3 Panzer- Grenadier Division- 3 Infanterie Division( mot.)

Discussion in 'Axis Units' started by Stuart Avery, Jan 19, 2019.

  1. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    Not with a chancellor for whom the Internet is "uncharted territory".......

    Weiter im Text:
    29.1.
    the 1st platoon is building a 24-t temporary bridge 1 1/1 km SE Arden, while the 2nd platoon is wiring in the Kleyer section and a group is working on the preparation of the transmitter demolition. The 3rd platoon sets up in its section the Spanish riders produced on the previous days and sets up „Schreckladungen“ [booby traps] here. At 17.00 the whole barrier section is handed over to 3./Pi. 165. The platoons are pulled out and reach the new room at Cecchina S Albano at 24.00 at night.

    30.1.
    The coy. has rest today. The platoons check their vehicle load and perform body; weapons and equipment maintenance. - At 10.45 a messenger from the Btl. brings the order: In the course of the afternoon the baggage train, which was previously located at the EIAR transmitting station, moves 3 km to S Pannova

    31.1.
    In the morning hours, the 2nd platoon is set to prepare for the closure of the Cap del Osteraccia to the north. During the day, several groups explore the area on both sides of the road Littoria - Nettunia via Cecchina up to the fork to Albano for possibilities of blocking.
    Oberleutnant von Eberstein is ordered to the division commander today. General Gräser awards him the German Cross in Gold for his and his coy's achievements in the name of the Führer and supreme commander

    1.2.
    The platoons continue to work on the blocking objects. The enemy has advanced N Aprilia railway line and is already covering the rclosed off area of the coy with its harassing fire

    2.2.
    5 explosives are ready to detonate, 7 more are currently being worked on. --- 3/9 of the platoon Engel arrive today, after a group has already contacted coy yesterday. The platoon belongs to the newly established 15th (Pi.)/G.R.29 and will be trained here for some time. --- In the afternoon enemy Air Force units fly over the accommodation and heavily bombard the town of Albano. Thereupon at 17.00 a group of the 3rd platoon is ordered to Albano for clearance and recovery work to the command post A.R. 3 --- Lieutenant Friedrich is transferred to the coy and takes over the 2nd platoon

    3.2.
    Still in the night the remaining two groups of the 3rd platoon and the pioneer platoon Engel are ordered to the salvage work near Albano. It is possible to rescue two artillerymen alive from a buried cellar. Furthermore, several dead men are uncovered alive [sic!]. After fulfilling this order, Platoon Engel clears the bombed road, which is rebuilt at 4 p.m. so that the traffic can roll again. The 1st platoon cannot work because of lack of ammunition, the 2nd platoon works on 3 blocking objects.

    4.2.
    As on the previous day, the platoons are working on the barred objects. At 12.00 noon the platoons are recalled and ordered to get ready for action immediately. At 16.00, the coy is marching on foot, as there is heavy artillery fire all along the section. Until the beginning of darkness, the coy remains in readiness in pouring rain at the level crossing on the road to Littoria. At 19.00 the coy is advanced to the command post II./G.R. 29 (Rgt. Schoch). 3 men were wounded by heavy artillery fire, which constantly bombarded the road

    5.2.
    The 1st and 2nd platoon lay 30 T-mines each at 1 1/2 km NE Aprilia during the night and 500 W at point 82 on both sides of the road in front of the new HKL. During the day the enemy front advance N Aprilia had been cut off and a brigade was enclosed. During the night, however, most of the enemy was able to escape back to S because a gap had opened up in the HKL.
    At 2.30 a.m. the laying of mines was completed without losses. However, the 2nd platoon could not carry out its mission because the road to Aprilia was still occupied by the enemy. At 7.45 the platoons moved into the shelter, while the 2nd platoon stayed outside and had to wait until the gap in the HKL was closed. Then the road will be mined. Near Casa Cantonieri point 89 N Aprilia the 2nd platoon laid 20 T-mines in the afternoon and returned to the coy at 19.00 without losses. During the day, the other platoons were resting, with only the platoon Engel working on the bombed-out road in Cecchina to clear the road. At 18.05 the boss contacted Pi.Btl. 715 for the handover and briefing on the „Wollin“ mine barrier. At 19.35 a commando is set in motion to fence off the minefields completely with a simple wire. This work is completed at 0.10. An English motorbike is captured for the coy
     
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  2. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    TEASER:
    From now on, it's getting really serious for the engineers, the motto is: Ran an den Feind! (Go for the enemy!)
    But until I have translated all this, some water will flow down the Elbe ;-)
     
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  3. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    6.2.
    At 6.15 a group is marched to the regiment command post A.R.3 to carry out clearing work. However, the order is cancelled due to a misunderstanding. The platoons will take care of their bodies, belongings, equipment and weapons during the day, and all barriers will be checked. At 17.30, 4 patrols are set in motion, which, together with the infantry, advance from the battalion command post Struckmann into the forefield. At 3.30 the patrols return. The result is: Road E Aprilia from point 69, 71 to 65 enemy occupied. Road bridge Guardapassi is wired, entrenchments were observed. Trenches at this point not safe against tanks. However, the gorge SE Spascasassi is reported to be safe against tanks.

    7.2.
    Since 4 hours the coy has been waiting at the regiment's command post for the order to deploy. The night is clear and cold, an icy wind whistles. Together with the infantry, the coy lies in readiness to take Aprilia in a surprise attack. They are just waiting for the reconnaissance results. Although Aprilia was reported free of enemy yesterday by our left neighbour, it now turns out that the town is under enemy occupation. Meanwhile the 2nd platoon is scheduled and at 2.30 a.m. they remove the laid T-mines of the "Wollin" blockade. The assembly area is occupied. However, the enemy recognizes our intention and occupies the assembly area with heavy artillery and mortar fire and lay barrage in front of Aprilia. The attack is then called off. The 2nd platoon again lays the mine barrier "Wollin" and returns to the accommodation at 5.30 am. At 15.00 the coy gets a new order of engagement. The attack on the bridgehead is scheduled to begin the following night. Aprillia is to be conquered and coy is placed under the command of II./G.R. 29 (xxxxx Schoch). The 3rd platoon is to proceed with the foremost parts of the II./29. The platoon will be used partly as a strike squad, partly as a blockade and clearance squad from bridge 64 exclusively to the south exit of the city.
    Afterwards to the left until the grove (towel point 71) the 1st platoon attacks together with the infantry. Platoon Engel is deployed in the section of the Aprilia cemetery. The 2nd platoon is to be a reserve 500 m W point 70 in the ditch in readiness.
    Total force 3/21/161, combat strength 3/14/120, trench strength 2/12/90, platoon Engel 1/14

    At 18.00 the platoons are driven up to the regimental command post and take cover here in the gorge. The night is moonlit but cold. At 20.00 the battalion marches along the gorge. But already when leaving the assembly area after the artillery fire, the coys get confused. Coy Havekost with engineer Platoon Schubert are forced to cover in front of the bridge Guardapassi. The infantry had heavy losses by the enemy defensive fire. The coy Völker, to which to the 3rd platoon is subordinated, gets completely lost in the terrain.
    Captain Schoch with adjudant and some few infantrymen, Oberleutnant von Eberstein with his company troop reach the group of houses at point 7 E of Aprilia. From the windows of a house suddenly MG and SMG fire against them. The adjudant and Captain von Eberstein are hit, but can jump for cover.
    The few infantrymen who were there for escort crawl into the bunkers. The few engineers are on their own. Quickly 2 available pioneer half groups are brought in from the homestead 500 m back and the occupied house is taken under fire. The building is fought with bazookas and hand grenades. But the enemy fights back tenaciously. The engineers are too few to storm the house and the losses are already too great. The 1 ½ groups of infantrymen, which were brought in for reinforcements, are not to be reckoned with.
    An attempt by Lt Kleinath to enter the house with a runner is repelled by the enemy with hand grenades. Both are wounded.

