Page Fifty-eight

Crossing of the River Santerno
11-13 April, 1945.

8 INDIAN DIVISION had reached the SANTERNO during 11 Apr and 2 NEW ZEALAND DIVISION on the LEFT were also up to the river. The enemies 98 and 362 DIVISIONS had suffered very heavy casualties and it was estimated that they had lost at least 50% of their front line infantry either killed or prisoners. The two forward brigades of 8 INDIAN DIVISION were also very tired and so it was decided that 17 BRIGADE and 12 R TKS should assault the SANTERNO and establish a bridgehead on the WEST bank about 1,000 yards deep, the LEFT flank being protected by I JAIPUR supported by two troops 48 R TKS. At 1300 hours Commander 17 INFANTRY BRIGADE issued his orders and at 1700 hours the Infantry in KANGAROOS of “A” Squadron 4 H advance and assaulted the floodbank, supported by two troops of CROCODILES of 51 R TKS. 1/5 RGR attacked on the RIGHT and 1/12 FFR on the LEFT with troops of ”A” and “C” Squadrons 12 R TKS supporting them by fire. Unfortunately, nine KANGAROOS were lost on mines while returning after debussing their infantry. Both battalions reached the WEST bank and formed a bridgehead. 1/12 FFR received heavy casualties and at 2200 hours 1 RF passed through. The construction of a Class 40 BAILEY and an ARK were ordered but they proved very slow: the ARK bridge, which was a triple one, was ready at 0530 hours 12 Apr and to troops “A” Squadron 12 R TKS (Major P.E. JORDAN) passed over. At first light enemy tanks were reported, but after a tank from “A” Squadron had knocked out a SEMOVENTE they withdrew. The bridgehead position was improved during the morning and “B” Squadron passed over the ARK. Major R.S. YOUNG, OC “B” Squadron, however, received shrapnel wounds and after a few hours had to be evacuated. “C” Squadron crossed in the afternoon and passed into reserve with 1/12 FFR. “B” Squadron helped 1 RF to extend their bridgehead during the afternoon until it was approximately 1,000 yards deep. On the morning of the next day, 13 Apr, 17 INDIAN BRIGADE and 12 R TKS concentrated in reserve.

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