NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE BOOK PUBLISHED.
22 Jan 44 Page 128
Official History
Brigadier Molony’s The Mediterranean and Middle East, notes that between 18-22 Jan 44 inclusive, the start of the Garigliano Offensive, casualties in the whole of X Corps (which included 5, 45 & 56 Division) were 1,312.
Just three battalions of 5 Division lost about 565 men that week: The Royal Scots Fusiliers’ casualties were approximately 140, including seven officers, to which a further 53 casualties had to be added on 23 Jan 44 - a total of 193.
Field Returns of Jan 22 44 for 6 Seaforth Highlanders show a complement of 27 officers and 608 ORs, against a War Establishment of 36 officers and 815 ORs. The battalion was forced to reorganise into three Rifle Companies, so it must have lost in the region of 100 men.
1 Bn York & Lancaster lost 256 men during the week ending Jan 22 44.
The Wiltshires, also from 5 Division, lost 195 men during the Garigliano operations (two weeks) .
According to 56 Division ADMS, divisional troop casualties for the week ending 22 Jan 44 were 40 officers and 659 ORs. Eric Morris, in Circles of Hell, gives the figure of 4,000 British casualties in the first battle of Cassino (22 Jan – 13 Feb 44).
56 Division ADMS Medical Diary for Jan 44 records 76 officers and 1311 OR casualties in January - a total of 1387.
5 Infantry Division History
22 Jan 44
The alarums and excursions died down as night fell on 21 Jan 44 but both sides patrolled actively throughout the night. Patrols from 13 Infantry Brigade reported that the enemy was preparing a large-scale attack against the Tufo area and sure enough at first light, preceded by a heavy artillery and mortar bombardment, he launched a sharp attack that overran ‘A’ Company of 2 Wiltshires, forcing them to give up about 200 yards of valuable ground. The Company Commander [Capt. Clarke] together with his Forward Observation Officer [Capt. Plant of 91 Field Regiment RA] and a Platoon, went forward immediately to restore the position, but they were likewise overrun. Capt. Plant called for Direct Fire on to their positions and most of the party were extricated, but the two Captains themselves were shot and taken prisoner. Whilst they were receiving attention from a German medical orderly a heavy concentration from the Divisional Artillery came down onto Point 201. This forced the enemy to withdraw and abandon their two prisoners who managed to struggle back to the main positions. A successful counterattack was made by 2 Cameronians who secured Point 201 for good.
On the extreme left of the sector 2 Northants, then under command of 13 Infantry Brigade, came into Divisional Reserve and moved up into the foothills of the Minturno - Tufo Ridge to reconnoitre a counterattack on to Point 156. This counterattack plan was later cancelled. They remained dug in and suffered only a few casualties from heavy shell fire. In the evening a few lonely enemy bombers added to their temporary discomfort.
From Norway to Burma by Roger Holgate
22 Jan 44
Between 18 and 22 Jan 44 X
Corps had lost almost 1,500 men.
13 Brigade was in the area
between Tufo and Minturno, when the counter attack began on 20 Jan 44 and 15
Brigade was moving forward to take the ridge behind Tremensuoli. For two days 1 KOYLI, with 1 Green Howards
and 1 York & Lancs., stood firm against Kesselring’s counter attack, which
surged along the boundary of the bridgehead, and on towards Mount Damiano,
Mount Castiello and the Sujo valley.
The front line on the right of the attack moved back and forth, as the
Germans fought to throw it back to the river.
As the casualties began to mount, the entire front started to stabilise
into a position that was roughly the same as had existed when the German
counter attack had been launched.
5 Infantry Division Intelligence
22 Jan 44
Enemy situation II Battalion 200 Panzer Grenadier Regiment came into the Monte Natale area followed by II Battalion 361 Grenadier Regiment into the area of Point 141. In the morning ‘9’ Company, III Battalion, 200 Grenadier Regiment came in between the two other Battalions and attacked down the road past the Cemetery. As we have known before, ‘9’ Company of 90 Panzer Grenadier Division is used both to be carried in half-tracked vehicles and very often used in close cooperation with the tanks of 190 Panzer Battalion. In December 43 they lost their half-tracked vehicles, but the Company may still be used independently. It is therefore by no means established that all of III Battalion 200 Panzer Grenadier Regiment is on our front.
