Following the capture of Montecchio, the Allies were poised to consolidate their gains and pierce further through the Gothic Line. The Cape Breton Highlanders led the way, capturing Monte Marrone on the night of 31 August, 1944. With the path clear, the 8th New Brunswick Hussars could move their tanks up the hill and dig in. From their imposing position, they were just over a kilometer away from the twin peaks of Monte Luro and Point 253. Situated on a spur on Point 253 lay the town of Tomba de Pesaro, the next objective awaiting the Canadians.
A barrage of 75mm shell fire from Hussar M4 Sherman tanks signalled the start of the battle. The Axis defenders furiously returned fire, immediately knocking out Lieutenant Bill Spencer’s tank. Lorne Fraser and Harper were subsequently killed. Other tanks fared better, with enemy armour-piercing shells bouncing off their turrets. Around 12:00 noon, under heavy anti-tank and mortar fire, Major Howard Keirstead ordered No. 2 troop to move about a kilometer and a half to the left of the main force and mount a flanking maneuver.
A barrage of 75mm shell fire from Hussar M4 Sherman tanks signalled the start of the battle. The Axis defenders furiously returned fire, immediately knocking out Lieutenant Bill Spencer’s tank. Lorne Fraser and Harper were subsequently killed. Other tanks fared better, with enemy armour-piercing shells bouncing off their turrets. Around 12:00 noon, under heavy anti-tank and mortar fire, Major Howard Keirstead ordered No. 2 troop to move about a kilometer and a half to the left of the main force and mount a flanking maneuver.
Once No. 2 troop arrived, they surveyed Tomba de Pesaro through binoculars, identifying targets and potential enemy positions. Marked targets were then blasted with 75mm shells and machine-gun fire. Enemy anti-tank crews reacted quickly and returned fire, although they were swiftly knocked out after giving away their position. Nevertheless, several enemy high-explosive shells hit their mark, and damaged the gun on one of the Hussar tanks. The firing continued and ammo began to run low. One of the tanks risked moving up the crest of the hill and opened up on several houses with machine-gun fire. White flags were waved and surrendering Italian troops emerged from the houses.
However, the fighting was far from over and stubborn enemy resistance remained firmly entrenched in the town. By the afternoon, Point 253 had fallen to the combined attack of the Irish Regiment and C Squadron from the 8th Hussars. The stage was set to move into the town of Tomba de Pesaro. While staging for the main attack, the tanks came upon several hidden concentrations of German infantry. They proved no match for the heavy Canadian armour, and some seventy soon surrendered.
However, the fighting was far from over and stubborn enemy resistance remained firmly entrenched in the town. By the afternoon, Point 253 had fallen to the combined attack of the Irish Regiment and C Squadron from the 8th Hussars. The stage was set to move into the town of Tomba de Pesaro. While staging for the main attack, the tanks came upon several hidden concentrations of German infantry. They proved no match for the heavy Canadian armour, and some seventy soon surrendered.
The tanks began moving up the ridge towards the town, with infantry from the Irish Regiment riding atop the tanks. Advancing uphill along rocky terrain was difficult, and several tanks lost their tracks. Around 1800 hours, the main attack on the town began, with the tanks providing heavy covering fire as they advanced. The Germans never fired back however. Sensing an opportunity, the infantry dismounted and entered the town. Rather than encountering resistance, they found the Germans had abandoned the town and fell back. In celebration, the infantry hung a banner that read, “Bobby Clark-ville – In Bounds to All Canadian Troops”, in honour of the Commanding Officer of the Irish Regiment. Lieutenant-Colonel Clark himself had nothing but accolades for Cliff McEwen and the 8th Hussars. As a token of appreciation, he handed McEwan a gallon of rum.
Thanks to the combined efforts of the 8th New Brunswick Hussars and the Irish Regiment of Canada, Tomba de Pesaro was now firmly in the hands of Allied forces. The Gothic Line had been definitively breached, and the Germans were once again forced to fall back. Slowly but surely, the Italian campaign was reaching its conclusion.
To find out more, visit the 8th Hussars Museum, 66 Broad Street, Unit 3, Sussex, New Brunswick.
To find out more, visit the 8th Hussars Museum, 66 Broad Street, Unit 3, Sussex, New Brunswick.