DURING THE WAR
On September 1st, 1939, when Hitler's forces invaded Poland, The Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.) was mobilized and recruiting commenced under command of Lieut.-Colonel J. M. Cleland. On the third of September the battalion was designated as one of the units of the Canadian Active Service Force. Soon afterwards it was selected to be part of the First Canadian Division. On 25th of November Lt. Col. J. M. Cleland was succeeded by Colonel A. E. Potts, E. D. (Later Major General A. E. Potts, C.B.E., E.D., G.O.C. 6th Canadian Division) who, as commander of the 19th Infantry Brigade, reverted to the rank of Lt. Colonel, to take command of the battalion. On the 4th day of December 1939 the battalion entrained on two trains for Halifax. One half of the battalion embarked on board the "Duchess of Bedford" and the other half on board the "Aquitania". On the 10th December the convoy of five troop ships with protective craft sailed for England. On the 17th of December the "Duchess of Bedford" docked at Glasgow, Scotland and the "Aquitania" dropped anchor in Gourock Basin. The Battalion preceded by train to North Camp Station, Hants. and took up their station in Tournai Barracks, Aldershot, which they shared with the Toronto Scottish Regiment (M.G.). Three days later the Battalion was visited by Rt. Hon. Hore-Belisha, Britain's Secretary of State for War.
During the ensuing five months very intensive training was the order of the day culminating in three weeks collective training at Netheravon and the successful contest with the Toronto Scottish Regiment (M.G.). During this period a number of interesting events occurred. One happy contact with the affiliated regiment was made when the battalion was visited by General Sir Charles Deedes, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel of the King's Own Yorkshire Infantry. At this time he presented the battalion with a camp flag of the K.O.Y.L.I. and initiated action by which in March 1940, by kind permission of Her Majesty, the regimental buttons and the lanyard of the K.O.Y.L.I. were adopted as part of the dress regulations for the Battalion. On 24th of January there was an informal inspection by His Majesty the King. On the 8th of April the Battalion was inspected by Her Majesty, the Queen, after which both the King and Queen had lunch with officers of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (M.G.) at the combined Officer's Mess, Tournai Barracks.
Following the German invasion of Norway some members of the Battalion of Norwegian extraction were attached to British units and preceded to Norway. No casualties resulted from this brief engagement and all personnel returned to the Battalion.
Following the German invasion of Holland and Belgium the First Canadian Division was on orders for France. At this time "B" Company was detached and came under command of Second Canadian Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General G. R. Pearkes, V.C. The situation on the continent deteriorated so rapidly that the division remained in England and following Dunkirk moved to the area of Northampton and Kettering. It was during this period of frequent moves that the Battalion reached a high efficiency in road movement and quick deployment. At the end of June the Battalion was on orders for a move to France but its sudden collapse G.O.C. in chief, Home Forces appreciated that the most immediate danger was an attempt to cut off the industrial North from London by means of airborne troops in conjunction with landings along the Wash. At this time the only completely mobile, equipped and trained formation in England was the First Canadian Division. Consequently the Division was moved around the general area of Oxford and the Battalion continued its training in defense against airborne landings.
In late July the Seventh Corps Home Forces was formed under the command of Lt. General A.L.G. McNaughton, consisting of the First Canadian Division, the Second Canadian Division (still in training) and the First British Armored Division.
Brigadier Pearkes, V.C. succeeded command of the First Division and Lt. Col. A. E. Potts, E.D., was promoted to Brigadier to take command of Second Brigade. The Battalion came under command of Lt. Col. C. McKerron who was promoted from second in command. "B" Company now returned to Battalion control. At this time the Battalion passed to "under Command" of the First British Armored Division commanded by Major General C.W.M. Norrie, D.S.O., M.C. During the evacuation from France the motorized infantry unit of this division had had most severe casualties in personnel, equipment and vehicles and the Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.) was to take over its functions in the Support Group commanded by Brigadier Morgan (later Deputy Chief of Staff to General Eisenhower). Thus for the expected invasion of Britain the Battalion found itself in the Ockley area doing intensive training in support of armored brigades. This period will also be remembered for the number of inspections by "Distinguished Visitors" including one by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Glouchester. In December the Battalion passed to Corps control and did a tour of duty on the South Coast from Seaford to Shoreham.
When the Battalion left the 1st Armored Division the following Special Order of the Day was issued by the divisional commander:
During the ensuing five months very intensive training was the order of the day culminating in three weeks collective training at Netheravon and the successful contest with the Toronto Scottish Regiment (M.G.). During this period a number of interesting events occurred. One happy contact with the affiliated regiment was made when the battalion was visited by General Sir Charles Deedes, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O., Colonel of the King's Own Yorkshire Infantry. At this time he presented the battalion with a camp flag of the K.O.Y.L.I. and initiated action by which in March 1940, by kind permission of Her Majesty, the regimental buttons and the lanyard of the K.O.Y.L.I. were adopted as part of the dress regulations for the Battalion. On 24th of January there was an informal inspection by His Majesty the King. On the 8th of April the Battalion was inspected by Her Majesty, the Queen, after which both the King and Queen had lunch with officers of the Toronto Scottish Regiment (M.G.) at the combined Officer's Mess, Tournai Barracks.
Following the German invasion of Norway some members of the Battalion of Norwegian extraction were attached to British units and preceded to Norway. No casualties resulted from this brief engagement and all personnel returned to the Battalion.
Following the German invasion of Holland and Belgium the First Canadian Division was on orders for France. At this time "B" Company was detached and came under command of Second Canadian Infantry Brigade, commanded by Brigadier General G. R. Pearkes, V.C. The situation on the continent deteriorated so rapidly that the division remained in England and following Dunkirk moved to the area of Northampton and Kettering. It was during this period of frequent moves that the Battalion reached a high efficiency in road movement and quick deployment. At the end of June the Battalion was on orders for a move to France but its sudden collapse G.O.C. in chief, Home Forces appreciated that the most immediate danger was an attempt to cut off the industrial North from London by means of airborne troops in conjunction with landings along the Wash. At this time the only completely mobile, equipped and trained formation in England was the First Canadian Division. Consequently the Division was moved around the general area of Oxford and the Battalion continued its training in defense against airborne landings.
In late July the Seventh Corps Home Forces was formed under the command of Lt. General A.L.G. McNaughton, consisting of the First Canadian Division, the Second Canadian Division (still in training) and the First British Armored Division.
Brigadier Pearkes, V.C. succeeded command of the First Division and Lt. Col. A. E. Potts, E.D., was promoted to Brigadier to take command of Second Brigade. The Battalion came under command of Lt. Col. C. McKerron who was promoted from second in command. "B" Company now returned to Battalion control. At this time the Battalion passed to "under Command" of the First British Armored Division commanded by Major General C.W.M. Norrie, D.S.O., M.C. During the evacuation from France the motorized infantry unit of this division had had most severe casualties in personnel, equipment and vehicles and the Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.) was to take over its functions in the Support Group commanded by Brigadier Morgan (later Deputy Chief of Staff to General Eisenhower). Thus for the expected invasion of Britain the Battalion found itself in the Ockley area doing intensive training in support of armored brigades. This period will also be remembered for the number of inspections by "Distinguished Visitors" including one by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Glouchester. In December the Battalion passed to Corps control and did a tour of duty on the South Coast from Seaford to Shoreham.
When the Battalion left the 1st Armored Division the following Special Order of the Day was issued by the divisional commander:
At this time too, Major General Norrie gave permission for the Battalion to carry a small replica of the 1st Division's Armored Sigh - a rhinoceros - on battalion vehicles. The permission was approved by the Seventh Corps. The battalion carries a small gold rhinoceros painted on both sides of its vehicles. This privilege is highly prized by all personnel of the battalion.
In January 1941, after the forming of the Canadian Corpse, the Battalion returned to the First Canadian Division and became its machine gun battalion. At this time, the Reconnaissance Troop of the battalion was disbanded and its personnel together with personnel from other reconnaissance troops became the newly formed Fourth Reconnaissance Division (Princess Louise Dragon Guards) under command of Lt. Col. H.W. Foster (later Major General H.W. Foster, commanding the First Division during the final six months of the War). Thus there began the close connection with the PLDG's and the Sask. L. I. (M.G.) which continued throughout the war years.
The Battalion was stationed in Coulsdon for the next six months. For the most part, quarters were requisitioned but a considerable number of men were billeted with local inhabitants. A great number of friendships and a greater number of romances date from this period. Now began a period when the unit refreshed individual and tactical training and, as well, took part in large scale exercises of the newly constituted Canadian Corps. Lt. Col. McKerron arranged for a number of competitions to stimulate training up to platoon level. These produced keen rivalry and two weeks at Netheravon rounded off this phase of training.
In midsummer, just before the unit went for training at Netheravon, a large group from the Battalion took park in an actual operation. Four officers and eighty other ranks joined groups from the 2nd Brigade to take part in the Spitzbergen Operation or Operation Gauntlet. This operation was directed by Brigadier A.E. Potts, E.D., and the commanding officer who had brought the unit to England. Upon securing the island without fighting, half the force remained there for demolition purposes while the other half proceeded to Archangel with Russian Nationals and brought back French Nationals who had been interned there before Russia had come into the war.
Earlier in that year, Lt. Col. McKerron had received an offer from the city of Saskatoon to provide new colours for the Battalion. The offer by the City was gratefully accepted and the rather complicated procedure of procuring the colours was taken in hand. By autumn the Colours were ready. The Battalion was honoured when Her Majesty, The Queen, graciously consented to present the new Colours in October. In preparation for the ceremony, the Officer Commanding the Guards Depot at Caterham provided a number of Warrant Officer Instructors to assist in the smartening-up drill. While these preparations were going forward a change in command took place. Lt. Col. McKerron returned to Canada and command was given to Major E.J.S. Dudley, who was promoted to Lt. Col. His place as 2nd I/C was filled by Major P.C. Kalehn.
On the morning of October 24th, the memorable colour ceremony took place. The Colour Party, the Four Guards and the whole colourful ceremony will long be remembered by those who were there. After presenting the Colours, Her Majesty addressed the Battalion as follows:
“Colonel Scott-Dudley, Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the Saskatoon Light Infantry.
I am very glad of the opportunity of being with you again. Your fine bearing on Parade today shows you have fully maintained the high standard of efficiency you displayed when I visited you eighteen months ago.
I know that too many of you these months of waiting have seemed very long, and that your thoughts must often have turned to your homes, and to your wives and families whom you have left in Canada. I know too how much your dear ones must be praying for you, and how they are thinking with pride of the part that you have been called upon to play in guarding these shores. I know you will remember that the defense of this Island is vital no less to those whom you love than to the cause for which you are fighting.
The Colours which I now present to you bear on them the names of battles your Regiment fought with honour a quarter a century ago.
Colours are no longer carried in the field, but they still stand for ideals which have always been sacred to soldiers - pride in their Regiment, devotion to a just cause, readiness to sacrifice self interest to the service of others.
It is in the knowledge that these ideals are shared by you all that I place these symbols of your belief in your hands today. I am confident that they are in safe keeping and I pray that God may bless and protect you all."
In the latter part of October, the Canadian Corps took over the defense of the Sussex Coast. The Battalion moved with the 1st Division to its new area. Battalion Headquarters was established at Steyning while the companies moved to brigade areas. "B" Company's area was much extended and the Battalion received an increment of three platoons to enable that company to carry out its tasks.
For the ensuing year and a half the Battalion remained in the coastal areas except for exercises or short periods of special training such as the Machine Gun Concentration in Wales and BRICK training in Scotland.
The winter and spring of 1941-42 was notable for strenuous battle drill and commando training insisted upon by General Montgomery, G.O.C. in C., South Eastern Command. It is safe to say that seldom in actual operations of the future was the going as tough as it was in this period of training. This hardening culminated in the long-remembered "Exercise Tiger" when every machine gunner thanked his stars that he was not in the infantry.
In January and March 1942 a number of officers, warrant officers and N.C.O.'s returned to Canada for a tour of instructional duty. Quite a number were unable to get back to the unit before it left for Sicily and some never did get back.
During this period two senior officers were given commands of other units. Major P.C. Kalehn was promoted Lt. Col. and given command of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, the Machine Gun Battalion of the 3rd Division. Major F.A. Clift was promoted Lt. Col. and given command of the South Saskatchewan Regiment in succession to Lt. Col. Merritt who had been captured at Dieppe after acts of gallantry which won him the V.C. Major G.F.P. Bradbrooke was promoted Lt. Col. and given command of the 1st Para Bn.
