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The Battle of Coriano Ridge by Makayla Cole

10/8/2018

6 Comments

 
​After an extensive struggle to breakthrough the Gothic Line in September 1944, the men of the 8th Hussars found themselves halted at Coriano Ridge. Situated just south-east of San Marino in the province of Rimini, Coriano was a small farming town, which once had many similarities to Sussex. However, the area had been plagued by conflict for centuries, and especially during the Second World War. Bombing was heavy and most of the farms and other buildings had been completely destroyed. 
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The Hussars were exhausted and had suffered many casualties, but the Germans were in far worse conditions. The battles at the Gothic Line had worn down German troops immensely. The ridge was being held by the few remaining fortified German positions, and a very well-planned attack would be required to advance.
 
The first few days were spent on organization; repairing vehicles and replenishing troops. Many major positions had to be replaced after the battle at the
Gothic Line. The men of the Hussars came back under command of Ian Cumberland's 5th Armoured Division; Captain Lloyd Hill took over 'A' squadron as acting major; Hunter Dunn commanded the new squadron rear link; Tim Ellis was made acting major of the Headquarters squadron; and Ray Neil was promoted to acting captain in 'C' squadron. 
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The weather was working against the men. Torrential rain for days on end caused the rivers to over-flow and the ground to become soft. Hills and mountain sides were subject to mudslides that cut off roads and access points. The poor conditions in the sky halted all air support operations. This delay finally gave the Germans an opportunity to reorganize and replenish their defences. Any advantage the Canadians had when they arrived at the ridge, was lost.
 
The allied attack was undertaken at night on September 13th, 1944. Every tank they had was rushed to front lines. They began crossing the Besanigo River and immediately opened fire on Coriano. They rained 400 shells onto the enemy defence and by morning, 'A' squadron was across the river. 'B' & 'C' squadrons supported the Cape Breton Highlanders in moving up the slopes on the other side. Soon, the Allies surrounded Coriano, allowing for the Irish regiment along with Hussars to advance into the town.  
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Inside the town of Coriano was a different type of combat altogether. This was close combat, they no longer had the protection of their Sherman tanks and it seemed all types of enemy fire were coming at the men from all directions. The Hussars and the other regiments proceeded slowly and cautiously but soon realized that the enemy was not as strong as they had thought.  Germany had pulled back and all that remained were scattered snipers. The 8th Hussars had spent 10 days in the worst conditions the regiment had ever seen; but the fight for Coriano was finally over.
 
If you would like to find out more about Coriano Ridge, The Italian Campaign, or the 8th Hussars in general, you can visit the 8th Hussars Museum in the historic Sussex train station. 
6 Comments
uk.careersbooster.com review link
3/6/2019 09:46:54

There are a lot of historic battles that took place in all of America. The Battle of Coriano Ridge is one of my favorites. Well, it is in my top ten actually. This is a big thing for me, considering the amount of battles that I have studied. What makes this interesting is the topography of the place. It is not exactly a place that is advantageous for either side, in fact, it is not a place for battle at all.

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christopher saint
9/15/2019 03:41:45

Hi there, I just returned from Italy visiting my Uncle's grave who died in this battle. The Coriano Ridge Cemetery is, ironicaly, in the most beautiful and peaceful spot. There are nearly 2,000 graves many are Canadians. My Uncle was a Welshman, John Owen Saint in the British King's Regiment. Died this day 75 years ago - 15th September, 1944.

Reply
Caroline McEwan-Smith
10/25/2021 06:03:20

Hi Christopher, Very interested to hear about your Uncle John Owen Saint and Coriano WG Cemetery. My Graddad ESG Smith is also buried there KIA 07/10/44 . My Dad who has visited says its a beautiful Cemetery. I hope to visit one day.

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positions in softball link
1/6/2020 22:04:30

The main role of the first base is to catch throws at the first base to prevent the batter from reaching it and scoring.

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Marc Gilchrist
7/22/2022 19:36:44

My maternal grandfathers youngest brother is buried there but very little is known, I'm thrilled to be reading this. He passed on October 25th 1944, I'm guessing after this battle.

Reply
Timothy Rogers
12/28/2022 06:50:20

My great uncle was killed at Coriano 04 Dec 1944. I have visited the cematary and it is beautifully maintained and the respect paid the fallen is heart warming.

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    Welcome to the 8th Hussars Museum
     The 8th Hussars Museum is located in the historic Train Station in Sussex, NB. The building has been restored to its original grandeur and is situated in the hub of the Town of Sussex. The Victorian-era structure houses many of the important artifacts of the museum and is accessible to the general public. Since the later part of the 19th century, countless Hussars arrived by rail to train at Camp Sussex and later to serve in the South African War, WWI and WWII.
    The collection includes many items representing the life of the Regiment with original uniforms dating back to 1881, original Routine Orders dating back to 1893, memorabilia from members who represented the Regiment at Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee, WWI, WWII, UN/NATO peacekeeping tours as well as the Afghanistan engagement. Of particular interest are the flags from each of these eras. The Museum also proudly holds the original accouterments of HRH The Princess Royal who is Colonel Commandant of the Regiment.

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