21 January 1944 - German Counterattack
When Pat Strafford (daughter of Ernest) first enquired about Ernest Strafford’s death with the York & Lancaster Regimental Museum their records showed that he died on 21 January 1944. This was altered to 22 January 1944 after contact with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission!
The situation at dawn on 21 Jan 44 was as follows:
On the left of the bridgehead the difficulty of crossing the River Garigliano interfered with 5 Infantry Division’s preparations. Although a Class 30 bridge on Route 7 had been completed on 20 Jan 44 it could only be used at night, while the Class 9 bridge two miles upstream could not be used to the full owing to the minefields and bad approaches. 201 Guards Brigade had crossed the river and concentrated South of Minturno, but, as some of its supporting artillery had failed to get across, it was decided to postpone the 201 Guards Brigade attack for twenty-four hours.
Meanwhile the enemy had completed his preparations for a counter offensive. The continuous counter attacks of the past few days flared up on 21 Jan 44 into a general offensive along the entire bridgehead front. X (BR) Corps was forced on to the defensive and had to fight hard and bitterly for two days to hold its position. During the fighting the enemy employed two new Divisions and part of a third in addition to the depleted 94 Infantry Division and elements of the 44 Infantry Division which had already been in action.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
21 Jan 44
1 Green Howard’s patrols during the night [20/21 January] reported Railway Station area strongly held by enemy machine guns and reported enemy digging into their North. 1 York & Lancs. patrols had not been able to get very far forward, whilst 1 KOYLI reported Point 141 edge unoccupied and sent a Carrier Platoon patrol out there to remain, at first light.
5 Infantry Division Counterattack Tasks
One Battalion of the Reserve Brigade will be prepared to carry out one of the following counterattacks: (a) Counterattack ABLE to recapture Point 201, 7996.
(b) Counterattack BAKER to recapture Point 172, 7896.
(c) Counterattack CHARLIE to recapture Point 156 [Monte Natale] from direction of Point 172.
(d) Counterattack DOG to recapture Point 156 (Monte Natale) from the South.
(e) Counterattack EASY to recapture Spur 764961 – ring contour 762959- Spur 764957.
In the event of an enemy attack from the North or North-East becoming probable, Division Reserve Battalion will be ordered to assemble astride the jeep track-road and track junction 805935-Tufo. Battalion Command will report to HQ Infantry Brigade commanding centre sector. If an enemy attack from West is probable, Battalion will be ordered to assemble in area South of Point 141 781959, Monte del Duca. Battalion Command will report to HQ Infantry Brigade commanding left sector.
The outline of each counterattack is given. Detailed arrangements including a simple fire plan will be made when the conditions of the actual operation are known.
There then followed details of the tasks for each counterattack. 1 Green Howards was made the Division Reserve Battalion.
With all this activity around Point 172 was Ernest Strafford there or not? If there alive, he would surely have been attended to, so he was either dead and unseen or not there.
1 Green Howards War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 0200
‘A’ Company to area 770950 [half a kilometre South of Tremensuoli].
2 Wiltshires War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 0300
‘D’ Company move into position behind ‘A’ Company North-West of Tufo. Their previous position is taken over by ‘D’ Company, 2 Cameronians.
1 KOYLI War Diary
21 Jan 44
A patrol went out on to Point 141 at first light, made up from the Carrier Platoon under the command of Lieut. D.E. Dimbleby.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 0700
‘C’ Company counterattacked from West and driven off North-West end of Point 156 on to ‘B’ Company’s position. No direct fire brought down owing to failure of wireless and Verey Light signals not being seen. No telephone cable available to Company line as signals truck stuck South of the river and all cable which could be carried having been used to lay line to Brigade HQ. ‘C’ Company suffered heavy casualties and lost much equipment. Remainder of ‘C’ Company came under command of ‘B’ Company to strengthen their position on South end of Point 156. Enemy has withdrawn to reverse slopes except for observation posts on front slopes.
Major D. Webster was then ordered to take command of all troops on Monte Natale. He reorganised them as a composite ‘B/C’ Company on a five-platoon basis.
