Greetings from Republic of San Marino

WS Lieutenant John Arther Ellis
20003V
2nd Battalion, The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders
Attached from the UDF

Awarded with the Military Cross



LG 08.03.1945

thanks a lot, very helpfull

 

WS/Capt (T/Maj) Harry Cecil Clifton
EC 47
The Central Indian Horse (21st King George V's Own Horse), The Indian Armoured Corps

Awarded with the Military Cross

From 19 to 21 Sep 44 Maj H.C. Clifton was Comd 'C' Sqn CIH, forming part of 5 Ind Bde GP during the rapid invasion of San Marino State and the capture of the dominating central feature.

After the infantry had secured a bridgehead on the 20th, Major Clifton moved his squadron by night across the Marano River and, taking very considerable personal risks in by-passing many mines, led the advance on to the Borgo Maggio, immediately below the enemy's OP's and spandau posts on the ridge. He handled his squadron skilfully and with considerable initiative, using his bren carriers and jeeps in manner which obviously confused the enemy who did not open fire until the squadron had practically secured the vital crossroads at the entrance to the town. Major Clifton then at once took aggressive action which pin-pointed a number of the enemy's spandaus. He then neutralised by skilful infiltration several of these machine guns. Later he was able to indicate several previously unlocated enemy posts to the tanks who knocked them out, thus enabling the infantry to advance. During this critical period Major Clifton showed initiative, resource and bravery which well merit recognition.

LG 08.03.1945

 

Sowar Harke Ram
10953
The Central Indian Horse (21st King George V's Own Horse), The Indian Armoured Corps

Awarded with the Military Medal

During the advance of his squadron into the State of San Marino, Sowar Harke Ram was a member of leading carrier troop. On 19 Sep 44, his troop reached an area just East of the town where they came under a fierce German fire at close range from positions prepared astride the road. Being unable to engage the enemy effectively from his carrier, Sowar Harke Ram dismounted, and with No. 8115 Sowar Massadi Singh providing covering fire, advanced single handed against the enemy. Killing two Germans in a slit trench with a burst of small arms fire, he then worked his way to the rear of another slit trench and captured two of the enemy whom he brought in to his troop commander. The ground over which he advanced was swept by a hail of bullets and splinters from bursting grenades. Throughout the action, however, he acted with complete disregard for his own safety and materially effected the outcome of the clash by his determination.

LG 08.03.1945

 

Little more about 1/9th Gurkhas action on 18/19 September 1944 you have here:

http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/italy/40782-1-9th-gurkha-rifles-san-marino-18-19-september-1944-a.html

 

Naik Mohd amin
1374
4th Field Company (King George V's Own) Bengal Sappers & Miners

Awarded with the Military Medal

On the night on 17/18 September '44 when 5 Ind Inf Bde was making a rapid advance into San Marino State, 4 Fd Coy was engaged on clearing the main road from Montescudo to Faetano of mines and obstructions.

Nk Mohd Amin was in command of a section of sappers and was detailed to clear the road from Albereto to the R. Marano of mines and also the river crossing itself. He was then to clear as far along the road on the other side of the river as the battle situation would permit.

As soon as the party arrived at Albereto they came under intense shell-fire but this NCO carried on searching for mines himself with two companions and ordered the remainder of the section to take cover. After a short period when the shelling had abated the full party resumed work and cleared the road of mines across the river for a distance of 400 yards beyond under intermittent shell and mortar fire.

On the return jurney the NCO and his party were ordered to fill five craters by hand so that tanks might cross as early as possible to assist the infantry. As daylight became stronger the party came under direct Spandau and Schmeizer fire. The work was vital and had to be completed, and was continued without stopping in the kneeling position.

Throughout the operation Nk Mohn Amin continue to walk around among the sappers encouraging and exhorting them to further efforts.

It was due to the fine example of this NCO and his complete disregard for personal safety that the opening up of the road down to the river Marano was completed on time thus enabling the tanks to go forward at a critical stage in the battle.

