Download pdf - Study Paper German Operations at Anzio Part 2

of the woods at Bosco di Padiglione (F 880260), Local counter-attacks may be expected, especially against the flanks of our. assaultgroups. Heavy enemy-losses are no indication that enerny resistancewill diminish.

C. Statistics

German losses: (less 29th Panzer Grenadier Division, 114thJager Division and 715th Infantry Division): 63 killed, 350wounded, and 21 missing.t

Allied losses: 364 prisoners (293 Americans mostly from

179th Infantry Regiment and 2d Battalion 180th Infantry Regiment.)14 tanks (4 Shernan) destroyed, 1 antitank gun destroyed, 4 airplanesdowned by antiaircraft guns,-and 2 ammunition carriers and 4 personnelcarriers set afire. Captured: 4 Sherman tanks, 2 antiaircraft guns-(2 cm), 17 machine guns, 1 mortar, 1 bazooka with rockets, 30 rifles,12 automatic oistols, and i antitank rifle."

XXVIo 19 FEBRUARY 1944

A' Operations Report

During the day, strong enemy counterattacks, supported by

tanks, forced, partial withdrawals from newly gained positions6

Heavy enemy artillery fire resulted in great losses and halted

the attack of the 65th Infantry Division at Cle Buon Riposo (F 859310).However, the 65th Infantry Division's left flank advanced towards

the south, and in a simultaneous attack from the east by parts ofthe L={VI Panzer Corps, the strongpoint Cle Buon Riposo was encircled.

During heavy night fighting, the bridgehead south of the forest

1Macchia delta Ficoccia, 2 km southeast Aprilia (F $75333), was en-

larged. But in the afternoon, enemy counterattacks launched with

tank support, forced back the 114th Jager Division into the northernpart of the forest. The division suffered considerable losses in

men and materiel. The village of Cle 170vile, 1 km east Cantoniera

(F 864282), was captured by combat patrols of the 26th Panzer and

29th Panzer Grenadier Divisions. It was lost again, during anenemy tank attack, in the evening, Assault troops of the 29thPanzer Grenadier Division crossed highw-ay 82 (F 7.0300 - F 922290),.

in a front 500 meters wide. The right flank of Panzer Division"Hermann Goring", attacking Colle del Pozzo, 2 km west Cle Carano

(F 940309), was stopped in front of the enemy positions by concentrated

defensive fire. The left flank occupied two -hills northeast ofColle del Pozzo.

The 1028th Panzer Grenadier Regiment is attached to the 715th

Infantry Division0 This Division was stationed in the region south-east of Aprilia as Corps Reserve. It now will take over the leftsector of the LXXVI Panzer Corps, adjacent to the 114th Jager

Division as of 0500, 20 February 1944.

The enemy continued to place c oncentrated f re on the main line

ot resistance and-interrupted supply lines by heavy harrassing fire,During our attack, Allied artillery fired barrages irrespective oftheir own main line of resistance. The increased fire of enemyartillery and the continuous air raids by bombers and fighter bombers

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leads to the conclusion that the enemy intends to hold the po-sitions on Highvway 82. During, the morning, Fourteenth ALrlmyinformed Armay Group by phone that a shift of the main. effort tothe east would require vast preparations, And would be advanta-geous to the eneumy.

Therefore, we in-ocnd to estroy ey forces isol.ated in theregion of Cle Buon Riposo (F 859310), by a converging attack fromall sides, and to consolidate the situation on the eastern flankof the LLVI Panzer Corps (114th 'Jger Division). ll forcesavailuble will ttUack along highway Cle Carroceto (F 869330) -Torre di PadiglionL (F 921289). Occupation of Hiihwiay 82 by sur-prise attacks will be LtteImpted in the sectors of the I'TVI t.nzerCorps, 3rd Panzer G}reln:dier Division, and 26th Panzer Division.zfter clearing the situa tion on both flarnks of the attack group,

Army intends to initiatc, as soon as possible, a decisive south-westerly att'ck, in the sector of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Divi-sion.

The 26th Panzer Division will be Iade available for eilployernntin the new offensive sector in the direction Torre di Padiglione,as soon as the situation on the western flank has bein cleared up.The 362nd Division has been transferred from the coast defense sectorCecina - mouth of thoe Tiber to repl, ce the3 Panzer Division "HermannGOring" will be used for attacks in the sector of the iZDTII PanzerCorps. The fuor.ler sector of the 362nd Infantry Division will be takenovur by the newly .ctivated 92nd Infl ntry Division, whose present

strength is 4,242 .en. The 954th Gren.dier Regimlent of the 362ndInfantry Division (,r.y Group C Reserve) will be transferred from thearea of Pescar.- to an arua south of Rome. The 2nd Battalion 1027thPanzer Grenadier Regilment and the Regimlcntal Staff, until now employedin the coast defense sector Cecina - mouth of the Tiber, have beenattached to the 65th Infantry Division.

The 146th Grenadier Regizment of the 65th- Infaniry Division, atpresent attached to the Tenth Army, will return to its division by15 Miarch. The combat strength of the 65th Infantry Division is 26officers, and 871 enlisted men.

B. Intelligence Report

The followinj now units have been identified: 3rd Battalion180th Infantry Regi.a.ent is located in the area east and north-eastof kaccia della Fiooccin; the 514th Company Royal Army Service Corpsof the 56th Infantry Division (Br) is near the highway in the regionof Campo di Carne (F 870285).

The enemy artillery fired 30,000 rounds on 19 February 1944.

Our attacks have confused the enery and also brought aboutemrergency s itu.tions in some of his units. The enemy coimLaand hasrepeatedly called upon isolated and dangerously placed units to holdtheir positions, by promising reinforcements. Having, detertmined themain direction of our attack, the enemy probably /will concentrate allavailable forces in the region south of Aprilia to intercept theiat-*tack at the 'wood of Padiglione (F 890260). A-,s the territory northof the forest has been lost, the enemy l1:cks observation posts. Inadditicn, the loss of the northm;rn edges of the forest has endangeredhis artillery positions. Stubborn opposition from key positions atthe cross roads at Ca.lpo di Carnme (F 863285), and Fta Padiglione(F 857242), and the traffic centers Torre di Padiglione (F 922289)and Le Ferriere (F 935342), is expected. Increased counterattacks,supported by tanks, against cur flanks and especially scuthvoest ofSpaccasassi (F 917330) are iimminento It is estim2ated that largeparts of the enemy's infantry and tank reserves were conmiitted intoday's counterattack, viz. the 1st Infantry Division (Br) and 1stArmored Division (US).

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C. Statistics

Gerrian-losses: (loss 4th Parachute Division, 3rd PanzerGrenadier Division, and 114th Jlger Division) 48 killed, 167wounded, and 25 missing.

tAllied losses: 83 prisoners, and 10 tanks destroyed.

.- i'II. 20 FEBRUARY 1944

A. Operations Report

. s a result of our .ttack fron the west, the enemy ias completelysurround.d at Cle 3uon Riposo (F 859310), and a defensive front towardthe south was est-ablished. During the aay, an enei.y tank attack wasrepelled.

The 3rd Panzer Grocndier Division seized the eastern edge ofthe Gorge Campo di Carne (F 850890 to .F 270290), tihe southe..st edgeof the Gorge Fosso di Carnte, 700 cimters northwest of Cantoniorc(F 862282) , and ioved up tc a line, 600 imeters north of the cross-

roads of Cantcnivrac. noh battalions of the 29th Panzor Grenadier

Division (3rd and 1st Battalions 15th Grenadier Regiment), which had

crossed Highway 82, ea st of Fta. CGaipo di Carne the day before, were

either wiped out or were dispersed. The 114th Thager Division in

another att ck fromi the northiwest, sized the southern edge of the

Macchia della Ficoccia forest, 3 1ka southeast of Aprilia (F 875333).

An enemy tank attack towards Cle Rosateili (F 908320) was repulsed.

We ainr to destroy the enemy troops surr unded in the rea of

Buon Riposo (F 859310), and to prevent a brhakthrough fra. the woutl-

west, designed to assist these encircled troops. To avoid losses,

Fourteenth Army ordered that the Panther tanks, broug&t up to clearthe pocket of Buon Riposo, be used only as armored _rtillery.

In oider to straig0hten the rmin line of resistance, on the

eastern flank of the l2:yVI Panzer Corps, an attack will be launched,

as early as possible on 21 February, to seize the onemy strongpointsCle Biadaretto 2 k;i north of Cle Torre di Padiglione (F 921289) andCle Carano (F 940309).

During our atteopt to clear the pocket at Cle Buon Riposo(F 859310), the eneim.y bombcrded his own positions with heavy artil-lery fire. His troops were protected against this, as they had taken

shelter in the caves of the ravines to be found in that terrain. Our

own fire could not reach them. Our units lost many radio sets, dueto the heavy enemy artillery shells, the concussion of which destroyedthe tubes.

It has become very difficult to evacuate the wounded. "llambulances, including the armored ones have been lost, making it

necessary to use assault 6uns and Tiger tanks for the evacuation.

By early morning of 23 February, 2 Battalions of the 15th

Panzer Grenadier Division, previously employed on the Cas;sdno

front~ will be attached to the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division. The

,remaining elements of the 735th Grenadier Regiment 715th Infantry

Division, i.eo; 2 officers, 25 noncommissioned -officers, and 158

men were assigned to the combat tean of the 725th Grenadier Regiment.

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POINT Cava F 844247East North

|Take west edge of square in which Take south edge of square in whichpoint lies and reiad the figures A point lies and read the feures Aprinted opposite this line on north ] Iprinted opposite this line on east w-tor south margin or on the line itself or west margin or on the line<on the face of the mtao

Estimate tenths eastwards 4 Estimate tenths northwards 7

East ... 844 North ... 247

I..h. 1 111 13

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1 11-

LwT©L n'1770H I AFor use byWar and Navy Department Agencies only

Not for sale or distribution

NeareWt similar reference on this grid 500 Km. distant.

GRID DATASouthern Italy Grid

Colour. Es ..-.. 84-..24.. ..................... BlueProjection ---. --------_--- ___ Lambert Conical OrthomorphicSpheroid ....---- --------------.--- _,._ ____._ ___.esselOrigin ..--------.--............ 39°30'.., 14E. of GrnwichFalse Co-ordinates of origin ---............ 700,000 metras E.

600,000 metres N,

S1

et

Annual change 8 fEast

CONVERGENCE

At the West Edge of this sheet Grid North is 0°59'West of True NorthAt the East Edge of this sheet Grid North is 0°40'West of True North

REFERENCERailway. two or more tracks with statio, ... ... ...

single track and electrified ........

. narrow gauge or Tramway ........

Tram lines on a road ............ .

Cable railway ... ... ..... ... ..

National Highways iAutostrade/8 Metres wide. metalled _2-way

Main Roads iStrade Statah with route numbers),. MT.6 Metres wide or over. metalled

Other Main Roads (Strade di grande comunieazione). | nMosty5 Metres wide. or over metalled/ 2 -My ,

Secondary Roads, \ -way-5 Metres wide, generally metalled. M.T.I

Other Roads and Cart Tracks, generally unmetalled

Mule Tracks ...... ...

Paths ......... .. ....

Boundaries, state ........... .

.. province . ......

-.----.-

N ° 7I . I

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f . ..... .. -.........

. - -- : . .- : .:::.: .::::::: :::: :::::::

**++++--+-4+"+--++

Canal ... ... .. ..

Aqueducts. over and underground

Wells, perennial, non-perennial

Marsh and Swamp

Church, Chapel, Cemetery

HNames of physical features

Trigonometrical points ... ...

Heights in metres ...

Cliffs ... ...

Embankment or Dyke

Woods . .. .

U .dr9'd...... .* -o- V -o---.(~

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AUTHORITIESCopied from Carta Topografica

1/700,000 Sheet 158. 1933.1125.000 Sheets IV S.E., I S.W,, I SE.

/it N.E., II NH.W,, N.E., S.E., 1936.

Instituto Geografico MilitarePartially revised for communications, 1943.

cD. C 13496 LITTORIAN4120-E1227/20x30

GSGS 4164. Scale 1:100, 000. Reproduced under the direction of the Chief of Engineers by the Army Map Service,First GSGS Edition (AMS 1), 1941.3 U. S. Army, Washington, D. C., 1944 from GSGSSecond GSGS Edition (AMS 2), 1943. Yards 1000 0 I 2 345 6 7 80MilesS! . , Second Edition 1943 Kodalines.

ARMY MAP SERVICE. U.S. ARNY, WASHINGTON. D7-4. 1944

I 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 Kilometre,i ~ I ---- i |l ---- | ~I -~ | -- I~ I A I IILongitudes are eased on the mer,/ian of Rome, which /is /2 27 '/ "east of reenwich.

ITALY 1:100,000. SHEET 158SECOND EDITIONAMS 2

SOUTH ITALY GRID (BLUE)

TO GIVE A GRID REFERENCE ON THIS SHEET

Pay no attention to the smutler co-ordinate figures at the corners and in margins.

They ae for ftinding full co-ordinates.

PAY ATTENTION TO LARGER MARGINAL FIGURES AND TO

THOSE PRINTED ON THE FACE OF THE MAP.

ADJOINING SHEETS COMPARATIVE INDEX------ l--- r-, -- , l GQ.SO .4229 & G.8.G.8,4228I a 28I ....... .... *149 150 151 l_

l158F 159 Xe : |5goo.e'159 ~ ~ . .. i 158 :,l~ ^ _, x,, 20 N.E. N.W N.E17 0 |||..-..... t .....|| ...- , ^170 e1------- ---------

l I M '.Eanl i.-

Metres 1000 0

B. Intelligence.Report

According to reliable sources, the 6th Armored InfantryRegiment 1st Armored Division (US), with attached tanks, is inthe sector of the 157th Infantry.Regiment. One of the battalionsof. the 6th Regiment is employed west of the Aprilia-Nettuno Highwayand two battalions east of it. The Commanding Officer of the1st King's Shropshire Light Infantry is Lt. Col. Carelass, and theCommanding Officer of S Company 1st King's Shropshire Light Infantryis Major Mausabb. Major Brook commands Company C lst.London IrishRifles.

On 19 February, the enemy supplied his surrounded troops, atCle Buon Riposo, by air. Air reconnaissance reports show activedisembarkation in the Anzio-Nettuno harbor.

C. Statistics

German losses (less 114th Jager Division and 15th MotorizedGrenadier Regiment): 61 dead, 211 wounded, and 8 missing.

Total losses from 16 to 20 February 1944 (dead, -'-ounded, and missing):5,389 men.

Allied losses: 62 prisoners (53 British, 9 Americans) and ltank put out of commission.

According to prisoner of war reports, the enemy lost many heavyinfantry weapons.

XXVIiI. 21 FEBRUARY 1944


In the evening of 20 February, preceded by heavy artilleryfire, the enemy repeatedly attacked along the entire sector of the29th Panzer Grenadier Division, and pushed back the left flank toa position some 2 km northwest of Torre di Padiglione (F 921289).There, a German counterattack, during the early morning hours,regained the formerly held positions at the Fosso delle Vallicelette,3 km west of Torre di Padiglione.

At 0430, the 715th Infantry Division attacked to seize CleBiadaretto, 2 km north of Torre di Padiglione, and Cle Carano(F940309). Heavy'defense fire from the enemy stopped the attack.At 1730, after the enemy lines had been. subjected to 'artillery fireand fighter bomber attack, another attack was attempted, but dueto strong enemy defenses, the objective could not' be reached.Enemy assaults in company strength, supported by tanks, were re-pulsed by the 114th Jager Division.

Concentrated artillery fire destroyed enemy infantry and tankpositions. Long-range artillery shelled the Anzio harbor, dis-embarkation points southeast of Nettuno, and supply depots.Antiaircraft artillery played an important role in the destructionof supply routes.

The enemy fighter bombers were less active than during theprevious days. The Panzer Division "Hermann Goring", which is to

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be employed in the Spaccasassi sector (F 91'7330) for offensiveoperations, was relieved, at 1200, by the 362d Infantry Division,The Combat Team " von Corvin" consisting of: 1st Battalion 2dPanzer Grenadier Regiment "Hermann Goring", 2d Battalion 1stPanzer Grenadier Regiment "Hermann Goring", and Panzer Recon-naissance Battalion "Hermann Goring" was attached to the 715thInfantry Division.

Our aims are: First, the destruction of enemy positions atCle Buon Riposo (F 859310) by the morning of 22 February. Second,the immnediate relief of the forces of the 3d Panzer GrenadierDivision west of the Aprilia-Nettuno highway, by the I ParachuteCorps. Before the morning of 25 February,'the 3d Panzer GrenadierDivision mwill relieve the 26th Panzer Division and parts of thewestern flank of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division. The 26thPanzer Division will be shifted to the area north of Cle TreSpaccasassi (F 917330), before dawn of 26 cFbruary. Third, theseizure of the Collo del Pozzo, 2 km west of-Cle Carano (F 940309),by the western flank of the 362d Infantry Division about 24 February.


The 1st Battalion 504th Parachute Regiment (US) is employed

in the sector Fosso Formal del Bove, west of Colle del'Pozzo.American infantry is on the right flank; on the leeft are additionalparatroopers.

Increased naval activity was observed in the harbor of Anzio-Nettuno. Aerial reconnîssance reports indicate the presence of6 merchant ships approximate tonnage: 10,000 to 15,000 tons each,2 medium transports, one cruiser, and 7 destroyers.

C. Statistics

German losses: 85 killed, 236 wounded, and 8 missing.

Allied losses: 4 tanks destroyed, 1 tank rendered immobile,

1 radio station captured.

XXIX. 22 FEBRUARY 1944

A, Operations Report

The attack to destroy the enemy pocket at Cle Buon Riposo(F 859310), did not succeed. Under a heavy enemy barrage, thetroops had to fight in difficult terrain with deep ravines. Upto the present, 150 prisoners have been brought in.

In the morning, and again in the afternoon, the 715th InfantryDivision attacked Cle Biadaretto, 2 km north of Cle di Padiglione(F 921289), and the Cle Carano hills (F 940309)o However, due to

the enemyls defensive fire, these attacks were halted short oftheir objectives.

At 1900, the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division took over'thesector formerly occupied by the 26th Panzer Division. The 67thPanzer Grenadier legiment of the 26th Panzer Division, was attachedto the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division.

- 64 -

To complete its mission successfully, the Fourteenth-Armyrequested the Commander in Chief Southwest to strengthen it with

one complete division ready for combat service, possibly a moun-

tain division for greater mobility in wooded areas; one heavy mortar

and one medium howitzer battalion; one'engineer assault battalion;

and additional portable radio sets, of 1which the Army .has a short-

age of 468. ' .

,e -intend to shorten the main line of resistance on the east

flank of the LXXVI Panzer Corps by seizing the Biadaretto and Caranohills, as.well as to destroy, as quickly as' possible, all enemyunits still in the area Cle Buon Riposo (F 859310), in order to

relieve units of the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division in the area west

of the highway.

After the 3d Panlzer Grenadier Division has taken over thepresent sector of the 26th Panzer Division and parts of the

western flank of the 29th'Panzer Grenadier Division, it will beattached to the I Parachute Corps. 'fthen fighting has ceased, in

the area of Ble Biadaretto, the remaining units of the 715thInfantry Division will be withdrawn in order to take over the

sector of two battalions on the eastern flank of the 362d. InfantryDivision. All forces committed south of that area will be attachedto the 715th Division.

On or about 26 February the Army plans a breakthrough to the

Mussolini Canal from the north, crossing a general line from Ptedella Crocetta (F. 950296) to Isola Bella (G 006294). Units-to

participate in this attack .will be: 362d Infantry Division,

Panzer Division "Hermann Goring", and the 26th Panaer Division.The attack will be made from the west flank of the 362d InfantryDivision. If this action meets with success, the Army intends topush on to the lower Spaccasassi creek (F 9229 to F 992253). Thetwo battalions of the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division (earmarked

for the 29th Panzer Grencdier Division).which are at present in

transit will be held initially as Army reserve in the area west

of Velletri. After the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division has beenwithdrawn from its recsent front sector, it will b.e used either

for the attack against Fesso di Spaccasassi and to roll up the

enemy lines southwest of Cisterna (G 0232) from the west; or to

make a surprise attack from north of the area of Borgo Podgora(G 045240) against the enemy units fighting in the area of

Isola Bella.

.Experience has shown that the enemy reacts very quickly to

a regrouping of our forces. It is, therefore, imperative that

the regrouping be concealed, and it is of particular importance

that the enemy be engaged along the entire line by continuous-raids.

These raids will have the secondary purpose of irmproving the local

front. By means of all types of deceptive measures, the enemy

must be misled as to the actual assembly area of the .assault

divisions. To aid this deception further, the I Parachute Corps

will erect dumiiy tanks -in the'area around Ardea (F. 787350).

By order of Hitler, tank assaults in small groups will be

made prior to the attack from and south of the area of BorgoPodgora in the direction of the Mussolini Canal. The tanks of the

Panzer Division "Hermann Goring", used for this purpose, will

return to their division shortly before the attack begins.

The objective of this attack is to, push back. the beachheadin the sector of the LXXVI Panzer Corps toward the gene'ral line

from Fbosso di Leschione .(F 885300 to F 917289) to Fosso di Spaccasassiup to the point where it joins the Mussolini Canal, 1.5 km west ofBorgo Podgora.

