0500 hours orders were received that N.I.H. were to come under command of the 128th Infantry Brigade again. The Commanding Officer went forward to Colbordolo and agreed that A Squadron should be passed across the river, followed by B Squadron. A Sherman-dozer was required to make good a crossing. A Squadron crossed and in attempting to make the direct ascent to Monte Le Vecchie encountered a minefield. The Commanding Officer then ordered that the Squadron advance by road. The road up to Monte Le Vecchie proved to be mined and sappers were rushed up to deal with this. A Squadron reported a self-propelled gun firing. It was im­possible to leave the road and as it was a steep uphill climb no advance was possible. The Commanding Officer was now ordered to concentrate two Squadrons in the area.

1st September - A Squadron was ordered to support the advance of the 5th Hamps. to Point 331 and also to help the 1st-4th Hamps. mop up in the area of Monte Gridolfo. These two tasks were successfully fulfilled. At about 1200 hours self-propelled guns were seen approaching Monte Gridolfo from the east and moving south on Meleto. Five self-propelled guns were seen to enter this area. One was engaged at long range by Major R. J. Griffith, M.C. Artillery concentrations were brought down on the area and no movement was seen till late that evening when one self-propelled gun came out on the road and was shot up and knocked out by Lieut. D. Hunt's Troop. At about 1400 hours the 5th Hamps. reported an S.P. in Meleto. This gun was engaged by A Squadron and driven off. A Squadron remained in observation for the remainder of the day in the area of Points 374 and 331.

2nd September - Orders were received that N.I.H. was to come under command of the 138th Infantry Brigade. The Regiment concentrated and refuelled in the area of Monte Busco. Brigadier Harding gave out his orders at 2100 hours and the plan was laid on for the 2nd-4th King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry to form a bridgehead over the river Ventena and the 6th Yorkshire and Lancashires, supported by C Squadron, were to advance through them and form a bridgehead over the river Conca, taking the high ground beyond Morciano. One Troop was to follow the infantry during moonlight and to be in a position to support them forward on to Morciano, San Andrea and the right. No. 2 Troop was detailed for this duty and the remainder of the Squadron were to follow at first light. A section of the R.Es. was attached to No. 2 Troop, who made their way down the road through the 2nd-4th K.O.Y.L.I. and opened up on enemy in the area of Morciano at 0600 hours the next morning.

3rd September - About 0500 hours the remainder of C Squadron moved forward and at 0800 hours No. 3 Troop was ordered to cross the Conca, supported by Nos. 2 and 4 Troops on the right and left respectively. The tanks reached the crossing which was overlooked by the high ground beyond and were shot at by a self-propelled gun from the area of a cemetery. The infantry nearby were heavily "Stonked” and quite unable to advance.

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