Cork, 3 Troop, C Squadron, North Irish Horse

Italians climb aboard one of 'C' Squadon's two Na75s.
The photograph is either of Cork or her twin sister.
(Photo IWM N.A.22736)

WD Number
Not known - could be placed either on turret or hull.

Supporting the Cremona Group.

During 12/13 January 1945, the North Irish took over the support of Cremona Group's 21st and 22nd Regiments, from the New Brunswick Hussars and the Governor General's Horse Guards, in what was considered a quiet area north of Ravenna. However, due to agressive German activity, when it became apparent that the Italians had not enough men or experience to hold such long a line, they were relieved by the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade. With additional manpower and working closely with NIH tanks, by month's end the Cremona Brigade was considered ready to do battle against the Germans. The Brigade's first and successful engagement, supported by tanks of C Squadron, took place 2/3 March., 1945.

Notation in War Diary
9/1/45
Concentration area is changed to RAVENNA. The Regt is to be in Support of the Italian Cremona Div.

Cork in the Po Valley

Notations in War Diary
23/4/45
C Sqn (3 & 4 Troops), under Capt Milne reached the PO in support of Royal West Kents at 1045, just to the North of FERRARA. 1&2 Troops under Capt Norris made progress against considerable opposition, up to the PO DI VOLANO in support of 1st Maharattas.
B Sqn met considerable opposition and demolitions to the North of FERRARA in support of Jaipurs but eventually succeeded in supporting them onto Route 16.
A Sqn did some shooting into FERRARA in support of 1st A&SH.

Notations in Battle Reports
20th April:
The regiment, ordered to support Bth Indian Division up Route 16 and to capture Ferrara, moved to a concentration area near Consondola.
21st April:
B squadron with the 17th Indian Infantry Brigade moved up Route 16 meeting only light opposition.
22nd April:
B squadron with the Punjabs continued the advance. When within two miles of Ferrara the opposition stiffened. At 1600 hours B squadron with the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders passed through A squadron and reached the canal south of Ferrara.
The canal bridge was blown up in sight of the leading troop. No assault crossing equipment was immediately available so they had to wait.
Meanwhile C squadron, with the 21st Indian Infantry Brigade, had made a rapid advance north on a parallel road west of Route 16 and reached the south western outskirts of Ferrara where they were held up by several German tanks. At last light these withdrew into the town and blew up the bridge behind them.
23rd April:
At first light Nos. 3 and 4 troops of C squadron, commanded by Capt Milne, were ordered to advance to the River Po, and prevent the enemy from using some known ferrying place. By 1045 hours No. 3 Troop (Lieut. D.R.King) reached the Po and captured a large assortment of vehicles, stores, etc. This virtually cut off the strong German force holding Ferrara. For this and for previous excellent work Lieut. King was awarded the Military Cross.

How deployed elsewhere:
As were her sister Na75s and the later delivered Mark Vs and VIIs, extensively used to give artlillery support wherever needed. When a part of an attack force, deployed in accordance with the "Dawnay Doctrine".

Sources:
NIH War Diaries
NIH Battle Reports
Copyright photograph courtesy Imperial War Museum, not to be reproduced without permission.

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