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2d Company, 7th Queens (169th Brigade, 56th Infcntry.Division)(Br) located in Fosso della Bottaccia, 1 km northwest of Fta Campodi Carne (F 862284) has been identified by 16 prisoners of war.Presence of the entire Brigade is confirmed by captured documents.1st Battalion Irish Guards 24th Brigade, is located 150 meterssoutheast of Puntoni, 1 km northwest of Cantoniera (F 863282).During the night of 21 to 22 February, the 1st Irish Guards camefrom south of Campo di Carne to this new area, and relieved anunidentified American unit. Three days before, the 3d Companyreceived 30 replacements from supply troops of the Battalion;the 1st Company, reduced to 38 men, was absor ed by the 3d Company.The 1st Scots Guards and the 5th Grenadier Guards 24th Brigadewere committed in the night of 21 to 22 February according toprisoners of war.

Reliable sources report the enemy expects an impending attacknear Campo di Carne and to the east.

C. Statistics


Allied losses: 265 prisoners (75 from Cle Buon Riposo),5 tanks destroyed, 1 self propelled antitank gun destroyed (75 rnm),and 2 tanks put out of commission. Captured material: 1 antitankgun (50 mm), 11 machine guns, 1 mortar, 1 antitank rifle, and 1bazooka.

XXX. 23 FEBRUARY 1944


After brief artillery preparatory fire, the 65th Infantry.Division renewed its attack at 0530, against the encircled enemyat. Cle Buon Riposo (F 853310). Supported by self-propelled guns,we succeeded in penetrating the enemy's defensive system, andoccupied the houses at Cle Buon Riposo. With the exception ofenemy remnants we cleared out the valley. Two enemy reliefattacks, in battalion strength from the south, were repulsedafter heavy fighting. Our artillery shelled infantry and artillery.targets, and supported the attack on Cle Buon Riposo with blockingfire towards. the south.

During the night of 22 to 23 February, the 725th GrenadierRegiment 715th Infantry Division, was relieved by the 2d Battalion1028th Panzer. Grenadier Regiment, and transferred to Fosso Presciano,4 km northeast of Campoleone (F 860406) as reserve, Combat Team"von Corvin'", which had been attached to the 715th InfantryDivision on 21 February, was now placed under the command of the114th Jager Division. At 1200, the 362d Infantry Division wasattached to the LXXVI Panzer Corps.


According to prisoners, the 509th Parachute Battalion (US)is now located 1.5 km north of the Collo del POZZQ (2 km west of

- 66 -

Cle Carano F 940309). The .Battalion is attached to the 3d Infantr.Division (US). On its right is the 7th Infantry Regiment 3d In-fantry Division; on its left, the 180th Infantry Regiment of the45th Infantry Division (US).

According to interrogation of prisoners of war and captureddocuments, the 167th Infantry Brigade and the 169th InfantryBrigade landed on 3U, and 19 February respectively -

For the past week, the boundary between the English and Americansectors ran along the Aprilia-Anzio Highway. Reliable sources reportthat the Royal Scot Greys Armored Battalion is in the area east ofthe highway.

Counterattacks from the area southwest of Aprilia (F 875333),strongly supported by armor, are to be expected. Reliable sourcesreport that part of the enemy armored forces are assembled in this-area.

C. Statistics

German losses (less 3d Panzer Grenadier Division, 9th and1027th Panzer Grenadier Regiments): 33 killed, 184 wounded, and8 missing.

Allied losses: 402 prisoners (majority from 2d Battalion157th Infantry Regiment, and 2d Company 7th Queen's Own), and 1tank put out of commission.

XXXI. 24 FEBRUARY .1944


Reconnaissance and combat patrols were conducted by bothsides during the period. In the sector of the I Parachute Corps,an enemy attack in company strength and a tank assault were re-pelled. The pocket of Cle Buon Riposo (F 859310) was cleared,with the exception of a few dispersed Allied troops. At 2030,the 10th and llth Parachute Jager Regiments began an attack tostraighten the main line of resistance at the boundary of the.4th Parachute Division and the 65th Infantry Division.

The 3d Panzer Grenadier Division will be attached to the IParachute Corps at noon on 25 February 1944; the Infantry Demon-stration Regiment, 998th Heavy Artillery Battalion, 10th CompanyArtillery Demonstration Regiment, and one Company of the 525thHeavy Antitank Battalion (Hornets) are attached to this division.The new boundary line of the I Parachute Corps and the LXXVIPanzer Corps is: Stazione di Campoleone (F 877385) - Aprilia(F 875333) - Cle l'Ovile, 1 km east of Cantoniera (F 862282).Tenth Army will supply the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division withten armored personnel carriers for the evacuation of the wounded.

One company of the 653d Antitank Battalion (Ferdinand tanks)will be attached to the LXXVI Panzer Corps. The 3d Battalion ofthe 1st Parachute Regiment previously committed in the sector ofthe Panzer Division "Hermann Goring", will return to the 1stParachute Division (Tenth Arm 0O The Parachute Demonstration

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Battalion, up to now with the Panzer Division "Hermann Goring" willbe attached to the 4th Parachute Division.


According to prisoner of war statements the 6th Cheshire ofthe 56th Infantry Division (Br) landed on 16 February. It consistsof four companies and one Headquarters Company, Each company isequipped with 12 heavy machine guns. Lt Col Birch is the Command-ing Officer of the battalion.

Heavy traffic on Highway 82 (F 780300 to F 922289) indicatesfurther regroupings. It is probable, that elements 'of the 1stInfantry Division (Br), which are being kept in reserve, will becommitted to relieve the weaker sectors of the 45th InfantryDivision (US)

C. Statistics

German losses (less 3d Panzer Grenadier Division and.715thInfantry Division): 91 killed, 343 wounded, and 55 missing.

Losses of Fourteenth Army from 16 to 22 February 1944(including materiel turned in for repair): 450 submachine guns,430 light machine guns, 93 heavy machine guns, 6 light mortars,56 medium mortars, 1 heavy mortar, 2 light infantry guns, 12light antitank guns (1 salvagable), 1 medium antitank gun, 8heavy antitank guns, 13 light field howitzers (12 salvagable),7 heaviv field howitzers (7 salvagable), 3 guns 10 cm (3 salvag-able), 1 light gun, 6 guns 7.5 cm, 1 howitzer 22 crm, 5 antiaircraftguns 2 cm (2 salvagable), 5 rocket launchers 15 cm, and 10 rocketlaunchers 21 cm.

Allied losses: 59 prisoners (this makes a total of 650prisoners, taken in the pocket of Cle Buon Piposo) and 2 tanksput out of cormmission.

- 68 -

XXXII. 25 FEBRUARY 1944


During the night, the 4th Parachute Division and 65th InfantryDivision succeeded in pushing the main line of resistance forward,despite heavy enemy artillery andnortar fire. This attack was partof the operation to straighten the line.

Late in the evening, the enemy attacked the sector of the65th Infantry Division at the Michele Gorge (F 828315 to F 845308),and 1 kmn northwest of Cantoniera ( F 863282), At both points theattack was made under support of heavy artillery fire, but wasstopped by the coordinated firo of our artillery. No majoroperations, except raids, took place in the sector of the LXXVIPanzer Corps.

The following is an order for a new attack against the beach-head:

On 28 February, the Army will resume its attack againstthe beachhead. The IXXVI Panzer Corps will attack at 0400;in the sector of the 362d Infantry Division the attack willbegin at 0545. The objective is to drive the enemy intothe sea. To achieve surprise deception and secrecy areparamount.

The I Parachute Corps is to feign preparations for animpending large-scale attack in its sector, as well as tcincrease activity by assault detachments, during the night if27 to 28 February. Roving guns are to be employed in thearea of Ardea (F 787350) to simulate the concentration of anew artillery group. The arrival of strong, motorized forcesin the area of Ardea is to be simulated during the 26th, 27th,and in the night of 27 to 28 February. For this purposecombat vehicles of the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division will beused. Individual vehicles will be ordered to blink.theirlights while moving up, during the night, but this must notbe done in a clumsy way. In the evening of 27 February, anattack tG seize Hills 78 and 79, 1 km north of Fta. Campcdi Carne (F 862284), is to be executed.

At 0530 on 28 February, our artillery will shell jknovwnenemy assembly areas, in which there will probably be heavytroop concentrations.

The LXXVI Panzer Corps is tu simulate an impending strongattack in the direction of the Mussolini Canal, by tank sup-ported raids and the use of roving guns, These operations willnot be extended farther than Borgo Piave (G 053203).

In the sector where the actual attack is planned, raidingand scouting will be carried out in usual strength only.' Nounits, other than those at present employed in these sectors,will be used in these operations. Scouting or raiding bymobile units is prohibited. During the attack, it will beimportant that bridge-heads are established on the south bankof the Astura creek. These brigeheads will serve as bases forfurther attacks.

The enemy forces remaining on both flanks of our AssaultGroup must be wiped out in a frontal attack by the reserves ofthe Army Group.

- 69 -

The Air Force is requested to provide air-ground sup ortfor our attacking forces?.' and to chase off enemy artilleryobservation planes, especially on 28 February.

The 65th Infantry. Division reported that as a result of recentactions the conditions of its infantry is such that only an im-mediate relief can prevent complete exhaustion. The combat strengthon-23 February was: 33 officers, 81 noncommissioned officers, and559 enlisted men. This number includes two regimental staffs, andsome regimental units. Nearly all competent noncnmmissioned officersand specialists were lost during recent actions. The Division willreceive 400 to 800 men as.replacements (surplus personnel of the362d Infantry Division).. Fourteenth Army suggests that accordingto development of the situation, single battalions be withdrawa forten to fourteen days, as the current situation does not warrant thewithdraval of entire divisions.

At 1200 hours, the 715th Infantry Division took over the sectorof the 362d. Infantry Division which was withdrawn for the comingoffensive. The divisions designated for the attack on 28 Februaryare already in their respective assembly areas. The 1st and 2dBattalion of the 115th Panzer Grenadier Regiment arrived in thearea of Cori (G 095380). These two battalions were part of the15th Panzer Grenadier Division (Tenth Army), and are now attachedto the Fburteenth Army as reserve.

B. 7 Intelligence Report

During the last days, the enemy attempted to regroup his dis-organized units. It was established.that American units were re-lieved by the 56th. and 1st Infantry Division (Br), which now holdthe line extending from the coast to the eastern side of the Aprilia-Anzio Highway. Adjoining is the 45th Infantry Division (US), witha front line extending to the areaof Cle Carno (F 940309). On thelaltterts right flank is the 3d Infantry Division (US). Regroupingand moving up of replacements continued. The main defensive centersare still on both sides of Fta. Campo di Carne (F 862284).

C. Statistics

German losses: (less 65th Infantry Division) 18 killed, 51wounded, and 9 missing.

Allied losses: 46 prisoners.

XXXIII. 26 FEBRUARY 1944


Las,t night, an enemy attack in company strength supported byartillery and mortar fire, succeeded temporarily in penetrating themain line of resistance, in the sector of the 4th Parachute Division.Our immediate counterattack reestablished the main line of resist-ance and releived one platoon of the 10th Parachute Regiment, whichhad been encircled. Except for reciprocal combat patrols, the othersectors were quiet.

At 1200, the 735th Grenadier Regiment of the 715th MotorizedInfantry Division took over the sector of Group "Heidebreck", ofthe Panzer Regiment of the Panzer Division "Hermann Goringt.

The Fourteenth Army High Command ordered that in the coming

- 70 -

attack, in addition to previous plans, a tank group is to push for-ward on the highway Spaccasassi (F 917330) - Ponte della Crocetta

(F 950297). In this operation it is imperative that Carano (F 940309)be seized, during the first night, by a surprise raid. *The mainline of resistance at the southern flank of the LXXVI Panzer Corpsis to be pushed forward, during the night 26 to 27 February, atleast as far as the present line of our combat outposts. From thisline, assault-detaclhments, supported by assault guns or tanks, willthrust forward toward the Mussulini Canal. These assaults are to bemade on as broad a front as possible. The line of combat outpostswill be advanced to the Mussolini Canal, or at least as close as ppossible to the canal.


The 1st Battalion 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th InfantryDivision (U S) was confirmed to be in the area of the Lwschionebridge, 1 km west of Cle Tre di Padiglione (F 921289).

C. Statistics


Allied losses: 19 prisoners.

XXXIV. 27 FEBRUARY 1944


No activity took place on either side, except reconnaissanceand assault detachment operations. The enemy carried out recon-naissance and combat patrols against the sector held by the 715thInfantry Division. Fourteen.thenemy artillery batteries were locatedby reconnaissance. ,Most of them are in theNestern sector.

The date .for the intended attack is changed from 28 to 29 Feb-ruary. The plans remain unchanged. Beginning the night of 27 to28 February, the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division will be withdrawnfrom the front, and concentrated in the area Lanuvio-Genzano-palomba.These movements are to be completed before dawn 1 March. The 146thGrenddier Regiment, which is arriving from the Cassino area, willtake over the sector of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division, Elementsof the 129th Reconnaissance Battalion (motorized), one lightartillery battalion, and elements of the 525th Antitank Battalion("Hornets") will remain in this sector.


Company A 2d Battalion 5th Qutens (169th Brigade/56th BritishhInfantry Division) is in the area of Michele Gorge (F 828315 toF 845308), according to prisoner of war interrogations.

C. Statistics

German losses: 44 killed, 177 wounded, 15 missing.

Allied losses: 39 prisoners, 1 tank destroyed by a mine,and several machine guns and small arms were captured.

- 71 -

X V. 28 FEBRJUA-Y 1944.

A.' Operations Report

Following up the attack by the 65th Infantry Division XO 25February, the left. flank of the 4th Parachute Division pushed forwardat the eastern end of the Michele Gorge (F 828315 to F 845308). Ina sudden raid in the morning, the 65th Infantry Division took thegroup of ruined houses lIkn southwest Cle Buon Ripcso (F 859310).Simultaneously, a second attacking group advanced in the Campo diCarne gorge, south of Cle Buon Riposo, to a line even with the firstattack force. Enemy counterattacks on the group of houses werestopped by artillery fire. In addition, our artillery silencedfive enemy batteries. Explosions were observed at four targets.

At 2000, the I Parachute Corps took over the sector of the 146thGrenadier Regiment; two artillery battalions of the 29th PanzerGrenadier Division were withdrawn.

Fourteenth Army ordered the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division tomake a, road reconnaissance on 29 February, for a.possible attack atdaybreak 1 March, the (.bjective of which would be to occupy theAstura sector, between the road Borgo podgora (G.045240) - BorgoMontello (F 976236) and the coast. This does not interfere withthe original plan to employ the Division at the center of theLXXVI Panzer Corps 1 attack.

The Commanding General Fourteenth Army made the following re-port to the C-mmander in Chief Southwest:

"The divisions and regiments with little combat experienceor insufficient training are not suited for difficult offensiveoperations. The 65th Infantry Division, 114th Jager Division, and the715th Motorized Infantry Divisi-n suffered heavy losses. Most casual-ties are inflicted by enemy artillery fire. Shell fragments areresponsible for 75 percent of all vwounds, while 10 to 15 percent ofthe casualties .have been caused by enemy air, attacks. The fact thatdue to insufficient training, the men do not know how to handlethemselves prop'.rly in battle; has increased our casualties. Theplanning for attacks-,:.the redeployment of troops, and the offensiveoperations now take longer, .1.ue to.hea~y losses among officers andnoncomiussioned. of ficers. ,

B. I.Lntelligence Report

According to. prisoners.of war, the 1st Battalion 180th Infantry:Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division, (US) is located at the north-eastern edge of the Vallicelle Grandi woods. On its left is.'the179th Infantry Regiment. The 1st Duke of Wellington Regiment and2d Foresters Regimtent are employed in the front line, while the1st King's Shropshire Light Infantry Regiment is in a reserveposition., Repl!ucfimen-ts from Naples increased the strength of thecompanies to .150 men.

The (nemy seems to have transferred his attention from theAprilia sector to the Cisterna-Littoria sector.

C. Statistics

German losses: (less 114th Ja.ger Division and the. 362dInfantry .Division).. 3.7. killed,. 116 wvunded, arid 18 missing. .

Allied losses: 135 prisoners (130 British, 5 Americans), and 2tanks put out of commission.

- .72 -

XXXVI. 29 FEBRUARY 1944


At 0400, the LXXVI Panzer Corps started the new attack againstthe beachhead with the 114th Jager Division, 362d Infantry Division,26th Panzer Division, and the Panzer Division "Hermann Goring".

The enemy had been pinned down and confused as to our in-tentions by I Parachute Corpsi raids and local attacks along theentire front. Over one hundred prisoners were taken during theseoperations.

It was difficult to bring up the units of the LXXVI PanzerCorps to their initial positions, due to mud from the continuousrains. The attacks of the divisions, especially the 362d InfantryDivision and 26th Panzer Division, were hampered as their troopswere edxhausted from marching in the mud. The attack was limitedto local penetrations of the enemy's main line of resistance,because the defense area was stubbornly defended and strengthenedby mines and barbed wire entanglements. The employment of tanksby the 362d Infantry Division was not possible, as the groundconditions were unfavorable. The 26th Panzer Division was unableto employ its tanks fully, because the Fonto Rotto bridge (F 997314)had been destroyed.

Several attacks of the 362d Infantry'Division against theCle del Pozzo, 2 km east of Cle Carano (F 940309), were unsuccess-ful in spite of a concentration of all forces. Raids by the 741stJager Regiment of the 114th Jager Division wiped out two strong-points in the area west of Torre di Padiglione (F 921289), andbrought back 10 prisoners. Several attacks on Cle Carano (F 940309)were repulsed by strong defensive fire. Six tanks were lostduring these attacks.

The right flank of the 26th Panzer Division, after crossingits own main line of resistance, was stopped by strong enemyresistance with very high losses. The 9th Panzer GrenadierRegiment on the left flank, attacked along the road runningsouthwest from Ponte Rotto. After clearing mine fields on bothsides of the road, it advanced and captured the crossroads, 1 kmsouthwest of Ponte Rotto at 1230. Supported by tanks, it madeseveral attempts to capture Hill 77 , 1.5 km west of Ponte Rotto,suffering heavy losses in officers and tanks; it was unsuccessful.The attack to seize the adjacent Rubbia Heights was halted by heavyfire.

Units of the Panzer Division "Hermann Goring" reached theline, 300 meters southeast of Isola Bella (G 006294), to S.Alberto (1 km southeast of Isola Bella), to benchmark 43 1.5 kmsoutheast of Isola Bella. The right flank of the Division-madelittle progress due to strong enemy resistance. At 1200, severaltanks reached the north edge of Isola Bella.

The 715th Infantry Division sent assault troops to take thecrossings over the Fosso di Cisterna, 3.5 km north of Borgo Podgora(G 0L45240), and- the Mussolini Canal, 1 km north of Borgo Podgora.These assaults met strong enemy resistance, eand did not reach theirdesired objectives. During the evening, the enemy pushed back ouradvanced positions to the old line of resistance at the left flankof the Division.

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During the night, the sector of the I Parachute Corps hadbeen heavily attacked by enemy artillery fire, which had increasedbefore our attack' began. Apparently, the enemy believed our maineffort was going to be in this area. Our deception appeared tohave been successful. However, enemy artillery was regroupedduring the day, after which concentrated fire was laid in frontof our attacking forces.

Fire froim all of our artillery positions, supoorted by anti-aircraft and rocket fire at the points of main effort, was directedat enemy strongholdss pockets of resistance, and flank positions.Our artillery subjected the einemy's supply lines, assembly andunloading areas, mainly in the, sector of Casale Campomorto (F 941270)and Le Ferriere (F 963242) to harassing fire throunghout the entireday. Our counterbattery fire was successful in neutralizing theenemy's artillery. The enemy's rear area .wlas subjected to constantshelling with all available long-range guns. Several direct hitson ships were observed. One .ship was sunk in the harbor entranceto Anzio.

We aim to prevent the enemy from transferring troops from thefront of the I Parachute Corps. Strong raids will be made on thisfront. It is also necessary that the LXT! Panzer Corps establishone or more bridgeheads across the Astu-ra as soon as possible.Combat teams supported by tanks will make the attack. The 29thPanzer Grenadier Division is transferred to the LXZ-vI Panzer Corpsfor employment on the east flank of the attacking 'force.

German Artillery Employed on the Beachhead

Number of Pieces I Type of Weapon Caliber

151 howitzer 10.5 cm61 howitzer 15 cm

.46 . guns . 10 cm8 I light guns 7.5 cm e

12 guns (Russian) 7.62 cm18 . guns 17 cm12 heavy howitzers (Italian)20 captured enemy guns3 howitzers . 21 cm.9 howitzers (French) 22 cml2 railway guns 21 cm

51 rocket projectors 15 cm.7 rocket projectors 21 cm

.__ _ _ .. 39 AA batteries 8.8 cmTotal: 400 . _'

Allied artillery ammunition expenditure was 66,500 rounds,'while the German artillery a.mnunition consumption was 1,183 tons,of which the following numbur of rounds were expended by the.weapons indicated: Rocket projectors (15 cm) 817 rounds, rocketprojectors (21 cm) 144 rounds, guns (17 cm) 600 rounds, and rail-way guns (21 cm) 12 rounds.

B. Intelligence Report.

Enemy Information: According to prisoner of war reports,Company L, 3d Battalion 7th Inf.ntry .Regiment of the 3d InfantryDivision.(US) was in the area southwest of Colle del Pozzo 2 kmwest of Cle Carano (F 940309).

C. Statistics

German losses (minus 362d Infantry Division): 143 killed,429 wounded,, and 269 missing.. Allied losses: 180 prisoners and3 airplanes downed. 74 -

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PAY ATTENTION TO LARGER MARGINAL FIGURES AND TOTHOSE PRINTED ON THE FACE OF THE MAP.

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GRID DATASuthern Italy Grid

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At the East Edge of this sheet Grid North is 0°40'West of True North

REFERENCERailway, two or more tracks with station ...

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narrow gauge or Tramway ...

Tr/am lin/es an a roald ... ...