    At a corner of a house the crew of an AT gun is captured by the engineers. But already the message comes that the enemy is trying to sneak up on the group of houses from the south. The wounded are immediately transported away with the help of the 6 Tommies. On the free plaine they receive heavy machine gun fire, so that several of them are wounded again. Only when the wounded are safe, the homestead is abandoned. In the meantime, the enemy has brought in new reinforcements and is now trying to attack the group of houses from the east in a bypass manoeuvre. But with the help of 3 Englishmen, who were picked up on the way back and called out to their comrades: Do not shoot, we are captured! most of the infantrymen and engineers get to safety.
    2 men are captured, 1 man remains missing, Oberleutnant von Eberstein, Leutnant Kleinath, 1 NCO and 4 men are wounded, among them the draughtsman of the coy (Obergefreiter Wittig, called "Planpause") who helped to decorate the war diary with his illustrations.
     
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  4. Tom OBrien

    Tom OBrien Senior Member

    And a message of congratulations from Feldmarschall Kesselring to Oberfelwebel Schubert on 3 March 1944:

    T315 R173 - 3 Coy Pi. Btl. 3 - 3 Pz Gr Div - Ritterkreuz 3 Mar 44.JPG

    Which I translated as:

    "My warmest congratulations on the high distinction of the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross. Good wishes for [??] a speedy recovery and all the best for the future."

    It would be interesting to see whether we can identify which action he received this award for.

    Regards

    Tom
     
  5. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    Shame I'm in my wagon! Me & this phone don't work on this forum, or any other for that matter.
    Itdan, put your feet-up & have a nice cold beer!:cheers:
    Stu.
     
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  6. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    ?? = Zukunft = future
     
  7. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member


    As part of the German attempt to recapture the village of Aprilia on 09.02.1944, the 3./Pionier-Bataillon (mot) 3 was assigned to Kampfgruppe Schönfeld.

    The initial attack, conducted at night in the pouring rain, was a success and the cemetery was retaken from the surprised enemy forces. Further ahead lay the Guardapassi bridge, which was vital for the continued attack on the city. The pioneer platoons led by Leutnant Friedrich and Oberfeldwebel Schubert were tasked with taking this objective, with Schubert's platoon being assigned the bridge itself. He and his men succeeded in storming the bridge, eliminating the defending force and removing the explosive charges on the structure at the last minute. The undamaged bridge thus fell into German hands, which enabled elements of the Grenadier-Regiment 735 and Panzer-Abteilung 103 to push into the city.

    Oberfeldwebel Schubert was heavily wounded during this fight, but in recognition of his tactical victory he would receive the Knight's Cross of the Iron Cross.

    Scherzer, Veit, Die Ritterkreuzträger der Deutschen Wehrmacht 1939-1945, VDM Heinz Nickel, Zweibrücken, 2015.

    It would be interesting to work out which British unit this was.
     
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  8. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Die 3.Panzer Grenadier Division

    276-277..jpg 278-279..jpg 280-281..jpg 282-283..jpg 284-285..jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2020
  9. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    This is a continuation of post: 3 Panzer- Grenadier Division- 3 Infanterie Division( mot.)

    Translation of pp 277 - 285

    Coastal protection and rest and reorganization

    On November 21, the division took over from the Brigade "Reichsführer SS" the defense of the coastal sector north of the Tiber up to the Martha River near Tarquinia. After the last units that were still deployed have arrived by the end of the month, the division's sector is extended southward to Torre Astura, so that the division, under command of the XI. Fliegerkorps, now has to secure a zone of over 100 kilometers with the two ports of Civitavecchia and Anzio, (Divisional command post Villa Vitalli on Via Casia, 6 km north of Rome).
    The division deploys the Rgt. 8 on the right (command post: Orsini-Schloss Bracciano), with the III./8 on the right; followed by I.Btl., the Italian Btl "d'Abundo", Italian Btl. "Nembo" - both battalions, taking responsibility for their people, choose against the Allies, for the Germans - and left Pz.Aufkl.Abt.; the II.Btl. and the II./A.R.(mot) 3 lie as a reserve on the southern edge of Lake Bracciano. In addition are attached to the Rgt.8, the III./A.R.(mot) 3 (Tolfa) and the 3./FJ Pi.Btl. 2.
    The left is taken over by Rgt. 29 with the III.Btl. right and the I.Btl. left; attached to the regiment is the Pz.Jg.Abt. 590.

    Divisional reserves are in addition to the Pz.Abt.103 (Oriola - Manziana, on the northern edge of Lake Bracciano), the I./A.R. (mot) 3 and the II./G.R. (mot) 29, which are in position hard south of Rome. Not under divisional command are the Flak-Abt. 312, who took over protection of the Tiber bridges south of Rome and the anti-aircraft defense in the Velletri area until the beginning of January, and the Pi.Btl. which is at the disposal of the Corps hard south of Rome. Personnel changes have taken place in the division: Ia becomes Oberts i.G. Jaster, Ib Major i.G. Schnell. Command of G.R. 29 is taken by Oberst Schönfeld, the Pz. Aufkl.Abt. Rittmeister Kottmann, the Flak-Abt. Hptm. Gennrich and Dinafü [commander divisional supplies] becomes Major Dressler.

    The units are replenished by marching battalions. Since some companies have completely bled white, it is unfortunately unavoidable to split up existing units and transfer experienced soldiers to other companies, which tears many bonds of comradeship. At the turn of the year the average shortage in infantry and artillery is around 10-11%, in the engineers and the Signal-Abt. it is the lowest at 1%, it is the highest in the F.E.B [Replacement&Training Bn] (32%) the Supply (24%) and Administrative units (18%).
    The standard number of drivers is cut by 25%; Italian booty vehicles must be handed in. The lack of blankets and tires, for which only 10% of the requirements are supplied, and of fuel is a problem. Re the latter the assigned amount, at the beginning of December, is so small that the organization of the defenses and training of units have to be stopped, the situation is even so dire that a larger allocation of clothing cannot be picked up from Chiusi. Orders are that the 2. General Staff Officer must personally sign all movement orders of the Qu.-Abt.
    Organization of the positions and frequent air raids disrupt training. Nevertheless, everything is being done, above all to train NCO's and specialists. The experiences of the previous battle against the Americans are processed by Officers and NCO's. The division has six weeks for all of this. When acts of terrorism flare up Rome in the middle of December and the Ic., Oblt. Pickelmann, falls victim to this, the II./G.R. (mot) 29 is transferred to the capital to take over the protection of the German agencies.
    In this ancient land of the Etruscans, the bulk of the division spends Christmas 1943 and New Year

    New missions

    a) on the Adriatic front

    While our division is on the Tyrrhenian Sea protecting the coast and the 5th US Army has stopped its offensive, the British 8th Army launches a main strike on the Adriatic Coast (November 28). Their aim is to divert our attention from the Cassino Front; it is to thrust via Pescara and Chieti to Avezzano and from here to the west and so get into the back of the Gustav (= Siegfried) Line. In the middle of December, Canadians strike so hard at the 90.Pz.Gren.Div. southeast of Chieti, that the 1. FJ Division has to be deployed on the Adriatic, in the Ortona area. Our Pi.Btl. (without 2.Kp) is shifted here and attached to FJ Rgt.3. The battalion is employed south of Ortona laying mines and when the enemy enters the city, blowing tank obstacles. Obfw. Islinger, bearer of the Deutschen Kreuz, is killed. The day before Christmas the battalion is withdrawn to the area of Chieti. On December 19, our Pz.Abt. suddenly is set in march to the LXXVI. Panzer Corps. At the end of the year the front is calm again, without the British having been able to achieve a break through here.

    At New Year 1944 the division receives the order to move to the eastern part of the Italian front to come under command of the LXXVI.Pz.Korps. It is to relieve parts of the 26. Pz.Div. and 90.Pz.Gren.Div in the area south of Chieti, whereas the 90.Pz.Gren.Div is to take over our coastal defenses on both sides of the Tiber. On the following day, the Pz.Aufkl.Abt. is set in motion to the Adriatic. The remaining units of the division will be moved by rail from the area around Rome in order to save fuel. But this only succeeds with the I./A.R. (mot) 3, the railway line is demolished by the Allies to such an extent that parts have to move by road from Ancona to the new assembly area, which is a longer distance than was the direct route to Chieti. Therefore, the road march is ordered again for the remainder of the division.
    The march leads through the inhospitable Abruzzo Mountains, where the consequences of the devastating winter storm of New Year's Eve can still be seen. The promised fuel for the march (350 cbm) is not delivered forthwith, which hinders our supply and deployment in the new area. Although the division on 11th January hands over its old sector to the 29.Pz.Gren.Div., the Rgt. 8 and other units are being held in the old operational area on the orders of OB Südwest, since the 5th US Army strikes again on January 5th and an Allied landing in the Terracina area is feared.

