National Archives catalogue number WO 169/10347.

Abbreviations

070510 2 i/c AA Adm Adv AFV Airfd AL Amb Armd A/Tk Bde Bn Br Bty CLY Cmd CO Comd Comn Coy Det Div DZ Est Fd Fm FUP Gp Hy Incl Inf Infm Instr Junc LO Lt Med MMG MT Offr OO Org Pl Posn RAP Rd RE Ref Regt Res RSF RV Ry Sec Sig Sqn Sta Sup Tk Tp Tpt X rds

Map Reference Second-in-Command Anti-Aircraft Administration Advance Armoured Fighting Vehicle Airfield Airlanding Ambulance Armoured Anti-Tank Brigade Battalion Bridge Battery County of London Yeomanry Commander Commanding Officer Command Communication Company Detachment Division / Divisional Drop Zone Establish Field Farm Forming Up Place Group Heavy Including Infantry Information Instruction Junction Liaison Officer Light Medical Medium Machine Gun Motor Transport Officer Operation Order Organisation Platoon Position Regimental Aid Post Road Royal Engineers Reference Regiment Reserve Royal Scots Fusiliers Rendezvous Railway Section Signals Squadron Station Support Tank Troop Transport Crossroads

Month and year: July 1943

Commanding Officer: Lieut. Col. C.B. Mackenzie

1st July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

Coy Cmds and Officers Commanding attached troops, briefed for the Operation by the Commanding officer.

2nd to 8th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

During this period the Coys are being trained in street fighting, spiking of guns, throwing of gammon bomb and rehearsing the various Coy attacks.  This training is broken by frequent bathing parties.

7th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

All officers and the majority of stick Cmds briefed for the Operation by the Commanding officer.  The remainder of the morning spent by these officers in studying the maps and photographs of the area.  The Commanding officer reveals to the battalion that the theatre of operations is to be Sicily, and that we are part of a considerable invasion force.  This was met with applause and considerable jubilation.  In the afternoon the briefing of the Bn starts.

8th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

General Montgomery visits the Bde and talks to each Bn in turn - his main subject being the necessity of having Airborne Forces in the Eighth Army for future operations: Seldom before has a man completely won over the keen confidence and admiration of the troops, in so short a time.  The Brigadier gives his 'final blessing' to the Bn but warns us of possible postponement or even cancellation.

9th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

The Bn completes itself for the operation - all ammunition and extra equipment issued, containers packed and chutes drawn.  Just as the work had been completed, the Airlanding Bde took off from the neighbouring airfields - and we knew that the invasion of Sicily was about to begin.

10th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

Reveille sounded by the whole of the Pipe Band.  The Bn embusses at 08.30 hrs and moves off to the various airfields.  All the planes taken over, containers placed under bomb racks and final arrangements checked by midday.  Sticks move to lying up area for remainder of the afternoon.

1900 - Word comes through that the operation is postponed twenty four hours.  The Bn returns to camp leaving containers and chutes on the plane.

11th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

The Bn rests in camp all morning, proceeds to airfield in the afternoon.  On arrival at Airfield we were told that the operation is cancelled.  Bn returns to camp.

12th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

Bde Cmd tells Bde he is off to Malta to find out reason for cancellation.  Warns us that we will have many more operations.

13th July 1943

Place: Mahdia Area

The Brigade moves to Mahdia area - for training during period 13-18th July Pl and Inter Coy night schemes carried out.  During the day time all ranks spent the time bathing.

18th July 1943

Place: Mahdia Area

The Bde Cmd talks to all officers on 1/ his visit to Sicily  2/ The operation as far as it has gone  3/ Training for the next month  4/ possibilities of future operations.

19th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

Div Cmd talks to the Bde and gives news of the Air Landing Bde, and first Bde actions - and assures us that there are further operations in the very near future.

21st July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

Captain J.A. Blackwood takes over Adjutant from Capt N.C. Fraser: Capt RDC McCall made training officer: Capt H Northcott 2 i/c D Coy: Lt Bruce transferred to B Coy.

24th to 25th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

Exercise Perth {no Appendix}: To practice the Bn in 1/ taking up defensive positions in the dark, prior to enemy dawn attacks, and 2/ the launching of counter attacks should enemy attacks succeed.

25th to 30th July 1943

Place: Sousse Area

During this period Coys training consists of Coy 36 hour schemes - most of the work being done by night.  Coy attacks supported by M.M.G. using live ammunition have been carried out.

