Posts Tagged ‘Operation Buckland’
Operation Buckland The Irish Brigade’s last battle
At 1920 hours on 9th April 1945, Operation ‘Buckland’, the name given to 8th Army’s attack on German defensive positions in Northern Italy, was launched. Over the following 16 days of constant assault, Allied Forces secured a comprehensive victory and were able to cross the mighty Po river. On 2nd May 1945, all German forces…
Read MoreThe end of the war in Italy
As dawn approached on 25 April, organised resistance was at an end. A plan made overnight for the swift and thorough clearance of the whole divisional area was put into effect at first light. One squadron of the Recce Regiment passed to under command of each of 11, 38 and 2 Armoured Brigades and these…
Read MoreThe start of the Irish Brigade’s final Italian battle in April 1945
5th Corps attack across the Rivers Senio and Santerno. April 9th dawned fine and warm by the banks of the Senio with the ground hard underfoot and a cloudless sky. It was ideal weather for the air forces to begin that process ominously known as “softening up”. The morning passed in comparative peace except at…
Read MorePreparing for the push to the Po on 24 April 1945
The plan for the day was as follows: The Brigade would pass through the bridgehead with as little delay as possible and, with the Inniskillings leading, would seize the village of Saletta. This was chosen as the first Brigade objective because the small village of Tamara between Fossalta and Saletta, had been occupied during the…
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