During the summer and autumn of 1942 it appeared as though the medium machine gun was on its way out. It was termed obsolete in a war-machine equipped with many automatic weapons. It looked as though the Battalion and its sister battalions would have to find another role. That role for a time looked as though it might be "BRICK" work or in other words handling the administration of a beach bridge-head for supplies and equipment. In fact, a period was spent in Combined Operations with that in mind. However, word came back from North Africa of the excellent and essential performance of the medium machine guns in the desert fighting. Consequently emphasis was again placed on these weapons. By the spring of 1943 a reorganization of the Battalion was proposed whereby 4.2" mortars and 20mm anti-aircraft guns would be added. The Machine Gun Battalion would be changed to a Support Battalion consisting of an enlarged headquarters to administer the Division's Administration Area and three Brigade Support Groups, each under the command of a brigade for operations. Hectic preparations were made for such a change-over with large numbers of officers and NCO's going on courses on the new weapons. On 1st May, 1943, the new battalion was authorized as the "1st Canadian Division Support Battalion (Sask L.I.)". Almost immediately it was mobilized for war and the move to Scotland took place. During the few weeks in Scotland in the vicinity of Doune and Callender, the unit was brought up to strength and equipped. Training was very strenuous, extending to sixteen hours a day to master the newly acquired weapons. By the middle of June the assault units of the Brigade Groups began moving to the coast for embarkation. By July 1st only rear parties were left and these were concentrated in a Divisional Rear Party area. Here the A/A companies completed their training in the 20mm Oerlikon gun.
In January 1941, after the forming of the Canadian Corpse, the Battalion returned to the First Canadian Division and became its machine gun battalion. At this time, the Reconnaissance Troop of the battalion was disbanded and its personnel together with personnel from other reconnaissance troops became the newly formed Fourth Reconnaissance Division (Princess Louise Dragon Guards) under command of Lt. Col. H.W. Foster (later Major General H.W. Foster, commanding the First Division during the final six months of the War). Thus there began the close connection with the PLDG's and the Sask. L. I. (M.G.) which continued throughout the war years.
The Battalion was stationed in Coulsdon for the next six months. For the most part, quarters were requisitioned but a considerable number of men were billeted with local inhabitants. A great number of friendships and a greater number of romances date from this period. Now began a period when the unit refreshed individual and tactical training and, as well, took part in large scale exercises of the newly constituted Canadian Corps. Lt. Col. McKerron arranged for a number of competitions to stimulate training up to platoon level. These produced keen rivalry and two weeks at Netheravon rounded off this phase of training.
In midsummer, just before the unit went for training at Netheravon, a large group from the Battalion took park in an actual operation. Four officers and eighty other ranks joined groups from the 2nd Brigade to take part in the Spitzbergen Operation or Operation Gauntlet. This operation was directed by Brigadier A.E. Potts, E.D., and the commanding officer who had brought the unit to England. Upon securing the island without fighting, half the force remained there for demolition purposes while the other half proceeded to Archangel with Russian Nationals and brought back French Nationals who had been interned there before Russia had come into the war.
Earlier in that year, Lt. Col. McKerron had received an offer from the city of Saskatoon to provide new colours for the Battalion. The offer by the City was gratefully accepted and the rather complicated procedure of procuring the colours was taken in hand. By autumn the Colours were ready. The Battalion was honoured when Her Majesty, The Queen, graciously consented to present the new Colours in October. In preparation for the ceremony, the Officer Commanding the Guards Depot at Caterham provided a number of Warrant Officer Instructors to assist in the smartening-up drill. While these preparations were going forward a change in command took place. Lt. Col. McKerron returned to Canada and command was given to Major E.J.S. Dudley, who was promoted to Lt. Col. His place as 2nd I/C was filled by Major P.C. Kalehn.
On the morning of October 24th, the memorable colour ceremony took place. The Colour Party, the Four Guards and the whole colourful ceremony will long be remembered by those who were there. After presenting the Colours, Her Majesty addressed the Battalion as follows:
“Colonel Scott-Dudley, Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Men of the Saskatoon Light Infantry.
I am very glad of the opportunity of being with you again. Your fine bearing on Parade today shows you have fully maintained the high standard of efficiency you displayed when I visited you eighteen months ago.
I know that too many of you these months of waiting have seemed very long, and that your thoughts must often have turned to your homes, and to your wives and families whom you have left in Canada. I know too how much your dear ones must be praying for you, and how they are thinking with pride of the part that you have been called upon to play in guarding these shores. I know you will remember that the defense of this Island is vital no less to those whom you love than to the cause for which you are fighting.
The Colours which I now present to you bear on them the names of battles your Regiment fought with honour a quarter a century ago.
Colours are no longer carried in the field, but they still stand for ideals which have always been sacred to soldiers - pride in their Regiment, devotion to a just cause, readiness to sacrifice self interest to the service of others.
It is in the knowledge that these ideals are shared by you all that I place these symbols of your belief in your hands today. I am confident that they are in safe keeping and I pray that God may bless and protect you all."
In the latter part of October, the Canadian Corps took over the defense of the Sussex Coast. The Battalion moved with the 1st Division to its new area. Battalion Headquarters was established at Steyning while the companies moved to brigade areas. "B" Company's area was much extended and the Battalion received an increment of three platoons to enable that company to carry out its tasks.
For the ensuing year and a half the Battalion remained in the coastal areas except for exercises or short periods of special training such as the Machine Gun Concentration in Wales and BRICK training in Scotland.
The winter and spring of 1941-42 was notable for strenuous battle drill and commando training insisted upon by General Montgomery, G.O.C. in C., South Eastern Command. It is safe to say that seldom in actual operations of the future was the going as tough as it was in this period of training. This hardening culminated in the long-remembered "Exercise Tiger" when every machine gunner thanked his stars that he was not in the infantry.
In January and March 1942 a number of officers, warrant officers and N.C.O.'s returned to Canada for a tour of instructional duty. Quite a number were unable to get back to the unit before it left for Sicily and some never did get back.
During this period two senior officers were given commands of other units. Major P.C. Kalehn was promoted Lt. Col. and given command of the Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa, the Machine Gun Battalion of the 3rd Division. Major F.A. Clift was promoted Lt. Col. and given command of the South Saskatchewan Regiment in succession to Lt. Col. Merritt who had been captured at Dieppe after acts of gallantry which won him the V.C. Major G.F.P. Bradbrooke was promoted Lt. Col. and given command of the 1st Para Bn.
During the summer and autumn of 1942 it appeared as though the medium machine gun was on its way out. It was termed obsolete in a war-machine equipped with many automatic weapons. It looked as though the Battalion and its sister battalions would have to find another role. That role for a time looked as though it might be "BRICK" work or in other words handling the administration of a beach bridge-head for supplies and equipment. In fact, a period was spent in Combined Operations with that in mind. However, word came back from North Africa of the excellent and essential performance of the medium machine guns in the desert fighting. Consequently emphasis was again placed on these weapons. By the spring of 1943 a reorganization of the Battalion was proposed whereby 4.2" mortars and 20mm anti-aircraft guns would be added. The Machine Gun Battalion would be changed to a Support Battalion consisting of an enlarged headquarters to administer the Division's Administration Area and three Brigade Support Groups, each under the command of a brigade for operations. Hectic preparations were made for such a change-over with large numbers of officers and NCO's going on courses on the new weapons. On 1st May, 1943, the new battalion was authorized as the "1st Canadian Division Support Battalion (Sask L.I.)". Almost immediately it was mobilized for war and the move to Scotland took place. During the few weeks in Scotland in the vicinity of Doune and Callender, the unit was brought up to strength and equipped. Training was very strenuous, extending to sixteen hours a day to master the newly acquired weapons. By the middle of June the assault units of the Brigade Groups began moving to the coast for embarkation. By July 1st only rear parties were left and these were concentrated in a Divisional Rear Party area. Here the A/A companies completed their training in the 20mm Oerlikon gun.
INVASION OF SICILY
For the conquest of Sicily the First Canadian Division, commanded by Major General Simonds, became part of the Eighth Army commanded by General Sir Bernard L. Montgomery. Together with the 50th and the 51st British Divisions and Corps troops they formed the 30th Corps commanded by Lt. General Sir Oliver Leese. The plan of the Division for the landing was that, 1st brigade and 2nd brigade would make the assault and 3rd brigade would be in reserve. As for the battalion, a skeleton headquarters was to have the responsibility of Divisional Maintenance Area and each brigade support group with a skeleton headquarters and less its A/A Company was placed under command of its respective brigade.
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
Battalion Headquarters landed in Sicily on July 13th, 1943 without an operational role but assumed command of D.M.A. on the 18th of July. During ensuing operations valuable experience was gained in the efficient moving and placing of divisional administrative and service units. The Intelligence Officer, Lieut. C. A. B. O. Magill lost his hand in a booby trap. With the withdrawal of the Division from battle in early August, D.M.A. moved to Sortino to get ready for Italy.
NO. 1 INFANTRY BRIGADE SUPPORT GROUP
No. 1 Infantry Brigade Support Group (Sask. L.I.) commanded by Brig. H. D. Graham for the invasion of Sicily. During the voyage through the Mediterranean the convoy was attacked and enemy submarines sank one ship carrying personnel and considerable equipment of the Hy Mortar Coy. No lives were lost but five carriers and sundry other items of kit and weapons went to the bottom, and personnel were left in North Africa until after the landing. Fortunately spare mortars were carried on the troop ship. The Mortar and M.M.G. Companies landed in Sicily on July 10, 1943, and supported the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade throughout the Sicilian campaign. Until Italian vehicles were captured "Dukws" were used to replace the vehicles lost during the voyage. The route followed through Sicily was as follows: Porto Palo (taking Pachino airdrome), Rosolini, Modica, Ragusa, Giarratana, Vizzini, Grammichile, Caltagirone, S. Michele di Ganzaria, Piazza Armerina, Valguarnera, Assero, Nissoria, Agira, Regalbuto and Acterno. The first action was at Grammichile when the M.M.G.'s went in. Casualties were one killed, four wounded and three carriers knocked out. At Assoro there was stiff fighting and the Mortar Company lost one killed, and five wounded. Nissoria was the scene of the most action on the part of the group when the mortars laid down a very heavy barrage on the town and all the M.M.G.'s were also employed to cover the advance of the infantry. On the 7th of August the group went into rest and proceeded with the brigade to a concentration at Militello.
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
Battalion Headquarters landed in Sicily on July 13th, 1943 without an operational role but assumed command of D.M.A. on the 18th of July. During ensuing operations valuable experience was gained in the efficient moving and placing of divisional administrative and service units. The Intelligence Officer, Lieut. C. A. B. O. Magill lost his hand in a booby trap. With the withdrawal of the Division from battle in early August, D.M.A. moved to Sortino to get ready for Italy.
NO. 1 INFANTRY BRIGADE SUPPORT GROUP
No. 1 Infantry Brigade Support Group (Sask. L.I.) commanded by Brig. H. D. Graham for the invasion of Sicily. During the voyage through the Mediterranean the convoy was attacked and enemy submarines sank one ship carrying personnel and considerable equipment of the Hy Mortar Coy. No lives were lost but five carriers and sundry other items of kit and weapons went to the bottom, and personnel were left in North Africa until after the landing. Fortunately spare mortars were carried on the troop ship. The Mortar and M.M.G. Companies landed in Sicily on July 10, 1943, and supported the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade throughout the Sicilian campaign. Until Italian vehicles were captured "Dukws" were used to replace the vehicles lost during the voyage. The route followed through Sicily was as follows: Porto Palo (taking Pachino airdrome), Rosolini, Modica, Ragusa, Giarratana, Vizzini, Grammichile, Caltagirone, S. Michele di Ganzaria, Piazza Armerina, Valguarnera, Assero, Nissoria, Agira, Regalbuto and Acterno. The first action was at Grammichile when the M.M.G.'s went in. Casualties were one killed, four wounded and three carriers knocked out. At Assoro there was stiff fighting and the Mortar Company lost one killed, and five wounded. Nissoria was the scene of the most action on the part of the group when the mortars laid down a very heavy barrage on the town and all the M.M.G.'s were also employed to cover the advance of the infantry. On the 7th of August the group went into rest and proceeded with the brigade to a concentration at Militello.
NO. 2 INFANTRY BRIGADE SUPPORT GROUP
No. 2 Infantry Brigade Support Group ( Sask. L.I ) commanded by Major T. de Faye formed part of Second Canadian Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier C. Vokes. During the voyage through the Mediterranean the mortar company had the misfortune to lose one platoon's vehicles complete with equipment. Fortunately spare mortars were carried on the troop ship. The troops of No. 2 Group for the assault consisted of the Group Commander and the Mortar Company. The assault began at dawn on the 10th of July. The Mortars were landed by "DUKW'S" and were immediately put into action on Pachino beach. One platoon gave support to the Special Service Brigade on the left flank. They had been held up for some time by an Italian Mortar position which was laying down very effective fire. The directing of our mortar fire was done by an officer of the S.S. brigade and it completely silenced the enemy mortars. Later reports confirmed the fact that they were wiped out. On the move in from the beach the mortars gave close support to the infantry.
The Medium Machine Gun Company together with Group Headquarters landed on Pachino Beach on July 13, 1943, and after getting their transport joined the mortars just north of Vizzini on the 15th of July.
The 2nd Brigade swung westward up through Modica and Ragusa as they were the left flank of the Eighth Army and continued to advance along the central section of Sicily for the entire campaign. The M.M.G. Company had its first action during the early part of the third week in July when they supported an attack of the P.P.C.L.I (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) immediately north of Piazza Armerina. This went off very successfully.
