Hello all - as a new member I'm not sure whether this is the most appropriate area for this posting - but, I'm seeking any information concerning the actions of 56 Div in the Croce area between about 1st and 22 nd Sep 1944. I'm paticularly interested in any detail available concerning actions in the following localities: Croce Casa Menghino Casiccio San Marco Palazzo Mulazzano Monte Olivo Casa di Monte Olivo Cortellini Casa Rinaldi Brian
This is a good, albeit sometimes brief, history of the Division: The Black Cats at war : the story of the 56th (London) Division T.A., 1939-1945 by David Williams Publisher:London : Imperial War Museum, Department of Printed Books, 1995. Editions: 2 Editions ISBN:1870423895 9781870423892 OCLC:60263386
Brian - I have always found that this linked article sums up both sides of the Coriano Ridge battles better than a dry regimental or Divisional account - it should also be pointed out that the Coriano Ridge MAIN battles were at Croce - Gemmano - San Martina and San Fortunato which all had to be subdued before we could achieve the capture of Rimini - which was the key to the Lombardy plain and the Po Valley - unfortunately it took too long - the casualties were too heavy and the monsoons started - at the same time it was against the enemy's best troops two books which give good accounts are "The Gothic Line " by Douglas Orgil who took part with 6th Armoured Div on the left flank of 8th Army - and "Armoured Odessey" by Stu Hamilton - who managed to find some humour in the situation which was a main life line at times. Gemmano 1944. Part 1 : the Gothic Line and the Operation Olive Cheers