"British Relief force at Primosole Bridge or Malati bridge" Topic

I am just preparing a scenario for our own rule system which combined the british Parachutes on Primosole bridge with the attack of the 3rd Commando on the Malati bridge.

I want to get some informations about the relief forces of the 50th Northumbian Division.

To my knowledge first the 5th Battalion, East Yorks of 69th Brigade, 50th Division arrived at Malati Bridge remaining there, then the 9th Battalion Durham 151th Infantry Brigade, 50th Division with the 44th Royal Tank Regiment (1 Battalion)broke through to the Primosole bridge. My question is: Are there any informations about the composition of that day available? I donīt need any OOB about British infantry battalion. I assume at this time the battalionhad four companies. Later sometimes battalion in Italy seems to had only three companies. But do all companies of these battalions participate with the attack? Do all weapons of the support company of these battalions move forward too? Which and if any MG units and artillery units supported? Have those only 25 pounders with tractors or have those M7 Priests too? The royal tank Regiment is told to be equipped with American made shermans. Had them Firefly or 76mm equipped shermans in those units? Were other british units with the relief force.

Please execuse any errors English is not my native language.

Werner G. Elb

In 1943 44 RTR just had normal 75mm gunned Shermans.

50 Div only had towed 25pdrs.

Battalions would fight as complete units, but often in echelons (so one or two companies leading). Support company weapons might be attached out to the companies or deployed as a battalion asset. Depended on the mission.

Typically each infantry brigade would be supported by one company from the divisional MG battalion and one field regiment of 25 pdrs. Given that the two battalions were from different brigades, it is entirely possible that each was supported by an entire feld regiment, although more likely only one battery on call for direct support and the other two firing a programme.

This is speculation, someone else may have specifics about the battles in question.

What Martin said – Sherman II (M4A1) for 44 RTR. Fireflies didn't appear in Italy until November 1944, while 76mm and 105mm Shermans didn't appear in British units until roughly July 1944.

Thanks for the useful informations. I now know how to organize my tank regiment and my artillery.

Werner G. Elb