A Sapper’s War - 12 Fld Coy RCE History, Part 14 December 1944 (December 1944 – Operation Chuckle and Christmas at the Front)
A Note on Blog and Book
This series of blogs, entitled "A Sapper's War" follows some units of the Royal Canadian Engineers in World War 2, primarily the 12th Field Company, which was my father's unit. The main sources are the unit War Diary, Daily Orders, official military histories, and The History of the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers Volume 2. I will also include some personal accounts of his, when this is appropriate to the history.
The
blogs will mostly relate to their time in Italy, from Oct 1943 to Jan 1945,
though it will ultimately be extended to the later events in Northwestern
Europe and the earlier events in the U.K.. They will be put together in
book form eventually, but until that time the blogs will be available for
interested readers on this "Dodecahedron Books" blog site. I
encourage anyone who in interested to read the blogs, and buy the book when it
comes available.
Naturally, I am claiming copyright, though you can make "fair use" of content, of course, if you are writing about similar times and events.
Though the overall history of the war will be noted, as context, the text mainly relates to the experiences of the 12th Field Company, as indicated in their War Diary and related orders, and other documents. If you want a more general history of the war, there are many other sources to more completely fill in those details.
There will be a fair bit of focus on what might be called "social history", in addition to the sometimes routine, sometimes harrowing military activities of a group of Allied sappers in the Italian Theatre of WW2. The daily orders and company War Diary often provide an interesting window into this day-to-day world that the strictly military lacks.
Though this account is based is a Canadian engineer company, it is likely that British, other Commonwealth and American sappers would have lived through similar experiences at this time, so families and interested parties from those nations might also find it interesting.
I will fill in links to the blog series below, as they are posted.
Oct 1943: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2019/10/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Nov 1943: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Dec 1943: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2019/11/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history_30.html
Jan 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Feb 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/01/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history_27.html
Mar 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/03/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Apr 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/04/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
May 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/05/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Jun 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/05/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history_31.html
Jul 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/06/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Aug 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/07/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Sep 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/08/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Oct 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history.html
Nov 1944: https://dodecahedronbooks.blogspot.com/2020/10/a-sappers-war-12-fld-coy-rce-history_21.html
Dec 1944: TBA
Jan 1945: TBA
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December 1944 – Operation Chuckle and Christmas at the Front
Operation “Chuckle” was the Canadian Army’s primary major operation during much of the month of December, 1944. Morale was not great – the battle to break the Gothic Line had taken its toll, the men were becoming war-weary and it was expected that the war would soon end, anyway. All in all, naming the operation “Chuckle” was either wishful thinking or the blackest of irony.
Be that as it may, it was decided to carry on, in an effort to capture Ravenna (Eighth Army) and Bologna (Fifth Army) before the winter lull in fighting set in, to make for a better position from which to launch anticipated spring offensives and to provide better shelter for the troops throughout the remaining winter. To that end, 1 Canadian Corps took over from Porterforce (who had advanced more than expected) near the outskirts of Ravenna. It was a difficult and costly slog, as the enemy could take advantage of the multiple water courses, ditches, canals and three different rivers (Lamone, Senio, Santerno). Many of these included diked banks, which gave excellent positions for the enemy from which to fire.
Ravenna was captured by December 4th, but the remaining attacks, which were intended to help the U.S. troops thrust for Bologna, were not so successful. This wasn’t helped by uncertainty in U.S. strategy, which became critical when the attack in Northwestern Europe, known by most people as the Battle of the Bulge, commenced. So, the battle in Italy dragged on for some time more, before mostly grinding to a halt by the third week of the month. At that point, both sides began to settle in for the winter – that included a bittersweet Christmas, with everyone wishing they were home and that they didn’t have to fight and kill each other.
As one would expect, engineers played important roles in these actions, particularly with bridging of all sorts, as well as the use of assault boats to establish bridgeheads. 12 Field Company was mainly involved in bridge building and maintenance, particularly bridges over the Lamone River. There was also steady need for route maintenance, particularly with the demands created by the winter weather. For the first half of the month they were near the front, then sent into reserve later in December.
Following is a condensation of the 12 Fld Coy War Diary notes for December 1944.
December 1 to 5 – M.R.S.522230, Italy
The beginning of the month saw a lot of work on bridging, along with the usual route maintenance. 1 Platoon maintained BOTTLE route. 2 Platoon began preparing for another new bridge and 3 Platoon worked on maintaining and skin decking an existing bridge. Both were over the Ronco River. The front of “Operation Chuckle” was only a couple of miles to the northwest at that point.