On the 21st of July both mortars and M.M.G.'s supported a full scale attack of the 2nd Brigade on two high features just north of Valguarnera. The machine guns mounted on carriers followed the assaulting infantry. Here for the first time it became apparent that the rocky terrain was very difficult for the carriers because it frequently caused them to throw tracks. The mortars had a heavy and successful shoot. The brigade then advances to the high features south of Leonforte. After a small scale attack on Leonforte on the 25th July had been repulsed by the Herman Goering Division, a large scale attack was launched the following day. This attack was supported by both mortars and machine guns. Just prior to the attack the mortars unsuccessfully attempted to set the town on fire by using large quantities of phosphorus smoke bombs. After heavy fighting the town was taken. No casualties were suffered by the mortars but the machine gunners suffered a few. The brigade then proceeded on to Nissoria and, after a very heavy bombardment took it. Then the attack on Agira went in about the end of July with the mortars and the M.M.G's taking a big part in the fire support for the attack. This action lasted three days before the town was taken. Both the mortars and the M.M.G.'s suffered casualties. During the next action against Regalbuto on the 3rd of August, Lieut. A. O. Newberry, one of the mortar platoon commanders, went on a recce and failed to return. Having passed through Regalbuto, the brigade swung around into the Salso Valley. Here the machine gun platoons for the first time used mules to carry their guns to support the infantry. This was a period of small scale attacks up as far as Adrano, near the base of Mount Etna and lasted about ten days. During this action, Corporal M. J. Taje was awarded the military medal for gallantry. The group was now pulled out of action and went into concentration at Miletello. While there, the group was inspected by Major-General Simonds on the 14th of August and commended for their fighting during the Sicilian campaign.
No. 2 Infantry Brigade Support Group ( Sask. L.I ) commanded by Major T. de Faye formed part of Second Canadian Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier C. Vokes. During the voyage through the Mediterranean the mortar company had the misfortune to lose one platoon's vehicles complete with equipment. Fortunately spare mortars were carried on the troop ship. The troops of No. 2 Group for the assault consisted of the Group Commander and the Mortar Company. The assault began at dawn on the 10th of July. The Mortars were landed by "DUKW'S" and were immediately put into action on Pachino beach. One platoon gave support to the Special Service Brigade on the left flank. They had been held up for some time by an Italian Mortar position which was laying down very effective fire. The directing of our mortar fire was done by an officer of the S.S. brigade and it completely silenced the enemy mortars. Later reports confirmed the fact that they were wiped out. On the move in from the beach the mortars gave close support to the infantry.
The Medium Machine Gun Company together with Group Headquarters landed on Pachino Beach on July 13, 1943, and after getting their transport joined the mortars just north of Vizzini on the 15th of July.
The 2nd Brigade swung westward up through Modica and Ragusa as they were the left flank of the Eighth Army and continued to advance along the central section of Sicily for the entire campaign. The M.M.G. Company had its first action during the early part of the third week in July when they supported an attack of the P.P.C.L.I (Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry) immediately north of Piazza Armerina. This went off very successfully.
On the 21st of July both mortars and M.M.G.'s supported a full scale attack of the 2nd Brigade on two high features just north of Valguarnera. The machine guns mounted on carriers followed the assaulting infantry. Here for the first time it became apparent that the rocky terrain was very difficult for the carriers because it frequently caused them to throw tracks. The mortars had a heavy and successful shoot. The brigade then advances to the high features south of Leonforte. After a small scale attack on Leonforte on the 25th July had been repulsed by the Herman Goering Division, a large scale attack was launched the following day. This attack was supported by both mortars and machine guns. Just prior to the attack the mortars unsuccessfully attempted to set the town on fire by using large quantities of phosphorus smoke bombs. After heavy fighting the town was taken. No casualties were suffered by the mortars but the machine gunners suffered a few. The brigade then proceeded on to Nissoria and, after a very heavy bombardment took it. Then the attack on Agira went in about the end of July with the mortars and the M.M.G's taking a big part in the fire support for the attack. This action lasted three days before the town was taken. Both the mortars and the M.M.G.'s suffered casualties. During the next action against Regalbuto on the 3rd of August, Lieut. A. O. Newberry, one of the mortar platoon commanders, went on a recce and failed to return. Having passed through Regalbuto, the brigade swung around into the Salso Valley. Here the machine gun platoons for the first time used mules to carry their guns to support the infantry. This was a period of small scale attacks up as far as Adrano, near the base of Mount Etna and lasted about ten days. During this action, Corporal M. J. Taje was awarded the military medal for gallantry. The group was now pulled out of action and went into concentration at Miletello. While there, the group was inspected by Major-General Simonds on the 14th of August and commended for their fighting during the Sicilian campaign.
NO. 3 INFANTRY BRIGADE SUPPORT GROUP
No. 3 Infantry Brigade Support Group ( Sask. L I. ) commanded by Major D. E. Walker formed part of Third Canadian Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier M. H. S. Penhale.
The voyage through the Mediterranean was uneventful. The Mortar Company, commanded by Captain S. R. Wells, landed on Pachino Beach at H + 8 on the 10th of July. The skeleton Group Headquarters and the Machine Gun Company landed on the 13th of July and joined the brigade south of Grammichele on the 16th. Up to this time the brigade, following the wake of sister brigades, had seen no action. The first operational commitment came on the 17th when both mortars and machine guns supported the infantry near Enna. The first casualty in the group occurred at this engagement when a D. R. was wounded by small arms fire. After this action broke off the group followed a fast moving battle to Radussa. From here the Brigade made a right flanking move towards Cantova to meet the 78th British Division. In support of the Carlton and York Regiment the first fatal casualties of the group occurred when Lieut. J. G. Leggo and Pte. J. Leniuk were killed and the balance of carrier crew were injured by an anti-tank mine. Upon contact being made with 78th Division near Mount Giardinelli, the Brigade passed under its command for the attack on Cantenuova and Centuripe. At this time, half the skeleton group headquarters became casualties from enemy air bombing and strafing. All three machine gun platoons supported the West Nova Scotia Regiment into Cantenuova and the CYR's exploitation north of the town. This action was the group’s final commitment in Sicily, and after a brief rest near Regalbuto proceeded to a concentration area at Francofonte.
While in their concentration areas during the last half of August all groups were visited by General Montgomery and by General L. G. McNaughton. The battalion was enlarged by the addition of a brigade defense platoon of one officer and twenty - three other ranks for each group.
In the meantime the A/A Companies and the rear parties had remained in Scotland. They finally sailed on the 14th of August, landed at Augusta on the 26th of August and joined their respective headquarters on the same day.
Casualties during the Sicilian campaign were:
Killed or died of wounds: officers, 2; other ranks, 9.
Wounded: officers, 4; other ranks, 42.
No. 3 Infantry Brigade Support Group ( Sask. L I. ) commanded by Major D. E. Walker formed part of Third Canadian Infantry Brigade commanded by Brigadier M. H. S. Penhale.
The voyage through the Mediterranean was uneventful. The Mortar Company, commanded by Captain S. R. Wells, landed on Pachino Beach at H + 8 on the 10th of July. The skeleton Group Headquarters and the Machine Gun Company landed on the 13th of July and joined the brigade south of Grammichele on the 16th. Up to this time the brigade, following the wake of sister brigades, had seen no action. The first operational commitment came on the 17th when both mortars and machine guns supported the infantry near Enna. The first casualty in the group occurred at this engagement when a D. R. was wounded by small arms fire. After this action broke off the group followed a fast moving battle to Radussa. From here the Brigade made a right flanking move towards Cantova to meet the 78th British Division. In support of the Carlton and York Regiment the first fatal casualties of the group occurred when Lieut. J. G. Leggo and Pte. J. Leniuk were killed and the balance of carrier crew were injured by an anti-tank mine. Upon contact being made with 78th Division near Mount Giardinelli, the Brigade passed under its command for the attack on Cantenuova and Centuripe. At this time, half the skeleton group headquarters became casualties from enemy air bombing and strafing. All three machine gun platoons supported the West Nova Scotia Regiment into Cantenuova and the CYR's exploitation north of the town. This action was the group’s final commitment in Sicily, and after a brief rest near Regalbuto proceeded to a concentration area at Francofonte.
While in their concentration areas during the last half of August all groups were visited by General Montgomery and by General L. G. McNaughton. The battalion was enlarged by the addition of a brigade defense platoon of one officer and twenty - three other ranks for each group.
In the meantime the A/A Companies and the rear parties had remained in Scotland. They finally sailed on the 14th of August, landed at Augusta on the 26th of August and joined their respective headquarters on the same day.
Casualties during the Sicilian campaign were:
Killed or died of wounds: officers, 2; other ranks, 9.
Wounded: officers, 4; other ranks, 42.
Lighter moment for the Canadians, consist of Athletic Sports and a local horse-race. General McNaughton and General G.G. Simmonds attend and are welcomed by a Colonel whose name is censored. McNaughton & Simmonds inspect the gaurd of the P.P.C.L.I. and Saskatoon Light Infantry. McNaughton chats with Mayor R.C. Coleman and Lt.R. Carye - both MC. winners. Lunch is taken by the troops and there is a pipe parade by mass bands of the Seaforths. Bearded drum-major W. Grant leading the parade. Two days earlier, General Montgomery addresses men of the eighth Army and the 48th Hussars. He inspects Canadian Infantry Brigade - General McNaughton again being present.
REGGIO TO OTRONA
GENERAL
For the invasion of Italy the Division came under the Command of 13th Corps commanded by Lieut. General Dempsey. Initially the plans for the division only included the forming of a bridgehead area. Later, when the success of the Salerno landings was in a balance, the Division was given the task of pushing north as rapidly as possible to relieve the pressure of the Fifth Army. Within the Division, the Third Brigade was to make the assault, the First Brigade was to follow up and Second Brigade was to be in reserve. Within the battalion, the groups were to be under command of their respective brigades. Rear parties and the A/A Companies were again to be left behind and they concentrated with Division Rear Details at Sortino.
BATTALION HEADQUARTERS
On the 3rd of September a skeleton headquarters landed at Reggio on a high priority to reconnoiter a D.M.A. are and make arrangements to receive, as early as possible, the administrative units of the Division. After the early capitulation of Italy there was a rapid advance up Italy. Then the experience gained in Sicily made possible the efficient moving of D.M.A. in the wake of the fighting formations. The balance of battalion headquarters under the 2 I/C, A. W. Embury, caught up at Potenza. So closely behind the fighting troops were D.M.A. following that, near Campobasso where the Division was going into rest, an area was given which proved to be in "No Man's Land". The reconnaissance for it had been made during a respite from shelling. Personnel of the Division will remember their amazement in seeing signs reading D.M.A. -500 yds, Vinchiaturo crossroads with an arrow pointing into enemy territory. Some hectic minutes were required to turn the convoy of heavy administrative vehicles on the narrow road, where a few feet off the road meant a bogged down vehicle. The heavy shelling of the crossroads ensured the ready cooperation of all personnel in getting the vehicles turned around. The first real test came at Campobasso in mid-October. The remainder of the month was spent very quietly. Major A. W. Embury returned to England for a Senior Officer's School and Major R. C. Irvine took over the duties of second in command.
Finally the rest period came to an end and on December 3rd D. M. A. moved to Casalbordino on the Adriatic. From here a move to Fossacesia on the 8th put the D. M. A. in position to administer to the Division for its greatest battle thus far. On the 18th, Lt. Col. E. J. S. Dudley controlled the mortars of the three groups in support of the attack on Ortona Crossroads. On the 20th he again controlled all the mortars in barrages preparing for the infantry and tank assault into Ortona.
On Christmas Day Lt. Col. Dudley addressed the following Christmas greeting to all personnel of the Battalion:
On Christmas Day Lt. Col. Dudley addressed the following Christmas greeting to all personnel of the Battalion:
On January 5Th, Battalion and D.M.A. Headquarters moved to S. Vito. Here it remained until April. S. Vito became a rest centre and these centers came under D.M.A. control.
NO. 1 CDN. INF. BDE. SP. GP. (S.L.I.)
On September 3rd, 1943, the group, less its A/A Company, crossed the straits of Messina to support First Brigade in the landing at Reggio in Italy. There was very little resistance and neither mortars nor machine guns were called upon. After the capitulation of Italy, the group moved with its brigade around the toe of Italy. In the meantime the A/A Company concentrated with Division Rear Details at Sortino and on September 16th crossed Messina Straits. They proceeded to look for the group following the route around the toe of Italy and finally joined the main body at Montalbano on September 20th.
About September 24th, 1943, 1st Cdn. Inf. Bge. Sp. Gp. (S.L.I.) moved intact with 1st Bde. In the start of the drive for Campobasso. Before reaching Foggia one platoon of M.M.G.'s went forward with a Bde. advance party. No opposition was met along the route to Foggia and Lucera, but at Motta the Germans made their first determined stand.
From Motta on through Volturaro, Gambastia, Jelsi and Gildone, the Germans fought rear guard actions and the M.M.G's were the only weapons called upon, and they were not used to any great extent. At Campobasso the enemy made a more determined stand but were soon driven out, and in this action the M.M.G's were used considerably. It was at Campobasso that the A/A fired their first rounds at an enemy plane, but due to the extreme range, results were nil.
The Mortars did their first firing on the 19th and 20th in the area of San Stefano. No. 6 platoon was under heavy fire for a period of three days.
From Campobasso on up to Castropignano, Torella and Molise the Mortars and M.M.G.'s were used in support of the infantry and the A/A gave air protection for the Bde area. Fighting was not heavy and casualties during this stage of the campaign were very light.
