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Phase IV – The Spring Offensive
Operations carried out by 21 TANK BRIGADE (BRIGADIER D.DAWNAY, DSO) between 8 Apr and 30 Apr 45 in the advance from the RIVER SENIO through the ARGENTA GAP to FERRARA and VENICE.
The attack on the SENIO was preceded by pattern bombing by heavy bombers and then the fighter bombers and artillery took it in turn to pound known enemy positions and crossroads. At 1920
hours the attack opened with 20 CROCODILES and a considerable number of WASPS flaming first the near floodbank and then the far bank. The infantry than attacked supported by fire from one squadron of NIH and 48 R TKS in their respective sectors.
The infantry assault went well, and except for a pocket of resistance in front of 1/5 MAHRATTAS in the 21 BRIGADE sector, both banks were in possession of the infantry by 2000 hours. The infantry then went on to their first bound and the sappers began to construct bridges in order to get the tanks across.
Work on SELKIRK and MELROSE bridges was able to start at 2000 hours, but owing to the pocket on 21 BRIGADE sector, GALA was NOT started until early midnight and was never completed. The infantry went on and by 0100 hours 10 Apr reached the general line of the first bound. Meanwhile, owing to the delay on 21 BRIGADE sector, it looked as if both NIH and 48 R TKS would have to use SELKIRK bridge just before 48 R TKS started to move it was reported that the ARK bridge at MELROSE would be completed by 0500 hours. NIH started to cross SELKIRK at 0415 hours and all tanks of “A” and “C” Squadrons were up with their infantry by first light. 48 R TKS crossed the ARK bridge very rapidly and were also with their infantry by first light.
On for 19 BRIGADE sector one A&SH supported by “A” Squadron NIH (Major R.J. GRIFFITH, MC) and a Squadron 6 LANCERS were RIGHT flank protection, 6/13 RFF Rif with “C” Squadron NIH (Major R.D. MORTON, MC) were on the LEFT. On 21 BRIGADE sector 3/15 PUNJAB with “B” Squadron 48 R TKS (Major C.A. JOSS) were on the LEFT with 1/5 MAHRATTAS and “C” Squadron (Major F.A. HAIGH, MC) on the RIGHT. Both brigades advanced at first light supported by tanks of both regiments and had soon reached the SAN ARGINELLO - CANALE DI LUGO, which was crossed by the use of the fascines and bridgelayers. The infantry, except for 1/5 MAHRATTAS and “C” Squadron 48 R TKS, then squared up to the next canal, the SCOLO TRATTORO, which the enemy had converted into his intermediate line between the SENIO and the SANTERNO. He had felled the trees to a distance of 300 yards on the EAST side of the canal and the advance was held up here until last light. During the morning 1 JAIPUR and “A” Squadron 48 R TKS (Major R.B. ACHURCH) were sent to clear LUGO, a town of some 15,000 inhabitants, at 1150 hours they started to enter the town and by 1300 hours it was reported clear, little opposition was met and the civilian population appeared very pleased to see our troops. From 1130 - 1215 hours heavy bombers attacked the SANTERNO defences by pattern bombing: unfortunately one flight mistook the SENIO for SANTERNO and a considerable number of casualties were caused. After last light three troops of “C” Squadron 48 R TKS crossed the ARGINELLO without their very tired infantry and advanced to within 400 yards of the TRATTURO in an old-fashioned cavalry charge with all guns firing: the enemy were taken by surprise, suffered heavily and retreated, whereupon the 1/5 MAHRATTAS came forward and consolidated.
On 19 Brigade sector the reserve battalion, 3/8 PUNJAB, was put through at about midnight and crossed the TRATTURO with “C” Squadron NIH and by first light 11 Apr patrols had reached the EAST bank of the SANTERNO, were they encountered heavy enemy fire. On 21 BRIGADE sector I JAIPUR and “A” Squadron 48 R TKS crossed the TRATTURO and soon after first light they reached the lateral road about 300 yards from the EAST bank of the SANTERNO. The infantry then patrolled forward with tanks to within 200 yards of the river and a minefield was located between the lateral road and the river.
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