| Regiment | 2nd Wiltshire |
|---|---|
| Location | D +1, [Floridia], Sicily |
| Entry | 0600hrs. 'O' Gp 0630hrs. Bn moves fwd to take SOLARINO. A Coy take the following Ps/W :- 1 Officer ) 4 N.C.Os ) Ex ITALIAN 75 Regt. NAPOLI Division. 18 O.Rs ) This enemy Pl was moving WEST across country and was presumably trying to rejoin remainder of the Regiment in area SOLARINO, after getting away from SIRACUSA which fell in the late afternoon of 10 July. 0745hrs. Immediately WEST of FLORIDIA 2-pdr Portee was hit by 8.1cm mortar bomb. Mortar and Arty bombing of ROAD FLORIDIA - SOLARINO continued throughout the morning. One INNISKILLING carrier was knocked out by GERMAN 88mm gun firing straight down road. 0900hrs. Bn HQ is established at 015327 with B & C Coys fwd and A & D Coys in reserved on the RIGHT and LEFT of the road respectively. 1230hrs. Bn moves fwd and occupies SOLARINO, D Coy meeting rifle fire only in the town itself. Slight casualties being inflicted by enemy mortar fire on the approach. 1400hrs. Bn HQ is established at 997340, C Coy at 985339, B Coy in the area Km.17, A Coy fwd and D Coy in reserve. 1615hrs. 38 Boston aircraft fly NW over SOLARINO 1700hrs. Sitrep to HQ 13 Inf Bde stating that Coys had taken up their positions with very slight mortar fire early. This was followed immediately by sound of heavy LMG fire and a report from C Coy that in moving fwd to improve their position they had come on strong ITALIAN opposition. C Coy extricated themselves but were unable to get back some wounded until after dark. They suffered the following casualties :- 1 Officer Wounded. 3 O.Rs Missing Presumed Killed. 8 O.Rs Wounded. 1900hrs. Two G.A.F. personnel surrendered themselves to D Coy and are sent straight back to Bde P.W. Collecting Pt. 2100hrs. Lieut Col A.D. Palmer MC. and RIO go fwd to A and B Coys, who have nothing to report. 2130hrs. Bn HQ moves fwd to position behind B Coy. |
The Wardrobe,
58 The Close,
Salisbury, SP1 2EX,
England
For Collections, Research & Volunteering Enquiries:
Please note that we are currently not accepting new object donations.
07304 068136
For Venue Hire, Retail & Other General Enquiries:
07375 103910