The design of another new bridge was then submitted, the bridge site recceed (a few miles northwest of the previous day’s bridges), and a 150 foot Class 40 Bailey was seen to be needed, in order to handle heavy vehicles such as tanks. Bridging material was sent to the site (near Casa Bettini, which had been very recently abandoned by the Germans) and unloaded by 3 Platoon. This was to be called TOWER BRIDGE, and construction was begun and commenced smoothly. It opened for traffic in late in the afternoon of the second day of construction, though work on developing and maintaining this bridge would continue during the month.
At that point, 2 Platoon began working on piers for their new bridge, and 1 Platoon continued working on Tower Bridge. 3 Platoon backloaded stores from the Tower Bridge site to the bridge dump.
Of note is the fact that the Casualty List for the company lists 2 men as wounded (likely by mines) during this period, though the War Diary doesn’t record these injuries.
December 6 to 10 – M.R.S.522230, Italy
Bridge maintenance continued to be a significant priority for the period, on Tower Bridge and some other existing bridges. There was also the usual work on maintaining routes and laterals.
2 Platoon received some new American mine detectors and began familiarizing themselves with them. The corporal who was assigned the lead in this was named Bayley, though he had no relation to the Bailey Bridge developer.
There was some initial liaison with 13 Fld Coy, to work jointly on another bridge, which would cross the Lamone River as the general advance reached that river. Word then came down, to prepare to put a different bridge across the Lamone, to aid the attack of 1 Division, which was to commence very soon.
Again of note is the fact that the Casualty List for the company lists 1 man as wounded (likely by a mine) during this period, though the War Diary doesn’t record this.
December 11 to 14 – M.R.S.522230, Italy
Sgt Critchley returned from 14 Canadian General Hospital, after being treated for his wounds incurred during the time with Porterforce. He was now promoted to Acting Company Sgt Major.
Again, the company was involved in a variety of bridging jobs, as well as route maintenance. Those included continuing work on Tower Bridge, as well as taking over a tricky job from 13 Fld Coy, raising their bridge from a Class 12 to Class 30, allowing far heavier vehicles to use the bridge. Among other things, the approach to the bridge span required cribbing.
13 Fld Coy had taken shell and mortar fire while working on the bridge; the 12 Fld Coy diarist writes that “work is going slowly, it is a very difficult chore”, so they may well have been taking sporadic fire also.
December 15 to 19 – M.R.S.522230, Italy
The company continued with maintenance and construction of the Lamone River bridges, as well as route maintenance. That included raising the 13/12 Fld Coy bridge to Class 40, so it could now take tanks.
It was then sent into reserve on the 17th, and rested for a bit. That was followed by more bridge and route maintenance, including culverts, as well as recces for further jobs.
Again of note is the fact that the Casualty List for the company lists 1 man as wounded (though likely not by a mine) during this period, though the War Diary doesn’t record this.
December 20 to 23 – M.R.S.522230, Italy
The period was taken up by more maintenance and construction of the Lamone River bridges and Tower Bridge, as well as route maintenance. A power shovel and an auto patrol (grader) were employed on these tasks, which were relocated as required.
Some mine sweeping was done, though no mines were found at this time. They also cleared off a railroad bridge that had been demolished, presumably by the retreating Germans, and were standing by for orders to build a new bridge across the Lamone.
December 24 to 25 – M.R.S.423530, Italy
The entire company worked on a 240 foot Bailey Bridge on Christmas Eve day, completing the job on the same day.
They then had a well-deserved break for Christmas, which included plenty of food and drink. Major Evers came around to each platoon to thank them for their hard work. Everyone enjoyed themselves.
At the front, there was a short Christmas truce between Canadian and German troops, with some well wishes traded across the river, followed by an artillery stonk.
December 26 to 28 – M.R.S.423530, Italy
The 240 foot bridge had been Christened “The Three Wise Men Bridge”. Maintenance work on it and Tower Bridge resumed, now that Christmas had passed. That included upgrading Three Wise Men to Class 40.
Dikes on both sides of the Three Wise Men Bridge were repaired and concrete work was done to improve the anchoring of the bridge. The bridge was also skin decked. On the other hand, the skin deck was removed from some other bridges further back (referred to as Dream and Brat Chit Bridges), so that the decking would be available for new bridging, once an advance began again.
