16/5 Lancers what did "B" Squadron do?

 40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary

23 Jan 44

No 4 Troop was relieved by a troop of the 16/5 Lancers who proceeded to 780954 [400m South-West of Point 141, Monte Del Duca].

16/5 Lancers War Diary

23 Jan 44 Troop, ‘A’ Squadron were in support of two Battalions, 6 Seaforths and 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers for their attacks on Spur Point 141 and Point 156. Weather still fine.

S.W. Knowles Soldier On NEW INFORMATION

                                                  Sam Knowles, B Squadron 16/5 Lancers

“We were told our next operation would be the crossing of the River Garigliano by 5 and 56 Infantry Divisions, who would seize control of the pass leading into the Liri Valley.

The advance ground to a halt just north of Minturno village and it was decided that 16/5 Lancers involvement would consist of one Squadron helping the infantry to hold Minturno and reinforce the rather insecure Garigliano bridgehead.   This Squadron would also provide support for an attack on Monte Natale and Point 141, north of Minturno.   “A” Squadron were the lucky lads detailed for this operation, and we in “B” Squadron concealed our disappointment as best we could by taking the liberty bus into Caserta where we reluctantly enjoyed ourselves.

5 Infantry Division History 23 Jan 44

 The Brigade plan was for 6 Seaforths to go for Spur Point 141, a spur to the North of Point 172, halfway to Santa Maria Infante, from Point 172, and 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers for Point 156, Monte Natale. 2 Northants were to push on to Santa Maria Infante on the following day.

Terrain of the Minturno-Tufo Ridge. British troops refer to Monte Natale as Point 156. Exact location to which they refer is Point 145 and shown as such on the map above. Point 156 is a hill in front of the Cemetery. (Map Frank de Planta)

22 Jan 44 On this day Bombardier J. Stevenson wrote home.

 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary 

22 Jan 44 – 1050 

 Enemy counterattack down road – occupied Cemetery – some armour with them – situation fluid. 

22 Jan 44 – 1053
471 Battery – enemy still counterattacking strongly – some infiltration – situation still fluid

Mark Howard, historian researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery” NEW INFORMATION:

Private Papers

Bdr. J. Stevenson 959500

471/98^th Field Regt. RA

22^nd Jan.

Dear Mum & Dad

I received several of your Airmail letters recently, the latest dated the 9^th.   Glad you both enjoyed Xmas – you seem to have found many friends on the “Ridge” that I’ve not heard of before – shall enjoy meeting them all on my return whenever that may be.

               I expect you gathered from my last letter that we were going into action again.   We’ve been fighting now for nearly a week & are being kept busy both night & day.   Each days firing exceeds all previous records so you can see we’ve not much spare time and don’t worry if my mail is not as frequent as possible.   I shall send telegrams if unable to write.

               Of this side of the world – nearly 20 years ago I remember one of the photo albums containing many pictures of one certain place.   The weather here is still the same, bright & clear during the day, but extremely cold at night, in fact “bloody cold” as there is no shelter so when we get a chance to sleep it’s in the open & there’s always a hard frost.   It’s a case of putting on all the clothes ones got to go to bed, not taking them off.   However the glorious sunshine at mid-day makes up for all the discomforts & also the thought of spring soon arriving.

               The news has been good the last two days.   Just heard of the landing near Rome which is very encouraging to us.   Jerry is putting up a strong show where we are but the fighting will soon go in our favour despite mines and natural obstacles.

Geoffrey’s friends have been helping us again.   I often wonder if I will ever come across him.

               Had a letter card from Dear ma today saying she had a very good time with Mrs H at Christmas.   Also received an airgraph from Mrs H herself.   Next time we come out of action I hope we have longer rest & not so much travelling about then I might catch up with my correspondence.   I owe Hames a letter of thanks.   Hope she’s OK & back with you again.

               Will watch out for your second parcel which should be here soon 6 weeks I believe.   I have not given up hope yet of getting the tobacco.   At the moment I’m still smoking the stuff issued and bought at Xmas so am not really short.

