22 Jan 44
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.
Ernest Shaw, 1 York & Lancs. opinion of Major Webster
‘The whole Company looked up to Major Webster. He was a fine officer. He knew what to do in the right manner and put people in the right place. He had an unknown view towards the war. He was a strict disciplinarian. You had not to step out of line very far. The Major outshone them all. There is no doubt about that.’
Lieutenant Geoffrey Winter, 1 York & Lancs. wrote in his book Winter’s War
22 Jan 44 ‘The enemy launched an extraordinarily strong counterattack supported by tanks and after very heavy fighting our troops were forced to withdraw behind a position held by 1 Green Howards. In just over two days fighting, the Battalion had about three hundred casualties – 60 killed, the rest wounded or missing. But it would be misleading to express this as a percentage of the total strength (about 800 men) of the Battalion. The brunt of the fighting falls essentially on the rifle companies (some 400 men) who had therefore suffered about seventy-five per cent casualties. In the fighting on Monte Natale, “A” Company was almost annihilated.’
X (BR) Corps War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1125
5 Infantry Division: 15 Infantry Brigade: Battalion 1 KOYLI has half of Point 172. 1 York & Lancs. forced out of Cemetery and withdrawing to make stand at Battalion Headquarters at 777963 [Southern slopes of Monte Natale approx. 200m from the Aid Post]. Two Companies 1 Green Howards West of Minturno moving forward to reinforce. One Company of 2 Scots Guards under command 1 Green Howards at Point 141, 781959, Monte del Duca. 201 Guards Brigade: 6 Grenadier Guards North-East Tremonsuoli. 13 Infantry Brigade: Reserve Company 2 Cameronians going up to counterattack Point 201. One Company of 2 Scots Guards taking over Point 102 from a Company of 2 Cameronians.
5 Infantry Division War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1125
1 Green Howards were moving to hold the Northern face of Minturno and 1 York & Lancs., who had been driven off the Cemetery by a powerful enemy thrust down the road were falling back onto them. 1 KOYLI were holding firm on the main positions to the East.
On the 13 Infantry Brigade front 2 Wiltshires were heavily counterattacked on Point 201 at about 0800 and by 1030 the enemy had managed to obtain a footing there.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1130
Orders were received to establish a line connecting with 1 KOYLI at 785962 [200m South of Point 172], and the 201 Guards Brigade [2 Scots Guards Company] on Point 141, Monte Del Duca, 781959. This was already being done by ‘C’ Company 1 Green Howards.
201 Guards Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1130
6 Grenadier Guards saw 60 men coming from Monte Natale – these proved to be the remains of 1 York & Lancs. and 1 Green Howards.
Ernest Shaw, 1 York & Lancs
‘The Major was ordered to withdraw. He led us back by a circuitous route. We were not completely surrounded but we did not come out in a straight line. We had to weave a bit to get through to Minturno just behind the line. We were heading towards there and the Guards were coming in to relieve us. We were marching in single file, getting away, and they were coming the other way, passing side by side, and they cursed and swore at us. Terrible, called us “scared bastards” and all sorts. That really, really upset me. We had lost so many lads and we fought to the last man nearly. They can come and they were supposed to be the cream of the army. It was them who were bloody scared weren’t it? Any way they took over and we went back into Minturno. [6 Grenadier Guards apologised later.]
22 Jan 44 1200 1 York & Lancs. ‘B’ & ‘C’ Cos route of retreat from Monte Natale as seen from Point 141, Monte del Duca. (Photo Peter Strafford)
1 KOYLI War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1130
Local patrolling by both sides failed to make any impression and it was, therefore, with some surprise that at first light the Battalion found they were being attacked far more heavily on the same front. An extremely well supported counterattack was directed against the point 172 ridge. 1 York & Lancs. had not succeeded in holding the high ground on Monte Natale and ‘B’ Company positions were almost untenable.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1130
‘A’ Company arrived at Tufo from Point 102 and were put in position at the East end.
