Which British Anti-Tank Regiments took part in the Liberation of Rome?

Which British Anti-Tank Regiments took part in the success of the Liberation of Rome?

 

I dont know but thought it was the US 5th Army that 'liberated; Rome on 5th June 1944, not sure there were many British anything there at the time

United States Army North - Wikipedia
At this point, one of the more controversial incidents in the history of Fifth Army occurred. The strategic conception of General Sir Harold Alexander, commanding the Allied Armies in Italy (later redesigned 15th Army Group),[19] was that the forces of VI Corps, coming out of Anzio, would trap the retreating German forces, and leave them to be annihilated by the advancing Fifth and Eighth Armies.[20] However, in contravention of orders, Clark diverted units of VI Corps towards Rome, leaving a small blocking force to attempt to stop the Germans. It failed to do so, and the German forces were able to escape and reestablish a coherent line to the north of Rome. Clark claimed that there were significant German threats which necessitated the diversion, but many believe that he was primarily glory-seeking by being the first to liberate Rome.

Mark W. Clark - Wikipedia
During World War II, he commanded the United States Fifth Army, and later the 15th Army Group, in the Italian campaign. He is known for leading the Fifth Army in its capture of Rome in June 1944.


TD

 

One way of starting another war is to give a definitive answer to this question. I assume that you are looking at British Forces who were banned from Rome until American General Mark Clark had
finished filming it. Although if you read between the lines of a few British 1st Div sources, they nipped in and out on Recce's before the American Military Police sealed it off.
Suggestions:
1. Watch Whickers War either from a DVD available on line or on YT.
2. Look to see which British A/T Regiments were in 1 Division i.e. 81st A/T. Being alongside the American 5th Army, some RA Recce Parties had acquired American Jeeps at Anzio in which they could drive around without being noticed.
3. Read Desperate Valour Triumph at Anzio by Flint Whitlock.
Have a few whisky or bourbons and make your own mind up.
Whilst writing this (I am very slow) TD has added some very good links.

 

Thank you very much. My late grandfather Irvine Jebson was part of the Anti-Tank regiment but I was unsure which regiment he joined. He had fought in North Africa previously and then landed on the Beaches at Anzio. I have attached a news paper bulletin my uncle had kept.

 

If he landed on the beaches he was in 1st Infantry Division. The assault troops were from 2nd Infantry Brigade with 67th Field Regiment RA (TA) in support and remained so for the first three days until the 2nd Field Regt and 19th Field Regt landed via the port to support 1st and 3rd Infantry Brigades. Not sure when the A/T turned up but I guess sometime during that period. Probably via the port as it was quicker and easier to disembark and enemy fire was minimal for the first few days, give or take an air raid or two.
There are a few experts on this site regarding Anzio who will if needs be lead you by the hand to see the place as it is now.
Looking at your newspaper clips it is surprising how many RA Regiments wore the Grenade Cap Badge rather than the Gun as the 67th wore it as well. Perhaps it was a TA thing.
I was led to believe the 67th wore it due to a shortage of Gun type RA Cap Badges, so used the Collar Badge.

 

Italian campaign (World War II) - Wikipedia
American General Mark Clark was ordered to break out of the stagnant position at Anzio and cash in on the opportunity to cut off and destroy a large part of the German 10th Army retreating from the Gustav Line between them and the Canadians. But this opportunity was lost on the brink of success, when Clark disobeyed his orders and sent his U.S. forces to enter the vacant Rome instead.[46] Rome had been declared an open city by the German Army so no resistance was encountered.


I guess you need to verify which anti tank regiments were in Anzio as they would be closest to Rome and probably followed on the US 5th army ending up perhaps in Rome a few days after those darn yanks got there first D)
Anzio order of battle - Wikipedia shows British troops etc

TD

 

Looking at the order of Battle then there was British units at Anzio but not sure they were actually there at the 'Liberation of Rome'

From Pauls site
I drove along the highway to Rome, which was crowded with American vehicles we suddenly came to a halt. I asked an American Military Policeman what was happening. He said General Mark Clarke was coming this way up to the front. He wanted to be the first into Rome. This is a very controversial thing, but the vanity of this General who disobeyed orders from Field Marshal Alexander cost lives. His collection of Jeeps arrived, I saw a break in the line of vehicles I just joined much to the surprise of those who were standing around.

TD

 

According to Wikipedia this was the full list of British Army participation during the Battle of Anzio.

 

A youtube video about the Liberation of Rome

 

Thank you for the information Owen, TD and Uncle Target I have a clearer picture as I continue my studies about the British Involvement at Anzio along with the Information regarding the Liberation of Rome.

 

The Duke of Wellingtons Regt being in British 1st Division were on the official parade in Rome:
File:Men of 1st Duke of Wellington's Regiment march into Rome, 8 June 1944.jpg - Wikipedia
When told they were "The Dukes" an American General was said to have asked if they were really all Dukes.

I decided that the Whickers War video was somewhat intrusive and best watched separately, so deleted it.
Well worth seeing though.

 

If your grandfather was in Rome I bet he had his photo taken, most did. It just depends if it has survived, so have a look in your family treasure chest if you have one.
Similarly 1st Div were in Florence then on the Gothic Line at Monte Grande overlooking Bologna, before being posted to Palestine in Jan 1945.
They took lots of photos in Palestine to send home, often holding dogs or donkeys. I suppose it made them look more homely.

 

In Post 10 by Andrew Jacklin the wartime footage via YouTube includes:

1) At 1.22 Scottish bagpiper (presumably The Gordon Highlanders, 1st British Division (Post 9)
2) Then at 18.53 and 19.03 Partisan footage of German troops evacuating the city; with two guns being towed by small armoured, tracked vehicles. The first, with a 75mm gun, looks like an Italian tank, but the second could be a Bren Gun Carrier, towing a small gun, possibly a 50mm gun.

 

Andrew.

I am finding this confusing. 81 Anti-Tank Regiment RA were the Anti-Tank Regiment for 1 Inf Div at Anzio. It sounds like Jebson joined from a detachment that had come in from North Africa to reinforce 81 AT Regt RA.

At the same time, it mentions that he was at Salerno where 56 and 46 Inf Div both landed in Sep 43. For me, if he had been injured and evacuated to North Africa to recover I am confident that he would have gone back to either 56 or 46 Inf Div.

I think that you really need to get his Service Record in order to establish his movements.

Regards

Frank

 

Frank, you are of course correct in the application for his Service Record and as an expert on the subject, having noticed the mention of North Africa in the press report.
I missed the reference to Salerno I'm afraid which of course was not a 1st Division action and is along way to go to visit a NAAFI.
The 67th FR did their DUKW training at Salerno then sailed to Anzio so perhaps the 1st Division / 81st A/T boarded an LST in the area or camped at Salerno travelling to Naples for embarkation.
Many replacements arrived in NA first for preliminary training or possibly hospitalisation at Sousse (a lot of Jaundice/Malaria cases) before going to Anzio. I assume that they arrived on convoy routes along the NA Coast as it was relatively to the rear of the theatre of war.

THE ALLIED LANDINGS AT ANZIO: 22 JANUARY-23 MAY 1944

67th Field Regt landing with the assault troops, their 25pdr guns on modified American DUKWS previously used at Salerno.

 

"The First Divisional Artillery at Anzio" page 9.
67 Field Regiment and a Battery of 6 pounder A/T guns from 81 Anti Tank landed by DUKW's at Anzio. A full scale rehearsal took place on 19th January 1944.
On the 21st the expedition set sail from Naples.