6th Parachute Battalion

Abbreviations

056493

A/C

Admin
Adv

AL
AR

Armd

Arty

A/Tk

Bde

Bty
CA

CLY

Comd

Comn

Coy
Det

Div

Freq

Incl

Indep

Inf

Jct

LAD

LMG

MMG

Offr

PGR

Posn

RAMC

RAP

Ref

Regt

Res

Sec

Sig

Sit rep

Sqn

Trg

Map Reference

Anti-Aircraft

Aircraft

Administration

Advance

Airlanding

Artillery Regiment

Armoured

Artillery

Anti-Tank

Brigade

Battalion

Bridge

Battery

Counter Attack

County of London Yeomanry

Commanding Officer

Commander

Communication

Company

Detachment

Division / Divisional

Drop Zone

Fork

Farm

Frequency

Group

Heavy

Intelligence

Including
Independent
Infantry

Junction

Light Aid Detachment

Light Machine Gun

Liaison Officer

Light

Landing Zone

Machine Gun

Medium Machine Gun

Medical Officer

Motor Transport

Officer Commanding

Officer

Operation Order

Other Ranks

Panzer Grenadier Regiment

Platoon

Position

Photographic Reconnaissance

Royal Army Medical Corps

Regimental Aid Post

Road

Royal Engineers

Reference

Regiment
Reserve

Stretcher Bearer

Section

Signals

Situation Report

Support

Squadron

Troop

Training

Main rail party under Major D. Fleming Jones arrives. Final road convoy arrives. Move now complete. Operation Order No.1 issued.

Major L.A. Holden, O.C. Assault Coy briefed by C.O. in Bn Briefing Room on Plan.

0600 - All officers briefed by C.O. on Plan B. Admin. Order No.1 issued. Briefing of troops begins.

Preparations for operation. C.O. inspected all ranks in operational equipment. Containers issued and packed by Bn. Parachutes issued to 'C' Gp only. Final briefing of troops.

0645 - "D" day. Plan A. i.e. Bde plan notified as in force. Sufficient A/C for M.M.G. and Mortar Pl to be included in operation.

0830 - 'C' Gp, Comd by Major L.A. Holden, M.M.Gs. Comd by Lt. E.R. Watkins and Mortar Pl Comd by Lieut. N.M. Boys moved to Airfields A, C and D respectively. Remainder of Bn still stands to.

0800 - Orders received for move of 'C' Gp, M.M.G. and Mortar Pl to Airfields. Present situation and "I" reports given to all ranks.

1830 - Orders received that operation is cancelled. Troops return to camp, hand in parachutes and empty containers. Bn at notice to move to coast for training.

1000 - Bde Comd addresses all ranks and explains present position of Sicily campaign and future operations.

2000 - Bn moved by march route and M.T. to SALINES DE RAS DIMAS and bivouaced about 500 yds from the sea.

Swimming instruction at 0630 hrs and during day carried out. Coys carry out night training.

0900 - Div Comd (Maj-Gen. G.F. Hopkinson O.B.E., M.C.) addresses the Bde Gp and gives the latest information on the battle of Sicily.

Bn returned from Exercise "SNOOKERED". Preparations made for dropping Exercise "DIM".

1815 - One stick of volunteers dropped from C 47 A/C with Quick release apparatus. All descents successful. Jump-Master Lt. Col. J.A. Goodwin.

(a) Air photographs, maps, and sand models - of the area of operations and of the area of the objective in particular - are available in Bn. Briefing Room.

(b) 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 trees, and is stony. Good roads are scarce, but there are many tracks. THE STRAND and PICCADILLY are the only reasonable roads in the area. Main features in the operational area are:-

Details are given in 'I' Summary at Appx. 'A' attached, air photographs and models. Code names of rds in area are given in Diagram 'A' attached.

2. Enemy. Enemy order of battle is given in 'I' Summary. A.A. Btys are sited as follows:-

(a) 13 Corps, forming part of Eighth Army, is landing on beaches SOUTH of SYRACUSE on morning of D.Day, and is then thrusting NORTH along the coast. Leading seaborne tps are arriving in Bde area in the following order:-

Leading tps are not expected to arrive in AUGUSTA area before 1600 hrs on D + 1 day.

(d) Tp carrying and towing a/c and gliders are being found by 51 Tp Carrier Wing U.S.A.A.C. and 38 Wing R.A.F.