Again of note is the fact that the Casualty List for the company lists 1 man as wounded (likely by a mine) during this period, though the War Diary doesn’t record this.
December 29 to 31 – M.R.S.423530, Italy
Regular route and bridge maintenance was carried on, which included filling in and repairing craters on routes and laterals. There was also a need to improvise a new bridge on Diamond Route, which was referred to as Red Diamond Bridge. There are also references to work on the “a/m bridge”, though it is not clear just whether that is a new bridge or a new name for a previously unnamed bridge.
The troops looked forward to New Year’s Eve. A noisy time was expected as “the Vino, Vermouth supply is plentiful”.
Other Notes and Observations from December 1944
Following are some selected quotes from the report on Operations during December 1944 in Italy, written by the military (Report Number 143, Canadian Operations in Italy, June 1944 to Feb 1945 and/or The Canadian Army 1939 – 1945, An Official Historical Summary)
1 – The Advance Across the Rivers
Canals and dykes became strong points for German defences. They came up with a lot of clever ways to exploit these natural and man-made features, though the Canadian troops did eventually make progress, though at the cost of quite heavy casualties. Engineers helped, with bridges and route maintenance, but it was a frustrating slog.
“The same rivers whose upper valleys had provided the 13th Corps with avenues of approach towards the plains ran in their lower reaches directly across the Canadian Corps’ ITALIAN CAMPAIGN, JULY 1944⎯FEBRUARY 1945 167 path. The dykes that confined their waters when in spate had been converted by German labour into strong fortifications. Within these high steep flood-banks, which rose thirty to fifty feet above the level plain, galleries had been burrowed, accommodating nests of machine-guns whose fire could sweep the long ranges of open fields stretching back to the next preceding river barrier. The usual fringe of wire and mines along the outer face of the forward rampart added to the strength of each position. Needless to say, all vehicle bridges had been demolished by the time we reached them. The garrisons crossed from bank to bank on temporary footbridges which could be readily destroyed when withdrawal demanded. Such was the unpleasant pattern of the obstacles over which the Corps had now to force its way.” (p166-167, An Official History)
2 – Porterforce and the Italian Partisans
I worked on the CNR railway one summer during university, on a track laying gang in Northern British Columbia. There was widespread speculation that the head foreman for the gang had been with the Italian partisans in his youth. He was a tough customer, so I could believe it. Nowadays, Blowforce seems like a funny name for a tough bunch of partisans.
3 – The Last Major Canadian Battle in Italy
Most of the bridges that 12 Fld Coy worked on in December were up near the Fosso Munio. The Lamone is a short distance east of the Fosso Munio, no more than a mile or so, judging from the map. The bridge that they worked on with 13 Fld Coy wasn’t far from Bagnacavallo, again maybe a mile or so.
“There remained for the Canadian forces one more formal operation in 1944 . the final advance to the Senio River. After an unsuccessful essay on 18 December, it began on the evening of the with a silent breakout from the Naviglio bridgehead-the Brigade on the right and on the left. Enemy resistance along the Fosso Munio checked initial progress. His defence was organized in depth; in the open fields our infantry came under withering fire from scattered farmhouses, an unpleasant foretaste of what the Senio’s fortified flood-banks held in store. But the good services of the Engineers in speedily throwing bridges across the Munio provided the forward troops with much- 21st needed tank support. By the morning the enemy had been driven back to the river and Bagnacavallo had been occupied without resistance. (p169, An Official Historical Summary)
4 – A Brief Christmas Truce
This is a bit reminiscent of the famous Christmas truce of WW1, in 1914. The concluding artillery stonk spoils the comparison a bit, though (an artillery stonk was a short but concentrated artillery barrage on a particular location).
“On Christmas Day, in striking contrast to the bloody Ortona fighting of the previous year, the line was very quiet. Let a Corps diarist describe it:
The 1st Cdn Corps sector was the only part of the Italian front where there was not a white Christmas. A wary truce was observed on both banks of the Senio, except on the 2 Cdn Inf Bde front. The Germans serenaded Seaforth of Canada with carols on Christmas Eve and one Jerry put his head over the river dyke long enough to wish the Canadians a guttural “Merry Christmas”. Our troops replied with their version of “Frübliche Weihnacht”. Encouraged, the Germans tried a little propaganda, calling on our troops to surrender. Our counter-propaganda was an artillery “stonk” on the German positions.