    In the afternoon our division took over the line of the 90.Pz.Gen.Div.; the remaining units of the 90.Pz.Gren.Div. are subordinated to us. Rgt. 29 takes over the section at Arielli south-east from Chieti between Ariello (incl.) and Tollo (excl.). Here the commander of the I.Btl., Major von Schultzendorff, is killed. On January 16th, while the division is still settling in its new position, the order arrives at division to hand over its sector of the front to the 26.Pz.Division and to assemble in the Alvito area at the disposal of the XIV. Panzer Korps. The plan is that our division will replace the 5. Gebirgsjäger Division. The reason for this change of plans is the appearance of the C(orps) E(xpeditionaire) F(rancaise) [hereafter: C.E.F.] under General Juin; it relieves the VI. Corps for the operations at Anzio. And this corps reaches the Gustav Line on the S.Elia - Rapido line on January 16th.

    Italian Front Jan 44.jpg
    Map with the planned Allied offensives for Jan 44; FEC = French Expeditionary Corps.

    According to plan, the G.R.(mot) 8 starts to relieve elements of the 5.Geb.Jg.Div. in the night of January 17th/18th, but the relief is stopped on the 18th. In the meantime another crisis has arisen elsewhere. On January 17th, the enemy strikes hard at the western part of the Gustav Line, crosses the lower reaches of the Gargliano, seizes Minturno, and threatens to break through the line of the 94.Inf.Div., thus forcing an entry into the Liri Valley. Therefore the Pz.Aufkl.Abt. immediately is directed to the 94.Inf.Div. in the Itri area, and the Div.staff and the reinforced K.Gr. Schönfeld are positioned to the north of Cassino (Ceprano, Roccasecca, Rocca d'Arce, Sora) to act as a reserve of the H.Gr. At the same time the enemy lands at Nettuno and Anzio.

    c) [sic] Gren.Reg.(mot) 8 am M. Carrella and M. Croce

    The story now lingers with the G.R.(mot) 8, which as the II./A.R.(mot) 3 and the Pz. Aufkl.Abt., is separated from the division for almost two months.

    After the fighting in the forefield of the Gustav Line ends by the middle of January and the enemy has reached the new MDL on a broad front, he attempts in the 1st Battle for Cassino (17.1 - 18.2), to break into the Liri valley with eight divisions for a thrust on Rome. The main effort is covered in the west by an assault of a British Corps in the direction of Pontecorvo and in the east by an attack of the C.E.F. [Corps Expéditionnaire Francais] on Atina. General Juin, eagerly wishes to give the action of his corps a decisive meaning: it should break through via Atina to Rossa d'Arce, bypass the Cairo Massif to the north, and break open the Liri Valley from behind. "The road to Rome leads via Atina".
    This C.E.F. with the 3rd Algerian and 2nd Moroccan Divisions will soon become the best corps at the front. Because it combines the toughness and mountain experience of the French colonial soldiers with the tactical experience of French officers and the ample American equipment and is ardently driven by the goal of pinning glory back to the French flag. These divisions do not shy away from hand-to-hand combat and require the special attention of the German leadership.
    But the task will not be easy, because north of the Rapido up to the inaccessible central massif of the M. la Meta (2241 m) stretches a steep mountain range, along whose southern slopes runs the Gustav Line: the M. Rotolo (1120 m, I./8), M. Carella (1074, I./8), M.S. Croce (1121 m, III./8) and north of the road the M. Cavallo (2070 m, III.Hochgeb.-Btl.). In front of the mountain range there are low coves, which are also held by us: for example the M. Pedicone, Colle Maggiore with the Hill 1004 and the C. dell' Arena (1044 m) in front of the left sector, and Hill 1083 in front of the M.S. Croce. Two mountain passes lead through this mountain range between the M. Cairo and M.la Meta: on the right through the Secco Valley over Belmonte - Atina, which is covered by the M. Belvedere in the west and the M. Cifalco in the east. Eastwards, in the sector of the Rgt. 8, runs the pass from Cardito to S.Biagio and further in the valley of the Mollarino, with its many twists and turns and high bridges over Vallegrande and Villa Latina to Atina.
    General Juin's plan provides for a main thrust at the seam of his two divisions with a mixed combat force in a northwesterly direction, breaking through the center of our positions in the line Colle dell 'Arena - M. Carrelo - M. Rotolo and thrusting on to the snow-covered massif of M. Bianco (1167 m). From here he intents to attack the valley of the Mollarino and by striking toward the east at Picinisco and above all toward the west to Atina, to roll up our positions. The assault is supported by the artillery of two divisions and the corps artillery.

    CEF Cassino.jpg
    The French actions in the S.Croce - M.Carella area. This map was taken from the book of Marechal Juin, "La Campagne d'Italie", which deals with the operations of the C.E.F. in Italy.

    DIMor 2nd dec 43.jpg
    These maps from a recent acquired book gives details of the operations of the 2nd Moroccan Inf.Div. carried out in December 1943 (map above) and those of January 1944 (map below) (Courtesy "Le Corps Expeditionnaire Francais en Italie, 1943 - 1944, tome 1 La Campagne d'Hiver").

    Mor 2nd jan map.jpg

    The main effort will be conducted by an Algerian Rgt (7th) on the left against the M.Pedicone and a Moroccan on the right against Hill 1004. To the north of it another Moroccan Rgt (5th) will strike against the M. Croce, while its right flank is covered by another Moroccan Rgt (8th) north of the pass. The operation will be carried out in three phases: first the protruding areas of the M. Carella and, on its flank, the M.S.Croce are to be seized; then the main thrust over the M. Carella at the M. Bianco will be carried out; the third push leads into the valley to Atina and Picinisco. The date for the first phase is set at 21st January at 5.30 a.m.; the second is scheduled for the following day. But since the presence of G.R. (mot) 8 is detected (19.1), the second phase shall only start on command.

    In this difficult terrain with a mountainous character, Rgt.8 is deployed on the night of January 18th, in the most important sector astride the pass of S.Biagio, where it reliefs the Geb.Jg Rgt. 85 and is attached to the 5.Geb.Jg.Division (General Ringel in Alvito). The cooperation with Geb.Art.Rgt. 95 (Oberstlt. Raithel), to which our II./A.R. (mot) 3 is also subordinated, is excellent.

    Oberst Grosser deploys the I./8 (Major Dribbusch) on the right sector with the M. Rotolo, M. Carella and the foothills (right 3.Kp. Oblt. Müller, 1. Lt Brosch, 2. Lt. May left, and 4 . under Lt. Breyne in reserve). The III.Btl is next in line on the left (Hptmn.Weck) on the M.S Croce (right 11.Kp. Oblt. V.Bose, 9. Oblt. Sturm, and 10. Oblt Liebsch left), which positioned in depth along the pass. On both sides of the pass the II.Btl (Major Haeckel) joins, which is in contact with the Hochgeb.-Btl. Maier. The Rgt. command post is in Gennaro, a mountain village leaning against the mountain slope.
    The eighth have two days to organize their positions and to familiarize themselves with the terrain, because the 18th is quiet and during the next day only the II.Btl. on the left wing has to fend off patrols in platoon- and company strength. On January 20th, the enemy succeeds, after firing a longer preparation with artillery and mortars, in seizing a hill from the 5.Kp. to the north of the pass with a assault group. With an immediate counterattack, Lt. Jentsch drives the enemy off the hill again in 30 minutes.