102 Medium Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 sHeavy counterattack North-West of Minturno repulsed. Capt. Mirando slight wound – not evacuated. One Other Rank killed [Sgt. Ernest Hughes. Minturno CWGC Cemetery]. ‘A’ Troop gun position shelled during morning. One Other rank killed. One Other Rank wounded.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0001
7 Cheshires MG [machine gun] arrived and ordered to occupy positions to cover valley South of Point 156, Monte Natale.
92 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0030
HQ Royal Artillery inform that Fire Plan will be required in support of 1 Green Howards on 22 Jan 44 between 0700 – 0730. Details to follow. X (BR) Corps Artillery to be silent between 1200 – 1300 except in emergency as Reserve Company out making special effort to locate German Heavy Batteries during that period.
5 Infantry Division History
22 Jan 44 – 0200
1 York & Lancs. positions were still very insecure. In the temporary absence of the Brigade Commander who was involved somewhere or other in the thick of the fighting, the Brigade Major F. W. de Butts, alerted and moved 1 Green Howards into a longstop position and tried to get a Battalion of 201 Guards Brigade, facing the same way. This was to be the peak of the enemy’s efforts and he was within an ace of achieving his aim/.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0300
Two men from 92 Field Regiment arrived to arrange artillery fire in support of counterattack on North-West end of Point 156, Monte Natale. Zero hour at 0900 decided on, consisting of barrage from three Field and two Medium Artillery Regiments in a semi-circle round North-West end of Point 156 arranged. SP [self- propelled gun] Regiments to fire concentrations on localities on Point 156 already registered. Four anti-tank guns in position in ‘A’ company’s area.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0345
Traffic became hopelessly jammed between Point 172 and the Class 9 bridge over the River Garigliano. However, labour provided by 13 Infantry Brigade managed to clear the debris and about midnight traffic was moving round this very exposed corner OK. The Brigadier now established himself in some buildings just South West of Minturno. and Brigade Main HQ moved up to join him leaving at approx. 0345.
1 Green Howards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0400
‘C’ Company moved off to reinforce 1 York & Lancs.
1 York & Lancs. Missing Person’s Report by Sergeant Fielding
22 Jan 44 – 0430
‘Private Wibberley was in Lance Corporal Shaw‘s section of 8 Platoon, “A” Company, 1 York & Lancs. The Platoon had lost its Platoon Commander so Sergeant Durose, Platoon Sergeant, took control. This Platoon was so battered that I had to reinforce it with my “17” Platoon “D” Company. At about 4.30am, 22 Jan 44 I was ordered by Major A. Wilson, Officer Commanding “A” Company, (since deceased) to send Lance Corporal Shaw and his Section, to find out the strength of the enemy at the Cemetery, about a mile and a half North of Minturno, and about 350 yards North of our position. The patrol went out and did not return. I have since heard that Lance Corporal Shaw was wounded. and taken prisoner.’
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0530
‘C’ company 1 Green Howards arrived. The company given orders regarding counterattack.
1 York & Lancs. Missing Person’s Report by Corporal Lane
22 Jan 44 – 0530
‘At Minturno, North of the River Garigliano I was on a line party with Lance Corporal Packer. It was about 0530. He suddenly cried out that he had been shot and fell to the ground. Very shortly after, a party of Germans appeared and took me prisoner. They would not let me attend to Lance Corporal Packer, but I am certain he was dead. They took me to their lines and that was the last I saw of the body. Company Sergeant Major Frogget, who was Company Sergeant Major of “A” Company, 1 York & Lancs. and also taken prisoner may be able to substantiate this.’
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0545
FOO [Forward Observation Officer] from 98 Field Regiment arrived to go forward with ‘C’ Company.
1 Green Howards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0600
CO [Commanding Officer] with Company Commander ‘C’ Company, 1 Green Howards and Forward Observation Officer carry out recce for counterattack. One Platoon Commander killed [Lt. John Whiteman. Beds & Herts attached to 1 Green Howards. Minturno CWGC Cemetery], one wounded by own artillery fire.
2 Scots Guards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0600
The counterattack of last night was continued at dawn and although successfully held it was felt that the troops who faced it were pretty exhausted. In consequence Right Flank Company was moved up to consolidate on Point 141, West of Minturno known as Monte del Duca, in case of encroachment. This hill is bare and rocky, digging is extremely difficult, and the inevitable result was a gradual wastage of men through harassing fire. The counterattack was held, and the Battalion was not immediately engaged. Lieutenant Victor M. Gordon-Ives [Minturno, CWGC Cemetery] was killed by a shell whilst reconnoitring his Platoon position on Point 141.
