Greetings from Republic of San Marino

Nicola-
at the risk of having you mis-understood- I should point out that the British 8th Army at that time of September / October 1944 was fighting an operation called "Olive" within what was known as the Gothic Line constructed by the Germans from La Spezia on the West coast - to near Cattolica, close to San Marino.

This battle started on the 25th August from near Iesi over the Metauro River and then over the Foglia River with the objective being the capture of Rimini which was achieved by the 23rd of September - this Battle stretched over to beyond Croce and Gemmano.

The British 8th Army at that time consisted of Canadian - Indian - New Zealand - Polish - Greek and of course the majority being British troops. It was fiercely fought with some 14,000 man killed and thousands wounded - hence the seven cemeteries in the area - your nearest being at Gradara and Coriano Ridge near Riccione.

This link wil give you some idea of how the Battle was fought.....

Gemmano 1944. Part 1 : the Gothic Line and the Operation Olive

Ciao

 

Nicola-
at the risk of having you mis-understood- I should point out that the British 8th Army at that time of September / October 1944 was fighting an operation called "Olive" within what was known as the Gothic Line constructed by the Germans from La Spezia on the West coast - to near Cattolica, close to San Marino.

This battle started on the 25th August from near Iesi over the Metauro River and then over the Foglia River with the objective being the capture of Rimini which was achieved by the 23rd of September - this Battle stretched over to beyond Croce and Gemmano.

The British 8th Army at that time consisted of Canadian - Indian - New Zealand - Polish - Greek and of course the majority being British troops. It was fiercely fought with some 14,000 man killed and thousands wounded - hence the seven cemeteries in the area - your nearest being at Gradara and Coriano Ridge near Riccione.

This link wil give you some idea of how the Battle was fought.....

Gemmano 1944. Part 1 : the Gothic Line and the Operation Olive

Ciao

Thanks for your reply.
Maybe I explained myself bad, I know very well the history of those days but I'm here to ask you specific news and facts of San Marino...
Do you have, for example, war diaries, maps or specific materials on San Marino?

thanks,
Nicola

 

Nicola -
Apologies if I had mis-understood you but as I explained earlier - I never did visit your republic and so have little knowledge - or maps -diaries etc

Cheers

 

The honour of taking the Republican capital of San Marino fell to 2nd battalion The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders during 19th/20th of September 1944. after passing through the Gurkhas. Attached scan of 2nd Camerons map. Will scan relevant pages of their story published in the "79th News", the Camerons regimental magazine, issue dated April 1945.

 

51HD-
perhaps you should also explain that the 2nd Cams were the British Battalion leading the 11th bde of the 4th Indian Division and had been long before their exploits on the Keren heights of Ethiopia when they were posted there just before O'Connors victory over the Italian 10th army of Graziano at Beda Fomm- they did get around a bit before finishing up in Greece- and knew how to climb mountains and other heights....such as Cassino et al
Cheers

 

Quite so Tom, the 2nd Camerons that entered San marino, were the reconstituted battalion after the original 2nd battalion were captured at Tobruk, June 1942. The new 2nd battalions baptism of fire was indeed their involvement at Cassino, losing 250 casualties in the first month of fighting.

 

Attached pic, Pipes & Drums of 2nd battalion Queens Own Cameron Highlanders beat retreat at San marino 1944.

 

Nicola -
Apologies if I had mis-understood you but as I explained earlier - I never did visit your republic and so have little knowledge - or maps -diaries etc

Cheers

No problem Tom....thank you very much for your appreciated help

 

The honour of taking the Republican capital of San Marino fell to 2nd battalion The Queens Own Cameron Highlanders during 19th/20th of September 1944. after passing through the Gurkhas. Attached scan of 2nd Camerons map. Will scan relevant pages of their story published in the "79th News", the Camerons regimental magazine, issue dated April 1945.

WOW...this is a very helpfull map!!!...thank you very very much!
do you have other maps like this?

 

welcome Nicola

regards

Keith

 

Tom.

In a post of 16 Nov 11, you mentioned that 4 British Division were involved at San Marino. They were not. They finished their rest in the Assisi area and were then moved forward to take the lead from 5 Cdn Armd Div who captured Coriano Ridge on 13 Sep 44. For Phase 2 of the 1 (Cdn) Corps plan, 4 BR Inf Div was to pass through and seize the Pian delle Piave Ridge which they did on 14 Sep 44. Running north east-south east, this ridge looked down on the River Marano beyond. This is some way from San Marino which was always a 4 Ind Div objective.

