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War Diary

1944-06-03
Regiment 2nd Wiltshire
Location Ardea, Italy
Entry 1130hrs: Bde Comd told C.O. over telephone that we would have to seize and hold Pt 51 and 57 if they were held by enemy or not. On the right flank of the Division, the 1st (Br) Div was advancing against a withdrawing enemy and 15 Inf Bde on our immediate right were to attack at 1315 hrs under cover of an arty barrage. 1200hrs: The Bde Comd and O.C. 91st Fd Regt arived and left at 1230 hrs having arranged the fire plan. 1300hrs: C.Os Orders for attack. 1400hrs: 'C' COY, the first company left its position to move to start line. 1515hrs: 'C' COY left start line and after considerable opposition succeeded in occupying Pt 51, but were unable to exploit N.E. or N.W. of feature, owing to strong fire from enemy in well dug positions on the reverse slopes. 1600hrs: 'D' COY left start line. 1635hrs: 'D' COY reported that they were held up just short of their objective on Pt 57. At this stage they took prisoners 10 Italian NEMBO paratroops. A troop of tanks from 46 R.T.R. gave both companies invaluable close support. 1700hrs: The C.O. ordered the two dismounted sections of the Carrier Platoon, numbering 16 in all, to attack N.E. Spur (M.R. 776369). They were again given invaluable support by the tanks. The Carriers pressed their attack home. It was in this attack that SGT ROGERS MM again distinguished himself. He dashed ahead of his platoon, through extremely heavy machine gun fire, firing his Tommy gun and throwing grenades. He succeeded in wiping out several machine gun nests, but his gallant conduct cost him his life. The Carrier Platoon having cleared their objectives, were ordered to withdraw to a reverse slope position linking up with both 'C' and 'D' COYS. During the evening the companies dug themselves in and A.TK guns and M.M.G's were moved forward as soon as it was dark. Rations and additional amn were brought up to the companies without interference. Casualties during this attack C' COY - 'D' COY - Carriers - [no casualty numbers given in diary] Reference to Appendices: For details of orders see attached appendix.