On 3rd April, when word came that the expected tank support had been delayed (for reasons as will be later explained) 43 Marines Commando opted not to wait realising, as soon it became daylight, their presence would become known. With 'C' Troop in the lead, the Marines advanced almost to the Valetta Canal (designed to drain excess water from the lake into the sea) just south of Porto Garibaldi before coming under heavy Spandau fire from houses and pill boxes on the north bank. Although the houses on the south bank of the canal had been successfully cleared of the enemy, lacking tank support, the decision was reached to suspend further operations for the day. For his part in forcing the Germans to retreat north of the canal and for protecting his comrades while so doing, Corporal Thomas Peck Hunter was posthumously awarded the Victoria Cross. He was the only Royal Marines Commando to be so honoured during World War Two.

The original plan called for the Squadron to make two simultaneous crossings of the river, one near the mouth the other, further west over to the narrow strip of land lying between the Reno and Lake Comacchio's southern shore (B on the map). Once the accompanying platoons of No.40 Commando were safely positioned, the tanks were then to make haste northward to support the other Commandos. This plan was cancelled when the raft that was to be employed, due to faulty intelligence being received as to the depth of the Reno, was diverted for use at the eastern crossing. Without a raft and, as darkness was falling, the crossing was postponed until the next morning. At first light on 3rd April, HQF and 1 Troop crossed the river, opposite the southern part of the "Spit" (C on the map) driving north to assist No.2 and No.43 who had been stopped before the strongly defended Porto Garibaldi.

Despite being heavily shelled, one of 3 Troop's tanks being hit (fortunately no one was hurt), we were able to force the Germans to evacuate their positions north of the canal by using HE on the houses and AP ammo on the pill boxes. Later in the day, 2 and 4 Troops arrived on the scene enabling the Squadron to take up strong defensive positions.

For most of the following day we were the target of intermittent enemy shelling which, happily, did no harm to any of the Squadron's tanks. The Marine Commandos were not so fortunate. By the greatest stroke of ill luck, a phosphorus shell exploded inside a Weasel in which several men were sheltering. As it was nearby, Skipper instructed "Darkie" Gault to drive Ballyrashane over in order to render any possible assistance. Sadly, there was nothing we could do to be of help, none of the Marines was alive having suffered the most horrible of deaths.

During the evening, word was received that on the morrow the Squadron was being relieved by The King's Own Royal Hussars. It was welcome news as most of our tanks were alarmingly short of ammunition. The next morning, after the Shermans of the Hussars had arrived, the Squadron made its way south to San Alberto whence it had departed a few days previously.

The next few days saw the Commandos busily engaged in ousting the enemy from islands and shores of Lake Comacchio, once accomplished, all was set for 8th Army's right hook to take place. When the order was given to go, it took the Germans completely by surprise, Kesselring, ever aware of the potential dangers of an Allied water-borne assault, never considered the possibility of one across Lake Comacchio!