October 1943

The 111 Fd Regt were now on mainland Italy, and making steady progress, reaching the port city of Taranto (roughly on the “foot arch” of the boot of Italy, before traveling north towards the port of Bari on the eastern coast, then into action further north and inland in the Provence of Campobasso.

1st October 1943 – Saracena
Regt arrived TARANTO. Established RHQ and Bty areas in MOTTOLA 5532.

2nd October 1943 – Mottola
Received message from main 8 Army, placing Regt under command of 5 Corps. Ordered to move to 5 Corps concentration area.

3rd October 1943 – Mottola
Recce of new area North of CORATO by Second-in-Command and Assistant Adjutant.

5th October 1943 – Mottola
Regiment moved to area North of CORATO via GIOIA DEL COLLE, BARI, MODUGNO, TERLIZZI, RUVO and CORATO. Adjutant visited HQ of 5 Corps.

6th October 1943 – North of Corato
C.O. authorised Bty and RHQ “Liberty” Parties to visit BARI on Thursdays, Saturdays and Tuesdays.

7th October 1943 – North of Corato
Liberty party to BARI. Very heavy rainfall. Slight attention to locations to bring vehicles on hard standings and men into buildings.

“We moved off north and eventually after a dull journey passed through Bari and drove some twenty miles beyond to Corato, we stayed a few days during which I had one trip into Bari and was rather disappointed, practically nothing to do.”

Diary entry from October 1943 from Sgt Observer Frederick Sidney Williams, 212 Bty, 111 Fd Regt in his family’s memoirs “Our Fred’s War”.

8th October 1943 – North of Corato
Football match 476 Bty vs 212 Bty at Campo Sportivo Corato. Drew 1-1. C.O. visited 5 Corps HQ. Lieutenant F. D. A. Wilson evacuated sick.

9th October 1943 – North of Corato
Lieutenant J. E. Hugo posted to 5 Division Signals Lieutenant S. Swain Royal Corps of Signals posted to Regt as Regimental Signals Officer (having arrived at R.H.Q. on 6 October). Lieutenant D. M. Evans posted to Regt.

10th October 1943 – North of Corato
2/Lt G. S. B Pike evacuated sick.

13th October 1943 – North of Corato
Received order from HQRA 8 Indian Division for Recce Party and Bty reps to area LARINO (H7655). Further order: Regt to move to relieve 78 Fd Regt RA on 15th. Lieutenant D. G. BERTISH evacuated sick.

15th October 1943 – North of Corato
Regt moved to LARINO via CANOSA, CERIGNOLA, FOGGIA, SAN SEVERO, SERRACAPRIOLA and URURI. On arrival placed under command of 78 Division. Regiments guns in action 18:00hrs in support of 11th Brigade (Northants). Q Bty O.P. and Forward Observation Officer. R Bty as Static O.P.

16th October 1943 – Larino
Engagement of few small targets between GUARDIALFIERA and MONTECILFONE 15:00hrs – Regiment visited by C.C.R.A. 5 Corps

17th – 19th October 1943 – Larino
Regt still in action but with slight activity. Lieutenant D. G. BERTISH rejoined Regt from hospital.

“Pulled out of action and idled about for a while, then on the 23rd October celebrated (anniversary of) Alamein – quite a party with ducks, sheep, pigs and beer. Then towards the end of the month the enemy made a stand at the River Sangro so off we went. Went into action in the famous “gun alley” beyond the town Torino di Sangro. We were supporting the Eighth Indian Division, a new one to the line; gun alley was crammed with artillery. We blasted and blasted and got quite a bit back. Artillery duels sound quite nice on the wireless. We knocked off several hens and they were lovely when boiled up. Bill, Jock and I had one each.”

Diary entry from October 1943 from Sgt Observer Frederick Sidney Williams, 212 Bty, 111 Fd Regt in his family’s memoirs “Our Fred’s War”.

20th October 1943 – Larino
Regt relieved by 3 Fd Regt (8 Indian Division) and one Bty 80 Medium Regt RA (Scottish House). Regt now under 78 Division for Admin. 07:15hrs – Regt “pulled out” from positions in LARINIO and moved to area H7965 (South-West PORTOCANONE). Remaining “Strictly under command of 5 Corps but under 78 Division for Admin and acting as reserve to 78 Division”. Captain J. S. Cutress rejoined from hospital.

20th October 1943 – Larino

Regt relieved by 3 Fd Regt (8 Indian Division) and one Bty 80 Medium Regt RA (Scottish House). Regt now under 78 Division for Admin.
07:15hrs – Regt “pulled out” from positions in LARINIO and moved to area H7965 (South-West PORTOCANONE). Remaining “Strictly under command of 5 Corps but under 78 Division for Admin and acting as reserve to 78 Division”.
Captain J. S. Cutress rejoined from hospital.

25th October 1943 – South West Portocanone
11:30hrs – Visited by B.R.A who addressed all Officers.
Regiment placed under command of 8 Indian Division.

25th July 1943 – 26th October 1943 – South West PortocanoneT)P532610.
Regiment moved to 78 Division assembly area in North-West LARINO (H6860). Regimental Recce parties shown area by CRA area west of AQUIVIVA 5863. Lieutenant D. G. Bertish evacuated sick.

27th – 30th October 1943 – North-West Larino
Regiment unable to move to gun conditions owing to road conditions. Bridges blown by enemy between AQUIVIVA and MONTEFALCONE. Situation aggravated by wet weather and heavy traffic, making diversions impossible.

31st October 1943 – North-West Larino
Regiment moved to new gun positions area MAFALDA behind R.W.K’s (Royal West Kent Regiment) – with 476 Bty O.P. at MONTEMITRO. Lieutenant F. D. A Wilson rejoined form hospital. Regiment preparing to support crossing of RIVER TRIGNO by 19 Brigade, 8 Indian Division.