2 Wiltshires War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1140
After heavy artillery preparation, attack started and was successful. ‘C’ company from Point 151 report enemy badly caught by artillery when retreating and cut to bits by Vickers machine gun fire.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1145
The Brigade Commander arrived at the West end of Tufo. The Commanding Officer postponed the ‘D’ Company attack until 1145 as ‘D’ Company did not have enough time to get on the start line by 1125. The Artillery was warned and continued firing at slow rate on Point 201 until 1140 and put down the stonk from 1140 to 1145.
‘D’ Company crossed the start line with Lieutenant Johnson‘s platoon leading. The Commanding Officer was on the Start line and encouraged the Company forward. The leading Platoon marched forward slowly at first and encountered enemy rifle and machine gun fire. One man shouted, ‘Come on the Cams’ and the whole Company moved forward extremely quickly dealing with the enemy with the bayonet.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1145
368 Battery Commander ‘Stop firing, rounds falling short.’
1 KOYLI War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1200
It was not until about 1200 that Officer Commanding ‘B’ Company was compelled to withdraw from Point 172 to the next high ridge some 300 yards South. By this time, the Battalion was getting thin on the ground. At the same time the attack was developing on our right flank.
The first fierce counterattack was weakening and the Battalion although no longer holding the whole of Point 172 ridge was firmly established with its left on the high ridge about 784963 [just South of Point 172], and its right ‘A’ company still on the Eastern ridge of the high ground. In the meantime, 1 York & Lancs. had not been able to hold the enemy and were withdrawing in fair order down the road covered by our Company on the high ground at Point 141.
X (BR) Corps War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1200
By midday, the line had been stabilised; 2 Cameronians had retaken Point 201, Colle Casale, and the forward Battalions of 15 Infantry Brigade, 1 KOYLI and 1 Green Howards were holding firm.
13 Infantry Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1210
2 Cameronians Company re-captured Point 201, supported by artillery, machine guns and fire from 2 Inniskillings who were two kilometres East of Tufo. The counterattack drove the Germans off the hill and as they ran back the artillery and machine guns inflicted further casualties.
Successful landing of two Divisions South of Rome was announced [Anzio].
15 Infantry Brigade: Enemy counterattacks re-captured Point 172 but later 1 Green Howards were again on top. 201 Guards Brigade held the area Tremensuoli. 2 Cameronians relieved 2 Wiltshires who came into reserve area South-East of Tufo.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1210
‘D’ Company had occupied Point 201 and cleared the ridge except for small groups of enemies, who were quickly withdrawing leaving their wounded and equipment behind. ‘D’ Company’s leading Platoon suffered casualties of one killed and three wounded. 11 enemy machine guns were captured, and many enemy wounded were taken. Many enemy dead were found lying in the area. The Carrier Platoon took up position at the South end of Point 201 allowing 2 Wiltshire’s Companies to withdraw to a reserve area.
The CO. went forward to ‘D’ Company and ordered small patrols to be sent out to the East and West of the Northern edge of Point 201. Patrols were to give warning of any enemy counterattack and to return by 1730.
Sir David Cole, 2 Inniskillings, Rough Road To Rome
22 Jan 44
‘Shortly after breakfast, prodded by the residual instincts of civilisation and a long, hard stare from the Regimental Sergeant Major, I was hacking through a three-day beard when the sound of violent machine-gun fire to our left brought my razor to an abrupt and bloody halt.
Simultaneously Bill Bradley telephoned to say that he could see a fierce battle on Hill 201.
We could see a fierce battle on Point 201. There were Germans swarming up the hill and 2 Wiltshires appeared to be withdrawing. This unpleasant news was quickly confirmed by Brigade informing us that 2 Wiltshires had indeed had to withdraw, that 2 Cameronians were launching an immediate counterattack and that we should give whatever supporting fire we could. Twenty minutes later we watched 2 Cameronians going in. It was a good old-fashioned counterattack of the “up Guards and at em” variety. Legend has it that their CO. was seen leading the way, brandishing a spade! The Scotsmen surged forward so fast and with such indifference to the enemy fire, that when they were still quite distant, the Germans lost their nerve and began jumping out of their trenches and darting down the back of the hill. This was the chance our own machine gunners had been waiting for and they immediately opened fire, visibly knocking down several of the retreating Germans. A few minutes later 2 Cameronians were consolidating on Point 201.’
