The Lamone Crossing was an important battle fought by the 48th Highlanders of Canada during the Italian campaign in the Second World War and it is considered one of the crucial Canadian victories that allowed for the liberation of Italy. As part of Operation CHUCKLE, this battle began on December 2 and consisted of 12 days of fighting through difficult terrain in the province of Ravenna. The region is crisscrossed by many rivers, with the Lamone River being the largest, many irrigation canals, and 30-foot-high dykes. To make matters worse, in November of 1944, the region had seen the highest amount of rain in the previous 50 years, resulting in major floods. The terrain provided natural advantages to the defending German forces.
The 48th Highlanders had an important mission: they would cross the Lamone River and establish a bridgehead to facilitate the passage of a larger Allied contingent, which would continue to push German forces out of Italy. The 48th Highlanders fought with distinct bravery and determination, starting at the town of Russi and the near side of the Lamone River, where previous Canadian attempts to cross had failed.
On the evening of December 10, the 48th Highlanders crossed the Lamone River. The initial plan to use bridges to cross failed because the recent flooding had swelled the banks. With only enough boats to send one company across at a time, Able Company secured the bridgehead and Lieutenant Colonel Donald Mackenzie sent the other companies across quickly to push forward. By late afternoon of December 12, the Highlanders held a strong bridgehead, extending from the railway line to Boncellino. Their efforts proved to be a major success and it highlighted the courage and tenacity of the 48th Highlanders. Mackenzie received the Distinguished Service Order for his leadership, and Captain D.V. Roland, the battalion signals officer, was made a member of the Order of the British Empire.
by Second Lieutenant Bernardo Silva Araujo
