![]() ![]() These foolscap-sized photographs were very detailed indicating where buildings and pathways were. Photographs were taken, developed, and delivered by despatch rider. The “system” for the division included the use of Mustang aircraft which were combined Bomber/Fighter planes, and spotter planes. The scouts could summon up artillery by sending map references by radio telephone the message in scoutspeak being “send us over a stonk”, and the shells headed where they were required. The Brigade relied upon the scouts to make observations of enemy positions and possibilities for advance and to report accurately. ![]() ![]() I was among the first troops to cross the River Po ahead of the main division making the last push through the Argenta Gap in April 1945 as one of the six scouts. The Sixth Armoured Division of the Eighth Army consisted of three battalions and each battalion was made up of three brigades Infantry Rifles - The Kings Royal Rifles Guards Brigade Ghurkhas Brigade Tanks and 21st Lancers Derby Yeomanry, and The Hussars. Any shortage of men and they would have to “call up the cooks!” Alexander warned the troops that they had to keep going as “there was nobody behind them”. It was from Rimini and Cattolica that Field Marshall Alexander ordered the “last push” through the Argenta Gap on 12th April 1944. I was in Rome when I heard D-Day announced - “about time too!” From Rome the division went to Rimini and Cattolica for replacements and reinforcements for strengthening equipment (and a brief respite in Florence). It involved the taking up of railway tracks and cutting through embankments. Much ingenuity was required there to get round the marshes of Cassertes. Then from the end of September 1943 the battle moved to Salerno until in May 1944 the battleground moved up to Lira Valley. The troops had been deadlocked in Casino. The war in Italy had moved slowly over a year with many abortive battles and fearful loss of life. ![]()
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