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Main Roads <Strade $tatsut with route numbers), ).T.)6 Metres wide or over. metalled

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AREA REVISED "/~FROM AIR PHOTOS AUTHORITIES

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11100,000 Sheet 158. 1933,

1125,000 Sheets IV S.,E., I S.W., I 8.E.Ill ME,,I1 N.W., N.E., S. E., 1936.

Instituto Geografioo MilitarePartially revised for communications, 1943.

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2iXVII. :1 MiHRCH 1944


Operations, to harass the enemy by raids along the entirefront of the I Parachute Corps, were continued. A:ftor the enemyreceived reinforce.ients, he attacked all important sectors of theLXUVI Panzer Corps. The Corps was forced to give up part of theground gained the previous day.

At daybreak, the enemy made an attack on the 3S2nd InfantryDivision, in the course of which he reached the Fosso di Carano(F 940309) and seized Hill 63, 800 meters northwest of Colle delPpzzo (F964312). We regained the height in a counterattack. Anenemy assault at the Colle del Pozzo was halted by our artilleryfire. The enemy forced the 26th Panzer Division to withdraw fromthe Rubbia Woods (F 984313), which we had taken in the morning.Due to enemy attacks and heavy casualties, the Panzer Division"Hermann Goring" lost the ground gained the day before.

The following order from i arshal Kesselring was received:

"Today's (20 February) successes did not mooet ourexpectations, despite the fact that we had achieved sur-prise, that enemy artillery fire was light, and his airraids delayed.

Again and again, I have noticed an overestimate ofthe enemy. This has resul'ed in lack of aggressivenessby both officers and men. i,. are all aware that the im-portance of this attack is not only confined to thistheater of war. However, we will succeed, only if offi-cers and men regain their former self confidence as inolden days, inspired by an impetuous urge to attack.

It is necessary to keep on pushing fore.ard oven ifadjacent troops have been stopped, and enemy strongpointshave to be bypassed. We must continue attempting to esta-blish bridgeheads across the Mussolini Canal and the AsturaCreek."

The Comu;ianding, Goner.l of th3 Fourteenth Army reported tothe Cormander in Chief Southwest that the failure, of the previousday, vwas mainly duo to the deficiencies enumerated on 27 February,which are: insufficient training of troops, and young replacements,who are not qualified to meet the Allied troops in battle. Due tothis, the Army will be unable to wipe out the boachhead with thetroops on hand. The tactics which have boen employed, viz. to re-duce the beachhead gradually by concentrated attacks by severaldivisions, caninot effectively bc continued much longer. New tac-tics must be employed, in order to enable us to meet the eventualenemy large-scale attack from the beachhead with an adequate numberof troops and materiel. This attack will proba1ly be made in con-nection with an offensive against the Tenth Army and, possibly,simultaneously with the main invasion in Western IEurope if theweather conditions turn for the better. It will be the mission ofthe Army to harass the enemy ard to keep him in the dark concerningour intentions, and to improve our positions in order to reduce thebeachhead so as to p1lce us in a favorable position to counter theeventual major enremy attack*.

A zmessage was sc~nt from the Coimmander in Chief Southwest to theCommanding General Fourteenth Army at 1840. This massage stated thatcontrary to the weather predictions, it has been raining continuouslyfor 18 hours. The ground is so muddy that neither tanks nor horse-drawn vehicles can be moved. Therefore, all concentrated attacksmust be halted. The divisions will continue to mount carefully-

- 75 -

prepared local raids. Units vhich are not needed for t'eseactions will be withdrawn for rest ard replacements.

Order from Fourteenth Army to subordinate units

Since the attack on the. 29 February did not lead tothe desired result, our next operation.will be to launchminor well-prepared attacks to .push our lines forward andto reduce the enemy beachhead. The 26th Panzer Divisionand the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division will be withdrawnfrom the front as tactical reserve.

In general, the orders to the Corps were to engagethe enemy along the entire front. At least two raids anight will be launched in every division-sector. Attacks,in company to battalion strength, will be carried out withthe twofold purpose of improving our positions and inflic-ting heavy losses on the.enemy;, the objectives for attacks* rill be chosen iWiith those points in mind. These actionswill start i.mzidiately. Especially selected and equippedassault companies or battalions will be foirmed in all di-visions. Recent days have shown that the different armsare not cooperating sufficiently in battle. It is imperativethat during the cor.,ing attacks mistakes be pointed out tothe troops, so that they will learn from experience. Afterthe. attacks, the newly occupied lines will be fortified andmined immediately to prevent effective enemy counteraction.These preparations must hot loner the spirit of aggressive-ness. On the contrary, they should only be considered asan aid for the continuance of our offensive operations.

.In the sector of the I Parachute Corps it, is most im-portant to gain ground on the western flank of -the 4th Para-chute Division, in order to further reduce the beachhead inthis sector. It uKill be necessary to push forward the mainline of resistance to the Buon Riposo and Botaccia gorges.To achieve this, the Corps will make attacks, in company tobattalion strengtL, on 2, 4, and 6 March. On.each of thesedays one attack -will be made.

In the sector of .the L2v'I Panzer Corps, the front mustbe pushed fo_-i;ard, particularly in our current offensive sec-tor. Possible objectives .for these operations are Cle Bia-daretto (F 918307), Cle Carano, Colle del Pozzo, the RubbiaWoods and the .Ru,-bia hill, Isola Bella, and tUhe little woodsI In northeast of Isola Bella. The 29th Panzor GrenadierDivision will be withdrawn as soon as possible. The 26thPanzer Division will withdraw in the near futura. The 29thPanzer Grenadier Division will move to the area Gistorna-Yelletri, and the. 26th Panzer Division will movo to the areaCecchina-Genzano-Albano. Both of these divisions Will becomeFourteenth Army b'eserve.

The nission of the artillery, including antiaircraft isto support the offensive operations of the Corps, shell theenemy artillery systematically, annihilate all obsrved enemypoints of resistance, fire on all profitable moving targets,and shell onery ships, harbor installations, and disembarkationpoints.

Beginning. 2 lanibh, tho following tank forces of the 69thP-anzer Regiment, which have been Attached to the IJCVI PanzerCorps, will be brought to their original assembly areas south-ward and-eastward of Rome: 301st Panzer Battalion (radio con-trolled demolition vehicles), 508th Tiger Battalion (including,a company of Ferdinand tanks), lest Battalion 4th Panzer Regi-ment (Panther tanks), and the 216th Panzer Battalion.

- 76 -

The I Parachute Corps gnd thu IOXVI Panzer Corps willform the follo;:ing alert-units to be ready to movoe .ithin 2or 4 hours, in order to rinforce the units ea..ploycd incoastal defense, in case of a possible eneamy landing in thearea of Civitav-cchia: one coapany of the 50th ilotorized-ngineer Battalion, one company of the 22nd Airforce Engi-neer Battalion, one Panther tank company, one com.pany of the1st Antiaircraft Battalion, 12th' Regiment, one company of the590th GHQ Tank Ds.-troyer Battalion, and infantry reserves as thecondition de-ands (at present 145th Grenadier R"egiment and 1

battalion 71st JIotorized Grenadier Reginent).


The GHQ Tanik Battcalion 4th Queens Own Hussars (Br) is reemployodin the. Casapo di Carne sector, according to a captured map.

Further attacks against our advanced points must be expected.

C. Statistics

German losses: 202 killed, 707 -ounded, and 455 missing.

Allied losses: 132 prisoners (66 British and 66 Americans),several machine guns, 1 truck and 1 radio set captured.

Tanks and self propelled guns fit for combat:

27XaVIII. 2 - 4 March 1944


Due to strong enemy count-erattacks, one comipan.iy of the 4thParachute Division, which had occupid the eastern part df theCiocca gorge (F 820305), was wiped out by the enemy. The groupof houses, 1 kim southwest of Ponte Rotto (F 997314), wvhich hadpreviously been takon by the 26th Panzer Division, had to be&aendoned after a struggle of several days. In the course ofthis struggle, the houses changed hands several times.

In other sectors, scouting and raiding were the.only acti-vities. Enemy artillery fire has been generally light. However,during the morning of 2 Larch the enemy brought the sectors of. the114th pJger Division and the 362nd Infantry Division under anartillery barrage.

- 77 -

r-{v~inAvilabv ening Available eveningI28 February 1 M[arch

Hornets I 25 29Tanks 165 - 147

Tigurs (32) (14)Panthers I (53) (53)

Assault Howitzers 29 21Assault Giuns .46 58

; .Ferdinalnds11 i t 3

During nwumrous hoavy air raids on our rear areas'.a.ndartillery positions, thb enemy systematically neutroalized ourantiaircraft.o

The following subjects were considered in a 'mleting'ofthe Corma.nder in Chief Southwest and the Commahding Generals ofthe armies: First, .Lrshal Kesselring believes that- minor oper-ations in the iMeditorranean Theater, probably in Southern France,will precede the mzain invasion in Northern France. Nevertheless,heavy divwrsionary cttacks at Livorno and Genoa are possible.Landing operations on the Adriatic coast are not likely at thepresent; the possibility of tactical landings at Pescara andCivitavecchia remains. Second, the mission of the CoimmLnder. inChief Southwest still is to defend central Italy and to reducegradually the Nottuno beachhead. Third, .the Fourteenth Array willtransfer the following forces to the Tenth Army; 114th JPgerDivision, one regiment before 20 lr.:rch end the majority of the-(division by 25 March; 1st and 2nd Battalions of the 115th MotorizedGrenadier Regiment, beginning on 8 IvMarch; 1st Battalion of the 71stProjector Regiment, formerly the Projector De.onstration Battalion,by 12 March; 450th HFeavy Artillery Battalion, by 12. March; and thePanzer Division i'Hormaann G1Oring" to Group "von Zangen" for employ-ment in the area of Livorno. The 3d Panzer Grenadier Division willget back from the Tenth Armay the reinforced 8th- Iotorized GrenadierRegiment, by 8 March.

The German High Command intends to reinforce the fourteenthArmy with one railway battery (280 mm), and one Czechoslovakianrailway battery (320 im).

The Cormander in Chief Southwest has ordered the imLnediateconstruction of a second line of defense ("C" line) fromliacchiaIdrovora ( F 740343) in a northeasterly direction to the eastcoast.. The line will be ready for occupancy, particularly in thethreatened sector, by 30 April. The Fourteenth Arrmly is responsiblefor the fortification fror: the west coast to the neighborhood ofArtena.

On 3 Iarch the Italian Marine Battalion ' Barb.rigol, consistingof Battalion Staff and four companies with strengths of 650 men,arrived .t the 715th Infantry Division. It will be stationed inthe area northeast of Littoria.

Army reserve: 29th Panzer Grenadier Division (less theelements currently employud in the front line) to be assembled inthe area north of Voletri.

B.. Intelligence Reports

The 2nd Company, 6th queens Owin, 169th Brigade 56th InfantryDivision (Br), is located in the Michele gorge ( FS28315 to F845308)as confirmed by prisoners of war from Company C. The Battalion re-lieved the 10th Royal Berkshire Regiment on the 29 February. The1st King's Shropshire Light Infantry (3rd Briga4e 1st British In-fantry Division) is now employed in the sector 1,5 ,mi northwest ofthe road crossing Cazxpo di Carnme ( F850890 to F270290). Prisonersof war state that Company C has been in this area for ten days.

The chart on acge 79 -shows estimated Allied ammunition expen-ditures for the period 16 February 1944 to 3 i.March 1944.

- 78 -

ALLIED ARTILLERY Ak' TUITION EXPEMDITUIZ

By Rounds for the Period 16 February to 3 March 1944

N) N) N'M ?N) N l j \g N P'- O', gC hJ R-~'C- co oO Oo o

^!S^,

__>

4- F0-P 4- C0 MN4-- ' I000

\-n \-n \j- \JT<O N)M - aCC000

...-... I

o N) ~' O(>000

- 79 -

0o N) 4- oN

Op

Co

-zj

J C

: N

t-0

a-,

_j

d

D :

r|

) N_i

)

JI Ill-j ^D m__w

lb)

I

IYjO

- t ---

-

-111��

__ -

_ j

_ 7 . S. __-

1

N

o0);L

FI

i

z

:

~<

i .. »i. .

.

I

0. Statistics:


Allied losses: 38 prisoners, 7 airplanes downed by anti-

aircraft, several -machine guns and srail arms captured.

-:]3X 5 to 9 EARCH.' 1944

A. Operations Reoport

During the entire period, combat and reconnaissance patrolsvwere active on both sides.

Eneiay bombing- and strafing raids on 6 MiLch against artilleryernplacements in 362nd Infantry Division's sector.met with no success.

At 1200 on 6 I;:arch, the 26th P-anzer Division took over the formersector of Panzer Division "Hermann .Gring", which, in turn, was movedto Livorno, less its antiaircraft and armored units.

On S llarch, one company of Italian iarines, Battalion "Barba-

rigo", was corrmitted in the sector of the 2nd Battalion of the 33thSS Panzer Grenadier Regiment, attached. to 715th Inf,"ntry Division..This unit could not be employed for special missions because itlacked sufficient infantry t.raining. The 114th jager Division, ear-

marked for mountain warfare on the southern front, will be equipped

with.mountain artillery.

On 7 IMarch, -the 114th JRlger Division's- attack on the enemystronghold at Cle BiadLretto, 2 kin north of Cle Tre di Padiglione

(F 921289), failed, due to the heavy barrage and the strongly de-

fended and mined positions of the enemy.

During the night of 7 to 8 March 1944, enemy attacks againstthe 10th Parachute .egi.Lent's right flank by about tvio companies,launched after two hours of artillery preparation, were repelled inhard fighting.

* On 9 Mharch, several enemy assaultns, partjy supported by tanks,launched at the bounidary between the 65th Infantry Division and the3rd Panzer Grenadier Division, were repulsed by determined cotnter-attacks .

Enemy artillery fire was very heavy, at times increasing tobarrage pitch, especially .along"the Aprilia-Anzio highway and in: the Cle Buon Ripo'sb area ( F854310). The enemy fired an extra-ordina.ry number of smoke shells. He also employed a now type of: shell for the first ti.e,' which explodes about 150 meters from theground, ejecting four siaqke pots in different directions, that pro--duce heavy smoke after hitting the ground some 50 meters apart.

Our artillery bombarded the enemy's strongpoints, positions,supply traffic and gun emplacements. Good results were, observed inseveralcases. Long-range artillery, supported by antiaircraft ar-

tillery, bombed the harbor at Anzio. Two merchant vessels were-hit,one of then pouring out great quantJties of smoke. Violent.explo-sions were also observed.

During the night of 8 to 9 L.,arch our air forces launched a heavyaerial attack on the Nettuno area.

- 80 -

The Commander in Chief Southwest foresees the possibility

of major airborne and seaborne enemy landings in the very rear

future, coordinated with an offensive against the Tenth Army's

front. The following reserves are available fortho defense:

29th Panzer Grenadier Division (Fourteenth Army Reserve); Ele-

ments -of 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division (I Parachute Corps); and

the 26th Panzer Division (LX2VI Panzer Corps Reserve). These

units will be on a two hour alert status frioma 2100 to 0300 daily.

Reconnaissance for possible commitment in the Civitavecchia area

was to be executed at once. The following units are subject to

the same alert status: 3rd Battalion 2nd Artillery Demonstration

Regiment; 1st Company 590th Anti-tank Battalion, 1st Battalion'

4th Panzer Regiment (I-anther tanks), and the 60th Engineer Bat-

talion.

Repeated observations confirmed that the frequently erroneousrelease of our artillery barrages was dur to the use of flare sig-

nals by the enemy. For this reason, flare signals changing daily,

at noon, will be introduced immediately.

Dispersion and echelonment in depth of enemy artillery po-

sitions render our artillery's counter fire more difficult. To

remove this obstacle, the Chief Artillery Officer, Fourteenth

Army, requested the attachment of a howitzer battalion and a heavy

flat-trajectory gun battalion (Schwere Flachfeuor-Abteilung).

The Commanding General, Fourteenth Army, reported to the

Cormmander in.Chief Southwest, that no suitable tunnels as air pro-

tection were available for the employment of the two railway ar-

tillery batteries promised by the German High Conmrand. The tunnel,

farthest to the south,.gives an effective range of only 3 kilometers

in front of our ownr main line of resistance. In case the batteries

must operate from the tunnels, the Army will have to forego their

employment.

Enemy fihter-boymber activity is continually causing consider-

able losses in motor vehicles. Considering the difficulty of re-

placing motor transport, Fourteenth Army' again points out. that all

,convoy traffic by day must be reduced to the minimum..

B. Intelligenca Roort

Prisoners of .ar report that the 40th Royal Marine Commando

is established 1.5 lma northwest of Fta Campo di Carne (F 862284).

The Commandos, ,00 men strong, had disembarked at Anzio on 3 March.

During the night of 5 to 6 MIarch, they, relieved the 2nd Foresters.

Same source stated that the 43rd Marine Commando (Br), who came

ashore with the first wave on the bridgehead, wore withdrawn to

Naples several weeks ago. It was also established from prisoners

of war that the 3rd Battalion 30th Infantry Regimont of- the 3rd

Infantry Division (US), is at Fossa della Pedata, 1 lma west of Cle

Carano (F 940309), and has occupied this position Tor the last ten

days. The 7th Infantry Regiment 3rd Infantry Division (US):, is

newly established 1.5 1ml southwest of Ponte Rotto (F997314). .Pri-

soners taken belonged to the antitank platoon, the Headquarters

Company, and the Cngineer Company. The Regiment.has occupied this

position for the last two days. Lt. Gen. Truscott, previously com-

manding the 3rd Infantry Division (US), was transferred to the VI

Corps, as Commanding General. General McDaniel is mentioned as the

new commanding officer of the 3rd Infantry Division (US), with Col.

Sherman as Chief of Staff.-

There wero no indications of the arrival of new units.

Commitment of the 1st Armored Division (US) in the Cisterna sector

'(G 0232), is to be expected.

- 81 -o

C. Statistics

German losses: 162 killes, 646 wounded, and 66 imissing.

Allied losses: 27 prisoners, 2 tanks destroyed, 2 anti-tank guns destroyed, and 1 airplane dowmned.

XL 10 to 14 MAPRCH 1944


Shortly after maidnight on the 14th IMarch, the anemy attackedin battalion s.troiieth supported by tanks. The attack, which wasdirected against our positions west of the Aprilia-Anzio highwaywas turned back with heavy enemy losses. During the san.e night,

two more attacks fror_ the gorges Caronte (F 854297) and Campo diCame, south of Clo Duon Riposo (F 859310), succecded in makingseveral penetrations' Hcwvor, by inmediate counterattacks, the

original line was reostablished by early morning. Enemy raids wereturned back on tho entire beachhead front.. Our recomnnaissance andraid operations wero successful in taking prisdnors. One scoutingparty of 5 maen succeeded in taking 36 prisoners.

Enemy artillory fire was comparatively light. Since thebeginning of lMiarch, the enemy has extensively been euploying ar-tillery observation planes, especially in the area of Cisterna(G 0232), and south of Aprilia '(F 875333). Our artillery firingwhite phosphorous shells, caused a fire in an enemy motor pool atLe Ferriere (F 953242), rnd our long range artillery shelled enemysupply traffic. It was observed thc:t three tr.nsports were hit,and theat seviral ships were forced to withdraw fromr their berthsin the harbor.

Throughout the entire period there was considerable .bnemyair recomnnaissance, 'and fightver-bombers wjre active. Our raindefensive .area and Ertillery positions were bombedd u.nd strafed.Fires were observd at Anzio and Nettuno aftar air raids.

On 13 I iarch, ih the Fourteenth Army sector, the remainingelements of the Panzer Division "Herrmann GWring", consisting 'of

.antiaircraft ragiments and Panzer regiments, wera sent to the newOperational :-rea., at Livorno. The st.fff of the 26th Panzer Regi-ment -took ovor the comlmand of the coastal sector of the IXXVIPanzer Corps, in the a e. of the 715th Infantry Division,, and the26th..P-nzer Reconnaissance Battalion was att-chd to the 715thInfantry Division in the are.. southepast of Littoris.

On 14 M-rch, the 362nd Inf' ntry Division relieved the 67thPanzer Gren-dier Rogimrnt and elements of the 2nd B-.ttc.lion 9thPanzer Grenadier Reg~ient. The bulk of'the 25th Pcnzer Divisionhas now been taken from the front and made Arnmy Reserves. Oheregimental, group is in the crea of Cori (G 095580) and Lnother

*is in the .rea of Geinz.no - Velletri.

By order of the Commr..nder in, Chief, Southwe'st, thQ 29th PanzerGrenadier Division vill lov to the area south of Rore, between theTiber and the ViL Appi',. , .s Army Group reserv.

Army Resjrve is comprised of the steff of thae 69ta Pa.nzer Regi-ment, with tha following units: thv 1st Battlion 4th PanzerzRegi-ment, the 508th H-eavy Panzer Bettalion (Tiger tanks), the 653rdHeavy Tank Destro.yor Ba.ttalion (Ferdinands)., and the 218th AssultHowitzer B3 ttalion.

- .82 -

During the preser.nt lull in the fighting,. an opportunityhas. been given to" irprove deficiencies. in close antitank cor.battechniques. Such training has been given; 13 officers, 73 non-cormissioned officers, and 177 men have finished 'the course. Thetrai niiig is mainly concerned with the employrreent of rocket laun-chers (bazookas) and antitank grenades.

