The 48th Highlanders of Canada earned a distinguished battle honor for their valor and prowess during the Battle of Cassino II and the Gustav Line. This critical phase of the Italian Campaign saw the Highlanders navigating treacherous terrain and facing fierce enemy resistance. Their relentless determination contributed significantly to breaching the formidable German defenses, marking a pivotal moment in the Allied push towards Rome.
Between May 11 and 18, 1944, the 48th Highlanders of Canada played a pivotal role in the battle in the Liri Valley. Their efforts were vital to the broader Allied strategy of breaching the Liri Valley and outflanking Cassino. On the night of May 15, they started their move towards the front. The Highlanders moved into position in the Mignano area, navigating through minefields and hazardous terrain to reach their objective. By nightfall on May 15, after crossing the Gari River, the Highlanders were positioned within a minefield on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Gari and Liri Rivers. The following afternoon, the 48th Highlanders’ attack orders came through as they reached their assault position. They were to cut a road and fill a gap between the Royal Canadian Regiment and the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment.
On the morning of May 16, the Highlanders launched their attack towards the high ground overlooking Forme d’Aquino, with the RCR and ‘Hasty P’s” advancing to their right. The situation on the ground was chaotic, with communication breakdowns and pockets of enemy resistance. May 17 was marked with intense combat and significant challenges. The objective was to capture a strategic position fortified by formidable defensive works. This strongpoint was located along the Pontecorvo road and featured deep dugouts and concrete machine-gun and artillery emplacements.
At one point in the battle, the initiative and aggressive action of two platoon commanders let the battalion continue its advance. Lieutenant Ballard led No. 16 Platoon on the right of the road, while Lieutenant Snively took No. 17 Platoon on the left. Lieutenant Ballard’s charge was notably aggressive, directly confronting a 75-mm gun which had opened fire and killed one Highlander and wounded another. Ballard led attacks on machine-gun posts and artillery emplacements, often engaging in hand-to-hand combat. His actions resulted in the capture of a German officer and several other enemy soldiers. Lieutenant Snively’s platoon faced similar challenges and demonstrated remarkable bravery and efficiency in securing their flank.
The 48th Highlanders captured a significant number of enemy weapons, including machine guns, 75-mm guns, and a half-track vehicle. They also took 30 prisoners, including one officer. The successful capture and defense of the Forme d’Aquino position were due in large part to the leadership and aggressive tactics employed by Lieutenants Ballard and Snively. Their ability to inspire and lead their soldiers under such intense conditions was pivotal.
As the Highlanders secured their positions, they were warned of a potential German counterattack. This counterattack materialized at night, involving infantry supported by self-propelled guns from the 190th Panzer Battalion. Using a parachute flare to illuminate the battlefield, Sergeant Bob Shaw’s anti-tank gun crew successfully engaged and destroyed the lead enemy vehicle, causing chaos among the attacking German forces. The destruction of the lead self-propelled gun by Sergeant Shaw’s accurate shooting created a bottleneck, preventing the remaining enemy vehicles from advancing. This effective defense not only thwarted the counterattack but also significantly boosted the morale of the Highlanders’ anti-tank platoon.
The actions of the 48th Highlanders at the Forme d’Aquino had a far-reaching impact on the overall battle. Their successful capture and defense of the position led to a general withdrawal of German forces across the entire front. The Highlanders’ bravery and effectiveness in combat were instrumental in disrupting the German defensive strategy, allowing Allied forces to maintain their momentum.
The commendable performance of the Highlanders was recognized through various awards and mentions in dispatches. Sergeant Shaw was awarded the Military Medal for his exceptional bravery during the counterattack. Lieutenant Ballard received the Distinguished Service Order. Their actions during this battle not only secured a critical position but also contributed significantly to the broader Allied efforts in the region, exemplifying the high standards of bravery and effectiveness that characterized the Canadian soldiers during the campaign.
by Second Lieutenant Matthew Kornas