The mortar Platoon under Ronnie Jenkinson was supporting 3 Coldstream in Tremensuoli, from mid-day yesterday until this morning. The reason for this was that a 3 Coldstream Platoon had suffered very heavy casualties from one shell and had become disorganised by their loss. Our Platoon was kept busy by engaging opportunity targets, which they did quite successfully, unfortunately six men were wounded before they moved out. The carrier Platoon took up a position between Minturno and Tremensuoli facing West.
Monte Natale formed a bulge facing North-West towards the towering bulk of Petrella, and the Tufo position faced North-East towards the German held village of Castelforte in the hills above the right bank of the River Garigliano. Monte Natale and Tufo were each exposed to fire almost from the rear, from enemy facing one another, and inaccurate rounds aimed at Minturno itself tended to pass over the hill into the area of Battalion Headquarters, Support Company, and ‘A’ Echelon near the main road.
No. 1 Troop ‘A’ Squadron 40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0610
No. 1 Troop moved to area 780965 [Aid Post on road] to assist 1 York & Lancs. to repel an enemy counterattack made by infantry with tank support. The Troop engaged the enemy, but visibility was very poor.
X (BR) Corps Headquarters War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0615
15 Infantry Brigade: Counterattack launched against 1 York and Lancs. at Point 156, Monte Natale at last light 21 Jan 44 repulsed. Enemy casualties believed heavy.
Translation of the German Text
Grenadier Georg Duscher was killed on 22 Jan 44 at Solacciano which is one kilometre West of the (Minturno) cemetery and two kilometres North of Tremensuoli. He was with the 361 Grenadier Regiment.
**In pious remembrance of our dear
Senior Grenadier
Georg Duscher
Farmer’s son from the Basen farm in Achleiten,
Parish of Schardenberg,
who, in his 20th year of life, met a hero’s death in the heavy fighting in southern Italy.**
Poetic Verse
You left us with a courageous heart
And hoped for a reunion.
But now our pain is greater,
Since this can no longer happen.
Yet when the bell from the tower tolls
That death has been ordained for me so soon,
Then do not weep, my loved ones—
You must be where I am now.
I went with two of my brothers
As a hero to the homeland of heaven.
Minturno and Monte Natale. Three separate locations for Point 141: Monte del Duca, Point 141 to the West of Monte del Duca, and Spur Point 141, 1km North-East of the Cemetery.
1 KOYLI War Diary
1 York & Lancs. History
22 Jan 44 – 0630
In the morning the full fury of a really heavy counterattack fell on ‘B/C’ Company, ‘A’
Company and on 1 Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry on the right. The attack was
made by a Regiment of Panzer Grenadiers who had been ordered to reach the line of
the River Garigliano at all costs.
Enemy counterattacked from the North. The attack was heaviest astride the
main road. Owing to casualties a clear picture is difficult to arrive at. Enemy tank
knocked out 2 anti-tank guns on main road and penetrated ‘A’ Company’s position.
The tank Troop had already been ordered forward but there was some delay in
reaching ‘A’ Company. ‘A’ Company on the road fought to the last, against an
overwhelming force of tanks and infantry and was practically annihilated. Major
A. Wilson [Officer Commanding ‘A’ company] was killed [Maj. Alistair Wilson
MC. Minturno CWGC Cemetery] and Captain Cruickshank [Company Second in
Command] and Major D. Young [Officer Commanding ‘D’ Company] attached to
‘A’ Company were wounded early on. ‘A’ Company after suffering heavy casualties
were over run. Before this occurred the Platoon of 1 KOYLI on point 141 had
withdrawn and shortly afterwards 1 KOYLI Company on Point 172 withdrew and
the enemy therefore achieved a major penetration of the defences. The enemy were
thus able to bring fire to bear behind ‘A’ and ‘B/C’ Companies positions making a
counterattack on ‘A’ Company’s old position impossible. ‘B/C’ Company held off
all attacks despite heavy casualties and made good use of artillery support. Owing
to the Field Regiment wireless set being destroyed communications with them was
circuitous but the Forward Observation Officer from 91 Field Regiment provided
additional assistance. Direct Fire tasks were called down continuously and inflictedheavy casualties. The Germans were all round the leading Companies all night, and
at dawn the counterattack began in earnest.