Lt. Wolfgang Wiedemann, II Battalion, 267 Panzer Grenadier Regiment
22 Jan 44
‘A harsh, familiar voice asked for Lieutenant Wolfgang Wiedemann, it was Major Frank. Now our No I. Battalion Grenadier Regiment is here, too. He asked to be briefed on the enemy situation. Then he ordered: “At 7.00 o’clock we attack Point 201. ‘1’ Company attacking on left, ‘3’ Company on your right!” Before I could give the word, the Battalion Commander was gone again. Sergeant Freygang looked at me in amazement, in the short time on the beach of San Agostino I had not really got to know the newly taken over Company Commander. In those days of battle the men got to know each other very quickly. Each knew what to think of the other comrade.
The “lame ducks” [spotter aircraft], and there were usually several of them, appeared again in the sky. Particularly good reconnaissance capabilities enabled our opponent to recognize all movements, especially the approach of reserves, at an early stage and to react accordingly.
The first officer to appear was Lieutenant Friedenberger, a capable officer and Company Commander of 1 Company, I Battalion 267 Grenadier Regiment. He said, “Let them enter. Frank gave you the appropriate orders.” I was amazed. I said, “Where’s Major Frank?” Friedenberger pointed backwards: “In his Command Post,” he answered. I instructed Friedenberger. He moved his men quickly to the left. There had already been a dangerous accumulation at the foot of the high ground of Point 201. Lieutenant Kroner appeared. He ordered the Platoons to close in on my men on the right. He kept one Platoon with him as a reserve. I wondered why he did not follow his Company. His behaviour was different than usual. How could the attack be successful under such difficult conditions without the presence of the Battalion Commander? I was convinced that the Company Officers and the Grenadiers did everything they could for this important high ground. Sgt. Freygang made a scornful remark when we were alone for a moment: “Remote controller!” He looked in the direction of the Battalion Command Post.
When our artillery started the short bombardment, we knew that now it would start. The Companies jumped up. Also, the infantry men on our right attacked. This time they had to succeed. In the middle of my Company’s area, a path led to the summit and then on to Tufo. With flares we signalled to our Artillery that the fire should be moved forward. So far everything went according to plan. When Point 201 was almost reached, the (British) spotter planes triggered a firestorm from the Allied Batteries. Like the day before, the shells hit the offensive lines of the English and us. Desperately seeking cover, my men, but especially the Grenadiers of “3” Company and the reserve Platoon were hit, one hit after another, which caused a real bloodbath in the hollow. I had taken cover at the edge of the hollow, behind the remains of a shot-up goat shed. I could hardly lift my head because of the continuous detonating shells. Everywhere the wounded were calling for medics. Only now did I realize that Kroner had also sought refuge amongst the walls, although there was only room for one person. I thought Kroner was wounded; his body was twitching as if he had a fever.
It was useless to run against that roll of fire. When the fire subsided a little, I ordered my Company to move to its initial positions. I found this failure extremely depressing. Lt. Kroner went back with them. He was not wounded. It was only now that I began to feel clearly that something was wrong. He was chalky white, shaking all over, and he could not talk. He was in shock. The force of the fire had broken his will power. Everything was done to save the dead and wounded. It was horrible in the ravine. I went to the Mintumo-Santa Maria Infante road and could hear a lot of gunfire. At the sound of the tank guns, I heard that a special oath had developed there. As I learned later, units of 90 Panzer Grenadier Division had started a counterattack. They were successful in the attack and the front was stabilized – Santa Maria Infante remained in German hands. The big target for the “Tommies” was to conquer Santa Maria Infante and to reach the Formia-Cassino road. This tactical success had denied them.
Word got around very quickly that the Company Commander of No “1” Company, Lieutenant Friedenberger, had fallen or was wounded and in captivity. Some men of “1” Company saw how it collapsed in front of the English positions in the defenders’ fire. Then came the Allied fire wall. It proceeded as it had 24 hours before with Sergeant Pinkes. Friedenberger had serious leg injuries – bullet wounds. The English took him out of the danger zone and gave him a good burial. Hats off to this decent opponent. We lived this fair way of fighting, Englishmen and Americans were equally important in demonstrating their humane attitude.