Regards

FdeP

 

Greetings and welcome Nicola,

There were many Rover Crews (older Boy Scouts) in the British miiltary. The Ain Mokra 8 and AM8 Mustang Crews were the only ones in a battle unit - vide Imperial [Scout] Headquarters, London.

The Crew was in 25th Tank Brigade until it was disbanded, at which time the North Irish Horse members formed the A.M.8. Mustang Rover Crew.

Both crews met frequently and published "magazines'' from time to time. Here is an extract from the Mustang's Anniversary Number:
Untitled

The editor insert is from me - I missed the two-day stay in the Republic unfortunately.

Gerry

PS

Ain Mokra 8 happened to be the civilian telephone number of Brigade HQ, while it was stationed near the village in Algeria, after conclusion of hostilities in Tunisia.

 

Attached is a letter, dated November 1944, from 2nd Camerons new battalion Commander, Lt-Col Noble, (Lt-Col Hill had been killed in August) to the Divisional Commander. It was published in "79th news" April 1945 issue and was subject to censorship, hence the missing brigade numbers etc.

 

Here is the war diary entries for A Squadron 6th Royal Tank Regiment, who supported the Camerons at San Marino:


18/9/44 Sqn moved to Castellari in support 2nd Camerons who were under command 5 Bde. Concentrated shelling by 150mm SPs, Nebelwerfers, mortar 75mm SPs on this village where Bn HQs of 2nd Camerons and 1/9th GR were both situated. Numerous tanks received direct hits and one cut-down (LO at Camerons HQ) was brewed by a direct hit from a mortar. Enemy change fire positions frequently and had good observation throughout the day. 1/9 GR has established a precarious bridgehead across river Marano and were pinned down by enemy fire and out of communication. Sqn asked to carry ammunition forward to 1/9 GR. A blow in the road West of Castellari had been temporarily filled under fire, with some difficulty. 1 Tp managed to cross the river and found a track up to the road short of Pt. 343, where they delivered the ammunition to 1/9 GR who had by that time almost exhausted their supplies. Good work by 1 Tp Comd, Lt Rhodes, who remained there in support all day.

1400 – It was decided to try to get 2 Tp forward with more ammunition for the Infantry. Soon after starting the leading tank lost a track in area of road blow and blocked road. Tank came under heavy fire and the ammunition loaded on the back caught fire. Crew forced to bale out and sought cover nearby, pinned down by MG, shelling and mortar fire. Tp comd, Lt Smith, having dismounted from his tank to assist them, left them under cover and returned to Castellari to find a way back. Lt Smith having returned to the crew of the disabled tank commenced to crawl back with the crew. This movement was observed by the enemy and heavy fire was brought down on the crew. Tpr Horsman wounded but brought back by stretcher, by, Tpr Watling and Tpr Williams under heavy fire from MG. Tpr Wooley also injured. As the road was now blocked by the tank, RE’s recced a further route and made a tank track over the river.
At 2359 hrs Sqn moved forward on this route over river to join 1 Tp at 0230 hrs.

19/9/44 At first light Sqn moved forward along road towards Grotte which the enemy had evacuated during the night, having withdrawn to area Borgo Maggiore. Roads were recced and cleared of mines. Tanks went forward in support of 2nd Camerons. 1 & 3 Tps moved to area Boldino 7783 clearing up and down positions and enemy strong points in houses on the sides and summit of the S Marino feature. 2 Tp with Capt Stainton went forward to 77718378 and gave good supporting fire to 1 & 3 Tps from an excellent concealed position. Cut-down Honey (Sgt Hopkins) acting as LO to 2nd Camerons at Rigo 7684 engaged 4 spandau positions with .50 Browning. Wounded later evacuated from these positions. 4 Tp rejoined Sqn and remained in reserve with Sqn HQ at Grotte. At last light Sqn pulled back behind Grotte.

20/9/44 0430 – 1 & 4 Tps moved to 764843 covering Borgo Maggiore. 2 Tp and Capt Stainton returned to yesterday’s good firing position. 3 Tp and two Sqn HQ tanks took up firing position in Grotte. Sqn Ldr and Recce officer went to Camerons HQ in a cut-down. 2nd Camerons HQ was overlooked by spandau posts which were troublesome. Some shelling.

0800 – 2 Camerons attack Borgo Maggiore supported by heavy fire from whole Sqn in which all ammunition in 2 & 3 tps was expended. 1 & 4 Tps keeping ¼ in reserve. Tank firing having proved very effective 1 & 4 tps move up in support 2nd Camerons to area of Convent 759843.

