Salerno last day 18-19th September 1943

Discussion in 'Italy' started by Freesoldier, Mar 11, 2018.

  1. Freesoldier

    Freesoldier Member

    I've read that the battle in the city of Salerno ended on 20th September 1943, somebody can give me informations on 18th-19th Sept. days, if are there War Diaries etc.
    I'm looking for Scots Greys on 20th and Hampshire on 18th.
     
  2. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    I can give you the movements of Royal Scots Greys until 17 Sep 43 but not beyond.

    ROYAL SCOTS GREYS AT SALERNO

    1 September 1943 Commanding Officer: Lt Col Sir RTW Fiennes.

    A, B and C Sqns were loaded on LCTs and LSTs in TRIPOLI Harbour. The personnel for X11 and X12 (MT ships), who went to 201 Rest Camp on 28th Aug are still there and no further word as to their loading has been received. The C.O. and Adjt visited several ships in the harbour, which the Regt is on.

    2 September 1943

    The CO, Adjt and QM visited several of the Regtl ships outside the harbour and distributed issue cigarettes and soap; this if the first issue of soap for some time. Lt Gen McCreery, GOC X (BR) Corps visited the Regt and remained to lunch.

    RHQ. left for the staging area by trucks; this is the last of the Assault Scale to leave. The remainder – 1st Follow-up and balance to W.E. will remain in the camp area until a later date, under command of Maj W Halswell (1st Follow-up), and Capt Sir A Bonham Bart, (Balance to WE).

    3 September 1943

    RHQ moved from the staging area to the docks. Before leaving the Padre said prayers, as today is the 4th anniversary of the war, and a National day of prayer.

    The CO was made OC Troops and the Adjt, Ship’s Adjt on board Serial P/301. The ships moved out of harbour and lay at harbour outside.

    4 September 1943

    All Sqns and RHQ sailed.

    5 September 1943

    Church Services were held on all LSTs.

    One RHQ ship put in at BISERTA at 2100 hrs while the other put in at SOUSSE.

    6 September 1943

    RHQ remained in port.

    A Sqn put in at TERMINI, SICILY. B and C Sqns spent the day at sea.

    There was an air raid on the convoy in BISERTA during the night, but no damage was sustained.

    7 September 1943

    Pontoons were fixed to RHQ ships and they left port and joined off] NE coast of TUNIS.

    A Sqn left port, B & C Sqns still at sea.

    The plans for the forthcoming operation were disclosed to all troops. The route is via the NW corner of SICILY.

    8 September 1943

    B Sqn and RHQ. convoys joined at 0800 hrs. A Sqn convoy was attacked by enemy aircraft but no damage was done.

    A signal “ITALY has surrendered” was run up on the Commodore’s ship 19.00 hrs.

    RHQ and B Sqn convoy had an air raid warning but no bombs were dropped.

    9 September 1943

    A Sqn under the command of 167 Bde on the right assembled off the coast at 0330 hrs, then moved forward to the beaches which they reached between 0530 and 0645 hrs. Coastal guns firing low over the water, also 88’s firing airbursts were much in evidence and Maj Stewart’s LCT was hit 5 times by coastal guns, the shot hitting Maj Stewart’s turret on which he was sitting at the time set the ship on fire. Abandon ship was ordered. The ship, a mass of flames, blew up. All A Sqn personnel with the exception of 3 were picked up or swam ashore. Lt Hutchinson who had joined the Regt prior to leaving TRIPOLI, together with 2 ORs were killed. The ship was hit 150 yards from shore.

    The tanks assembled in an area for dewaterproofing.

    At 10.30 hrs the Sqn less five tanks under Capt Sir M.O. Williams, (Maj Stewart having been picked up by a ML), was ordered to take up battle positions facing SE, SW to be prepared to meet every type of tank, from flame-throwers to Tigers. From the dewaterproofing area to battle position eight tanks became bogged in the very soft cross-country going and were subsequently pulled out by bull-dozers.

