Chapter 5
Battle of Minturno 1944. 1 York & Lancs. Plan of attack. (Map John Strafford)
X (BR) Corps History
20 Jan 44
1 York & Lancs. were ordered to pass through and capture Monte Natale. The situation at dawn on this day was that the Germans were known to be holding in strength the high ground North of Minturno and the Minturno town Cemetery, as well as Monte Natale which was another 800 yards further on to the West of the Cemetery. The plan for the attack consisted of two phases. In Phase 1, 1 York & Lancs. ‘A’ Company under Major A. Wilson on the right and ‘D’ Company under Major D. Young on the left were to advance behind a barrage along the ridge leading West from Tufo and capture the enemy positions North of Minturno, at Point 172.
In Phase 2 ‘D’ Company was to hold the position captured in Phase I while ‘B’ Company under Major D. Webster on the right and ‘C’ Company on the left were to follow another barrage and capture the Cemetery and Monte Natale, Point 156. ‘A’ Company was to follow ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies and occupy the area of the Cemetery.
From Norway to Burma by Roger Holgate
20 Jan 44
Kesselring ordered a major counter attack by 29 Panzer Grenadier Division with the object of rescuing 94 Infantry Division, which was trapped in the area of Castelforte, out of fuel and under constant attack. By that time 13 Infantry Brigade had driven off a dawn counterattack which allowed 15 Infantry Brigade to pass them. 1 KOYLI were ordered to capture the town of Tufo, which is situated on the peak of a volcanic outcrop, and so dominates the surrounding area. Obviously, this fact was not lost on the Germans, and after a gruelling climb, 1 KOYLI were forced into a street battle, to clear the defenders out of town. The Green Howards overcame the defences at Minturno and Tremensuoli, as the York & Lancs. pushed toward Santa Maria Infante.
German counterattacks took place near Santa Maria Infante, but the British forces stood their ground, in a brutal encounter that surged back and forth.
During the advance of 1 York & Lancs. on the Cemetery 781967, enemy infantry, and tanks in area 782984 [Santa Maria Infante] attempted to interfere and were engaged by 69 Medium Regiment and 56 Heavy Regiment in conjunction with 5 Division Artillery. Enemy areas opposite the 56 Infantry Division front were engaged by Group Regiments throughout the day.
1 KOYLI War Diary
20 Jan 44
On the morning of 20 Jan 44, 1 York & Lancs. Were to attack Westwards through us on to Point 172. On the previous day, 19 Jan 44, 1 Green Howards had got on well to the outskirts of Minturno itself. A patrol went out to Point 141, Monte del Duca, at first light made up from the Carrier Platoon under command of Lieut. D.E. Dimbleby.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 1944 – 0575
Battalion moved from harbour area to Tufo to carry out attack under barrage of Corps artillery. First objective was Point 172. ‘A’ Company right ‘D’ Company left. Second objective Point 156 [Point 156 was the hill in front of the Cemetery, but later it came to represent Monte Natale, so the object was to take both]. ‘B’ Company right, ‘C’ Company left. Start line at West edge of Tufo. Rate of advance 100 yards in 3 minutes, pause for 15 minutes on first objective. Zero hour – 0700.
1 Green Howards War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0600
‘D’ Company moved South of road [Minturno – Tufo] to keep clear of barrage which was assisting 1 York & Lancs.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0650
Battalion formed up for attack on Monte Natale on the West edge of Tufo and Tactical HQ established in house in Tufo. Afterwards the house was discovered to have 12 ‘Neberwerfer’ [sic: Nebelwerfer] bombs and 12 cases of high explosives in a room. 1 KOYLI ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies were on Point 201 and ‘B’ Company and Battalion HQ in Tufo. 1 Green Howards had captured Minturno, ‘A’ & ‘B’ Companies. on Point 141, Monte del Duca.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0700
1 York & Lancs. moved forward to their Start line without incident and their attack commenced as planned.
International Red Cross A report of an interview by the International Red Cross given by Private Thomas Pryor, 5 September 1944 whilst he was a prisoner of war at Stalag IV B
International Red Cross interview with Pte Thomas Pryor. 5 Sep 44.
INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE RED CROSS CENTRAL AGENCY PRISONERS OF WAR STALAG IV B Concerning No. 4755938 Rank Pte. Name STRAFFORD, Ernest Regiment: York and Lancaster Regiment.
Statement from Private Thomas Mills Pryor ‘I last saw Pte. Strafford wounded in the head when a mortar bomb burst among us during our attack. I believe his wounds were serious.’ Were you an eyewitness? Yes Actual date of incident and place: 20 January 1944 Near Minturno Date: 5 Sept 1944 Signature: T M Pryor P.O.W No. 24060
7 Cheshires War Diary
20 Jan 44
Two Platoons from ‘B’ Company assisted in beating off several counterattacks on Point 201, 798966 fighting in this area again very fierce and bitter throughout the day.
2 Wiltshires War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0700
‘A’ Company takes over Point 201. ‘B’ and ‘D’ Companies remain West and East of Tufo.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0715
368 Battery Command Observation Post reports ‘fire effective.’ HQ Royal Artillery informed one gun, probably Medium Regiment firing short
20 Jan 44
Road: Cemetery to Tufo. Point 172 at the top. (Photo John Strafford)
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0745
In Phase I, 1 York and Lancs. passed through Tufo and crossed the Start-line behind
a barrage on time. It was soon apparent that the enemy was not too sure from which
direction the attack was coming, as his defensive fire did not trouble ‘A’ and ‘D’
Companies unduly and they made good progress. After advancing about 800 yards,
these two companies attacked the enemy with great dash and determination and, after a
brief fight, the Germans surrendered.
‘D’ Company reported ‘have taken 50 prisoners and are on our objective’. They
were held up by wire at one point and suffered about 40 casualties. ‘A’ Company
reached their objective with little difficulty. They took 100 prisoners.
Ernest Strafford’s body was found on 4 February 50 metres from Point 172
behind the hedge on the right, going up the hill, so it is possible he was one of the 40 casualties, in which case he would have been with ‘D’ Company. As he was
seriously wounded, he may have died at this location. Otherwise, he may have
continued with ‘D’ Company to the slope down to the Cemetery.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0745
In Phase I, 1 York and Lancs. passed through Tufo and crossed the Start-line behind a barrage on time. It was soon apparent that the enemy was not too sure from which direction the attack was coming, as his defensive fire did not trouble ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies unduly and they made good progress. After advancing about 800 yards, these two companies attacked the enemy with great dash and determination and, after a brief fight, the Germans surrendered.
‘D’ Company reported ‘have taken 50 prisoners and are on our objective’. They were held up by wire at one point and suffered about 40 casualties. ‘A’ Company reached their objective with little difficulty. They took 100 prisoners.
Ernest Strafford’s body was found on 4 February 50 metres from Point 172 behind the hedge on the right, going up the hill, so it is possible he was one of the 40 casualties, in which case he would have been with ‘D’ Company. As he was seriously wounded, he may have died at this location. Otherwise, he may have continued with ‘D’ Company to the slope down to the Cemetery.
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)
Sergeant Fielding, ‘D’ Company, 1 York & Lancs. Missing Person’s Report
20 Jan 44
‘Private Holland [Private Stanley Holland, Minturno CWGC Cemetery] was transferred to my Platoon about 15 January 1944 because the Anti-Aircraft Platoon, HQ Company, was being disbanded. He was not with me long enough for me to get familiar with his home life, town, occupation, etc., but his age would be about 25 years, rather sharp features, slim build, fair hair.