(b) Timetable, of container packing, parachute issue, and move to airfields will be issued separately. A/c will be available on airfields by 1000 hrs. D.day. Tps will reach airfield by 1030 hrs D.day. Container loading will begin at 1100 hrs. D.day. Parachutes will be issued on D-1, starting 1900 hrs.

(d) Allotment of A/C. Number of A/c available cannot be known until early on D. day. Following allotment has been made out on availability of 60. In any case the total number will NOT fall below 47.

UNIT.

2 A.L. A/Tk. Bty.

Tp 2 Para. Bde. Sqn. RE.

C. Coy 4 Bn. Para. Regt.

C. Gp 6th Bn. Para. Regt.

M.G. Pl. 4 Bn. Para. Regt.

A. Coy. 6 Bn. Para. Regt.

B. Coy. 6 Bn. Para. Regt.

Sp. Gp. 6 Bn. Para. Regt.

Bn. HQ. 6 Bn. Para. Regt.

R.A.M.C. (Surgical Team)

Spare

TOTAL

Halifax.

Albemarle.

C.47.

) 7 between

) them.

In event of a/c being less than 60, a Low Priority List is shown on Air March Table at Appx. 'B' attached.

(e) Line of Flight over D.Zs. SOUTH to NORTH. C.47 a/c pairs line astern, Albemarle a/c line astern.

(f) Emplaning and take-off. Time will be notified direct to blocks by Airfield Control. Blocks will drop in accordance with Appx. 'B' attached.

(g) D.Zs. and L.Zs. Locations are shown on map posted in Briefing Room. Artificial aids will be used on L.Zs., as shown in para 9(b).

(i) At 2230 hrs D.day, C. Gp. 6 Para. Bn. will drop on D.Z.3 and will capture be 042498 by a direct assault from the NORTH.

(ii) At 2232 hrs D.day, C. Coy. 4 Para. Bn. will drop on D.Z.2 and destroy A.A. Bty JOHNNY.

(iii) At 2235 hrs, D.day, 6th Para. Bn. with tps under comd, begins dropping in blocks at 5 mins intervals on D.Z.4, and D.Z.5, moves SOUTH to br 042498 area, with task of capturing br, if not already taken, and of defeating any enemy C/A from any direction.

(iv) At 2325 hrs. A.Tk. Bty less one Tp lands on L.Z.6 and moves SOUTH to Bn area NORTH of br., and at 2327 hrs one tp A.Tk. Bty lands on L.Z.7, and moves NORTH to area immediately SOUTH and S.W. of br.

Assault gp drops on D.Z.3 at 2230 hrs., R.Vs., at HOUSE 042504, and moves immediately on br 042498. Route:- Either side of CHANCERY LANE, one Pl crossing to area astride rd at junc FLEET ST / STRAND, one Pl area br., one Pl area of junc STRAND / CHANCERY LANE. One Det R.E. will move with leading Pl to br., and remove and hide demolition charges. One Det R.E. will move with second Pl and will deal with house at 042499, try to locate explode and destroy that, and any garrison there may be.

Assault Coy drops on D.Z.2., at 2232 hrs., and moves immediately on A.A. Bty JOHNNY. TASKS:- (i) Destroy JOHNNY. (ii) Form defensive locality astride FLEET ST at 039497 and the STRAND at 041497 to prevent enemy interference from SOUTH.

Drops on D.Z.4 and D.Z.5, in blocks, from 2235 hrs to 2255 hrs. Bn. R.V. HOUSE (MORTELLETTO - "LEMON") 038528 - where supporting arms will join Rifle Coys, as under:-

A - WHITE. B - TWO GREEN. SP.GP. - WHITE & GREEN. Bn. HQ will show a RED and GREEN light, together, and a hunting horn will be sounded.

Prior to R.V., B. Coy will be prepared to assist A.Tk. Bty. on L.Z.6 when they land at 2325 hrs. One Pl will be detailed for this, prior to emplaning, and no other tps will assist. From R.V. Bn. will move to Br area. Order of march:-

Route:- R.V. - BOND ST. - across PICCADILLY - along ST. JAMES'S - junc with CHANCERY LANE - down CHANCERY LANE to br. area. Bn. will move ON rds., unless Comd orders otherwise at R.V. Dispositions in br. area:-

(a) To cross river EAST of br and capture br by an assault from SOUTH. The start of this move will be signified by three green Verey lights to warn ALL Coys, incl. C. Coy. 4 Para. Bn. This Coy. will then link up with A. Coy., SOUTH of br, and co-operate in assault. Junc pt - jnc JERMYN ST / STRAND. A. Coy's route:- NORTH of the STRAND - House 044497 - river - through grove 042497 - rd about 041495 - objective.