    The Sqn was eventually able to take up their required positions but at 1245 hrs was ordered to advance SW and to deal with 5 tanks or more which were reported to be attacking the 8 RF with flame-throwers. The Sqn advanced on one troop front, 2nd troop leading, made a wide detour in a SE direction and then swung in right handed to the buildings from which the flame-throwers were operating. Enemy armoured cars were reported by leading troop, crossing its front from the direction of the objective. The troop was ordered not to fire. On meeting St LUCIA rd 8019 leading tp turned right on it and proceeded towards the sea. On approaching the buildings the second tp pulled off the road to the left into an orchard, with part of the 4th troop. Sqn HQ went off to the right into a tomato plantation. 2nd troop leading tank reported Mk IV Special at 500 yards and stationary. Sgt McMeeking who was still on the road knocked it out with two shots – he then withdrew off the road to the left, within 5 minutes two Mk IIIs came down the road, 10 yards apart, the leading tank was hit by Lt Compton head-on and by Lt Plewes and Sgt McMeekin, broadside on simultaneously, and at once brewed up; the second tank was hit by Sgt McMeekin immediately after the first, and also brewed up. The two Mk IIIs appeared to be the flame-throwers as they had what looked like a pipe in place of where the gun normally is mounted. Such personnel of these tanks who were able to evacuate were a mass of flame, more so than is normally the case, which leads one to suppose that [they] were covered with their flame throwing fluid.

    Sgt McMeekin’s tank was hit by a Mk IV and was penetrated through the lap gunner’s flap, killing the lap gunner. The Mk IV got away. The two Mk IIIs were hit at approximately 50 yards range. The 8 RF who had been attacked by these tanks had had their 6 pounders knocked out on the coastal road, while still being towed, they had therefore nothing to combat the enemy tanks. By 1530 hrs the action was over and the Sqn less two tanks which were in the process of de-bogging remained on the objective unmolested.

    At 17.00 hrs the Sqn was ordered to support the Oxf and Bucks in an advance to BATTIPAGLIA. The Oxf and Bucks did not start moving until it was nearly dark, so the Sqn leaguered for the night in a field on the right of the road map ref. 8121. Maj FES Bowlby MC arrived that evening to take command of the Sqn the following morning. Maj Stewart also arrived with burns on hands and face.

    C Sqn under command of 169 Bde on the left landed at N7322 at 0630 hrs. 1st troop took part in an attack on landing ground (R)N7724 in support of 2/6 Queens at approximately 0830 hrs, 3rd troop joining in later. 1st troop moved up the road which runs NE past the North of the landing ground (R)N7724. Sgt McLouglin knocked out one 75 mm A/T gun and half-tracked tower, then captured an A/A gun and crew. Sgt Rich also knocked out another gun crew. Six enemy tanks were reported coming in from the NE. They were engaged by 1st troop. 3rd troop were meanwhile further back and had one tank KOed by gun fire. The remainder of 3rd troop now came up to join 1st troop. Lt Callender’s tank was knocked out on the road at N755238. Remaining tank of 3rd troop joined 1st troop and they fought enemy tanks until about 1330 hrs when they were forced to withdraw. Sgt Rich’s tank was knocked out at approximately N765255. Lt TB Fitz-George Parker knocked out one Mk IV and had one probable. Sqn was concentrated for the night at ANGELO farm 746235.

    Additional booty claimed:

    1 A/T Gun (calibre unknown) knocked out, 3 Lt A/A guns, one AFV (type unknown), 2 MET destroyed, 2 tanks probables.

    Two troop were employed in an attack by 2/5 Queens. They landed from LCTs about 0700 hrs and took 12 PWs in dewaterproofing area. During course of 2/5 Queens attack 2nd troop KOed two enemy armd cars in area 7622. General direction of this attack was along N. side of R. LAMA.

    Casualties:

    Killed: Officers – nil. ORs – 6

    Wounded: Officers – nil. ORs – 8

    Missing. Officers – nil. ORs – nil.

    B Sqn under command 201 Gds Bde landed at RL7519 at 1400 hrs and moved to CAT assembly area 7423 where they dewater-proofed and remained with 201 Gds Bde in reserve.