Appendix "A"

OPERATION "GLUTTON"

5th Bn. (Scottish) The Para Regt O.O. No.1

Ref Maps - ITALY, 1/100,000 GSGS 4164 SICILY, Sheet 274

                   ITALY, 1/25,000 GSGS 4228 SICILY, Sheet 274

INFM.

        1.  This order summarizes the main points in connection with operation GLUTTON.

        2.  Infm re topography, resources, enemy and own tps at Appx "A".

INTENTION.

        3.  5 (Scottish) Para Bn will seize the NORTH end of the causeway leading to AUGUSTA en route destroying Hy A.A. Bty 070510, and will seize and hold high ground 083584, capturing the bty posn thereon, if it is occupied by the enemy.

METHOD.

        4.  Instrs re airfd org and preparations prior to departure are being issued separately.

        5.  D.Zs.  As at Trace "A".

        6.  R.Vs.

                "C" Coy  House and X rds 040526.

                Bn HQ, "HQ" Coy  Fm 037528

                "B" Coy  Houses 039531

                "D" Coy  Fm 042528

        7.  First sticks to approach R.Vs will search buildings for enemy occupants, before remaining sticks enter.

        8.  After occupation R.Vs will be searched for M.T., horse or mule tpt.

        9.  "B" Coy on landing will be prepared to counter attack any enemy opposition encountered from huts in area 037537.

        10.  When Coys are in R.Vs., and providing the situation permits, they will send out parties to D.Zs to bring spare containers to R.Vs.  These will be loaded on to tpt, if available, and taken with the Bn as far as BERKELEY.

        11.  The senior offr present in the R.Vs will take comd of the Bn in the absence of the C.O., and organize the Bn as necessary for its task.

        12.  ADV TO F.U.P.  On receipt of orders, or if no orders are received by 0200 hrs D + 1 day, Coys will move in the following order to the F.U.P.:-

                "D" Coy with under Comd two P.I.A.T. dets.

                "C" Coy with under comd two Mortar dets and two P.I.A.T. dets.

                Bn. HQ.

                "HQ" Coy.

                Sec 127 Para Fd Amb.

                "B" Coy with under comd one MMG Sec and two dets P.I.A.T.

        13.  Tp. 2 A.L. A/Tk Bty will move by bounds in rear of the Bn.

        14.  Route to F.U.P. to BURLINGTON ST - Line of pylons.

        15.  POSNS IN F.U.P.

                "D" Coy  Square grove about 064513

                "C" Coy  House 069514

                Bn HQ & "HQ" Coy  Area houses 066514

                "B" Coy  Houses 065515

                Tp 2 A.L. A/Tk Bty will remain in area F.U.P. till PICCADILLY CIRCUS has been occupied.

        16.  Move from F.U.P. will be at 0345 hrs D + 1 day.

        17.  OBJECTIVES.

                (a) "D" Coy  Destroy Hy A.A. Bty 070510 thereafter coming into Bn res in area 083510.

                (b) "C" Coy  Seize NORTH end of causeway leading to AUGUSTA 083495.  AUGUSTA will NOT be entered.  On capture of objective "C" Coy will consolidate in the area 083495 - ry about 088503 - level crossing 083501 with tasks of preventing any enemy movement out of AUGUSTA and along ry about 088503.

                (c) "B" Coy  Seize and hold high ground 083524, capturing gun posn in that area, if it is occupied by the enemy.

        18.  MORTARS.

                (a) Two dets 3 pl under comd "C" Coy.

                (b) 4 pl in res moving with "HQ" Coy to PICCADILLY CIRCUS, prepared on arrival to sup "C" Coy by fire on:-

                        ry sta 082503

                        ry about 088503

                        level crossing 093506

                        gun posn 088516

        19.  MMG.  One Sec 3 pl under comd "B" Coy.

        20.  A/Tk.

                (a) Two dets P.I.A.T. under comd each "B", "C", & "D" Coys.  Dets under comd "D" Coy will join "D" Coy in R.V.

                (b) A/Tk pl less six dets local protection of Bn HQ.

        21.  ARTY.

                (a) One (3 gun) to 2 A.L. Bty will occupy posns in area PICCADILLY CIRCUS to cover on following rds:-

                        PICCADILLY

                        REGENT ST.

                        STRAND (EAST of PICCADILLY CIRCUS)

                (b) O.C. bombardment det will move with "B" Coy.  Areas already selected for bombardment on call shown and lettered at Trace "A".  Gun posns about 103497 can be engaged by means of Target "A".

