Devils' Drop and the Primosole Bridge MTO (id:#59386)

(Internet: Jeffery D. Shields ID: JS PL 1)   [next]   [previous]

(Revision: CH: Platoon Leader 2.0 PL#1)

Primosole Bridge, south of Catina, Sicily 1943-07-13 (13 others)

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Overview:

The evening of 14 July, the Durham Light Infantry Regiments, 50th Division approached the bridge to link up with the paratroopers. The 50th Division was loathe to counterattack on such sort notice, and so laagered for the night. In the morning the 8th DLI supported by squadrons of the 44th Royal Tank Regiment attempted a coup de main on the bridge. They were bloodily repulsed by the German paras. The British commanders were considering another daylight charge, when Lt. Colonel Pearson suggested a flanking maneuver across a hidden ford. The night of the 16th saw the 8th DLI successfully cross the river and attack the bridge from two sides. As dawn lifted, the British tanks rolled in to action. Undaunted and reinforced by their Signals Company and Pioneer Battalion, the German Fallschirmjägers fought savagely using every means at their disposal. The fighting was fiercest in the vineyards surrounding the old farmhouses.

Defender: German / Italian (MG Battalion, 1st Fallschirmjäger Division and Italian Security Battalion)  

Errata (source)