'At the present,, the divisions are equipped with the following:

Unit

qilun iaracOuLt. Ljagr J vI IJLjiui

65th Iniantry Division3rd Panzer Grenadier Division362nd Iniifantry Division26th Panzer Division29th Panzer Grenadier Division

Total

Rocket - AntitankLaunlchers Grenad3es

(Bazookas)

25401259

200327336180

76 425

20 . 635

232 2,103

After Fourteenth Arrmy was regrouped, it was possible to relieve

the battalions in theo line according to, schedule. Of three battal-

ions in a reginlent, two st.yed in position, and the third was sent

to the rear area to rest and receive newly arrived replacements in

its units. These battalions were also used to erect switchpositions

in the rear. 7Jith this system,'it was possi:,le for each battalionto have approxiLately 10 days rest after having been at the front for

three weems. During. this period, outstanding soldiers were given the

opportunity to speond two days in Rome with hotel accommodatlions.

Personnel strength of the Fourteenth Armi is depicted in the

chart below: ..

Units Officers Enlisted men

Army troops : .

ic tual s-trenth 3,711i 101,466Combat strenth - 1,632 50,113Rear echlon troopsof oabut ua titg. 34,8 16 ,'464Supply trooi s 1, 0o3 16,769

Air Force Ground troops

Actual stren Ith 779 25,018Combat strength 400 '12,896Rear echelon troops :

of combat unLits I 1 5,08,8Supply troops 111 t 3,053

SS troops

Actual strongth 24 1,527Combat strength. 1 769Rear och.l!on troopsof combat units. 1 232

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _-__ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ , .__ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.__ _ _ _ _ _

IJII , .. .. I_ - . - _nr4 r c4F

- 83 -

Total streLrgt

Actual stroen.thCombat strong thRear achloin troopsof co..ibat unitsSupply troops

4, 514.. 2,049

5361,174

128, 01163,778

21,78419,822

B. Eyewitness Heport

The .enemy atillery observation, planes which woere in theair every day, were harassing our troops, because each movingobject was at once fired upon. Night, was tlie only tine thatcoqmz.anders could make an inspection of the main linJ of resis-tance and get in touch with their men. Tihe defense againstartillery observation planes 1was very difficult, .because theplanres stayed about 500 reters froI our main line of resistance.Due to their mlanou-ver bility, they could not be fllicwe.d by ourantiaircraft gunfs.

C. Intelligence RIport

It has been locrnod fron prisoners of war that the 6thSeaforth 17th Brigade .of the 5th Inlcfntry Divisioin (Br) isin the I,.iichele gorge (F 823315 to F 841310). The Battalioncam. from Taples and landed at Anzio on 9 Larch. It relievedparts of the 1st Lon.-don Scots on 10 KDarch. The strength ofeach comparny is 110 n.en. Ona week ago, this Battalion was em-ployed at Garig liano and later roieived by the Ajieoricans, After5 days of rest south of Naples, it asserbled, probably with theentire 17th Brigade.

The 14th Forosters is in th, Bottacia gorge. (vicinity ofF 854297) This battalion was eraployed in the i-id-ie .ast and-cam.- via Algiers and IEples to Anzio, where it landed on 20February. It belongeud to the 18th Indepoendent InDfntry Brigadeand consists of four infantry conmpanius, a Heavy Ce..-i.any, and aHeadquarturs Con ;.ny. Its strength is approximat.ly 600 men.Companies A, B, and C are comri.aittod. The 9th King's COwn York-shire Light Infantry Buffs, starength unlknowa, and the 14th For-esters, belong to the 18th Infantry Brigade. The 9th King'sOwn Yorkshire Light Infantry landed at Anzio at the boginning ofM.arch, after hi ving been employed in Africa for 2 eaars. On 7Mlarch they ralie-ved the 1st King t s Shropshire Light Infantry310th Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division (Br). The 5th and51st Infantry Divisions (Br) are probably in England.

The 1st ,Rang:er Battalion of the 1st Special Service Force is1 km east of Ysola Bella (G- 006291) j according to captured doc-urfments.

Thu heavy traffic in the area south of Aprilia is probablydue to the arriv-l of the 5th Infantry Division (3r).

Othei units * Officors ,_i 1-lis'td

Italian units 2,129Itaiian auxilicry supply unlits 248Russian atailiaryr supply units 655

. *' Othatr auxili iry supply units _ 3L41

-T''ot" l 3 3,373

- -- #L

.- r s - v

_ __ _

'

- 84 -

D. Statistics

Germcn losses: 121 killed, 372 wounded, 5o missi:±g.

Allied losses: 173 prisoners (153 British), 20- machine

guns, and 140 saall arms captured.

,LI The Gorman Co-aC nd' s t Mid--rch Estite. of the Situation

kAd German Intentions

A. Enemy Situation, according to report of 135 iarch 1944 from

Fourteenth Arfy to CoiaLcm rder in Chief Southwest.

After our wrajor rtt; cks. wsre discontinued in the beginning

of MIarch, the aneny, ' has shown increased activity. His frequent

reconnaissance and corab.t patrols have the twofold task of pro-

curing intclligenco and concealing regroupments; lately these

patrols have also taken place in the Littoria area.'

Inr addition to ropl1 cements for deplted uits the following

new units hl-ve boon' brought up to the beachhead: -40th Royal blarine

Comrndo, elements of 17th Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division (Br),

and the 14th Foresters.

Frozn the ;qestorn flankl to Borgo Podgora the defensive positions

are well fortified and manned at all times. The bulk of reserves,

estiiated at ten to eleven British infantry battalions and six to

eight Ameriean battalions, is believed to be in the area south of

Aprilia. -There, the enery places his main enphasis both for the

offensive as ,ell as the defensive; his secondary remphasis lies in

the region southwest of Cistern:. A local attack in the Littoria

sector aiming to force the German artillery positions further away

from disembarkction points appears to bo possible.

As yet we havo no oknowledge of a specific date for an Allied

offensive. Such offiensive action is to be expected in combination

with major strategic operations and an attack on the southern front.

The enoemy continued to reorganize his forces as ovidenced by the

relief of front units. The enermy's knowledge of weakened Gerran

forces rust haze strengthened his intentions for an offensive on

the beachhead.

B. Enemy order of battle, as given by the intellignce officer

Fourteenth Army.

VI Corps (US) under Fifth Army Cormand

1st Special Service Forces Brigade (US)

504th Parachute Regiment cf the 82nd Airborne Division (US)

3rd Infantry Divisior. (US)509th Parachute BLttalioln (US)751st Tank Battalion (US)1st and-3rd Ra.nger Battalions (US)

23rd Tank Briadeo (Br)Tank Battalion "Greys" (Br)1st Ari;iored Division. (US)

45th Infantry Division (US)

Tank Battalion (,ith Hussars) (Br)

1st tifantry Brigade (Br)18th Infantry Brigade (Br)5th Infantry Division (Br)

56th Infantry DLivis ion (Br)191st Tank Battalion (US)

36th Engineur p-egiaent (US)4th Ranger Battalion (US)

- 85 -

9th Royal Iar ine C oi.riando40th Royal Marine Cornnando

C. German Intentions

As the 114th 1".gcr Division has been transferred to the Tenth

Army and the R.P.nzor Division "Hurmarrnn Gabring M has been withdrawnto the area of Livorno, the Gerran Compand cannot plan a e.ajor attackfor the olimnination of the beachhead within the near future. Germian

-divisions are battle vweary and have suffered considerable losses.

The following effective coiambt strength was reported by G-neral Hart-mann of the German Arly 1Higl Conerand, after his visit to the front on4 to 6 lMarch: 65th Infantry Division, consisting of 145th. and 147thInfantry Regiments, 2,680 men; 114th J"ger Division, 4,582 men; 1028thPanzor Grenadier Reginent, 1,218 men; and the 715th Infantry Division,3,.099 mien. This .ava a total of 11,579 nen.

Our artillery is weakened considerably. Statistics of 15 lvarch* ihn r s +a1I. . ' Jfvv VJ± ln 4 i-.^. .L' . iC r 4. f.L ( .% . ; nY

Type of Weapon

Artillery:Light Artillery;

GunsHowitzers

lediumi artillery:GunsHotitzersHowitzers (l1brser)

Heavy-Superheavy:GunsHoawitzersHowitzers (YTrser)

- Rocket Projoctors:M11ediumiHeavy

Antiaircraft artillery:

Medium..Heavyi

Transportation difficultiesallotnents.

Caliber

upup

to 99 nm'to 129 mi

100-209130-209210-249

210 im210 mi250 -rI

and upand upand up

110-159 rn.1560-219 rnm

. Piccr sofIes

158

99

2

18

-I _ - - K-_ . . I.

up. to 36 n.r37 -59 9mn60-159 r.?z

often delay the arrival of

35140

anm.iunition

The enemy regrouped his artillery pulling bacd: ei-rplacement po-

sitions. Therefore, the range of our howitzers and antiaircraft guns

is too short,to reach eneray artillery positions, and only the few 100

r.n guns at our disposal can do so.

Number of tanks and assault guns as of 24 M'arch:

IEz -IIIiI-- --

P16th'l Assault ?z Bn26th Panzer Divisionl 529th Panzer Greon Div 8I3rd Panzur Gren Div I1st Bn 4th Pz Regt508th Pz BnAssault G-un Bn XI Lir-force Corps $

Total '1S

Pz TV Pz

(75-L)> l(Pcntltr) 1

-5118 I

i40

69 40569 ' 40"i

Pz VI 'Fli-o ' Assa ult.Tigor) ! t rowe guns

i 7. 1

25 .

I~ ~17jI_ . ( Italian7

i32 777

_r-

wr nT-

iI

_ .

.

, 16:%U� �V Vll� � � �-' 'V �-' 6 � - " "'Y - , -_ . _ - - - - . .

T _ _.1_ $

.-

..

- 86 -

Due to their -.oahened condition the forces employed in the

front line cannot be considered fit for any m.ajor attack at this

time. Only the 25th Pcnzer Division and the 29th Panzer Grenadier

Division are c&pablo of any large scale oper..tions. Both units

presently const.'tuto-theo Amy Group Rcservo, located south of Romie.

Tank units, attached to the staff of the 69th Panzer Rcgiment with

the exception of the Tanthor Battalion arc brought' into forward. po-

sitions as a countclrnc sure against tank supportbd attacks of tho

enemy. Two groups are f..rLe;: First, -IGrcup Je'st" in tho area of

Clo Caapoloone (F 8'0406), compused of two copioanios of Tiger tanks

and one company of assault guns. S&cond, '"Group ast"' , between Gon-

zano and Vellotri, consisting of one comlpany of Tiger tanks, two

coripanies of assault guns, and one coi.lpany of heavy self-propelled

:antitank guns.

Since the GCori.an units are considerably wioake .vd und the cno.y

is constantly fortifyin.g his positions, the Gorian ccam.nd can only

plan a gradual reduction of tho beoachhead, An order dsted 16 L1arch

from the Gernan Army High Co,.i.zand remphasizcd this f-ct, as follows:

"....wo nust Cointi-Lue to .,ttack in the -Neottuno sector, in order tokeep tho initieative. Attacks nust be tmade continuously in small

sectors. so that tho. beachhead is'steadily reducod....'Je l havo exper-

iencod in the past that our failures were duoe mainly to cnmay ar-

tillery. Further attacks must bo executed accordinS to the tactics

of the Ludendorff offensive in 1918."t

Fourteenth Ar:my will receive 12 howitzers (210 .rn), seven

batteries of 122 inm - 152 .-;i guns, froi: G-r.aany, two .batteries of

210 r..m guns fro ii.rtillory reserve Francc, and one railway artillery

battery of 320 :m~' guas. The -a:.nunition supply will be -incroased oven

though it mr.ans roducing rations. Part of the rcquired food. is to be

procured locally.

On 13 o-arch, the Coamanding Gecnora-1 Fourteenth A.ri:y recor.arndod

to Army Group the following two plans for Attcck!, either of which can

,be put into Qffect.acftr 29 lc.rch, provided the ground hls dried.

First, attack a.gainst the northern fLrnk of the boacluhia'd with the

objective of gaininc the line, 3uoin Riposo SorgE 2 ila, south Cle Buon

Riposo (F 859310) - crossroads Canto!nira (F 863282) - south idgo

of wood Valliccl.3 CG.r-ndi, 2 1-.i v.st of Tre di padigliaro (F921289)

.5 k- north of Tro di i..digliono - Cle Savriai (F .920296) - Clo

Carano (F 9z40309). .TL_ attack is to bo carried out in three li.itod

assaults. Secondly, an .ttack with the objective of caining the line;

bench ai.irk 67, group of hiuses -1 k= suuthwest of Ponto. Rotto (F 997314)

- bench i.rk 60, on hill -ith windr.ill 1 1aim w.st - northiioest of Isolae

Bolla (G 006294) - Isola BDella Borgo Podgore .(G 045240). A successfuloutcomr'e of this attaclh will assist further action to osta.blish bridge-

heads across the '.Iussolini Canal ;a-d a.n eventual br..akthrough to th ..

Astura.

Both attac.ks iould involvo the- ccm.iitment of the 26th and 29th

Divisions now in .rl..y Group Reserve. If the latter plan is executod,

it is feared.th-t ono of the c.sscult divisions inill have to b. con-

-iitted to hold the nouly captured ground. In - addition, the Fourteenth

Ar;iy is confronted reith the following problies: First, enc.iy land-

ings ray occur at Tj'racina (codeword "?Th.a"); bcteenn the frontlilne of the I Parachute Crps and the i.aouth of the Tiber jcodeword

"RUckondockung') ; andS lh coastal defense sector Ccina - Mouth of

the Tiber (codeword 7C.cilieo"). Dctailed orders -.oer issued con-

corning the fortifica-tion of the cocstal defense sectors, the plan'

for tactical couniltorlasures, and thj org-anization of alert units

in case of Oene1-y Cirborn, operations. Thel 92nd Lnf. *ntry Divisionwhich is in :.ctivation is to defend the coast line froul the m.outh of

the Tiber to the bounid.ary of thn Fourteenth Arny at Cocina. Socondly,

due to the 1. o.h. of safety in Roei.i;, strict orders conclrninig entranceinto the city limiits are issued. Rome hls bJen del-.red an "Open City"

and all service units will b3 noved' outsid.e' the city. Onlymedical ancd quarternaster units which operate biakries, butchershops, tailor shops, etc., will reitlain. .Thirdly, the partisans,consisting of. corniunists, Badoglio followers, and prisoners of

war at largo, endanger the areas south of Perugia and aast ofOrvisto. The 103rd ReconnCaissance Battalion has ben dispatachedto these areas.

. II 15 - 19 I2uiIHI 1944

A. Operations RLeport

Particulariy at night, during this period, routine reconn-cissance and raiding ~ctivities took place.

Darly on 15 MIarch, the Allies captured the strongpoint atK 9, 1.5 lz. southeast of Tre Spaccasassi (F 917330), with over-whelz.ing forces. Despite a count.erattaclk, durinig which we suffered

heavy losses, the group of houses could not be rotaken.

Withdrawal of the 26th Panzer Division was coipleted on 15March. The 362nd Infantry Division took over this sector, The 26th

Panzer Division will be asserlbled as Arry Reserve, in the area di-

rectly west of Velletri.

The relief of the 114th JYgcr Division by the 1028th Panzer

Grenadier Regiment boegan on 13 'arch, and w'ill be cor.ploted by 20March. On 19 LIarch, the present sector of the 114th Jager Divisionwill be taken over by the 3rd Panzor Grenadior'Division (I ParachuteCorps).

On 18 IMarch, our assault troops succeeded in penetrating ene-iypositions in the wooded area at the L'letta .gorge (F 813313). In-fantry weapons were captured. The enemy had considorable losses andhis pesition was destroyed.

* At 0730, 19 .rc1h, after very heavy artillury preparatory firewhich extendcd to the Cisterna sector (G 0232), the enery attackedat several points southloest of Aprilia (F 875333). Theose attackswere continued thru,,,hout the day, at tiLies in battalilon strength.They were repulsed partly by close cunbat and partly by ine.diatecounterattacks. Forty-five prisoners were taken.

B. -Intelligence Report

It has been learned fr:i'-. prisunrrs of war that th' 36th CombatEngineer Regieont is loct ted south of Torre della i.lolotta (F 774312).The 1st Battalion of this regifrant is- cori.iitted north -of Highway 82;2nd Battalion is in reserve; 3rd Battalion is located on the coast.

It also was loarn'd fron prisoners of war of B Cao"-.pany that the2nd Camoronians (13th Briga-de 5th Infantry Division (Br) ) is locatedin the area west of 'ichelo gorge (F 828315 to F 845308). It landedat Anzio on 12 March, and is replacing the 56th Infantry Division (Br).On.14 ,March, part of the Quoen's Royal Re¥ii:ent was rolioved. h and CConpanies of this unit have not as yet been cor.-ittod. In the morningof 19 lMarch, the 45th Tank Battalion (Br), attached to 1st InfantryDivision (Br) , took part in an attack west of the Aprilia-Anzio High-way. E and G Companies 30th Infantry Regiaent of the 3rd Infantry Di-vision (US) are cormittod on both sides of Cle Carano (F 94z0309). The

1st Battalion is held in reserve.

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Continuous convoy activity was observed in the harbor .reeof Anzio-Nettuno with a daily average of 30 to 40 units, including

LST's, transports, several large freighters, tankers, destroyers,and escort vessels.

By smoke screens, the enemy tried to conceal the reorganizationand replacement of his troops. The enemy seems to be preparing further

attacks.

C. Statistics

German losses: 150 killed, 646 wounded, 76 missing.

Allied losses: 78 prisoners, 2 tanks put out of copiraission,2 planes downed by antiaircraft, and heavy and light infantry

weapons captured.

XLIII. 20 - 24 MARCH 1944

-Ai. Operations Report

On the front, the only activity was scouting and raiding. Re-connaissance patrols reported the construction of now barbed-wireentanglements by the enmuy. For this reason, raids by both sideswere rather unsuccessful. During the mopping up of the Tlichulegorge near Appolonia (F 828314) on 20 March, 35 British dead werefound. Their small arzms, rmachine guns, and mortars were broughtin.

The artillery continued the usual harassing fire on recognizedobjectives. The enemiy azaiunition expenditure was much Larger thanours. After our artillory shelled the enemy rear areas, explosionsand fires were observed. It was assumed that large ammunition dumpswere hit. Our long-range artillery fired on ships lying in the har-bor of Anzio-Nettuno, and occasional direct hits were observed.


It has been learned from prisoners of war that the 2nd Caoier-onians 13th Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division (Br) was in theliichele gorge (F 823315 to F 845308), and v;as replaced by the 2nd

Battalion Inniskillings 13th Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division(Br) on 21 February. The 14th Foresters 18th Independent InfantryBrigade (Br), is located 1 loa north of the Campo di Carne cross-.road (F 862284).

Captured documents yielded the following information:

On the front is tho 6th Seaforth 17th Brigade, in second linethe 2nd Wiltshire 13th Brigade; both of the 5th Infantry Division(Br).

Documents taken from dead enemy soldiers revealed that the1st Reconnaissance Battcaliun of the 1st Infantry Division (Br) isstationed in the sector northeast of Campo di Carno. (F 850270 toF 890270).

Daily diseiabarhations of reinforcements for the beachhead havebeen observed. On 21 liarch, for the first time, enemy propaganda leaf-lets were shot into our lines at Cisterna (G 0232); on the following

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days this also haopenilod in other sectors. In several sectors

white phoksphorous s-hells were used by the orreuy.

C. Statistics

Geornan losses: 110 killed, 394 wounded, and 16 missing.

Allied losses: 8 priscners, 1 tank put out of conlmaissionn

1 airplane downed, and small armrs captured.

XLIV. 25 - 29 MuRCH 1944

A- Operations Report

Raid, reccnnaissance, and artillery activities continued on

both sides. Coabat opatrols often'clashed in no-nan's land. Re-

sults were negligible and losses relatively high.

On thle rorning of 26 i., rch, the enemy captured a German strong-

point north of the Rubbiz forest, 1.5 ilc west of Pcnte Rotto (F 997-

314), with -an attack in comzpany strength. He was repulsud after -

hand-to-hand f ighting.

Th.e coastal defenso sector north of Castiglione and weost of

Grosseto up to Cocina was separa'ted frorl the Fourteenth Amy.

In the sector of thle 65th Infantry Division, the 165th In-

fantry Battalion was relieved by the 2nd Battalion-i 1027th In-

fantry Regiiment on 28 HIarch. Ina the sector of the 362nd Infantry

Division, the 362nd Ffsilier Battalion was relieved by oloralonts of

* the 1028th Panzter Grenadier Division on 27 larch. The 556th Ost

Battalion was transferred to the 362id Infantry DiVision and assigned

to 955th Infantry RegiL.ont as 3rd (Ost) Battalion. The 1st Battalion

of' the Italian Assault Briga'de "Barbarigo'"- las assigned to 715th In-

fantry Division.

At noon on 29 arch, Arnly Group issued codeword "Caecilia I,

i.e., enemy landings are iLnrinent in the Tarquinia-Civitavecchia

area. -Consequently, during the night, the. 29th'.Panzer G.r.enadier

Division was transferred from the assembly area,'12 1ua south of Rome,

'to the vicinity of Bracciano iake; only the 71st Panzor Grenadier

Regiiment rer.mained.