At 7am on 20 Jan 44 the Battalion, on a two Company front, “A” and “D” Companies, were ordered to attack hill Point 172, about one mile Northeast of Minturno. I advanced with two Sections forward, Private Holland being in the Right Section. His Section Commander was wounded before reaching the objective. On the top of the hill, I disposed of one Machine Gun position, turned around, and saw my Right Section going for another one. I saw a German throw a stick grenade towards Private Holland, saw Private Holland fall down, and move his legs, and before I could get to him to evacuate him, or dispose of the enemy, he received a full burst of Machine Gun fire from the remaining Machine Gun position. Eventually we consolidated on hill Point 172 and being then the Acting Sergeant Major of the Company I called for Platoon casualty slips and detailed Sergeant Waddington, 18 Platoon “D” Company to gather in the dead bodies. We had 12 dead, and 33 wounded out of this action. Private Holland laid amongst the dead. I sent immediately for the Medical Officer of the unit to confirm the lost lives of the bodies. All personnel effects together with one identification disc was taken off, docketed, and forwarded to Battalion HQ. The Company was going to bury the men, but we had orders to move at once and on each man’s body was left all particulars on a piece of paper tied to the body, plus one identity disc. Major D. Young will bear out this statement.’
The dead were moved after the action. Ernest Strafford’s body was on its own on Hill 172 when buried on 4 February so was not amongst the 12 dead that were moved to Minturno.
This indicates that he was still alive on 20 January and went on to the Cemetery with either ‘A’ Company or ‘D’ Company
The 12 Dead Soldiers were:
Pte. S.A. Holland 1 York & Lancs. Killed 600 Yards N.E. Minturno
Killed 19 Jan 44, Taken to Point 172, 20 Jan 44.
Pte. R. Allen 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
L/Cpl H. Evan 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172.
Pte. C. France 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
Pte. R. Gunn 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
Capt. B. Lang 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
Pte. J.A. Lowery 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
Cpl. M. Norris 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
Cpl. W. Scarfe 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
Pte. W.H.Smith 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
L/Cpl. J. Stott 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
L/Cpl. J.Wilson 1 York & Lancs. Killed Attack Point 172
L/Cpl Jack Stott 1 York & Lancs died 20 Jan 44 (Photo David Rigby)
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.
Start Line – stone wall at Tufo. (Photo John Strafford
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0800
Point 172 reported as captured with some 100 prisoners of war. The advance pushed on
towards the Cemetery, where however, a few enemy tanks and/or self-propelled guns
caused a check. It was not possible to resume the advance to Monte Natale, Point 156,
and 1 York & Lancs. forward troops re-organised just East of the Santa Maria Infante
road. The Prisoner of War total had now risen to at least 150, mostly 274 Grenadier
Regiment from 94 Infantry Division.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0830
Second in Command reports 1 York & Lancs. doing well. 50 Prisoners of War taken.
Will inform HQ if second part of direct fire programme is to be delayed.
20 Jan 44 – 0900
Smoke screen started.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
‘E’ Observation Post 783966 [hill overlooking Cemetery] supporting 1 York & Lancs.
Engaged seven tanks and all but two retired Northwards, no direct hits.
Point 172 – Minturno in distance. (Photo John Strafford)
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0915
Officer Commanding ‘B’ Company arrived at Tactical HQ to explain situation. ‘B’
Company passed through ‘A’ Company position to time but encountered tanks at
Cemetery and were badly shot up. Company caught the barrage and saw enemy running from their dugouts to weapon slits on Point 156, Monte Natale. Company
were in position with one Platoon in area of Cemetery, with one Platoon across the
road and remainder of Company round buildings. ‘C’ Company formed up behind
‘D’ Company.
Ernest Shaw, 1 York & Lancs.
‘Started the attack and suddenly there were German fighter bombers dive bombing us. I
stood watching one and saw the plane and suddenly realised it was going to drop on my
head. Ted and I dived into a captured gun pit, about 3 feet deep and about 10 or 12-feet
square, I suppose it had had a gun in there.
There was an almighty explosion. I thought my ear had been blown off. I dare not
feel for it. Ted must have said “What’s up Shaw? Have you been hit? You have gone
a funny colour.” I stuttered “Is my ear on?” He came over and said, “Of course your
bloody ear is on”. I thought it had gone. He peered inside my right ear and got a match
out and got the tiniest piece of shrapnel out. A pin head would be large beside it and he
held it in his hand and said, “If you are looking for Blighty you need something bigger
than this” and threw it away. It was not the shrapnel it was the blast that really knocked
my hearing about. I could not sleep on that side on my right ear for years after.
We went over the top of this hill, Point 172. Germans had moved out from top of
hill, but there were skirmishes.
We had to cross the road [in front of Cemetery]. There were a couple of
German tanks on it. They fired and knocked one or two of our lads about, then
motored away. We crossed this road and went on probably half a mile onto another
hill designated Point 156. During the advance to take hill Point 156, 11 Platoon
were away on the left of Company HQ and the Major sent me with a message for
Lieutenant Corfield.
I do not remember what the message was now. I was running, loping along, and
had got a lot of ground to cross, and Germans must have seen me, and they opened fire with a machine gun. I heard bullets through the grass, and I ran like the devil. Jesse
Owens was the World Champion, but he would not have caught me that day. I reached
11 Platoon and passed the message to the Lieutenant. Then I saw I had a couple of bullet
snags in my left sleeve just above the wrist near the cuff. My tommy gun had lost the
forward grip, there was just the bolt that fastened the wooden part to it, the wooden part
had gone – it had been shot off. I had not got a scratch. I found a more unobtrusive route
back to Company HQ. I had had five narrow scrapes and then this happened.
“C” Company owing to “D” Company meeting wire and opposition on the objective
were unable to pass through and lost the barrage. “C” Company had therefore formed
up behind “D” Company.’
1 Green Howards War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0920
Commanding Officer’s orders for Company Commanders: ‘A’ Company to send patrol
to Point 141, Monte del Duca, to see if occupied.
Plan.
‘B’ Company left to capture town [Minturno] and secure all approaches.
‘C’ Company right.
‘A’ company move from Point 141 into immediate reserve.
‘D’ Company to take over Point 141 from ‘A’ Company.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0930
Commanding Officer went to ‘B’ Company area by Cemetery to plan advance to second
objective.
40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 0940
Received wireless message that enemy tanks were operating in area 7897, just North of
Cemetery, and ordered to proceed there.
20 Jan 44 – 0950
Reached cross-roads, 793953 [500m south of Minturno]. Found track to Minturno
blocked and mined and waited for Royal Engineers to clear the track.
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.
There was no rest for the Battalion. After 1 York & Lancs. had attacked the Cemetery,
2 Wiltshires re-occupied Tufo and took over Point 201 from us and we returned to our
assembly area of the previous day where we had a quick meal and a wash before going
on to Minturno.
Sherman
tank of 40 Royal
Tank Regiment
crossing the River
Garigliano on Class
30 Bailey pontoon
raft operated by 252
Field Company,
Royal Engineers,
20 Jan 44. (Photo
Sgt. Tyler AFPU.