On Monte Natale itself ‘B/C’ Company was fortunate in that it had a Regiment of Artillery in direct support. By keeping this Regiment firing continuously for over two hours and by bringing the defensive fire back so that it fell almost on its own positions, the Company which had now been reinforced by two platoons of ‘D’ Company kept the enemy off the summit of the hill, but only at the cost of heavy casualties to itself. ‘B/C’ Company inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy by using light machine guns, the fire from which was so intense that some guns seized up.
Later in the morning German tanks advanced down the road to about 783963 [midway up the track between the Cemetery and Point 172] but were held by our tanks and enemy machine guns were established in the houses at 778963 [200m West of the Aid Post]. Patrols were sent out to stalk the tanks and to deal with the machine guns with some success.
The German tanks were coming down this road from Santa Maria Infante. 40 Royal Tank Regiment had to stop them getting to this corner of the Cemetery. (Photo John Strafford)
1 Green Howards Citation: Military Medal for Sergeant F.M. Roche
On 22 Jan 44, Sergeant Roche was commanding a Platoon which was under Command ‘A’ Company 1 York & Lancs. in the area of the Cemetery, 781966, with orders to hold his position at all costs.
At about 0620 the Platoon locality was attacked by a Mark IV Tank, which was engaged, the Platoon suffering casualties. At about 0630 the Platoon was attacked by Infantry in strength and the situation became critical, the enemy having infiltrated round both flanks and completely surrounded the locality.
At this juncture Sergeant Roche collected all available grenades and arming the members of his Platoon with T.S.M.Gs [Tactical Support Machine Guns] and extra ammunition went out to attack the enemy. By superb courage and offensive action of the highest order, Sergeant Roche overcame great odds, killing and wounding several enemy and causing the remainder to break up and run.
1 Green Howards Citation: Military Medal for Sergeant H. Sissons
On 22 Jan 44, in the area of Minturno Cemetery, 781966, No. 7 Platoon was heavily
engaged. Early on, the Platoon Commander became a casualty and Sergeant Sissons
immediately took over.
Casualties were being suffered and the Platoon was soon reduced to two Sections.
Sergeant Sissons quite undaunted, was seem moving from Section to Section directing
the fire of his Platoon and a number of dead and wounded Germans were lying about
20 yards from his position.
Although Sergeant Sissons was himself wounded in the shoulder, he refused to be evacuated and remained in command of his Platoon, controlling its fire, until it was ordered to withdraw, and he had brought it safely back.
1 York & Lancs. Missing Person’s Report by Lance Corporal King
20 Jan 44 – 0630
‘I last saw Private Clegg at about 0630 on 22 Jan 44 on Hill 156 forward of Minturno. He was forward of the Company with Sergeant Hayes laying a minefield when we were heavily counterattacked. I have not seen him since.
2 Wiltshires War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0630
First enemy attack. This penetrated ‘A’ Company’s position on Point, 201, but was counterattacked and driven off with the bayonet.
3 Coldstream Guards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0630
Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. W.A.G. Burns MC and his group left the Assembly area. They went to the Battalion HQ of 1 Green Howards which were in slit trenches behind Tremensuoli. The HQ was under intermittent shellfire and aerial bombardment.
98
Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22
Jan 44 – 0650
SOS
Category continuous: 471 Battery report strong counterattack making progress
coming up road 781969 and at 780968 [Santa Maria Infante road, a kilometre
North of the Cemetery]
Major G.H. Peile Adventures of 392 Battery, 98th Field Regiment 1945 (IWM)
“On January 22 after a long
and exhaustive recce by the Commanding Officer, the position of the Observation
Posts, which had been obscure, had ended by Capt. Palmer manning the
Observation Post with the Battery Commander, with the Battalion Commander of 3
Coldstream Guards, as the Regiment had now taken over support of 201 Guards
Brigade, then under command of 5 Division..
The position was extremely unpleasant. The Coldstreams had their Battalion H.Q. in Tremensuoli, which was being subjected to constant shelling and mortar fire, and the O.P. was in a very muddy slit trench rather than in advance of the Front Defence Lines. This O.P. was manned alternately by Capt. Palmer and Capt. Stride. During the next four days some excellent shooting was done both by the forward O.P. and the rear O.P., the latter being able to engage hostile Batteries which could actually be seen firing. The whole of the forward position was overlooked.”
158 Field Ambulance War Diary
22 Jan 44
Some slight difficulty was experienced in re-assembling the Sections to form an Advance Dressing Station. This was however done in the evening of 21 Jan 44. An Advanced Dressing Station was established in a quarry South of Minturno. Later the ADS moved into Minturno, but on orders of the Commanding Officer moved back at first light to a more suitable position just outside the town to a farm under cover of a hill. Shelling less severe in this locality. Arrangements made to send extra Stretcher Bearers to 201 Guards Brigade and to loan two Jeeps for their attack on morning of 22 Jan 44.