On November 15th, 1943, the group went into rest, along with the balance of the 1st. Cdn. Division, and concentrated in Frosilone. During this period the Group Commander, Major R. C. Irvine, was posted to Bn. Headquarters as 2nd I/C and the command of the group passed to Major P. E. Reynolds with Major Mair as his 2nd I/C. On the 24th of November the group was visited by the Defense Minister.
After two weeks rest and refitting the entire group left in convoy on December 2nd, 1943, to concentrate on the Adriatic front. The Sangro River was crossed on December 3rd, and on December 6th, the first action was experienced when one platoon of Mortars supported the Hast. & P.E.R. in the attack across the Moro River. There was stiff fighting but the attack was successful.
December 8th, 1943 saw Mortars, M.M.G.'s in heavy action on San Leonardo. One Mortar Pl. fired 400 bombs in one and a half hours and the M.M.G. Coy fired 70,000 rounds. The group was subjected to heavy enemy shelling during which one OR was killed and three were wounded.
On December 9th one Mortar Pl. was subjected to dive bombing resulting in 3 killed and 5 wounded.
On the drive for Ortona, Mortar and M.M.G.'s were kept very busy in their support roles and did excellent work. The A/A Coy finally received the opportunity to engage enemy aircraft and went into action on many occasions scoring a number of hits.
Christmas night, 1943, saw the A/A Coy in a new role. The 48th Highlanders had been cut off for three days so, at dusk, a carrying party from the A/A Coy took in ammunition and supplies to them and returned after dawn bringing out the wounded.
Soon after this the fighting became static in front of Ortona.
NO. 1 CDN. INF. BDE. SP. GP. (S.L.I.)
On September 3rd, 1943, the group, less its A/A Company, crossed the straits of Messina to support First Brigade in the landing at Reggio in Italy. There was very little resistance and neither mortars nor machine guns were called upon. After the capitulation of Italy, the group moved with its brigade around the toe of Italy. In the meantime the A/A Company concentrated with Division Rear Details at Sortino and on September 16th crossed Messina Straits. They proceeded to look for the group following the route around the toe of Italy and finally joined the main body at Montalbano on September 20th.
About September 24th, 1943, 1st Cdn. Inf. Bge. Sp. Gp. (S.L.I.) moved intact with 1st Bde. In the start of the drive for Campobasso. Before reaching Foggia one platoon of M.M.G.'s went forward with a Bde. advance party. No opposition was met along the route to Foggia and Lucera, but at Motta the Germans made their first determined stand.
From Motta on through Volturaro, Gambastia, Jelsi and Gildone, the Germans fought rear guard actions and the M.M.G's were the only weapons called upon, and they were not used to any great extent. At Campobasso the enemy made a more determined stand but were soon driven out, and in this action the M.M.G's were used considerably. It was at Campobasso that the A/A fired their first rounds at an enemy plane, but due to the extreme range, results were nil.
The Mortars did their first firing on the 19th and 20th in the area of San Stefano. No. 6 platoon was under heavy fire for a period of three days.
From Campobasso on up to Castropignano, Torella and Molise the Mortars and M.M.G.'s were used in support of the infantry and the A/A gave air protection for the Bde area. Fighting was not heavy and casualties during this stage of the campaign were very light.
On November 15th, 1943, the group went into rest, along with the balance of the 1st. Cdn. Division, and concentrated in Frosilone. During this period the Group Commander, Major R. C. Irvine, was posted to Bn. Headquarters as 2nd I/C and the command of the group passed to Major P. E. Reynolds with Major Mair as his 2nd I/C. On the 24th of November the group was visited by the Defense Minister.
After two weeks rest and refitting the entire group left in convoy on December 2nd, 1943, to concentrate on the Adriatic front. The Sangro River was crossed on December 3rd, and on December 6th, the first action was experienced when one platoon of Mortars supported the Hast. & P.E.R. in the attack across the Moro River. There was stiff fighting but the attack was successful.
December 8th, 1943 saw Mortars, M.M.G.'s in heavy action on San Leonardo. One Mortar Pl. fired 400 bombs in one and a half hours and the M.M.G. Coy fired 70,000 rounds. The group was subjected to heavy enemy shelling during which one OR was killed and three were wounded.
On December 9th one Mortar Pl. was subjected to dive bombing resulting in 3 killed and 5 wounded.
On the drive for Ortona, Mortar and M.M.G.'s were kept very busy in their support roles and did excellent work. The A/A Coy finally received the opportunity to engage enemy aircraft and went into action on many occasions scoring a number of hits.
Christmas night, 1943, saw the A/A Coy in a new role. The 48th Highlanders had been cut off for three days so, at dusk, a carrying party from the A/A Coy took in ammunition and supplies to them and returned after dawn bringing out the wounded.
Soon after this the fighting became static in front of Ortona.
NO. 2 CDN. INF. BDE. SP. GRP. (S.L.I.)
On the 2nd of September the group moved to an area around Catania, leaving its heavy scale behind. The group crossed the straits of Messina to the mainland of Italy on the 4th of September and landed in Reggio.
The group moved up through the mountains and down to the Adriatic Coast and followed the coast road up to Catanzaro, where it concentrated for a few days. Advance was rather slow due to the numerous demolitions.
On September 15th it proceeded north via Cortone along the coast and then cut across country to Potenza. The heavy scale joined the main body at Potenza. The 2nd brigade had an "X" force out at Castel, which was about 20 miles north of Potenza and it included one mortar pl., one M.M.G. Pl. and one A/A Pl. During the stay at Castel the Mortar Company first fired new streamline bombs as a test, so that the old sights could be used to fire both types of bombs.
The group left Potenza on the 30th of September. The main divisional axis of advance was Foggia, Lucera and Campobasso. The 2nd brigade was given the role of doing a left flanking movement down through Orta Nova, Castelfranco, S. Croce, Bastelice, and Circe Maggiore to Vinciatura, and then swing north to Campobasso. The drive was slowed down due to bad weather, demolitions and mines. The enemy was contacted at several points but they continued to withdraw without putting up much resistance. After the Vinchiaturo crossroads was reached both mortars and machine guns had considerable work supporting small attacks on Colle den Chase, Barnello and Spinette. When on October 17th one mortar platoon was supporting the Seaforths of Canada, the platoon commander, Capt. J. D. McKenzie, his driver and two artillery officers were doing a recce and were captured. The three officers were sent to the enemy's rear but seizing an opportunity turned on their guards, killed them and escaped. After Spinette was taken our troops were relieved by the 5th British Division and the group then concentrated at Oratino on the 29th of October for re-equipping and rest.
On the 29th of November the Division left the Campobasso area for the Adriatic coast to relieve the 78th British Division who had succeeded in crossing the Sangro River and had established a bridgehead. On the 4th of December the Second Brigade relieved part of the 78th Division. The group then came into the hardest fighting since it landed in Sicily and advance was quite slow as the enemy resisted fiercely. On the 4th of December the brigade was attacked by enemy aircraft and A/A Company reported hits on 3 ME 109's with one shot down.
The drive on Ortona-a-Mare was started about the middle of December. Fighting was fierce with the enemy extremely stubborn. Both mortar and machine gun Companies suffered heavy casualties. From positions near San Leonardo the mortars gave support to the Third Brigade in attacks on Beradi and Ortona Crossroads. They participated along with all the other mortars of the battalion in the barrages preparing for the assault on Ortona, which were directed but Lieut.-Col. Dudley. Immediately a foothold was gained in the town, the mortars moved up and established a precarious O.P. in the tallest building which overlooked the whole town and the ground to the north. Meanwhile the machine gun platoons were giving very close support to the infantry battalions. At this time one platoon headquarters was over-run and the platoon commander, Lieut. W. G. Cook, was taken prisoner. The balance of headquarters being severely wounded were left behind by the enemy when forced to withdraw and recovered by our advancing troops. Christmas day saw the group in action but the spirit of the men could not be dampened. A few fancy rations, a couple of bottles of beer made it a day apart. On the 28th of December Ortona fell and a static period of fighting commenced.
On the 2nd of September the group moved to an area around Catania, leaving its heavy scale behind. The group crossed the straits of Messina to the mainland of Italy on the 4th of September and landed in Reggio.
The group moved up through the mountains and down to the Adriatic Coast and followed the coast road up to Catanzaro, where it concentrated for a few days. Advance was rather slow due to the numerous demolitions.
On September 15th it proceeded north via Cortone along the coast and then cut across country to Potenza. The heavy scale joined the main body at Potenza. The 2nd brigade had an "X" force out at Castel, which was about 20 miles north of Potenza and it included one mortar pl., one M.M.G. Pl. and one A/A Pl. During the stay at Castel the Mortar Company first fired new streamline bombs as a test, so that the old sights could be used to fire both types of bombs.
The group left Potenza on the 30th of September. The main divisional axis of advance was Foggia, Lucera and Campobasso. The 2nd brigade was given the role of doing a left flanking movement down through Orta Nova, Castelfranco, S. Croce, Bastelice, and Circe Maggiore to Vinciatura, and then swing north to Campobasso. The drive was slowed down due to bad weather, demolitions and mines. The enemy was contacted at several points but they continued to withdraw without putting up much resistance. After the Vinchiaturo crossroads was reached both mortars and machine guns had considerable work supporting small attacks on Colle den Chase, Barnello and Spinette. When on October 17th one mortar platoon was supporting the Seaforths of Canada, the platoon commander, Capt. J. D. McKenzie, his driver and two artillery officers were doing a recce and were captured. The three officers were sent to the enemy's rear but seizing an opportunity turned on their guards, killed them and escaped. After Spinette was taken our troops were relieved by the 5th British Division and the group then concentrated at Oratino on the 29th of October for re-equipping and rest.
On the 29th of November the Division left the Campobasso area for the Adriatic coast to relieve the 78th British Division who had succeeded in crossing the Sangro River and had established a bridgehead. On the 4th of December the Second Brigade relieved part of the 78th Division. The group then came into the hardest fighting since it landed in Sicily and advance was quite slow as the enemy resisted fiercely. On the 4th of December the brigade was attacked by enemy aircraft and A/A Company reported hits on 3 ME 109's with one shot down.
The drive on Ortona-a-Mare was started about the middle of December. Fighting was fierce with the enemy extremely stubborn. Both mortar and machine gun Companies suffered heavy casualties. From positions near San Leonardo the mortars gave support to the Third Brigade in attacks on Beradi and Ortona Crossroads. They participated along with all the other mortars of the battalion in the barrages preparing for the assault on Ortona, which were directed but Lieut.-Col. Dudley. Immediately a foothold was gained in the town, the mortars moved up and established a precarious O.P. in the tallest building which overlooked the whole town and the ground to the north. Meanwhile the machine gun platoons were giving very close support to the infantry battalions. At this time one platoon headquarters was over-run and the platoon commander, Lieut. W. G. Cook, was taken prisoner. The balance of headquarters being severely wounded were left behind by the enemy when forced to withdraw and recovered by our advancing troops. Christmas day saw the group in action but the spirit of the men could not be dampened. A few fancy rations, a couple of bottles of beer made it a day apart. On the 28th of December Ortona fell and a static period of fighting commenced.
NO. 3 CDN. INF. BDE. SP. GRP. (S.L.I.)
For the assault on Italy, which was to be led by the 3rd Brigade, the group was split into three parts. The entire machine gun company, a skeleton group headquarters and one mortar platoon, landed with the assault troops on September 3rd at Reggio, Calabria. Italy capitulated, opposition was spotty and the advance was swift. The 2nd part of the group landed on the 5th, including the other mortar platoon, the remainder of Gp. H. Q. and B echelon. They joined the assault troops at Locri and moved on to Catanzaro where the Division stopped for maintenance purposes. Enemy opposition to this point had been negligible and orders were received to push on to Potenza, a flanking move intended to relieve the pressure on the fighting. The remainder of the group joined at Potenza where a further stop for maintenance was ordered. The A/A company did their first shoot in this area at very high flying enemy planes.
On September 26th another move was on, this time to Lucera where it was thought the enemy for certain would fight. First action was encountered on the Volturara River on the 6th of October when the NO. 3 M.M.G. platoon was heavily shelled while supporting the R22eR. The following morning all MMG platoons supported the attack across the river. The R22eR moved fast on the approach to Gambatesta and on the 9th a long convoy of fighting vehicles was trapped on a hillside and viciously shelled. The A/A company their first fatal casualty. A fast moving battle was uneventful and the brigade was relieved at the approach to Campobasso on the 12th. Company and two platoons of the machine gun company were committed to assist in a defensive role. Shelling was spasmodic and relief came again on the 30th of October. The A/A platoons were left under command to provide protection for the infantry battalions. Group H.Q. was situated near Campobasso. The mortar company found accommodation in Matrice and the machine gun company at Monacilioni.
The Group was informally inspected by the new brigade commander, Brig. T. G. Gibson on the 7th of November. The group moved with the 3rd brigade on the 16th to the area of Carovilli to put on demonstrations to confuse the Boche. Several recce, and two fighting patrols were sent out from the group. All patrols proved uneventful but the experience was novel. By the 21st the brigade was deployed along the south bank of the upper Sangro and it was planned to do a co-ordinate shoot. However, the terrain was of such a mountainous type, it was impossible to deploy the group with any tactical soundness. All platoons were then committed to the battalions and harassing shoots were conducted for the remainder of the month. It was wet, it was cold and the enemy shells were getting bigger and a little more frequent.