Forward slopes of Monte Natale. The German attack came up these slopes (Photo John Strafford)
A soldier with ‘B’ Co. York & Lancs. describes what happened
‘Another rude awakening at first light [21 Jan 44] when Gerry put in an attack on ‘C’ Coy. They were quickly overrun as they had been caught having breakfast. Even at 50 yards you could see our fellows standing with the Gerrys with their hands raised. The Gerrys seemed oblivious to our presence till we picked a couple of them off but with being so close together it was hard to shoot at our own. Anyway, they were marched off to the road and Gerry turned his attention to us. They had a good sniper and Private Cooper’s brains [Private William Cooper. Minturno CWGC Cemetery] were running down the tree at my elbow, his legs must have wedged his body in an upright position while leaning back on the tree behind him. Another three shots hit him, and the sniper must have thought he had missed. Why he did not shoot me I cannot start to understand but I soon moved to another position. Then for the rest of the morning Gerry came screaming at us in waves, thank God for the thick hedge and our 25 pounders, which Major D. Webster had given us.’
A soldier from ‘A’ Co. 1 York & Lancs. described his experience
‘When it became dark an enemy tank came up to where we were dug in and sprayed us with bullets but could not see where we were. We were pleased when he went off. Later when it became light two of us carried a box of ammunition to “B” Coy on our left who had been attacked.’
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 0700
A minor counterattack developed on 1 York & Lancs. about 0700 hours which they repulsed successfully but the enemy remained on the Northern half of the Natale feature in very close contact with our troops. A few enemy tanks remained lurking in the area. One was claimed knocked out by our Artillery.
Crossing the Garigliano – South West of Minturno
The slow but strong tank-raft is putting the
Sherman Tanks on the North bank.
On its retreat towards ROME
the German Army is leaving not one of the many road and rail bridges intact. The railway spanning the main road and RIVER
GARIGLIANO completely demolished by Sappers of
572 Field Company Royal Engineers to free a passage for heavy traffic. An oxyacetylene cutter breaks up the fallen
bridge structure, Sappers remove the rails suspended in air, while behind them runs the river and
a thick smoke screen to hide the bridging operations from German observers in
the hills beyond. The rubble is loaded
into trucks and tipped into nearby shell craters which are further blocking the
main road, and one of many Bofors Guns guards these operations, and the newly
won town of Minturno is in the background.
With the taking by British
forces on January 20th of MINTURNO, hundreds of civilians began
pouring home again. Most of them were
ill clothed and on foot, little children and the aged, all in a long almost
unbroken line from dawn until dusk.
They are passing a Sherman tank on its way forward, the demolished
bridge, and the ever alert Bofors gun crew.
Army 5 Division
21 Jan 44
Video 643 1-4
Cameraman: Sgt. Weber
Copyright Imperial War Museum
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. 1 Troop War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 0720
The disposition of No 1 Troop was as follows – Troop Leader at 781967, 1 disabled tank at 781968 [these are both within 100–200 metres North of Cemetery corner on the Santa Maria Infante road] the third tank at 780966 [by the Aid Post on the Santa Maria road] in a counterattack role.
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 feature. Tremensuoli is in front of it. Photo taken from Minturno. (Photo John
Strafford).
In the early hours of the morning a shell hit a house occupied by Michael Fitzherbert Brockholes, Duncan Cawbridge and about twenty signallers. It burst in a basement and the floor of the room in which the signallers were sleeping collapsed. Four men were killed, and five others wounded.
Spike Milligan, D Battery, 56 Heavy Regiment, Royal Artillery, Mussolini: His Part in My Downfall 21 Jan 44 – 0900
‘We went forward. We reached the gully. In a ravine to the left were infantry all dug into the side; they were either resting or in reserve. So far so good. We reach the end of the stone gully and start climbing the stepped mountain – each step is six-foot high, so it is a stiff climb. Crump, Crump, Crump, mortars. We hit the ground. Crump, Crump, Crump – they stop. Why? Can they see us? We get up and go on, Crump, Crump, Crump – he can see us. I cling to the ground. The mortars rain down on us. I will have a fag, that’s what. I am holding a packet of Woodbines, then there is a noise like thunder. It is right on my head, there is a high-pitched whistle in my ears, at first, I black out and then I see red, I am strangely dazed. I was on my front, now I am on my back, the red was opening my eyes straight into the sun. I know if we stay here, we will all die . . I start to scramble down the hill. There’s shouting, I cannot recall anything clearly. Next, I was at the bottom of the mountain, next I am speaking to Major Jenkins, I am crying, I do not know why, he is saying “Get that wound dressed.