        22.  MET.

                Moon rises well before sunset.

ADM

        23.  General  Separate adm instrs are being issued.

        24.  MED

                (a) R.A.P., sec and surgical team will move with "HQ" Coy to area PICCADILLY CIRCUS.  Dressing station will only be opened on orders of Bde HQ.

                (b) Casualties on D.Z. and approach march will be treated by Bn medical or sec personnel, left and marked by means of steel helmet or [?] for later collection.

                (c) Walking wounded will follow unit axis of adv from which they will be collected by sec Fd Amb.

                (d) All wounded who are unable to proceed further will be left in F.U.P. area at house 066514.  A collecting post is also being est permanently at WATERLOO BR.

        25.  STRAGGLERS POSTS.

                (a) During drop at X rds 039526 by "C" Coy.

                (b) At rd junc 063514 by "D" Coy on entering F.U.P.

                (c) 4 Bn provide stragglers post at rd junc 033493 during drop.

INTERCOMN.

        26.  Wireless diagram, code signs and frequencies attd at Appx "B".  No wireless silence after dropping.  Appx D follows.

        27.  Codewords, recognition signs and passwords at Appx "C".

        28.  Ground strips will be carried at Bn HQ.

        29.  All line comn discovered will be destroyed.

        30.  Walky-talky sets are allotted as follows for listening to broadcast of success sig code by assault Coys 4 and 6 Para Bns.  Codeword for capture of WATERLOO BR is SNOWBOOTS ONE.  Sets will be retained after Phase I as an alternative measure of comn to Bde HQ.

                One set    C.Os. a/c.

                One set    2 i/cs. a/c

                One set    Sig Offrs a/c

                One set    O.C. "B" Coys. a/c

        31.  As soon as Coys arrive in R.Vs. they will report deficiencies in personnel and weapons, further reports being made as personnel and arms arrive.  A strength state of personnel and weapons is required at Bde HQ 90 mins after dropping.

        32.  Lieut. M.W.H. Shephard will report to Bde HQ as L.O. at 0515 hrs D + 1 day.

        33.  Bn HQ located as follows:-

                R.V.  Fm 037528

                Moves along BURLINGTON ST to house 066514, thence to area PICCADILLY CIRCUS, probably about orchard 483507.

        34.  BDE HQ

                (a) Drops on D.Z. 2.  R.Vs. Fm 029496

                (b) Moves to quarry 041498 on capture of WATERLOO BR, then with 4 Para Bn.

                (c) Phase II - opens at 075508.

        35.  D day.  10 Jul.  Op may be postponed 24 or 48 hrs.

        36.  All copies of this and any other Op or adm instrs will be returned to the Orderly Room by 1900 hrs 9 Jul.  Notes may be taken of code signs and sigs diagrams.

[Signed C.B. Mackenzie]

Lieutenant Colonel,

Commanding, 5th Bn. (Scottish) The Parachute Regiment.

APPX "A" - INTELLIGENCE SUMMARY.

TOPOGRAPHY

        1.  The general area of operations consists of rolling country intersected by deep river valleys running from WEST to EAST.  Most of the country is covered with olive groves of varying density and orchards.  These are bounded by stone walls in many places.  Neither the groves, orchards nor walls are tk obstacles.

        2.  The only metalled roads in the AUGUSTA area are THE STRAND and PICCADILLY.  Remainder are little more than dusty cart tracks.

        3.  Main features are:-

                (a) River MULLINELLO, which is crossed by the STRAND at WATERLOO BR 042498.

                (b) AUGUSTA 0848.

                (c) Escarpment NORTH of AUGUSTA running from SOUTH EAST to NORTH WEST.

        4.  Salt pans NORTH of AUGUSTA are passable to inf and tracked vehicles but NOT to wheeled vehicles.

RESOURCES

        5.  Majority of M.T. will probably have been requisitioned by the enemy.  Horse or mule tpt should be available in all fms.  Fms comprising R.Vs will be searched for tpt.

        6.  The water viaduct crossing the MULLINELLO just EAST of WATERLOO BR will carry a good supply of drinking water if undamaged.  There are numerous wells, all of which will be taken as being polluted.