Kr̦ner was no longer able to lead a Company. He had lost the will and two men of his company led this decent and capable officer to Dr. Hoffmann. The detonation force of the bombs and the cramps had defeated the man Lt. Kr̦ner. When he wanted to return to the Regiment the Regimental Commander laconically stated Рno need. A tragic human fate in the great war.
In addition to the fact that the fighting was already raging on the Southern edge of Santa Maria Infante, which was almost behind us, we received orders to set off about 200 metres. From there we had better chances of defending ourselves. Everything was done to get the men upright. Again, we had to dig in. The Grenadiers were totally exhausted. The soldiers shouted with all their strength: “Tommy is attacking!” They had taken us by surprise. Big tall guys were suddenly between our foxholes. It was an absurd situation. “Tommie” wanted to capture us, and we wanted to capture the English. No one used the gun. I cried out in desperation: “Capture them” and “Shoot them.” There was great confusion. Everything was open. A few “Tommies” surrendered. I do not think the attackers expected us to be so stubborn. They ran back. Some of them surrendered. In no time, we had about 20 prisoners. There was no close combat. No shots were fired. We had found our opponent simply sympathetic, probably the other way around, too. This time great luck was on our side.
That night we could have been killed. It was our third night in the big fight – everyone was physically exhausted. A tiny rural hut, shelter for shepherds, the ramparts of which were still standing. served as the Company Command post. Communication from the Battalion’s Intelligence unit had a line that even worked. The Commander wanted to see me. A voice said “one moment” two or three times. Then it was done, total fatigue had triggered a kind of fainting spell in me – I was no longer in this terrible world. Only when others woke me up did I regain consciousness. The Company was no longer functional. A kind of unconsciousness had seized everyone. Our rations were next to us, and nobody noticed that the food bearers were there. The English were probably also in a state of exhaustion, they were just as poor devils as we were. The only one who got terribly excited was the Commander, and rightly so this time. This day, 22 Jan 44. was a day without end and full of cruelty. Everybody asked himself the question – how could it go on?’
[As the Germans retreated some of the British Prisoners of War were able to re-join their units. However, many were put on trains to Germany and spent the rest of the war in German Prisoner of War camps.]
1 Green Howards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1210 ‘B’ company arrived and dug in [Northern outskirts of Minturno]. Minturno being heavily shelled.
5 Infantry Division War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1210
2 Cameronians counterattacked and at 1210 had restored the position on Point 201 and were holding the feature firmly.
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1230
Headquarters withdrew to Minturno.
15 Infantry Brigade War Diary
22 Jan 44
1 York & Lancs. were withdrawn during the afternoon to a semi-rest area on the Lateral Road quite near Brigade HQ about 800952. Their rifle Companies strength totalled only about 120 and they had lost three Company Commanders of whom two were killed.
2 Wiltshires War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1230
Point 201 firmly consolidated by two Companies of 2 Cameronians. The amalgamated ‘A’ and ‘B’ companies are to be known as ‘B’ company and will be commanded by Major Clark.
92 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1230
Regiment has 20 guns [a Field Regiment normally had 24 guns] only in action now, due to breakdowns. One gun has jammed shell in bore with broken ejector projectile. Arrangements made for new barrel to be fitted on gun site. Own friendly troops now in area Point 201. Many enemy dead due to artillery fire. X (BR) Corps War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1255
13 Infantry Brigade: 2 Cameronians retook Point 201, catching enemy withdrawing with machine guns. Many enemy dead.
15 Infantry Brigade: 1 York & Lancs. bore brunt of attack which is being held by 1 Green Howards. Fighting on Point 172 continues.
1 Green Howards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1300
‘B’ & ‘D’ Companies moved to 788956 [Northern outskirts of Minturno]
1 York & Lancs. History
22 Jan 44
1 Green Howards had occupied a strong position in rear of Monte Natale and in consequence the survivors of York & Lancs. ‘B/C/D’ companies were ordered to withdraw. This was successfully done just as a renewed enemy counterattack with tanks from the direction of the road was beginning.