               Will have to use airgraphs if I get a chance to write before next weekly issue of letter cards.   They take longer so don’t worry.   Cheers for now.   Love Jimmy

Embarking for Anzio and the landing on the beach. 22 Jan 44

 Landings Anzio Beach

On the morning of the 22nd January, 1944 a sea landing was carried out on the beaches of ANZIO approx.. 20 miles south of Rome. American and British troops took part in the assault. The actual landing was accomplished at 2a.m. of the morning of 22nd January, with the aid of small assault craft. This film was taken at first light and later in the morning on the beaches at ANZIO. On 21st January the film shows the infantry men transferring to the Troop carrier. At sea at last the infantry men are on board the Troop carrier working on the Landing Craft, one can also see the convoy. At dawn the boats “touch down” on the beaches. Actually the landing “zero hour” was at 2 a.m., but dawn film was the first to be obtained. The troops dash off their respective Landing Craft and march along the beach. The large Landing Craft arrive, and tanks, (Sherman). Heavy trucks towing ACK, ACK, BOFORS GUNS and other heavy vehicles begin to land on the beach. Some of these guns were stuck in the sand, and in all haste, the crew, who can be seen chasing out of the Landing Craft heave and push, to get these guns and equipment inland. The beach can be seen, obtained from a floating pier that was towed inshore. Tanks, transport, and men can be seen making their way inland. Video 642 1-4 Cameraman: Sgt. Weber Copyright Imperial War Museum (video IWM 642 1-4)

Smokescreens at the Garigliano 19 Jan 44

 Smokescreens were an essential element in the area of the River Garigliano. The Germans occupied the high ground across the river so could see all that was going on when there was not a smokescreen. Copyright Imperial War Museum.

Crossing the River Garigliano 19 Jan 44

 Film: Crossing the Garigliano. Near Minturno (Italy)

During the Allied offensive by the 5^th Army, troops have successfully established a bridgehead over the Garigliano River at various points.   The Germans, however are still within Artillery range of the river, and in consequence, movement is likely to bring down shell-fire.   The early crossings were by boat with considerable casualties. The pontoon bridges were under constant fire and needed rebuilding. There were early casualties and prisoners of war who needed repatriating.

First light on the river sees casualties being carried up. On the narrow bridgehead on the other side the Infantry are held up by mines, and a Company of Sappers file onto a pontoon raft with detecting apparatus, cast off, and slowly cross the river under mortar fire.

Sappers board a Mark II Pontoon Raft, start its outboard motor and cross the river.   This action was quite heavily mortared, but owing to the haze and smoke the bursts hardly registered.

While Sappers of the 252 Bridging Company Royal Engineers constructed a pontoon bridge and tank raft for the vehicles to follow.   The tank raft is seen in operation carrying a tank, ambulance and Jeeps.   A Bulldozer widens the approaches  and an assortment of vehicles line the road waiting for dark to cross by the reconstructed Pontoon Bridge.

The stretcher bearers bring the wounded up from the GARIGLIANO RIVER.   Then board a Mark II Pontoon Raft, start its outboard motor and cross the river.   The enemy is only 200 yards away on the opposite bank.   This action was quite heavily mortared, but owing to the haze of smoke, the bursts will probably not register.

The Pontoon Bridge further downstream has been badly damaged by German mortar fire.   Here Sappers are seen examining and reconstructing the bridge so that it can be used without delay as a jetty in conjunction with a light tank raft seen crossing beside the bridge

On the 56^th Division front a pontoon bridge was hit and partially sunk.   Some men preferred to run across the bridge and wade through the sunken portion – deeming it wiser to get wet feet.   Others preferred to remain dry and crossed in assault boats.   On the 5^th Division front at the mouth of the river, troops were ferried across on rafts – this movement obviously noticed by the enemy, as a considerable number of shells came over

Army 5 Division

No.2 Army Film and Photo Section

Cameramen:   Sgt Hopkinson

                              Sgt Weber

                              Sgt. J.R.Herbert

Copyright: Imperial War Museum (Video IWM 643/ 5-7)

https://youtu.be/PaoPh3wchYA?si=BzIbMYD8frYV_s7g&t=4 

New Information 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

 Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page  162

201 Guards Brigade History

NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE BOOK PUBLISHED.

T. B. Davis The Surrey & Sussex Yeomanry (98 Field Regiment) 1980.

On 22^nd January came the heartening news that 1 Division and 3 U.S. Division had landed sixty miles to the north at Anzio, only 35 miles south of Rome.   If Kesselring would react to this threat to his supply routes  by withdrawing forces from the Garigliano front there might be an end to the present stalemate.   Rome seemed suddenly more attainable.