’I said, ‘What wound?’ I had been hit on the side of my right leg.
“Why did you come back?” He is shouting at me and threatening me, I cannot remember what I am saying. He’s saying “You could find your way back, but you couldn’t find your way to the Observation Post”, next I’m sitting in an ambulance and shaking, an orderly puts a blanket round my shoulders. I am crying again, why, why, why? Next, I am in a Forward Dressing Station, an orderly gives me a bowl of hot extremely sweet tea. “Swallow these”, he says, two small white pills. I cannot hold the bowl for shaking, he takes it from me and helps me drink it. All around are wounded, he has rolled up my trouser leg. He is putting a sticking plaster on the wound. He is telling me it is only a small one. I do not really care whether it is big or small, why am I crying? Why cannot I stop? I am getting lots of sympathy, what I want is an explanation. I am feeling drowsy and I must have started to sway because next I am on a stretcher. I feel lovely, what was in those tablets . . . that is the stuff for me, who wants food? I do not know how long I am there. I wake up. I am still on the stretcher, I am not drowsy, but I start to shiver. I sit up. They put a label on me. They get me to my feet and help me to an ambulance. I can see really badly wounded men, their bandages soaked through with blood, plasma is being dripped into them. When we get to one of the Red Cross trucks, an Italian woman, all in black, young, beautiful, is holding a dead baby and weeping; someone says the child has been killed by a shell splinter.’
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1115
368 Battery Commander reports that 1 KOYLI killed one sniper and captured another on Monte Natale ridge. Small counterattack repulsed this morning.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1130
Fire Plan from 471 Battery Commander. Battery to fire on line 772967 – 773965 [Western slopes of Monte Natale].
6 Grenadier Guards War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1140
The Battalion was ordered to move to the Tremensuoli area to hold the line to ridge of the hills, prepared in a counterattack role.
N. Nicholson, 6 Grenadier Guards, The Grenadier Guards in the War of 1939-1945, Volume II
‘The front line was scarcely four hundred yards North of the river, half-way up the first foothills which led to the massive cliffs of the Aurunci Mountains, and the Grenadiers at Tremensuoli led a troglodyte existence in slit trenches dug between the olive trees and rocky outcrops. The shell and mortar fire were unceasing’.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary 21 Jan 44 – 1230
1 Green Howards relieved by 3 Coldstream Guards and now in Brigade reserve in assembly area Minturno 784953 [half a kilometre South of Point 141, Monte del Duca]
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
21 Jan 44
During the morning 1 Green Howards were successfully relieved on the Tremensuoli feature and came into Brigade reserve. Casualties unfortunately included the Adjutant and Information Officer wounded. The Brigade Information Officer, Captain H. Gundill was accordingly sent to 1 Green Howards to help them out temporarily and Captain J. Scott called up from ‘B’ Echelon to take over. [‘B’ Echelon is the Battalion’s administrative area behind the lines where new arrivals are gathered, and stores stockpiled. Normally manned by the Quartermaster and his stores team. Often connected with the Division Admin Area.] He arrived about midday. It then became clear that the enemy was building up for a further counterattack on Monte Natale. 201 Guards Brigade on our left reported infantry debussing from half-track vehicles North West of Monte Natale. This target was successfully engaged by the guns.
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. 1 Troop War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1300
The Troop was dive bombed and the disabled tank was hit and set on fire, but the Troop suffered no casualties [tank was just North of Cemetery on Santa Maria Infante road].
52 Anti-Tank Regiment War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1300
Brigade Commander returned and ordered guns up to Minturno and then proceeded back to the town to do a recce with the Regimental Officers. The ground was found to be very unsuitable for tanks, but guns were deployed in depth covering the road Route 7.