The Battalion had fought its greatest battle of the war, but very few officers and men of the rifle companies reached the concentration area behind Minturno. Nearly 300 casualties, of which 60 were killed, tell their own story of the severity of the fighting on and around Monte Natale. For his able and gallant leadership Major Webster was awarded an immediate D.S.O., while Captain Ivor J. Wedgbury received the Military Cross, Private Seldon the Military Medal and Lieutenant Corfield and Private Hinchcliffe were ‘Mentioned in Despatches’.
It became known afterwards that the Battalion and 1 KOYLI had been attacked by a reinforced regiment of 90 Panzer Grenadiers Division, formerly the famous 90 Light Division, and that the Germans had been ordered to reach the line of the River Garigliano at all costs. Had they achieved this the whole X (BR) Corps bridgehead would have been in great danger.
Privates Taylor and Cartwright of 1 York & Lancs. described their experience of the final part of the battle
‘Six of us were in a German trench that was so deep we could not see out of it, so we had to crawl out. We were fired at by a tank 300 yards away and then we saw four Germans with a gun coming up the slope. We opened fire with our Bren guns, and they went to ground writhing. When the Company got the order to withdraw, we missed it. There was nobody on our right or on our left or behind us. We half expected to find Gerry in our big trench when we went back to it, but it was empty, and we sat down. Then we saw a German tank with infantry on it coming up the track to get around behind us, so we decided it was time to go. We backed out of the trench with our Bren and Tommy guns pointing in the direction of the tank and walked backwards until we reached the ridge. Then we turned around and went quick.’
52 Anti-Tank Regiment War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1300
207 Battery: Enemy managed to penetrate a certain distance along ridge around Point 172 but were stopped 800 yards short of the town. Tanks were reported in the area of the Cemetery, but none made their appearance within range of any anti-tank gun.
X (BR) Corps War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1330
1 KOYLI position improving but Boche still on part of Point 172, 785964. One Company 1 Green Howards has been sent to Point 151, 795963 [400m West of Point 201]. One tank of two Sherman Troops knocked out. Five tanks North of Minturno. Boche tanks thought unlikely to come further than Cemetery.
1 York & Lancs. Military Cross Citation for Captain Ivor Wedgbury
On 20 January 1944 ‘C’ Company of 1 Battalion York & Lancaster Regiment was ordered to attack and capture Monte Natale, Point 156, North-West of Minturno.
Captain Ivor J. Wedgbury had just that morning taken over command of the Company in place of the Company Commander who had been seriously wounded. Under his leadership the Company successfully gained its objective. At dawn the following morning, 21 January a heavy German counterattack was launched from the West. All lines were cut, and the wireless destroyed by the preliminary bombardment, and in consequence no artillery Direct Fire was shot. The Company positions were partly over-run and heavy casualties were incurred. Captain Wedgbury, though out of touch with his Battalion HQ throughout this battle successfully resisted this; also, two further attacks that evening. He was constantly up with his forward Platoons, encouraging and inspiring them, and it was almost entirely due to his example and skill that the German attacks were broken up and our positions regained. At 0630 hours the next day 22 January the heaviest attack of all came in supported by tanks, dive bombers and intense artillery concentrations, and quickly penetrated the positions on Captain Wedgbury’s right [‘A’ Company’s position around the corner of the Cemetery on the Santa Maria Infante-Minturno road]. His own Company, however, resisted all onslaughts and he continued to fight the battle for eight hours without respite, although enveloped on three sides by the enemy. He was, when communication had been re-established, ordered to withdraw. He carried out this difficult operation under the continuous fire of the enemy with such skill that he suffered only minor casualties. Throughout the action and although physically very weary he never allowed his efforts to flag. At all times he was at the point of danger and situations which appeared desperate he restored by his inspiration, determination, and fearless example.
22 Jan 44 – 1400
Brigade Commander ordered ‘C’ Company forward from the position at 821961 to Point 102, 805956.
2 Northants War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1430
CO. returned to 13 Infantry Brigade HQ where he saw the Brigade Commander regarding the 2 Northants Battalion counterattack role on Point 172 North of Minturno, 785964.
2 Cameronians War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1430
‘C’ Company were called forward to recce the position of ‘C’ Company, 2 Wiltshires at Point 151 795962 [400m West of Point 201].