(b) To take up a defensive position, primarily facing NORTH, to cover from incl CHANCERY LANE to incl NORTH bank of river.

(a) To support A. Coy's advance and assault by neutralising the br area by fire, if light permits, by active patrolling towards the br, and by creating a diversion to NORTH and N.W. of br.

(b) To take up a defensive position, primarily facing EAST and N.E., astride the STRAND.

(a) A. Coy will be prepared to put in an immediate C/A on C. Coy's locality to the SOUTH of the Br., and B. Coy will be ready to support this. Also A. Coy will be prepared to regain ground about JOHNNY at any time after its capture by C. Coy. 4 Para. Bn. This ground is vital to the defence of the br.

(b) A. Coy. will be prepared to C/A on to B. Coy's locality, and on to the spur about 045497. This ground is vital to the defence of the br.

(c) B. Coy. will be prepared to regain high ground within A. Coy's locality, about WELSHPOOL, and to the S.W. of it. This ground is vital to the defence of the br.

M.G. Pl. 4 Para. Bn. - To A Coy. area, on high ground N.W. of junc CHANCERY LANE / ST. JAMES'S. Tasks:- (i) To cover approaches from NORTH and N.W. and to the S.W. of the Br. (ii) Be prepared to cross river to area between br. and JOHNNY to cover FLEET ST and the STRAND.

One sec at head of re-entrant about 044500. Tasks:- (i) To fire N.E. along the STRAND. (ii) To cover br. and across river downstream of br.

One sec on spur about 046498. Tasks:- (i) To fire upstream, above and below br. (ii) To fire EAST and S.E. towards Rly br. at 051497.

Mortar Pl. - in area of shallow valley about 041500. Tasks:- Two dets. to be prepared to move to area N.W. of JOHNNY to neutralise MUCH CACKLING. Pl. or Pl. less two dets., ready to engage following targets:-

(a) P.I.A.T. - One sec (which drops with C. Gp) in area junc FLEET ST / STRAND. Task:- Cover FLEET ST and the STRAND. One sec in B. Coy's area. Task:- Cover STRAND and to S.E. of it. One Sec in A. Coy's area. Task:- Cover to NORTH incl CHANCERY LANE.

(b) Rd. Blocks. Moveable rd blocks will be put in posn by Coys as under:- A. Coy - CHANCERY LANE in area WELSHPOOL. B. Coy - STRAND, EAST of junc with CHANCERY LANE. C. Coy - STRAND, between junc with FLEET ST and br. Blocks must be covered by small arms fire and Gammon bomber posts. They will be augmented by 75 grenades of 2 A.L. A.Tk. Bty. Blocks will have to be removed for passage of our own seaborne tps.

(c) Arty. 2 A.L. A.Tk. Bty, less one Tp., disposed in B. Coy's area to cover approaches from NORTH and EAST. One Tp disposed in area JOHNNY - junc FLEET ST / ST JAMES'S, to cover approaches from SOUTH and WEST.

Detailed Loading Table is shown at Appx. 'F'. Drops on D.Z.4 at 2240 hrs and assembles at Bn. R.V.

(a) 3 personnel drop on D.Z.5 with A. Coy., 6 Para. Bn at 2235 hrs. 3 personnel drop on D.Z.2 with C. Coy 4 Para Bn. at 2232 hrs.

(b) Tasks:- Will light flare paths on L.Zs. 6 and 7 for glider landings. Thereafter, will come under command 6 Para. Bn., and will wear white armbands and act as L.Os.

(b) Stores carried to include:- (i) Remove charges from br. (ii) Lift mines. (iii) Lay mines. (iv) Put houses in state of defence.

(a) Comd. 2 A.L. A.Tk. Bty will have at call:- 6" gun cruiser "NEWFOUNDLAND". 15" gun Monitor EREBUS. Areas already selected for bombardment on call are shown on Trace 'Y'. Further ships of Royal Navy on call.

(b) Glider Pilots come under Command respective tps 2 A.L. A.Tk. Bty on landing.

(a) Sp. (i) Preparatory bombing on all location A.A. posns. (ii) 2200 - 2300 hrs D. day on AUGUSTA and CATANIA. One third available sorties (proportion 3 to 1). (iii) Intensive bombing of AUGUSTA from 0330 - 0345 hrs D+1 day with two thirds available sorties. Bomb Line - No tps EAST of line rd. junc 063514 to rd junc 066507 before 0345 hrs. (iv) Calls for close bombing will be made to 13 Corps on 22 Set.

