20 Jan 44 

Ernest Shaw, 1 York & Lancs. reports 

‘Another lucky escape. On the same track we were going down the side of a road, perhaps 50 yards off the road on the right of the road (just before the Gerry Aid Post). One of our platoons rounded the bend on the road itself and there must have been a German tank with this corner under observation and he let fly at them. There were a couple of casualties before they got off the road. While Ted and I were still behind this corner and still 30 to 40 yards short of the corner but off the road, “A” Company came marching down, a full platoon, not marching but walking in single file. Their Company Commander, I believe his name was Wilson, Major A. Wilson, was not far from the front, perhaps a couple of Sections in front of him and I shouted to him ‘Excuse me Sir watch it on the corner, you are under observation, you are better off the road’. But whether he did not hear me properly, he glared and carried on. Next thing the Gerry tank sees these guys going around the corner and lets go again and they scatter. There were a few casualties. I cursed the officer. “Daft Bugger”.

German tanks came down this road from Santa Maria Infante. This was ‘A’ Company 1 York & Lancs. position, just around cemetery corner. (Photo John Strafford)

The Scauri Peninsula and Tremensuoli.

 2 Scots Guards War Diary 

21 Jan 44 – 0800 

Owing to the slow progress of the last few days and the stiff resistance which had been encountered, the plan for the attack by 201 Guards Brigade had been considerably  modified. 6 Grenadier Guards were still to go for part of the Scauri Peninsula; 2 Scots Guards was to capture Scauri village, and 3 Coldstream Guards were to remain in reserve at Tremensuoli. In accordance with this plan all arrangements and reconnaissance of the area were carried out. The Battalion was sent for to move up to the start line when the whole attack was postponed till first light the following morning. The reason given for this was the discovery of a counterattack forming up in Scauri.

Scauri Peninsula.  Tremensuoli is in front of it.   Photo taken from Minturno. (Photo John Strafford).

Preparations for crossing the River Garigliano before the battle begins. 17 Jan 44

Preparations for Crossing the River Garigliano before the battle begins. 17 Jan 44 

see below:

Preoparing to cross the River Garigliano - 17 Jan 44

 Preparing to cross the River Garigliano 17 Jan 44

https://youtu.be/7TajwuQ544I?si=-H25x_8vxvvxgTrn 

X Corps Cross the River Garigliano 17 Jan 44

X Corps Cross the River Garigliano. 17 Jan 44 

20 Jan 44 DSO for Lt.Col. Patrick G. Bulfin Green Howards

 Roger Chapman, 1 Green Howards History 

20 Jan 44 ‘After being kept awake by intermittent shelling and machine gun fire during the night Lieutenant-Colonel Patrick George Bulfin went forward at dawn to make a reconnaissance of Tremensuoli, a small village a couple of miles ahead. He had been ordered to capture it this morning with support from 15 Infantry Brigade artillery units. 

    It was to prove a hard fight, as the artillery barrage did not stop the German machine gun and mortar fire. There were many casualties from splinters including Lieutenant Norman Yardley, who recovered from the wounds and later captained a successful English cricket XI in several Test matches after the war. 

View of Tremensuoli from Point 141, Monte Del Duca. (Photo Peter Strafford)

Position of PIAT gun - 20 Jan 44

 20 Jan 44

Book page 101

A soldier ‘B’ Coy 1 York & Lancs. described the situation. Map drawn by soldier afterwards 

‘B’ Company advanced towards Monte Natale and dug in along a ridge which had a high hedge which was thick enough to be a barrier, but we could still see to our front through the sparse root system. After a while ‘C’ Company passed through us and dug in about 50 yards to our front. The whole area became quiet except for digging. All night one could hear horse transport on the road in front.

Sketch of battle drawn afterwards by a Private in 1 York & Lancs.

                        Book Page 102

Position of PIAT per sketch. (Photo John Strafford)

Same position 12 May 44 when US Forces arrived. (U.S. National Archives)