Posted Today, 08:16 PM Tom As you know there were over 100,000 men in the entrance to the Liri valley on May 23rd and perhaps as many 20,000 vehicles not to mention several 1000 dug in armed to teeth Germans (I know, I cant tell you anything about that). But I can tell you my dad was caught in that incessant traffic jam for the next 6 days every time they moved up which was often (interesting that). The German harassing fire didnt even need to be accurate to cause casualties. On the 21st while supporting the 1st CID one of my dad's guns detachments suffered 3 killed. Dad was buried up to his neck in his trench, he was able to get out tend the wounded and help put a fire out on a gun limber. They were the lead gun in the Battery that day never a cherished place under fire (I'm told). On the 29th of May he was dangerously wounded (is that code for not expected to live?) while waiting at a crossroads in yet another traffic jam. The 5th CAD moved 55 km cross country over rough, rolling country which left their tanks hung up, stuck in ditches, plus the expected; tanks (knocking out the first 2 Panthers in the West), mines and AT guns, in the next 6 days rolling up the retreating 10th Army ending their pursuit In Frosinone on May 31st. Not a bad week for an outfit that had never fought together as a Division before. I say to you with the greatest respect, that these men were volunteers to a man and though they spent the first 2 years of the war on the side lines they paid their share in blood and sorrow in the last 18 months. So Tom I propose a toast “to the 5th Canadian Armoured Division, Day Dodgers, Volunteers one and all (Canadian Conscripts were not required to serve outside of North America), and my Father then 23 years of age. For I believe they earned our respect, as did you all”. Cheers Matt
Matt I can drink to the 5th Cdn AD as you propose as their first main battle was not all that easy and I recall I was just 20 at the time Cheers
Just for ref I was talking to an Italian Campaign chap today at Kew who was copying this units war diary. Whilst it was quiet thick he did say that it also contain a rather nice divisional history.
A little Bump and a story "Bill Reid's War" as he went from the P.E.I. Highlanders, to company Commander Princess Louise Fusiliers. to 2 I C of the IRofC,(all of the 5th CAD) finishing the war with the RCR's of the 1st Matt
5th CAB Crossing the Melfa and securing the bridgehead by the 5th Canadian Armoured Brigade. this a after action report from the 5th CAB's action including the crossing of the Melfa and the pursuit up Highway 6 from May 23rd to may 30th. You will note that the 5th CAD had to extend considerable resources to stabilize the right flank during this action. Copied from Heritage Canadiana reel T1848 image 938 to 949 Matt
Here is a virtual History of the British Columbia Dragoons 9th Canadian armoured regiment. some great tank pics as well http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/sgc-cms/histoires_de_chez_nous-community_memories/pm_v2.php?id=story_line&lg=English&fl=0&ex=00000653&sl=5315&pos=1&pf=1#29
There is some extensive use of Applique armour in this series Images 181 to 195. by looking at these its hard to imagine there was a single knocked out Sherman with any track left on it. Matt