Battle of Metauro
August, 1944
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Battle of Metauro August, 1944 |
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These battles focused on the Gothic line and represented a combined effort of the II Polish Corps and the I Canadian and V British Army Corps. General Anders considered the battle of Metauro the heaviest on the Adriatic sector. First, the assignment of the II Corps was to drive the enemy over the Metauro river and prepare positions for the Canadian and British troops. The Germans were positioned for a strong defense in the mountains. Anders strategy was to outflank the enemy and disrupt their communications. The attack began on August 19th, the fighting was stubborn as the enemy was determined to hold the Gothic line. But by nightfall after heavy infantry and tank fighting, the 2nd Armoured Brigade was ablt to cross the Cesano and continue the outflanking operation. As the 2nd Armoured Brigade approached the Metauro, heavy artillery and tank fighting ensued with the German 71st Division. After the war, General Anders stated that it was the skill and courage of the Polish and British tanks that were key to taking Metauro. By the night of August 21, the Métier crossings were taken.
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Copyright (c) 2002 by Robert Ambros. All rights reserved. Photograph courtesy of the Wielopolski Military Museum in Poznan and the Friends of the 15th Poznanskich Lancers Regiment.
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