Chronology of Events

Thursday, 2nd November, 1944:

All tanks of the Regiment were finally assembled, near Cesena, expecting a sufficiency of time for rest and re-fit, the latter being especially necessary after nearly three months of almost continuous action. It was not to be, although some crews were able to go to Riccione for a few days!

Tuesday, 7th November:

Orders received to provide a squadron, to support the 12th Infantry Brigade (4th British Infantry Division) in an endeavour to clear Forli of the enemy. Despite a shortage of battle-ready tanks, a Composite Squadron was formed comprised of two Troops from 'A' Squadron and three from 'HQ' Squadron. The unit was placed under command of Major R.J.Griffiths MC ('A' Squadron).

Wednesday, 8th November:

Composite Squadron moves to take up positions immediately south of Forlimpopoli.

Thursday, 9th November:

Shortly after midnight, the Composite Squadron moves out towards Forli's airfield, about 2½ miles distant. The darkness, combined with a mist emanating from the river Ronco, made for slow going to the airfield to find it free of enemy forces. Without pausing, the advance continued to the northwest and, in the absence of any enemy opposition, both infantry and tanks successfully occupied the southeastern outskirts of Forli, however, they were subjected to very heavy shelling throughout the night.

Friday, 10th November 1944:

Two troops of the composite squadron, in support of the 6th Battalion Black Watch, advanced further into the city. Despite facing fierce opposition, from Kesselring's Assault Battalion, the infantry secured their objectives having suffered forty plus casualties in the process. For his part in the operation, Sgt J.Barbour, 2 Troop, 'A' Squadron, was awarded the Military Medal.

Meanwhile, the three troops on the right (commanded by Captain H.E.Irwin MC) while in support of the West Kents, were less successful having been stopped by a demolished bridge over a dyke. Unfortunately, progress was delayed for some hours, due to the arriving Churchill "Ark" Bridgelayer having a lot of difficulty properly positioning itself. Later in the day, a tank was hit by a projectile, from a Panzerfaust, resulting in non-fatal injuries to Corporal Cunningham and Trooper Yates.

Saturday, 11th November 1944:

Tanks of the 142nd RAC (under command of the North Irish Horse) supporting the Royal Fusiliers, passed through the Composite Squadron to complete the liberation of Forli by noon. Unfortunately, while most of the city escaped damage while it was been liberated, it subsequently suffered greatly when coming under fire from a long-range railway-mounted gun located near Faenza.

Photographs

Vehicles of 142nd RAC following Churchill tanks into the cty


Men of 6th Battalion Black Watch on Via Emilia.
The building on the right, once a palace, is now the Post Office.


Churchill tanks of 142nd RAC approaching Piazza della Libertà.


Entering Piazza della Libertà, previously called The Fascist Square of Forlì.
The column is a monument to World War I.

Photographs courtesy of Paolo Savini, Roncofreddo, Italy

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