    On January 21st, an overcast day with light snowfall in the afternoon, the enemy begins the offensive. At 5:00 a.m., artillery and mortars opens with a heavy preliminary barrage for half an hour on the positions of the I. and III.Btl. Then the western assault group of the enemy pushes forward on to the foothills: the M. le Pedicone (7th Algerian Inf.Rgt.), as well as the C. dell 'Arena (4th Moroccan Inf.Rgt.), and, circling around our position and evading our defensive fire, captures Hill 1004 (1.5 km east of Carrella).
    At the same time, there is strong enemy fire on the position of the III.Btl. at M.Croce. Here, too, the enemy attacks with a battalion after half an hour (2nd/Moroccan Inf.Rgt 5). He advances 500 meter, but is stopped 100 to 150 meter before the mountain summit. Only on the left wing does the enemy succeed to break in after screening our observation posts and positions with smoke. But that too is stopped by strongpoints that hold out, and our well-placed shell and mortar fire, which inflict heavy losses to the enemy. Although the Moroccans are not afraid of close combat, our III. Btl gains a defensive success. The I. Btl. also manages to repulse the enemy in bitter hand-to-hand combat; in front of the line of the 3.Kp. 70 - 80 enemy dead are counted.

    Around noon, the enemy repeated his attack on the M.S. Croce. For three hours he directs a devastating shellfire on the positions of the III.Btl. and on the rear areas that paralyzes any movement of reserves and the replenishment of supplies, including ammunition. When the enemy attacks, he is hit by such strong defensive shell and mortar fire that the Moroccans are pinned down 150 meters in front of our positions again. But they stay where they are, and don't go back. The importance of our defensive success is shown by the fact that the enemy postpones his attack against the M.Carella.

    The French attempt, to seize M.S. Croce on the following day (22nd), failed again in face of the tenacious opposition of the III. Btl, which the opponent calls the resistance of "Prussiens". Now the French, although they have not yet secured the flank, set the main thrust on M. Carella for the following day (23rd). Contrary to the initial plan, the 3rd Algerian Division will make the effort alone, while the 2nd Moroccan Division will cover the main thrust by fire and an attack on the M. Croce.

    S.Croce.jpg
    The operations of the 2nd Moroccan Inf Div in the upper Rapido valley between 21 - 24 January were opposed by the 8. Pz.Gren.Rgt. O1 and O2 are the French objective lines. Enemy units (estimated) are indicated in red; R.T.M. = Régiment Tiralleurs Marocain; R.T.A. = Régiment Tiralleurs Algérienne (Courtesy "Le Corps Expeditionnaire Francais en Italie, 1943 - 1944, tome 1 La Campagne d'Hiver").

    The attack on the 23rd was opened at 6:00 a.m. with murderous shellfire lasting half an hour. Then a battalion (2nd/Algerian Inf.Rgt.7), covered by a second battalion on the right, thrusts forward on the M.Carella. It also reaches the summit of the mountain, but is then pinned down by fire from our machine guns and can not move forward or backward. Towards noon the enemy (Colonel Chappuis) launches a reserve company, in an outflanking movement over a small saddle to the east of the Carella, it has to seize the height from the rear. At the same time, the Algerian Battalion is to resume its attack from the south. A few soldiers reach the ridge, but are wiped out in a counter-attack, so that this attempt also fails. The Algerian Battalion receives the order to fall back to its starting positions.

    The cautiousness of the enemy on M.Carella is caused by his difficult position on M.Croce. Here he attempts to extend his hold in the morning of January 23rd. But one hour before (at 4:00 a.m.), Oberst Grosser launches a pincer-shaped counterattack with the Pi.Zug 8 and the Krad-Schützen Zug. He succeeds to drive back the enemy from the break-in point and takes prisoners. In response, the enemy commits his reserve company in the afternoon. His counterattack is supported by a murderous fire, which makes all communication and movements impossible. In this way the enemy regains the line, he had to give up in the morning. From here he continues to thrust in the direction of Hill 1083, an eastward promontory of M.Croce, which is occupied by our 9.Kp. (Oblt. Sturm). Here, the company command post and some own strongpoints hold out.
    Thereupon our defensive fire makes it very hard for the enemy, it is impossible for him to move up reserves and supplies of ammunition. The weather worsens, rain falls which further hardens conditions for both sides. The thrust against the M. Croce is halted, the enemy can only hold out under poor conditions. He breaks off the attack and holds on to his gains.
    From this position the enemy strikes on the following day (24th) at the crest of the M.Croce. Preceded by a murderous shellfire on our positions, estimated in a square of 400 by 400 meters at 15,000 shells. The 10.Kp. loses 80% of it strength; besides the company commander, Oblt. Liebsch, only three other men are left on their feet. This enables the enemy to reach the ridge. But he doesn't get any further. Because now Oblt.Liebsch launches a counter-attack with the remnants of his company and 61 Gebirgs-jäger, over whom he takes command. There ensues a bitter eight-hour hand-to-hand battle. The enemy is driven from the ridge on to the southern slope. The M.Croce remains in the defenders hand, of whom 19 are left. Oblt.Liebsch is mentioned in the Ehrenblatt.

    The situation is now so difficult for the enemy that he calls off further operations and consolidates his gains. With this, General Juin shelves his plan to open the Liri Valley via Atina. The Allies from now on focus on the Secco Valley. The S.Biagio area becomes a sideshow. Our opponent's History mentions these battles (Duroc-Danner: "Face au Moroccains, 2e Moroccain Div"): "When the Tiralleurs resumed their attack on January 21, 1944, they encountered stubborn resistance from the Prussians. They have to give up the hill 1004 and the foothills of the M.Croce, but stubbornly defend the MDL, which runs on the steep heights of the M. Carella and the top of the M.Croce. Despite the violent attack by the Tiralleurs, who after several assaults gain a foothold on the summit of M. Croce, and the murderous French shellfire, the Prussians hold their positions. The Tirailleurs grimly cling to the flanks of the Carella and M. Croce. This neighborhood is a constant threat. Oberst Grosser is determined to eliminate this danger by planning a counterattack to throw the French back on the east bank of the Rapido ... At dawn, an hour before the French attack starts, he launches his counterattack. There is confusion in the ranks on either side, whose operations nullify each other. Finally both sides come to rest closely opposite one another, but the French attack is defenitly stopped. The fighting inflicts heavy casualties to the Regiment. Artillery and mortar shells decimate its companies. The 11.Kp. after four days of fighting counts only twelve men; four Prussian officers including two company leaders are captured (...) "

    In the following days, the G.R.8 with assault groups successfully pushes the enemy back and finally retakes Hill 1083 on the evening of January 27th. Field Marshal Kesselring acknowledges the regiment. From now on the enemy here settled down to position warfare.

    The reason for this is that after the set-back in the area of S. Biagio on January 24th, the enemy starts a new offensive in the Secco Valley north of St.Elia and regroups for it. His gaol is to bypass the Cairo - Cassino - massif via Terelle - Piedimonte and to open the Liri valley from behind. So the thrust of the 3rd Algerian Division is directed towards Terelle and the heights on either side: the M.Belvedere (721 m), and the C. Abbate (915). This sector is defended by the 44. Reichsgren. Division (Hoch- and Deutschmeister), which on February 1st hands over its right zone (M.Castellone and Cassino) to the 90.Pz.Gren.Div. (Colonel Baade).
    The I./G.R. (mot) 8 is shifted into this sector and attached to the 44th I.D. It gets involved in the tough and successful defensive battles at the beginning of February and especially on February 5, in which the line 593, M.Majola, M.Castellone, Terelle is just as violently attacked by the enemy as it is being defended by us. The battalion is deployed at the southern foot of the M.Cairo. In the Wehrmacht Report of 8.2.44 it says: "In the tough, multi-day defensive battles northwest of Cassino, the 44. Reichs.Gr. Div." Hoch- und Deutschmeister " led by Gen.Lt. Franek with an attached battalion of the GR 8 and a K.Gr. under command of Oberst Baade (90th Pz.Gren.Div.) have particularly distinguished themselves."

    Soon the whole of Rgt. 8 is transferred to the Terelle area, though subordinated to different divisions, in order to strengthen the defense at endangered points. So the II./8 by the middle of the month is engaged at the Cassino railway station, one day after it was seized from the Indians (February 18). The 6.Kp. (Oblt. Boese) occupies the station, the Locomotive Shed and the "Felsennest" to the west; combat outposts are pushed forward as far as the destroyed Rapido bridge. - The III./8 is engaged at the Colle Abbate. In this zone the regiment undergoes the bombing of the Montecassino monastery (February 15).