Newly astablished: Thi 1st Green Howards 15th Brigade of the

5th Infaontry Division (Br) is with Company D at Torre di I.oletta

(F 7743162). On 24 March, this Battalion relieved the .3rd Battalion

of the 36th Ejngineer Regirent (TjS). The 2nd Royal Inniskilling

Fusiliers 13th Bri .ade of the 5th Infantry Division (Br), conrmitted

on 21 lMarch, was reliev'd by the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers 17th

Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division (Br) on the 27 ilarch. This

Battaliun landed at A-nzio with 2 other battalions of the 17th Brigade,

viz. the 2nd Horthamiptonshire and the 6th Seafurth Highlanders) on

12 arch. '

On the 14 .Miarchi, the 2nd Battalion of the Ro.Jal Scots Fusiliers

and the ..2nd Battalion of ZorthaMnptonshire Regiileirt were attached as

reserve to the 40th Royal L.ari;e Cor.mando. Thle 6th Soaforth, on the

left of' the 40th Royal !-rine Coimando, was withdra'wn fromr the front-

line. Company strength was 60 aen. In the southern sector of the

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Riserva Nuova gorge, 1 lt southwest Cle Buon Riiposo (F 859310),one pr'isoner belonging to the 1st King' s S-.ropshire Light In-fantry 3rd Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division (Br) was taken.On 23 l'arch, Coiipany C of this battalion relieved parts of the1st King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry 15th Brigade of the 5thInfantry Division (Br).

On 25 Miarch, for the first t.le, elements of the newly arrived34th Infantry Division (US) were identified. According to statejlnntsby prisoners of war, the 2nd Battalion 168th Infa-ntry Regiment ofthe 34th Infantry Division (US) was transferred 5 days ago fromNaples to Anizio. Tw0oo days ago the Battalion with a conlpany strengthof 200 ialen each was cowrnitted in the Isola Bella area (G 006294)which was the original sector of the 15th Infantry Regiment of the3rd Infantry Division (US).

Docunents from dead enery soldiers revealed that the 2nd and3rd Battalion 7th Infantry Regiment of the 3rd Infantry Division(US) were stationed in the sector 1.5 kle west of Ponte Rotto (F 997-314).

According to statelaents of -two prisoners froenu Coilpany L theposition of the 3rd Battalion 168th Infantry Regiment of the 34thInfantry Division (US) was established north of the Miussclini Canalin the former sector of the 2nd Battalion 504th Parachute Regiment.The 504th Parachute Regi-ent wias supposed to have been withdrawnand replaced by ole ients of the 34th Infantry Division (US) .Prisoners stqted that the Fosso Carano (F 955328 to F 940310) isthe boundary between the 45th and 3,4th Infantry Division.

In the harbor :,rea of-Anzio-Nettuno, heavy shipping traffic(a daily average of 50 to 60 units) has been observed.

Because of the drying up of the terrain and the appearance ofthe 34th Infdntry Division (US) on the be-chhead, it can be assurledthat the enel-y intends an atta ck presumably in a northerly direction.

D. Statistics


Allied losses: 17 prisoners, infantry arms captured, 3barrage balloons shot down over Anzio, and 2 ammunition duapsdestroyed by direct lit's.

[LV. 30 MAR-CH - 3 APRIL 1944


Patrol activity continued on both sides. Enemy outpost positionson the north side of the Lichllele gorge (F 824315 to F 841310), werecaptured by our scouting parties on 31 iarch, and hold aginst stronenemy counterattacks.

The main line of resistance in the sector of the 3rd Pa-nzer Gren-adier Division southwest of Aprilia was corsidered a disadvcntageousposition in case of large scale enemy attacks. For that reason, itwas strengthened in deL` pth, while the 'min line of resistlnce was heldwith reduced forces. On 30 Iorchl, we succeeded in destroying thebridge 1,5 ka southwest of Borgo Piave (G 053203) with remotu-controlleddemolition vehicles (Goliat'l). Thirteen prisoners were taken.

There was the usual artillery activity witl occasional surprisebarrages. Long-range artillery employed in shelling disembarkation

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points, ran short of am-.nrition at thiu end of the inonth. InT th

beginning of April, the amr.nunition supply was roptlnis':.-d. S'hlling.

was resured and hits were observed..

The 1st Battalion 4th Panzer Regiment (1Panther Tanks), less the

1st Corpany which ro:rainod in tho Cossino sector,, was shifted to

Pratica di IM6are (F 735410), to replace thle 2'9th Pa.nzer Grenadier

Division.

Terrain conditions rwere so poor tha- t they were .op.rcble only

with the mud on th, Russian front, during thu worst psriod of the

year. The level of surface vater continued to rise. On 23 Larch,

it was dLecided that the attack planned for 29 1March would have to be

postponed for several days, because of terrain conditions and the

difficulty of arnmunition supply. The Am;ly now ordered the preparation

for an offensive frozi the east, to reduce the beachhead. An attack

of this kind was thought to be more promising, particularly in the

Borgo Podgorasector (Sossano) (G 045240) - Bcrgo Piave (G 053204).

The a in was to thrust across the Mussolini Catnal toward the i.stura.

On the second. day, to execute a flanking thrust frex.i the squth against

the enemy positions infront of Cisterna (G 0232). However, for the

latter action, a third assault division is required.

.. A Fourteenth. Ar:ly surtary" concerning the fightzn quavlities of

its units gave. the following. astimates: Units falling, into Collvoat.

'Quality Classiflication I are the 3d- Panzer Grenadior Division, 26th

Panzer Dvision, .29th Panzer Grenadier Division, Infantry De:lonstra-

tion Regiment, and General Headquarters Panzer and Aintitank Battal-

ions. Those falliyng into Classification II are tahe L4th Paratroop

Division, 3562d Infantry Division, 1027 Panzer Grenadier RoCgi.ent,and the 1028 Panzer Grenadier Regi.ient. Cooabat Classification III

c.onsists of. the. 71th Infantry Division, 92d Infan-try Division (in

activation). ..

. Attached Italian units were evaluated as follows: (1) Para-

troop Battalion "NeNr.bo t' , (2) Battalion "-arbarigo t", and (3) 1st

'Battalion Italian 1ssault Brigade.

Co.par4son. of Artillery Strength: W1ith his units up to fullstrength, the ene.ery has on the beachhlad more than i442 artillery

pieces, not including antiaircraft artillery, compared to our 323

pieces, only 225 of which were ready for action on. 31 arch. Even

if we include the 109 antiaircraft guns and the 61 rocket launchers,

whose anmiunition supply is limited, the Allies would still have a

nu.merical superiority of 46 pieces, excluding the artillery of the

34th Infantry Division (US), which is in transi-t.

B.. Intelligence Report

Prisoners of war reveal that the 1st York and Lancaster Battal-

ion of the 5th Infantry Division (Br) is in the area west of the

Ciocca gorge (F 853310). A prisoner of war confirle.d that the 9th

Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry of the 18th Infantry Brigade (Br)

is south of Cle Buon Riposo (F 853310).

The 24th Guard Infantry Brigade is said to have been sent to

Naples for a rest period. They aru' expected to return on 4 Anpril

to. rlieve the 18th Independent Brigade (Br).

The Allied relief schedule is : 10 days front-line, 2 days2d .line, 6 days rest.

Along the canal, cigarette packages were found, which exploded

wLen opened.

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C. Statistics

German losses: 147 killed, 420 Twounded, and 12 n-issing.

Allied losses: 29 prisoners and small arms captured.

,mVI. 4 - 8 AiRIL 1944

1.. Operations Report

No activity except the usual patrols. A derelict enemy vessel(LCA) with two zachino guns was brought irn north of the nouth of theTiber.

The enery artillory was sonmewhat roro active. His surprisefire often- increased to heavy barrage fire, especially in the areaof Ardea (F 787350) and Cisterna (G 0232). 18 cm guns with a highburst effect w-ere observed in the northern sector. Explosions andfires were seen after our artillery fired on enemy rear areas andlanding places. It is assurimed that large enemy ldumps were locatedthere.

Air activity was heavy. Fighter units of 15 to 24 planes re-peatedly attacked artillery, antiaircraft artillery positions, andtraffic centers.

Due to'strongly fortifiod positions and the alertness of enemy.troops, surprise raids in force were nearly impossible. .The raidsthat were r:ade resulted in heavy casualties and had little success.on 7 April 1944, the Army ordered such raids to be prepared verythlcroughly and to be supported by heavy artillery fire, even at theexpense of the elerent of surprise. Reconnoiss ance patroling wasto be continued, in order to have a clear picture of the enemy sit-uation at all times.

hiea 216th Assault Tank Battalion, with 15 cm assault howitzers,was transferred to the area Pisa - Lucca as .rmy Group Reserve.

On 7 April, after operations against partisans south of :erugiawere completed, the 103d Reconnaissance Battalion relieved the 129thReconnaissance Battalion in the area west of Terracina.


Prisoners of war state that the 2d Battalion Stafford 2d Bri-gacde of the 1st Infantry Division (Br) is naow in the new operationalarea north of Highway 82 at (F '875285). . :

The 133d 135th, and 168th Infantry Regiments of the. 34th 'Infantry Division (TJS) arc now on the beachhead and in action,

fArtillery aiemuunition expenditure is estimated at 51,000 rounds.

The enemy firod propajanda leaflets into our. lins., A new typeof shell was observed in the east sector. The shell exploded 50 metersabove the ground and broke into 3 smaller shells which left green smoketrails.

Due to less naval and ground activity on -the beachhead, and in-crea-sed artillery fireo on our conim-.nd posts and observation posts, itis assumed that 'enemy preparations for the attack -have been completed.

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C. Statistics


lAllied losses: 20 prisoners, machine guns and small armscaptured, 1 tank put out of commission.

XLVII. 9 - 13 April 1944


Continued reconnoitering took place during this period. Duringthe night 13 April, six sudden'artillery concentrations, using allartillery and antiaircraft artillery at the disposal of the FourteenthArmy, were directed at enemy rear areas and particularly at identi-fied ammunition and fuel dumps approximately 8 km north of Nettuno.At the same time enemy antiaircraft artillery positions were shelledin order to protect our participating aircraft.

All convoy traffic south of the line Piombino - Ancona has beensuspended during daylight hours because of the losses inflicted byenemy fight.r-bombers.

Army Group ordered on 9 April, that the 26th Panzer Division bemoved to the area betweeni Nemi Lake and Segni, to act as Army GroupReserve, available for the central Italian front also. Elements ofthis division were utilized during the day to consolidate the C-Lijn e,However, the 93.d Artillery Regiment of the 26th Panzer Division andthe 304th Antiaircraft Battalion are to remain in the front line.

Since the Staff of the 69th Panzer Regiment was transferred toCommander in Chief, Vlest (France), the local tank reserves for immnedi-ate counterattacks were reorganized as follows: "Group Cori" : Oneplatoon of the.653.d Antitank Battalion (Ferdinands), and one companyof the 1st Battalion 4th Panzer Regiment (Panther tanks); "Group East":

Located between Genzano and Velletri, with one company of the 508thPanzer Battalion (Tiger tanks), and one company of the 653d AntitankBattalion'(less one Platoon.); "Group Wiest" : Situated at Campoleone(F 8754051 with the 508th Panzer Battalion, less one company (Tigertanks), and +st Battalion 4th Panzer Regiment (less one company) atPratica di Mare (F 734410). .

On 10 April, the Coimanding General Fourteenth Army decided that,at the present time, the complete Army Reserves should not be committedin an attack against the eastern position .of the.beachhead. Therefore,the planned attack was to be carried out merely as a counterattackafter the expected Allied offensive. A strength report by FourteenthArmy dated .10 April, showed a total combat strength of 70,400 men incomparison to 65,00 for the previous month. This included all attach-ed units of the Air Force, SS, SS-Police in Rome, Antiaircraft, Para-

troopers, but no rear echelon troops, supply units, or foreign auxil-iary (Hillswillige).


Documents found on dead enemy soldiers established the locationof the 238th Engineer Company of the 1st Engineer Battalion of the 1stInfantry Division (Br), 1.5 km north of Milestone 11 on Highway 82(F 782300 to F 922289)o An artillery observation -plane was observedlanding 4 km southwest of Borgo Montello (F 976236). Thus the exis-tence of the advanced airfield which was recognized on aerial photo-graphs was confirmed.

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The use of 4 cm rapid-fire guns, probably self-p0ropelled,west of Fta Campo di Carne (F 863284) was observed. At severalpoints, the enemy employed phosphorous shells with combinationfuse.

C. Statistics

German losses: 82 killed, 403 wounded, and 14 miss ing.

Allied losses: 11 prisoners,

XLVIII. 14 - 18 APRIL 1944


On 15 April, the enemy captured two advanced strong points 6 kmsouthwest of Littoria (G 0818). After a preparatory artillery firehe. attacked with two companies, each supported by 6 tanks. Germanlosses wore 3 killed and 46 missing in the 735th Infantry Regiment,16 Italians of Battalion "Barbarigo,, were also missing. '3 Alliedtanks were destroyed by mines. It is not planned to recapture thesestrongpoints due to lack of forces in this sector. On 18 April, theenemy repulsed a raid on a strongpoint, 1.75 km northwest of BorgoPiave (G 053203), and pushed forward into our main line of resistance.He was thrown back by a counterattack. Our artillery activity remainedunchanged.

During the night of 17 April, both battalions of the 16th SSPanzer Grenadier Division employed on the beachhead front, (2d'Battalion 35th SS Regiuent, and 2d Battalion 36th SS Regiment wererelieved by the 1028th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, and transferred tothe area of Florence.

-In the sector of the 1028th Regiment, on the right flank of the362d Infantry Division, the I Parachute Cqrps took over the areavacated by the battalion furthest on the right. The Corps boundarynow runs in a northsouth line through the western edge of Cle Carano,(F 940309). To protect the area of Terracina against a landing astrong point is being established at the road junction 8 km northwestof Terracina, and switch positions in the mountains north of Terra-cina are being prepared.


According to prisoners of war, the 1st and 2ad Battalion 30thInfantry Regiment of the 3 d Infantry Division (US) have been with-drawn from the front, and are now in the area north of Anzio. Theenemy organized an assault detachment from volunteers of severalcompanies of these units. This assault detachmnent was ordered totake over a sector temporarily, and to launch raids from it.

On 18 April, during an attack on the Aqua Bianca road, betweenthe Mussolini Canal and Littoria (G 085190), phosphorescent smoke,which adheres to clothing and weapons, was encountered for the firsttime. The estimated enemy ammunition expenditures, 84,000 rounds.Two ammunition dumrps were hit and set on fire.

During the last few days, the enemy tactics changed in the north-eastern and eastern part of the beachhead. In the Carano sector(F 940309) artillery shelling increased to heavy barrages. Enemy

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reconnaissance patrols were more active. A. prisoner of warstated that the 3rd Infantry Division (US) is in action again.Whether this is in preparation for an attack or to relieve the 45thInfantry Division (US), has not been ascertained.

C. Statistics

German losses: 97 killed, 342 wounded, ind 82 missing.

Allied losses: 12 prisoners and 4 tanks destroyed.

'?IX. 19 - 23 April 1944


aI addition to the usual raids along the entire beachhead front,hard fighting developed for the German strongpoint in the northernsection of the Vallicelli Grandi woods at (F 898294), 4.5 km south-east of Aprilia. After preparatory martar fire, the enemy tempor-arily penetrated the strongpoint during the night 21 to 22 April.During the following night, an enemy attack in battalion strengthwas repulsed. On 23 April, the enemy advanced behind a smoke screenand succeeded in penetrating the southern part of the position.

On the eastern front enemy thrusts were repollod and supportingtanks turned away by our own artillery fire.

During the night 22 to 23 April, all available artillery of theFourteenth Army fired surprise concentrations on enemy positions,according to plan "Blumenkohl", with good results. Subsequently, itwas ordered to discontinue all scouting for 48'hours to confuse theenemy as to our intentions. The enemy replied by heavy artilleryfire.

The 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division has requested relief fromfront line duty. The.division has been employed at the front sincethe landing in January and has sustained more than 4,000 casualties.The Commanding General of the Fourteenth Army suggested replacementby the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division, as at present no major engage-ments are expected on the beachhead front.


According to prisoner of war interrogations, the 13th Brigadeis located in the western coast sector. The 15th Brigade ijoins theright flank of the 13th Brigade. The 56th Infantry Division (Br) hasbeen withdrawn from the front. The bulk of the division is at Naplesfor shipment to England. The 5th Infantry Division (Br) has receivedthe heavy weapons and vehicles of the 56th Infantry Division and hasmarked the vehicles with its own insignia.

Prisoners of war of the 2nd Csamrcaians state that Company B 2dGameronians 'of the 13th Brigade of the 5th Infantry Division ass jwipedout and has not been reactivated. Several .officers of the battalionwere said to be on leave in England.

6th Gordons 2d Brigade of the 1st Infantry Division (Br) islocated 2' kn west of Tre di Padiglione ( F 920282) according toprisoners of war of Company C. The battalion is said to have beenin the front line for one week.

According to a captured officer of the 7th Infantry Regiment3 d Infantry Division, the 45th Infantry Division (US) was relieved

- .96 -

by the 3'd Infantry Division 8 days ago and is in rest northof Anzio.

The 3d.. Battalion 30th Infantry Regiment of the 3-d InfantryDivision is located at Cle Carano (F 940309), according to captureddocuments.

kmBarking dogs north of the Rubbia wood, 1.5/west of Ponte Rotto

(F 997314), seemed to indicate employment of watch-dogs.

Estimated enemy ammunition expenditure: 78,000 rounds.

The German High Commend, Propaganda Section, rebroadcast thefollowing British report:

-"9Beachhead at Anrzio was 3 months old on the 22 April. Duringthis time, 3,889 enemy soldiers were taken prisoner. The Germansfired an everage of 2,000 artillery rounds a day, while the Alliesfired many times that amount."

C. Statistics


Allied losses: 9 prisoners, 3 aircraft downed by smallarms. 1 tank destroyed, and 3 trucks destroyed.

During the three months since his landing at Nettuno, the enemysuffered the following losses:

prisoners counted: 6,700 (of which 2,350 are iAmerican)estimated killed : 7,000estimated wounded: 23,000tanks and armored scout cars (destroyed) : 249heavy infantry weapons (captured) : more than 500

'airplanos downedV: 2358 warships. and 60,000 Register tons of shipping sunk.39 warship.s and 376,000 Register tons of shipping damaged.

L. 24 - 28 APRIL 1944


The enemy penetrations into the northern part of the VallicelleGrandi Forest (F 898294) could not be pushed back, during 23 and 24April, nor could a smaller enemy penetration south of Sl-accasassi(F 917330) be prevented. Only on 25 and 26 April, were these twopenetrations wiped out. At the Vallicelle Grandi Forest, the 30thRegiment 3-d Infantry Division (US) was granted a one hour truceon 25 April to recover their dead and wounded. In the morning of25 April, after heavy artillery preparations, tank supported enemyattacks were repelled 2 km east of Cle Carano (F 940310). Coveredby a smoke screen, the enemy withdrew.

On the 25th, 25th, and 27th, concentrated artillery fire wasdirected at enemy batteries and supply depots. Extensive fires andeffective hits were observed.

Air activity was livelier than ever. In the evening of 28 April,about 20 enemy vessels and S motor torpedo boats were observed off themouth of the Tiber. The 3d Panzer Grenadier Division claimed that theheavy losses, during'the last few days, were caused by heavy infantryweapons and not by artillery fire which previously had inflicted 80percent of all losses.

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Commencing on 21 Aipril, Fourteenth Arliy CommaLnd issudvarious orders: Only defensive measures are considered. Tre

centers of .main effort ale expected at- Aprilia (F 975333) andCisterna (G 0232). The enemy will lay down a tremendous bar-rage on our main defense area prior to his major attack. There-by, he will attempt to breLk through our front line w'ith a Lini-mum loss of his own troops. For this reason, the defense area isordered to be enlarrged to a depth of 3 to 4 km . It will containstrong points and switch positions, on which artillery fire will be

less effective; after a day long heavy barrage fire, some strongpoints will still be operative. Each artillery battalion -ill placein reserve one battery which will not fire at present.

Orders were given for the construction of several switchpositions between the eastern front of the beachhead and the moun-tains; e.g. Borgo Isonzo (G 090158) - Sezze, Cisterna (G 0232) -

Norma, etc., in order to block the coastal plain against attacksfrom the south. In case that the be chhead breaks open, the t-wodivisions committed in that area will delay the enemy approach toline C, as long as feasible.

The reinforced 71st Panzer Grenadier Regiment., located about10 km south of Rome, returned to its division. Thus, the complete29th Panzer Grenadier Division'was 'assembled northwest of BraccianoLake, as Army Group Reserve. The 90th Panzer Grenadier Division,less the reinforced 200th Regilent, formerly with the Tenth Army,will be transferred on 26 April, into the area between the mouth ofthe Tiber and the beachhead, as Army Group Reserve.

Elements of the 26th Ianzer Grenadier Division, mainly, the9th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, will be transferred to the Crea eastof Scazze on 26 April as Army Group Reserve.


The, presence of the Duke of VWellington Regiment 3d Brigadeof the 1st Infaintry. Division (Br), was.confirmed 1.5 km northwest ofCantoniera (F 8653282) from prisoners of war. This battalion relievedunits of the 18th Brigade on 21 April, after it had been brought upto full strength.

The presence of the 1st Battalion 30th Infantry Regiment, ofthe '3d Infantry Division (US) was confirmed north of Cle Biadaretto,1 km north of Cle ,-adi lione (F 921289). The 2d Battalion is on theright, and the 3d Battalion is in reserve, according toprisoners ofCompany C. The Biadaretto Highway (F 919308):, towards the northwest,is probably the boundary between the 7th Infantry Regiment and the30th Infantry Regiment of the 3d Division. The 15th Infantry Regi-ment .is probably oemployod on the right fldnk, of tho 30th 'InfantryRegiment in the ttrea of Caran o In the last few days, the enemyincreased his propaganda with loudspeakers and leaflets inviting ourtroops to desert.