X (BR) Corps History
22 Jan 44 – 0700
Before 15 Infantry Brigade could begin its attack, the enemy renewed his attack in strength along the whole line of the Minturno hills using strong forces of infantry supported by tanks.
5 Infantry Division History
On the 15 Infantry Brigade front where 1 Green Howards were planning an attack to restore the position, the enemy forestalled them and launched a counterattack into 1 KOYLI. Shortly afterwards an enemy Self-Propelled gun supporting this attack got into the Northern outskirts of Minturno near the Cemetery and made a nuisance of itself until chased out by our own tanks. The attack was beaten back with losses to both sides.
‘A’ Squadron of 40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0700
The Commanding Officer of 1 York & Lancs. ordered No. 1 Troop to advance North along the road from 780965 [Aid Post] but as the leading tank was held up by Anti Personnel fire, this order was countermanded.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0710
368 Battery Commander reports enemy among 1 KOYLI. Regiment to stand-by.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0715
While the CO. was visiting ‘C’ Company, the Battalion Second in Command received a verbal message from Brigade that 2 Wiltshires were being counter attacked on Point 201 and 2 Cameronians were to move another Company to Tufo to support them.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0720
HQ Royal Artillery order fire on 784973 [Santa Maria Infante road, a kilometre and a half North of the Cemetery].
22 Jan 44 – 0722
Target changed by HQ Royal Artillery from 784973 to 773968 [half a kilometre North West of Monte Natale]. Regiment engages.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0725
Battalion Second in Command ordered ‘B’ Company to move immediately to Tufo area and Officer Commanding ‘D’ Company to report to 2 Wiltshires Battalion HQ. ‘A’ Company were warned to be prepared to move to Tufo area but to proceed only on the Commanding Officer’s order.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0730
102 Medium Regiment report a York & Lancs. Company overrun in area 780968. This is ‘A’ Company 1 York & Lancs. withdrawing down the Santa Maria Infante road in haste in the area of the Cemetery.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0730
Intercept. 91 Field Regiment ordered to fire on 798966 [Point 201] – counterattack.
22 Jan 44 – 0740
Regiment Second in Command at HQ 15 Infantry Brigade reports heavy armoured attack from left. Self-Propelled Gun in area Minturno rather troublesome, and now being chased by our tanks. Commanding Officer required to visit Commander Royal Artillery at Brigade HQ this morning.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0815
The CO. having returned to Battalion HQ left for 2 Wiltshires Battalion HQ outside Tufo arriving at 0815. 2 Wiltshires by then had driven off the first enemy counterattack and was preparing for second enemy attack on Point 201. ‘B’ Company were contacted, and the CO. ordered ‘B’ Company to take over the defence of the West end of Tufo to allow 2 Wiltshire’s Company to go forward to support the Companies on Point 201.
2 Wiltshires War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0830
Second enemy attack. Only slight penetration. Beaten off.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0840
368 Battery Commander reports own tanks now moving up, situation quiet now. Counterattack by enemy started in area of Cemetery.
22 Jan 44 – 0845
368 Battery Observation Post reported to have lost wireless set in a skirmish. Line communication being established. Observation Post now established with Battery Commander at 786964 [200m East of Point 172].
17 Infantry Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0845
Brigade put at 2 hours-notice to restore situation on 15 Infantry Brigade front.
‘A’ Squadron, 40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0900
One tank of No 2 Troop was shelled and set on fire, but the crew were unharmed.
During 21-22 Jan 44, 40 Royal Tank Regiment had several tanks hit in the area of the Cemetery. In their book The Battles for Monte Cassino. Then and Now Jeffrey Plowman and Perry Rowe write: ‘A Sherman of the 760th Tank Battalion rumbles past the Cemetery. The knocked-out Sherman beside the Cemetery wall is not one of theirs, but was a casualty from the earlier fighting for the Garigliano bridgehead by British X (BR) Corps. It was most likely disabled on Jan 22 44, the War Diary recording “One tank of two Sherman troops KO’d. Other five tanks North of Minturno. Boche tanks thought unlikely to come further than Cemetery”.
2 Cameronians War Diary 22 Jan 44 – 0915
‘B’ Company were in position now at the West end of Tufo.