(b) Diversionary. During dropping period four sorties on Carlentini (9053) and LENTINI (8854).

(a) D.day 2215 hrs immediately between CATANIA airfield and br. immediately SOUTH of airfield.

Date

Sunset

Dark

Moonset

First Light

Bearing of Moon

2200 hrs

2300 hrs

2359 hrs

Altitude of Moon

2200 hrs

2300 hrs

2359 hrs

Night 9/10 Jul

Night 10/11 Jul

Night 12/15 Jul

2016

2015

2014

2118

2117

2115

0030

0100

0215

0454

0455

0457

247

235

203

258

248

220

267

257

235

15. (a) General. 6th Bn. (Royal Welch) Parachute Regiment Adm. Order No.1 is issued concurrently.

(i) Collecting Post will be established as early as possible in Quarry at 642497, EAST of the STRAND and SOUTH of River.

(iii) R.A.P. and Collecting Post will be 100 yds SOUTH of WELSHPOOL, on EAST side of CHANCERY LANE.

(iv) Wherever possible, an Airborne beret will be left conspicuously near a casualty to draw attention to his whereabouts.

(v) UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL ANYONE - OTHER THAN S.Bs. OR R.A.M.C. PERSONNEL - ACCOMPANY CASUALTIES TO THE REAR. THIS IS TO BE FIRMLY IMPRESSED ON MINDS OF ALL RANKS.

(ii) By Bn. HQ 6 Para. Bn. at Bn. R.V. on D.Z. and afterwards at WELSHPOOL on CHANCERY LANE.

16. (a) From R.V., Bn. HQ moves with Bn to location 200 yds WEST of WELSHPOOL, on WEST side of CHANCERY LANE. H.Q. guides will be posted on CHANCERY LANE for incoming runners.

(d) Strength states of personnel and weapons to reach Bn. HQ. at R.V. 40 mins. after dropping.

(f) Code words, code names, recognition signs, and pass word at Appx. 'E' attached.

(j) All watches will be synchronised with U.S.A.A.F. before take off. Os.C. Coys. will ensure that all Officers and N.C.Os. down to and incl. Sec. Comd. are in possession of watches.

1. On D Day Force 141 (General Alexander) with under comd 8th Army (General Montgomery) and Force 343 (General Patton) is to invade and capture SICILY.

2. Force 343 (American) consisting of three Divisions and an Airborne Division, land in the GELA plain and then adv on CATANIA.

3. 8th Army, with under comd 10, 13 and 30 Corps, land SOUTH of SIRACUSA and attack NORTHWARDS up the coastal plain to CATANIA via AUGUSTA. Both these operations will take place simultaneously on D day.

4. 13th Corp with under comd 5 Div, 50 Div and 4 Armd Bde, land SOUTH of SIRACUSA on D Day under cover of a landing by the Air Landing Bde (Op 'LADBROOKE'). 5 Div then adv NORTHWARDS on AUGUSTA by passing SIRACUSA while 50 Div guard the left flank.

(a) 17 Inf Bde Gp moves N.W. up the coastal plain to AUGUSTA with bulk of 3 C.L.Y.

(b) 13 Inf Bde Gp with possibly 10 tanks in sp, moves via PRIOLO to MELLILI. They will hold MELLILI and be prepared to operate against AUGUSTA or via VILLASMUNDO against CARLENTINI.

(c) 15 Inf Bde Gp will move via FLORIDIA to SORTINO and then attack CARLENTINI and LENTINI. They should reach SORTINO by evening of D plus 1 day.

6. To maintain the impetus of 5 Divs adv, the 2 Para Bde Gp is to land on the night of D day and seize the bridge over the R. MULLINELLO (042498) and contain the enemy in the AUGUSTA peninsula (op 'GLUTTON').

7. 50 Div eventually passes through 5 Div and advances to seize CATANIA. The impetus of this adv is maintained by dropping 1 Para Bde ahead of 50 Div on D plus 2 to seize the br at 942675 (op 'FUSTIAN').