At the Division’s headquarters an officer wrote rather wistfully of the Christmas lull: “Tomorrow we return to the cold reality of war and all its ugliness, but we won’t forget Christmas 1944 because for twenty-four hours men became human again and war seemed very far away, almost forgotten”. (p169-170, An Official History)
And here are some of the events noted above, from the Engineers’ perspective, as found in “The History of the Corps of Royal Canadian Engineers”:
5 - 12 Fld Coy and Tower Bridge
This sounds like an important bridge. Casa Bettini was not far from the front at this time, perhaps a mile or two. The hardest part of logistics, military or civilian, is often that last mile.
“Behind the advance, the usual flurry of route improvement was taking place. The longest bridge built by the Canadians was the 12th Field Company’s “Tower Bridge” at Casa Bettini – a 150 foot triple-double Bailey on piers, with 20 foot shore spans for a total length of 190 feet. Stores came in on site before midnight 2nd December. The actual construction began at 1400 hours the following day. At 1540 hours on 4th December, to the great relief of those maintaining the Forli Route, the Class 40 Bridge opened for traffic.” (Page 252)
6 - 13 and 12 Fld Coy Bridge the Lamone River
From my reading the “Moaning Minnies” were not all that accurate, but they could cause a lot of damage in a short time, as with this incident on the 13/12 Fld Coy bridge. The War Diary called this “a very difficult chore”. I suspect there is a lot of understatement in that remark.
“The site which was above the dikes, was under enemy observation and was mined. All day long on 12th December its preparation went on, interrupted at intervals by shell and mortar fire. Bridge construction began at 1400 hours. At 1845 hours 20 “Moaning Minnies” (fired by the German five barreled Nebelwerfer) burst in the midst of the job. Two struck the bridge, several the road, and the explosion of one tumbled Nicholson over the dike from whence he arose badly shaken but unhurt (he had just finished a two-month stretch in hospital recovering from the effects of a Tellermine blast)…At 1100 hours the following morning the triple-single 160 foot class 12 bridge was complete…The 12th Field Company then relieved the 13th and began at once to raise the bridge load to 30 (triple-double). This was done by midnight on the 13th…Shortly, a pier was put in at the 150 foot mark to permit the crossing to take the normal class 40 tank load.” (Page 254-255).
7 - 12 Fld Company’s Three Wise Men Bridge.
I suppose the bridge got plenty of use in later months, during the 1945 spring offensive that ended the war in Italy, even if the December 1944 advance was called off. All of the reports that I have read stated that the Canadians weren’t unhappy to leave Italy in February 1945, but I imagine that there must have been some curiosity among them about how it all went down in the end.
“As the second Christmas in Italy came and went, with the usual measure of good cheer, the Canadian Corps role became a defensive one. Forward bridges were either prepared for demolition, or had charges stored handily near them, and work on defensive minefields began. However, General Mark Clark (late United States 5th Army Commander), who had succeeded Alexander (now Supreme Allied Commander Mediterranean) in command of the Allied armies in Italy, intended to launch one last push; the Germans still held Bologna. In anticipation of a Senio crossing below Cotignola, the 12th Canadian Field Company had built a 240 foot bridge over the Lamone a mile south of Boncellino. It was completed (class 12) and opened on Christmas Eve. The company took the next day to celebrate, and ignoring as best they might the after effects of the Feast, the men raised the bridge to triple-single, class 40, on Boxing Day. Appropriate to the season, the named it “The Three Wise Men Bridge”…However, these bridges were not to be used as planned. Logistics dictated otherwise. The proposed offensive had to be abandoned.” (Page 258)
8 – With the 2nd Battalion RCE in Northwestern Europe
Here’s a Christmas story from 2nd Battalion RCE, my father’s previous unit. This was during the time of the “Battle of the Bulge”, which was underway, threatening to split the American and British/Canadian armies. Eventually the German offensive was halted, but it was difficult time for the Allies. American engineers played a significant role as infantry during this time, delaying the German advance until the engineers could be reinforced. The battle didn’t make it to 2nd Battalion RCE but there was some real concern of that happening:
“At this juncture we found ourselves once again in close proximity to jerry. He was just on the other side of the river Maas and developed a nasty habit of sending his patrols to our side. On Xmas Eve he tried some such nonsense and various units of the Bn were ordered to “stand to” – well, it being Xmas Eve the enthusiasm of certain sappers was boundless. What they lacked in cohesion, they made up in high spirits. They would have cheerfully tasked a German brigade that night. On Xmas morning, a certain amount of rounding up of Germans had to be done, but it did not interfere with our festivities. The cooks in each company excelled themselves. The beer was weak, by liquor plentiful and the speeches “home for next Xmas” just as emphatic” (The Story of 2 Bn RCE 1940-45, page 34).