LG 08.03.1945

 

Lance Naik Bawa Singh
A9118
Indian Signal Corps (5 Indian Infantry Brigade Signal Section)

Awarded with the Military Medal

During the operations from 18 to 21 Sep 44, leading up to the capture of San Marino it was necessary for Bde Signals to establish a forward Signal Centre to serve the two forward battalions. The whole area was under constant shell fire and the task of laying lines was extremely dangerous.

On the night of 18/19 Sep 44 L/Nk Bawa Singh led his detachment under heavy shell fire to lay to one of the forward battalions. Several times the line was cut behind him and, though it was impossible to keep the line through for long periods, L/Nk Bawa Singh persevered all that night and the next day. His work enabled several important messages to be passed.

Later in the day when an attack went in and the shell fire became more intense L/Nk Bawa Singh was caught in a particularly heavy concentration mending the line.

Though hit in the shoulder and neck by small splinters Bawa Singh insisted on continuing to maintain the line until it was put through. At last, weak through loss of blood he was ordered by the Divisional Commander, who saw him in this condition, to get medical assistance. Without showing the slightest distress at his condition, L/Nk Bawa Singh drove his line jeep to a safe parking place and walked to the A.D.S. from which he was evacuated to hospital. This junior NCO's conduct and courage are worthy of the highest price and were an example to all with whom he came in contact.

LG 08.03.1945

 

4/11th Sikh Regiment during the attack on San Marino

The Battalion was withdrawn that night for a short rest, but moved forward again on the 18th September in support of the 3rd/10th Baluchi's and the 1st/9th Gurkha Rifles, who were forcing the German defences about San Marino state. The attack was successful and a good foothold secured. The Battalion was then moved across to the right flank, and during the evening carried out a highly successful night attack from behind the village of Albereto, completely surprising the enemy. Admirably planned, it was led in the first instance by "B" Company. Later, "A" Company passed through, and swung East to deal with an enemy-held village. "C" and "D" Companies then took over the advance, and reached the Battalion objectives beyond Gurkhas' positions by 3 a.m. on the 19th. Enemy sappers were still busy laying mines when the two companies passed on to the objectives, but only one Battalion casualty was sustained. "B" Company had a few casualties from shell fire, but captured some prisoners en route in Valdragone. Here the Company had a heartfelt but somewhat embarrassing welcome from the villagers, who streamed forth from shelters as well as from the neighbouring railway tunnels, and somewhat interfered with the clearing up of snipers in the vicinity. Finally, the Camerons passed through to the capture of San Marino town, the Sikhs being well established astride the main road.

4/11 Sikh, concentrated in the Montescudo area, was to attack in the night of 18/19 September having for its objectives Corianino, C. Bugli and Le Grotte, with a patrolling limit to Ca Baldino. The 2nd Cameron, concentrated in Faetano area, with A Squadron 6th Battalion Royal Tank Regiment in support, was to be prepared to pass through 4/11 Sikh to San Marino. The 46th Division, advancing along a parallel axis on the right, was expected to be probably as far forward as Domagnano. 4/11 Sikh did not encounter much opposition in its advance, for the Germans had carried out a withdrawal. Moving wide round the right flank of 1/9 Gurkha, the Sikhs swept through Corianino and up the spur to the crest and the road. There they turned right along the ridge and road to enter C. Baldino at 0510 hours on 19 September. By 0945 hours, 4/11 Sikh was through Valdragona, with the Central India Horse and A Squadron 6th Battalion Royal Tank Regiment passing through Le Grotte. German activity was confined to slight small arms fire from the area of the road junction.

The 2nd Cameron passed through 4/11 Sikh at Valdragona at 0915 hours on 19 September in order to secure San Marino.

 

INVASION SCENES - ITALY - British Pathe

If video won't open (as it don't work for me) you can view stills from it. And from the other side

German heavy artillery shell enemy positions and troops dynamite trees to block roads in San Marino during World War II.

 

Sol, you are my Hero!.....fantastic videos!!!!

 

Hi and welcome from Milano.

Marco

 

Battle of San Marino - Wikipedia

 

War diaries of 2nd Camerons re San Marino.

 

Attached are 2 pages from 101 Provost Company CMP diary WO170/3547 with some details of the allied occupation

 

Thats my uncle, back row drummer. CPL Thomas Dawson MM, I have that photo from him.