Page Nine

On the evening of 28 August 3 CANADIAN BRIGADE supported by 48 R TKS relieved 1 CANADIAN BRIGADE and 12 R TKS concentrated SOUTH of River ARZILLA.

29 August was a quiet day with active patrolling by the infantry. 48 R TKS moved up close behind 3 CANADIAN BRIGADE, ‘A’ Squadron taking up a supporting position with R22eR. Patrols pushed right forward into the FOGLIA Valley and reported no contact SOUTH of the River. The air assault on the GOTHIC LiNE continued with great intensity.

The main feature of the next day 30 August was the gradual documentation of evidence that the GOTHIC LiNE was NOT strongly held and that a quick attack might achieve decisive results. WNSR were ordered that afternoon to advance boldly and make contact with the enemy in area of BORGO SAN MARIA. The infantry advanced successfully until within a few hundred yards of the main lateral road which marked the main line of enemy defences, where they came under fire and were pinned down. The same evening 2 INFANTRY BRIGADE were ordered to get a battalion forward in the area of OSTERIA NUOVA and by first light next day the PPCLI held a bridgehead over the River FOGLIA about 200 yards deep. WNSR had NOT managed to advance during the night and had suffered a number of casualties from Schumines.

At about 0830 hours 31 August ‘B’ Squadron 48 R TKS commanded by Major C.A. lOSS, MC were placed in support of the PPCLI and orders were given to attack and capture Point 133(0276). This attack, despite considerable difficulties due to mines and enemy snipers, was successfully put in during the afternoon. Point 89 was first of all captured and mopped up and then a similar assault was made on Point 133 which was overrun. 97 prisoners, many of whom were from 4 Parachute Regiment, were counted in this successful operation.

Exploitation of the breach of the Gothic Line and the crossing of the River Conca
(1 - 5 September).

It had been decided that soon as Point 133 (0726) was captured the advance would be continued as an Armoured Brigade Group to be commanded by Brigadier D. DAWNAY, DSO to consist of the following:

21 Tank Brigade with in support 24 Field Regiment (SP) RA Royal Canadian Dragoons (Armoured Car Regiment) 2 Canadian Infantry Brigade.

In preparation for the advance 145 RAC and SEAFORTHS were concentrated near MONTELABBATE 0274. 12 R TKS concentrated in area of LER. 48 R TKS were to remain in reserve in area of River FOGLIA.

GOC 1 CANADIAN DIVISION gave orders to the Armoured Forced to capture MONTELURO and then push onto the River CONCA at the same time cutting the road and Railway Southeast of CATTOLICA.

Preparatory to an attack on MONTELURO it was essential to capture POZZOALTO (0277) and Point 119 (0278) to form a firm base. A plan was made for 145 RAC to secure this base and for 12 R TKS Group to pass-through and capture MONTELURO, the commanding feature from which observation was possible to CATTOLICA and the River CONCA.

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