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1430
Air Observation Post on recce but
does not see anything. Enemy tanks at 776965, Point 156, Monte Natale.
22 Jan 44 – 1445
471 Battery reports three Sherman
tanks previously stuck now OK. Observation Post Officer slight injury. ‘E’
Troop Observation Post Officer resting with 1 York & Lancs. Battery
Commanders jeep disabled.
Mark Howard, historian
researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery”
‘E’ Troop
Observation Post Officer with the York & Lancs is Captain John Jerdein and
Bdr. Reg Keast was his signaller
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery Military
Medal Citation for Bombardier J.R. Keast
22 Jan 44
On 22 Jan 44 Bombardier Keast
was on duty as Observation Post Signaller on the Monte Natale feature, in
support of 1 York & Lancs.
To enable support to be given
to the forward troops the O.P had to be maintained all day, in an exposed
position. It was subjected to constant
shell, mortar and sniper fire and the least movement brought intense fire down
upon it. A number of casualties were
suffered by the infantry close by. In
spite of this Bdr. Keast crawled back on four separate occasions to repair the
remote control wires when they were cut by shells or mortars.
His coolness and efficiency
under heavy fire and complete disregard for his own safety, kept communications
through at a time when they were urgently needed, as the O.P. was the only one
in support of the Battalion.
As a direct result two
counter-attacks were beaten back, largely by Artillery fire.
Bombardier Keast was awarded
the Military Medal.
In December 44, Sgt. Charlie Howard won his MM
near Bologna, having volunteered for an OP duty in an enemy occupied town, with
the ulterior motive of trying to find his best mate Reg Keast who had been
missing for 24 hours. Keast’s OP had been overrun however, he’d been badly
injured by a grenade, & taken prisoner. These four gentlemen were the E
Troop, 471 Battery, 98 Field Regt . Royal Artillery Observation Post party.
1 KOYLI War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1500
The plan was made at about 1500 by the Brigade Commander for 1 Green Howards to come up from the reserve area South of Minturno and attack behind an artillery barrage, the remainder of the Point 172 ridge. In order to enable the barrage to go down the forward Companies tightened up their position and ‘A’ Company were withdrawn into their original area about 787960 [250m South of Point 172]. One Company of 1 Green Howards who had been attached to 1 York & Lancs. was left on the ground covering the gap between ‘C’ Company and the road. ‘B’ Company was pulled out into the same area as ‘A’ Company and the two Companies were amalgamated to form ‘A/B’ Company. The total Companies strengths at this time were believed to be approximately 195, split ‘A’ Company – 50, ‘B’ Company – 15, ‘C’ Company – 50, ‘D’ Company – 80.
In order to enable this operation to take place one Company of 2 Scots Guards was put under the command of the Battalion and occupied the high ground Point 141, Monte Del Duca, 781959. 1 Green Howards attack went in, but they had not sufficient men to push home their attack with thoroughness and were not able to occupy the whole of the Point 172 feature and despite attempts by both sides this feature remained in ‘No Man’s Land’.
By this time, it is almost certain that Ernest Strafford was at or near Point 172, dead or alive.
‘A’ Co withdrawn to 787960 (250m South of Point 172), one Company 1 Green Howards put between ‘C’ Company and road at Point 172, ‘B’ Company amalgamated with ‘A’ Company. One Company 2 Scots Guards occupied Point 141, Monte Del Duca, 781959.
98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1500
Enemy tanks at 779966 [Aid Post].
1 York & Lancs. War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1630
Brigadier ordered Battalion to move to 801952 [beside Lateral Road, 1km South of Tufo] to reorganise, where they arrived at 1630.
Battalion arrived at destination South-East of Minturno 801952. Although the Battalion had suffered total casualties of 10 Officers, 247 Other Ranks, during the 3 counterattacks they had severely mauled the enemy.
The final tally of casualties during the battle was:
KILLED – 2 Officers, 47 Other Ranks.
WOUNDED – 8 Officers, 136 Other Ranks.
MISSING – 64 Other Ranks. The attacking Companies comprised in total about 400 men.
