Attack on La Torre MTO (id:#66670)

(Bloody December-The Gully ASL Team Tournament 2023 ID: A1)   [next]   [previous]

La Torre, Italy 1943-12-11 (1 other)

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Overview:

On the evening of 7 December General Vokes issued his orders for another crossing of the Moro, having planned it as an operation by two brigades to secure the main axis and its junction with the Orsogna-Ortona lateral. The plan called for an initial two-pronged assault by the 1st Brigade to capture San Leonardo, and a subsequent breakout by the 2nd Brigade to seize the divisional objective. From the Hastings and Prince Edward bridgehead on the right the Royal Canadian regiment (RCR). would thrust south-westward along the plateau against San Leonardo, while at the same time the 48th Highlanders would make a frontal attack across the river on to the spur of ground between San Leonardo and La Torre. Once the 1st Brigade had secured a firm base on the San Leonardo escarpment, a strong infantry and armoured force would cross the Moro and strike at the junction on the Ortona road. On the La Torre spur to the west of San Leonardo the frontal assault of the 48th Highlanders had been more successful, for both infantry and artillery had benefited from several days of observing enemy positions from the Sant' Apollinare side of the river. After the preliminary bombardment, Lieutenant-Colonel Johnston sent two companies across. The enemy's artillery caught one in the river bottom, but there was no other resistance. By 2000 hours that evening all companies had crossed and were dug in against counter-attack.

Defender: German (Panzergrenadierregiment 361, 90. Panzergrenadierdivision)  

Errata (source)