1 THE IRISH REGIMENT OF CANADA WAR DIARY OCTOBER ...

THE IRISH REGIMENT OF CANADA WAR DIARYOCTOBER 1944SAN MAURO1 Oct 44The Regiment was relieved at approximately 0800 hrs by the 89/109 andmarched back to reserve position in the area MR 7405. Here to Companies were able toget men under cover, which was pleasant after the last few days. The day was spent incleaning up and arrangements were made to bring up the men’s small packs, blanketsand hot meals.The work of rebuilding A Company was just about complete with the arrival ofreinforcements and Capt. DA Smith found the Company almost up to strength.Weather: RainKilledWilson JD Pte B124633 KIA 441001WoundedMcGahey GR Pte C17719Injured by falling debris when the house that he wasin was hit by a shell 441001Vautour AJ Pte G4535 shell blast perforated eardrums 441001Green WF L/Cpl B63043 shrapnel multiple wounds to the face 4410012 Oct 44Heavy rains continued and the roads were quickly converted into muddy morass.The Regiment was billeted in houses and although crowded, the men were able toremain dry and warm and to have hot meals regularly. The enemy continued to harassthe general area with spasmodic shellfire, but nothing in the immediate vicinity of theRegiment.Weather: Heavy RainWoundedCarter LV Pte B116073 shrapnel left leg 4410023 Oct 44The sun shone in the morning and made the first day in reserve a real treat,drying up the ground. Arrangements were made to have the men taken to Mobile Bathsby TCV, which was welcome news.Weather: Fair4 Oct 44Seven men from each Company with Major WH Armstrong, proceeded toRiccione on 48 hours leave. The men were off to the Grand Hotel and were lookingforward to 48 hours of complete relaxation.1

Weather: Cloudy and Warm.5 Oct 44Capt. WH Mitchell with one officer and 20 men from each Company representingThe Irish Regiment of Canada proceeded to Rimini Square 8597 Sheet 101 to attend anaddress by Lt. General EM Burns, the Corps Commander. Afterwards, they wereentertained with a show and refreshments, returning to the Unit the same night.Weather: Fair - Showers.6 Oct 44A and C Companies were in reserve with B and D Companies forward. Enemyartillery was quite active. The Regiment’s task was to recce crossings of the FumicinoRiver and to check the road on the west bank of the river for mines. A and C Companieswho were supposed to lead in the first phase sent out recce patrols under Capt. TedCharette and Capt. Harold Young to recce routes for their companies to SL and then forcrossing the river. Both patrols made contact with the enemy on the west bank of theriver, and Capt. Young and two Other Ranks from his patrol were wounded by grenadesand light mortars. Information brought back confirmed that the actual river crossing wasa difficult one, due to steepness of the banks and muddy conditions.WoundedLt (A/Capt) HR YoungWeather: Fair - Rain.grenade wound right index finger and right knee441006McKeen WA Pte G48001 grenade wound right shoulder 441006Artagnan RG Pte D121321 grenade wound right scrotum, left inner thigh leftknee, righ and left upper arm 441006Butler NA Pte B75124Bricklayer B; grenade wound right cheek right and leftankles 441006Miller J Pte A102073 grenade wound left scrotum 4410067 Oct 44The day was fairly quiet was spasmodic harassing shellfire. The rain continuedmuch to the discomfort of all.The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, attended an Orders Group and orders were issued forthe attack the night of 8/9 October, which was to come off regardless of the weather.Another night of active patrolling the road for mines and returning without incident.Capt. GJ Wood returned and took over the duties of IO. The enemy broughtdown a terrific “stonk” which covered the Battalion area for about an hour.8 Oct 44Weather: Rain2