The Regiment was now placed in support of 201 Guards Brigade and during the ensuing Observation Post reliefs “B” Troop O.P. party was heavily mortared.   With the enemy little more than a quarter of a mile away movement in any of the Regimental O.P.s in daylight was out of the question, and officers and signallers had to wait for nightfall to stretch their cramped limbs and to gain some respite from the cold and insanitary confinement of their slit-trenches on the bleak hillside.

The news from Anzio indicated that the landing had not achieved the quick success that had been hoped for, and all ranks were warned to expect a period of static warfare on the Regimental front.

22 Jan 44 Disposition of 15 Infantry Brigade troops.

 

22 Jan 44 midnight: The dispositions of 15 Infantry Brigade troops. York & Lancs.

“B” “C” “D” Cos. and HQ. East of Minturno, KOYLI and Green Howards North of Minturno and Wiltshires around Tufo. (Photo John Strafford)

2 Royal Inniskillings Fusiliers Citation: Bar to Distinguished Service Order for Lieut. Col. J.P. O’Brien-Twohig

 NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE BOOK PUBLISHED

Battle For Monte Natale page 68

 2 Royal Inniskillings Fusiliers Citation: Bar to Distinguished Service Order for Lieut. Col. J.P. O’Brien-Twohig

 ‘On the night of 17-18 Jan 44, the 2nd Battalion, The Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel J. P. O’Brien-Twohig, were ordered to force a crossing of the River Garigliano and to capture the East end of the Minturno ridge. The operation involved crossing the river in assault boats, traversing a broad expanse of plain held by German machine-gun posts and finally taking the ridge itself, which was very steep and woody, protected by deeply dug entrenchments and covered by extensive minefields.

Throughout this long and difficult action Lieutenant-Colonel O’Brien-Twohig gave an inspiring example of gallantry and leadership. With complete disregard of danger, he personally organised and encouraged his men and produced a complete recovery from a succession of setbacks which might well have proved fatal to the success of the operation. During the advance, a shell fell beside him, killing two officers and four signallers. Although painfully wounded and considerably shaken, he refused all offers of assistance and evacuation and insisted on continuing to command and lead his men. The successful completion of the task was very largely due to his personal example and encouragement, and he gave an outstanding example of courage and leadership at a time when such qualities were most urgently required.

General Montgomery pins the ribbon of the DSO on Lieut. Col. J.P. O'Brien-Twohig, Officer Commanding 2nd Inniskillings. The award was won during the Sicilian campaign. Standing a few yards away is Brigadier Campbell, VC., 13th Brigade.

5 BR Infantry Division plan for crossing the River Garigliano, 17–18 Jan 44. (TNA)

 

22 Jan 44 Bombardier Keast was awarded the Military Medal. NEW INFORMATION since book published.

 Book Battle For Monte Natale" Page 154

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

22 Jan 44 – 1430

Air Observation Post on recce but does not see anything. Enemy tanks at 776965, Point 156, Monte Natale.

22 Jan 44 – 1445

471 Battery reports three Sherman tanks previously stuck now OK. Observation Post Officer slight injury. ‘E’ Troop Observation Post Officer resting with 1 York & Lancs. Battery Commanders jeep disabled.

Mark Howard, historian researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery” 

‘E’ Troop Observation Post Officer with the York & Lancs is Captain John Jerdein and Bdr. Reg Keast was his signaller

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery Military Medal Citation for Bombardier J.R. Keast

22 Jan 44

On 22 Jan 44 Bombardier Keast was on duty as Observation Post Signaller on the Monte Natale feature, in support of 1 York & Lancs.

To enable support to be given to the forward troops the O.P had to be maintained all day, in an exposed position.   It was subjected to constant shell, mortar and sniper fire and the least movement brought intense fire down upon it.   A number of casualties were suffered by the infantry close by.   In spite of this Bdr. Keast crawled back on four separate occasions to repair the remote control wires when they were cut by shells or mortars.

His coolness and efficiency under heavy fire and complete disregard for his own safety, kept communications through at a time when they were urgently needed, as the O.P. was the only one in support of the Battalion.

As a direct result two counter-attacks were beaten back, largely by Artillery fire.

Bombardier Keast was awarded the Military Medal.

          

                       Photo Mark Howard 1986: left to right Sgt. Charlie Howard MM, Lance Bmbr. Les Belcher, Capt. John Jerdain MC, Bmbr. Reggie Keast MM.