The enemy fired smoke shells, ejecting smoke pots which screenthe entire area over which the shells explode. Shells were observedbursting in the air, leav'ing 2 smoke trails, and releasing red andgreen smoke after impact,

Local reliefs took place mostly-in battalion, strength1. It isassumed that two-thirds of the 5th and 1st Inf ntry Divisions (Br)are committed on the front, and one-third is held as local reserve.Total strength of the. American reserves is unchanged. The 3d In-fantry Division (US) relieved the 45th Infantry Divisioni (USg)., Itis imperative .in order to .give: a correct, estimate of the. enermy'sit-uation to know the location. of the 56th- Infantry Division (Br).

- 98 -

Even if this division has not been witdraw' -from the beachhead,but is located in the area of Anzio for rest, no major enemy attack;can be expected' t.ithin the.next few days.

In a detailed statistical report, the Intelligence Officer madethe following calculations: From 29 February to 25 April, the strengthof the-Fourteenth Army, including the coastal-defense- units of Tar-qMuinia, and the-rear areas were reduced by 42,800 men, by about 170guns and 125 tanks through transfers and losses. The Allies, however,increased their forces on the beachhead by about 13,000 men, 48 guns,and 104 tanks. The statistics gave the actual strength of Germanunits, the Allied figarres were based on the T/O strength of theorganization identified.

C. Stati stics

German losses: 116 killed, 447 wounded, and 56 nissing,

Allied losses: 43 prisoners, 5 tanks destroyed, and 1 airplanedowned by small arms fire.

LI. 29 APRIL - 3 MAY 1944

A. Operations Renort

Patrol activity continued. At the northern edge of the lyicheleGorge (F 835318) and at the Vallicelle Grandi Forest (F 898294),there was stubborn fighting for advanced outposts, wvhich resulted inlocal successes for our forces. The enemy suffered heavy lossesduring counterattacks. On 29 April, our advanced, strngpoait at(G 035284) 4 lkm southeast of Cisterna was recaptured with the helpof'Goliaths,' On 1 MIay, -an enemy assault supported by tanks 4 kmsouthwest of Littoria (G 085189) was repelled, -

Enenmy artillery and naval guns were very active especiallyduring the night. -Dummy batteries and other deceptive measureswere employed to mislead artillery fire. In the. 'morning of 30April, enemy ships 20 to 30 km off the mouth of the Tiber wereobserved. The enemy Air Force was very active.

On 3 'ay, in the presence of ,Marshal Kesselring, FourteenthArmy Staff and the Divisional Commanders conducted a war game, whichwas based on the following estimate of the enemy situation in Italyas of,30 April:

Regrouping of enemy units on the main front is continuing.The sectoir of the British Eighth Army has been broadened tothe south. Three to four infantry divisions and one to twoarmored divisions have been assembled behind the US Fifth Army.An offensive aginst the southern flank of the Tenth Armymay be launched, simultaneously with an envelopment of thesouthern flank by a landing at Gaeta. In connection with theseoperations, there is the possibility of a landing at Terracinaand Cap Circeo to connect' the two fronts. It is also possiblethat available Allied Reserves will be used for a landing be-tween the beachhead and the mouth of the Tiber, or farther tothe north at Tarquinia, Civitavecchia, or Palo. In each ofthese cases, attacks from the beachhead, probably with themain effort at Aprilia (F 875333) are anticipated.

- 99 -


According to prisoners of war, the 13th and 17th Brigades areemployed in the area of the 5th Infantry Division (Br). Prisonersof the 2d Inniskillings stated that the 2d Cameronians were on theleft of the 2d Wiltshire on the right flank of their unit. Theseunits all belonged to the 13th Brigade. Prisoners from the 2dNorthamptons were taken 1 km north of Highway 82 at (F 825295);they stated that the 6th Seaforth and the 2d Royal Scots Fusiliershad joined their unit. All are elements of'the 17th Brigade.

It was assumed that in the beginning of April, 1,000 men arrivedfrom England, Of these, 400 landed at Anzio on 15 April. A trooptransport convoy from England with 50,000 men is supposed to be onits way to the Mediterranean Theater. Captured documents of the 9thKing's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry indicated that elements of theIndependent 18th Infantry Brigade were still available for commitment.

Estimated enemy ammunition expenditure: 93,000 rounds.

C. Statistics

German losses: 132 killed, 531 wounded, and 11 missing,

Allied losses: 140 killed, 23 prisoners, 2 tanks destroyed,and 1 airplane downed.

LII. 4 - 8 MAY 1944


All infantry battalions of the 92d Infantry Division were com-mitted in strongpoints of the coastal sector Castiglione - Mouth ofTiber. Units of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division were drawn upcloser to the- coast to strengthen the defense. Frequent enemy lightbomber attacks were reported. Chiefly scouting and raiding occurredin the main sectors of the beachhead. During the night of 6 to 7fay, several enemy attacks, in company strength, were repulsed onthe northwestern front of the beachhead.

During the morning of the 8th, an attack, by a company and 10tanks, near the Rubbia wood (F 984313) was forced to withdraw.

Enemy artillery activity remained static, with occasionalsurprise barragoea There was considerable increase of artilleryfire during raiding operations. Naval artillery fired intermittentlyon the right flank,

Enemy aerial activity was strong when weather conditions per-mitted.


Prisoners of war of the 1st Loyal and 2d Brigade of the 1stInfantry Division (Br) stated that their battalion relieved the6th Gordons of the same Brigade° This unit is in the area 1 kmnorth of Highway 82 (F 893285).

C. Statistics

German losses:-' 106 killed, 410 wounded, and 5 missing. Alliedlosses: 5 prisoners, 2 tanks destroyed$ and 2 planes downed.

- 100 -

LIII. 9 - 13 MUIY 1944


InS cop.-'rison' withr the paest fSew weeks, scouting hasidingdecreased. IMinor e aoi.ly attacks wQrc repulsed. Our raid to blest thebridge .75 ki.l rast of Isol. BollaT (G 006294), failed. Gonerallyy theterrain is considered to 'be p-assable for tanks. The oonemy airforcehas boon very active.' Coliplaints have boon u.adb about th- wneaknoss.of our aerial defeonsos. I-eavy air raids were reported from northernand central Italy..

Artillery activity on both sides was the same except for occasi-onal enemy surprise bombardments of shift points. Esti.ia'ted enemyammunition expenditure: 89,000 rounds. At 2300 on 11 LIay, the enemyartillery began concentrated firing preparatory to the.offensive onthe main front in Italy, which began on'12 Lay. Simultaneously, theshelling lasted for an hour o.n the whole beachhead front and increasedto heavy barrage fire in the northern sector. The enemy repeated theshelling on the morning of 13 May. At noont, on 12 LMay, Terracinawas shelled by 1 cruiser and 2 destroyers. - In the evening of.the sameday, all troops not committed in the front line Were orde:ed to beready to move. The ibLpending major attack from the beachhead andlandings north and south of the beachhead were expected at any hour.It was ordered that land mines be laid-behind the lagoons betweenthe beachhead and Cap Circeo.

The 90th Panzer Grenadier Division, except for one assault gunbattalion which is attached to the I Parachute Corps, was marched inthe direction of Frosinone in the Tenth Army Sector in the eveningof 13 May. The CGQ, 525th Heavy Antitank Battalion (Hornets) Dartsof which had been conmlitted at the front of the I Parachute Corpsalso was marched to the Tenth Army sector. One company of the 1stBattalion 4th Panzer Regiment (Panther tanks) was transferred to theTank 1"Group lVestt", to replace these units.


From captured documents it was established that Company E, 2dBattalion 157th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division (US)was at Biadaretto, 1 loa north of Torre di Padiglione (F 921289), andthat Company C, 133d Infantry Regiment of the 34th Infantry Division(TUS), was .5 kIm north of Borgo Podgora (G '045240).

Since'11 M lay, naval Cactivity in the Ynzio-Nettuno harbor hasincreased. Liovements of large freighters and landing .craft indicatesthe arrival of large reinforcements.

C. Statistics

German' losses: '77 killed, 357 wounded, and 27 missing.. Some whohadbeen 'reported as missing- have deserted. 'Most deserters are fromItalian units.

Allied losses: 4 prisoners, 1 tank destroyed, and 1 spitfirecaptured in emergency landing. '

- 101 -

LIV. 14 - 18 dlAY 1944


Usual patrol activity, with small forces, took place on both sides.

On 17 hay,, the enemy attacked in battalion strength 4 ikm south of theeast edge of Cisterna (G 0232). The attack was ropeoled.

Artillery activity consisted of heavy surprise concentrations.Coordinated fire, from 20 to 25 enemy batteries, occurred several timesdaily, mostly in the early hours of the morning. Our artillery shelledenemy-lines and targets in the rear area. Total enemy ammunition ex-penditure: 125,000 rounds.

Air activity increased over the front with f requent attacks byfighter-bombers in the se-ctor of'Sabaudia - Terracina, and heavy airraids on coastal towns north of the Tiber,

During the morning of 15 MLay, Terracina was shelled from -the sea.On 14 May, in connection-with the Allied offensive on the main front inItaly,' Field iarshal Kosselring issued a proclamation to the soldiersof the Army Group C. This was accompanied by the following order ofthe day. by the Commanding General of the Fourteenth Army:

"Soldiers of the Fourteenth Army!

You who fence in the enemy on his beachhead and you whoguard the coast:

On 12 IMay, the enemy launched his offensive against ourcomrades of the southern front. This tremendous attack betweenthe coast and Cassino will not be a separate action. At any

time, the enemy Lay also begin an attack against us. lWe areprepared.

In months of hard work you have dug in jwell. 'Enemybarrages will not break our defense line. But do not relax

during these barrages. . ,

Our defense is well planned and organized. Our artillerywill do its utmost to help the infantry soldiers and the para-troops at the front. Lately, we have used less ammunition,and, therefore, ha.ve been able to save enough for the expectedmajor attack.

No tank must pcnetrate our main line of resistance. Keepyour antitank weapons ready and use them when they will be most

effective .

There will-be no withdrawals either on the beachhead or onthe coast. Penetrations might occur, but enemy breakthroughscannot be tolerated.

Once again, check all preparations, weapons, and supplies,In case reinforcements or materials are needed, request them

immediately.

The decisive battle is imminent. Wte must and we willsucceed. I have full confidence in you, my gallant soldiers,because the past five years of war have shown in an amazing

way to what extent the German soldier is capable of almost

miraculous performances.

Long live the FVhrer!

von l'.ackensen."t

- 102 -

.The piecerm.al withdrawal of Fourteenth irmy reserves, for theTenth Army continued even though the'Fourteenth Army Chief of Staffrepeatedly complained about it to the Amry Group.

On 15 Liay, one company of the 26th Panzer Regiment was transferredto the Tenth Army. On 16 May 3 the 1st Battalion of the 9th PanzerGrenadier Regiment was transported to Fondi in the Tenth Army sector,-tia the railroad tunnel north of Terracina. On 17 Lay, the remainderof the Regiment and the 26th Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion weremoved to Pico, 25 Iom north of Terracina.

On the morrin,¥ of 18 Lavy, the Comamrnding General FourteenthArmy called Field Marshal Kesselring by telephone and reported asfollows:

"All indications, including enemy orders intercepted,on 17 M.ay, load to the conclusion that the enemy offensive isim.inent. .Lhile the Tenth Army can withstand enery attacksby withdrawing step by step without operational danger, the

Fourteenth Army must unconditionally hold its present mainline of resistance, and must prevent further landings. Theselandings are to be expected between the main front and the

beachhead. A strategic landing north of the Tiber seems im-probable at the present moment, unless troops are moved up

from North Africa.

A large part of the tactical reserves lhas been removedfrom the Fourteenth Armily. The Commanding General of theFourteenth Armay requested that at least one reinforced regi-ment of the 29th -Panzer Grensdier Division still stationedas Army Group Reserve north of the Tiber, be attached to him,(Field Marshal Kesselring declined, but he agreed that the67th Panzer Grenadier Regiment of the 26th Panzer Divisionshould be transferred to the area of Pontinia. There it canbe used as local reserve for the east front of the beachheadand will also be available for both the area of Terracina andthe right flaik of the Tenth Arramy)."

During the evening of 18 Lay, the remainder of the 26th PanzerDivision, less two battalions of the-. 93d Artillery Regiment was movedto the Tenth Arry. To replace the 67th Panzer Grenadior Regiment, thereinforced l027th Panzer Grenadier Regiment was transferred from thenorthwestern front of the beachhead to Pontinia. Staff and two com-panies of the 1st Battalion 4th Panzer Regiment (Panther tanks) weretransferred into the area of Littoria. One company of "Panther" tankswas moved up to Cori and only one remained at Pratica di Miare.


Prisoners of war state that the 5th Reconnaissance Battalion,5th Infantry Division (Br) is located north of Highway 82 (at F 809297).

Prisoners of the Royal Electric and Mechanic Engineers 17thBrigade of the 5th Iifantry Division (Br) state that their Battalionis employed at the north edge of Anzio. Company F 2d. Battalion179th Infantry Regiment of the 45th Infantry Division (US) is locatedat He Campo dei Pasci;

The 3,.d Battalion 180th Infantry Regiment of the 45th InfantryDivision (US) is now emoployed northwest of Carano. It is assumed thatthis Battalion h.s taken over the sector of the 2d- Battalion 30thInfantry Regiment.

- 103 -

A small vehicle which ejected a joet 60 meters wide, probably

phosphorous, was observed near Cle Carano (F 940309) approaching

the main line of resistance. Two minutes later, the vehicle ex-

ploded.

C. Statistics

German losses: 92 killed, 334 w-ounded, and 5, missing.

Allied losses: 31 prisoners and 2 .planes downed by snall arms.

LV. 19 - 22 IA-Y 1944

A' Operations Report

On the beachhead, action continued in the sale zrinner as it had

since March.

During the evening of 19 May an enemy attack against the strong-

point at the northern edge of the Vallicelle Grandi Forest (F 898294)

was repelled. On the 20th the enemy succeeded in penetrating the

main line of resistance for a short time 2 km north-northeast of

Borgo Podgora (G 045240). The penetration was made under cover of

smoke screens in the sector of an Italian upit. Fifteen Italians

were shot for.cowardice in the face of the enemy. Subsequent attacks

at that point on 20 and 21 YLay were repulsed or wiped out by counter-

-thrusts. On 21 ay, attacks., partly in battalion strength, betvween

Borgo Podgora and th_, coast ~were halted. Every day the' enemy artil-'

lery- repeatedly fired surprise concentrations of 20 minutes in dur-

ation.

The enemy Air Force was very active during clear weather, en-

countering little opposition. Road tracffic east of the beachhead

had to cease during daylight hours.

vhile the situation remained unchanged at the beac'head proper,

conditions on the left flank of the Fourteenth'Arly becamo more and

more serious. On 19 L'ay, the German units on'the southern flank of the

main Italian front weore already badly mauled and had been pushed north-

west into the mountains. This left the left flank of the Fourteenth

Amy unprotected, .:cept by the 103-d. Reconnaissance Battalion sta-

tioned around Fondi.

On 20 May, General von 1Iackensen asked Field Marshal Kesselring

during several telephone conversations to assign hi-i the 29th Panzer

Grmnadier Division in order th.,-t the rapidly developing gap rnorth

of the -Terracina-Foncdi-sector night be closed. The Field llarshal

only complied'in the evening after air reconnaissance reports had

shown that there was no enmoroy activity in the vicinity of Corsica

or Sardinia,, which would point to intended enemy landings north of,

the Tiber. However, at the same time, the boundary between Tenth

and Fourteenth Army was.moved to the line Sperlonga-Fondi-Valle-

cersa-Castro dei Volsci i.e. it now ran in a northerly direction

from the coast. This added to the Fourteenth Army zone the southern

flank of the main front, which was continuously widening as the

enemy advanced in'a northwlestorly direction. For this reason, the

transfer of tho 29th Panzer. Grenadier Division could not improve

the situation at the beachhead front, nor was it.made in time. to

save the situation north of Terracina.

As replacement of the 1027th Panzer Grenadier Regiment (which

- 104 -

had been a reserve unit for the east flank of the boacLhevad)

the 71st Panzor'Grenadier Reginent, with one Artillery Battalion

;fronr the. 29th Panzer Division, was rnovod up durinl the night of

20 May. Upon its arrival on 21 MIay it hid to be cor.mitted north

of Terrac ina.


The enemzy situation rerains unclhxnged.

Estimated Allied amirunition expenditure: 107,000 rounds.

C. Statistics

German losses: S2 killead, 234 wounded, and 20 liissing.

Allied losses: 10 prisoners, and 1 airplane downed by srall

arrs. .

Gerrman artillery losses:

The following guns w.er.e lost at the beachhead between

21 April and 21 M,,ay, Hiost of the pieces were destroyed by directhits of enerny artillery or bombs',, and a few woere destroyed by

muzzle bursts: 10 Light guns -r light infantry howitzers (7.5 cri),8 Anti-tank guns 40 (7.5. cmr) , 6 Anti-tank guns 37 (8.8 en), 42 Lightfield howitzers (10.5 crmn), 21 Mediumr field howitzers (15 Cn), 9 Heavy

infantry howitzers (15 rena), 5 Gun 18 (10 en), 2 Gun 390 (Russian)(12.2 cm), and 2 Howitzers 18 (21 ea). A total .of 107 pieces,

LVI. 23 LMAY 1944


After very extoi-sivo artillery preparations, the enemy launchedthe offensive,- supported by numerous tanks and aircraft, ag inst the

front of the 362nd Infantry Division and on the right flank of the715th Motorized Infantry Division. Simultaneously he carried out

feints and holding attacks along all other front sectors.

By night, the enemly. had succeeded in crossing a section 4 km

wide of the railway line in the center of the 532nd Infantry Division's

sector. His tank units thrust forward to the Cle Ficz.aingo area, 1 Ia

east of Cle Lazzaria (F 953365). Tie attack against 'the left flankand the rear of the 3rd a..nzer Grenadir Division was sealed off 1.4

kn east and 2 iza northoeast of Spaccasassi (F 917330).. In the 715th

Infantry Division's sector, the enemy advanced to the railway bridge

over the Miussolini Canal, 5 1ma southeast of Cisterna (G 0.232), Three

attac's on the 715th Infantry Division's central sector were repulsed,the enemy suffering heavy casualties.

On the I Parachute Corps sector., the enemy attacked the right

flank of the 4th P. rachiute Division sir.ultaneously d.iser.barking in-fantry units in the rear of this division, by local landings. HO

thereby succeeded in taking the wooded dunes lyirng between the foTaer

-miain line of resistance and l'~AMericano (F 758315).

At noon, the Com:i.naing General, Fourteenth Army, reported to

the Comnmander in Chief Southiwest, the enery's breakthrough to the Via

I - 105 -

Appia, 5 Im southeast of Cisterna (G 0232) and outlined the pro-posal of the Commander, XDLVI Panzer Corps, which aimd 'at with-drawing the left flank of the beachhead to the Sezzo line. TheCorrimnding General, Fourteenth Army pointed out, that he had noreserves, strong enough to rectify the situation on the EDOTI Pan-zer Corps' right flank. The proposal was rejected by Field MarshalKessolring. The situation is to be stabilized by local reserves.

Panzer Division "Hermann WGring"' stationed in the Livorno area,left for cormitment at the beachhead. Its arrival was expected withintwo days.

At 1230, Fourteenth Army gave orders that one reinforced Regi-ment Group of the 92nd Infantry Division, viz. two battalions and onelight artillery b ttalion, cor.mndod by the staff of the 1060th Gren-adier Regiment was to relieve the 4th Parachute Division's elements,from their present coastal defense assign.ant, for c6rmlitrent with'the L=XVI Panzer Corps. In addition, the I Parachute Corps was towithdraw one Regiment Group of the 65th Infantry Division, two batal-lions with heavy weapons, by the morning of 25 Mray. This RegimentGroup is to be committed cs the situation requires.

I Parachute Corps was to m6ve the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division's129th Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion to the right flank of theIfTVI Panzer Corps.

In the evening, the Commanding General of the Fourteenth Army,ordered that the strongpoint in the Cle Vallicelle Grandi forest(F 898294), be evacuated during the night. In order to shorten thefront line, the left flank of the I Parachute Corps was to be with-drawn to a secondary line; Cle Buon Riposo (F 853310) is to be heldo

At 2200, I Parachute Corps reported to Fourteenth Army thatit believed the enemy was to extend his attack on l'Aoericano(F 719369). Fourteeinth Army assented that the 1st Battalion of theParachute Assault Regiment should remain in its present sector.

During the night, the Commanding General of the Fourteenth Arm'y,gave the following written order:

"On 24 Ivay, it is of priLe importance, to concentrate allforces to prevent an enemy breakthrough.

All heavy antitank guns, assault guns and tanks willbe committed at the points where the enemy concentrates histanks, by ruthlessly depleting all sectors not affected bythe attack.

The danger of breakthrough to Velletri necessitates thereinforcement of the severely crippled fighting power of the362d Infantry Division.

I Parachute Corps will release the following 65th InfantryDivision units to the IXCVI Panzer Corps: 55th Fusilier Bat-talion, 1165th Assault Gun Battalion, and 165th engineer Bat-talion (less 1 company). One antitank company of the 92d In,.fantry Division will also be released to this Corps.

By order of Army Group C, the 94th Infantry Division formerlywith the Tenth Army, is subordinated to the 29th Panzer'GrenadierDivision of the Fourteenth Army effective at 1600 hours. The Divi-sion is left with 200 combat men.

- 106


No new enemy units were identified.

The major attack supported by additional Infantry and ArmoredUnits will continue.

C. Statistics


-362d Infantry Division lost 50 per 'cent of itS filhting power.1028th Panzer Grenadier ei-egimnt of the 715th iotorized InfantryDivision lost 40 per cent of its fighting power. 725th Grenadier Regi-ment of the 715th Motorized Infantry Division lost 40 ,er cent ofits fighting power. 735th Grenadier Regiment .of the'715th Motorized.Division lost. l0 per cent of its fighting power.