TNA 11066)
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1010
No change in programme. 1 York & Lancs. nearly on final objective. 150 Prisoners of
War taken for loss of two wounded.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1030
‘B’ Company area dive-bombed, and machine gunned by our own planes.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1040
Second in Command reports second part of direct fire programme may have to
be delayed. Concentration required on Point 156, Monte Natale, from 1100-1115.
Regiment laid on target and HQ Royal Artillery asks for additional support. 467 Battery
Commander reports 1 Green Howards attack going according to plan.
20 Jan 44 – 1050
467 Battery Commander reports being mortared continuously. Bombed by own planes.
1 Green Howards War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1100
Zero hour. Barrage lifting 100 yards in three minutes.
5 Infantry Division History
20 Jan 44 – 1100
The weather held and it was still possible to take advantage of the early morning
mist and the fact that any sun shone directly into the eyes of the German Observation
Posts. 15 Infantry Brigade plan exploited Westwards and was carried out in two parts.
In Part 1, 1 York & Lancs. attacked towards Monte Natale, all went smoothly, and
150 prisoners were taken for the loss of only two wounded. However, the Battalion
was held up continuously in the final stage of the attack. Part 2 of the plan followed
at 1100.
40
Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1100
Moved to ‘T’ junction, 783950 [500m South-West of Minturno]. One tank developed
engine trouble here and was left in an anti-tank role covering the roads.
20 Jan 44 – 1110
Troop, now consisting of two tanks, moved North to the ‘Y’ junction at 781955 [just
South of Point 141]
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary 20 Jan 44 – 1118
471 Battery Commander: 70 prisoners come in, 786964 [by Point 172]
1 Green Howards War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1120
1 York & Lancs. attack progressed well, and they were around the Cemetery, but held
up by tanks from the direction of Santa Maria Infante area.
40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1120
Reached 787955 [outskirts of Minturno] and encountered a roadblock. This was cleared
and the two tanks moved East towards Minturno.
20 Jan 44 – 1130
Reached Minturno and removed mines from the road at 785956 [start of road to
Cemetery]. Advanced to village 785958 on Santa Maria road [about 1km South of the
Cemetery] and encountered more mines which were removed.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1130
Tactical Head Quarters established at X tracks [just East of Point 172]. C.O. arranged
for repeat of barrage on road Minturno – Santa Maria Infante for capture of second
objective. This was difficult as although Battalion had Forward Observation Officers
from 98 Field Regiment and 102 Medium Regiment, neither were in direct touch with
Division Artillery. The wireless set for communication with Brigade did not work
although wire had been laid from Brigade HQ. As the Battalion had advanced, wire had
been broken by shellfire.
When the barrage re-started, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies, the latter now under Captain
Ivor J. Wedgbury, began their advance against Monte Natale which lay beyond the
Minturno – Santa Maria Infante road. After covering about 400 yards, the Companies
reached the forward slopes of the hill leading down to the road. At once they came
under heavy and accurate fire from enemy tanks in the area of the Cemetery and from a
group of houses some 800 yards further North. As a result, the attack was temporarily
brought to a halt while the exact positions of the enemy tanks were ascertained.
When two enemy tanks emerged from the Cemetery and moved up the road to join
others near the houses, Lieutenant Corfield of No 11 Platoon took his P.I.A.T.[Projector
Infantry Anti Tank grenade], team down the hill and engaged the rear one. Although
hit this tank was not disabled. Artillery fire was then brought down on the area where
the tanks were known to be, and this caused them to withdraw some distance towards
Santa Maria Infante.
A soldier from ‘B’ Company 1 York & Lancs. described what happened.
20 Jan 44
‘We went forward again as the barrage lifted and topping a rise came under observation
from a Gerry tank near the civvy Cemetery, our anti-tank crew fired two shells at him,
one hitting his track guard and the other the turret, without going off. I reckon the
second was not primed but it brought the gun round in a hurry and he fired on the
Platoon on our right and caused casualties.
Now we were in full sight of the Gerry Aid Post where another tank was loading
wounded ready to leave the place, In all three enemy Mark III tanks took off at speed past the Cemetery.
German Aid Post seen from forward slopes of the hill. (Photo John Strafford)
At this time a Gerry officer and two wounded men were captured,
and we jumped down a high wall onto the road and into the now empty Aid Post leaving
the wounded on top of the wall. Two of us searched right round the Aid Post and found
nothing but dead, on stretchers. We searched upstairs and found it clear. Now we waited
instructions from Company HQ but were rudely interrupted by the whirring of a stick grenade which must have come through the window. It must have been a long fuse
because seven or eight of us got outside in a hurry and the only casualty was the Gerry
officer with a hole in his backside the size of a teacup. The rest of B Coy arrived.’
Forward slopes of the hill in front of the Cemetery. Wall at the bottom. (Photo John Strafford)
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44
1 York & Lancs. joined the fray, and 150 Prisoners of War were taken for loss of two
wounded in ‘A’ Company.
‘A’ Company attacked to the right of Point 172.
If Ernest Strafford had been
with ‘A’ Company and was one of the two wounded, he would either have had to
go up a steep hill to get to Point 172 where his body was found or carried on with
‘A’ Company towards the Cemetery.
A soldier from ‘A’ Company, 1 York & Lancs. described what happened
‘Our objective was some ground outside a town called Minturno. As we were going
down a muddy track [Tufo to Cemetery] a German tank was at the bottom. It let off a
few shells which caused casualties, amongst them being the chap who went swimming
with me at Geneiefa. I spoke to him as he was carried away on a stretcher.’
[Was this man one of the two wounded in ‘A’ Company? If so, was Ernest
Strafford the other one and still with ‘A’ Company?]
About 10 of us occupied some ground on a slope and we dug ourselves in and the
rest of the Battalion dug in different areas. Just above our slope was a road and over the road down the hill was a Cemetery probably about two hundred yards distance from us.
At night, from the Cemetery area, we could hear lots of noise and we knew the Germans
were there and receiving reinforcements. We also came under very heavy shelling and
had to keep our heads down and hope for the best reinforcements. When dawn broke
there was no let up and there was firing all over the place.
German Aid Post on the road, forward slopes on the right. (Photo John Strafford)
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1145
368 Battery Command Observation Post: 1 KOYLI took a further 10 Prisoners of
War this morning. Battery Commander reports 1 Green Howards at 772956 [edge of
Tremensuoli] – barrage going well.
1 Green Howards War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1200
1 Green Howards occupied Tremensuoli. Battalion HQ and ‘A’ Company moved up,
‘B’ Company entered town, ‘C’ Co. was just West of Minturno, ‘D’ Co. was to take the
high ground behind ‘C’ Co.
40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
Heavily bombed and strafed but sustained no damage. Moved to village at 784958
[midway between Minturno and Cemetery].
20 Jan 44 – 1300
1 Green Howards reported their objective secured and 40 Prisoners of War taken.
Their own casualties had been light. About mid-day General Officer Commanding
5 Division (Major General G.C. Bucknall) accompanied by the new GOC (Major
General P Gregson Ellis visited Brigade HQ. The Brigadier was informed that
a Battalion of 201 Guards Brigade (3 Coldstream Guards) would relieve 1 Green
Howards on Tremensuoli on 21 January, 1 Green Howards passing into Brigade
Reserve behind Minturno. During the morning 1 KOYLI were relieved on Point 201
by 2 Wiltshires via quarry, where a hot meal was obtained, and withdrawn to the
Minturno area.