8. In the meantime 30 Corps lands behind 13 Corps and launches a holding attack inland to the West.

1. GENERAL. The evidence now available of the dispositions of the German troops in SICILY as given in para 11(a) corresponds fairly well with para assumptions. Division SICILY is obviously a scratch formation, not a regular division. It is reasonable to assume that it represents merely the re-organisation of the various March Bns, rear elements of regular units and re-inforcements which were caught in SICILY on their way to Von ARNIM by the collapse of resistance in TUNISIA. It is further to be noticed that it is apparently not intended to fight as a division since its regiments are dispersed all over the island, clearly its function is to provide stiffening for the Italians at points most threatened by invasion, the WEST, the GELA plain and the CATANIA plain. The anti-invasion exercises in the WEST suggest that 1 Regt is to be dispersed right on the beaches, and the presence of 3 Regt in the SAN PIETRO area suggests that it may be concerned with the defence of that important airfield against airborne attack. Division SICILY has never fought as a division and it may be doubted whether it has ever trained as a div, it is reasonable enough then that it should be employed dispersed as a corset stays for the Italians, like 164 Div at ALAMEIN. But if the Germans do intend to make a serious effort to hold SICILY they may be expected to re-inforce the central mobile reserve as well as the coastal screen, there is no evidence as yet of such re-inforcements, though the heavy lighter traffic across the straits of MESSINA might possibly be connected with troop movement either German or Italian.

2. DISPOSITIONS. The German order of battle in SICILY is now becoming clearer. The tps in the island are organised as a Division SICILY, commanded on 15 Jun by Col BAADE. It seems likely that this Officer is the former commander of 115 PGR who was invalided home from AFRICA in July 1942. Under his command are 3 regts, 2 of which are numbered 1 and 3 and the other presumably 2. 1 Regt (also known as Grenadier Regt 1 is in the WEST of the island somewhere in the area of PETROSINA, between MARSALA and MAZZARA. HQ Coy 1 Regt is at BORGESATI, 2 kilos W of SALEMI. Also in this area are 11 Bty Arty Regt SICILY and a troop at least of 557 Hy Arty Bty. One troop of this fought in TUNISIA where it was armed with 170mm guns. There may be part of 71 Smoke Regt attached to 11 Bty Arty Regt SICILY since its L.A.D. was expected to join the bty on 13 Jun, this Regt in TUNISIA had 6 barreled NEBELWERFERS and the Hy projector 40 and 41. Regt 3 is in the area of SAN PIETRO. This is a common name but by far the most likely candidate is the airfield of that name NORTH of BISC[?] 4535. This regt is comd by FULLREIEDE, possibly the former commander of the FULLREIEDE gp in TUNISIA of 2 bns infy and 4 tps of arty. He was engaged at FONDOUK - KAIROUAN on 9-10 April but disappeared after that. Regt 2 is in the CATANIA area (note - it is not certain that it is actually numbered 2 but it is used here for ease of reference). Regt 1 is in the WEST, or at least 2 Bty AR SICILY which is closely associated with it, has been engaged since 17 Jun on anti-invasion exercises.

3. ENEMY SUPPLY & COMMUNICATIONS. A study of PR shows that the number of lighters of various types engaged in ferrying across the straits of MESSINA has increased since 20 Jun. Previously a total of some 12 siebel ferries and 5 F lighters appeared to be in use, but the latter have now probably increased to 12. 2 landing barges of some 300 to 400 tons have also been seen and are presumed to be in use for ferrying. The increased no. of L.C's present in the straits coincides with the general increase of activity by these craft. Both these factors clearly suggest that either an increased rate of general intake for SICILY is now intended, or that a particular ferrying operation is in progress. This increase in the number and activity of L.C. is not only confined to the area of the Straits of MESSINA. As many as six landing barges 300 - 400 tons were seen at PALERMO on 20/21 Jun. These are thought to be the same type as those in the Straits, and are probably operating from NAPLES. The port of PALERMO is showing signs of activity, a vessel of some 2,300 tons arrived between 9 and 14 Jun. This was the first vessel to be seen to have arrived since about 20 May. This was followed by a 2000 ton vessel between 16 and 18 Jun. There has also been some landing craft activity as mentioned above. On the whole, the volume of shipping seen in the Sicilian ports has not increased and remains at a low level. As was anticipated, the enemy appears to be neither making any determined attempt to use PALERMO (or any of the Western port) nor to increase the volume of shipping to the island, but rather to increase and develop as much as possible lighterage across the straits. In connection with this increase, it is worth noting that the number of L.C. of all types seen in Italian ports has increased in the recent weeks.