X (BR) Corps War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0922
5 Infantry Division: Confirming verbal instructions. Task of 13 and 15 Infantry Brigades will be to remain firm on Minturno ridge. 15 Infantry Brigade to re-establish itself on Point 156 as soon as present situation permits. Will then re-group and have the front held by two Battalions forward, tanks in support and one Battalion in reserve. As soon as Corps and Division artillery can be released from present Direct Fire, 201 Guards Brigade will complete occupation of high ground to East and this side of River Capo d’Acqua to prevent any enemy movement down Route 7 axis or by road North East from San Croce. Armour and anti-tank position accordingly. Attack on the Scauri feature postponed until present situation is stabilised, and fire support can be made available. Inter Brigade body as at present.
17 Infantry Brigade in Division Reserve will be prepared to move to Minturno area with a view if necessary, to re-establishing the situation on the high ground 7896 [Minturno-Tufo ridge-Cemetery to Point 172] moving from the East through 13 Infantry Brigade. 17 Infantry Brigade at two hours-notice. 2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 0930
The enemy started a counterattack on Point 201 supported by shelling Point 201 and the West end of Tufo. The counterattack was strong and succeeded in driving back ‘A’ & ‘D’ Companies of 2 Wiltshires to the southern section of the hill.
‘A’ Squadron 40 Royal Tank Regiment War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1000
Orders received from 5 Infantry Division to place two troops under command 15 Infantry Brigade and two under command 201 Guards Brigade. The two Troops under command 15 Infantry Brigade moved to the area of the Cemetery 781967 and the high ground to the East of the Cemetery, at Point 172, whilst the two Troops under the command of 201 Guards Brigade took up positions at 815957 and 780954 (road 500m West of Minturno).
2 Wiltshires War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1000
Third enemy attack. This attack was successful and ‘A’ Company, and the Carrier Platoon were forced back to ‘B’ Company at the West end of Tufo. During final attack ‘A’ Company Commander Capt. J. Power was killed [Capt. John Power. Minturno CWGC Cemetery]. It was during this last attack that Major Clark had his second escape from the enemy. He had gone forward to see ‘A’ Company and was caught in a dugout when the attack came, and a hand grenade was thrown in. When he was out, the waiting Germans were fired at and took cover. Major Clark seized his opportunity and made a successful dash back to our own positions.
1 KOYLI War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1000
Both ‘A’ and ‘B’ Companies were heavily engaged – but fighting stubbornly. ‘D’ Company was now in a position to support ‘B’ Company on the ridge. 1 York & Lancs. on the left were in a bad way and rapidly becoming overrun and disorganised.
A soldier from ‘A’ Company, 1 York & Lancs. described the situation
22 Jan 44 – 1000
In the early hours of the morning, we heard a lot of shouting and screaming and found the Germans had counterattacked one of our platoons and they had all been taken prisoner or killed. At the time we did not know this but hearing the screams as we were not very far away, we guessed something like this was happening. About 10am I was sharing a trench with a man who also came from Sheffield and had not been very long with us, when a German tank appeared in front of us a few feet away. We both crouched as low as we could as he sprayed us with bullets and we both thought it was the end. However, he could not get the barrel of the gun to aim into the trench and the bullets hit the top and then fell on us; there must have been 100 rounds. Then it all went quiet and after about two minutes we looked up and there was no sign of the tank. This must have been a miracle.
Afterwards I heard our Bren gunner shooting away. I said to him [Maurice Jones from Hoyland near Barnsley] ‘What are you firing at?’ He said he saw some Germans go into a house which was not far away, so I fired my rifle and sent a few rounds into the house. We did not see anyone come out. We were still being heavily shelled when word came that we had to withdraw and split up into two sections as the enemy were all over. My partner went into the other section and was killed, as was Major A. Wilson, our Company Commander. In this battle the Battalion had 300 casualties of whom 60 were killed. There were very few of my Company left so we were added to the few left of ‘B’ Company and with reinforcements formed another Company. I was now in the same Company as Maurice Farber and Maurice later became a Sergeant. Our Company was commanded by Major D Webster, a Sheffield man who had also served in France and Norway.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1015
The situation at the Cemetery had deteriorated and the Brigadier ordered the Squadron Commander of 40 Royal Tank Regiment, who had two Troops of tanks with 1 York & Lancs. to act as offensively as possible to relieve the pressure on the infantry. About this time the enemy shelled Brigade HQ area fairly heavily and destroyed two trucks including the ‘intelligence truck’ containing a number of maps. One man of the Defence Platoon was fairly badly wounded.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1015
The CO. obtained permission to move ‘A’ Company to Tufo from Point 102.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary 22 Jan 44 – 1027
1 York & Lancs. had been obliged to withdraw from the Cemetery and the guns immediately put a ‘murder’ [heavy bombardment] down on the area North of it.