Orders and Documents Archived with the 12 Fld Coy War Diary, December 1944
Following are some selected quotes from the documents associated with the 12th Fld Coy War Diaries during December 1944:
1 - Worries about Enemy Parachute and Seaborne Landings
This order warns of the possibility of German landings behind the lines, via air drops or sea landings on the Adriatic coast. I haven’t seen this mentioned in any formal histories of the war, but it is possible that some minor events of this type did transpire (though the German Air Force and Navy were a shadow of their former selves by this point in the war). At any rate, it seems as if a well-grounded fear of such things was in the air, so to speak. You can certainly see why the senior command would be concerned.
It is also interesting to see concerns about suicide squads, bent on assassination, a concern that modern observers might well consider to be something strictly motivated by religious extremism. However, some Nazis had a near religious devotion to Hitler and his philosophy, so you couldn’t discount the possibility. In this case, there was a significant panic over this prospect, as it was thought to be an adjunct to the German offensive known as “The Battle of the Bulge”. Eisenhower was said to have locked himself in his headquarters in Versailles during this time, for fear of an assassination attempt.
December 26, 1944
1 Information has been received that the enemy have dropped suicide squads behind Allied lines in FRANCE with the intentions of attacking senior Commanders and Formation HQs. These squads have been dressed in British and American uniforms and civilian clothing and have used Allied transport.
2 Recent reports indicate that the enemy may adopt similar tactics in this theatre. Squads may be landed by sea or by air transport. The following incidents have been reported:
a) Four Italians believed to be from X FLOTILLA MAS an Italian sabotage unit, working with the enemy, were arrested in CESANATICO. These men are thought to be responsible for the setting of explosives charges in vehicles and cutting of signals lines in the BELLARIA area.
b) Four Germans, one officer and three other ranks were landed in RIMINI on the night of 21/22 Dec where they changed into civilian clothing and were last reported heading for RAVENNA accompanied by two Italian soldiers.
3 In view of the above, Division and Brigade HQs within 1 Cdn Corps will be on their guard against such attempts and will overhaul their internal security arrangements.
4 It is possible than enemy personnel may be dropped in Allied uniforms, it is important that any doubtful persons wearing British or American uniforms should be thoroughly scrutinized.
5 It is believed that the main purpose of these tactics is to kill Senior Commanders and their Staffs.
6 Guards will be alert and capable of taking adequate action.
2 - Concerns about Saboteurs
One could speculate about several possibilities with this order. Were civilians or enemy agents stealing the lamps placed on bridges and diversions to create confusion and accidents? Or, were civilians merely looking to purloin objects that were useful and valuable during the deprivations of wartime? Or were some units “borrowing” the lamps, not realizing that doing so would endanger their comrades?
December 9, 1944
DISCIPLINE – REMOVAL OF LAMPS, TRAFFIC CONTROL
1. The following is an extract from 1 Cdn Corps Routine Order No. 490.
2. There have been a number of cases of unauthorized persons removing lamps placed by the CMP on bridges and diversions. This illegal practice besides endangering life and material, may effect operations in that essential routes may be blocked by accidents.
3. It is the duty of every officer or soldier who sees an unauthorized person committing such an act to intervene and if the person is a civilian to hand him over to the nearest Carabinieri or if a soldier to report the matter to the offender’s Commanding Officer.
3. Strict disciplinary action will be taken by CO’s against any personnel contravening the above order.
3 - Problems Concerning Looting by Allied Troops
This is a pretty long passage, by the G.O.C. of Eighth Army, but it is rather eloquent regarding the sometimes negligent attitude that the troops were taking towards the property of the Italian civilians. Their motives could include anything from perceived wartime necessity, to desire for profit, to souvenir hunting, to a sort of revenge on a sometimes enemy, sometimes (sort of) ally.
As has been clear from many of the orders given, relations between the Allied troops and Italians were often tempestuous, with a lack of respect on both sides. This is hardly surprising, given the conditions inherent in the theatre. No doubt the Allies had a better time of it in France and Netherlands, as far as civilians were concerned, as these areas were being liberated from the German invaders, and the civilian population showed the expected gratitude. The situation in Italy was much more complicated, as an enemy had turned into a co-belligerent, but hardly an ally, in the usual sense.
