Italy - 17th March 1945.

Discussion in 'Italy' started by bexley84, Mar 17, 2020.

  1. bexley84

    bexley84 Well-Known Member

    There were two distinct experiences of St Patrick's Day 1945 in northern Italy for the battalions of the London Irish Rifles

    The 1st Bn were receiving shamrock in Forli from Maj General Whitfield Commander of 56th (London) Division:

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    My Dad's mob, the 2nd Bn, were so keen to dodge this event that they "decided" to man the trenches near the Senio river :

    "St Patrick’s Day; Owing to the Irish Brigade being in the line, celebrations were postponed until 29 March.
    0600 Sitrep: Normal MG and mortar fire on bttn front. Otherwise NTR.
    1200 One wounded German brought into RAP from the floodbank area by F Coy. Identification – 6 Coy, II Bttn, 289 Regiment, 98 Division.
    1230 Reported by G Coy that one of the bttn 15 cwts, carrying load of ammunition, being sniped at and machine gunned in forward area. Driver slightly wounded. Ammunition did not explode and truck was later towed to safety by a carrier under covering fire from Bttn MGs.
    1800 Sitrep: 2 enemy seen, engaged by artillery. One PoW taken. Snipers seen and engaged by mortars. Movement seen throughout day and engaged by mortars.

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    Meanwhile, Jon had another view of the men with the caubeen and hackles...

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    40 days later, the two battalions of the LIR would meet on the battlefield for the first time south of the Po river.

    QS FAB.
     
    Chris C, Tricky Dicky and Tony56 like this.

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