|
The advance to the PO DI Volano
Although the ARGENTA GAP had been forced wide open, the enemy was resisting strongly in order to try and allow time for the withdrawal of his forces in the BOLOGNIA area. 6 ARMOURED DIVISION had been sent NORTH-WEST from Route 16 to try and cut these off from the PO and three infantry divisions were to push NORTH and destroy the remainder of the enemy left SOUTH of the PO. They were 56 DIVISION and 12 R TKS on RIGHT, 78 DIVISION and 48 R TKS in the CENTRE and 8 INDIAN DIVISION and NIH on the LEFT astride ROUTE 16. All these divisions were to advance due NORTH and if possible make an immediate crossing of the PO before the enemy had time to reorganise.
On 20 April on 56 DIVISION front a general loosening up took place and at 1100 hours 2/6 QUEENS and “B” Squadron 12 R TKS, who had taken over from 2/7 QUEENS and “A” Squadron, crossed CONDOTTO BRELLO by an ARK and advanced NORTH towards GAMBALUGA. The day’s fighting consisted of steady advance and by last light the tanks and infantry were just SOUTH of the town. “B” Squadron had a great day and accounted for several enemy tanks, an armoured car and a considerable number of transport vehicles. On this sector during 20 Apr at least 12 enemy tanks were knocked out by our tanks, artillery and aircraft. The Reconnaissance Troop was now put in on the exposed RIGHT flank of 24 GUARDS BRIGADE and “C” Squadron who had advance to conform with 169 BRIGADE. 167 BRIGADE now took over from 169 BRIGADE and “B” Squadron passed to their command but were held up on the CANALE GAMBALUGA. It was decided to switch “B” Squadron round to the RIGHT by bridges already captured intact by “C” Squadron. This proved successful and during the evening 22 Apr they reached MASI TORELLO, carrying the infantry on their tanks: here they met strong opposition which was successfully dealt with. “C” Squadron meanwhile had advanced steadily NORTH and taken a further bridge intact. 1LIR and half “B” Squadron advanced NORTH at 0345 hours 23 Apr and by 1000 hours at the reached the line of the PO DI VOLANO, but the bridge was blown in front of them, but two bridges to WEST were found intact. 24 GUARDS BRIGADE and “C” Squadron were also up to the PO DI VOLANO and 27 LANCERS were by this time operating to the front and on the RIGHT flank.
While 56 DIVISION had been advancing on the RIGHT, 36 BRIGADE and 48 R TKS were ordered to advance to the PO DI VOLANO SOUTH-EAST of FERRARA. By 1640 hours 21 Apr 8 A&SH and “B” Squadron had reached MONTESANTO and advanced NORTH fast and by last light had reached SAN ANTONIO against slight opposition. The advance continued through the night and by 0030 hours on 22 Apr the tanks and infantry had cut
the main road running SOUTH-EAST from FERRARA about three miles from the town and taken some prisoners, who were unaware of their presence in the area; 6 RWK and “C” Squadron followed the advance of ”B” Squadron and reached AGASCELLO, 2’/2 miles SOUTH-EAST of FERRARA, by 0530 hours. 22 Apr was spent mopping up and improving positions.
The speed of the advance and evidence of surprise caused to the enemy made Commander 36 BRIGADE order 8 A&SH and “B” Squadron at 1245 hours to attempt to enter FERRARA itself from the EAST. They were NOT, however, to become heavily committed. Advancing to within 1,000 yards of the town the leading tank was knocked-out by a well-placed TIGER, itself protected by buildings and a series of canals with bridges blown. Although the infantry got across the canal EAST of the town, “B” Squadron could NOT follow and rallied back at 2030 hours. 48 R TKS then passed to command 56 DIVISION and moved to rest in area of FORMIGNANA.
8 iNDIAN DIV meanwhile were ordered to an advance up Route 16 and reach the PO to the NORTH-WEST of FERRARA and if possible take the town itself. 19 INDIAN BRIGADE and “B” Squadron NIH moved NORTH from SAN NICOLO FERRARESE on 22 Apr and advanced NORTH to MONESTIROLO and GAIBANELLA and after clearing opposition here 1 A&SH and “A” Squadron passed through at 1600 hours and by last light had reached the PO
DI VOLANO on Route 16 on the outskirts of FERRARA. Meanwhile 21 INDIAN BRIGADE and “C” Squadron NIH, with one squadron 6 LANCERS,
crossed in the PO
DI PRIMARO and advanced NORTH. There was some confusion on the airfield SOUTH- WEST of FERRARA and after this had been sorted out the tanks advance to the SOUTH-WEST outskirts of the town but were held up by tanks in the factory buildings.
|