World War Two - North Irish Horse Battle Reports

Page 31

19th September - The Regiment remained in the Poggio area whilst Nos.2 and 3 Troops of A Squadron relieved Nos.1 and 4 Troops, who were still with the 1st Royal West Kents bridge­head.

20th September - The A Squadron Troops were again relieved whilst B Squadron moved to an area south of San Aquilina and C Squadron married up with the Royal Fusiliers of the 12th Infantry Brigade, but the operation was subsequently cancelled.

21st September - Heavy rain fell during the day and all Squadrons were bogged down. The infantry made the high ground round Vergiano which they found unoccupied.

22nd September - B Squadron moved to Vergiano in the after­noon. Under cover of a smoke screen Nos. 2 and 4 Troops under Capt. R. S. H. Sidebottom crossed the river Marecchia just before last light and made a strong point in San Giustina with the Somerset Light Infantry. They were subjected to heavy shelling. No. 2 Troop of C Squadron with Capt. C. M. Thomas, M.C., and Lieut. H E. Irwin's reconnaissance Troop Shermans supported B Squadron's crossing. They also had several good shoots into the valley round Sant' Arcangelo

23rd September - B Squadron had to send Nos. 1 and 5 Troops to support the 2nd-4th Hamps in the Bornacino area at first light. This area, and San Giustina, was very heavily shelled all morning. At the same time the 5th Canadian Armoured Division was passing through but were having trouble from Sant' Arcangelo. A Squadron relieved Nos. 2 and 4 Troops of B Squadron at last light.

24th September - Nos.1 and 3 Troops of B Squadron were relieved at last light by Lieut. H. E. Irwin, M.C., and No. 1 Troop of A Squadron and this force was eventually relieved at 1930 hours the following day.

26th September—The Regiment concentrated in the area of San Aquilina for re-fitting and resting, ready to move C Squadron on the 30th September under command of the 25th Indian Infantry Brigade of the 10th Infantry Division. Our hopes for rest and maintenance were denied us. We did, however, manage to get all the fighting Troops away for forty-eight hours' leave and managed to get a certain amount of repair work carried out on the tanks.

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