Page Fifty-nine

Advance to the rivers Reno and Sillaro

On 11 April Brigadier DAWNAY was ordered to place one regiment under command 36 BRIGADE of 78 DIVISION for exploitation out of SANTERNO bridgehead. 48 R TKS were chosen for this task and concentrated with 36 BRIGADE on the morning of 12 Apr. Squadrons were affiliated as follows:

    “A“ Squadron - 5 BUFFS.
    “B” Squadron - 8 A&SH
    “C” Squadron – 6 RWK.

At 1800 hours 12 Apr 8 A&SH and “B” Squadron crossed through 17 INDIAN BRIGADE and after some confusion among the infantry of both brigades pushed NORTH-WEST along the road to SAN PATRIZIO and CONSOLICE. Only slight opposition was met and the decision was taken to advance through the night with infantry carried on tanks. SAN PATRIZIO was reached and cleared by midnight and troops of ”B” Squadron 48 R TKS with their infantry successfully prevented an enemy demolition party from blowing two bridges WEST of the town. During the night “B” Squadron captured a GERMAN RHINOCEROS intact, complete with crew. At first light 6 RWK and “C” Squadron passed through to attack CONSOLICE, but about 500 yards short of the town they ran into heavy opposition. During the fighting which ensued, Lieutenant A.H. FOX was killed by a direct hit through the turret of his tank, but NOT before his troop had knocked out two self-propelled guns. Fighting continued during the afternoon. That evening an attack was put in to clear CONSOLICE. 8 A&SH and “B” Squadron secured the LEFT flank while 5 BUFFS and “A” Squadron attacked to NORTH-WEST of the town and 6 RWK and “C” Squadron looked after the NORTH-EAST. All objectives were reached and CONSOLICE was cleared by 0700 hours: CHIESANOVA, about 1,000 yards to the WEST of the town, was also taken. The enemy were reported to have pulled back to the RIVER SILLARO about 5,000 yards distant. 56 RECONNAISSANCE REGIMENT followed up the enemy and reached the SILLARO at midday.

During 14 Apr the reconnaissance troop of 48 R TKS contacted 2 ARMOURED BRIGADE and 38 BRIGADE, who had advance NORTH between the SANTERNO and road from CONSOLICE to the RENO. On the next night “A” Squadron supported 5 BUFFS in an attack to seize a bridgehead over the SILLARO NORTH-WEST of CONSOLICE. It was originally intended that they should cross the SILLARO with infantry but this was found impracticable owing to floods and they remained on the EAST bank. One troop “B” Squadron put in a “CHINESE” attack further SOUTH during this attack. On 16 Apr 2 COMMANDO BRIGADE took over from 5 BUFFS and two troops “A” Squadron under command of Captain F. LIDDELL remained under their command. 36 BRIGADE and the remainder of 48 R TKS were withdrawn for operations NORTH of the RENO.

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