    At the beginning of March, the Rgt. is deployed further south in the S.Angelo area in Theodice and Garigliano under command of the 15. Pz.Gren.Div., after the latter had undergone hard fighting. After a week it is relieved and together with the II./A.R. (mot) 3, from March 7 onwards, shortly before the start of the second battle for Cassino, returns under command of the division in the Aprilia area.

    In the meantime, our Pz.Aufkl.Abt., on 18.1.44, is attached with other units to the Gren.Rgt. 361 (94 I.D.) near S.M.Infante (at Minturno), where an enemy breakthrough threatens. Here it prepares to attack south on to the high north of Tremesuoli - Minturno. Before the attack can start, on January 19, in response to the news of the landing at Nettuno, the Korps calls-off the attack. It is intended that the Pz.Aufkl.Abt. returns to our division. But instead it is moved to the Atina area and attached to the 5.Gebirgs.Jg.Div. The unit will not rejoin the division until March.

    Our story cannot leave the Biagio - Cassino area without mentioning the great achievements of the supply troops. As in the Berhard Line, the supplies have to be brought forward in long marches over narrow mountain paths, that are often under heavy enemy fire. Usually mules are available as pack animals, but often the load has to be manhandled forward, carried on the back of the soldiers. Also the performance of the medical staffs has to be highlighted, who often have to carry out difficult operations near the front, and the medical orderlies, who evacuate the wounded in hour-long marches.

    Mor 2nd.jpg
    The French Moroccans of the 2nd D.I.Marocain had to attack over sheer impossible terrain; picture taken near Castelnuovo (photo courtesy "Le Corps Expeditionnaire Francais en Italie, 1943 - 1944, tome 1, La Campagne d'Hiver").

    For a more detailed account of the French operations in the Abruzzo mountains, see: A winter in the Abruzzo Mountains - French Expeditionary Corps - Italy (21 Nov 1943 - 3 Feb 1944)

    (the translation continues here: 3 Panzer- Grenadier Division- 3 Infanterie Division( mot.))
     
    Last edited: Jan 5, 2021
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  10. ltdan

    ltdan Nietenzähler

    Indeed! In the following days the battalion had to pay a high blood toll.
    And only when you know both sides will you get a realistic impression.
    I find this really very exciting.

    Further translations will have to wait until next week, because I´m currently swamped with work at excavating an ancient Slavic fort (read: lots of mud, roots, stones and some broken fragments)
    Grüße aus den Elbtalauen
    Olli
     
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  11. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Olli - Don't dig too deep; otherwise "Glück auf" :bandit:
     
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  12. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    Chaps, been having a butchers at a map that i posted earlier. My thinking is its between 10 Royal Berks, 1 Recce Regiment & 6 Gordon's. My Guess is that its the poor chaps of the former. I would be surprised if its anyone else? The diaries of the Berkshires are bloody hard work to read & that's without using expletives:D(has much has one would like!) Far more easier to read the regimental & battalion histories. The Brigade diaries may hold some more info?

    See my post 65, The two maps of the Factory & Carroceto 7-8 & 9 Feb 44.

    More to follow. stolpi, thanks for posting the pages. By the way, hope you two are still OK for translating the pages of Die 44 Infanterie Division whilst you are not up to much? Might be about 40 pages?:rolleyes:
    Regards,
    Stu.
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2020
  13. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Stu - The last question mark is the most fearsome ... o_O
     
  14. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    No rush. Lock down is on its way & its going to be around March before they let us out again.

    Stu.
     
    Last edited: Oct 28, 2020
  15. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    Stu,

    I pretty sure it is 10 Royal Berkshires. I've identified where Guardapassi bridge is based on the German map and 10 Royal Berks WD. I'll post more tomorrow.

    However, as a starter this is the PoWs captured by 10 Royal Berks on the 8th February. #1-3 at the top are 6./ Pz. Gren. Regt. 29 (part of II./ Pz. Gren. Regt. 29 mentioned in the WD, who the third platoon of 3./ Pi. Btl. 3 were attached to) and #17-19 from 3./ Pi. Btl. 3, whose war diary Itdan is translating.

    Gary.

    10_Royal_Berks_Feb_44_0288.jpg

    Regards,
     
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  16. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    Gary,

    I've cropped the map that i showed in my post 51. The aerial of 5 Grenadiers also shows it.. Funnily enough i came across that list last night. I will show the pages from the battalion, or regimental histories. Can you show the diaries?

    Thanks,
    Stu.
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2020
  17. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    Die 3.Panzer Grenadier Division

    Skipping the introduction of this chapter which contains a general discussion of the Allied plans for the Anzio operation, the translation continues at p. 288; paragraph b); put on your tin hat and fasten your seatbelts! We dive straight into the combat action at Anzio! :army:


    A 1.jpg A 2.jpg A 3.jpg A 4.jpg A 5.jpg
     
    Last edited: Nov 2, 2020
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  18. stolpi

    stolpi Well-Known Member

    This is a continuation of: 3 Panzer- Grenadier Division- 3 Infanterie Division( mot.)

    Translation of pp. 288 - 306

    b) Fight for Aprilia and Campoleone

    At the moment of the landing, our division is in position as a HGr-reserve in the Arce - Cevaro - Roccasecca area, however it is completely torn up by the various missions and movements: G.R. 8, Pz.Aufkl.Abt. 103 and II./A.R. (mot) 3 are not under her command; Pi.Btl. 3 and I./G.R. (mot) 29 have yet to arrive from the Adriatic; the artillery, with its heavy guntractor-units, depends on good roads and has reached Avezzano; Kodina [?] is scattered all over central Italy.

    On January 22nd at 7:25 a.m. the division receives orders from the XIV. Panzer Corps to prepare all units of the division for an operation against the enemy who has landed at Nettuno and to move them to the Valmontone area.

    The command-staff under the division commander moves ahead and arriving in the afternoon in Albano reports to the GOC of the I.FJ Korps, General Schlemm, who is to organize the defense against the bridgehead. He deploys the "Hermann Goring" division on the left in front of Cisterna and our division on the right with the task of preventing an advance to the Alban Hills and Rome and to set up the Campagna Line. The division's sector stretches from the Tiber (contact with 71. I.D.) to the line: western edge of Velletri to 1.5 km eastward Tre.di Padiglione (contact with "H.G.") and so comprises a frontage of 32 kilometers of coastline and 20 kilometers of bridgehead.

    The units of the division move in forced march during daytime and in some cases suffer losses from air attacks. By evening of the 22nd, the first parts of the G.R.29 arrive and are engaged at once, apparently at the railway line near Campoleone. The division constantly receives other non-divisional units, which are rushed forward under the "Richard" plan which doubles the number of personnel of the division in two days.
    This places heavy demands on the Div.Staff, both the Abt.Ia (Obertslt. i.G. Jaster) and Ib (Major i.G. Schnell). The division divides the sector over three battlegroups: on the right, securing the Ardea - Rome road to the K.Gr.Gericke (three FJ Btln, II./G.R. 200 and 9./G.R. 361 (both 90. Pz.Gren.Div), Stug.Abt. Schmitz (I. FJ.Korps)); In the center astride the Aprilia - Albano road is the K.Gr. Oberst Schönfeld (CO G.R.29) with the G.R.(mot) 29, FJ Stg.Abt. and on the left responsible for the defense of the Carano - Campoleone road, K.Gr. Ens (G.R.104 (15.Pz.Gren.Div.), with two battalions, a Flak- and two AT-platoons). The divisional command post is in Albano.

    The first days are filled with regrouping, as divisional and non-divisional units constantly move in and have to be deployed. A front is built up in the line: west of Tre S. Lorenzo - Buonriposo - hard south of Carroceto - Aprilia. Here the G.R. 29 takes up position on the night of January 25th.