Tremensuoli by the sea. Film taken from Point 141 (Film Peter Strafford)
1 Green Howards Military Cross Citation for Major A.R.M. Tanner
Major Tanner commanded the left forward Company in the attack and capture of
Tremensuoli (769957) on 20 Jan 44. Throughout this action he showed exceptionally
high standards of leadership in directing and controlling his Company, cleaning
up opposition and ensuring the immediate mopping up and consolidation of the
objective.
During the whole operation the village was under heavy enemy artillery and
machine gun fire and his Company was in close contact with the enemy on the lower
slopes. Major Tanner moved continuously from Platoon to Platoon directing operations
wherever the enemy fire was heaviest, and by his coolness and untiring energy set a
magnificent example, which was an inspiration to his men.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1300
Adjutant arrived at Tactical HQ having brought haversack rations, tools and ammunition
to Tufo by Jeep. Jeeps and carriers not so essential as adequate supplies available in
many positions, also arms and ammunition.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1315
391 Battery Observation Post in Minturno dive bombed by five enemy bombers. 474
Battery Observation Post also involved in this attack. One man hit.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1325
467 Battery Commander reports Observation Post Officer and two Other Ranks
wounded.
52 Anti-Tank Regiment War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1330
Guns have crossed bridge. Battery Commander met Commander 15 Infantry Brigade
who considered main threat would come from North and asked for guns North of
Minturno. Battery Commander and Lt. Harman, ‘E’ Troop Commander, therefore
recced area.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1400
‘B’ Company and Tactical HQ bombed, and machine gunned. Considerable sniping
and enemy machine gun fire in ‘B’ Company area. ‘B’ Company ordered to withdraw
behind ‘D’ Company.
Tactical HQ at this point were at the crossroads by Point 172, approx. 50m
from where Ernest Strafford’s body was found. If Ernest Strafford was with
Tactical HQ this might have been the time he was wounded by a bomb although
in the witness statement it said he was injured ‘during our attack’, so unlikely he
was with Tactical HQ.
1 KOYLI War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1400
Point 172 occupied by ‘A’ & ‘B’ Companies. ‘C’ Company. in reserve. ‘D’ Company on
the high ground, Tac HQ just behind ‘A’ Company.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1430
CO. telephoned Brigade from 1 KOYLI HQ. Brigadier ordered 1 York & Lancs. to
capture and secure second objective [Point 156, Monte Natale] before nightfall and
arrangements were made to give full artillery support.
2 Scots Guards War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1500
The Brigadier held his Orders Group on Point 141, Monte del Duca, a bare and exposed
hill just west of Minturno [the purpose of meeting here was to recce the battlefield and
the objectives]. The Commanding Officer held his Orders Group in the same place
immediately afterwards, but as it was not possible to get a sufficiently detailed view of the Battalion objectives, the Brigade plan was only given out and a further Order Group
fixed for tomorrow at Tremensuoli, which is the next feature to the West.
Point 141, Monte del Duca, hill on left, Minturno on the right, taken from South-West. (Photo
John Strafford).
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. 1 Troop War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1500
Tried to contact 1 York & Lancs. to support them in their attack on Point 156, Monte
Natale, but was unsuccessful.
13 Infantry Brigade War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1530
Locations:
2 Wiltshires, two Companies on Point 201, Battalion HQ and one Company in Tufo.
2 Cameronians in reserve on hillside of Point 201.
2 Wiltshires War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1600
Enemy counterattacked Point 201 by estimated one Company [approx. 100 men].
Forward Platoon dislodged but Reserve Platoon counterattacked with the bayonet and
enemy were driven off. P.O.W.s were taken.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1600
1 York & Lancs. attack went in successfully, though in fact only half of Monte Natale was
cleared of enemy. 1 KOYLI were ordered to take over Point 172 from 1 York & Lancs.
and to patrol forward during the night with a view to occupation the following day.
2 Army Group Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1600
Between 1600 hours and 1625 hours 69 Medium Regiment, 74 Medium Regiment and
56 Heavy Regiment took part in a small Fire Plan in support of the attack by 1 York
& Lancs. on Point 156, Monte Natale. This support was in the form of concentrations
against enemy areas at 776966, 774967, 772969, 764967, 776968 [all points to the
North and West of Monte Natale]. Nearly 550 Prisoners of War have been taken since
this operation started.
‘C’ Co. 1 York & Lancs. position looking towards Santa Maria Infante. The forward slopes of Monte Natale on the left (Photo John Strafford)
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1600
‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies advanced to capture second objective at Point 156, Monte
Natale, under barrage from road running North from Minturno. Barrage concentrated
on road for 5 minutes, then advanced at rate of 100 yards in 3 minutes. Neither
Company met any opposition. Two barrages in one day had apparently been too
much for the enemy who had withdrawn or surrendered to 1 Green Howards in
area Tremensuoli. When ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies had captured their objectives, ‘A’
Company mopped up and took up position in area of Cemetery – [track to Tufo]
junction. ‘B’ Company consolidated at South end of Point 156 feature and ‘C’
Company on the North-West end.
The action was described as follows:
‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies renewed the advance under heavy artillery support. Thanks
to this fire which paid attention to the enemy tanks, the road was crossed without
difficulty and Monte Natale captured against relatively light opposition. The position
was then consolidated with ‘C’ Company on the exposed North-West end of the feature,
‘B’ Company on the main part of the feature itself, and ‘A’ Company astride the road.
Behind this line ‘D’ Company and Battalion Headquarters occupied the area of the
Cemetery, whilst on the right 1 King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry took over the hill
[Point 172] originally captured by ‘A’ and ‘D’ Companies in Phase 1. By 1600 hours
the objectives had been achieved.
‘C’ Company’s position on Monte Natale gave it a view of the whole valley. It is no
wonder that both sides wanted to hold this position.
"D" Company and Headquarters on the road by the cemetery. Forward slopes down to the cemetery and then on the far right is the German Aid Post.
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”.
I had got
a piece of schrapnel in my wrist, but again it was only a flea bite, probably a quarter
inch long, only just gone under the skin of my left wrist. Rimmer poked it out again
and I wrapped my hanky round it and carried on. The advance was held up somehow
after that. Then after a couple of hours we were off again, and we got to the start line
at Company HQ. We had a Royal Artillery Observation Officer with us, and he had
got a radio link with his guns. He was looking for targets for his guns. This was at a
farmhouse. Targets were on Hill 156. Gerry saw him first and let go with a Howitzer.
This shell could not have cleared us by more than 5 feet and whistled over the top of
us and all Company HQ dived under the gable of this farmhouse. I was at the front
corner and this next shell hit the corner, must have been 6 to 8 feet above me and
buried me in rubble. I had only a couple of bruises and got away with it. Whether they
were short of ammo they did not fire again. Fair run of luck. From then on, I worried
no more – daft.
Attack on Hill Point 156. We took it. “C” Company and “B” Company combined.