5 Infantry Division History
21 Jan 44 – 1300
A counterattack by 1 York & Lancs. on Point 156 at 0930 forced the Germans to yield about 200 yards but they remained in possession of the main feature. By 1215 1 Green Howards had been relieved by 3 Coldstream Guards [at Tremensuoli and Point 141] but at 1300 the other two Battalions [1 KOYLI and 1 York & Lancs.] were attacked by enemy aircraft and suffered further casualties. An earlier air attack had already been made on Minturno.
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. 1 Troop War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1330
The disabled tank fire was extinguished, and the tank abandoned. Extensive damage was caused, one engine being out of action, the radiator smashed, the left-hand sprocket smashed and the tracks and suspension damaged.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1352
471 Battery Commander asked for Air Observation Post to observe the following areas: 7697,7696,7797 [areas Northwest of Monte Natale]. West half of road running North East through 7697. 7697 believed to be area where counterattack is forming up
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. 1 Troop War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1400
Orders received from the CO. of 1 York & Lancs. to move to protect the left flank.
21 Jan 44 – 1430-1630
We were accurately shelled and the third tank hit. No casualties and the tank still a runner.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1430
Report received of counterattack forming up in area. Artillery concentrations put down in area.
21 Jan 44 – 1435
Brigadier arrived at Tactical HQ to discuss recapture of North-West end of Point 156 by ‘D’ Company under barrage.
1 Green Howards War Diary 21 Jan 44 – 1435
Battalion moved to rest area 797949 [1km South-East of Minturno].
6 Grenadier Guards War Diary 21 Jan 44 – 1450
Report: enemy debussing from half trucks about road junction – known as ‘Squiggle’ – forming up and attacking 1 York & Lancs. on Monte Natale.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1500
Another enemy counterattack was launched, not only against ‘B/C’ Company on Monte Natale but also ‘A’ Company on the road. The enemy put down a light smoke screen from the North to hide their attack on ‘A’ Company. The enemy suffered severe casualties. Accurate defensive fire by the artillery and the Battalion’s 3-inch mortars prevented the Germans penetrating the main positions, but some of the forward posts were lost before the counterattack faded out.
T. B. Davis The Surrey
& Sussex Yeomanry (98 Field Regiment) 1980
1 Green Howards War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1900
Battalion standing by to relieve 1 York & Lancs.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1900
1 KOYLI reported that their right and centre were OK, but they were anxious about their left which adjoined the main road [road to Santa Maria Infante]. Their Carrier Platoon on Point 141 had previously been withdrawn having fired all their ammunition and successfully broken up the counterattack East of the road. Throughout this period Line Telephone communications were disabled, and the Battalion Major was in touch with 1 York & Lancs. and 1 KOYLI by radio telephone. [Some Regiments called their Battalion Second in Command the Battalion Major, whilst others used the term Senior Major.] The Brigade Commander was at 1 York & Lancs. HQ when the counterattack started – later he went to visit 201 Guards Brigade HQ and 13 Infantry Brigade HQ. Control in this period was in the hands of the Brigade Major who had as his Second in Command Major C. Aris, 92 Field Regiment RA who was supervising artillery support.
1 KOYLI Citation: Distinguish Service Order for Major H.L. Robinson
21 Jan 44
Major H.L. Robinson was in Command of ‘B’ Company, 1 Battalion, The King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry holding the left of the 172 ridge on 20 January 1944. This position was the key to the Brigade defensive area and had to be held at all costs. At about 1600 hours whilst just forward of Minturno on the 172 ridge a heavy counterattack developed on our left. Although on his left flank the position was obscure, Major Robinson went up to the forward Platoons and so directed the battle that the enemy were unable to make any headway on his Company front. During the night 20-21 January the Company position was under enemy machine gun and artillery fire, whilst on his left it appeared that they had succeeded in infiltrating through. At first light it was obvious that they intended to drive us from this position. Right from the beginning of this action the left flank of the position was exposed, and the Company was in fact almost encircled. Despite this Major Robinson continued to lead the fighting from the forward positions until such time as the forward Platoons were overrun by Germans. Then fighting his way by grenade and machine gun fire he reached his Company HQ position where he carried on the fight. For a long time, Major Robinson could be seen directing the fire of his automatic weapons and skilfully holding the Germans at bay. When at last his total Company was reduced to some dozen men and it was impossible to hold the position he skilfully withdrew some 300 yards to the Reserve Company locality, where he at once reformed his group of men and engaged the enemy. The Germans never succeeded in penetrating this second line of defence, although a counterattack continued until late evening of 21 January. As a result of this Officer’s magnificent example of personal courage, his complete disregard for his own personal safety and his cool, skilled handling of his Company, the enemy never succeeded in occupying the 172 ridge and the key position was held by our forces. The battlefield on Point 172 covered as it is with dead Germans and with the men of Major Robinson’s Company bears eloquent witness to the fierceness of the fighting and to the skill and courage of the defenders.
