Monte Vecchie, 30-31 Aug.1944

The Gothic Line was the last major defensive position built by the Germans in Italy. On 30 August 1944 British, Indian, Canadian and Polish troops attacked across the Foglia River against the main German positions. The immediate objective for the 5th Sherwood Foresters was a hill called Monte Vecchie, topped by the formidable medieval fortress of Belvedere Fogliense. In one of the most extraordinary feats of arms ever accomplished by the regiment, the battalion took this seemingly unassailable stronghold the following morning.

Forces engaged at Monte Vecchie, August 1944

Allied Forces

46th Division (Major-General J.L.I. Hawkesworth CB, CBE, DSO)

139th Brigade (Brigadier A.P. Block DSO)

5th Sherwood Foresters (Lt-Col J.R. Welchman)

A Coy (Major D.K. Crews,

Capt. A.E. Verity Acting)

B Coy (Major J.B. Innes)

C Coy (Major H.C.W.H. Tulloch)

D Coy (Major B.A. Williamson

Mortar Platoon (Capt. M.A. Glover)

Pioneer Platoon (2 Lieut J. Hoy)

11 Platoon 9th Manchesters (attached)

183 Field Ambulance (One Company)1

Not engaged

Carrier Platoon (Capt. W.S. Thompson)

A/Tk Platoon (Lieut G.H. White)

Additional forces 31 August

C Sqdn, 41 Royal Tank Regiment (2 troops)

70th Field Regiment Group RA (Brigadier T. Rigby DSO MC)

70th (West Riding) Field Regiment RA

71st (West Riding) Field Regiment RA

172nd Field Regiment RA

5th Medium Battery RA (attached)

Axis Forces 2

71st Division (Major-General Wilhelm Raapke)

191st Grenadier Regiment (Colonel Matthes)

I Battalion (Capt. Schulze)

#4 Company (4-81 cm mortars)

Divisional Support Units

171st Artillery Regt (Colonel Scharrenberg)3

171st Engineer Bn (Capt. Jordon)3

171st Anti-Tank Bn (Major Drosin)3

#2 Coy, 171st Signals Bn

Notes:

1. Both A and B Companies were on the Foglia, but it is uncertain which supported during the battle

2. Drawn from 46th Divn Intelligence Reports #19, 24 Aug 1944, #21 28 Aug 1944, and #22, 30 Aug 1944

3. Exact components engaged at Monte Vecchie uncertain.

German defensive positions on the Foglia River, August 1944

5th Sherwood Foresters organisation, 30 August 1944