Battle for San Donato MTO (id:#66678)

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San Donato, Italy 1943-12-06 (13 others)

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Overview:

The 1st Canadian Infantry Division’s plan called for a two-pronged assault by the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade to capture San Leonardo, and a subsequent breakout by the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade to seize the divisional objective. On the 1st Brigade’s right flank, the Hastings & Prince Edward (Hasty P) Regiment’s objective was a junction, about 500 yards beyond the Moro, where a secondary road left the coast road to traverse the plateau into San Leonardo. At 1340 hours, the guns of the 2nd Field Regiment began pounding the suspected enemy positions on the high ground, and twenty minutes later the Hasty P’s “C” Company forded the river under cover of the Saskatoons’ 4.2-inch mortars. The line of approach was less steep than elsewhere along the far bank, but the defenders, members of the 90.Panzergrenadierdivison, Panzergrenadierregiment 361, had it well covered. C Company quickly crossed the open ground, reaching the far bank and slowly started to ascend the steep valley side towards the ridgeline. The Germans had the route well covered and laid down a withering fire, pinning the Hasty P’s along the hillside. The Hasty P’s commander, Major Kennedy ordered D Company to cross and support C Company; initially the added supported helped, but soon D Company also came under heavy mortar and machine-gun fire and was forced and the advance began to slow. With communication lost, the situation looked grim for the Hasty P’s and orders for a withdrawal were issued. D Company out of communication, continued to fight until it won the ridgeline. Major Kennedy changed the withdrawal order and launched A & B Companies across the stream to exploit D Company’s success.

Defender: German (Panzergrenadierregiment 361, 90.Panzergrenadierdivision)  

Errata (source)