1st Faughs recce the German's Winter Line at Torino

In early November 1943, the units of 78th Division again attacked San Salvo as the first stage of a thrust against the River Sangro along which the Germans had built a line of defences they hoped to hold during the winter months. The previous attack had failed when the Faughs and London Irish suffered many command casualties on the night attack of 27/28 October.

During this period, the 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Fusiliers remained in the rear until the forward units had reached the River Sangro. By 19 November 1943, the Faughs were on the reverse slope of a ridge which overlooked the river and, as very heavy rain began to fall, the Sangro soon became a raging torrent. The attack against the Winter Line was delayed.

The Faughs were billeted in Torino where they received repeated reports from many sources that the line along the escarpment above the river was an elaborate position of wire and mines from which the Germans 'would mow down the British should they be foolish enough to attack'. Therefore, the Faughs conducted a detailed reconnaissance of the German front in readiness for the impending battle.

(78th (Battleaxe) Division Flash, above right, © IWM (INS 6665))