Report on Recce in force into GIOIA by ‘B’ Coy 10 Bn The Parachute Regt, on the night 15/16 Sept.

SECRET . Appx E2.

Report on Recce in force into GIOIA by ‘B’ Coy

10 Bn The Parachute Regt, on the night 15/16 Sept.

War Diary.

1). Composition of Force.

            ‘B’ Coy.           6 Officers.

                                    91 Other Ranks.

            Bn HQ.            C.O.

                                    S.O.

                                    A/I.O.

                                    3 Other Ranks.

            R.E’s.               1 Officer.

                                    8 Other Ranks.

2). Object of Recce.

1) To investigate routes into GIOIA from the N.E. and to discover enemy dispositions outside the town and their positions and strength in the town.

2) To occupy and hold the town if resistance weak enough, until arrival of Bn reinforcements.

3)  Narrative of Events.

The force left in M.T. at 1930 hrs motored via NOCI, turning right at cross roads 604486, along track via TORICELLA 5849, thence along Aqueduct to BELLANISTA 5348 where the force de-bussed. They then proceeded to farm house PENTINELLA 525487, arriving approx. 2200 hrs. From here the force moved across country on a bearing of 266 degrees, arrived in area of track and house 476482 where the force took up a defensive position at about 0300 hrs. 10 Pl (Lieut. M. Bellow) then went forward to find the route for the Coy to the edge of GIOIA. Lt. Bellow returned and led the way up to position in area track 469482 where the Coy took up an all round position and 10 Pl advanced into the town and secured the cross roads marked “A” on attached sketch map. 11 Pl were then pushed through and occupied cross roads marked “B”. 12 Pl then went through both and occupied cross roads in area marked “C”. 11 Pl then moved up and took over cross roads “D” and 10 Pl took over cross roads “B” from 11 Pl. This was completed by 0515 hrs.

At approx. 0530 hrs 10 Pl were engaged by German LMG fire and many snipers on the roofs. Within a few minutes 12 Pl were also heavily engaged and one section was pinned to their area unable to move, one man was killed immediately. After recce the Coy Comd ordered 11 Pl to take up a position on the right flank of 12 Pl, where they were able to cover the withdrawal of nearly two thirds of 12 Pl, and were then themselves withdrawn. The Coy Comd then consulted the C.O. who was on the edge of town, by wireless at about 0730 hrs. As it was not possible for the Coy to hang on long enough before they could be reinforced, the C.O. ordered a withdrawal to the area where the transport was waiting.

10 Pl were by this time somewhat isolated and were ordered by runner to withdraw independently, as it was not possible to assist them without risking losing the rest of the Coy. 10 Pl extricated themselves but the Pl Comd, Lieut. Bellow, was left behind with about eight men. One of these men has since returned and thinks the remainder may have got away. Coy HQ, 11 and 12 Pl were kept together and withdrawn from house to house giving as much material support as possible.

At times they were surrounded, but finally broke clear into the orchards on the edge of town about 0900 hrs. They then moved across country to the transport area and arrived about 1045 hrs. When the two Pls were first surrounded the enemy got between them and the skeleton Bn HQ who were forced to beat a somewhat hasty retreat as they had no heavier weapons than a Schmeisser. During this the Sig Officer was shot through the foot.

4). Casualties.

1. Enemy

Estimated:-             10 Killed.

                              20 Wounded.

POW                      1 Died of Wounds.

                              1 Wounded Obergefreiter brought back.

2. Own

Killed                     2 Other Ranks.

Wounded               1 Officer

                              7 Other Ranks.

POW                      2 Other Ranks.

Missing                  2 Officers

                              16 Other Ranks.

5). Conclusion.

The enemy held the South East part of the town, strength approx 1 Coy and also have a mobile reserve of M.G’s, Solithurn 20 mm A/Tk Rifles [and] 2 Armoured half-tracks were also observed.

Posts located are given in sketch.

A Bn would probably have taken the town.

6). Since the above was written, 5 more men have just returned and it is reported that 7 wounded men have been found in GIOIA by 156 Bn.

K.B.I. Smyth.

Lt-Col.

Commanding 10 Bn The Parachute Regt.

Field.

17 Sept 43.