Always a difficult factor to assess. The coastal units are poor category troops, low medical grade, older classes, and men who have served for long periods abroad. This is evidence - that they are being stiffened with drafts of a superior type. The fighting value of the field tps has been untested in battle and many months of inactivity and garrison duties will not have improved them. The Italian army has proved that it can fight well, especially when stiffened with a few Germans, and it is possible that the prospect of invasion and having to fight for their own native soil may encourage them to put up a dogged resistance. On the other hand it was found at PANTELLARIA that, contrary to Italian claims there was ample food and water for the whole island and that the greater part of the A.A. and C.D. Btys were undamaged. The Italians then have given up without any resistance, the Army itself seemed pleased to surrender and the local population welcomed our troops. The Italian character is such that they are unlikely to go to extremes at the moment of invasion. The Allies will either meet with negligible resistance, possibly even being welcomed (coupled with an Anti German insurrection) or they will meet with fierce resistance all the more stubborn because the enemy is fighting for his own home. Which line they will take depends on the following points -

2. How much the intensive bombing of Italian cities has incensed the Italians against the Allies.

4. The effect which the Allied propaganda machine is having on the Italian mind.

LOCATION. Rectangle 045507, 039508, 044500, 038501. The rectangle of D.Z.3 measures 600 yds (approx) N and S, 900 yds E to W. The area is enclosed be the following boundaries:-

NORTH - ST. JAMES STREET - bordered on both sides by 3' 6" loose rock well. The carriageway is 7' wide broadening out as it approaches a fk at 042509. A track runs down to the valley of the R. MULLINELLO from a gp of fm buildings situated in the fork.

EAST - There is no easily deferred boundary on the E side as cultivation and scattered trees extend for several miles. The STRAND running N.E. and ST. JAMES STREET going S.E. meet at a point 1700 yds EAST of CHANCERY LANE, so closing the area on the extreme EAST and SOUTH.

SOUTH and WEST - The STRAND borders the SOUTH as far as Jct STRAND - CHANCERY LANE, where it curves sharply southwards becoming a sunken rd as far as WATERLOO BRIDGE. From here a steep limestone cliff (100 ft) overhangs the river valley - the overhang commencing 200 yds WEST of WATERLOO BRIDGE for a distance of 500 yds from which point the cliff shelves back forming terraces on which are planted citrous trees. The cliff becomes less steep as it curves NORTH. Here the river valley form a semi-circle enclosing the south and west of the D.Z. area. It should be clear that the actual dropping zone is situated well inside these boundaries with CHANCERY LANE forming a N - S axis.

CHANCERY LANE. is the only road on the D.Z. It runs for a distance of 900 yds from N to S through the middle of the D.Z. (total length of road is 1200 yds). It is bordered by a stone wall on each side 3' 6" in height composed of loosely packed rocks, the width of the carriageway is 13 ft with an unmetalled surface. The wall deteriorates west of the rd which slopes down 215 yds short of its jct with STRAND. The rd is lined with an irregular avenue of olive and/or citrous trees. The larger proportion being on the W side, there is only one tree on the 215 yds stretch mentioned above.

BUILDINGS. There are up to 15 dwellings on the D.Z. the majority farm houses, but without the usual stabling or yards as the chief occupation is with fruit and olives, many have small kitchen gardens. Houses of special note are -

BLAENAU. is situated at the jct CHANCERY LANE - ST JAMES STREET. On the E side of CHANCERY LANE the building is rectangular in shape, has a courtyard at the N and with high walls and is partly surrounded by olive trees. There are no outbuildings or gardens. A large open stretch of cultivated ground S and E measuring 180 yds by 100 yds is bordered on the right by a track and low wall with a line of trees on the S of this area is another wall with a smaller fm building outside.

WELSHPOOL. A small building of not more than 10 yds square with a kitchen garden to the immediate S and one large olive tree against the E wall. The N and E is arable land with thinly scattered olives while 60 yds S of the building there is the only marked curve in the whole length of CHANCERY LANE where the road bends E.

DOLGELLY. A 15 yds square building with a track from the S wall curving due N for a distance of 40 yds then turning E into CHANCERY LANE. This may be an outbuilding to a larger property on the fk of MINCIRG LANE - ST JAMES STREET, there are comparatively fewer trees in the immediate area.