    RHQ landed at 1600 hrs RL7519, Maj FES Bowlby MC, Capt Downie and Lt Warrender acted as guides on the beach. RHQ Recce Tp and A Ech assembled in area RM 758198 after dewaterproofing. During the night there were a few enemy planes over, no bombs were dropped.

    10 September 1943

    7 Oxf & Bucks LI were to take BATTIPAGLIA as main objective, but on the way were to destroy what was thought to be two 88 mms which had shot up their patrols the previous night at 8320. A Sqn were ordered to support these attacks leaving ST LUCIA 8121 in the rear of 7 Oxf & Bucks LI at 0730 hrs. Within the first 500 yds the leading tank of the leading troop (4th Troop) became bogged. The road deteriorated into a marshy track forcing Sqn to leave it and to cut across country roughly parallel to the west of the track. 4th troop was up with 2 troop doing protection right; the going was very steep and the fields divided by dykes which slowed up progress considerably. By 0900 hrs, 7 Oxf & Bucks LI were asking for assistance in dealing with an 88 mm and also some enemy tanks. Maj Bowlby MC who was now commanding A Sqn decided that as assistance was needed as quickly as possible, it would be as well to try and get back onto the track in order to speed progress up. The leading tank having regained the track was shortly blown up on a mine. The remainder of the Sqn continued across country after Maj Bowlby had made a personal recce and liaised with 7 Oxf & Bucks LI. By 1015 hrs the Sqn had reached the first objective at FARINA farm 8320. 2 troop took up a position in very close country facing roughly SE on the far side of the farm. 4th troop was covering the area to the side of the farm and was able partially to protect 2 troop’s right flank. 4 troop was in position just NW of the farm buildings. 3 troop was slightly NE of farm looking out in SE direction – Sqn HQ was by the farm itself. Shortly after taking up these positions. Lt Compton 4 troop Ldr knocked out an 88 mm, half-tracked vehicle and immobilised the gun from a range of 200 yards. 2 troop was able to push forward a little before coming into contact with an unknown number of enemy tanks estimated at five and also an A/T gun thought to be an 88 mm. 2 troop’s left hand tank had reached the position of the knocked out 88mm when the troop was fired at from an extremely close range. It was impossible to see where the shots were coming from and the troop was forced to fall back a little. It was decided that 4 troop, plus two of 3 troop’s tanks should take over from 2 troop and that 2 troop, together with the remainder of the Sqn HQ, should move round SE to reach the BATTIPAGLIA road and endeavour to outflank the opposition. The present position could not continue as there was no field of fire or move of [than] 100 yds at the most. 7 Oxf & Bucks LI, through lack of orders or inclination, did not intend to move forward of the tanks. If they could have done, this timely warning of a location of enemy tanks could have been given and would have been invaluable. No orders had come through to the rear link tank from Bde, whose frequency was so close to Sqn’s that in order that the rear link Officer could hear Bde, the Sqn had to keep off the air. It was not known whether to proceed further or whether the infantry would take over the position, which was well nigh impossible to hold by tanks. The two 3 troop tanks moved forward to take over from Ack and Beer tanks of 2 troop. Both tanks moved forward too fast towards their position considering that visibility was so restricted. The leading tank was fired at, at once presented itself a broadside on target and was at once knocked out at a range estimated at 100 yds. The second tank following behind was hit from approx the same range, killing the gunner and operator. The commander extricated the tank and returned towards ST LUCIA. The Ack tank of 2 troop whose commander was on his feet was hit from 75 yards, all the crew escaped but with two badly injured. The Tp Ldr of 2 troop, Lt Plewes who was on his feet about to direct the two 3 troop tanks into position, returned to his tank and was ordered to withdraw with his remaining tank towards the farm. In withdrawing, the Tp Ldr’s tank was hit but not knocked out by a Mk IV Special. This tank was knocked out in turn by the remaining 2 troop tank from a range of 75 yards, the commander of this tank had in the meanwhile accounted for an enemy M/C and sidecar with his tommy-gun while making a recce on foot. On 2 troopp reaching the area of the farm, the Sqn withdrew approx 200 yards behind a line of tall reeds and so out of sight of any enemy. Here it remained with all round observation until ordered to return to ST LUCIA again at 1700 hrs. Two Mk IVs were sighted at 1600 hrs and were fired on by 4 troop at extreme range, no results being observed. The whole action was marked by a complete lack of cooperation by the infantry, and lack of any order from Bde. The shortness of the field of fire made it virtually impossible for tanks to remain on the position without incurring more casualties with nothing to show in return. Sqn HQ was in an unsatisfactory position though a better one was difficult to visualise. It was subjected to AP through the walls of the farm building. An interesting observation was made when an Infantry Officer pointed out the two leading tanks of 2 troop as being Mk IV Specials, and that at a range of 150 yards. The Sqn leaguered at 3 miles NW (marginal question mark) of ST LUCIA in an open field off the coast road.