Heavy rains continued all day accompanied by constant harassing fire from theenemy mortars and guns. At 1700 hrs we received word that the attack was postponed48 hours, much to the relief of everyone as the weather conditions were impossible.The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, turned over the Regiment to Major J Bonville-Humphreys the 2 i/c, and proceeded back to Maintenance Area.Capt. GS Horgan relieved Capt. WH Mitchell of C Company, who proceeded on48 hours leave to Riccione.Lt. Norm Folliott took out a fighting patrol whose object was a prisoner, but wasunable to cross the river as the water had risen so sharply that it was impossible tocross without a boat.Weather: RainCasualtiesBelanger ED A/Cpl B145037 shrapnel left thigh 4410089 Oct 44The day was fairly quiet but at last light, the whole area was heavily shelled andmortared and the roads swept by constant harassing fire from the enemy(MMG)machine guns. This kept up from about 1900 hrs until midnight.WoundedCraigie AC A/L/Cpl B102149Weather: Showers.shrapnel left chest penetrating, left wrist and left thigh(serious) 441009Dee EE Pte G4995 shrapnel left wrist 441009Collison CA A/Sgt B143999 right thigh and left calf 441009Lewis C Cpl B51866 shrapnel right thigh 441009Bennett HS Sgt C40632 shrapnel left knee (minor) 44100910 Oct 44We received word that the Regiment was to be relieved by 4 PLDGs. The reliefstarted at 1400 hrs and the reserve Companies, A and C, were relieved without incidentby daylight. B and D Companies changed over dark. B Company had two casualtiesform harassing fire. The troops marched back across the Uso River and embussed inTCVs at St Vito from where they made a quick run to the rest area. The rest area was alarge hospital building about three miles north of Riccione on the Coast Road.Weather: Showers.WoundedLt. DD Phelan gsw t&t right thigh 441010Corken A/CSM B130585 shrapnel right forearm 441010Ball FW Pte B137577Injured when running for cover during heavy shelling441010Moon TM Pte B74934 wounded 4410103

11 Oct 44The Regiment settled into very comfortable billets in Miramare and proceeded toenjoy good weather.The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, held a meeting of all officers at 1100 hrs and outlinedthe policy to be followed during the rest period. The first phase was concentration oncleaning up and general reorganisation to be followed by a week of training, withrecreational facilities to be enjoyed to the fullest at all times. The CO stressed thenecessity of taking advantage of salt water as a preventative fro trench foot, and dailypaddling parades were organised.The troops were pleasantly surprised to see signs “In bounds to all CanadianTroops” everywhere, and were all determined not to abuse the privileges offered themand smartly turned-out Irishmen were evident everywhere. Movies were enjoyed by allin large auditorium and Lt. Norm Folliott fired the opening salvo of the Victory LoanCampaign.Weather: Fair - Warm.12 Oct 44This morning the Commanding Officer made several new appointments. Capt.GJ Wood, the IO was appointed 2 i/c B Company and Capt. GS Horgan 2 i/c CCompany became new IO. Capt. TA Popplewell was appointed OC A Company withCapt. DA Smith as 2 i/c. Capt. A Falzetta became 2i/c of C Company and Capt. GRMaybee 2 i/c D Company.We received orders to evacuate. A hospital unit required them. Recce partieswere despatched to recce Edmonton Regiment quarters near Riccione and in theafternoon the Battalion moved to the new area to find excellent accommodations.Weather: Warm.13 Oct 44All Companies were comfortably settled and Company representatives started inon their Victory Loan Campaign in earnest. The men responded in their usual willingway and the sales started to mount.The first hospital visiting parties departed, one to Jesi area and the other toPerugia. Representatives from each Company were included, taking in addition tomen’s personal belongings, very welcome mail and cigarettes.Weather: Fair.14 Oct 44Another lovely day that the Companies took advantage of to get their platoonsaway for a day of unofficial leave, authorised by the CO as a means of supplementingthe small leave allotments. We continued sending seven men a day to the Grand Hotelat Riccione. Fred Brett, the YMCA supervisor, had his canteen set up and was showingmovies outdoors on the beach. The majority of the men took advantage of the free time4

to polish up and visit Riccione. Major GR Duncan and Officers from each Company lefton 72 hours leave to Rome.Weather: Fair - Warm.15 Oct 44The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, left for Florence in the morning on four days leave.Major J. Bonville-Humphreys the 2 i/c took over the Command of the Battalion. Churchparades were voluntary but well attended by all ranks. Capt. Herb Hendrie assumed hisnew duties as OC B Company and Lt. Art Desmarais became TO.Weather: Fair - Warm.16 Oct 44This morning all Companies settled down into training and the beach areasallotted for ranges were in constant use all day, as all Companies concentrated on firingtheir weapons. An old member of the I Section returned to us from Brigade, as Sgt. RoyOgden assumed his new duties as I Sergeant.Weather: Clear and Mild.17 Oct 44The weather continues to be astonishingly good. A feature of the training syllabiof all Companies are the lectures on Rehabilitation. The recent Governmentannouncements regarding grants and rehabilitation plans have aroused the interest ofthe men and more than ever we see the serious side of Canada’s young soldiers, who,underneath their carefree attitude, become most serious when rehabilitation wasmentioned. They were all thinking carefully of what the future held for them. The PlatoonOfficers were rapidly becoming experts on all phases of the Government plan as thequestions and discussions were numerous.Major LHC Payne, the Second in Command, returned from hospital looking fit.Major Payne and Major J Bonville-Humphreys and the Adjutant, Capt. Fred C Whyteattended a Mess dinner at the Cape Breton Highlanders in the evening.Weather: Fair.18 Oct 44The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, returned from leave early this morning.The Regiment was engaged in a Division Signal Exercise “Suds” and allCompanies were involved. The exercise was completed at 1200 hrs. Capt. DA Smithand Lt. J Gourlay left on 48 hrs leave.19 Oct 44Weather: Cloudy and Overcast.5