40 Royal Tank Regiment No. 1 Troop War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1910
Attack finally beaten off, and the Troop withdrew to 785958 [half a kilometre North of Minturno] taking up a counterattack role astride the Santa Maria Infante road where they were shelled throughout the night.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1910
368 Battery Commander reports 1 York & Lancs. having ‘a difficult time, but 1 Green Howards are there. Fire was good’.
5 Infantry Division History
21 Jan 44
In the afternoon, enemy artillery activity heralded a further counterattack from the direction of Monte Natale. This was once more effectively broken up by the Divisional Artillery. To what extent was basically described by Major Prior, OC 368 Battery supporting 1 KOYLI, who reported ‘The Boche caught no mean packet.’ Farther to the North-West of Minturno, however, the depleted 1 York & Lancs. was having a difficult time and 1 Green Howards, only just relieved by 3 Coldstream Guards, sent their ‘A’ and ‘C’ Companies to help. The latter Company put in a quick counterattack under Command of 1 York & Lancs. but were forced to abandon it under heavy pressure. All afternoon repeated attempts were made to hammer 1 York & Lancs. positions.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1930
‘A’, ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies suffered heavy casualties. ‘D’ Company sent up to reinforce ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies. One Platoon being put under command ‘A’ Company, two Platoons under ‘B’ Company. Counterattack beaten off. The enemy withdrew to the reverse slope. HQ was dive bombed during the day.
1 York & Lancs. Military Medal Citation for Sergeant B Smith
On 21 January 1944 when his Company was heavily counterattacked North-West of Minturno and overrun by tanks Sergeant Smith displayed great gallantry and devotion to duty in organising his Platoon in a defensive position when under fire. He led his Platoon under fire, got them into positions and moved from Section to Section with complete disregard for his own safety, encouraging his men to stick to their posts. He set an exceptionally fine example to his whole Platoon and greatly helped to maintain our positions.
1 KOYLI War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 1930
In the evening things began to happen. 1 York & Lancs. on our left were heavily counterattacked and our own front was only protected by the skilful action of our standing patrol on Point 141.
The attack died down at dusk – but by this time it was apparent that the enemy had reinforced, and we were up against 90 Light Division, a well-known hard fighting unit. Things did not look quite so good on the Point 172 ridge and accordingly ‘C’ Company, previously in reserve, was moved a little closer to ‘B’ and ‘A’ Companies.
1 KOYLI Citation: Military Cross for Captain G.E. Pinkerton Royal Army Medical Corps. Captain Pinkerton RAMC. is Regimental Medical Officer attached to 1 KOYLI. During operations on 21 January 1944 in front of Minturno he displayed an extraordinary devotion to duty in maintaining his Aid Post in a forward position, for the greater part of the time under enemy fire, both small arms and artillery. He dealt coolly and efficiently with many casualties from all areas and other units as well as his own. Early in the battle a Company suffered some 20 casualties through walking into an enemy minefield. Captain G E Pinkerton regardless of his own personal safety and knowing that the area was heavily mined led a rescue party and successfully evacuated the wounded. He remained without rest for some 36 hours, never failing to give continued treatment even though during the intense enemy fire his Regimental Aid Post was hit and pierced by anti-personnel shells on three occasions. This Officer’s complete disregard for his own personal safety and his great display of individual courage were a fine example to all ranks.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2000
Stonk 773973 [1km North West of Monte Natale] over period of 15 minutes. 471 Battery Observation Post reports strong counterattack by the enemy.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2000
The Brigade Major spoke to HQ 5 Infantry Division on the phone and was told that 1 York & Lancs. must hold their ground that night and that not more than one Company, 1 Green Howards should be used as reinforcement unless absolutely essential. This message was passed on to the Brigade Command by the Brigade Information Officer on foot.
