The battle honour “Misano Ridge” commemorates the exceptional courage and determination of the 48th Highlanders of Canada during a critical phase of the Italian Campaign during the Second World War. From September 3 to 5, 1944, the 48th Highlanders engaged in intense combat to capture this strategic German stronghold in the Gothic Line defences. Although Misano Ridge was a smaller battle within the larger offensive, its capture was crucial to the overall mission, providing essential support to the Allied advance toward the city of Rimini.
After the Royal Canadian Regiment’s unopposed crossing of the Conca River on September 3, optimism was high within the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade that they might pursue a quick advance on Rimini. However, progress stalled when the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment encountered strong German resistance at San Maria Ridge. To regain momentum, the brigade commander ordered the 48th Highlanders to bypass the stalled units and outflank the German defences by capturing Misano Ridge.
On the evening of September 3, Captain L.G. Smith led Dog Company, supported by tanks from B Squadron of the 48th Royal Tank Regiment (a coincidence in the numbering system), moved against a ridge codenamed QUEEN’S. The daylight attack hit resistance. They waited for darkness, left the noisy tanks in the rear, and then assaulted the objective quickly after a brief artillery barrage. Guides then brought the tanks forward. Dog Company took the ridge despite encountering fortified positions and suffering casualties while clearing houses along the crest.
On the morning of September 4, Dog Company advanced again, capturing San Andrea before dawn and advancing toward positions codenamed Point 207 and a ride codenamed SIERRA. These locations were crucial tactical points on the way to Misano Ridge. During this phase, Corporal Percy Thomas displayed extraordinary bravery. Despite being seriously wounded, he charged a German machine gun post that was pinning down his platoon. He silenced the enemy position using his sub-machine gun, enabling his platoon to regroup and continue their advance. For his heroism, Corporal Thomas received the Military Medal.
As Dog Company continued its advance, Lieutenant Colonel Don Mackenzie assigned Baker Company, led by Major D.B. Deeks, to secure a critical road junction on the 1st Canadian Infantry Brigade’s left flank. Lieutenant H.R. Grant, leading 10 Platoon in Baker Company, destroyed the first German machine gun position with a grenade, and then killed or captured the German soldiers nearby.
On September 5, 1944, after two days of relentless fighting, the 48th Highlanders successfully captured Misano Ridge. There was, howver, no respite. The 48th would pivot to the east to seize high ground overlooking the Marano River. Lieutenant Colonel Mackenzie ordered Able and Baker Company to attack.
Baker Company faced formidable resistance. During this intense fighting, Major Deeks was shot through the hand but refused to be evacuated. Lieutenant Grant, again showing considerable courage in leading 10 Platoon, refused evacuation despite a severe foot wound that led to an amputation. He continued to direct his platoon from a seated position and ensured that the platoon achieved its objectives. His unwavering leadership under fire inspired his soldiers to press forward and secure their position. For his bravery and dedication, Lieutenant Grant received the Military Cross.
Able Company, commanded by Captain George Beal, faced even heavier resistance. 7 and 8 Platoon seized two houses, but were trapped there under intense German fire. As night fell, German forces launched a concentrated attack on their position. Despite their valiant defence, communication was lost, and by morning, they were missing in action. This loss was a severe blow to Able Company and underscored the fierce resistance the 48th Highlanders faced.
Misano Ride was a victory that came at a great cost. Between September 4 and 7, the battalion suffered 105 casualties, including 12 killed and 32 missing. Their actions effectively outflanked the enemy at San Maria Ridge and opened the path toward Rimini. It was a crucial achievement for the Allied forces in Italy. It disrupted the German defensive line and demonstrated the effectiveness of coordinated infantry and armoured assaults against fortified positions. The 48th Highlanders’ ability to adapt to challenging battlefield conditions and their determination in the face of fierce resistance were instrumental in this success.
by Captain Ritchie Zhou