Ernest Shaw of 1 York & Lancs.
‘In the early afternoon, the Germans tried a different approach. First of all, they fired smoke shells, surrounded us almost left and right with smoke and then they came in a pincer movement, they went left and right of us. They actually got tanks behind “B” Company and what was left of “B” and “C”. I thought we have had it. We saw the Tiger tanks behind us. Huge things, and we could not do much about them. All we had got were rifles and tommy guns.
We went to Minturno and there we were taken back behind the town. We were just in front of our artillery positions. There we were issued with 2-man bivouacs. Whilst fighting going on, 11 Platoon had been knocked about pretty well and Ted had been sent to help them out, not as a runner but as a fighting man. Consequently, as we got back just in front of the artillery camp, I got a tent to myself. It was January and the ground was soggy wet, and after all these episodes I was getting edgy after the bombing, to put it mildly.’
7 Cheshires War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1640
One Platoon ‘D’ Company fired at enemy in small wadi South-East end of Point 156, 778966.
1 Green Howards War Diary
22 Jan 44 – 1640
Lt. Col Patrick George Bulfin orders for attack: ‘B’ and ‘D’ Companies to capture and consolidate on Point 172, 785964. ‘B’ Company left. ‘D’ Company right.
Sir David Cole, 2 Inniskillings, Rough Road to Rome
‘Meanwhile we in 2 Inniskillings were steadily settling down in our new positions [on the furthest part of the Minturno ridge East of Tufo]. Our various holes in the ground, whether they were Five Star Highly Recommended Dugouts or, like mine, totally unrecommended little slit trenches unfit for even bed and breakfast, became all that for the moment we could call home. Battalion HQ with its Bren-guns and weapon-pits amongst the trees and scrub, seemed a warlike little place, better equipped for a good scrap than for smoking a quiet pipe over an Operation Order. The C.O. and Peter Slane lived in a peculiar trench of Cubist design, surrounded by a few sandbags, and covered with a tarpaulin. Between them and my-self was another trench containing the telephone switch board and control wireless. The Doc, his practice thriving, had his consulting room in a nearby German dugout some fifteen feet underground, which I personally found so claustrophobic that I hoped, even more earnestly than before, not to require his services at the present juncture. Not far away was the Regimental Sergeant Major, Paddy Kilduff, who, though like all of us busy with his various duties and being blown about by the odd shell, emerged every morning from his little trench as smartly dressed as if he were about to take a drill parade; boots shining, gaiters whitened and brass buckles gleaming. With what abracadabra he brought this about I never knew. But in my eyes, he was to good order and military discipline what Einstein was to science. Fortunately, the weather, which Lord God arranged with unsatisfactory impartiality, that we and the Germans should share, remained for the time of year relatively merciful; in particular it never really rained, so we were spared the extra hell of waterlogged trenches and muddy tracks.’
X (BR) Corps History
22 Jan 44
One of the Herman Goering Panzer Division’s two Infantry Battalions had already been identified on 20 Jan 44, the other was in action on 22 Jan 44.
With the exception of a single unsuccessful counterattack against 1 Green Howards newly won positions North of Minturno during the night, these were the last of the enemy’s attacks against the Garigliano bridgehead. VI United States Corp had landed at Anzio in the early hours of 22 Jan 44 achieving complete surprise and it was now necessary for the Germans to rush reserves nearest to hand Northwards to contain this threat to his lines of communications. During the night 22–23 January therefore the enemy on the X (BR) Corps front went over to the defensive.
5 Infantry Division History
1 Green Howards had approximately two weak Companies on Point 172 and reported that there were no enemy forward of the Cemetery. 6 Grenadier Guards had taken up a new position on a line 775958 – 770959 [a line in front of Tremensuoli facing North].
158 Field Ambulance
22 Jan 44
Aid Post moved back to 783942 [1km South-West of Minturno]. Shelling still very severe. Ambulance drivers and orderlies putting up a magnificent show under heavy and continuous fire.