5 Infantry Division History
21 Jan 44 – 2030
Just before last light 1 KOYLI and 1 York & Lancs. on Point 156 were again counter attacked, the attack this time was supported by armour, but in the initial stages only, as the failing light soon forced the enemy to withdraw his tanks. By 2030 it was known that 1 York & Lancs. had repulsed the attack and some prisoners had been taken. The enemy however remained in close contact. 1 York & Lancs. were by now very thin on the ground and a Company of 1 Green Howards was moved up between them and 1 KOYLI, a further Company following up as reserve.
1 KOYLI reported that the enemy appeared to hold the Monte Natale feature with many machine guns. Enemy patrols were still active, and it looked as though another counterattack could be expected on the left flank. A small counterattack was later repulsed. 1 KOYLI got up onto Monte Natale, killed a sniper and captured another. 91 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery made a dash for their new area and were able to get in quite a lot of digging before the enemy reacted with counter battery fire.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2100
‘E’ Battery Observation Post reports reason Stonk stopped was one of our Regiments firing noticeably short. 777973 (approx. 1km North of Monte Natale), should be OK.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2155
1 York & Lancs. were able to report that they had given no ground at all, viz, they still held a footing on Monte Natale and held the Cemetery as well. Their casualties however had not been light. They were in touch on their right with 1 KOYLI on Point 172.
1 KOYLI War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2200
Tactical HQ heavily shelled. 102 Medium Regiment RA wireless set destroyed and also one of 98 Field Regiment’s sets.
21 Jan 44 – 2300
‘C’ Company was subjected to a very heavy enemy counterattack and was driven back with heavy loss on to ‘B’ Company’s position. ‘C’ Company lost much equipment. During the night of 21/22 Jan 44 there was shelling, considerable patrol activity, and moreover heavy enemy motor transport movement was heard.
17 Infantry Brigade War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2305
Warning order received from Division that Brigade may have to push through 13 Infantry Brigade if 1 Green Howards fail to restore ground lost by 1 York & Lancs. [Point 156]. Weather: Fine.
1 Green Howards War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2345
‘A’ Company moved off to reinforce 1 York & Lancs.
Two Companies of 1 Green Howards put under command of 1 KOYLI Battalion, one Company arrived 2300 and was used to reinforce ‘A’ and ‘B’ companies. The other would not arrive until 0530, 22 Jan 44, then remain in reserve.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
21 Jan 44 – 2359
Hold half of Point 156. 1 Green Howards on way to reinforce. 1 KOYLI have a Platoon on Point 141. 6 Grenadier Guards, North and East of Tremensuoli. 2 Scots Guards on Point 141. 7 Cheshires, One Platoon ‘C’ company in position. 2 Wiltshires: ‘A’ Co. Point 201, ‘D’ Co. behind ‘A’ Co. Battalion HQ in house South of Tufo, ‘C’ Co. on Point 151, and ‘B’ Co. West of Tufo.
This was the position at midnight on 21 January 1944. Two Sherman tanks were positioned on the road North of Minturno ready to assist 1 York & Lancs.
X (BR) Corps History
21 Jan 44
On the left of the bridgehead, the attack on Monte Natale was fiercely pressed and, though the attack was held the enemy remained in close contact when night fell on 21 January. GOC 5 Infantry Division planned a preliminary attack by 15 Infantry Brigade to restore its front before launching 201 Guards Brigade to clear the remainder of the high ground.
5 Infantry Division War Diary
It was arranged during the night that as 15 Infantry Brigade had to carry out an operation to restore its front on Point 156 this attack should be made before that of 201 Guards Brigade so that each operation might be given the maximum artillery support.
5 Infantry Division History
In the week ending 21 January 1944 there were 48 deserters from 5 Infantry Division.
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