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On 3 Oct 45 21 TANK BRIGADE were ordered to provide one squadron to pass to command “PORTERFORCE”, while the remainder of the brigade was to withdraw for training with 1 CANADIAN CORPS. “C” Squadron 145 RAC were detailed for this task and on 1 Nov OC145 RAC and the Squadron Commander reported to Headquarters PORTERFORCE at 573169 for orders.
PORTERFORCE was a mixed force of all arms commanded by OC 27 L and consisted of the following:
The force was given the task of protecting the RIGHT flank of 5 CORPS from the line of the railway in the area 5013 to the Sea NORTH of the mouth of the SAVIO RIVER.
The Force planned to hold this sector by defensive patrolling by day and by establishing small defended localities by night.
The Squadron of 145 RAC moved from area FORLIMPOPOLI and concentrated at 554205 on 3 Nov. During the next seven days no direct support was given by the tanks, the Force Commander having decided NOT to use them in a direct role until the arrival of the infantry.
The two SHERMAN troops of the squadron were, however, a useful supplement to the guns of the artillery and a number of successful indirect shoots were done on buildings on Route 16.
The 1/4 ESSEX moved into the area on 7 Nov and on 9 Nov “C” Sqn 145 RAC was relieved by “A” Squadron of that Regiment.
It was appreciated that the hinge of the enemy’s defence line lay in the area of GHIBULLO and GAMBELLARIA (5128) and it was this sector that the infantry, supported by the squadron of tanks, was given to hold. Accordingly, “A” Squadron concentrated in SAN PIETRO IN VINCOLI 5225.
The infantry had established company localities in areas 514271 and 523274 and it was to these areas that troops of the squadron moved each day to give direct and indirect fire support. Particularly good work in this phase was done by the 95 mm gun tanks in indirect shooting under the direction of a FOO.
The infantry continued to maintain aggressive patrols and by 14 Nov 1 company had reached V SERENA (518282) supported by a troop of tanks.
On 16 Nov to tanks of the squadron crossed the SCUOLA CONVERSA and entered GAMBELARIA with the infantry. On 19 Nov 1/4 ESSEX were relieved and the squadron moved to area 550293 to support 27 L. The remainder of the squadron’s action with PORTERFORCE consisted of clearing the ground up to the UNITI. This was done by indirect shooting, a suitable target being the SUGAR FACTORY in the area 5933 and in movement along tracks. Little enemy opposition was encountered, although one tank was lost on a mine.
On 22 Nov the Squadron concentrated for maintenance and on 24 Nov rejoined 145 RAC in CESENA.
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