    Anzio bridgehead 22.1 - 28.1.jpg
    Map taken from History of the 1st British Division (courtesy Stuart Avery)

    In the meantime, by January 24, the enemy had pushed his front forward to the north of road 82. After he probed on that day in the direction of the Cisterna, the 1st British Division attacks Aprilia with a brigade, reinforced by a tank company and two artillery regiments, astride the Anziate (25.1). A bitter battle ensues which is costly for both sides. The place is lost in a second assault; on the high ground one kilometer north of the village, Hauptmann Grün with his III./G.R. (mot) 29 manages to halt the enemy advance. In the rest of the divisional sector, the enemy remains quiet. His bridgehead now runs from eastwards from Ardea, one kilometer north of the Carreceto railway station and Aprilia toward Cas.Carano.

    A counter-attack by K.Gr. Schönfeld has to recapture Aprilia on the following day (26.1). Oberst Schönfeld plans to seize the place with two assault groups: to the west of the Anziate strikes the K.Gr. Haen (CO Pz.Abt. 103), consisting of the Pz.Abt.103, the Tiger Kp. Schweppach, parts of the II./Pz.Rgt 26, a Bttr. of the I./A.R. 3, a Kp. of G.R.29 and a platoon of the Pi.Btl. 3; and to the east of the road the II./G.R.29, reinforced by two platoons of the Pi.Btl. 3. As soon as the infantry emerges from the high ground north of Aprilia, the Panzer Group is to swing east onto the place. The artillery will only start firing, when the enemy uses his guns.

    The infantry attack, spearheaded by the 11./G.R.29 (Oblt. Dellin), and the 1./Pi. 3 (Lt. Fischer), penetrates as far as the town center, but then is stopped by strong enemy fire, in which the guns of the warships also participate. In the afternoon, as a result of heavy enemy pressure, the front has to be pulled back to the high ground north of Aprilia. Here the K.Gr. Schönfeld repels further attacks, supported by 1./Pi 3, which lays mines in front of our lines. Further to the left, the K.Gr. Ens stops an enemy attack before is reaches the forward line of the combat outposts. The enemy loses 58 prisoners (1st Bn Irish Guards), nine Sherman and three heavy AT-guns; we lose 157 prisoners, according to enemy reports. On the two following days (27th and 28th) the enemy opposite K.Gr. Schönfeld only makes some weak probes. On the left, in the sector of K.Gr. Ens, the battle outposts at Tre.Spaccasassi are pushed back nearly 1000 meters. The enemy bridgehead now has a depth of 20 kilometer, so that the landing sites on the beaches are no longer within the range of our divisional artillery.

    We are regrouping for a planned counter-attack along the Anziata. After the 4. FJ.Div had already taken over the western sector of the coast on January 26th, our division on the evening of the 28th handed over the sector west of the Anziata to K.Gr. Gen.Pfeiffer, whose 65. I.D. until May will be our right neighbor. To our left is the 362. I.D. in position and behind us the Alban Mountains are protected by the 715. I.D. As a reserve, the 26. Pz.Div. is behind us with 22 operational tanks, exploring the possibilities for a counter-attack along the Anziata. Further to the right of the Anziata, our division engages the K.Gr. Schönfeld and on the left along the road to Carano the K.Gr. Ens; to whom is temporarily added, on the 29th, the K.Gr. Berger (114.Jg.Div.).

    After the enemy has concentrated four divisions in the bridgehead, General Clark, the commander of the 5th US Army, urges for a stronger approach. The enemy is planning two assaults with further goals: an attack on Cisterna and the Alban Hills. The 1st British Division is to attack Campoleone along the Anziata to the north; At the same time, the 1st Armored Division is to strike from Carroceto to the northwest and attack towards the west against the Alban Hills.
    No preparatory artillery fire precedes the attack. The 1st British Division engaged the 1st Irish Guards west of the Anziata and the 1st Scottish Guards eastward. The first objective of the attack is the Osteriaccia crossroads north of Campoleone station, from where the main push is to begin. The division finds out the plan through an order of the 1st British Division, which Lt. Semrau, leader of a combat group of the G.R. 29, captures on January 29th.

    The assault, carried out at midnight on January 30th, heavily hits the K.Gr. Schönfeld. The 2./Pi. 3 (Lt. Bücker) as well as an attached company of the Pi.Btl. 30 are wiped out, Hauptman Rossmann (leader of the I./G.R. 29) is killed. Nevertheless, the attack by the Scots is a costly operation over mined and wired ground, while the Irish are frequently held up by tanks and self-propelled guns; the resistance is so strong that the enemy diverts a tank battalion from the Armoured Division to come to the assistance on the 30th, so that his tank drive to the northwest is halted (from the afternoon of the 29th). This happens even as we do no longer hold a coherent defensive line and the artillery has exhausted its ammunition. Isolated defensive pockets are still holding the enemy down, Lt.Semrau, while he already had lost 30% of his unit, receives the order to use 2 Stugs, 1 Hornisse, and eighteen stray soldiers of the I./G.R. 29 and the rest of his unit to hold up the enemy, to enable to take up rearward positions.
    Of his own accord, he seizes Hill 93 (2 km south of Campoleone) from the enemy, despite suffering considerable losses. With his small combat group, he fends off British attacks, conducted by ten tanks and two companies. The battle rages back and forth for hours until the enemy outflanks the hill from the east. Around 5 p.m., Lt. Semrau on command, gives up the hill and moves back to a height some 200 m to the rear. Because of our good fire technique the enemy does not notice our movement and he attacks the already abandoned height after a new fire preparation. Of the 20 men in the combat group, only two return, Lt. Semrau and a corporal, but he has bought enough time for the G.R. 29 to build up a new defensive line along the railway embankment and has prevented the enemy from breaking through. Lt. Semrau, therefore, receives the knight's cross.

    Only on the afternoon of January 30th the 1st British Division with its 3 Brigade and a tank battalion is able to carry forward the attack on Campoleone, but is stopped by our anti-tank defense. It plans to continue its attack early on the 31st, after the advance northwest to Carroceto has already been given up.
    Now General Lucas, the commanding general, wants to break through to Osteriaccia with the 1st British Division, then the 1st US Armored Division is to pass through and make deep thrust. About the attack on the morning of January 31, the American work "Anzio Beachhead" says: "At 10:30, 31 January, the 2nd Battalion Sherwood Foresters (2 Foresters), and tanks of the 46 Royal Tanks attacked from their positions south of the overpass at Campoleone with the objective of seizing the crossroads at Osteriaccia and breaching the enemy line of resistance along the railroad embankment at Campoleone to allow the armor to pass through. They fought their way across the embankment but then ran into a hornet's nest of resistance from part of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Regiment firmly intrenched in the houses lining the road from Campoleone to Ostriaccia. Tanks and self-propelled guns covered every avenue of approach. Some of them had been driven through the backs of buildings and were firing out the windows. A mine field barred progress up the road. Brig. J.R. James, commanding the 3 Brigade, withdrew his infantry in order to allow tanks and artillery to soften up German defenses."

    This second attack is launched in the afternoon in two groups: a tank battalion is moving west to force the passage over the embankment at Campoleone station and to roll up our positions from there. However, it encounters fierce resistance from G.R.29 and I./G.R.735 (715. I.D.). It can break into positions, but then is stopped by fire from tanks and artillery. About the second attack along the Anziate it says in the American work: "As a prelude to a renewed British attack on the afternoon of 31 January, the 2nd Battalion, 1st Armored regiment, launched a raid up the Albano road towards Campoleone. The medium tanks reached the railroad embankment and fired heavily on the fortified houses beyond at about a 700-yard range but were unable to cross because of severe enemy fire. After a massed artillery preparation by the 1 Division artillery, the 2 Foresters attacked again, but were turned back by heavy small-arms, mortar and self-propelled gun fire from enemy positions some 300 yards beyond the railway. The effort of the 1st Armored and 1 Division to break through along the Albano road had not succeeded".

    Thus the enemy, even though he attacks four times and the artillery is getting stronger each time, is turned back.
    In order to re-establish contact to our neighbor on the right, which was interrupted for three kilometers, the 715. I.D. is attached and ordered, to push their right wing on the high crag south of Stat.di Campoleone (136, 121, 116). That night (on 1. 2) Rgt.29, which has borne the main burden, will be replaced by Rgt.735. At the focal point of the enemy attacks, the Anziata, the K.Gr. Gen.Gräser now is engaged, which in addition to the units of the division, also has under command the 715.I.D. (2 Rgts, 1 Pi.Btl., 1 Pz.Jg.Kp.), the K.Gr. Ens and ARKO 122 (of the I. FJ Corps; Colonel Strecker with staff III./A.R. (Mot) 3).