Lt. Col. Patrick George Bulfin, Commanding Officer 1 Green Howards was ordered to report to Brigade HQ and on arrival ordered to move at once to a defined position on the Northern outskirts of Minturno with a Company of 2 Scots Guards on Point 141 under his command. [This was Right Flank Company who had gone there to take over from a Platoon of 1 KOYLI.] Two Platoons from 207 Battery 52 Anti-Tank Regiment were also in position just at the North end of the town.
13 Infantry Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1030
Three enemy counterattacks were put in on Point 201. 2 Wiltshires had been pushed off the top of Point 201 but held the Southern slopes and Point 151 firmly. Artillery put down an immediate concentration of fire.
2 Wiltshires War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1030
‘A’ & ‘B’ Companies amalgamated at West of Tufo.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1030
There was a pause in the enemy counterattack. The new composite ‘B/C/D’ Company,
although almost surrounded, still barred the way to Minturno and was prepared to fight
on if need be.
The enemy were thus able to bring fire to bear behind ‘A’ & ‘B/C/D’ Company
positions making a counterattack on ‘A’ Company’s position impossible. Later in the
morning enemy tanks advanced down the road to 783963 [400m South of the Aid Post]
but were held up by our tanks. Enemy machine guns were established in the houses at
778963 [200m West of the Aid Post]. Patrols were sent out to stalk the enemy tanks and
to deal with their machine guns with some success.
1 York & Lancs. Missing Person’s Report by Private Wallis
‘On 22 January 1944 we were on the outskirts of Minturno in the area of Hill 156. Two Platoons of ‘A’ Company and Company HQ were forward and Private Handley was among the forward troops. Heavy counterattacks were made by the enemy on the forward positions, and they were completely overrun by the Germans. I never saw him after the counterattacks, and I think it is probable he will be a prisoner of war.’
We now know that the Germans were close to Ernest Strafford by 10.30am, if he was still with a Platoon of ‘D’ Company or ‘A’ Company. Did he retreat up the track leading from the Cemetery towards Tufo which was their line of retreat?
201 Guards Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1030
The enemy continued his pressure on the axis of the road Santa Maria Infante – Minturno and on Tufo from the North. 6 Grenadier Guards were ordered to be ready to counterattack on axis North of Minturno towards Tufo.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1030
The CO. talked to Brigade Commander by line, and it was agreed that 2 Cameronians would counterattack Point 201 immediately and take over 2 Wiltshires position during the day.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1031
368 Battery Observation Post call for fire on 783967 [Cemetery]. 467 Battery to engage.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1040
The CO. issued orders to Officers Commanding ‘B’ & ‘D’ Companies at the West end of Tufo. ‘D’ Company to counterattack along the ridge of Point 201 at 1130 from a Start line 100 yards short of the South edge of Point 201 which 2 Wiltshires are still holding. Point 201 was a long ridge running North and South and was only about 50 yards wide. ‘D’ Company were ordered to attack with one Platoon behind the other supporting each other forward. ‘B’ Company were ordered to support the attack by firing small arms from their position. Artillery was to fire 20 rounds slow rate from 1105 and stonk from 1125 to 1220.
5 Infantry Division Counterattack tasks to recapture Point 201
Instructions were: Probable Conditions, Tufo and Point 151 still in our hands. [This was the case.] Forward Assembly Area, Immediately South of Tufo. Battalion HQ in Forward Assembly Area, With HQ of Battalion already in Tufo. Start Line, Track North-East-Southwest at 800962. Formation, One Company front. Leading Company to recover Point 201, Second Company to pass through and clear feature to the North of Point 201. Remaining Companies in reserve.
X (BR) Corps War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1045
5 Infantry Division: Enemy counterattack on 1 York & Lancs. and 1 KOYLI. and 2 Wiltshires commenced first light, strength estimated at one Battalion. Enemy incredibly determined and fighting at close quarters. One Company 1 York & Lancs. on Point 156, 775968 reported overcome and the remainder of the Battalion had to fall back, also, one Platoon of 1 KOYLI. Point 201 799966 reported in enemy hands.