 In December 44, Sgt. Charlie Howard won his MM near Bologna, having volunteered for an OP duty in an enemy occupied town, with the ulterior motive of trying to find his best mate Reg Keast who had been missing for 24 hours. Keast’s OP had been overrun however, he’d been badly injured by a grenade, & taken prisoner. These four gentlemen were the E Troop, 471 Battery, 98 Field Regt . Royal Artillery Observation Post party. 

Point 172 – Minturno in distance.

 1 KOYLI War Diary 

20 Jan 44 – 1000 

 All went well and Minturno and the Point 172 ridge were in British hands. We were then told we were in Brigade Reserve and were to occupy and hold Minturno, 1 Green Howards having previously passed through this town – but not cleared it, on the night of 19-20 January.

Point 172 – Minturno in distance. (Photo John Strafford)

                   Monte Natale - view from Tufo looking West (Photo John Strafford)

Start Line - Stone Wall at Tufo 20 Jan 44

 A Soldier from ‘B’ Coy. 1 York & Lancs.: 

20 Jan 44 

‘We left the long stone wall at Tufo and advanced in open order as best we could for some 500 yards of grape vine wires behind a creeping barrage from our 25 pounders. We came to a clearing where a ginger haired Gerry was draped over his mortar and must have been caught by the barrage. All the rest of his crew were in an adjacent deep bunker screaming “Kamerad”. We fetched them out just as we were strafed by Yank aircraft, so they dived back down the dugout. We left one bloke to take them back to Tufo and carried on.’

Oranges are Sweet

 Updated with further information

If only this had been in place before Ernest Shaw went there!

Cassino and its surroundings were a no-go area for a long time after the fighting was over, with uncleared minefields being a particular hazard. This sign was near the River Garigliano. All the orchards on the northern side of the Garigliano have been thickly sown with mines-hence the notice. The man in the pictiure is L/Cpl. Babb of Heath End, Great Kingshill High Wycombe, Bucks. Photo 10 Feb 44 NA11582

17 Jan 44 Crews prepare for river crossing

More Information

 Crews of some Priests self-propelled guns at work preparing them for the river crossing. 17 Brigade, Garigliano area.   Photo 17 Jan 44 2 APFU Sgt. Johnson. NA 10922.

17 January 1944 is the eve of the launching of the first stage of the battle for Rome.

Armour moves up for the battle, and mobile “PRIEST” Guns and their crews prepare.   Last minute adjustments and repairs are carried out on the guns, and the gunners eat their eve of battle meal.   Gunners of the 471 Battery, Surrey and Sussex Yeomanry prepare themselves and their mobile PRIEST Guns for the battle.

NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE BOOK PUBLISHED: 

"Mark Howard, historian researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery”

It is believed that the Sergeant working on the gun is Sgt. Gerry Tonkin.

                                   Priest F1 Sgt. Gerry Tonkin on right Winter 1944

1 York & Lancs. actual route of attack on Monte Natale 20 Jan 44.

 

1 York & Lancs. actual route of attack on Monte Natale 20 Jan 44. ‘A’ Co. on reaching the road turned right in front of the Cemetery and went around the corner to the left. (Map Frank de Planta)

Ernest Shaw of 1 York & Lancs reported:

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.   The Gerry Aid Post was just on the corner of the road which ran in front of the Cemetery as you approached it from Minturno). 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”.

Road: Cemetery–Tufo. Point 172 at top.

              Road: Cemetery–Tufo. Point 172 at top. Ernest Strafford's grave is 55 yards from where this photo was taken on the right behind the hedge. (Photo John Strafford)

22 Jan 44 Track - Minturno Cemetery corner to Point 172.

 

 1 KOYLI War Diary 

19 Jan 44 – 1000 

Our initial task was to clear the village of Tufo, standing high on a ridge above the assembly area and then to push on to Point 201 to the North of Tufo. A large barrage of all the Corps Artillery plus a Medium Regiment had been laid on to support the attack. Unfortunately, this barrage had been decided upon before the infantry plan had been fixed and it did not in fact quite fit the ground as seen from the ground and not from a map. The attack as it was put in had the barrage on the left flank to start with, gradually moving away as the attack progressed. Not only this but the attack had to go in at 1000 hours to fit the barrage which did not in fact give the Battalion enough time for preparation, recce and forming up. Whilst directing the barrage Captain K. Ashdown, 92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery, who was the Forward Observation Officer was hit by one of his own shells and subsequently died of his wounds.