“C” Company lost their Company Commander and the Major handled both companies
then. Hill 156 was not up and down. It was just a promontory. It was not like a
mountain – just like a foothill. From the side we attacked it from, there was not a
lot of incline. It fell away down to where the Germans were, where they had already
retreated to. They retreated off the hill. We came on level ground to the top. We were on the top and I did not know it. The hill was taken by the forward lads in both “B”
and “C” companies, and naturally Company HQ was a little bit behind. They were
perhaps 100 yards in front of us, but we could not see them. There was rough ground
between us and them. Behind us were “A” Company and also to the right of us. It
was here where the Major threatened to shoot some “C” Company members. When
the Germans attacked some of “C” Company started to run away from them, and
came through us, but he stopped that little schmozzle. We settled down there and
held the hill.’
If Ernest Strafford, although wounded, had managed to carry on with ‘D’
Company or ‘A’ Company he would now be in the area of the cemetery. Was he
with Major Wilson?
"C" Companies position at the top of the forward slope gave it a view of the whole valley. It is no wonder that both Germans and British wanted to occupy this point. Santa Maria Infante is to the right.
1 KOYLI War Diary
20 Jan 44 1600
We were established in a Battalion position with 1 York & Lancs. on our left front
and 1 Green Howards on our left rear. All seemed to be going well. The Germans had
obviously left in a hurry and left behind any amount of equipment. Prisoners were
coming in well – all from 94 Infantry Division. By the night of 20 Jan 44 all objectives
had been obtained and it appeared only had to be consolidated.
5 Infantry Division
20 Jan 44 – 1605
1 KOYLI had taken over Point 141, Monte del Duca, from 1 Green Howards and Point
172 from 1 York & Lancs. 1 York & Lancs. were then attacking Monte Natale Point 156.
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. 1 Troop War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1630
The Troop Leader saw a party of Germans at 781964 [German Aid post on Santa Maria
Infante road]. On seeing the tanks, the enemy ran away, but were chased in to 1 KOYLI
lines by the Troop Leader.
20 Jan 44 – 1645
Took enemy Non-Commissioned Officer prisoner from house, 782961 [half a kilometre
South of the Aid Post].
20 Jan 44 – 1700
Contacted the Commanding Officer of 1 York & Lancs. at his Command Post. The
Troop was ordered to take up an anti-tank counterattack role at the Cemetery at 781968
[just round Cemetery corner on Santa Maria Infante road], at first light 21 Jan 44 0630.
The Troop was put under the command of the CO. ‘A’ Company, 1 York & Lancs.
This is the route 40 Royal Tank Regiment took, passing the German Aid Post, going to the corner of the cemetery where they waited and observed the German tanks around the corner coming from the direction of Santa Maria Infante. (Film John Strafford)
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1725
‘E’ Troop, 471 Battery Observation Post, location 783966 [Hill in front of Cemetery]. Approx. eight German Self-Propelled Guns and Mk. IV tanks in vicinity of road 780970 [Santa Maria Infante]
Mark Howard, historian researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery” :
Lt. Col TB Davis Regimental History of the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery
20 Jan 44
l Battalion the York and Lancaster Regiment on the right, supported by Captain Jerdein and E Troop Observation Post, seized Monte Natale, a mile to the north of Minturno. During the afternoon the O.P. was dive-bombed and Sergeant Howard was slightly wounded. Then, as the light faded, the enemy counter-attacked in force and infiltrated to the right of the position. The O.P. was heavily shelled and twice cuts in the remote control cable were repaired under heavy fire by Bombardier Keast. Later, further German advances cut off the O.P. completely, but Captain Jerdein managed in the dark to work his to the way round to the south of the Monte Natale feature and succeeded, in spite of heavy machine-gun fire, in joining the York and Lancasters and his own O.P. vehicle just before the position was evacuated.
With the O.P. vehicle Bombardier Belcher and Gunner Alcott had spent an uncomfortable night, having first been closely shelled by a German self-propelled gun and then after dark having tried in vain to contact their missing Troop Commander on foot. However, Captain Jerdein completed an excellent day's work by backing the O.P. vehicle, half trapped by shell craters, down a twisting, sunken lane and finally leading the whole party back to Rear Headquarters Battalion near Point 172, north of Minturno.”
T. B. Davis The Surrey & Sussex Yeomanry (98 Field Regiment 1980
20 Jan 44
“While this fighting was in progress Captain Ian Anderson had been trying to lead three 471 Battery O.P. Shermans up onto the Minturno ridge, but they had all become bogged in heavy going on the far bank of the Garigliano. Pressing on without them, he was on the point of reaching Point 172 when his Dingo overturned and he had to be evacuated with an injured back.”
Bombardier Reggie Keast who won the Military Medal at Monte Natale as signaller to Captain Jerdein, 471 Battery Observation Post.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1750
‘D’ Company position on point 172 taken over by 1 KOYLI. ‘D’ Company moved to
area in reserve.
If still alive, Ernest Strafford may have remained at the Cemetery with ‘A’
Company or gone with ‘D’ Company back close to Point 172.
5 Infantry Division
Location Statement:
• 1 Green Howards
• Grid Square 7695 [just West of Tremensuoli
1 KOYLI
• Grid Square7895 [Point 141, Monte del Duca]
1 York & Lancs. Grid Square 7796 [Monte Natale
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
20 Jan 44
Position at dusk was that 1 York & Lancs. held half of Point 156 and the Cemetery;
the Santa Maria Infante road being included with them, whilst 1 KOYLI held
Point 172 as a firm base. On the left 1 Green Howards were secure on Tremensuoli
patrolling to the railway station. 1 York & Lancs. were ordered to patrol forward
towards Santa Maria Infante both on the axis of the road and the high ground running
North from Point 156. Communications were difficult and these orders were never
clearly confirmed. A Troop of tanks from 40 Royal Tank Regiment [23 Armoured
Brigade] which was placed under command 1 York & Lancs. had been able to get
forward during the day and were in support of 1 York & Lancs. The night passed
uneventfully.
158 Field Ambulance War Diary
20 Jan 44
Advanced Dressing Station moved up in late evening to Minturno. Visited by
Commanding Officer who decided to withdraw elsewhere. The Advance Dressing
Station working awfully hard. Casualties heavy. Evacuation occurs in following
phases: (a) Hand carry from Regimental Aid Post. This was long and difficult from 1
Green Howards [Tremensuoli] and steep but shorter from 1 York & Lancs. [North of
Minturno]. Stretcher bearers becoming very tired.
Jeeps available but not very much used at this stage. 3 Tonner trucks of ‘B’ Company
crossed river in late afternoon.
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. ‘1’ Troop War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 1800
The Troop withdrew to 784958 [1km South of the Cemetery] for the night.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 2000
Rations and hot meals were taken forward to Companies. Wireless set arrived for
communication with Brigade HQ.
5 Infantry Division
20 Jan 44 – 2135
1 York & Lancs. were established on Monte Natale holding a line from the Cemetery to
Point 156. This Battalion had taken a large part of the 244 prisoners of war which were
the Brigade’s bag for the day, including a Major Haarbrucker, the Commanding Officer
of III Battalion 274 Grenadier Regiment.
A counterattack during the afternoon was beaten off by 2 Wiltshires and artillery
and machine gun fire caught and killed many of the 150 enemy who made the attack as
they were retreating down the hill.
2 Scots Guards War Diary
20 Jan 44 – 2230
The Battalion which had moved forward under the command of the Adjutant, crossed
the river Garigliano at 2230 hours. They moved forward to a concentration area by
the side of the road [Lateral Road], which passes south of the hill on which Minturno
stands; this hill appeared to give a measure of protection, but the road subsequently
became a most popular target for harassing fire.