GENERAL. The ground over the D.Z. is divided into areas of cultivation by a large number of low stone walls (similar to those seen in DERBYSHIRE). The average height is from 3 to 4 ft. Olive and citrous fruit trees are scattered, in many cases they follow the walls and vary in size. There are 2 types of olive, first the type seen in North Africa and secondly another which is higher 30 - 40 feet of which there are a few on the D.Z. The ground in the centre reaches a height of over 100 ft and slopes away gently to the east. On the N side it remains constant at that height but on the W and S there is a distinct slope downwards starting with a clearly deferred ridge at an average distance of 200 yds from the cliff edge. It should be noted that the ridge is 47 yds W of DOLGELLY and may thus form a useful check. Another useful check is the fact that the only two neatly laid out citrous groves lie in the following areas (1) N.E. of border of D.Z. immediately S of ST JAMES STREET. (2) Half way down CHANCERY LANE on the W side - an L shaped grove. All other trees are scattered or bordering the fields. The most outstanding landmark is CHANCERY LANE running NORTH to SOUTH with a wall on each side.

Topography. Both D.Zs. are thickly cultivated and covered with the usual scattered olives and citrous trees which diminish in density towards the N.W. corner of D.Z.5. This area gradually slopes down in a N.W. direction towards Regent Street. The two D.Zs. are separated by the general line of BOND STREET. Average length of both is 1500 yds, average width 1500 yds. The total length of BOND STREET is 1800 yds. Bond Street turns sharply S.E. halfway down its length for a distance of 350 yds and then continues due S. Bond Street is walled on both sides. At 037528 Sheet 274 - I N.W. and forms a small triangle at the jct Burlington Street.

LEMON. Lemon is situated right on a bend in the rd opposite is a large rectangular well cultivated orange grove 400 yds beyond to the E of which there is another large fm house, Lemon is surrounded by a stone wall and has numerous outbuildings on its S side.

LOCATION AND SURROUNDING GROUND. This 4 gun lt A.A. Bty is situated at 037498 (central point) the distance from the centre of the position to the W end of WATERLOO BRIDGE is 438 yards. To reach the position from the bridge it is necessary to move over rocky uncultivated ground on which there are numerous tracks converging on to the bridge, these tracks pass through a wide gap in a low partly demolished stone wall, and then spread out over a wide area, the main ones leading to an ammunition store which is a small building surrounded closely by a stone wall 109 yds N of the position. Other buildings in the immediate vicinity include one 60 yds E of the battery (i.e. between the battery and bridge). This is probably accommodation for Battery Office. A roofless two walled ruin (?) 10 yds by 14 yds stands 90 yds S.W. of the battery position. A track leading closely past it from the battery to FLEET STREET. There is virtually no trees N. N.E. or N.W. of the Battery position, while on the S. S.W. and S.E. olives and citrous trees have on average spacing of 8-10 yds. From the topographical point of view the most outstanding characteristic is the position of the small valley from No 4 gun posn at an angle of 145 degrees - 13 yds wide exposed for 50 yds and disappearing into a group of 17 large olive trees. This is noted in view of its tactical uses for defence of the position.

THE BATTERY. The battery is 4 gun probably 20mm manned by an Italian section of approx 25 men. As far as is known there are no patrols sent out at night and there are few signs of any effective defensive system on the ground, beyond one or two slit trenches and probable wiring along walls. An L.M.G. and searchlight are located 125 yds N.W. of the gun positions, which are sand bagged around and have a diameter of 7 yards with 2 gaps to each site. Distances between guns. Working clockwise from N.E. gun.

Approaches. There is no means of approaching the Battery from across the river at any point within 900 yds West of the bridge, unless one descended into the valley immediately next to the bridge and traverses the top of the weir - which would be slow and doubtful and still involves crossing a narrow irrigation channel at the opposite side. From the irrigation channel there is a path up again alongside the abutments of the bridge and on the edge of the quarry - to the road (The STRAND). The nearest approach to the Battery from across the river is in fact over the bend at the point where the water narrows at the bottom of the 'basin' short of a clearing of trees. Here there is silting leading on to a flat grove of young orange trees precisely spaced out, from here it is necessary to cross an irrigation stream, up a slope on to a track leading to the bridge.

WIDTH OF GAP. Probable length of arched section 380' (from abutment to abutment).

Depth of water. Above the weir may be considerable and also below bridge where silting makes a natural dam.

APPROACHES. From the S, rd runs on to high promontory, and runs down the tip to the bridge. There is a bend in the centre of the bridge. At the N side the road runs off the bridge into a small sutting of 50 yds long, then turns sharply E along the hillside.