December 1, 1944
Looting
1. Cases of looting have been recently brought to my notice although I have no reason to believe that there is any general increases in the number of cases occurring I consider that it would be as well for all ranks in the Army under my command to know my views in regard to this offence.
2. Looting is no more or less than “stealing” aggravated by the ease with which thefts can be made under active service conditions in the forward area. It would be, I know, rare for any of the men who loot in the forward area to steal in their own townships or countries. Moreover, it is the duty of any citizen to prevent thefts if within his power, or alternatively to report them at once to the appropriate authority. I feel sure if it were realized by all ranks that they were stealing when they take articles from damaged or deserted houses, or livestock or other articles, that they would not loot. It is the duty of every officer to see that the men under his command realize they are stealing if they take articles etc., however small, and to impress on them that it is their duty to stop if they can, or report if they cannot, any cases that they may see.
3. The Italian people are poor and many of them have been reduced to beggary by the tide of war that has swept over their homes. In many cases, particularly in the country, they have saved the lives of men of the Allied Armies by giving information, and in addition, they have harboured in the towns and villages escaped Allied prisoners of war at the risk of their lives and have fed them out of their meagre food stocks for long periods. The food situation in Italy is deplorable, and to steal or loot food stocks is tantamount to taking it out of the mouths of a hungry people.
4. To loot sewing machines, household utensils, and furniture which cannot be moved for lack of transport is not only criminal, it is wanton waste.
5. Until the tide of war engulfed Italian towns and countryside the Italian people in most districts had little experience of the German Army under operational conditions; nor had they suffered the inevitable discomforts inherent in the occupation of a country by large forces. In addition, the Italian people do not neglect such opportunities as present themselves of paying off old scores, such opportunities are legion in the wake of an advancing army. It is not, therefore, surprising that the local inhabitants when they return to their devastated and looted homesteads levy unjustified complaints of looting against the troops that they find in occupation. This renders it all the more imperative if the reputation of the Army under my command is to remain unsmirched that we see to it that we are blameless and that there is no justification for such allegations.
6. I therefore direct that all Formations and Unit Commanders will by their personal example and by constant watchfulness ensure that cases of looting are reduced to a minimum and that cases that do occur are dealt with, with the utmost severity. The contents of this letter are to be brought to the attention of all ranks.
4 - A Different Kind of Looting?
This is another situation that is difficult to understand, with the passage of time. Apparently a lot of army vehicles were being stolen, usually by troops themselves, according to this order. Was this done for some sort of black market purpose? Or perhaps units found that they couldn’t get resupplied properly, so they took to stealing vehicles from other units? Or was it just some sort of generalized breakdown in discipline, joy-riding, as the war neared its end? One things for certain – then, as now, Jeeps and motorcycles were popular targets for thieves.
December 18, 1944
Loss of WD Vehicles by Theft
1. Loss of WD vehicles by theft continues to be a serious drain on the resources of this Army. The u/m figures speak for themselves.
Oct 4
3 Ton 15Cwt PUs Jeeps Trailers Staff Cars MCs Total
4 19 1 52 7 0 16 99
Nov 12
12 17 3 18 7 1 1 19 77
2. The average number of replacement vehicles including motorcycles and trailers issued to Eighth Army in a month is approximately 12… In Oct therefore 8.2% and Novo 6.4% of new issues were required to replace “lost” vehicles.
3. Very few vehicles in the Army area are stolen by civilians and the greater majority stolen are therefore in the hands of other formations and units. It is realized that in the some cases vehicles stolen are abandoned usually in a smashed up condition and others may have been hidden to avoid the detection of the culprit.
4. Recent Court Martial sentences on persons found guilty of stealing or being in possession of stolen vehicles have been heavy and in their own interests ranks should be aware of this fact.
5 - The Fleshpots of Rome
Judging from these Sexually Transmitted Disease statistics, the fleshpots of Rome were best to be avoided, just as they were in the time of the Caesars. To be fair, it makes sense that Rome would be the leading location for this, as it is by far the largest city, and would have had a lot occupation forces stationed there. It is interesting that Ravenna racked up 2 cases, as the city had only just been captured, about 3 weeks before this list of patients was put together.