Ernest Shaw, 1 York & Lancs. reports
‘Just captured Hill Point 156 and then we had to defend it, because this was a
keenly contested area. By the time we had taken the hill it was late afternoon/early
evening and being wintertime, it was not long before it was dark. We had 60 of us
that evening and the Major [Major Webster] allocated them between B Company
and C Company. There were new reinforcements. Some of them had been fighting
elsewhere. They were not all straight from Blighty. I did not mix much with them.
They were allocated to various Platoons and Sections. That evening the Major and
I went on a tour again and we went around every member of every Platoon and
spoke to almost every man in the Company and told them we were going to have a
hard time the following morning. There will be a counterattack in the morning. He
had laid a barrage on with the artillery officer who went back to his unit. They were
going to put a curtain fire in front of us. The code name would be, say “Cockatoo”.
He would call for “Cockatoo” at 5 a.m. and this barrage would come down. I was
remarkably close to him when they were sorting this area to shell, when the Royal
Artillery officer objected. He said they were too close to your own men, and he
insisted and said we will have to take the risk on that. So, the RA officer went away
to organise this. The Major called for me and Joe his batman and we went round
and spoke to practically every man in the Company and told them we were going to
have a harsh time the following morning, but he thought the Germans would have
a damn sight harder time than us. Everyone had got to be awake, fully alert, half
an hour before daybreak. This is where he inspired confidence in the people. He
was a great officer, and this is where he showed it. Dawn was approaching and he
called for “Cockatoo”. He must have left it on for five minutes. A lot of shells can
drop in 5 minutes in a tight area, it might have been only 3 minutes and he called
it off. He relied on time of the day. He called the attack off and we could hear the
Germans screaming even though I was at Company HQ probably fifty yards behind
the forward lines. He gave them time to recover their dead and wounded and called for it again. He called them a second and then a third time. I cannot imagine how
many German dead there were that day, so that held them off. The attack was done
but Germans reformed.
The night of 20/21 Jan 44 passed quietly, except for considerable patrol activity by
both sides. The enemy patrols paid attention to ‘C’ Company’s position.
Lieutenant Geoffrey Winter, 1 York & Lancs.
‘Major D. Webster was an undemonstrative man in general, but clearly knew that the
men needed to be braced up for the German counterattack. He tended to be aloof not
only with the men but also with his fellow officers.’
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.
Position of PIAT per sketch. (Photo John Strafford)
Same position 12 May 44 when US Forces arrived. (U.S. National Archives)
X (BR) Corps History
By the evening of 20 Jan 44, the greater part of the two Divisions taking part in the main
assault had been committed. All three Brigades of 56 Infantry Division were in the line
and in face of growing resistance had made little progress during the last two days. On
the front of 5 Infantry Division, although there were only two Brigades on the Minturno
ridge, the third, 17 Infantry Brigade, was still engaged in clearing the minefields in the
coastal sector and would not be available for the front for some days. Only one Infantry
Brigade, 201 Guards Brigade remained uncommitted. Orders were given that on the
night of 21 – 22 Jan 44 the Guards Brigade would be put in on the left to continue 5
Infantry Division’s advance and clear the remainder of the Minturno ridge.
1 KOYLI War Diary
All was quiet on the night of 20 – 21 Jan 44 and a second Company, ‘A’ Company was
put up on the ridge to assist ‘B’ Company at Point 172 and a standing patrol pushed out
on to Point 141, Monte del Duca. Local patrols during the night reported that Point 172
ridge and Point 141 were clear and the morning of 21 Jan 44 brought no contact with
the enemy. Considerable enemy air activity over Minturno did not disturb the Battalion
who were consolidating their positions and ‘B’ Company moved forward to hold the
high ground on the left of Point 172 with 2 Platoons and Company HQ on the reverse
slopes. At last light ‘A’ Company moved up from their rear position on to the right hand
of the high ground of Point 172.
1 KOYLI. Citation: Distinguish Service Order for Lt. Col. Peter Ford
On 19-20 January 1944 Lt. Col. Ford was in command of 1 KOYLI which was
ordered to attack the Minturno Ridge. This operation which involved the difficult task
of clearing Tufo village was successfully carried out in the face of fierce opposition.
The Battalion was subjected to a series of bitter counterattacks which lasted almost continuously for the next 36 hours. Although in a very exposed positions 1 KOYLI
held firm and eventually fought the enemy to a standstill. The Battalion was inspired in
its difficult and exhausting tasks by the grim determination and confident judgement of
its Commanding Officer, whose efforts never relaxed, despite great physical weariness.
But for the example of Lt. Col. Ford, it is doubtful if the Battalion could have resisted
the determined enemy onslaught for so long.
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.
As 1 Green Howards consolidated their position in front of Tremensuoli, their
elation was dampened by the news that the other units on either side of them had
failed to reach their objectives. They were left alone on the salient subject to almost
continuous shell and mortar fire throughout the day and night.’
View of Tremensuoli from Point 141, Monte Del Duca. (Photo Peter Strafford)
1 Green Howards Citation: Distinguish Service Order for Lt. Col. P.G. Bulfin
On 19-20 Jan 44 Lt. Col. Bulfin was in command of 1 Green Howards when that
Battalion was ordered to attack first Minturno and subsequently Tremensuoli. Lt. Col.
Bulfin pressed his attacks with vigour and determination and despite intense enemy
fire of all kinds, his Battalion gained their objectives and reorganised. Lt. Col. Bulfin’s
influence was most marked and his presence at points of danger throughout this action
were an encouragement and inspiration to all ranks under his command.
Despite great physical exhaustion Lt. Col. Bulfin’s efforts never flagged, and he
raised his tired Battalion to great efforts. His cool judgement under fire, his skill in
directing his Battalion and his own example of fearlessness showed qualities of
leadership which were quite outstanding.
‘D’ Battery 56 Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery – 56 Infantry Division
20 Jan 44
Lance Bombardier Spike Milligan joined the Royal Artillery at the start of the Second
World War and served in North Africa and Italy [after the war he became a famous
comedian]. On 20 Jan 44 he was with 56 Heavy Regiment Royal Artillery, having
crossed the River Garigliano. The Regiment was equipped with massive 7.2-inch calibre
guns, capable of hurling a 202lb shell over nine miles. He suffered from shell shock
and was repatriated to Naples. He describes what happened in his book, Mussolini, His
Part in My Downfall:
‘Passing a steady stream of ambulances; one I noticed had schrapnel holes in the
sides. All around are dead Jerries. Machine Gun bullets are whistling overhead as we
duck and run inside.’
