More questions re fighting in September 1944

Discussion in 'Italy' started by Chris C, Apr 26, 2019.

  1. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    What defined the Rimini Line? Were there any defences on the north side of the Marecchia River? Or is Rimini Line just an alternate name for the Gothic Line, despite Rimini being some distance north of it?

    Following up questions I had about Sanarcangelo (Can anyone interpret this location name?) -

    I'm sort of hazy on whether British units crossed the Marecchia River on the same night as the Gurkhas, and if so which ones? I take it that they crossed but weren't able to push as far forward as the Gurkhas. I think that's what The Tiger Triumph says, but it doesn't provide details.

    I've received some more material now about the Archers so I might see if I can put together a map with locations etc, although I should say it doesn't have to do with 43 GLB as the Archers just supported them for one day until they were relieved (the 24th).
     
  2. Marco80

    Marco80 Member

    From Rimini to San Marino the defensive line was called "Yellow line" (Linea Gialla in italian) and after the river Marecchia,
    if I remember correctly, the defensive line was called "Line Adelheid".
     
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  3. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    I am at the Toronto Reference Library today and am JUST NOW looking at "The Gothic Line" by Douglas Orgill :) and he wrote:

    "... the last ridge was a considerable obstacle. It thrust across the Eighth Army Front, running northeast towards the coast from the northern borders of San Marino. On the left, just north of the tiny republic, it began as the confusingly named Ceriano (not to be mistaken from Coriano) Ridge, and then ran above the line of the River Ausa through the bulky mass of the San Fortunato feature, crowned by the village of the same name, which reared almost 500 feet above the surrounding country.
    ... It was known to Allied intelligence as 'The Rimini Line'"

    From what you are saying, though, Marco, the Germans used one term for the area south of the Marecchia river and another north of it? That's helpful, thank you!
     
  4. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    Chris,

    The British units involved in that area were 56th Infantry Division (to which 43 GLB was briefly attached). I have all of the sub-unit war diaries - if you need any let me know.

    Regards,
    Gary.
     
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  5. vitellino

    vitellino Senior Member

    The place is Santarcangelo di Romagna.
     
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  6. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Thank you for the correction!
     
    Last edited: Apr 28, 2019
  7. vitellino

    vitellino Senior Member

    It's a pleasure!
     
  8. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    So are there any published accounts of the battle at the Yellow Line? The Tiger Triumphs describes the fighting of 43rd Gurkha Lorried Infantry and I have no doubt that books have been written about Rimini, but other than that?

    Even Orgill's book does not provide much detail.
     
  9. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    Hi Chris, you may wish to get a book that goes by the title BUGLE AND KUKRI The story of the 10th Princess Mary's
    Own Gurkha Rifles By Colonel B.R. Mullaly. William Blackwood & Sons Ltd. 1957. You need to be looking at Chapter XVIII (The 2nd Battalion, 41-45.) Some decent quality illustrations to boot. Don't get a reprint if you can help it?

    Regards,
    Stu.
     
    Chris C likes this.
  10. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Hi Stu,

    Thank you for that suggestion! :) I can access a library copy.
     
  11. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    If only i had a local library that had a good collection of Regimental Histories?:( It would save me a bob or two! It has about 45 pages or so. Will keep you going till you take up the kind offer from Gary.

    Stu.
     
  12. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    I'm extremely lucky to be living in the biggest city in Canada, with an extensive library system and a huge central reference library with a lot of books in storage (which is where all the regimental books are).
     
  13. Marco80

    Marco80 Member

    I've a question; :huh:
    The 43rd Gurkha Lorried Infantry brigade is also known as 43rd Indian Infantry Brigade or 43rd Independent Gurkha Infantry Brigade;
    It's also simply called 43rd Gurkha Brigade?
     
  14. Chris C

    Chris C Canadian

    Good question - after formation, what was its history?

    I thought from "Lorried" that the brigade was part of 1st Armoured Division but I'm not sure if that's true.
     

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