December 29, 1944
RETURN OF PLACE OF CONTACT – VD
1 The following is the m/n return for patients admitted to 2 Cdn VDTU for week ending 22 Dec 44 and the places where the disease was contracted:
Rome = 61 Bellaria = 1
Riccione = 1 Ascoli = 1
Florence = 4 San Benadetto = 1
Atripaldi = 1 Ovieta = 1
Pescara = 1 Jesi = 1
Cervia = 1 Marciano = 1
Cattolica = 2 Salerno = 1
Battipaglia = 1 Ravenna = 2
6 - The Token Graves Mystery
I don’t know what this actually refers to, thus I have called this order “The Token Graves Mystery”. Perhaps these were graves for comrades who had gone missing, or were otherwise thought dead, but had not yet been confirmed. Perhaps this is something like the roadside memorials that we see today, a cross or other marker that is set up spontaneously at an accident location.
December 16, 1944
Token Graves
1. Units are continuing, contrary to orders, to construct token graves. This causes false reports to be sent to Next-of-Kin by well-meaning friends and increases in a large manner the work of the Graves Registration Unit.
2. It will therefore be brought to the attention of all ranks that under no circumstances will token graves be constructed.
7 - What they Watched
Here are a few of the movies that the sappers got to see in December.
Dec 3, 1944
ENTERTAINMENT
1. The following is the schedule for shows for the period Dec 4-17 inclusive.
“EDISON THE MAN”, Spencer Tracy.
“FLIGHT COMMAND”
“IN OLD OKLAHOMA”, John Wayne, Martha Scott.
“FRONTIER BADMEN”, Robert Paige, Diana Barrymore.
“STANDING ROOM ONLY” Paulette Goddard, Fred McMurray.
Dec 30, 1944
ENTERTAINMENT
1. The show “Going My Way”, with Bing Crosby will be shown tonight, Dec 30, in the R.C.E. Cinema in San Pietro at 1830 hours. Transport under platoon arrangements.
Some Family Stories Related to December 1944 Events
Mine Clearance
Throughout the war, mine detection and clearing (mine sweeping) was an important task for engineers (and sometimes infantry as well). During the winter lull of late 1944 and early 1945 that was especially true, as static warfare with frequent patrols and probing missions resulted in both sides putting down a lot of mines.
My dad talked of one of the techniques for detecting mines, "prodding". It seemed to involve poking the ground ahead with a knife or bayonet, to determine a mines location by touch. It seemed to fantastic to believe, when I first heard about that as a child. He said it was stressful, but you got used to it. I suppose if you ever got used to that, you would be able to get over almost any fear, later in life.
It seems like a dangerous technique, but he said that magnetic detectors were not always reliable, especially if there was a lot of shrapnel, etc. in the area. Also, some of the German mines were primarily made of wood, and therefore difficult to detect by magnetic means. So, prodding for mines was unavoidable, at times.
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Book now on Amazon (Kindle and Print)
The Sappers' War: 12th Field Company Royal Canadian Engineers
Are you a history buff, particularly interested in World War 2?
Or, did you have a family member or
other relative participate
in the conflict and are therefore curious about their experiences? If
so, you might want to read about the journey of a military
engineering company, throughout their time in action during the war.
The book focuses on one particular company of soldier/sappers in the Canadian Army, but many of their experiences would be common to any of the Allied units in the European theatre. Some of the major battles in which they were involved included Ortona, Monte Casino, the Gothic Line, the battles for Ravenna and the Po Valley, the Liberation of Holland and final defeat of the Third Reich.
In addition, some content relates to the experiences of civilians in Britain during that time. Appendices also look at some of the details of military engineering (e.g. bridging, mines, storm boats, the M-test), casualties, the Aldershot Riots and other issues of post-war rehabilitation and return to civilian life.
Much of the material comes from company war diaries and related materials, though a brief sketch of the wider campaigns relevant to the experience of these men is included, as are some interesting side-bars (e.g. the unit served alongside the celebrated irregulars known as Popski’s Private Army during their time in Northern Italy). To get a more “micro” feel for the on-site experiences of the time, some of my own family’s stories are related (a soldier/sapper, a war bride/war worker, a P.O.W., and an Atlantic convoy merchant marine sailor, among others). The summations of the War Diaries also include much interesting information about day-to-day life, both military and non-military.
So, grab your Lee-Enfield rifle and your mine-detector (and don’t forget a shovel and a hammer), and check out the life of a war-time sapper.
U.S.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
U.K.: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
France: https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Spain: https://www.amazon.es/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Italy: https://www.amazon.it/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Netherlands: https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Brazil: https://www.amazon.com.br/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Mexico: https://www.amazon.com.mx/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B09HSXN6Q2
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Some other books of potential interest.