Major J Bonville-Humphreys, Capt. Whyte and Capt. Mitchell left on three daysleave. Major Payne assumed Command of the Regiment.Major GCA Macartney returned from hospital and Lt. Gordon Maybee, a formerSergeant in the Regiment, arrived as a reinforcement officer.Weather: Fair and Cool.20 Oct 44General training and firing of all weapons took place. Firing was conducted onthe beach at Riccione, with targets for 3” Mortars and 6 Pounders being placed 1500yards out into the Adriatic.Weather: Fair and Warm.21 Oct 44Major LHC Payne attended Brigadier IS Johnston’s Orders Group at 1330 hrs.On his return, he had a Company Commanders Orders Group and issued orders for themove back into the line. 11 Canadian Infantry Brigade was to take over from 2nd NewZealand Division in a static role.Weather: Showers.22 Oct 44The Regiment moved from their billets in the outskirts of Riccione at MR 815923(Sheet 101).At approximately 0800 hrs the convoy moved across the start line. The DP asreached at 1300 hrs from which the troops marched into their Company locations torelieve the 22 NZ Battalion (Motor). The forward positions located on the east bank ofRiver Savio. TAC HQ situated at MR 615163 (Sheet 100). Change-over completeduneventfully by 1700 hrs.The A/OC, Major LHC Payne, 2 i/c of the Battalion, called an Orders Group assoon as change-over was completed. TAC HQ was visited by Brigadier IS Johnston.Track vehicles were bridged and moved to the new area by track route. Strongstanding patrols sent out by C and D Companies to prevent possible enemy filtrationand B Company contacted 27 Lancers and BCDs on the Regiment’s right flank. ACompany was in reserve.Weather: Fair and Warm.SAVIO RIVER23 Oct 44The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, visited TAC HQ at 1200 hrs. Major J Bonville-Humphreys in his new capacity as Blitzer, visited all Companies In the morning.Extensive patrolling was carried out as the Battalion was in a holding role.Shelling was sporadic, except for a stonk on the forward platoon of D Company. Lt. DonLedgerwood took a fighting patrol out to dominate the east bank of River Savio. Thepatrol came under fire from rifle grenades and light mortars, and Lt. Ledgerwood and 46

Other Ranks were casualties. Sgt. AC Cullaton (MM) and Cpl. Spear of the scoutplatoon swam the River Savio, worked their way through a minefield and entered thetown of Mensa, reporting back that it was clear but that assault boats would benecessary for an infantry crossing.Weather: Cloudy and Cool.WoundedLt. DA Ledgerwood shrapnel right shoulder and left loin 441023Douglas RF Sgt B43049 shrapnel left thigh 441023Coleman WW Pte B142650 shrapnel left forearm and right shoulder 441023Smith GR Pte F40219shrapnel abdominal penetrating front chest and rightforearm (serious) 441023Grundy JJ Pte A43059 shrapnel left lower thigh 441023Miller HL Pte B105032 shrapnel left scapular rec 441023Harding SE Pte B134443 shrapnel back 441023SAVIO RIVER24 Oct 44The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, arrived at TAC HQ to take over command. Brigadier ISJohnston visited us at 1100 hrs to give the final details of the new plan. Assault boatsand rafting equipment arrived and at 1300 hrs C Company under Capt. Mitchell crossedthe river and took up position beyond Mensa, followed by Capt. Herb Hendrie. When Band C Companies were firm, D Company under Major N Hickling passed through andby 1800 hrs, the Regiment had tidy bridgehead, closely supported by A Company underMajor GCA Macartney and C Squadron of 8 New Brunswick Hussars who lined thelateral road on the east bank of the river.TAC HQ moved to its new location at MR 605178 (sheet 100, 1/50,000) at 1400hrs. The CO visited the bridging site at MR 593174. The Anti-tank guns were ferriedacross the river by Class V rafts. The guns had to be manhandled from the beach andunfortunately one ran over a German box mine (MR 143) resulting in three killed, twodied of wounds, and eight wounded, mostly from the Anti-tank Platoon. The PioneerPlatoon under Lt. Emmet Lyons did a grand job throughout, unfortunately the gunslipped off the road onto the verges which had not been swept.A/Cpl Kenneth Ernest Kitching B107027 (L/Cpl) was recommended for theMilitary Medal. During the night of October 24 th , he was a member of an importantreconnaissance patrol near the Savio River at Mensa. This recce was vital to thecrossing of the river by the Brigade and an Engineer officer was standing by to goforward and reconnoitre the river. Upon nearing the objective the patrol ran into aminefield and heavy mortar fire, which caused six casualties, including the officer. A/CplKitching attended the wounded and safely removed them to the platoon area. Knowingthe crossing information was important, he volunteered to take out another patrol whichwas successful.Weather: Cloudy - Cool.CasualtiesMarsolais D Pte C102406 KIA 4410247