1 KOYLI were being attacked on Point 172, 785964 just to the North of Minturno village; and on 13 Infantry Brigade front 2 Wiltshires had been driven off Point 201, Colle Casale and on the left 15 Infantry Brigade prepared to defend Minturno. 1 Green Howards were brought into position North of Minturno and two Companies were sent to reinforce 1 York & Lancs. in new positions South of Monte Natale.
2 Northants War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1045
Brigade gave Commanding Officer orders to concentrate in area Point 102, 805956 [1km South-East of Tufo] and track to Tufo. Company Commander left for recce of Battalion area.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1045 467 Battery repeat fire on 783967 [Cemetery].
22 Jan 44 – 1050 368 Battery Commander reports Guards now in his area to reinforce 1 York & Lancs.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1050
Enemy counterattack down road – occupied Cemetery – some armour with them – situation fluid.
22 Jan 44 – 1053
471 Battery – enemy still counterattacking strongly – some infiltration – situation still fluid.
Route from Minturno Cemetery to Point 172 and Ernest Strafford's grave.3 Coldstream Guards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1100
The Battalion took over from 1 Green Howards at Tremensuoli under intermittent shell and mortar fire. One enemy mortar bomb landed at what was afterwards known as ‘Stonk Corner’ amongst the Mortar Platoon and caused 14 casualties. The Battalion area, particularly the village of Tremensuoli, were mortared and shelled during the afternoon.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1100
1 York & Lancs. reported their remaining troops on Monte Natale were in danger of being cut off and requested permission to withdraw all they could onto the main position which now ran from Point 141, Monte del Duca, to Point 172. This was agreed to by the Brigadier. The line telephone was disconnected throughout the period and all these orders had to be given by radio telephone.
15 Infantry Brigade Brigadier was ordered to meet 5 Infantry Division Commander at HQ. On return he immediately went up to HQ, 1 KOYLI which was in the North-East corner of Minturno, met all three Company Commanding Officers and coordinated the defence of the sector.
The Brigade front was now to be held by 1 KOYLI based on Point 172, though in fact the enemy had a foothold on the top of the feature, with 1 Green Howards in depth behind them stretching across the road. Both Battalions together were about three Companies strong. 40 Royal Tank Regiment had five Sherman tanks available for immediate counterattack. In addition, two Platoons of ‘D’ Company 7 Cheshires were in action forward plus the two platoons from 207 Anti-Tank Battery from 52 Anti-Tank Regiment and eight 4.2-inch mortars from the Brigade Support Company. In view of the fact that the enemy held the top of Point 172 the Brigadier ordered 1 Green Howards to attack and capture the summit during the afternoon.
5 Infantry Division Counterattack tasks for the recapture of Point 172
Instructions were:
Probable Conditions, Point 201 and Point 151 still in our hands. [They were now.]
Forward Assembly Area, South of Point 151, North of Tufo – Minturno Road. Battalion HQ in Forward Assembly Area, With HQ of Battalion already in Tufo.
Start Line, Track running South from houses at 792962 [300m West of Point 151] to road Tufo – Minturno.
Formation, One Company front. Leading Company to capture area track junction 786964 [50m from where Ernest Strafford‘s body was found], Second Company to pass through and capture area 783965 [hill] overlooking Cemetery. Remaining Companies in reserve.
1 York & Lancs. Citation: Distinguished Service Order for Major D. Webster
On 20 January ‘B’ and ‘C’ Companies captured Point 156 North West of Minturno. Early on 21 Jan 44, ‘B’ & ‘C’ Companies were counter attacked and ‘C’ Company were driven back on to ‘B’ Company’s position. Major Webster who was commanding ‘B’ Company was responsible for the re-organisation of the position which he did with the greatest coolness under heavy shelling and small arms fire. On the evening of 21 January ‘B’ Company were again counter attacked and Major Webster again displayed great coolness controlling his reserve with skill, moving about in the open under heavy fire and bringing down artillery fire by means of his wireless. Through his example to his men and his coolness in a critical situation, the counterattack was beaten off. On the morning of 22 January, the position was attacked once more with even greater determination. ‘A’ Company which was on ‘B’ Company’s right were over-run but in spite of this ‘B’ Company beat off the enemy attacks and though they suffered heavy casualties held the position for a further three hours until ordered to withdraw. It was undoubtedly due to the example set by Major Webster’s leadership, determination, and courage that his Company held these three counter attacks. He was moving about in the open directing his reserve and encouraging his men to whom his example was an inspiration.
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