The group moved to the Adriatic, crossed the Sangero and was in position behind San Leonardo on the 10th of December. Fighting had been particularly severe and the weather was equally miserable. By the 12th the entire group was in battle and the mortar company took a bad pasting for approximately a week in code name "Death Valley" where casualties were extremely heavy. On the 14th, every mortar in the brigade was placed under Major Walker's command to support Major Paul Triquet's attack on Berardi. The 16th was a particularly bad day costing the group abnormal casualties including the group commander Major D. E. Walker who was wounded. Five vehicles and considerable signal equipment in group H. Q. were destroyed by enemy shell fire.
With Major Walker's evacuation, Major W. W. Mair assumed command of the group. After supporting the 2nd brigade attack into Ortona and an Indian brigade attack into Villa Grande, the mortar company moved into the group H.Q. area for Christmas dinner. The machine gun platoons ate in their positions and the A/A company did a job of eating in shifts. Despite adverse conditions it was a pretty good Christmas.
On the 27th the mortar company was placed under 2nd brigade command to assist in the battle for Ortona. Third brigade moved across country after the fall of Ortona with the machine gun and A/A platoons supporting their respective battalions. The battle slowed up south of Point 59 and, supporting the C. Y. R., the mortar company on the 4th of January had its biggest day firing approximately 1000 rounds per mortar.
Casualties during the actions from Reggio to fall of Ortona were:
Killed or died of wounds: Officers 2; O.R.'s 37.
Wounded: Officers 5, O.R.'s 128.
Prisoners of War: Officers 1, O.R.'s 1.
For the assault on Italy, which was to be led by the 3rd Brigade, the group was split into three parts. The entire machine gun company, a skeleton group headquarters and one mortar platoon, landed with the assault troops on September 3rd at Reggio, Calabria. Italy capitulated, opposition was spotty and the advance was swift. The 2nd part of the group landed on the 5th, including the other mortar platoon, the remainder of Gp. H. Q. and B echelon. They joined the assault troops at Locri and moved on to Catanzaro where the Division stopped for maintenance purposes. Enemy opposition to this point had been negligible and orders were received to push on to Potenza, a flanking move intended to relieve the pressure on the fighting. The remainder of the group joined at Potenza where a further stop for maintenance was ordered. The A/A company did their first shoot in this area at very high flying enemy planes.
On September 26th another move was on, this time to Lucera where it was thought the enemy for certain would fight. First action was encountered on the Volturara River on the 6th of October when the NO. 3 M.M.G. platoon was heavily shelled while supporting the R22eR. The following morning all MMG platoons supported the attack across the river. The R22eR moved fast on the approach to Gambatesta and on the 9th a long convoy of fighting vehicles was trapped on a hillside and viciously shelled. The A/A company their first fatal casualty. A fast moving battle was uneventful and the brigade was relieved at the approach to Campobasso on the 12th. Company and two platoons of the machine gun company were committed to assist in a defensive role. Shelling was spasmodic and relief came again on the 30th of October. The A/A platoons were left under command to provide protection for the infantry battalions. Group H.Q. was situated near Campobasso. The mortar company found accommodation in Matrice and the machine gun company at Monacilioni.
The Group was informally inspected by the new brigade commander, Brig. T. G. Gibson on the 7th of November. The group moved with the 3rd brigade on the 16th to the area of Carovilli to put on demonstrations to confuse the Boche. Several recce, and two fighting patrols were sent out from the group. All patrols proved uneventful but the experience was novel. By the 21st the brigade was deployed along the south bank of the upper Sangro and it was planned to do a co-ordinate shoot. However, the terrain was of such a mountainous type, it was impossible to deploy the group with any tactical soundness. All platoons were then committed to the battalions and harassing shoots were conducted for the remainder of the month. It was wet, it was cold and the enemy shells were getting bigger and a little more frequent.
The group moved to the Adriatic, crossed the Sangero and was in position behind San Leonardo on the 10th of December. Fighting had been particularly severe and the weather was equally miserable. By the 12th the entire group was in battle and the mortar company took a bad pasting for approximately a week in code name "Death Valley" where casualties were extremely heavy. On the 14th, every mortar in the brigade was placed under Major Walker's command to support Major Paul Triquet's attack on Berardi. The 16th was a particularly bad day costing the group abnormal casualties including the group commander Major D. E. Walker who was wounded. Five vehicles and considerable signal equipment in group H. Q. were destroyed by enemy shell fire.
With Major Walker's evacuation, Major W. W. Mair assumed command of the group. After supporting the 2nd brigade attack into Ortona and an Indian brigade attack into Villa Grande, the mortar company moved into the group H.Q. area for Christmas dinner. The machine gun platoons ate in their positions and the A/A company did a job of eating in shifts. Despite adverse conditions it was a pretty good Christmas.
On the 27th the mortar company was placed under 2nd brigade command to assist in the battle for Ortona. Third brigade moved across country after the fall of Ortona with the machine gun and A/A platoons supporting their respective battalions. The battle slowed up south of Point 59 and, supporting the C. Y. R., the mortar company on the 4th of January had its biggest day firing approximately 1000 rounds per mortar.
Casualties during the actions from Reggio to fall of Ortona were:
Killed or died of wounds: Officers 2; O.R.'s 37.
Wounded: Officers 5, O.R.'s 128.
Prisoners of War: Officers 1, O.R.'s 1.
REORGANIZATION
Immediately Ortona had fallen Major-General C. Vokes, who had succeeded to command of the Division, ordered an experiment in the organization of the Battalion. The mortar companies were withdrawn from their respective groups and organized into a Divisional Mortar Group. Commanding the new group was Major Walker with Major H. C. Mitchell as 2nd I/C and Capt. J. W. R. LeBlond, Capt. L. E. Jarvis and Capt. S. R. Wells as company commanders. Now group H.Q. controlled the fire of all the mortars in support of any brigade and co-ordinate mortar support with artillery support over representatives at brigade headquarters for local tasks. On January 5th the group also controlled the mortars of the Princess Louise Fusiliers’ in support of the 11th Brigade. Meanwhile, the machine guns and A/A guns were employed as before. The experiment was a success and at the end of January the G.O.C. ordered the complete reorganization of the weapons in the battalion thus marking the end of brigade support groups. Now the three A/A companies were placed under No. 1 Group H.Q., the three M.M.G. companies were placed under No. 2 Group H.Q. and the three mortar companies were placed under No. 3 group H. Q.
For the next two months the division remained static in front of Ortona. On February 3rd Lt.-Col. E. J. S. Dudley relinquished command and Major R. C. Irvine was promoted A/ Lt.-Col., in temporary command until the new commanding officer arrived from England. Lt.-Col. J. A. Calder assumed command the middle of February and Major Irvine reverted to temporary 2nd I/C until the return of Major A. W. Embury in March.
Upon assuming command Lt.-Col. Calder issued the following personal message to all ranks of the Battalion:
Immediately Ortona had fallen Major-General C. Vokes, who had succeeded to command of the Division, ordered an experiment in the organization of the Battalion. The mortar companies were withdrawn from their respective groups and organized into a Divisional Mortar Group. Commanding the new group was Major Walker with Major H. C. Mitchell as 2nd I/C and Capt. J. W. R. LeBlond, Capt. L. E. Jarvis and Capt. S. R. Wells as company commanders. Now group H.Q. controlled the fire of all the mortars in support of any brigade and co-ordinate mortar support with artillery support over representatives at brigade headquarters for local tasks. On January 5th the group also controlled the mortars of the Princess Louise Fusiliers’ in support of the 11th Brigade. Meanwhile, the machine guns and A/A guns were employed as before. The experiment was a success and at the end of January the G.O.C. ordered the complete reorganization of the weapons in the battalion thus marking the end of brigade support groups. Now the three A/A companies were placed under No. 1 Group H.Q., the three M.M.G. companies were placed under No. 2 Group H.Q. and the three mortar companies were placed under No. 3 group H. Q.
For the next two months the division remained static in front of Ortona. On February 3rd Lt.-Col. E. J. S. Dudley relinquished command and Major R. C. Irvine was promoted A/ Lt.-Col., in temporary command until the new commanding officer arrived from England. Lt.-Col. J. A. Calder assumed command the middle of February and Major Irvine reverted to temporary 2nd I/C until the return of Major A. W. Embury in March.
Upon assuming command Lt.-Col. Calder issued the following personal message to all ranks of the Battalion:
The Hitler And Liri Valley
The Eighth Army's plan for the spring offensive was that, masked by an elaborate cover plan, the 13th Corps would break through the Gustav Line; the Polish Corps would capture Mount Casino and the heights overlooking Highway 6; the 1st Canadian Corps would exploit the break-through by 13 Corps, breach the Hitler Line and move up the Liri Valley on the way to Rome. With the clearing of the heights near Casino other formations, including the New Zealand Division, would move up Highway 6 paralleling the Canadian Corps and carry on the exploitation. At the same time the Free French Forces would advance northwards through the hills towards the southern hinge of the Hitler Line. The Canadian Corps plan was to use the First Division for the initial exploitation and breaching of the Hitler Line and then use the 5th Armored Division for the exploitation up the Liri Valley. For the campaign the 25th Armored Brigade was placed under command of the First Canadian Division.
In late April the Division was relieved by the 10th Indian Division and concentrated in the Campobasso area. Lt.-Col. Calder had the responsibility of handling the move of all units composing Div. Tps. For the first time since leaving England the battalion moved as a unit. Almost immediately after arriving in the concentration area, machine gun and mortar companies were detached to brigades for the "infantry cum tank" training which took place near Lucera. They remained under brigade command until the end of the campaign. At this time the A/A company transferred vehicles and equipment of two complete platoons to Headquarters, 1st Canadian Corps. Soon afterwards and additional platoon was transferred to divisional headquarters. In the first week of May the Division crossed Italy to the Madeloni area to be in position to carry out its part of the general plan. Again Lt.-Col. Calder moved Div. Tps. While in this area the officers of the battalion were gathered together for a second mess dinner.
By the 14th it was evident that the 13th Corps would breach the Gustav Line and the brigades began positioning for exploitation. "A" Coy, and No. 1 Mortar Coy. moved into the battle area with 1st Brigade on the 15th, "B" Coy. and No. 2 Mortar Coy. moved with 2nd Brigade on the 16th. "C" Coy. and No. 3 Mortar Coy. moved with 3rd Brigade on the 17th. One A/A platoon moved with each brigade headquarters. Battalion Headquarters with all three group headquarters and a balance of the A/A company moved into the battle area during the night of the 16th.
In the fighting which commenced on the 18th the M.M.G. platoons were placed under command of battalions as movement was rapid and the initiative was in the hands of the battalion commanders. They were constantly employing in assisting the advance. Major de Faye with a skeleton headquarters moved ahead of divisional headquarters to be able to co-ordinate the fire power of two or more companies should the situation permit. This was only possible on the 23rd when 2nd and 3rd brigades made their deliberate attack on the prepared Hitler Line defense. Casualties were heavy. 3 M.G. Coy. was particularity hard hit, including among its losses the company commander, Capt. W. H. Armstrong wounded and two platoon commanders, Liet. J. O. Kealy and Lieut. A. E Warnes killed.
In the initial exploitation the mortar companies fought separately under brigade control but when the 1st and 3rd brigades came up against the Hitler Line the group commander, from a headquarters at Main Divisional Headquarters, co-ordinate fire plans for the impending battle. The morning of the 22nd saw the entire group under group command carry out a heavy fire programmed in support of 1st brigade attacking the left hinge of the Hitler Line at Pontecorvo. Each platoon fired two hundred rounds per mortar in concentrations on hostile mortar positions and infantry strong points. Enemy return fire was heavy and casualties were severe with three killed and two officers and fifteen other ranks injured. A slight breach was made in the defenses but Pontecorvo still dominated the position. That night platoons regrouped ready to support the 3rd and 2nd Brigade's attacks on the centre and the right flank of the defenses. It is of interest to note that the inter-brigade boundary coincided almost exactly with the enemy's inter-divisional boundary. The 2nd brigade bumped into their old enemies, the Para Division and extremely vicious fire came from the mortars which had previously been silent and hence not accounted for in the counter mortar fire plan. The 3rd Brigade's opposition was intense but not as fanatical as that put up by the Paratroops. The C.Y.R. breached the line and the R22eR went through them and consolidated. During the battle each mortar fired approximately three hundred rounds. Capt. Mitchell who was at 2nd brigade headquarters had a frantic time attempting to answer the pleas of the 2nd brigade to silence the enemy mortar fire. When 3rd brigade took up the pursuit all three mortar companies were placed at its disposal, but because of the rapid movement were not all called on for firing. During the battle the counter-mortar organization, which was now a separate unit under command of the group, functioned well and satisfaction with its work was expressed by the G.O.C. and the brigade commanders.
On the 27th the pursuit was taken over by the 5th Armored Division which carried on as far as the Melfi River. First and Second Brigades again took up the chase on the 29th. First Brigade pushed on as far as Anagni while Second Brigade moved up to Ferentino. During this period 1 and 2 Mortar Coys. Were again under brigade control but were used very little.