    B Sqn moved to an area VERDESCA 7722 to counter threatened advance by six enemy tanks. No tanks were seen and the position offered no good visibility. Sqn moved to supporting position in orchard at cross roads 789235. 201 Gds Bde were advancing in front towards the railway to the North. There was no action here. The Sqn moved down the road to SE, turned left at 793230 thence through MORELLA in an attempt to neutralise resistance in the railway station. The country was impossibly close. The leading tank of 4 troop was hit by an A/T gun when 300 yds from the station at very close range, three were killed. The Sqn retired to find a way round the left flank, and went back to cross roads and thence along the road to NE. At 1730 hrs, one tank from 1st troop was knocked out and one man was killed. The Sqn returned to original area of the cross roads. Information of impending attack from direction BATTIPAGLIA was received. The Sqn was ordered to support 6 GREN GDS and 8 R FUSILIERS, the latter having suffered heavy casualties. The Sqn advanced down the road to SE thence left along track running NE on North bank of the TUSCIANO to main road Route 18. 1 troop advanced down main road towards a bridge at BATTIPAGLIA and remained in observation until after dark. One German tank tried to cross bridge, but was hit and retired. At 2000 hrs, Sqn retired to leaguer area in orchard at 820238. Much mortar and MG fire was experienced from three sides during the night.

    C Sqn remained concentrated at ANGELO farm N746235 as a mobile reserve to 169 Inf Bde.

    RHQ, Recce Tp, and A Ech remained in the same area. The CO visited Sqns in their various sectors.

    The objectives which were to have been reached last night were not taken – having been held up by 16 Pz Div, split into small groups of 2-5 tanks, Mk IIIs and IVs and 64 Pz Gren Regt. The left flank made progress with the right flank of 46 Inf Div but the right flank was held up as the Americans who are on the right are unable to get far forward.

    11 September 1943

    Maj Stewart had returned the previous night to take command of A Sqn. The Sqn was ordered to the area of cross roads 6121 to take up position to support an infantry advance over a short distance. There was no real plan, except that the Sqn should advance up the road towards BATTIPAGLIA, as the country either side of the road was unsuitable to tanks. The Sqn advanced approx 500 yds, when the infantry said they were going no further, and that they had mined the road against enemy tanks. The Sqn withdrew to the cross roads and in so doing lost one commander with a head wound from mortar shrapnel. At 1900 hrs the Sqn was ordered by the Bde Comd to leaguer area for the night. When half way to the area the LO at Bde reported our infantry and A/T gunners fleeing in confusion on the road behind us towards the sea pursued by enemy tanks. The Sqn was ordered to return immediately to hold the canal NE of cross roads 8122 at all costs. On returning to the area of cross roads, there was no sign of enemy tanks or enemy of any description. The infantry and A/T gunners returned later to find their guns still intact and the line was again stabilised. The Sqn leaguered on the West bank of the canal in an orchard. 9 R FUSILIERS had remained in their position throughout the incident.