1 York & Lancs. Military Medal citation for Private H.H. Sheldon
22 Jan 44
During the period 20–22 January 1944 North West of Minturno ‘B’ Company suffered many casualties. Private Sheldon was the only stretcher bearer left. Although slightly wounded on three separate occasions he worked incessantly to bring in the wounded whilst constantly exposed to shell and machine gun fire, during three determined counterattacks, the last of which lasted five hours. He continued his work under heavy fire until wounded a fourth time when he bandaged himself and walked to the Regional Aid Post.
1 York & Lancs. Missing Person’s Report by Sergeant Waddington
‘On 22 January 1944 Private Sheldon was in my Platoon. It was reported to me as Platoon Commander that Private Sheldon along with other members of his Section had been wounded. I proceeded to where they were in position and after their wounds had been dressed, I directed him along with others to the Regimental Aid Post, they were all walking cases. I did not see Private Sheldon, but he may have been taken prisoner later in the day when the Germans counterattacked and got in the rear of “A” Company’s position. This action took place about 600 yards beyond Minturno.’
German views of 22 Jan 44 Lt. Wolfgang Wiedemann, II Battalion, 267 Grenadier Regiment
22 Jan 44
‘The Allied landing at Anzio resulted in the immediate withdrawal of 90 and 29 Panzer Grenadier Divisions, which were Army Group reserves. The brave 90 Panzer Grenadiers had prevented the breakthrough of the English at Santa Maria Infante at the last minute. 29 Panzer Grenadier Division was able to force an equally valuable success at Castelforte. The front stood, if only held by remnants of 94 Infantry Division.
Today propaganda shells rained printed paper on us instead of deadly splinters. Then we could read “Allied landing at Anzio/Nettuno behind the German front”.
After a moment of shock, the unshakeable compatriots quickly found their composure again. Those who had survived four days of major combat against such enormous material superiority were probably not to be shaken so quickly. The extremely critical situation of 94 1nfantry Division, and this of course applied to the entire XIV Panzer Corps, was made clear by the fact that the coastal defence section from Terracina via Sperlonga – Gaeta – Furia to Scauri, over 50 km long, was completely covered by a thin layer of German troops.
In the night 22/23 Jan 44 the remains of the Companies were left to build up a new front South of Pulcherini and Santa Maria Infante. “2” Company had about 30 men. When we were dead tired, hungry and with our last ounce of strength, our thoughts were with the comrades who had fallen or been wounded in the days of the Great War. The still existing mists of phosphorus in the valley reminded us of those terrible days. In the morning mist, South of Pulcherini, Major Frank awaited us. He announced the boundaries for the Companies.
When I tried to report the Company strength to him, he waved me away uninterested. He made the vicious remark that the Battalion had failed. I pointed out the high number of failures in all Companies. I also observed that the Company took about 20 prisoners. Poisonously, he said, it could have been two or three times more. I had never experienced so much ignorance and malice. What could I do? He was my Superior Officer.’
Lieutenant Wolfras Gieseler III Battalion 274 Grenadier Regiment
22 Jan 44
‘Now it is my troubled duty to write to the relatives of 23 fellow soldiers of the Grenadier Regiment, who have died or gone missing in the past few days. Almost as many are wounded or reportedly captured. What suffering has been inflicted on so many families, and it is not easy for me to find the right words. Lieutenant Colonel Reich and we, who survived and remained healthy, mourn the death of many a good comrade.
Mathew Parker, Monte Cassino: 276 Grenadier Regiment, 94 Division
“To one of our shells, you send ten or twenty to our side’” was a comment made repeatedly by Prisoners of War. “Barrages all day” reads the diary of an eighteen-year old German soldier who had been given a crucifix by an Italian family. “The Tommies are attacking . . . more barrages. A wounded man lies beside me and ahead of me three dead. I have changed a good deal. I cannot smile now.” A letter home from a soldier shows the suffering endured by the Germans in the Garigliano sector; “On the way to Company HQ, a distance of less than 200 metres there are at least twenty German dead – how it happened is all too evident. One tries not to look at them. At night one falls rather than walks over the rocks. The Tommies creep stealthily around. Their snipers shoot only too well. Again, and again head wounds. The mortars fire and the whistle and explosion of shells goes on, day and night. Sometimes for a moment or two there is peace, and then I think of home. Sunlight by day, the night spent on cold stones.”
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