Now the First Canadian Corps fell into Army Reserve and during the first week of June the battalion moved into a rest area near Piedmonte.
Casualties during this relatively short campaign were:
Killed or died of wounds: officers 4; O.R.'s 8.
Wounded: officers 4; O.R.'s 61.
Breaking the Gothic Line and Advance to the Po Valley
During the early part of July Lt.-Col. Calder was promoted Acting Brigadier in command of First Canadian Infantry Brigade. Major Embury was given command of the battalion and promoted to Acting Lt.-Col. Major Walker took over the duties of second-in-command. On the 17th July, 1944, orders were received from Divisional Headquarters to reorganize the battalion as a machine gun battalion to be known as the 1st Battalion, Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.). This new battalion was to consist of a headquarters, a H.Q. Company, three machine gun companies and a mortar company. An added increment of two mortar platoons was added to the mortar company. By this reorganization the 20mm Oerlikon guns were entirely eliminated and this resulted in a surplus strength of approximately three hundred and fifty all ranks. These surplus personnel had to be sent to the reinforcement unit, and many officers and men were lost to the Battalion as they were posted to other units. A considerable number of these made the supreme sacrifice. Their names are not contained in the Honor Roll of the Battalion as they were killed whilst serving with other units, notably the P.L.D.G.'s, the P.L.F.'s. the W.N.S.R.'s and the Westminster Regiment. Company commanders of the new battalion were as follows: H.Q. Coy, Capt. E.E. Bates; A Coy, Captain. L.L. Clough; B. Coy, Capt. J.W. R. LeBlond; C Coy, Capt. W.G. Winters, Major de Faye. To facilitate tactical handling the four regular platoons and two increment platoons of D Coy. were organized into three batteries commanded by Capt. R.H. La Haie, Capt. E. Jarvis and Capt. S.R. Wells.
Concentrated work was necessary to prepare the unit for battle which was further complicated by the fact that Lt.-Col. Embury was still responsible for the movement of D.M.A. Major Walker had to be dispatched immediately on a reconnaissance of the new divisional concentration area. Inspection on the 21st and 22nd indicated that all was ready and on the 24th the move north began. Capt. Winters was assigned the task of moving all the carriers in the division in a separate slower convoy. By the 28th the Battalion was hidden in the new concentration area near Foligno.
Early August saw the machine gun companies and mortar battalions go under command of their respective brigades as follows: A Coy. and 1 Bty. to First Brigade, B Coy. and 2 Bty to Second Brigade, C Coy. and 3 Bty. to Third Brigade. The Division now moved into action on the outskirts of Florence. All brigades were committed but action only lasted for a few days, and will be remembered principally for the great number of mines encountered and the souvenirs collected.
The army plan had been changed and now there began the remarkable undertaking of moving this fighting force all the way across Italy to the Eastern Coast to strike at the much advertised Gothic Line, which the Germans had been preparing for many months.
The 10th of August found the Battalion concentrated in the area of Perugia while the engineering resources of the Eighth Army were preparing a route through the mountains and the signal personnel were laying communications. During this concentration period the Saskatchewan personnel in the Battalion held a ballot on a number of prospective candidates for a soldier's representative in the Provincial Legislature. It had been agreed at a mass meeting that the soldier winning the ballot would be the sole candidate. As a result of the balloting the C.O. accepted the nomination as soldier's candidate. During this period Capt. H.C. Mitchell was promoted to the acting rank of Major.
On the 20th of August the move across the peninsula commenced and by the 22nd the brigade with our M.G. companies and mortar batteries under command were well camouflaged in the general area of Jesi. The Polish Division had not yet captured the area from which our effort was scheduled to start but were making satisfactory progress. Many will remember how queerly many artillery gunners felt when they deployed their guns well in front of our infantry brigades and protected by only slight patrol activity on the part of the Poles.
On the 25th the advance began, preceded by a terrific aerial and artillery bombardment. The Metauro River was crossed and the troops moved rapidly up to the Foglio. On the other side stretched the Gothic Line defenses. The enemy had demolished every house and cut down every tree which might obstruct his field of fire between the defenses and the river. The defenses themselves were on the gentle forward slope immediately north of a main East-West highway. All the fields between the highway and the river were heavily mined. Fortunately so rapid had been the advance that the enemy had been unable to fully man the defenses. Again the attack was preceded by a terrific aerial and artillery bombardment. Our division was on the right, the Fifth Division was on the left with British Divisions higher up in the mountains and this line was breached in a single day. Thus commenced a month of intense action which included the toughest fighting the unit saw-the battle of Fortunato Ridge and the attack on Rimini. During this time all platoons were constantly employed by their formations. For nearly a week A Coy. and 1 Bty. were placed in support of the Greek Brigade. At this time so concentrated was the effort to push on to Rimini and the Po Valley that formations were overlapping. This made constant reconnaissance necessary by all our machine gun and mortar commanders from highest to lowest. Many were the occasions when commanders were unsure as to whether they were in their own or enemy's territory. As the Germans had observation from the heights, particularly the Republic of Marino, overlooking the whole battle ground, the hostile fire was particularly accurate and deadly. It was during this period that Capt. R.H. La Haie won his M.C. for some exciting few hours work. One earlier incident might be remembered. Prime Minister Churchill was an interested spectator at an attack near Cattolica. One platoon of 1 Bty. had to go into crash action just in the vicinity of his observation post and so preoccupied were the members of the platoon that they completely ignored the distinguished visitor. The shoot itself was highly satisfactory. Personnel of A and B echelons will remember their stay in the Naval Barracks just north of Cattolica and in particular will remember the sole enemy plane which visited the area during several nights. Finally Rimini was taken and on the 24th of September the unit concentrated in Riccione where all were comfortably installed in billets. Cleaning up, smartening up and sports were the bywords. Leave was given to as many as arrangements could be made. By mid-October the battalion was again ready for battle.
Again companies and batteries went under command. Fighting progressed rapidly up to Cesena and the river Savio just beyond it. The task of forming the bridge-head was given to Second Brigade. For this crossing the battalion was placed, for the sole time during active operations, under command of the C.O. Lt.-Col. Embury, who established his battalion Tac H.Q. at 2nd Bde. H.Q. and directed and controlled every support weapon in the unit, softening up of the enemy for the crossing made by the Seaforth Highlanders and the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Despite counter attack after counter attack the bridge-head was held. Now another rapid advance was made to the Ronca River and the Division was again relieved.
During the following rest period the companies and batteries remained in their brigade billeting areas. C Coy. and 3 Bty. were billeted in Cattolica while the rest of the battalion found billets in Riccione. At this time steps were taken to meet the inadequacy of training in reinforcements by establishing two Junior N.C.O.' schools. Capt. W. H. Baker had charge of the mortar school and Lieut. J. J. Grainger had charge of the machine gun school. Each officer had the assistance of two sergeant instructors and had a class of twelve soldiers who might become the future N.C.O.'. This practice was continued in and out of action for the balance of the Italian campaign.
All personnel serving at the time will remember the parade on the 13th of November on the occasion of an informal visit by the G.O.C. who was acting corps commander at the time. It was then that the scheme for rotation leave to Canada was announced. Only affected were those with five years of service away from home and everyone was warned that allotments would be small. The first three to qualify were dispatched early in December.
Meanwhile voting had been proceeding for a soldiers’ representative in the Saskatchewan Legislature. The Commanding Officer was advised that he had been successful in the election contest but was given no indication as to when his services would be required.
During this period leave allotments were very liberal and nearly one-half of the battalion went either to Rome or Florence in battalion transport.
At this time Lieut. - General Foulkes assumed command of 1 Cnd. Corps; Major General Chris Vokes left the division to take command of the Fourth Division; Major General Foster was named G.O.C. of First Division. Until his arrival from France, Brigadier Smith acted as G.O.C. Now a meeting of all commanders down to company level was held when they were put into the picture for coming operations. It was with great satisfaction that we learned of the intention to have the Division out of the line by Christmas.
Elaborate preparations were commenced for comforts for the troops at that time.
Companies and Batteries were placed under command of their respective brigades in late November and the move from Riccione commenced on the 28th. This operation produced extremely heavy fighting with progress very slow. Rivers were close together, each had high dykes and each was defended fiercely. Russi was reached by the middle of December. Major-General Foster arrived to take over command of the Division. At this stage of the operation the frontage of the Division was narrowed and the C.O. was able to make the fullest use of the flexibility of the machine gun companies. Coordination fire plans provided the support of every machine gun in the unit for each battalion attack. Great credit is due the signal platoon for the fine job of establishing and maintaining communications which made this effective support possible. In the anticipation of relief the battalion dispatched on the 16th of December and advance party to Salerno where preparations were made to receive the battalion before Christmas day. However, it soon became evident that the battalion would not be out of the line by that time. The stickiness of the operation combined with the fact that the relieving formation had to be diverted to Greece, where trouble had broken out, caused a change in the high command's plan. Just before Christmas, the Division fought its way to positions on the south bank of the Senio River. Here it was to remain for the winter months.
It was now arranged that one machine gun Company and one mortar battery would be withdrawn successively for a three day period during which the men could have their Christmas dinner. "C" Company and 3 Battery were the lucky ones to be out on Christmas day. Despite the disappointment at not being relieved, all troops were able to enjoy a very good Christmas season.
On the occasion the following personal message was received from the 8th Army Commander:
PERSONAL MESSAGE
FROM THE ARMY COMMANDER
"Today we celebrate the sixth Christmas Day since the outbreak of the war. Many of us in Eighth Army have spent the majority of these away from home and this Christmas is no exception. But now two things dominate our minds. First we know that victory is assured, and secondly we have every reason to believe that next Christmas we shall look back on the end of the war with Germany.
Great successes have been achieved on all fronts during the past year. The Eighth Army has again fought decisively in that great struggle. With the assistance of our gallant American Allies you have accomplished memorable feats of arms by breaking through the Gustav Line, the Hitler Line and the Gothic Line. These great defensive positions were sighted in country which favored the defense to a remarkable degree, and in addition the enemy employed every device of modern war to strengthen the natural obstacles. In spite of these great difficulties you, by your gallantry, determination and endurance, drove a determined enemy from his defenses and pursued him for many hundreds of miles through some of the most difficult campaigning country in Europe.
Above all you have rendered incalculable assistance to your comrades fighting on the Western Front by compelling the enemy to keep a large number of good divisions in Italy. The Eighth Army is playing a decisive part in hastening the final collapse of the enemy.
These are achievements of which the Empire and you may well be proud of.
I congratulate you and thank you all. I wish you and your families a Happy Christmas, and I hope with you that the coming year will bring the final overthrow of Germany."
(sgd.) R. L. McCreery,
Italy Lieut.-General,
Christmas Day, 1944 G.O.C., Eighth
Army
At this time "C" Company commanded by Major L. L. Clough was ordered to assume an infantry role in holding a portion of the line on the south bank of the Senio. This lasted only three days while one of the Reece Squadrons was out of the line for its Christmas rest.
On the 7th of January, Lt-Col. Embury received his call to return to Canada for the session of the Saskatchewan Legislature. That evening a gathering of all available officers met at his headquarters near Russi to bid him farewell and good luck.
Major D.E. Walker, D.S.O., E.D., was promoted to Acting Lt.-Col. to assume command of the unit. Major T. de Faye, M.B.E. succeeded as second -in-command. Coy. Commanders now were: H.Q. Coy., Capt. J.E. Robinson; A Coy., Capt. E.E. Bates; B Coy., Capt. W.G. Winters; C Coy., Major L.L. Clough; D Coy., Major H.C. Mitchell.
Upon assuming command, Lt.-Col. Walker issued the following message to all ranks of the Battalion:
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER
It is with a terrific feeling of pride that I assume command of the 1st Bn. Saskatoon Light Infantry (MG). The best I have of experience, effort and enthusiasm will be expended in carrying out the policy of higher command and the advancement of the Battalion. With your unforced support we will still further enhance the reputation of the Unit. I pass on; to you what I consider to be the S.L.I. corner stone’s of service.
1. We will never be satisfied with the support that we are giving to the Infantry. Somehow, or someway, we can do something TODAY to better it. Is there any more suitable location from which to do the job? Are the tasks the most effective tasks for our weapons, or, can we suggest other and better ones? Are we giving the best we've got in the technical handling of our machine guns and mortars? Our job is not merely to give support but to give better support. The best is still ahead.
2. We are the CLOSE support of the infantry. By our proximity to them, by our aggressiveness, by the closest of liaison with them, by answering their calls for fire with the absolute minimum lapse of time and building up their confidence in our accuracy of fire we will add to their morale and their confident dependence on us.
3. We will NOT be neutralized. Nothing that the enemy can do will be allowed to stop our fire. We have not the honor, nor do we have the sacrifices of hand-to-hand combat, but, we can. Ensure that we will never be called upon in vain to answer a call for fire. Whatever that entails, whether it is selections of positions, preparation of gun or mortar sights or state of readiness, it will be done.
4. We will surpass the high standard already attained. As individuals, as sub-units and as a unit we know that if we do not go ahead we will be slipping, as there is no such a thing as standing still. No day will be allowed to pass without some improvements. As the Battalion is merely the sum total of its sub-units, so the sum total of sub-unit improvements will measure the advance of the Battalion.