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A Ride on the Kettle Valley Rail Trail
U.S.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GBG8JE0
U.K.: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01GBG8JE0
Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B01GBG8JE0
Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B01GBG8JE0
Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01GBG8JE0
Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01GBG8JE0
India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B01GBG8JE0
The Kettle Valley Rail Trail is one of the
longest and most scenic biking and hiking trails in Canada. It covers a good
stretch of the south-central interior of British Columbia, about 600 kilometers
of scenic countryside. British Columbia is one of the most beautiful areas of
Canada, which is itself a beautiful country, ideal for those who appreciate
natural splendour and achievable adventure in the great outdoors.
The trail passes through a great variety of geographical and geological regions,
from mountains to valleys, along scenic lakes and rivers, to dry near-desert
condition grasslands. It often features towering canyons, spanned by a
combination of high trestle bridges and long tunnels, as it passes through
wild, unpopulated country. At other times, it remains quite low, in populated
valleys, alongside spectacular water features such as beautiful Lake Okanagan,
an area that is home to hundreds of vineyards, as well as other civilized
comforts.
The trail is a nice test of one’s physical fitness, as well as one’s wits and
adaptability, as much of it does travel through true wilderness. The views are
spectacular, the wildlife is plentiful and the people are friendly. What more
could one ask for?
What follows is a journal of two summers of adventure, biking most of the trail
in the late 1990s. It is about 33,000 words in length (2 to 3 hours reading),
and contains numerous photographs of the trail. There are also sections
containing a brief history of the trail, geology, flora and fauna, and
associated information.
After reading this account, you should have a good sense of whether the trail
is right for you. If you do decide to ride the trail, it will be an experience
you will never forget.
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A Drive Across Newfoundland
U.S.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NMR9WM8
U.K.: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07NMR9WM8
Germany: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B07NMR9WM8
Japan: https://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B07NMR9WM8
Canada: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07NMR9WM8
Australia: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07NMR9WM8
India: https://www.amazon.in/dp/B07NMR9WM8
Newfoundland, Canada’s most easterly province, is a region that is both fascinating in its unique culture and amazing in its vistas of stark beauty. The weather is often wild, with coastal regions known for steep cliffs and crashing waves (though tranquil beaches exist too). The inland areas are primarily Precambrian shield, dominated by forests, rivers, rock formations, and abundant wildlife. The province also features some of the Earth’s most remarkable geology, notably The Tablelands, where the mantle rocks of the Earth’s interior have been exposed at the surface, permitting one to explore an almost alien landscape, an opportunity available on only a few scattered regions of the planet.
The city of St. John’s is one of Canada’s
most unique urban areas, with a population that maintains many old traditions
and cultural aspects of the British Isles. That’s true of the rest of the
province, as well, where the people are friendly and inclined to chat amiably
with visitors. Plus, they talk with amusing accents and party hard, so what’s
not to like?
This account focusses on a two-week road trip in October 2007, from St. John’s
in the southeast, to L’Anse aux Meadows in the far northwest, the only known
Viking settlement in North America. It also features a day hike visit to The
Tablelands, a remarkable and majestic geological feature. Even those who don’t
normally consider themselves very interested in geology will find themselves
awe-struck by these other-worldly landscapes.
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On the Road with Bronco Billy, A Trucking Journal
What follows is an account of a ten day journey through western North America during a working trip, delivering lumber from Edmonton Alberta to Dallas Texas, and returning with oilfield equipment. The writer had the opportunity to accompany a friend who is a professional truck driver, which he eagerly accepted. He works as a statistician for the University of Alberta, and is therefore is generally confined to desk, chair, and computer. The chance to see the world from the cab of a truck, and be immersed in the truck driving culture was intriguing. In early May 1997 they hit the road.
Some time has passed since this journal was
written and many things have changed since the late 1990’s. That renders the
journey as not just a geographical one, but also a historical account, which I
think only increases its interest.
We were fortunate to have an eventful trip - a mechanical breakdown, a near
miss from a tornado, and a large-scale flood were among these events. But even
without these turns of fate, the drama of the landscape, the close-up view of
the trucking lifestyle, and the opportunity to observe the cultural habits of a
wide swath of western North America would have been sufficient to fill up an
interesting journal.
The travelogue is about 20,000 words, about 60 to 90 minutes of reading, at
typical reading speeds.
Amazon U.S.: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00X2IRHSK
Amazon U.K.: http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00X2IRHSK
Amazon Germany: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00X2IRHSK
Amazon Canada: http://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00X2IRHSK
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