    1 Troop B Sqn and 2 Troop returned to observation of bridge while remainder of Sqn were in observation of country to the N and NE from leaguer. Houses in the neighbourhood were infested with snipers. One tank was sent to reduce a house near Bn HQ where a sniper was causing trouble. 3 troop was sent to support 1 and 2 troops. The enemy tried to advance across the river behind a smoke screen. One Mk IV tank tried to cross the bridge but was knocked out by 1 troop and blocked the road preventing further vehicles from crossing. An A/T gun knocked out another tank approaching the bridge from NW also causing a road block. At 2000 hrs 2 troop extended the line to the left so that all the Sqn was now on line of the road between bridge and T roads at 823240. They remained in observation all night.

    At 1130 hrs C Sqn was ordered to support B and D Coys 2/6 QUEENS in an attack on Pt 210 (N803283). Sqn Ldr, Sqn 2IC and 3 Tp Ldr went forward in a jeep to do a recce while the Sqn was moved up to an area beside the main road NW of L.G. The Sqn’s task was to provide right flank protection to the two Coys during their advance. The Sqn Ldr with 1 and 4 troops, Lts Parker and Howard, moved up to St VITO (N799277) between the track and V. FERARRELLI. 2 troop and remainder of Sqn HQ (Sqn 2IC and rear link tank) remained in area (N)775263 covering the right flank of forward tps. The attack was unopposed. After infantry Coys had gained their objective two enemy armd cars were reported by the infantry to the SE of Pt 210. This was approx 1600 hrs. 4 Troop under Lt Howard were sent out to try and locate and destroy them but he was unable to do so as the country was too heavily wooded. He had difficulty in getting about and could get no observation. The Sqn leaguered in an area N772258.

    RHQ, Recce Tp and A Ech still in the same area.

    The CO visited Brig Arkwright, Comd 23 Armd Bde under whom the Regt comes when its present commitments are fulfilled. The CO again visited Sqns.

    12 September 1943

    A & C Sqns remained in their areas until they joined RHQ. At 0730 hrs, B Sqn 2 troop covered the bridge. More smoke was observed and the enemy made an attempt to advance which was discouraged by Browning and small arms fire. At 1100 hrs, 2 troop was relieved by 3 troop and returned to leaguer area. At 1700 hrs, the enemy threatened from the NW and enemy tanks were reported at 7922. The troops were positioned for all round defence. 2 troop and one tank from 3 troop moved to position at 810230 to cover withdrawal of infantry at 2030 hrs; the infantry safely passed 2 troop. The tp then rejoined the Sqn further down the track to the south. All the Sqn moved to the Regtl area at 780180 and now reverted to Regtl command.

    The CO attended a conference at HQ 56 Inf Div at which the future plan of making a firm base of ground already gained was given. The Sqns with Bdes would be released today and would come under command of the Regt in area RN 7818. RHQ and Recce Tp moved to area RN 779179. Sqns joined them during the afternoon and evening.

    7 Ox & Bucks LI were withdrawn from 167 Inf Bde front and went to 169 Inf Bde; this thinned out the defences of 167 Inf Bde area. At 1800 hrs, Recce Tp, A and C Sqns went up to the area that 7 Ox & Bucks LI had left – the two Sqns taking up fire positions in area RN 8021 and RN 8119 with the Recce Tp in the latter area.

    B Sqn and RHQ remained in the Regtl area as reserve.

    13 September 1943

    There were no developments during the night and Sqns leaguered in their areas by 1000 hrs except one troop C Sqn (Lt Parker) which remained behind in area RN 8122 in case of a counter attack by enemy tanks; the rest of the day being spent in maintenance and rest. In the evening, 2 troop C Sqn took up the same positions as last night with Recce Tp on the right as before.

    14 September 1943

    At 0145 hrs, a message was received from 167 Inf Bde that enemy tanks were approaching their front along the road at RN 805223. The remainder of Greys who had not gone up before were ordered to reinforce their line. B & C Sqn troops joined their respective Sqns on the front. RHQ moved to farm RN 799215, A Sqn coming behind in reserve. 201 Gds Bde knocked out two SP guns on 167 Inf Bde’s left. Otherwise there were no other developments during the night. At first light, the Regt returned to its usual location except for 1 troop C Sqn (Lt M Hall) which will remain where Lt Parker’s troop were yesterday. The Regt came under command of 23 Armd Bde.

