On This Day 31 January 1944 - Italy Search for missing tank!

 On This Day 31 January 1944 - Italy - Search for missing tank!

“A” Squadron 16/5 Lancers War Diary

31 Jan 44 - 1620

         In the evening “3” Troop moved out to 6 Grenadier Guards and took up a position on a “Y” road just Southeast of Tremensuoli.   These positions were taken over from 40 Royal Tank Regiment.   That night Lt. Holland went out on patrol to Sgt. Ritchie’s tank to discover what he could do.   The patrol consisted of an Officer of 1 Green Howards and a few men.   Lt. Holland managed to identify the body of Trooper Youster but could find no sign of anybody else.   He did not climb on to the tank owing to it being a very bright moonlit night and the danger of booby traps.   The tank had been hit twice by a 75mm by the co-driver’s compartment.   There was a dead German lying nearby; it is rather surprising that the Germans had made no effort to bury Trooper Youster or their own man, although they may have been behind their lines for several days.   On the return from the patrol the 1 Green Howards Officer turned to Lt. Holland and said, “Thank God, my last patrol.”   “4” and “1” Troops returned to camp that evening and “2” Troop moved to Minturno.