1500 – Camerons occupied Borgo Maggiore with tank support and 4 enemy A/Tk guns were captured. Remainder of day occupied in clearing up enemy MG nests and firing at OP in S Marino towers
last light Sqn leaguered back again in area Grotte. Four tanks lost tracks while going over difficult ground to avoid minefield.

I will also be scanning the section on San Marino from the Indian Army Official History series and post the same here.

 

Here is the account of the capture of San Marino from the Indian Army Official History Series:

 

minden - we seem to share the same problem - which is that we tend to accept some diaries - histories - books as being gospel - in my case my understanding that the 4th br div were involved and from many sources assured that it was instead the 4th INDIAN div-therefore I would accept your correction BUT I would take issue with YOUR statement -that 5th Cdn AD captured Coriano ridge on the 13th september by asking why - just half a mile away at San Martino - on that same ridge - were STILL fighting on the 17/18th and at San Fortunato on the 19/20th to finally allow the capture of RIMINI by the 22/23rd...?cheers....

 

Tom.

The San Martino feature, if I remember correctly, was on the eastern end of the San Fortunato Ridge.

I need to check but I think that I am right.

Regards

Frank

 

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

Awarded with the Military Cross

On 19 Sep 44 the Bn's advance upon San Marino was held up by numerous spandaus firing from the main heights and from the ridge running North East to Domagnano. In particular, two posts on the ridge had impeded the progress of 'D' Coy and caused several casualties.

2/Lieut Ellis was therefore ordered to destroy these posts with his Pl that night. On nearing the house on which they were believed to be based he sent one section forward. It was met by a fierce burst of spandau fire. Another section was sent round the house to attempt an entrance from the rear. This section found five Germans outside the house and killed one and took the rest prisoner.

Meanwhile 2/Lieut Ellis and the first section had closed in upon the front of the house. A man was sent forward and reported considerable movement in the house. 2/Lieut Ellis decided to investigate this himself. On reaching the steps leading up to the porch he was met by a German captain who emerged firing his Schmeiser at random. 2/Lieut Ellis sprang at him from the foot of the steps but, although he came to grips with him, the German, a tall, heavily built man, tore himself free, firing a burst, which struck 2/Lieut Ellis, shattering his verey pistol, but failing to wound him. As the German made off, still firing, 2/Lieut Ellis shouted to his men to kill him and this was done. Subsequently a ration party of three was taken prisoner. the patrol then returned to the Coy having killed three and taken ten German prisoner.

The personal fearlessness and swift certainty of judgment shown by 2/Lieut Ellis in this action was to a great extent responsible for the rapid advance of two coys the following day.

LG 08.03.1945

 

WS Sargeant John Joseph Williams
3851955
2nd Battalion, The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Awarded with the Military Medal

On 23 Sep 44, during Bn's advance upon San Marino, 'A' Coy had occupied Borgos - Maggiore. Stg. Williams and his Pl of 16 men were ordered to seize and hold a road junction on the outskirts of the town.

As it approached, the Pl was fired upon by several automatic weapons. Sgt Williams disposed his Pl around the post and himself advanced upon it with his T.M.C. and some grenades. A quick burst of fire severely wounded him in the groin, but, despite concentrated fire at very close range, he completely disorganised the post with his weapons and at the same time directed the movement of his Pl which closed in and destroyed the post, taking three prisoners. Sgt Williams then re-organised his Pl and took it and the prisoners back to the Coy before permitting himself to be given medical attention.

His dauntless courage and fine sense of leadership enabled him, although in great pain, to achieve effective exploitation of the Coy's success and ensure the solidarity of its new position.

LG 08.03.1945

 

Private George Edward Hawkins
1571041
2nd Battalion, The Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders

Awarded with the Military Medal

On 22 Sep 44, during the Bn's advance upon San Marino, 'D' Coy was ordered to attack the N.E. suburbs of the town in daylight. The intervening ground offered little cover and was overlooked by the heights of San Marino.

Soon after the advance began the Coy was held up by heavy fire from a number of spandaus and snipers entrenched above them. the area was also being shelled and mortared.

The 16 Pl wireless was out of action, and in order to carry his Coy Comd's orders to the Pl, Pte Hawkins, the Pl runner, unhesitatingly traversed the 250 yds of bare ground between Pl and Coy HQ on three occasions, despite the heavy fire, and delivered the orders for the attack.

Later, when 2 inch mortar amn ran short, he again volunteered to make the journey and safely carried two loads to the Pl from the reserve at Coy HQ.

By his fearless devotion to duty Pte Hawkins contributed largely to the success of the Coy's attack.

LG 08.03.1945