    At 1200 hrs, a message was received from HQ 23 Armd Bde saying that the Americans had been driven back by tanks on the right and that the Greys with, under command one sqn 44 Recce Regt and one bty Priests would counter attack in area RN 8416. Sqn Ldrs recced approaches to this area in the afternoon. If the Regt was not ordered to counter attack by 1930 hrs, it would move into the same area as last night in the same role. This, in fact, happened except that A & B Sqns changed positions. During the day, 167 Inf Bde and 8 R FUSILIERS moved to 46Inf Div area where they will join up with 7 Ox & Bucks LI. Their front will be taken over by 23 Armd Bde who have under command, Greys, 44 Recce Regt, 9 R FUSILIERS and 2/4 Hampshires.

    15 September 1943

    After a quiet night, the Regt returned to its usual location at first light. Brig Arkwright Comd 23 Armd Bde visited the CO at 0900 hrs and told him the Regt would still have to be prepared to be used in a counter attack role should the Americans be attacked. The counter attack this time would be in an area (R)N 8020 and was not to be more than two miles in depth. The Regt had to supply 12 Sherman crews to look after 12 Sherman diesels which are coming for TDT.

    At 2000 hrs, a message was received that enemy half-tracked personnel carriers have overrun the infantry on the road at (R)N 801222 and that two had crossed the bridge northwards at RN 799223. There was general alarm along the Bde front. B Sqn was in the process of taking that part of the front over from Lt Hall’s troop (C Sqn). A Sqn were in position at farm (R)N 810195. B Sqn got into position without further alarm and the rest of the night was quiet, one half tracked vehicle was burned out at bridge (R)N 799223.

    16 September 1943


    At 0730 hrs, a message was received that enemy tanks and infantry were attacking the infantry on the left of the Bde front. B Sqn were still in last night’s position. A Sqn remained in farm (R)N 810155 while C Sqn moved to cross roads (R)N 799221 and RHQ to ST LUCIA (R)N 808207. The Sqn of 44 Recce Regt who were holding the centre were forced to withdraw. C Sqn was then ordered to do a sweep over the bridge at (R)N 800221 with objective at crossroads (R)N 818219. This was successfully carried out although they turned back to ST LUCIA just short of the objective. Lt J Howard’s tank and crew are missing, the tank believed knocked out but the crew are hoped to be safe.

    The following enemy equipment was also destroyed: three Mk IV Specials, one Armd Car, one 75mm gun, one 37mm A/T gun and one half track vehicle. The infantry report that 200 Germans were killed. At 1600 hrs, A Sqn with a patrol of carriers from 44 Recce Regt were ordered to move forward from the farm towards the main road at (R)N 833138 to mop up any enemy that might have advanced with the other flank. Soon after they started, a message was received that the enemy had withdrawn to their original position and A Sqn then returned to the farm. B Sqn, on the arrival of C Sqn at the crossroads 799221, were moved to the right flank where they attacked enemy guns and tanks in area (R)N 814205. By 1900 hrs everything seemed back to normal with our infantry occupying their normal positions. The Recce Tp under Capt OC Berger successfully pushed forward in the centre sector and re-established the original infantry line at about 1400 hrs. The Regt spent the night as follows: A Sqn in positions at farm (R)N 810195, B Sqn in position along canal from (R)N 805210 to crossroads 799221. RHQ & C Sqn in reserve at 806208.

    17 September 1943

    A quiet day, Sqns remained in areas in which they spent the night. At 1100 hrs, a message was received that the Bde front will be taken over by 131 Inf Bde with 5 RTR under command. 5 RTR will take over all Greys commitments by 1700 hrs. The Greys and HQ 23 Armd Bde will move to an area, RN7425.

    The Regt moved at 1800 hrs by road to an area (R)N 757295. It was dark for most of the way but only two tanks were ditched. They were left till tomorrow to be pulled out. The last follow up under Maj W Halswell arrived today. 2 ORs from C Sqn died as the result of burns incurred yesterday.
     

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