(Sgd.) D. E. WALKER, Lieut.-Col.
Commanding, Sask. L.I. (MG)
A fairly uneventful two months passed by with companies and
batteries being relieved to conform with brigade commitments. Two companies and two batteries were in the line while the balance of the battalion was in reserve and resting roles. The regular machine gun ammunition was in short supply so that belts had to be hand loaded with ordinary rifle ammunition. As night firing programs were very extensive this entailed a great deal of work preparing these belts. Mortar ammunition too, was scarce and all platoons were placed on a low quota. Due to a change in the Division's boundary.
Battalion headquarters had to move. In order to have good communication with all companies it was necessary to move into a forward position in the town of Mezzano. Here it was subject to fairly heavy shell fire on occasion but fortunately headquarters escaped any severe casualties.
In late February the Division was relieved by the 8th Indian Division and the unit moved south to the general area of Ancona.
Major Clough was given the responsibility of concentrating and moving all the carriers of the Division direct to the port of Leghorn.
In the new area each company and battalion headquarters were comfortably billeted in their own small hill-top village and were able to relax for the first time in three months. The increment of two mortar platoons was lost at this time although the personnel were carried surplus to battalion strength.
Casualties in this period were:
Killed or died of wounds: officers 1; O.R.'s 8.
Wounded: officers 7; O.R.'s 96.
ACTION IN NORTH WEST EUROPE
In early March the 1st Cdn. Corps began the move from the Italian theatre to join the 1st Cdn. Army on the Western Front. The companies and batteries were placed under command of their re respective brigades for the move. On the 4th of March the convoys started on their journey across Italy to the port of Leghorn. By L.C.T. and Liberty ships personnel and transport crossed the Mediterranean to Marseilles.
Under strict security regulations the sub-units moved by road in their own transport through France into Belgium where the unit concentrated in the town of Hoogstraaten until early April. Now leave to England was granted to a considerable portion of unit personnel, who, for the most part, had been away for nearly two years. Here too personnel became acquainted with the V-1 Bomb as the town was in the path of these bombs directed against Antwerp. The battalion learned of their commitment in what was expected to be the final battle against Germany. The Division was to move north along the east side of the Ijssel River and then turn west across the Ijssel and eliminate the large German forces in North Western Holland.
Companies and batteries were again placed under command and moved into the Reichswald Forest. Almost immediately afterwards another move placed the Division in position for the attack across the Ijssel River. The succeeding operations lasted approximately two weeks. Enemy morale was crumbling and the fighting was not too severe. The unit proved its versatility by using its machine gun platoons very boldly in this fast moving fluid type of warfare. Excellent work was accomplished by sections with their machine guns mounted on the carriers in conjunction with flame-throwing wasps and infantry carrier sections. The O.P. officers of the mortar platoons did excellent work in giving close support to fast moving infantry. Casualties during this short period were fairly heavy as would be expected from the bold use of the weapons.
Members of the Battalion will ever remember the exploit of Lieut. E. Nicholson and his O.P. party in front of Appeldoorn when daylight found his platoon dominated by the enemy. His action there won him a most deserved M.C.
May 5th saw the war end in Holland with the surrender of the German troops to the Canadians. On May 10th the battalion moved with Divisional Headquarters to Rotterdam for its formal occupation. The reception from the Dutch people was beyond all conception. In Rotterdam itself it was almost impossible to keep the vehicles moving because of mass demonstrations of joy. In the succeeding month the roles of the battalion were many and varied. Some platoons had the task of guarding Divisional Headquarters, others guarded essential facilities, others guarded ammunition dumps and vehicle parks. Still others had the task of disarming the enemy and arranging their removal to Germany. It was indeed a novel experience to meet the Germans in this manner after having battled him viciously for almost two years.
During this short period of action in Holland, the casualties were:
Killed or died of wounds: Officers 1; O.R.'s 8.
Wounded: Officers 1; O.R.'s 20.
About the middle of May the C.O. was given the task of organizing and commanding a Demonstration Group to show the Dutch people the weapons and equipment used by the 1st Canadian Corps in the liberation of their country. This Demonstration Group was known as WALKER FORCE and toured all the important cities and towns of North West Holland. During this period, Major de Faye was in command of the Battalion.
The task of concentrating, disarming and moving the Germans from the Netherlands was completed by the middle of June. The Division ceased to have an operational role and it was concentrated in the area of Hilversum and Utrecht. The Battalion found quarters in the village of de Bilt where personnel proceeded to make themselves comfortable. At this time many changes took place. Major de Faye left to become 2 i c of the Winnipeg Rifles of the German Occupation Force. He later succeeded to command of this battalion.
Over one hundred officers and men left for Canada as part of the Far East Force. Every week witnessed many others leave on Long Service Drafts for repatriation to Canada. Major H. C. Mitchell returned from Long Service leave in Canada and succeeded Major deFaye as 2 i c and for the next two months acted in command of the battalion while the C.O. acted as Divisional Sports Officer.
The Quartermaster department under Capt. J. D. McKenzie and R.Q.S.M. Loken did an absolutely first class job of packing and returning the very large amount of equipment so that the unit received a complete clearance when it came time to leave. The newly appointed adjutant, Lieut. W. H. Haight and his orderly room staff did an equally splendid job of the records despite the many changes and the problems arising from applications to marry, interunit transfers, etc. One event which will be remembered of this period was the entertainment at which the men of Battalion were hosts to all the children of the village.
Repatriation commenced on the 25th of August and proceed very smoothly. The Battalion embarked at Ostend, arrived that same night at Dover and proceeded immediately to No. 2 Repat. Depot at Aldershot within a few hundred yards of Tournay Barracks where the unit had spent its first months in England.
An interesting event took place during the stay at Aldershot. The unit was inspected by and marched past one of its former commanding officers, Lt.-Col. J. A. Calder. Accompanying Colonel Calder was an original officer of the battalion, Lt.-Col. G. F. P. Bradbrooke, who had commanded the Canadian Parachute Battalion during the invasion of Normandy.
On the 20th of September the Battalion commenced its journey
home, embarking on the New Amsterdam at Southampton. On arrival at Halifax the unit was met by the commanding officer who had taken it overseas, Major-General A. E. Potts, C.B.E., E.D. The Battalion was formed up on deck of the ship and was inspected by the General. That same evening the unit boarded a train for Saskatoon, arriving there about noon on the 3rd of October. The citizens of Saskatoon welcomed the return of its battalion with a very wonderful reception, first at the Exhibition Grounds and later at the Kiwanis Memorial Park. That same day, the paper work being completed, the 1st Battalion, Saskatoon Light Infantry (MG) was disbanded.
Source: A Resume of the Story of 1st Battalion, the Saskatoon Light Infantry (MG) Canadian Army Overseas, compiled by Lt. Col. Drayton E. Walker
During the early part of July Lt.-Col. Calder was promoted Acting Brigadier in command of First Canadian Infantry Brigade. Major Embury was given command of the battalion and promoted to Acting Lt.-Col. Major Walker took over the duties of second-in-command. On the 17th July, 1944, orders were received from Divisional Headquarters to reorganize the battalion as a machine gun battalion to be known as the 1st Battalion, Saskatoon Light Infantry (M.G.). This new battalion was to consist of a headquarters, a H.Q. Company, three machine gun companies and a mortar company. An added increment of two mortar platoons was added to the mortar company. By this reorganization the 20mm Oerlikon guns were entirely eliminated and this resulted in a surplus strength of approximately three hundred and fifty all ranks. These surplus personnel had to be sent to the reinforcement unit, and many officers and men were lost to the Battalion as they were posted to other units. A considerable number of these made the supreme sacrifice. Their names are not contained in the Honor Roll of the Battalion as they were killed whilst serving with other units, notably the P.L.D.G.'s, the P.L.F.'s. the W.N.S.R.'s and the Westminster Regiment. Company commanders of the new battalion were as follows: H.Q. Coy, Capt. E.E. Bates; A Coy, Captain. L.L. Clough; B. Coy, Capt. J.W. R. LeBlond; C Coy, Capt. W.G. Winters, Major de Faye. To facilitate tactical handling the four regular platoons and two increment platoons of D Coy. were organized into three batteries commanded by Capt. R.H. La Haie, Capt. E. Jarvis and Capt. S.R. Wells.
Concentrated work was necessary to prepare the unit for battle which was further complicated by the fact that Lt.-Col. Embury was still responsible for the movement of D.M.A. Major Walker had to be dispatched immediately on a reconnaissance of the new divisional concentration area. Inspection on the 21st and 22nd indicated that all was ready and on the 24th the move north began. Capt. Winters was assigned the task of moving all the carriers in the division in a separate slower convoy. By the 28th the Battalion was hidden in the new concentration area near Foligno.
Early August saw the machine gun companies and mortar battalions go under command of their respective brigades as follows: A Coy. and 1 Bty. to First Brigade, B Coy. and 2 Bty to Second Brigade, C Coy. and 3 Bty. to Third Brigade. The Division now moved into action on the outskirts of Florence. All brigades were committed but action only lasted for a few days, and will be remembered principally for the great number of mines encountered and the souvenirs collected.
The army plan had been changed and now there began the remarkable undertaking of moving this fighting force all the way across Italy to the Eastern Coast to strike at the much advertised Gothic Line, which the Germans had been preparing for many months.
The 10th of August found the Battalion concentrated in the area of Perugia while the engineering resources of the Eighth Army were preparing a route through the mountains and the signal personnel were laying communications. During this concentration period the Saskatchewan personnel in the Battalion held a ballot on a number of prospective candidates for a soldier's representative in the Provincial Legislature. It had been agreed at a mass meeting that the soldier winning the ballot would be the sole candidate. As a result of the balloting the C.O. accepted the nomination as soldier's candidate. During this period Capt. H.C. Mitchell was promoted to the acting rank of Major.
On the 20th of August the move across the peninsula commenced and by the 22nd the brigade with our M.G. companies and mortar batteries under command were well camouflaged in the general area of Jesi. The Polish Division had not yet captured the area from which our effort was scheduled to start but were making satisfactory progress. Many will remember how queerly many artillery gunners felt when they deployed their guns well in front of our infantry brigades and protected by only slight patrol activity on the part of the Poles.
On the 25th the advance began, preceded by a terrific aerial and artillery bombardment. The Metauro River was crossed and the troops moved rapidly up to the Foglio. On the other side stretched the Gothic Line defenses. The enemy had demolished every house and cut down every tree which might obstruct his field of fire between the defenses and the river. The defenses themselves were on the gentle forward slope immediately north of a main East-West highway. All the fields between the highway and the river were heavily mined. Fortunately so rapid had been the advance that the enemy had been unable to fully man the defenses. Again the attack was preceded by a terrific aerial and artillery bombardment. Our division was on the right, the Fifth Division was on the left with British Divisions higher up in the mountains and this line was breached in a single day. Thus commenced a month of intense action which included the toughest fighting the unit saw-the battle of Fortunato Ridge and the attack on Rimini. During this time all platoons were constantly employed by their formations. For nearly a week A Coy. and 1 Bty. were placed in support of the Greek Brigade. At this time so concentrated was the effort to push on to Rimini and the Po Valley that formations were overlapping. This made constant reconnaissance necessary by all our machine gun and mortar commanders from highest to lowest. Many were the occasions when commanders were unsure as to whether they were in their own or enemy's territory. As the Germans had observation from the heights, particularly the Republic of Marino, overlooking the whole battle ground, the hostile fire was particularly accurate and deadly. It was during this period that Capt. R.H. La Haie won his M.C. for some exciting few hours work. One earlier incident might be remembered. Prime Minister Churchill was an interested spectator at an attack near Cattolica. One platoon of 1 Bty. had to go into crash action just in the vicinity of his observation post and so preoccupied were the members of the platoon that they completely ignored the distinguished visitor. The shoot itself was highly satisfactory. Personnel of A and B echelons will remember their stay in the Naval Barracks just north of Cattolica and in particular will remember the sole enemy plane which visited the area during several nights. Finally Rimini was taken and on the 24th of September the unit concentrated in Riccione where all were comfortably installed in billets. Cleaning up, smartening up and sports were the bywords. Leave was given to as many as arrangements could be made. By mid-October the battalion was again ready for battle.
Again companies and batteries went under command. Fighting progressed rapidly up to Cesena and the river Savio just beyond it. The task of forming the bridge-head was given to Second Brigade. For this crossing the battalion was placed, for the sole time during active operations, under command of the C.O. Lt.-Col. Embury, who established his battalion Tac H.Q. at 2nd Bde. H.Q. and directed and controlled every support weapon in the unit, softening up of the enemy for the crossing made by the Seaforth Highlanders and the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. Despite counter attack after counter attack the bridge-head was held. Now another rapid advance was made to the Ronca River and the Division was again relieved.
During the following rest period the companies and batteries remained in their brigade billeting areas. C Coy. and 3 Bty. were billeted in Cattolica while the rest of the battalion found billets in Riccione. At this time steps were taken to meet the inadequacy of training in reinforcements by establishing two Junior N.C.O.' schools. Capt. W. H. Baker had charge of the mortar school and Lieut. J. J. Grainger had charge of the machine gun school. Each officer had the assistance of two sergeant instructors and had a class of twelve soldiers who might become the future N.C.O.'. This practice was continued in and out of action for the balance of the Italian campaign.