Dodsley GW Pte B78726 KIA 441024Pickering A/Sgt B79272 KIA 441024Powell WR Pte B79613 died of wounds 441024Martin AL Pte B44491 died of wounds 44102425 Oct 44Another quiet day. The CO, Lt-Col RC Clark, visited the bridging site in themorning. The CBH passed through at first light. The plan changed and the 11 CanadianInfantry Brigade was ordered to secure bridgehead River Beveno. A and D Companiesmoved forward to lateral road. Major J Bonville-Humphreys set up relay station at MR58174 (Sheet 100 SW 1/25,000). During the night about 200 Partisans arrived at A andD Companies. They were organised into bands and were armed with German weapons.This was their first indication that there was an active Partisan movement. An ItalianLiaison Officer was secured from 11 Canadian Infantry Brigade and Major Hickling tookthem under command and organised their patrol activities. Much valuable informationabout the country ahead was obtained.Weather: Cloudy - Showers.26 Oct 44Since there was no shelling, it was believed the enemy had pushed well back.Due to the continuous heavy rains the Regiment’s bridge across the Savio wascompletely washed out and the boats and rafting equipment washed away. Fortunatelythe Companies had 24 hours reserve rations, so the situation was not acute. Waterstarted going down about 1430 hrs. Major LHC Payne crossed the river during themorning and could not get back. By 1800 hrs we again had line communications whitthe Companies. Lt. JJ Asselstine, Signals Officer, with Sgt. Manion and Cpl Munn wentdown to the bridge site and shot a line across via PIAT bomb. On the third attempt theywere successful and lines were quickly dragged across for both the Regiment andArtillery Rep.Weather: Heavy Rains.27 Oct 44Another quiet day. The men were comfortable in forward positions and billeted inhouses. Major LHC Payne returned from across the river by ferry which had been set upto get rations across. Extensive patrolling was carried out by the Partisans who wereunder the command of Major Hickling. All Companies were getting their rum rationwhich touched up nicely the diet of chicken and turkey.Weather: Cloudy and Cold.28 Oct 44This morning a standing patrol from D Company under Cpl. McGowan with 10Partisans under command proceeded to San Pietro in Vineulo MR 522254 (Sheet 100c1/50,000). The patrol consisted of four men from each Platoon, all volunteers, and8

contained a PIAT Section of three PIATs under L/Cpl. Nutley. The patrol had barelytaken up position outside the town when a troop of armoured cars appeared. When theleading car was about 20 feet away, Pte McLeod of 18 Platoon fired and stopped thearmoured car cold the other two quickly retreated. An Officer in the car was killed andtwo Other Ranks taken prisoner. The Regiment’s bag for the day was 8 PWs anddeserters.The Porter Force took over this sector at 1200 hrs. During the night a Partisanarrived who had journey to Venice. He was an officer in the Partisan Organisation andhad information and diagrams of the Po defences. He was fed and hustled back toBrigade and on to Division.Weather: Cloudy - Cool.29 Oct 44Harbour Masters would be on one hour’s notice at 0500 hrs 30 October.Brigadier IS Johnston and the BM, Major JH Gowan were guests at dinner.The bridge at MR 589142 (sheet 100, 1/25,000) was open to traffic at 1800 hrseasing the communication with the Companies.Weather: Cloudy - Mild.30 Oct 44Companies moved back to billets on the east bank of River Savio during themorning by march route and were in position by 1100 hrs. Capt. Lancaster had guidesat the bridge to guide the Companies to their new locations. The Companies were inbillets and comfortable. The CO invited the Company Commanders to dinner. Lt-Col. HAngle, Commanding the BCDs, visited the CO in the morning.Weather: Mild.31 Oct 44Still nothing in on a move to a rest area, so the Companies settled themselves ascomfortably as possible in available billets and went ahead with general cleaning up.The Medical Officer, Capt. WS (Bill) Spafford (RCAMC), was evacuated tohospital during the morning. A replacement was expected from 24th Field Ambulance.The sun was quite warm and the roads while passable where quite muddy.Weather: Fair - Warm.9