D. Woolard, attached to 2 Wiltshires, My Day,
20 January
‘A large grave was dug near our gun positions and three Non-Commissioned Officers,
and a Lieutenant were buried there. In the afternoon we moved forward, and my mortar
and Jobber Brown’s ranged with smoke bombs. Towards evening enemy shelling
became more intense. Some of the lads slept in a German dugout and the remainder of
us slept out in the open behind any cover we could find. I found a blanket left behind
in the German dugout and a few bits of wood. I made a rough bed and put it behind a
bank of earth. I covered myself up, laid my rifle by my side under the blanket and tried
to sleep. I did not sleep at first because there were enemy planes overhead and the Ack-Ack guns were pumping tracer shells up at them. The Royal Artillery and the Germans
were shelling heavily. Suddenly I heard the scream of bombs coming down and they
did sound awfully close. Then came a few terrific flashes followed by explosions not
far away in Tufo itself. The enemy planes droned on and away and I must have fallen
fast asleep because the next thing I remember was Ernie Hayward shaking me for my
turn on guard. We whispered about the bombing and wondered what had been hit and
if there had been many casualties. Then the conversation turned to more normal things
like the food, or the lack of it, good times in the past, relations and friends and about
recent events. Our two hours soon went in this manner, and we woke the next two chaps
and saw them get up before we got down to sleep again. We were called to stand to just
before dawn because the Germans were shelling our positions heavily. I put on my steel
helmet, took my rifle, and got into our gun-pit with the rest of our detachment.
X (BR) Corps History
20 Jan 44
Enemy Position: By dawn on 20 Jan 44 the German 94 Infantry Division had been
reinforced by the Reconnaissance Battalion of the Herman Goering Division, and by
the end of the day it had succeeded in temporarily stabilising a line and containing the
bridgehead. Their success was not achieved easily. The two German Regiments which
were holding the Gustav Line at the start suffered heavily.
13 Infantry Brigade continued its advance on 20 Jan 44. 1 Green Howards on
the left went on from Minturno and captured the village of Tremensuoli during the
afternoon. This fighting yielded two hundred and forty-four prisoners chiefly from the
area of Monte Natale; in addition, the enemy suffered further casualties from machine
gun and artillery fire in an unsuccessful attempt to recapture Colle Casale, Point 201,
the hill above Tufo village, which 13 Infantry Brigade had taken over and held, from
which it was supporting the advance of 15 Infantry Brigade.
German views of the day
20 Jan 44
Lt. Wolfgang Wiedermann, II Battalion 267 Grenadier Regiment
20 Jan 44
‘The artillery fire always occurred in intervals. We recognized the shells of the ship’s
guns by their much more powerful explosions. For seconds, the valley was illuminated
by the impacts, above all else also by the dreaded phosphorous shells. So, we were able
to orientate ourselves a bit. Our bad luck was that we could only use the one narrow
path that led to the bottom of the valley. Even during the day, the steep terrain was
hardly passable. This path became the fate of many of our men. To the right the terrain
dropped steeply. To the left it went up just as steeply. Partly there were large flat steep
walls. Due to shelling, tons of earth and debris were loosened in these places, which
buried the narrow path. We had these bad experiences during the descent. Half-buried
comrades, who were buried or injured by the avalanches, could only be freed with
great difficulty. It was despairing – only very slowly we made progress in this terrible,
dark night. A way into hell could not be worse. The Sergeants and other NCOs did
everything they could to cheer the men up.
Despite these murderous circumstances, there was no panic. The soldiers had rigid
discipline. They were mainly 18–20-year-olds who had no experience at the front.
Admirably, they passed their baptism of fire. When we reached the valley about 20 men
were missing. About a dozen wounded. Eight men had to carry two seriously wounded.
It took them several hours to cover a short distance.
By daybreak we were supposed to be in our starting positions because of the
enemy’s visibility. Orientation was still not possible in the darkness. The opaque
situation unsettled us. Friend and foe were colourfully mixed up in the main battlefield.
The Company proceeded cautiously. In the glow of the detonating shells, we
recognized the outline of a mountain top. This must be the high ground of Point 201.
I assigned the Platoons to the North and West slopes of Point 201. The men had to dig
in immediately. The enemy artillery had only short breaks of fire during the night. To
prevent the approach of German Reserves, the English shelled every road and path with
artillery and mortar fire. This tactic was sufficiently felt when we descended into the
valley. At the first morning light in the valley, we recognized right above, at the Santa
Maria Infante-Minturno road the wall of the Cemetery. I immediately sent a small troop
of three men to investigate whether “Tommy” is sitting there or make connection to
the right flank. These men never came back. Maybe they were lying in the shellfire,
or “Tommy” had caught them. The attempt to connect with the left flank failed. After
many hours, the troop returned completely exhausted. There was no left flank at this
point.
In the valley bottom there were layers of yellow fog. The many smoke and
phosphorus grenades that exploded here on 17 Jan 44, in addition to the explosive
grenades, left behind these poisonous smelling veils. Tree stumps and splintered trees
were the result of days of artillery fire.
A small scouting party was assigned to find out if the height Point 201 was occupied
by the enemy – before our men reached the top, they received fire. Now I knew that
we had to take the height by storm. The English could not see us, because we were in
the shadow of the front slope. We were still preparing for the attack. The observation
planes of the enemy artillery were hanging in the sky as soon as the brightness began
to increase. For sure they could observe us. A quick surprise attack was for us the only
chance. Connection to 274 Regiment by radio was lost. Major Frank and I Battalion 267
Grenadier Regiment had not been in contact since San Agostino. Where our Battalion
was deployed is unknown. An Advanced Observer from our artillery was not available
in the combat section at this time. Maybe he had fallen or been captured. After all,
the British units had achieved kilometre-deep infiltration and only small remnants or
nothing at all of our Grenadier Companies existed anymore.
Now at a decisive moment I raised my arm and gave the signal to attack. Determined,
the Grenadiers jumped up and stormed and climbed up the mountain slope. As we held
fire in the upper third of Point 201, I heard the powerful voice of Sergeant Pinkes, as
he cheered the men of his Platoon. In these moments of extreme tension, one had to
repress feelings. Fighting cries rang out everywhere. 40–50 metres in front of me I saw
two English officers in olive uniforms shouting and cheering on their men. They had
peaked caps on and small sticks or riding whips in their hands. These officers were
extraordinarily brave and contemptuous of death. We were very close to the target and
a veritable fireball went off.
“Tommy” had, in desperate situations we did the same, requested concentrated
barrage fire of his own artillery on his own lines. Without cover holes the Company
pushed the murderous shellfire mercilessly. The cries of the wounded were drowned in
the roar of the bursting shells. Many cried in vain for help. This direct fire had certainly
been prepared and drawn by the Observation Posts and Artillery Observers who sat on
the surrounding high ground.
The experienced front-line soldier could recognize quite exactly the two sounds of
the approaching shells, which kind of artillery it was, or whether shells were firing at
us. This time for the first time in Italy I heard projectile noises which I still remember
from Russia. On the Eastern Front our compatriots called these weapons of destruction
“Stalin organs”. I owed my third wound at the beginning of the Stalingrad offensive in
the summer of 1942 to this devilish stuff. It was only for seconds that I registered the
unpleasant fact.
Before we were struck by the barrage from the English in this weak phase, I gave
the order to retreat. Looking for shelter, we reached our starting positions depressed. I
immediately ordered the machine guns into position. A fast English counterattack could
have had devastating consequences. When we sat in the foxholes offering protection,
we were safe from the effect of the artillery fire. Now our concern was for the wounded.
Relieved of their injuries, our comrades searched for the way to the First Aid Post,
which must be near the 274 Regiment’s Command Post. The severely wounded gave
me the greatest concern. For each of them we needed four stretcher bearers, who had
to wait for hours to return in mountainous terrain. One had to have strong nerves after
such a setback.