All personnel serving at the time will remember the parade on the 13th of November on the occasion of an informal visit by the G.O.C. who was acting corps commander at the time. It was then that the scheme for rotation leave to Canada was announced. Only affected were those with five years of service away from home and everyone was warned that allotments would be small. The first three to qualify were dispatched early in December.
Meanwhile voting had been proceeding for a soldiers’ representative in the Saskatchewan Legislature. The Commanding Officer was advised that he had been successful in the election contest but was given no indication as to when his services would be required.
During this period leave allotments were very liberal and nearly one-half of the battalion went either to Rome or Florence in battalion transport.
At this time Lieut. - General Foulkes assumed command of 1 Cnd. Corps; Major General Chris Vokes left the division to take command of the Fourth Division; Major General Foster was named G.O.C. of First Division. Until his arrival from France, Brigadier Smith acted as G.O.C. Now a meeting of all commanders down to company level was held when they were put into the picture for coming operations. It was with great satisfaction that we learned of the intention to have the Division out of the line by Christmas.
Elaborate preparations were commenced for comforts for the troops at that time.
Companies and Batteries were placed under command of their respective brigades in late November and the move from Riccione commenced on the 28th. This operation produced extremely heavy fighting with progress very slow. Rivers were close together, each had high dykes and each was defended fiercely. Russi was reached by the middle of December. Major-General Foster arrived to take over command of the Division. At this stage of the operation the frontage of the Division was narrowed and the C.O. was able to make the fullest use of the flexibility of the machine gun companies. Coordination fire plans provided the support of every machine gun in the unit for each battalion attack. Great credit is due the signal platoon for the fine job of establishing and maintaining communications which made this effective support possible. In the anticipation of relief the battalion dispatched on the 16th of December and advance party to Salerno where preparations were made to receive the battalion before Christmas day. However, it soon became evident that the battalion would not be out of the line by that time. The stickiness of the operation combined with the fact that the relieving formation had to be diverted to Greece, where trouble had broken out, caused a change in the high command's plan. Just before Christmas, the Division fought its way to positions on the south bank of the Senio River. Here it was to remain for the winter months.
It was now arranged that one machine gun Company and one mortar battery would be withdrawn successively for a three day period during which the men could have their Christmas dinner. "C" Company and 3 Battery were the lucky ones to be out on Christmas day. Despite the disappointment at not being relieved, all troops were able to enjoy a very good Christmas season.
On the occasion the following personal message was received from the 8th Army Commander:
PERSONAL MESSAGE
FROM THE ARMY COMMANDER
"Today we celebrate the sixth Christmas Day since the outbreak of the war. Many of us in Eighth Army have spent the majority of these away from home and this Christmas is no exception. But now two things dominate our minds. First we know that victory is assured, and secondly we have every reason to believe that next Christmas we shall look back on the end of the war with Germany.
Great successes have been achieved on all fronts during the past year. The Eighth Army has again fought decisively in that great struggle. With the assistance of our gallant American Allies you have accomplished memorable feats of arms by breaking through the Gustav Line, the Hitler Line and the Gothic Line. These great defensive positions were sighted in country which favored the defense to a remarkable degree, and in addition the enemy employed every device of modern war to strengthen the natural obstacles. In spite of these great difficulties you, by your gallantry, determination and endurance, drove a determined enemy from his defenses and pursued him for many hundreds of miles through some of the most difficult campaigning country in Europe.
Above all you have rendered incalculable assistance to your comrades fighting on the Western Front by compelling the enemy to keep a large number of good divisions in Italy. The Eighth Army is playing a decisive part in hastening the final collapse of the enemy.
These are achievements of which the Empire and you may well be proud of.
I congratulate you and thank you all. I wish you and your families a Happy Christmas, and I hope with you that the coming year will bring the final overthrow of Germany."
(sgd.) R. L. McCreery,
Italy Lieut.-General,
Christmas Day, 1944 G.O.C., Eighth
Army
At this time "C" Company commanded by Major L. L. Clough was ordered to assume an infantry role in holding a portion of the line on the south bank of the Senio. This lasted only three days while one of the Reece Squadrons was out of the line for its Christmas rest.
On the 7th of January, Lt-Col. Embury received his call to return to Canada for the session of the Saskatchewan Legislature. That evening a gathering of all available officers met at his headquarters near Russi to bid him farewell and good luck.
Major D.E. Walker, D.S.O., E.D., was promoted to Acting Lt.-Col. to assume command of the unit. Major T. de Faye, M.B.E. succeeded as second -in-command. Coy. Commanders now were: H.Q. Coy., Capt. J.E. Robinson; A Coy., Capt. E.E. Bates; B Coy., Capt. W.G. Winters; C Coy., Major L.L. Clough; D Coy., Major H.C. Mitchell.
Upon assuming command, Lt.-Col. Walker issued the following message to all ranks of the Battalion:
MESSAGE FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER
It is with a terrific feeling of pride that I assume command of the 1st Bn. Saskatoon Light Infantry (MG). The best I have of experience, effort and enthusiasm will be expended in carrying out the policy of higher command and the advancement of the Battalion. With your unforced support we will still further enhance the reputation of the Unit. I pass on; to you what I consider to be the S.L.I. corner stone’s of service.
1. We will never be satisfied with the support that we are giving to the Infantry. Somehow, or someway, we can do something TODAY to better it. Is there any more suitable location from which to do the job? Are the tasks the most effective tasks for our weapons, or, can we suggest other and better ones? Are we giving the best we've got in the technical handling of our machine guns and mortars? Our job is not merely to give support but to give better support. The best is still ahead.
2. We are the CLOSE support of the infantry. By our proximity to them, by our aggressiveness, by the closest of liaison with them, by answering their calls for fire with the absolute minimum lapse of time and building up their confidence in our accuracy of fire we will add to their morale and their confident dependence on us.
3. We will NOT be neutralized. Nothing that the enemy can do will be allowed to stop our fire. We have not the honor, nor do we have the sacrifices of hand-to-hand combat, but, we can. Ensure that we will never be called upon in vain to answer a call for fire. Whatever that entails, whether it is selections of positions, preparation of gun or mortar sights or state of readiness, it will be done.
4. We will surpass the high standard already attained. As individuals, as sub-units and as a unit we know that if we do not go ahead we will be slipping, as there is no such a thing as standing still. No day will be allowed to pass without some improvements. As the Battalion is merely the sum total of its sub-units, so the sum total of sub-unit improvements will measure the advance of the Battalion.
(Sgd.) D. E. WALKER, Lieut.-Col.
Commanding, Sask. L.I. (MG)
A fairly uneventful two months passed by with companies and
batteries being relieved to conform with brigade commitments. Two companies and two batteries were in the line while the balance of the battalion was in reserve and resting roles. The regular machine gun ammunition was in short supply so that belts had to be hand loaded with ordinary rifle ammunition. As night firing programs were very extensive this entailed a great deal of work preparing these belts. Mortar ammunition too, was scarce and all platoons were placed on a low quota. Due to a change in the Division's boundary.
Battalion headquarters had to move. In order to have good communication with all companies it was necessary to move into a forward position in the town of Mezzano. Here it was subject to fairly heavy shell fire on occasion but fortunately headquarters escaped any severe casualties.
In late February the Division was relieved by the 8th Indian Division and the unit moved south to the general area of Ancona.
Major Clough was given the responsibility of concentrating and moving all the carriers of the Division direct to the port of Leghorn.
In the new area each company and battalion headquarters were comfortably billeted in their own small hill-top village and were able to relax for the first time in three months. The increment of two mortar platoons was lost at this time although the personnel were carried surplus to battalion strength.
Casualties in this period were:
Killed or died of wounds: officers 1; O.R.'s 8.
Wounded: officers 7; O.R.'s 96.
ACTION IN NORTH WEST EUROPE
In early March the 1st Cdn. Corps began the move from the Italian theatre to join the 1st Cdn. Army on the Western Front. The companies and batteries were placed under command of their re respective brigades for the move. On the 4th of March the convoys started on their journey across Italy to the port of Leghorn. By L.C.T. and Liberty ships personnel and transport crossed the Mediterranean to Marseilles.
Under strict security regulations the sub-units moved by road in their own transport through France into Belgium where the unit concentrated in the town of Hoogstraaten until early April. Now leave to England was granted to a considerable portion of unit personnel, who, for the most part, had been away for nearly two years. Here too personnel became acquainted with the V-1 Bomb as the town was in the path of these bombs directed against Antwerp. The battalion learned of their commitment in what was expected to be the final battle against Germany. The Division was to move north along the east side of the Ijssel River and then turn west across the Ijssel and eliminate the large German forces in North Western Holland.
Companies and batteries were again placed under command and moved into the Reichswald Forest. Almost immediately afterwards another move placed the Division in position for the attack across the Ijssel River. The succeeding operations lasted approximately two weeks. Enemy morale was crumbling and the fighting was not too severe. The unit proved its versatility by using its machine gun platoons very boldly in this fast moving fluid type of warfare. Excellent work was accomplished by sections with their machine guns mounted on the carriers in conjunction with flame-throwing wasps and infantry carrier sections. The O.P. officers of the mortar platoons did excellent work in giving close support to fast moving infantry. Casualties during this short period were fairly heavy as would be expected from the bold use of the weapons.
Members of the Battalion will ever remember the exploit of Lieut. E. Nicholson and his O.P. party in front of Appeldoorn when daylight found his platoon dominated by the enemy. His action there won him a most deserved M.C.
May 5th saw the war end in Holland with the surrender of the German troops to the Canadians. On May 10th the battalion moved with Divisional Headquarters to Rotterdam for its formal occupation. The reception from the Dutch people was beyond all conception. In Rotterdam itself it was almost impossible to keep the vehicles moving because of mass demonstrations of joy. In the succeeding month the roles of the battalion were many and varied. Some platoons had the task of guarding Divisional Headquarters, others guarded essential facilities, others guarded ammunition dumps and vehicle parks. Still others had the task of disarming the enemy and arranging their removal to Germany. It was indeed a novel experience to meet the Germans in this manner after having battled him viciously for almost two years.
During this short period of action in Holland, the casualties were:
Killed or died of wounds: Officers 1; O.R.'s 8.
Wounded: Officers 1; O.R.'s 20.
About the middle of May the C.O. was given the task of organizing and commanding a Demonstration Group to show the Dutch people the weapons and equipment used by the 1st Canadian Corps in the liberation of their country. This Demonstration Group was known as WALKER FORCE and toured all the important cities and towns of North West Holland. During this period, Major de Faye was in command of the Battalion.
The task of concentrating, disarming and moving the Germans from the Netherlands was completed by the middle of June. The Division ceased to have an operational role and it was concentrated in the area of Hilversum and Utrecht. The Battalion found quarters in the village of de Bilt where personnel proceeded to make themselves comfortable. At this time many changes took place. Major de Faye left to become 2 i c of the Winnipeg Rifles of the German Occupation Force. He later succeeded to command of this battalion.
Over one hundred officers and men left for Canada as part of the Far East Force. Every week witnessed many others leave on Long Service Drafts for repatriation to Canada. Major H. C. Mitchell returned from Long Service leave in Canada and succeeded Major deFaye as 2 i c and for the next two months acted in command of the battalion while the C.O. acted as Divisional Sports Officer.
The Quartermaster department under Capt. J. D. McKenzie and R.Q.S.M. Loken did an absolutely first class job of packing and returning the very large amount of equipment so that the unit received a complete clearance when it came time to leave. The newly appointed adjutant, Lieut. W. H. Haight and his orderly room staff did an equally splendid job of the records despite the many changes and the problems arising from applications to marry, interunit transfers, etc. One event which will be remembered of this period was the entertainment at which the men of Battalion were hosts to all the children of the village.
Repatriation commenced on the 25th of August and proceed very smoothly. The Battalion embarked at Ostend, arrived that same night at Dover and proceeded immediately to No. 2 Repat. Depot at Aldershot within a few hundred yards of Tournay Barracks where the unit had spent its first months in England.
An interesting event took place during the stay at Aldershot. The unit was inspected by and marched past one of its former commanding officers, Lt.-Col. J. A. Calder. Accompanying Colonel Calder was an original officer of the battalion, Lt.-Col. G. F. P. Bradbrooke, who had commanded the Canadian Parachute Battalion during the invasion of Normandy.
On the 20th of September the Battalion commenced its journey
home, embarking on the New Amsterdam at Southampton. On arrival at Halifax the unit was met by the commanding officer who had taken it overseas, Major-General A. E. Potts, C.B.E., E.D. The Battalion was formed up on deck of the ship and was inspected by the General. That same evening the unit boarded a train for Saskatoon, arriving there about noon on the 3rd of October. The citizens of Saskatoon welcomed the return of its battalion with a very wonderful reception, first at the Exhibition Grounds and later at the Kiwanis Memorial Park. That same day, the paper work being completed, the 1st Battalion, Saskatoon Light Infantry (MG) was disbanded.
Source: A Resume of the Story of 1st Battalion, the Saskatoon Light Infantry (MG) Canadian Army Overseas, compiled by Lt. Col. Drayton E. Walker