ENEMY

        7.  There are two Italian fd force divs in S.E. SICILY:-

                54 Napoli Div    WEST & S.W. of SYRACUSE

                4 LIVERNO Div    Area CALTAGIRONE

        8.  Five coastal Divs are spread round the coast.  One Bn from 213 Coastal Div may be in the AUGUSTA area.

        9.  This Bn may provide anti-paratp patrols of 25-50 men armed with automatics and mounted on bicycles.

        10.  Enemy dispositions which affect 2 Para Bde and particularly 5 Para Bn in Phase I and II are as follows:-

                (a) Hy A.A. Bty at 014504 (MUCH CACKLING)

                (b) Lt A.A. Bty at 038497 (JOHNNY)

                (c) Hy A.A. Bty at 070510 (RITZ)

                (d) Huts and accommodation 037537 (N.W. of D.Z. 5)

                (e) Enemy check post 082309 (PICCADILLY CIRCUS)

                (f) [?]ge house WEST of level crossing 083502 - one or two 20 m.m. guns.

                (g) [?] and [?] MILITAIRE - AUGUSTA, four and three 20 m.m. respectively (may be out of action).

                (h) Dual purpose and Hy A.A. Btys 103496.

                (i) Hy A.A. Bty 088517

                (j) Lt. A.A. Bty posn (3 guns) probably unoccupied 083524 (DORCHESTER)

                (k) Seaplane base (DOGSBODY HALL) 064503.

OWN TPS

        11.  13 Corps forming part of Eighth Army is landing on beaches SOUTH of SYRACUSE on morning "D" day and is then thrusting NORTHWARD along the coast.  Leading seaborne tps are expected in 2 Para Bde area in the following order:-

                (a) 5 Div with elements 4 Armd Bde of which 17 Inf Bde Gp and 5 C.L.Y. will probably be the first tps.  17 Inf Bde consists of:- 2 R.S.F., 2 Inniskillings, 6 Seaforths.

                (b) 50 Div.

        12.  Leading tps are not expected to arrive in AUGUSTA area before 1600 hrs on D + 1 day.  (Bn drops 2300 - 2330 hrs D day).

        13.  Own A.F.Vs. include:- SHERMANS, SCORPIONS, CHURCHILLS, CRUSADERS, CROMWELLS.

        14.  2 Para Bde Gp is under comd 13 Corps.

2 PARA BDE GP.

        15.   (a) HQ 2 Para Bde incl 127 Para Fd Amb, less 3 secs and one surgical team.

                (b) 4 Para Bn with under comd one Tp 2 Para Sqn R.E. and one Tp 2 A.L. A/Tk Bty.

                (c) 5th (Scottish) Para Bn with under comd:- one Tp 2 A.L. A/Tk Bty, Naval Bombardment det, one sec and surgical team 127 Para Fd Amb.

                (d) One Coy 6th (Royal Welsh) Para Bn with under comd two dets 2 Para Sqn R.E.

OUTLINE [?] PLAN

        16.  PHASE I.  Assault parties each of one Coy will drop at 2215 hrs D day to capture br 042498 (Coy 6 Para Bn) and Hy A.A. Bty at 014504 (Coy 4 Para Bn).  At 2300 hrs main body of Bde starts dropping on four D.Zs, two each side of the river; Bde HQ and 4 Para Bn SOUTH, 5 Para Bn NORTH.  Dropping finishes at 2335 hrs.  4 Para Bn captures br if not already in hands of Coy 6 Para Bn and moves N.E. to area rd junc 066507 leaving sufficient force to enable Coy 6 Para Bn to hold the br, then clear airfd and prepare to sup 5 Para Bn.  5 Para Bn moves to assembly area 0651, destroys Hy A.A. Bty 070510, captures AUGUSTA and occupies high ground 083524.

        17.  PHASE II.  4 Para Bn occupy def posns facing WEST to incl

                Spur 064505

                Spur 065511

                Spur 068514

                Spur 069518

                        5 Para Bn prevent enemy movement out of AUGUSTA and along ry about 088503, hold high ground area 083524, and keep approx one coy in res in area 083510.

NAVAL FORCES.

        18.  Bombardment dets with Bde HQ and 5 Para Bn have at call 6" gun cruiser NEWFOUNDLAND and 15" gun monitor EREBUS.

BOMBING

        19.  Preparatory bombing on all located A.A. posns.

        20.  2200 - 2330 hrs D day (during dropping) AUGUSTA and CATANIA.

        21.  0330 - 0345 hrs D + 1 day intensive bombing AUGUSTA.

DUMMIES

        22.  From 2215 - 2245 hrs dummies will be dropped in area CATANIA, CARLENTINI and LENTINI.

ALTERNATIVE PLAN.

        23.  In the event of the attack on WATERLOO BR not succeeding, 5 Para Bn may be required to assist in the taking of the br.