Equipment lost: 15 antitank guns 7.5 cm, 12 inf'ntry 'howitzers7.:5 cm, 30 medium and heavy mortars, and 2 howitzers.

Allied losses: 66 captured, 20 tanks destroyed, and 1l air-plane downed.

-LVIIo 24 MAY 1944


In the early morning hours after brief artillery preparations,the enemy continued his attacks on the northern and northeasternfronts of the beachhead. After bitter fighting he was able tocross the Via Appia, 3 km horthwest of Cisterna (G 0232)'.. towardsthe northeast. Several attacks on Cisterna were tuined back. .Inthe afternoon and evening, the artillery batteries of the 362d.'Infantry Division were in close combat with enemy tanks and -.infantty. -

In the sector of the 715th Infantry Division, the enemy penetratedbetween Cisterna and the Mussolini .Canal'in the morning. 'Thispenetration was stopped at.the railroad;'in the afternoon, the enemysucceeded in crossing the line.

With permission of the Commander in Chief Southvzest, at dusk,the southern flank of the 715th Infantry Division was withdrawn tothe Norma. Line. .The29th Panzer Grenadier Division in the. areanorth of Terracina, received orders'to"withdraw; it was to maintaincontact with the 715th Infantry Division in the west, and with theTenth Army in the east. The defense of Monte Calvilli was emphasized,since this point effects the supply line of the Tenth Army.

- 107 .

On the northern front of the beachhead, the penetration ofthe previous day in the 4th Parachute Division sector was eliminated

by counterattacks. The old main line of resistance was reestablished,and heavy losses inflicted on the enemy,

The 3d Panzer Grenadier Division turned back several enemyattacks, especially near the highway Cle Carano (F 940309) -Spaccasassi (F 917330).

With consent of Army Group C, I Parachute Corps, during the

night of 24 to 25 May, withdrew its main line of resistance to asecondary line in order to release troops. Preparations are to bemade facilitating a further withdrawal to the B-line during the

night of 25 to 26 May. Execution of the withdrawal is to take

place on'Army order only.:

Army Group C orders that officers will be assigned to Velletri,

Norma, Cori, and Sezze, to be personnally responsible for the defense

of these towns. Emergency fortifications are to be erected. Civilian

labor will be used. The rear positions will be manned by garrisons

made up of rear echelon troops under the leadership of energetic

officers.

In the quiet sectors of the front, raids will be executed totie down enemy forces.

1060th Panzer Grenadier Regiment (92d Infantry Division) was.

attached to the LYXVI Panzer Corps. Fourteenth Army ordered the

92d Infantry Division to move a battalion, during the night of

25 to 26 MLay, from coastal defense into the area 8 kml south ofRome. Furthermore, the 3d Battalion 192d Artillery Regiment(88 cm antiaircraft) will be moved forward for employment on the

beachhead front. .-

Fourteenth Army orders the I Parachute Corps to transfer the

following units to the LXXVI Panzer Corps: Regiment Staff of theParachute Assault. Regiment with one battalion, and the antitank

company; 1st Tiger Company; Regiment Staff 145th Grenadier Regimentand 2d Battalion; and the 3d Battalion of the 8th Panzer GrenadierRegiment (less one company).

After the regrouping is completed, Fourteenth Army (excluding

the coastal defense sector between Civitavecchia and the mouth of

the Tiber) will be organized in the following manner.

Coastal Sector (between western flank of the I Parachute

Corps and the mouth of the Tiber):

One battalion of the Parachute Assault Regiment.

Beachhead:

1st Parachute Corps, the bulk of the Lth ParachuteDivision, 65th Infantry Division (less 145th GrenadierRegiment and one assault gun company, Engineer Battalion,

and the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division (less 8th Motorized

Grenadier Regiment, two batteries of the 103d AssaultGun Battalion, and the 103d Reconnaissance Battalion)0

- 108 -

L}XVI Panzer Corps:

In the sector of the 362d Infantry Division:The remainder of the 362d Infantry Division, oneassault gun company (Ferdinands), one company ofthe 103d Assault Gun Battalion, 65th FusilierBattalion, Parachute Assault Regiment (2 battalions),165th Engineer Battalion (less one company), and the129th Panzer Reconnaissance Battalion.

In the sector of the 715th Infantry.Division:the remainder of the 715th Infantry Division, oneTiger company, one company of t-he 103rd.Assault GunBattalion, one battalion of the 8th Panzer GrenadierRegiment, and the 1060th.Panzer Grenadier Regiment.

Combat Group "Fries": 29th Panzer GrenadierDivision, the remainder of the 94th Infantry Divi- -sion, elements of the 103d Reconnaissance Battalion,one battalion of the 8th Panzer Grenadier Regiment,and one company of the 93d Panzer Engineer Battalion.

At 2245, the I Parachut e.Corps reported to the Fourteenth Army,that the-enemy was attacking since 2145; in the sector..of the 3d Pan-zer Grenadier Division, on a 2 km front. This interferes with theplanned withdrawal. The question now arises whether the 3d Battalion8th Panzer Grenadier Regiment will be available'for the LXXVI PanzerCorps.


An attack of the 1st Green.Howards 15th Brigade of the 5th In-fantry Division (Br) north of Moletta gorge (F 8031 - F 8231) wassupported by the Independent 3d Tank Battalion of the County of LondonYeomanry.

According to reports from. agents and foreign radio'broadcast,a landing of the 36th Infantry Division (US) is probable.

C. Statistics

German losses (minus LXZXVI Panzer Corps and 4th ParachuteDivision): 12 killed, 81 wounded, and 8 missing.

German Artillery losses: 1 assault gun 7.5 cm (direct hitby artillery). The following pieces were spiked: 3 howitzers10.5 cmi 2 howitzers 15 cm,. and 3 howitzers 22 cm (Morser), (French).

Damaged: 1 gun 10 cm. Slightly damaged by artillery hits:1 gun 17-cm, 2 field howitzers 10o5 cm, 1 field howitzer 10a5 cm(Italian), and 1 field howitzer 15 cm,

- 109 -

Allied losses: -49 prisoners, 25'tanks destroyed, 6 tenksput out of commission, 1 tank captured, and 2 fighter-bombersdowned. ' '

LVIII. 25 MAY 1944


After 0530, the enemy continued his Attacks with heavy tank,artillery, and air support. The main effort was in the area north-west, north, and northeast of Cisterna (G 0232)° He succeeded, inspite of heavy resistance on the part of our troops, in advancingto a line 3-km south of Velletri - 3 km east of Velletri-Giulianello.In Cisterna, a weak combat team of 80 men led by the commander ofthe 954th Grenadier Regiment of the 362d Infantry Division was sur-rounded and .overcome by superior enemy forceso

During the night, the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division repulsedrepeated heavy enemy attacks in the Spaccasassi oarea (F 917330) inhand-to-hrnd fighting.

On the left flank of the I Parachute Corps, beginning south of·'Cle Buon Riposo (F 859310), the main line of resistance was withdrawnto the secondary line. Strong outposts were maintained at the old'lineo Fourteenth Army ordered the immediate strengthening of thetank defenses at the boundary between the 362d Infantry Division andthe 715th Infantry Division, To accomplish this one company of the103d Assault gun Battalion and 8 heavy antitank guns of the AntitankBattalion of the 4th Parachute Division were Shifted from the I Para-chute Corps to the LXXVI Panzer Corps.

' In order to make the Velletri-Giulianello-Cori road usable,contact was to be made from east to west between the 362d InfantryDivision and the 715th' Infantry Division

Telegraphic order by Field Marshal Kesselring to the CommandingGeneral, Fourteenth Army read:

"The defensive battle has now reached its decisivestage We'e must inflict such heavy casualties that the enemy'saggressive power is reduced. This will only be possible ifthe main lines of resistance are defended with the utmostcourage and zeal. I therefore prohibit the withdrawal ofdivisions or the relinquishment of any key positions withoutmy express orders."X

During the evening, Field Marshal Kesselring informed theCommanding General Fourteenth Army that the Reconnaissance Battalionof the Panzer Division "Hermann G8ring" is being moved to the break- 'through sector and will remain under Fourteenth Army orders. However,the bulk of the Division should be held back for possible commitmentwith the Tenth Army.

B. Intellignce___Reeort

From intercepted radio messages, it is believed that the 1stAfmored Division (US) is employed in the Littoria-Cisterna-Lazzariaarea.

Estimated enemy artillery ammunition expenditure: 108000 Vounds.

- 110 -

LIX. 26 stay 1944


The enemy further developed his attacks. Around midday,armored forces succeeded -in br eachingthe defensive positionsouth of Velletri by advancing on both sides of the Appianway and from the east. Between the 362d Infantry Divisionand the mountain range the enemy pushed forward, as far asArtena.

In the evening 2d Panzer Grenadier Division "HermannGaring" attacked from a line west of Labico, their objectivebeing a line 2..5 km north of Giulianello.

In 3d Panzer Grenadier Division's sector enemy infantryand armored units attacked in force, along a broad front at -1100. Except for a few minor penetrations the attack wasrepulsed after bitter fighting.

Commanding General, IXXVI Panzer Corps, reported to.-Commanding General, Fourteenth Army, that 715th Infantry-Division had lost the greater part of its heavy weapons.Elements -of the divisinn .were probably at Cori, Norma and.Sezze. Moreover, as there was no signal equipment left, thedivision could not be employed for some time. Army Group Cinformed Fourteenth Army that Panzer Division "Hermann Gdring"would be subordinated to LXXVI Panzer Corps. The Divisicn is.to be committed as a unit. In order to naster the situationin the area south of Valmontone, Commander in Chief, South-west, ordered Tenth Army to transfer the following unitsto LXXVI Panzer Corps, during the night of 26 to 27 May:a regimental group, comprising two battalions, Staff, 5thProjector Brigade, with one regiment, and two heavy antiaircraft artillery battalions. Apart from these reinforce-ments LXXVI Panzer Corps transferred twc Grenadier bdt-'talions and two artillery battalions from -the 29th PanzerGrenadier Division for commitment with the 715th InfantryDivision.

In case of overwhelming enemy pressure, the 29th PanzerGrenadier Division was granted permission to withdraw to aline running along the crests 'from Rocca NLiassima,. 6 kmsoutheast of Cori, to 4 km southwest of Carpineto, to;Roccagorga, south, est of Prossedi. The following FourteenthArmy Order was issued.

During the night of 26 to 27 Ilay, the elements ofthe I Parachute Corps, south of Aprilia between Cle:Bu;n Riposo ( F 859310 ) and the road intersection 2 kmnnorthwest of Tre Spaccasassi ( F 917330 ),.will fallback to the B-line, which is approximately 2 km behindthe main line of resistance.

The elements to the east of this point will take, up:

a flanking position alng a line running east of Cle. andria ( F 902365 ) over Cle Pedica to a point. 3 km:southeast of Lanuvio, where it joins the C-li-ne, .Effective at 2200, the 362d Infantry Division will besubordinated to I Parachute Corps and will fall backto the C-line in its own sector. Its center of defensewill be Velletri., The C-line, coming from the southwest,runs 1 km south of Lanuvio - 1 km south of Velletri -Labico.

- Ill -

At the earliest possible hour on 27 hay, PanzerDivision "Hermann Goring", under the command of theLXXVI Panzer Corps, will attack the enemy forces whichhave penetrated as far as Artena. They will drive theenemy back to the line: 4 km southeast of Velletri -2 km south of Giulianello - Recca Massima.


The 760th Tenk Battalion was established as attached to,teB34th Infantry Division (US). The commiitment of the 36thInfantry Division (US) was established through prisoners ofthe 143d Infantry Regiment taken south of Velletri.

C, Statistics

German losses: Artillery losses inflicted by enemy artil-lery bombardrments: All guns (6 Field Howitzers 15 cm) of 671stArtillery Regiment 715th Infantry Division, all guns (6 FieldHowitzers 15 cm) 3d Battalion, Artillery Demonstration Regiment,3 field howitzers self-propelled (10,5 cm), 2 field howitzersself-propelled (15 cm), 1 gun (17 cm), 1 Russian gun (15.2 cm),1 gun (21 cm).

Allied losses: 45 tanks destroyed, 6 planes downed bysmall arms.

IX. 27 }M/ay 1944


The enemy continued his attacks in the area south ofValmontone. He also extended the offensive to the sectors ofthe 65th Infantry and the 3d Panzer Grenadier Divisions. Hismain blows are on either side of the Aprilia - Anzio Highway,'and on Highway 4£E (F 877325 to F 917285) and east of Aprilia.After repeated attacks were repulsed by concentrated fire ofall our artillery, the enemy succeeded in making severalpenetrations in the sector of the 3d. Panzer GrenadierDivision. Our lest antitank guns, were destroyed. The weak-ened troops were forced to withdraw nearly 1.5 km toSpaccasassi Creek.

During the morning, the enemy advanced towards the newmain line of resistance of the 362d Infantry Division. Re-peated attacks were turned back,

Parts of the Panzer Division "Hermann G6ring" counter-attacking, from the area west of Valmontone, against a stub-bornly fighting enemy reached the railroad line and the high-way west of Artena, During the morning, the enemy succeededin entering Artena by forcing the Panzer ReconnaissanceBattalion "Hermann Goring" to withdraw to the north of thetown,.

Summarized Army orders for further operations follow.

- 112 -

Thc Arm% considers. the following ta be the in-'tentions. of the enemy:; First, to make a break-through in the area between Aprilia and- the AlbaneseMountains, in a northwesterly direction; second, tomake a breakthrough towards Valmontone with the bulkof its forces, in order to surround the southernflank of the Tenth Army, and to cut, off theircommunications t, the rear; and third, new landings,on both sides of the mouth of the Tiber are withinthe realm of possibility.

The I Paraclite :Corps w,-ill, hold its present po- 'sition. Inthe sectors of the 4th Parachute Division,the. 65th ,Infantry Division, and the 3 Panzer Gruna-dior Division, a gradual withdrawal to the C-line isprobable,. and must be .prepared f or. 'In the, sector ofthe 362d Infantry Division, wh.i.ch .is already in theC-line., the, position- will be. held at all: c.ost.s Theenemy must be brought to a final halt in front of theline. This order pertains .to the entire C-line; ithas been issud- by Hitler. i

'It is the main mission of the. LXXVI Panzer Corpsdrive the enemy back to the Velletri - Rocca M/Lassimaline, which he has penetrated in' the direction ofValnontonei 'This is essential, in order to secure the:western flnk of the southern tip of the Tenth Army,and to insure once again its supply' line over theVia Casilina., until the southern flank of the TenthArmy has reached the C-line. The Tenth Army hasorders to trrnsfer the 334th Infantry Division to theFourteenth Army. The bulk of the 334th InfantryDivision will be brought to the Tiveli sector, andelements of it, probably 2 Battaions to the sector7 km southeast' of Valmontoneo

The Italian Par,?chute Regiment "Folgere:" will beattached to the I Parachute Corps to fight a rearguardaction. ;


The .[±irst Battalion 6th Armored Ilnfantry Regiment ofthe 1st Armored Division (US) is west of Artena, accordingto prisoner of war statements. This Regiment, together with-the i3th Armored Infantry Regiment 1st Armored Division (US),advanced from the Cisterna area toward Artena.. The 'firstobjective was to be the Via Casilina; then the units wereto push westward. Elements of the 36th Infantry Division (US)are to follow closely behind. The 1st Armored Regiment ofthe 1st Armored Division (US), was on the left flank of the6th Armored Infantry Regiment. The 1st Armored Division (US)had on its left flank the 34th Infantry Division (US), andon its right, the 3d. Infantry Division (US).

C. Statistics

German losses: (only the 4th Parachute Division and the65th Infantry Division) 8 killed, 32 wounded, and 13 missing.

.Allied losses: 32 prisoners, 17 tanks destroyed, and3 tanks put out of commission.

- 113 -

LXI . 28 ,lay 1944


The enemy attacks continued in the western and northernsector of the Fourteenth Army with main effort at Stazione diCampolcone (F 877384), and in the areas southeast and south-west of Lanuvio. Strong infantry and tank forces, part ofwhich had been just brought up, were employed in this attack.All enemy attacks against the front of the 65th Infantry Di-vision were repelled, but the enemy succeeded in making apenetration at the boundary between the 65th Infantry Divisionand the 3rd Panzer Grenadier Division. The penetration wassealed and a front line reestablished.

1/.Lnor enemy attacks against the front of the 362'diInfantry Division were repelled. The Panzer Division "HermannG8ring", withstood a strong enemy counterattack west ofStazione di Artena, and continued its attack gaining groundtowards Lariano, despite stubborn enemy resistance,

The Commander in Chief, Southwest issued this order,

At the expense of other sectors the enemy concen-trates all available forces on his left flank. Hisreserves which we believed to be located in.the'rear,in Italy,- are committed here talmost exclusively. ' TheCo.n.ander in Chief, Southwest, will hold central Italyand defend Rome under all circumstances. The rightflank of the Fourteenth Army will prevent the enemyfrom breaking through the C-line. All available re-serves will be concentrated in the area of Valmontone,in .order..to_',st.op the advancing enemy and to repel himtowards the south. The construction of the Campagnaswitch poesition wi'll be' continued' a lla cost, evenY ifthe population 'n.;f Rome- has to be employed,

Summarized Arm -orders for' further operations:

.Inorder to provide: ne-w reserves, the I ParachuteCorps will withdraw its w;Jstern flank to: :the 'generalfront line: Cle'la Fossa- (F 765332)' Ardea (F 787350) -C-line e east' of: Cle" Piano di ' Frasso (F 816380). St ongrear 'guards will remain in: the-preser7t main line ofresistance. The following units will be transferred andattachsed 'to 'the, I Parachutle 'Carps: '334th Infaht.ryDivisionh from .Tenth Army;- 9th,' Air Force Fieid Battatlion,at 'presen't with: 715th Infantry-DiAvision' (Reinforced byremnants'g of 7th Air bForce Fie'ld Battalion it is :tt-be'comiintt'e'd between the'mouth of the' Tibe'r and the mainline of resistance'); Assault Battalion of the ServiceShoodl, Southwestern Theaeter; FUsilier Ba:ttalion of, the92d' Infantry Division; and t'e. 811th Panzer EngineerCompany' (Goliath' tarks) to be' committed as' infantry'. 1

-

-'The task of the- LXXVI Panzer 1Corps is to continue-the at:tacks' on its' western flaank, in o'r-der- t-o contactthe' eastern flamk of:'the' I Par.achute' Corps. The'C-line' is to be 'reached,. Ihn- case: of further wi-th-drawal of the 'eastern - flank of : the:'Corps and the Tenth"Army,' contact is'to' be established in the area- 4 kmsoutheast:of: Sgurgola.'

:- 114 -

In addition to holding the C-line as the final ,?-ir-line of resistance, and to halting the major enemy at-tack, scouting and patrolling as well as defensivepreparations in the area behind the C-line will beexecuted. The Italian Battalion "Barbarigo"I will beattached to the I Parachute Corps for construction offield fortifications.


According to prisoner of war statements the 2.,d and 3dBattalion 147th Infantry Regiment of the 36th Infantry Division(US) are committed south of Volletri. General Ryder is saidto be Commanding General of the 34th Infantry Division (US).

C. Statistics

German losses: not reported

Allied losses: 7 prisoners

IXII. 29 May 1944


The I Parachute Corps withdrew last night accordingto plan.

She 4th Parachute Division and 65th Infantry Divisionrepelled several attacks, but the enemy succeeded inpenetrating the line. This penetration occurred in the areaeast of the railroad, making a gap 2.5 km wide and 1.5 kmdeep in the center of the 3d. Panzer Grenadier Division'ssector.

During the night, Panzer Division "Hermann Gering"attacked and occupied Lariano and the road to the northeast.Enemy counterattacks were repulsed, and an enemy penetrationwest of Stazione di Artena was wiped out, During the evening,the right flank of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Divisionattacked in a southwesterly direction to make contact withPanzer Division "Hermann Gering",

At noon, Fourteenth Army informed Army Group C that theposition of 65th Infantry Division was serious, For tankdefense, the Division had at its disposal only 6 assaultguns, 1 Tiger tank and several antitank gunso FieldMgarshall Kesselring ordered the antiaircraft artillery ofthe I Parachute Corps (approximately 14 batteries) beemployed exclusively against tanks. Minefields were to belaid in the path of enemy tanks by all available engineers,A breakthrough must be avoided.,

Army orders for further operations were:

After the unsuccessful attempt to break throughat Via Casilina, the enemy transferred his point ofmain effort to the area between the' Albanese mountainsand the coast. According to radio intercepts, onearmored regiment and elements of an armored infantryregiment of the 1st Armored Division (US) were

- 115 -

transferred to that area. The Army expects thecontinuation of major enemy attacks in the I ParachuteCorps sector southwest of the Albanese mountains toforce a breakthrough towards Rome. At the same time,continuous attacks in the direction of Valmontone andstronger thrusts against the eastern flank of theLXXVI Parachute Corps can be expected°

The I Parachute Corps will defend the C-line,prevent an enemy breakthrough, and repel penetrations.The withdrawal of the western flank to the C-line isauthorized. The following units and artillery areassigned to the Corps: 5 antitank guns of the 92d~

*Infantry Division, one engineer company of the 92. dInfantry Division, one engineer company of the 715thInfantry Division, the Panzer Battalion of the 29thPanzer Grenadier Division (less one company which isemployed on the northern flank of the 29th PanzerGronadier Division), and two antiaircraft battalions(to be transferred by the Commanding General of theCentral Italian Airforce).