REMARKS. The river appears to shrink to a comparatively narrow stream at this time of year owing to the weir immediately above the bridge and silting on the corner below, there are broad stretches of water 350 yds and 150 yds respectively above and below. The maximum width of these are 60'. As the summer advances the water may diminish further. Immediately below bridge in the bend of the river there is a crescent shaped plateau which has been formed out of the silt. It measures 90 yds in length with a breadth of 60 yds. The surface is planted with evenly spaced citrous trees or shrubs and is cut in 2 places by irrigation channels. It is walled on W and N side and on E and S is raised approx 15 - 20' above the surface of the water. 20 yds from the E edge of the plateau is a small building probably owned by farmer concerned. N of this there is a thick group of shrubs through which, if necessary, an approach could be made from E to W across the river. On the S bank of River, parallel with abutment of bridge there is a disused limestone quarry, steep sided to the E with a drop of 70' and rising gently up on the W side. The bottom of the quarry is extremely rugged and measures 40 - 45 yds across from E to W and 40 yds from edge of river to S wall of quarry. S.E. of the bridge is quarry No.2. This is pear shaped, about half the area of No.1 and all sides descend steeply with the ground without any exit except for a thin cutting which leads into a track on the E side. Quarry No.3 has been more recently worked and is shallow sided except for two 'walls' on the S.E. and E.

Pillboxes. (1) Map ref 036502, this is on the southern promontory of the 2 ravines and may be armed with one or possibly two M.G's on the N and W. (2) This is an identical pillbox to the above at 040499 half way up the cliff with a track leading to it from the bridge. This like the above may be used for the purpose of protecting the bridge and a weir which is constructed 30 yds to the W of the br. The protection of the br. itself would normally be in the hands of Carabinieri. There is a probable Guard house (which may have once been a road house) in the angle of STRAND - WATERLOO BR. 30 yds E of the Br. The top of this building covers the length of the bridge and all inside the river bed. To sum up, this is not strongly defended and unless troops are rushed there at the last moment L.M.G. fire from Johnny and some resistance from the Carabinieri are the only temporary obstacles to be considered.

Block

Army Unit

A/C Unit

No. of A/C

A/C Nos.

Airfield

D.Z. No. or L.Z.

Flight Formation

A/C available by

Tps arr.

C'tainer loading

'Chutes issued by

Tps emplane

Take off

Drop or Land

C Coy 4 Bn

55-61

Pairs, line astern

1000 D

1030 D

1100 D

1900 D-1

Detailed by Airfield Control

2232

C Coy 6 Bn

1-8

2230

A Coy 6 Bn

9-15

2235

Bn HQ 6 Bn

62-68

2240

B Coy 6 Bn

16-22

2245

Sp Gp 6 Bn

69-77

2250

Tp RE & MG Pl 4 Para Bn

296

105-111

2255

One Tp A.Tk. Bty

295

128-131

2325

One Tp A.Tk. Bty

295 296

132, 112, 113

E (132) F (112-113)

2327

Operation Instructions to C.O. C. Gp and O.C. M.G. Pl. 6th Bn. (Royal Welch) Parachute Regiment, in event of Operation 'GLUTTON' taking place on a Bde. basis.

1. In event of sufficient a/c being available, 2 Para. Bde. less 6th Bn., but incl C. Gp., 6th Bn., will carry out Operation 'GLUTTON'. This will mean the capture of br. 042498 to facilitate the capture of AUGUSTA by seaborne tps. For this Operation C. Gp. will comprise exactly the same tps as in the 6th Bn. plan.

2. Drop will be on same D.Z.3 - but at 2215 hrs (vice 2230 hrs.) R.V., Route, Objective, and general plan will be the same as contained in Bn. plan.

3. In addition to the capture and holding of the br 042498, one Pl. will neutralise A.A. Bty JOHNNY - linking up there with C. Coy. 4 Bn.

4. After the capture of br. 042498, 4 Bn will pass through C.Gp. and advance across the br and along the STRAND.

5. O.C. C.Gp. will make himself thoroughly acquainted with the contents of 2 Para. Bde. O.O. No.1., dated 2 Jul. 43, and will liaise forthwith with O.C. C. Coy. 4 Bn., O.C. Sec. 2 Para. Bde. Sqn. R.E., Sigs. Offr., 2 Para. Bde., and Capt. Rowlands, R.A.M.C.

6. (a) If 8 a/c are short on the 2 Para. Bde. allotment, C.Gp. 6 Bn will NOT take part in the Operation - their task being carried out by a Coy of 4 Bn.

(b) If additional a/c to the 2 Para. Bde. allotment becomes available, they will be allotted as follows:-

If the 3 a/c allotted to M.G. Pl. go, they will be in Block L., and land on D.Z.3.