    On the morning of 2.2, the K.Gr. Ens turns back an enemy attack. At noon, 30 twin-engined bombers attack the command post of ARKO 122 and our Artillery Rgt. with bomb carpets and wipe them out. The staff has losses and loses all its documents. This temporarily paralyzes the artillery command in our sector, and therefore our attack has to be postponed by 24 hours.

    When the enemy on 3.2 probes forward on the right wing of the 715th I.D., our artillery forces him to turn back. It has, together with the attached Flak and the heavy Art.Abt. (mot) 998 (2 bttr. 22 cm Mortars), a large share in our defensive success. And the enemy admits that he has not yet faced such a strong artillery in Italy as here.
    The daily firing rate of 1500 shells puts heavy demands on the supply units, and Kodina and Abt. Ib, who have to supply many non-divisional units as well, also take their share. Because of the heavy air activity, from January 26th on, food, fuel and ammunition can only be brought forward at night.

    During these battles, the enemy at Aprilia progresses 5.5 kilometers and at Cisterna 3 kilometers, thus expanding his bridgehead to 28 and 14 kilometers respectively. Lost is the suitable ground for the preparation of a counterattack, especially for our tanks. Our human and material losses are also heavy. But the enemy did gain neither Cisterna nor Campoleone, let alone his objective, the Alban Hills. And he now sits north of Aprilia in narrow corridor of 6 kilometers deep and 3.5 kilometers wide and is therefore very vulnerable to his flanks. He explains his failure with the fact that, contrary to his Intelligence reports, our MDL was located further to the south of the Albanian Mountains. From February 1st onward, he moves over to the defensive in order to bring up reinforcements.

    c) The recapture of Aprilia

    Immediately own measures are taken to throw the enemy back into the sea. Because of the weakness of our own troops, three actions, phased in time, are to be carried out: first the advanced enemy position at Campoleone is to be cut off and destroyed, and Aprilia and Carroceto are to be brought back into our own hands; then a major attack is to strike along the Anziata and split the bridgehead; finally, by an attack from Cisterna the bridgehead is to be rolled up from the east. To coordinate the operations at Cisterna and Aprilia, both - and thus K.Gr. Gräser - are place under command of the LXXVI. Panzer Korps (Gen.d.Pz.Tr. Herr).

    Campoleone Salient 29.1 - 2.2 44.jpg
    Map from History of the 1st British Division (courtesy Stu Avery)

    Because of the enemy air superiority, the attack will be carried out at night. The center of gravity of our attack is directed at the bases of the enemy salient: from the northwest, the attached K.Gr. Kuhl (65. I.D.) strikes against the northern tip of Aprilia, and from the northeast towards the Anziata, north of Aprilia, the Rgt.103, reinforced by the II./G.R. 29 (Hptm. Zschoch) and the 3./Pi.Bn 3. After a feint attack with strong artillery against the tip of the enemy salient in the afternoon, the main assault against the bases takes place at midnight (to the 4. 2). The attack by the K.Gr. Kuhl penetrates to the railway, from the eastern K.Gr. some tanks reach the Anziata north of Aprilia; but the salient cannot be cut off entirely, although the enemy cannot use his air force on the 4th because of the hazy, rainy weather. By a counterattack with infantry and tanks, which was carried out four times on the afternoon of February 4, the enemy was able to keep a narrow passage open and to withdraw parts of the 1st British Division toward the heights north of Aprilia during the night.
    In the meantime, the two regiments of the 715. I.D. and the III./G.R. 29 (Hptm. Grün) engage the opponent in the Campoleone salient. They take out many pockets of resistance and push the MDL towards point K 18 north of Aprilia, from where battle outposts are immediately pushed forward.
    The 3rd Brigade and parts of the other brigades of the 1st British Division have been smashed. The K.Gr. Gräser brought in 1,350 prisoners. In addition, on the 5th it destroyed twelve tanks and 1 armoured car - three of them by our Flak-Abt - and captured 33 anti-tank guns, 3 guntractors and 3 bren carriers. Gen.Obst. v. Mackensen and Gen.d.Fl. Schlemm express their appreciation to K.Gr. Pfeifer and Grün.

    Since the enemy is bound in the Cisterna area, the two following days (6th and 7th February) are quiet as far as infantryaction is concerned; only the enemy air activity becomes lively again in sunny weather. The Flak 241 shoots down 12 Mustangs; the artillery engages with 17.5 cm cannons on a mortar mounts concentrations of enemy vessels in the Bay of Anzio, which were also attacked by our aircraft. From the excellent observation posts in the Alban Hills, we can see how the ships turn off. In the course of February 6, the II./G.R. 29 makes a raids the area northeast of Aprilia with a strong combat patrol; it occupies points 76 and 71 and captures six prisoners. At the same time, the 3./Pi.Btl. investigates three enemy minefields.

    Reduction Aprilia salient 2. - 4. feb.jpg
    The reduction of the Aprilia Salient 2 - 4 Feb 44; Map. no. 4 from History of the 1st British Division (courtesy Stuart Avery)

    Preparations are immediately made for the recapture of Carroceto and Aprilia. The main thrust will be a strike of the K.Gr. Gräser against Aprilia from the northeast, while the 65. I.D. will attack from the west on Carroceto. The objective is the line south of the villages: K 23 (Anziata) - point 72 (south-east Aprilia) - points 68 and 65 (south of the east-west road). The attack is launched on the right by K.Gr. Schönfeld (G.R. 29, 3./Pi.Btl 3) and on the left K.Gr. Glöcklen (G.R. 735, 1./Pi.Btl 3); main effort on the right. First target of the K.Gr. Schönfled is the Fso.della Ficoccia, the second the Aprilia cemetery, then the barracks camp (south of the cemetery) and the Guardapassi bridge (1 km east of Aprilia). In the zone of attack of the K.Gr. Glöcklen is the Macchia del Casale (2 km northeast of Aprilia); from here it is has to advance against the east-west road and secure it to the south.
    The attack begins on February 7th at 9:30 p.m. The K.Gr. Schönfeld breaks through the enemy positions and crosses with its right wing - the III.Btl. (Hptm. Grün), reinforced by the 1./G.R. 29 (Lt. Semrau) - the Fso. della Ficoccia. The III.Btl., by infiltrating with small combat elements, captures the completely overturned cemetery and the 1.Kp. gains the barracks camp. The attack, carried out in complete darkness and in pouring rain in small groups, is one of the most gruesome experiences of the entire war for the participants. Now the Btl. Grün is exposed to strong flank fire from both sides, as the left wing of the K.Gr. Schönfeld has not come abreast, because K.Gr. Glöcklen started with a delay and lags behind and the enemy has advanced into the gap here. We also lack anti-tank defense, as the anti-tank guns could not be brought forward over the boggy ground. Thus, the enemy succeeds in reoccupying the cemetery and the barracks in a counter-attack supported by tanks. Only by 4:30 a.m. (8.2), when K.Gr. Glöcklen reaches the southern edge of the forest, the situation stabilizes.

    The enemy loses 150 captured and two tanks, that are stuck in the bog in front of the III./29 and are knocked out. But Aprilia is not in our hands yet. In the meantime, on th eright the K.Gr. of the 65. I.D. (I.R. 145) pushed over the Moletta to Buonriposso and on the left the K.Gr. Ens reaches the Carano-road south of East-West road, 1.5 km.
    A new attack has been ordered for the K.Gr. Schönfeld and Pfeifer for midnight (9 February). While the K.Gr. Pfeifer has to break through to the southeast toward the Aziata south of Carroceto, the K.Gr. Schönfeld - to whom the K. Gr. Glöcklen and Ens are subordinated - will take Aprilia and the east-west road. The main effort is carried out by us again.
    From north to Aprilia the K.Gr. Hildebrand strikes at the enemy line. However, it is blocked 1.5 km north of the village by a minefield that cannot be cleared due to strong enemy defensive fire. Later, when the K.Gr. Schönfeld has taken the water tower, the K.Gr. Hildebrand follows there.
    The main thrust east of Aprilia again is made by the III./G.R. 29, reinforced by the 1./G.R. 29, in pouring rain and in a heavy thunderstorm. The 1./29 wrested the cemetery from a completely surprised enemy, and then takes the barracks. The battalion is supported by the well-positioned fire of our artillery and by units of our Luftw.Flak that are brought forward. A platoon of pioneers, mounted on tanks, picks up a field with 300 AP-mines of unknown design. For the capture of the cemetery the knight's cross is posthumously awarded to Ofw. Kracht (12./G.R. (Mot) 29).