Among my Platoon Commanders, Sergeant Pinkes, was seriously wounded in the
attack. His men called for me urgently. The concentrated barrage had been replaced
by heavy disruptive fire. Jumping from cover to cover, I reached the desperate men
after about 150 metres. The comrades had pulled the seriously wounded man out of
the danger zone in a tent tarpaulin. Pinkes was curled up in the bloody canvas. His
pain-distorted, bloodless face, lime-white and without consciousness showed me
immediately that it looked bad for him. Only twitching reflex movements indicated
that he was still alive. He had many injuries. We could not help. One of these brave
men hastily told me: “We were very close to Tommy, and a machine gun burst hit him.
Then came the barrage fire and he got some shell splinters.” I gave a signal to the four
stretcher bearers. Carefully they picked up their brave Platoon Commander and carried
him back into the valley. There was little hope for Sgt. Pinkes. This chaos had drained
us of all human emotion.
I wanted the Company Commander to check on the strength of the Company,
but there was no point in such an effort; changes were constantly taking place. There
were not many of us left. No one knew the number of men carrying the wounded
away. Suddenly, Sgt. Freygang said, “Here comes a ‘Tommy’.” He pointed toward
the Minturno Cemetery. An Englishman, with a rifle at his hip, was leading a German
soldier into captivity. Without a belt, with arms raised, the visibly shaken Grenadier,
with his guard coming from behind, ran directly towards us,. In seconds, who will be
our prisoner of war, “Tommy?”. Our freed comrade was from 274 Grenadier Regiment.
He reported that the Cemetery of Minturno was in enemy hands. Whether the liberated
man is happy or not, I do not believe it.
The men who had taken away Sergeant Pinkes, who had been shot at, reported to
me. They looked exhausted. Their faces were grey. Sgt. Pinkes had not survived the
severe wounds. After only a few hundred metres they left their Platoon Commander.
Without regaining consciousness, he had bled to death. One of these men had collected
his pay book and valuables in the Sergeant’s bread bag. Apart from his watch and his
wallet I saw his wounded badge. We kept silent in awe. Sgt. Pinkes was an old Russian
fighter and a very brave soldier. We did not say anything.
My Company’s men keep coming back. They were taking wounded men to the
dressing station. They had been on the road for many hours, completely exhausted.
I was shocked by the eyewitness report of a group of wounded soldiers. They had
experienced how a severely wounded man and his four comrades, who carried him,
were buried by tons of earth and rubble. An enemy grenade had hit a steep rock face
and triggered a fatal avalanche. Help was not possible. Whether the English, after they
had conquered the area, dug up the dead, we never knew.
The man, who had collected Sergeant Pinkes valuables in a bread bag, came back to
the scene. He wanted to know who should receive these items. The food carriers should
hand over the bread bag to the Sergeant Major. The Sergeant Major sends the contents
to the relatives.
“Hopefully, the food carriers will come through the damn door tomorrow night”’
the man said dryly. There had been no rations last night. I gave the iron portions freely,
hardly anything was eaten.
On the road from Santa Maria Infante to Minturno we heard a heavy battle. Between
the Minturno Cemetery and the Southern edge of Santa Maria Infante there was fierce
fighting. Machine guns rattled. Strong engine noise reached us. The fighting took place
at 1500–2000 metres (as the crow flies). We heard from the sound of shells that tanks
on both sides had intervened in the fighting.
With force the English tried to reach Santa Maria Infante and then the road that
led from Formia to Ausonia and Cassino. It was clear to us that on the third day of this
offensive, 20 Jan 44, the soldiers of 5 British Infantry Division did everything they
could to force the breakthrough. Then the German front could be rolled up to Cassino.
The Germans tried with their last strength to prevent this objective being achieved.
To the right of us, towards the Minturno Cemetery, we suddenly took hold, we
had not received any information in the chaos of those hours. The pioneers of our
Division, one Pioneer Company, or at best two Companies, made a desperate attempt
to run against the Allies’ roll of fire. They wanted to push back the English. “Tommy”
had concentrated on the road and the terrain right and left. After only minutes, we
could watch, our Pioneer comrades were literally showered with shells of all calibres,
including ship artillery. In between, smoke shells and the dreaded phosphorous
grenades, it was a single cauldron. We were abruptly denied the pleasure of watching.
“Tommy” included our room in the bombing!
Now we were in our holes, hoping to survive. Time did not pass at all. Suddenly
there was a short silence. Now came the fighter-bomber Squadrons, which added
to that inferno. Only here did I see fighter planes bomb the forward lines. The earth
shook, and bombs that hit nearby took our air. The shock waves were terrible. I lay
huddled in my foxhole. To observe the spectacle better, I turned on my back. My hope
of getting out of here was nil. The descending fighter-bombers fired their cannons. The tongues of fire were clearly visible. And then I saw the bombs being released. My
fingers clawed into the ground. Vibrations and shock waves took our minds for a short
time. Phosphorus fumes, the smoke grenades and the blast of explosions prevented us
from breathing. It was an unbelievably bad day, but it showed that even if it were only
a few infantrymen who were thrown into battle, desperately fighting infantrymen could
prevent a breakthrough.
The attacking “Tommies” were as much at the end of their tether as we were.
Prisoners we took the next day confirmed this to us. Our losses were extraordinarily
high. We could only survive in deep holes. When the day ended, we were only 50 heads
left. In 24 hours, the company had lost two-thirds of its men.
Late that night, Sergeant Major Kretzschmann came with the food. The men were
impressed by the atmosphere of heavy combat and were shaken by our losses. Everyone
got three portions, because our dead and wounded could not receive anything. We all
hoped for an improvement the next day. It was to get much worse.’
Corporal Herbert Schumann, a signaller in 3 Company ‘III’ Battalion 267 Grenadier
Regiment.
20 Jan 44
‘My company was alerted in the night of 19-20 Jan 44. III Battalion 267 Grenadier
Regiment had to secure and defend the coastal section between Terracina and Sperlonga.
After a night drive on trucks towards Cassino the trip ended Northwest of Santa Maria
Infante. On 20 Jan 44 the Company reached Santa Maria Infante around noon. For many
young soldiers the artillery raids were the first baptism of fire. The Company waited
for the order to deploy into sheltered cellars. At midnight, the Company marched off.
Large safety distances were a matter of course. I had a funny feeling in my stomach. We
reached the staging area at dawn. We immediately received heavy artillery and mortar
fire. The “spotter” aircraft was already in the sky. This machine, a reconnaissance plane,
was used primarily by Allied Artillery Observers. We signallers from 3 Company,
Knechtel, Schumann. Engel Muller and Brandl, had to link up with the Platoons. I
could not find 2 Platoon. The path was exposed and under constant machine gun and
grenade launcher [mortar] fire. The first wounded, as far as they could walk, came
back. The fire was getting stronger and stronger. When I reached a fork in the road, I
saw something very bad. A bull’s eye had exploded in the middle of the pack train, just
as my comrade Knechtel was arriving. He had splinters in his back. I bandaged up two
more of my comrades who had chest wounds. For some men, there was nothing more
I could do. I grabbed Private Knechtel somehow and dragged him back. That was all I
could do for the moment. The ravine, which led to the height Point 201 and then on to
Minturno, had attracted the enemy fire especially. The Officer Kutschera had caught a
Tommy. So, we had to pay for our first fire baptism in Italy with a lot of blood of my
comrades and superiors.’
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