The Gully, 10-19 December 1943
By Officer Cadet Clayton Lobo
“The Gully” was a battle honour bestowed to the 48th Highlanders of Canada during the Second World War for their perseverance and selflessness during battle. The battle took place in the U-shaped ravine known as “The Gully” by the Moro River, which was part of the Italian campaign in December 1943. The battle was part of a larger mission to control the Adriatic coast as part of a coordinated offensive on Rome by both the U.S. 5th and British 8th Divisions. The 1st Canadian Infantry Division’s objective was Pescara, a city east of Rome along the Moro River. The 48th Highlanders, led by Lieutenant-Colone Ian Johnston, were part of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division.
Two battalions of the 1st Division (the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, supported by tanks and machine guns) had fought and taken significant losses in “The Gully” between December 10 and 13. Lieutenant-General Chris Vokes, Commander of the 1st Division, decided to pause and reorganize for a carefully planned and synchronized assault. With the West Nova Scotia Regiment, Carleton and York Regiment, and Royal 22nd Regiment having been heavily engaged, the 48th Highlanders of Canada (held in reserve at that time) were chosen to spearhead the renewed advance.
On December 16, the 48th began their attack under cover of a massive creeping artillery barrage known as the “Morning Glory.” The bombardment advanced at a controlled pace, about 100 yards every five minutes, which allowed the 48th to move in coordination with the shellfire. Despite deep mud and enemy machine-gun and mortar fire, the 48th pushed forward across the cratered terrain. It reached its objective: the high ground north of Cider Crossroads. Their disciplined advance, supported by artillery and tanks, proved critical in overwhelming the weakened German defences.
By midday, the 48th had secured key positions overlooking the approaches to Ortona. Although the Royal Canadian Regiment’s follow-up attack suffered from misdirected artillery fire, the 48th’s success forced the Germans to abandon The Gully and retreat. Their advance transformed a major obstacle into a staging area where troops or equipment in transit could be assembled or processed for further operations into Ortona. Under challenging conditions, the 48th Highlanders of Canada demonstrated remarkable discipline, coordination, and resolve, making a decisive contribution to the breakthrough of the Moro River defences in the Italian Campaign.