    Against the Guardapassi bridge, the 3./Pi.Btl (mot) 3 dispatches the platoons of Lt. Friedrich and Fw. Schubert, this former against the bridge itself. The bridge defense is killed or captured, and the explosive charges are removed. So the bridge, which is important for the continuation of the attack on Aprilia, falls undamaged into our hands. For this the severely wounded Fw. Schubert received the Knight's Cross. Subsequently, parts of Rgt. 735, supported by our Pz.Abt., push through the village and reach the southern edge at 07:30 a.m. For this achievement, Hptm. Haen (commander of the Pz.Abt. 103) is awarded the Eichenlaub and Lt. Zaunmuller (3./Pz.Abt. 103) the Ehrenblattspange. At the same time, the K.Gr. Glöcklen and eastward the K.Gr. Ens take the east-west road and as ordered secure the line: 71 - 63 - 65. The 65th I.D. has reached the Carroceto train station, but has not yet been able to take the village.

    Reduction Aprilia salient 7. - 10. feb.jpg
    The reduction of the Aprilia Salient 7 - 10 Feb 44; map no. 5 from History of the 1st British Division (courtesy Stuart Avery)

    On the afternoon of the 9th the enemy tried to attack in a massed tank assault with 70 tanks without infantry support to retake Aprilia from the south and southeast: with 30 tanks he advanced along the Anziata from the south; with 20 on the road from south to Aprilia and with another 20 on the road that leads from Cle.Biadaretto to the northwest to point 71.
    This attack is repulsed by the concentrated defensive fires of artillery, Stugs and Hornisse. At the same time, the artillery breaks up an infantry concentration in the forest south-east of Aprilia. After losing 400 men captured, 17 tanks and 4 heavy AT-guns, the enemy has to retreat. The activity of his artillery on this day is less than usual; but, he increases the number of bomber and fighter bomber groups, especially on the western part of Aprilia, in order to prevent us from reaching Carroceto.
    Nevertheless, our situation improves when, on the night of February 10, the reinforced K.Gr. Staiger (2.Kp./Pz.Aufkl.Abt. 26 and 5./Pz.Rgt. 26) in a concentric assault seizes the Carroceto railway station and, in the early part of the 10th, the 65th I.D. occupies the village of Carroceto. In the course of the day the railway station is lost in an Allied counterattack, but the enemy has to give it up again when elements of the K.Gr. Gräser attack is from the east.
    At the same time the enemy on the 10th targets Aprilia and our positions with intense shellfire from artillery, warships and mortars, and turns the place into a pile of rubble. An attack carried out with infantry and tanks and with strong artillery support on the afternoon of the 10th from southeast of Aprilia, is broken off with enemy losses of 123 men captured, 4 tanks and 1 anti-tank gun. The only purpose of these counter-attacks is to halt further progress of the Germans.

    On the night of the 11th, K.Gr. Ens is pulled out and is replaced by the II./G.R. 194 (71.I.D.) and I./G.R.145 (65.I.D.). In the early hours of February 11th, the Americans attack with a battalion reinforced by tanks - parts of the hastily brought up 45th US Inf Div - after a quarter-hour of artillery bombardment and under the cover of natural and artificial fog, from the south along the Anziata and from the south-east on Carroceto and Aprilia. Since we intercepted an enemy radio message, this attack is not unexpected and can be beaten back with the combined fire of our artillery, counterattacks by the Stugs and also in close combat by the infantry. A second counterattack, carried out in the afternoon against point 71 (2 km east of Aprilia) and against the south-east corner of Aprilia, is also repulsed. In addition to his other personnel losses, the enemy lost 38 men captured and 16 tanks, of which the Stugs can book 11 and the artillery four.
    On the night of February 12th, an own attack is scheduled to take place on the right, with the intention of taking the railway embankment west of Carroceto and pushing the MDL forward to point 82 (500 m south of K 22 on the Anziata). The attack seems to go well at first, but then collides with an American attack with tanks on Aprilia and is repulsed.
    An attempt by American tanks to approach Aprilia on the night of February 13th was broken up by our artillery, as was an attack carried out on Carroceto and Aprilia from the southwest on the afternoon of the 13th. On this day the enemy made the strongest air raid on Campoleono and to the area north of it.
    On the 14th, Lt. Friedrich, with two platoons of the 3./Pi.Btl. 3 south of Aprilia, conducts a aggressive combat patrol and captures a group of enemy houses at K 22. When the enemy vacates Hill 82, we occupy it too. For the first time, Panzerfäuste, which are carried in sufficient numbers, are doing a good job during this operation, and from now on they are used by all pioneer- and shocktroops in assaults against buildings and tanks, because they are safer than bundled charges.

    Aprilia.jpg

    With that the battle for Carroceto and Aprilia is over, our MDL is again pushed forward to within 15 km of Anzio. The terrain has been regained, from which it is possible to launch a final blow to destroy the bridgehead. The enemy lost to our division 2000 prisoners (mostly from the 56th British Division), 99 tanks; our division captured 5 armoured cars, 13 heavy AT-guns and three gun tractors. 4 Mustangs and 2 Spitfires were shot down. All troops engaged have had a share in the success, even though the main burden has been borne by the III./G.R.29 (Hptm. Grün). The ammunition usage of the A.R. (mot) 3 was around 80 to 100 tons per day. Our units also have are severely affected.

    The commander acknowledges the division. The division commander, Gen. Lt. Gräser is awarded the Oak Leaves to the Knight's Cross for taking Aprilia.
    On the evening of February 13th, the G.R. 29 who had to bear the brunt of the infantry battles, is replaced by Rgt. 735.
    The enemy, who is expecting a knockout blow on Anzio, digs in by building a defense in depth and reinforcing his line. Two kilometers behind the MDL, he establishes an intermediate line: Fso.Molleta - K 23 - P.Crocetta - S.Antonio, another two to four kilometers further back a last defensive line is constructed near: K 25 - Tre.di Padiglione - Cle.Campomorto. The work on his positions is partly covered by large smoke screens. During this fight the 2nd battle of Cassino battle rages to the south.

    the text continues in post: 3 Panzer- Grenadier Division- 3 Infanterie Division( mot.)
     
    Last edited: Nov 13, 2020
  19. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    Here are two photos of the Campoleone Station that others may not have seen before?Give me a chance to keep-up to speed.;)
    20201031_093458.jpg

    BOMB CONCENTRATIONS ON CAMPOLEONE STATION & other targets along the railroad from Rome were in direct support of the hard-pressed VI Corps troops. The smoke and dust of direct hits blanket the station, while @ the right a lone bomb hit straddles the tracks. Taken from page 76 from the Anzio beachhead book that i mentioned in my post 65. Below is a google earth postcard which shows parts of Campoleone, Province of Latina, that has not changed much in parts.
    earth_postcard_1604138547.jpg
    The station was the farthest point of advance in the initial drive out of the beachhead. Looking south over the open, muddy flat-lands, the only prominent feature in the plain is the Factory.Page 41.
    20201031_095216.jpg

    Stu.
     
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  20. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

    01217.jpg

    This is from the 3./ Pi. Btl. (mot.) WD as already posted. Guardapassi bridge is circled in red.

    10_Royal_Berks_Feb_44_0253.jpg

    This is the 10 Royal Berks dispositions with D company at the bridge. It formed the battalion boundary with 1 London Irish who were in Aprilia itself.

    IMG_20201031_0007.jpg

    This Pz. Abt.'s 103 attacks - as you can see 1./ advances up the road C and D Companies Royal Berks were holding.
     
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