1 RIrF – February 1945
1st /2nd February – FLORENCE.
Nothing to Report.
3rd February – FLORENCE.
Warning order for move to Forli. Coy officers and senior NCOs carry out wireless exercise.
4th February – FLORENCE.
Nothing to Report.
5th February – FLORENCE.
Order for advance party to move 7 February. Capt EE Maginess MBE on UK leave.
6th February – FLORENCE.
Nothing to Report.
7th February – FLORENCE.
Advance party left for Forli..
8th February – FLORENCE.
Move Order No 12 issued. Brigade Move Order No 1 now received.
9th February – FORLI 4515.
Bttn moved to Hitler Barracks, Forli where we took over from Italian 87th. Buildings and grounds indescribably filthy. Orders issued re cleaning the area, a monumental task.
10th February – FORLI 4515.
Recce for training area. Bttn engaged in cleaning buildings and grounds.
11th February – FORLI 4515.
38 Brigade ordered available for Corps reserve
12th February – FORLI 4515.
Training areas allotted by Brigade Training . Instructions issued by bttn.
13th/14th February – FORLI 4515.
Training on Section – Platoon – coy level.
15th/16th February – FORLI 4515.
Further allocation of training areas and forecast of training.
17th February – FORLI 4515.
Recce brigade defensive position Albereto.
18th February – FORLI 4515.
Mine training arranged by Pioneers.
19th February– FORLI 4515.
Further recce of Backstop position.
20th February – FORLI 4515.
Brigade conference to coordinate defensive position.
21st February – FORLI 4515.
Kangaroo exercise by coys to familiarise and acquaint with difficulties of control.
22nd February – FORLI 4515.
Discussion with Lt Foley (1 LIR) of lessons learnt in the fighting on the plain.
23rd February – FORLI 4515.
Bttn rifle range at Meldola in daily use.
Provision of targets being greatest difficulty.
24th February – FORLI 4515.
Training Instruction No 2 issued.
25th February – FORLI 4515.
Orders re TEWT and exercise at Calisese.
26th February – FORLI 4515.
TEWT and exercise. House and village clearing.
27th February – FORLI 4515.
Demonstration area D8, fire power of a section, Vickers, 3” mortars, Wasp and Life Buoy Flamethrowers. Lecture by Lt Leckie of 17 Field Regiment.
28th February – FORLI 4515.
Visit to Adolf Hitler barracks by General Mark Clark and Corps Commander.
TEWT at 26 Battery, 17 Field Regiment on corrections by Intelligence.