The penetration in the area of LXXVI Panzer Corpsmust be reduced as quickly as possible, by convergingattacks of Panzer Division "Hcr.nr.nn Goring" and attacksby the northern flank of the 29th Panzer GrenadierDivision, Army Group C ordered Battle Group i v Zangen",a reinforced Regimental Group of the 356th InfantryDivision, presently employed for coastal defense on theGulf of Genoa, to transfer to the area Grosseto -Orbetello, as Army Group Reserve,

Bo Intelligence Report

Accoraing to reliable sources the three regiments of the36th Infantry Division (US) are committed.

C. Statistics

German losses: no information

Allied losses: 65 prisoners, 3 airplanes downed,several damaged.

LXIIIo 30 May 1944

A, Operations Report

The enemy continued his attack on a broad front withheavy artillery fire and strong armored forces, His main-efforts -w\'ere in the northern sector, on the eastern flank, and'in the sector of the 65th Infantry Division, All attackswere repelled. On. the right flank of th'e 3d. Panzer GrenadierDivision, the enemy penetration could be considerably redupedby a counterattack'. :

The night raid of the Panzer Division "Hermann Goring"in the direction of Artena, encountered an enemy attack sup-ported by tanks. The enemy penetration just west of Stazionedi Artena was sealed off.

- 116 -

The right flank of the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division.attacked during the night, and gained the line'running from2 km east of Artena to 5 km northwest of Segni,

The. Fourteenth Army ordered the withdrawal of the 0COst'"Battalion of the 362d' Infantry Division from the front line,in order to employ this unit in the construction offortifications,

During the night of 30 to 31 May, the 2d' Battalion(less one company) 755th Grenadier Regiment of the 334thInfantry Division was transferred to the LXXVI Panzer 'Corpsin the area south of Palestrina.


Prisoners of war revealed that the 108th AntiaircraftBattalion of the VI American Corps was employed northwest ofVelletri. Two companies of the 1st Reconnaissance Battalionof the 1st Infrntry Division (Br) were established near. CleCampoleone (F 870406)~ The 46th Tank Battalion (GHQ troops)of the 1st Infantry Division (Br) was identified throughcaptured documents. General Walker has been identified asthe Commander of the 36th Infantry Division (US).

CO Statistics .

German losses.: No reports

Allied losses: 106 prisoners, 28 tanks destroyed, and1 airplane downed.

LXIVo 31 May 1944


The enemy continued his efforts to force a breakthrough inthe center of the I Parachute Corps by employing strong

infantry and armored units, supported by continuous barragefire. In heavy fighting, the 65th Infantry Division succeededin preventing the breakthrough along the railroad lineCisterna - Rome, and in holding a thinly-manned front, whichblocked the enemy from northwest Cle Campoleone (F 860406) toa point 2 km northeast from Cle Campoleoneo During thenight, the right flank of the 3d. Panzer Grenadier Divisionwas able to regain the old main line of resistance at theAprilia - Albano Highway, by counterattacking. In the.morning hours, a few enemy tanks penetrated along-the Aprilia -Albano Highway in the direction of Cecchina. An enemy break-through at the boundary"line of the 65th Infantry Divisionand the 3d Panzer Grenadier Division was prevented.

The enemy'managed to infiltrate two battalions-at theboundary between the I Parachute Corps and the LMXXVI PanzerCorps, and to advance on both sides of the mountain ridge,Mo Artemisio, up to 3 km northwest of Velletri. An attackwas launched by the Panzer Division "Hermann GOring" fromLariuno in a southwesterly direction to close the gap between_the ,wo Corps.

- 117.-

The 29th Panzer Grenadier Division will be attached to.Tenth Army as of midnight 1 June 1944.

The main mission of the Fourteenth Army for 1 June is:First, the repulsion of further enemy attacks; his main pointof effort is assumed to be between the Albanese mountains and'the coast. Second, the elimination of enemy penetrationsbetween the I Parachute Corps and the LXXVI Panzer Corps atthe earliest possible moment. The 334th Infantry Division,less Combat Group "JLnisch"' will be assigned to the LXXVIPanzer Corps.. It will be tommited along and west of theboundary line between the Fourteenth and Tenth Armies.Combat Group "J"!nisch" will remain'under command of theI Parachute Corps, until further notices

The' 92d'. Infantry Division has received orders totransfer to the I Parachute Corps, during the night of31 May to 1 June, the 3d. Battalion 1059th GrenadierRegiment. It is also to prepare the 1st Battalion 1059thGrenadier Regiment, so that it can be attached to the IParachute Corps in the evening of 1 June. I ParachuteCorps will receive an armored combat team consisting of10 Tiger tanks and 10 remote-controlled demolitionvehicles from the 508th Panzer Battalion.

In the evening, an order by Field Marshal Kesselringemphasized the urgency of eliminating the enemy infiltrationbetween the I Parachute Corps and LXXVI Panzer Corps.- Thiswas to be accomplished even though it might be necessary touse all the tanks of the Panzer Division mHermann GOring",and to withdraw units from the northern flank of the 29thPanzer Grenadier Division.

Available tanks and assault guns on 31 ,,May 1944:

nit Tanks Assault Guns

Parachute Assault GunBattalion, XI Air Force Corps 3 22. (Italian)

65th Infantry Division 1 (Italian)

3d Panzer Grenadier Division 15

Panzer Division .tHermannGoring" 20 7

508th Panzer Battalion 10(Tiger)

1st Company of the 653d,Antitank Battalion 2 (Ferdinand)

Total 33 tankj 47 assault guns

I -_____________________________________ I


The Fourteenth Army was now facing the following enemydivision:

- 118 -

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3 - 11,000

3,000 L 10.000

- 9,000

2.500- 8.000

7.000

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_ 6,000

1,500 - 5,000

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777

5th Infantry Division (Br)1st Infantry Division (Br)1st Armored Division (US)

34th Infantry Division (US)36th Infantry Division (US)85th Infantry Division (US)3d Infantry Division (US)lst Special Service Force (Us)

88th Infantry Division (US)4th Moroccan Mountain Division (US)

Final estimate of enemy situation:

On 23 May, the enemy began his major attack, fromthe beachhead, with a strong concentration of men andmateriel. The objective was to occupy the importantheights near Velletri, and then to thrust forward toValmontone, This would clear the way for a breakthroughto Rome. His immediate objective was to cut theimportant Tenth Army supply route to the Via Casilina(Highway 6).

-All available forces were concentrated in a spear-head, viz the 1st Armored (US), 3d. and 34th InfantryDivisions (US), which succeeded in making a deeppenetration east of Velletrio Mlaking use of this success,the 36th Infantry Division (US) was brought up andimmediately commited at the point of main effort. Theattacking force was further strengthened by the 760thTank Battalion and 178th Artillery Regiment (US). The1st Infantry Division (Br) was reinforced by the 3s3Tank BattaliornCounty of London Yeomanry:

The enemy changed his tactics from a slow advanceto a quick thrust. He attempted to achieve a strategicalsuccess by driving a strong tank wedge forward. Thebattle reached the climax when enemy units from themain front and from the beachhead made contact. Theenemy now had a flanking position from which h6 couldattempt to roll up the front of the Tenth Army, Atthe same time, the possibility existed that he wouldcapture Rome by attacking along the western slope of theAlbanese Mountains. Judging from the ships availableand the large reserves in North Africa, landings incentral and north Italy appeared possible,

C. Statistics

German losses: not reported. Guns destroyed:1 field howitzer (15 cm) (by artillery fire), 4 assault guns(by artillery fire),

Allied losses: 69 prisoners, 38 tanks put-out ofcommission, 2 airplanes downed; captured: 4 American commnandand -sc-out oars, 1 armored personnel carrier with equipment,miscellaneous equipment

- 119 -

- ? M , . *, . .. * ,

P-rior to the landings,' the first phase of the Anzio operationappeared pre-deteraiined for the defender, by depleting the coastalarea-of Rome,, while the first-days after. the landings weredecisive for the Allies. .All engagements thereafter, were theresult of the above fact.

After the Allies had successfully invaded southern Italy,the main task of -the German High Command w.;?s to prevent Alliedadvances by defending on a stabilizd-, defensive front, sincethe German forces were .not numerous enough to eliminate theAllies from the Italian mainland.. 'This was accomplished, untilthe beginning of 1944, by means of the Gaeta - Ortona line(Bernhard or Gustav Position) .

As continued att.a.cks against this line proni.seid littlesuccess for the- Allies, the German'H1igih Com-and believed thatAllied tactics. would. have to change and amphibious moves beplanned. It was believed that theve landings were intended tocut the supply lines of the German T:.nth Army and neutralizethe B.:rnhcLrd position. Due to the small number of Germantroops in Italy, successful enemy landings, supported byintensified Allied attacks against the; southern front, couldhave created a-critical situation. The \llies hcad apparentlyrecognized this and prepared for a landing, by attacks at theGarielieno River. It was believed that the mimediate Alliedintentions were to break through at -he Garigliano, but topin down GOerman frontline units and draw GCerm.n reserves for-ward. A break-through of the Bernhacrd position -was only to beexpicted ~ in conjunction .,it. a successful amph'ibious operationagainst the weake:ned German a,- ar.eas.

This danger was recognized by the Q-erri.an High Command .Therefore, at .the beginnrng of the, Allied offdieniv on 18JJanuary, Army Group C intended to reinforce th- C.riglianofront, without .wealkning th-. coastal defenses of c ntral andupper Italy. Allied tactics simplifi.d the oask of ArmyGroup. .'~hun only the US Fifth ,Army attacked in the'sectorsouth of Cassino on 18 January, the Germans werE. able'to iith-draw and transfer troops .from. the sector of the British Eighth.Army, to reinforce the Cass:Lno sector. The German High Commandmaci. the error of not transferrinb a imciur.u of forces at theoutset of the o'ffe,'nsive, but delayed until the. situation bc .ramegrave and the Allies threatened with a break-through on theGarigliano. Toprevent this, all readily available. Germanforces in the area of Rome a.nd its coastal sector had to be.comlmitte d.

As a result, the Alli. d success in the: offensive southof Cassino was not only establisheL, but i.ncreased in scope.Army Group C was cor-pelled 'LO 'cornmait all its troops ..long' thedefense line, including the rese;'veas. It was also forced torelieve its, units from the coast defenses west.of Rome asreirforcemiints for the; south. 'This created the favorablevacuum.fo.r successful Allied landinA s at 'Anzi o.

The VTI Army Coirps (U ) cncounctErdc n..: organized resist-ance, durinn the lndin. s on 22 January, as there~ had been noleakage of the- plans for th. int ended landing and, consequently,the G-erman coastal defens- forces were not alerte;,. The Allieslandc.d durinr the, ni.ht of the 21 to 22 January, and form-d'sev-ral smr.ll bridgLeads whi-ih were consolidated and expandedduring the 22 January. The following two days, thne beacaheadforces did not attack, but concentrtCed on lan.ding furtherreinforcce.ents n-nu securin S th,_ beachhl..ad.

- 120 -

Due_ to this stand-still by the invading forces, the supplylines of Tenth Ariy roema.ink-d open, and n ither th.. highwaysleading south from Rome nor the Albanase Mountains we;re deniedto thie Germans. It appeared to tihe Grman Command that Alliedplans did not contain - pracia- time-table for an assault againstthese objectives, but made this attack dependent on the strengthof the German defending forces.

During the first two days after the landing, the Alli'es

appeared to make a critical error, in that they did not Exploitthte wealkmiss of the German def ense by ize diat ely extending the

beachhead on a strategic plane, even though this may have beencontrary to the original plans. The German Command realized thatthe loss of the Albanese ourtains or the Cit, of Rome wouldhave led to .an Allied break-through on the southern front.

Thle fact that the Allies did not immediately exploit thisfavorabl& situation on the beachhead determined the German course

for the entire operation and made it possible for Army Group C tobuild a stabilized defensive line on the beachhead until 24 Jan-uary. Later German reinforcements could be brought up as theattacks of the US Fifth Army south of Cassino dimiinished. Thisallowed for a release of reserves in this area to the Anziosector,

After conclusion of th- first phase of the landings, the

German CoImmand considered that neither the attacking Alliedforces nor the defending German forces obtained complete success.

The Allies did not reach their strategic objectives, and the

Germans did not succeed in preventing the landings or in 6lrma-inating the Allied Forces before they had established their

positions. By 25 J.nuary, both sides had built a stabilizedfront line. Thus the beachheac'd bec e practically an extension

of the southern front. The battles of the follovini weeks and

months were fought in accordance with 0he original objectives

on both sides: the Allies to make a break-tnrouLh from thebeachhead in a northernly and northeasternly irection, and the'Germans to elimfinate the beachhead.

German operations depended on the condition of the terrainand on the weather. For these reasons, German counterattacks

could only be made in the Aprilia sector, or from the area ofCisterna, during a period of bad weather when the Allied airforce-and Naval artillery were less effective.

The opportunities for success, during this time, seemed

quite feasible, since the Allied forces on the beachhead appearednot too strong. The German High Command did plan an attack for

28 January, from the area of- Aprilia, to split the beachhead.

However, the concentration of. German troops was delayed, because

reinforcements for the attack from upper Italy, France, and

Germany did not arrive in time, due to demolished railroads and

highways. The German High Coimmand then had to postpone the attackuntil 1 February. This plan was upset by the Allied attack on

30 January, which began in the area of Aprilia and resulted in adeep penetration into the German defensive front. The German

High Command was forced to eliminate this penetration and gainpositions for a new counterattack. The penetration was elim-inated by 9 February. During the following days, the Germansprepared a new large-scale attack which, depending on weatherconditions, was scheduled for 15 February.

The attack, favored by good weather, began on 16 February.On 17 February, HLighway 82 across the beachhead was traversedbetween Fta Campodi Carne and Cle Tre di Padigliones. It was the

- 121 -

opinion of the Gr3rman High Comr.,and that thle èvcalopm.rnt of .sattack would create a crisis on the Allied side, tis., if properlyt.xploitfd, could lead to a complete. Ceraan success. Fourteeith

Army, however uncertain, whether sufficic;ntly deep penetrati.onsin the Allied line had been made, by the evening of the secondday of the attack, did not comirt. its available, rese rvs at thattime, In addition, the tbrrain was not suitable for tank employ-

Lmnt as had been pr}sumk.ed. Fourteenth rmy, having no faith in thepossible success of a break-through i.ithout supporting tanks, held

back its ressrves. This decisioi brought the attacik to a standstillon 18 February, and th.. final ,success appeared to be. in no prop-ortion to th. strength committed.

As a result of these experiunces Army Group C abandoned theoriginal plan of elininating the .llied beachhead by an all-out,large -scale attack. The revised intentions were to reduce the

beachhead by likaited attacks against sma.1ler objectives. TheGerman artillery, concentrated arouud.the beachhead, was to inter-ferevwith Allied concentrations, -shich might be preparing for aniajor attack. ¥With these tactics, the German High ComImand hopedthat the Allies would evacuate the beachhead. as soon as they realizeda further str.t.eogic extension could nht be executed,

The first Germn .offensive, under these plans, was r-ade on29 Febru.ry, from the area of Cisterna with the Astura as'the, prixmary objective. . ;S.e-condary a-nd L-ore strategic action wasenvisaged if the' attack were successful. However, unfavorableterrain for' tanks due to weather, halted the assault. LaterGeriamn counterattaCks of this type were of smaller scope, becauseof the strong local reactions of the Al]lies, and the situatian on-*the Tenth Army front rarely per'nitted the concentration of strong,Germran assault forces ,.n Lhe -nzio sector.

As a result the Alli.s, in the months that followed, wereunable to' enlarge the beachhead to any etent, wLile FourteenthArtmy was not able .to eliminate it. Only in the latter part of TMay,were the Allies able to break throu h the Ger..man defensive fronton the beachhead, and reach their original objectives. The GermanHigh Cormand did not' believe that this success resulted fromengagemyents on the beachhead, but rather from the effects of thesuccessful Allied offensive against the southern flank of TenthArmy, causing a collapse of the Gerzman defensive front south ofCassino.

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Thc role that these divisions p!,-ay, during the inziocampaign is defined in the preceding text. Since Cerman Corpsand Army units were constantly shifted in the course of thecampaign, they are not included mn.this order of battl. Thefreoauent regroupings are described in detail in the -text.

- Under infantry regirments are included the parachute regimnentsof the parachute divisions, and the Panzer Grenadier regimentsof the Panzer and Panzer GCrenadier divisions.

~-, In these divisions the tank b ,ttalion has been replaced by anassault gun battalion.

-;;->,' This unit is composed mainly of '"volunteers" from Soviet

Central Aisia. Its full designation is 162;d InfantryDivision (Turk).

In'Regt

Order of Battle of British

24 Gds, 2, 313, 15, 17167, 168, 169

A irtyI RegtI

Divisionsi'AT BnT Rcn Bn

2, 19, 67 1 1 8 1

i Ii'i 9, 91, 156 53!64, 65, 1131 167 1 0

r .i. ~n:

90

. .100

British Units attached to Fifth Army:

24th, 78th, and 80th Artillery Regiments.46th Royal Scots Greys (Armored Battalion)6th Queen's Own Hussars (1irmored Battalion)6th Cheshire (Infantry Battalion)2/VII Middlesex (Infantry Battalion)1st Rifle Brigade40th Marine Commando

Div

1st Armored

3 d Inf..34th Inf36tn Inf45th Inf

82: d Air-borne

Regt

1, 13 (armd)67, 15, 30133,135,168

157,179,180

325,326,504,505, 509(Para...hute)

z ~ ~At _n Eg;Arty Bn i Engr Bni A

j _ i Bn

:27,.68 j

10,39,41,9

159,160,171,189 ,

I

i16I1

10

i

1

ii

US Units attached to Fifth Army:

1st Special Service Force Brigade1st, 3 d and 4th Ranger Battalions36th Engineer Regiment191st Airmored Battalion601st and 894th Antitank Battalion751st Tank Battalion

- 124 -

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701

403

645

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.\NtE II

German tactical symbols

A. Unit s7ymbols.

Army Group Headquarters

Army Headquarters

Corps Headquarters

Division Headquarters

Regimental Headquarters

Battalion

Company (infantry)

Company (Panzer)

Mountain (battalion)

Panzer or Armored (battalion)

Antitank (battalion)

Tank Destroyer (battalion)

Antiaircraft artillery-( battalion)

Assault Giun (battalion)

Panzer Grenadier or armored infantry (-division).

- 125 -

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A-

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Gp,,

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F Engineer (battalion)

Artillery (battalion)

Re connaissancc (battalion)

,i >otorized (infantry battalion)

arachute (battalion)

A...-.' . S Air Force (battalion}

B. Tactical symbols

i, Kain line of resistance

7 **S . outposts

C. Synbols for

(battalion) in reserve

tactical boundaries

Battalion boundary

,q a

-- - -

Regimental boundary

Division boundary

Corps boundary

Army boundary

- 126

II.

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A.SNEX III

Description of German units

The follo$ving Gcrmaln units do not hav~ corresponding 'illiedunits. Therefore, the designation of these units has been 'Leftuntranslated in the preceding text.

Jager division: This type of division was originally desinedfor mountain and mobile warfare. It is equipped as a.

light infantry division, consisting of only tvwo infantryregiments '

Panzer division: Consists of a panzer (tank) regiment, twoPanzer Grenadier regimcents, a Panzer artillery regiment,a Panzer reconnaissance battalion, an antitank battalionwhich may be redesignated assault gun battalion, a Panzerengineer battalion, a Panzer, signal battalion, an antiair-craft battalion, and services.

Panzer Grenadier division: Consists of two motorized infantryregim,..nts to two battalions each, a imotorized artilleryregiment, a Panser reconnaissance batt alion, an engineerbattalion, an 1ntitan> battalion, an antiaircraft battalion,a signal battalion, a tanil batt:.lion whichn1. is sometiJnes;-eplacLed by an assault gun battalion, and" s rvices.

Panzer Grenadior regiment: Consists of two. battalions equippedwith'armored troop carriers, and twlo regimental supportcompanies; the infantry ho.witzr company and the engineercompany.

Fusilier battalion: Full designation: (Divisions-Fusilierbataillon).It performs both reconnaissance and infantry support functionsin infantry divisions. Organization identical with that ofinfantry battalions, except that it has more mobilitybicycles s).

- 127 -

ANN1D,: IV

Description of German Armor

Type OGun[A Lrmam(ent

Pz.IiI li5 cmPz.IV 17,5 cmPz.V '"Panther" 757. cm-Pz.VI "Tiger" 8.8 cm"Ferdinand" 8.8 cm(later "Ele-phant")Assault Cun i7.5 cm

Assault !10.5 cmHow;itzer |Assault 15 cmHovitzer"Hornet" (later)8.8 cm"Rhinozeros" ) I

Weightshort tons

24,6265062.7573

2'.35

25.8

3074

7

Crewt ChassisMlen

555

06 Tiger

4 j Pz.III

4 i Pz.III

5 Pz.IVT

5 Pz.TIV

Remarks

tank destroyer

antitank aswell as anti-personnelantipersonnel

tank destroyer

Remrote Controlled Demolition Vehicles:

"Goliath" - line conLrollec demolit:.on, charge (length of wire2000 yards); explosive charge 200 pounds, total weight 800 pounds;vehicle blows up v.hen its demoltion charge is set off.

"B iV" - radio controlled cIeemolition vehicle; explosivecharge 800 pounds; total wei-ht 4.5 tons;

The B IV is driven under its ov:n power to the line of departurenear the target, usually an emrolac uent or pillbox. The control

transmitter of the radio equipment, retained by the driver whenhe dismounts, is used to steer the vehicle to its destination. In

contrast to the Goliath the B IV is not expendable, but depositsits load of explosive at th. target and returns.

- 128 -

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