Germans attack at Anzio.

Perimeter as at 5 Feb 44; note Carroceto, Aprilia and 'The Factory'.

The German's main 'Hitler' counter-offensive to dislodge the Allied landings was planned for 16 February 1944 on an axis astride the main route from Albano to Anzio. This route breaking through the beachhead's perimeter would be beyond the range of effective Allied naval-gunfire support, provide good going for German armoured formations and be supported by a reinforced Luftwaffe's expected local air superiority. The commander of Fourteenth Army, General von Mackensen, planned a series of preliminary attacks and on the night of 3-4 February the Germans began their offensive by launching a two-pronged assault from the west and east against the centre of the deep Allied salient that had extended up the Albano road from Carroceto to Campoleone. This was the first step in a preliminary offensive to capture the Factory-Carroceto area, which commanded the road network leading to Anzio and Nettuno, an area that would be essential to the security of the 'Hitler' start line.

The 1st Battalion The London Irish Rifles was dug in at Aprilia and the companies were ready for battle when the Germans began their probing attacks around 0500 hours on 7 February. The attacks continued for most of the day and were beaten back during intense close combat but by evening the presence of armour and the weight of enemy numbers was threatening to overwhelm the forward companies. There was to be no withdrawal.

A night of confused actions continued across the Battalion area as Riflemen met equally surprised Germans in unexpected locations, the outcome of these meetings usually determined by rifle, bayonet, pistol and grenade. During the following day the fighting continued as before, but the Germans were gaining local advantages through increased artillery and tank support. By the night of 8 February, company numbers were depleted and tiredness prevailed; still there would be no order to withdraw and 1 LIR fought stubbornly throughout the rest of the night. In the early hours of 9 February, D Company's location was overrun and counter attacks failed to win back the ground. B Company too was almost overwhelmed, but a counter attack by A Company eased their situation.

During a lull in the battle on the 9/10 February, the Battalion regrouped the remnants of A and B Company into a composite company based on C Company. Although the enemy failed to achieve all his objectives, Carroceto and much of the 'Factory' location was captured within the northern salient of the beachhead. The London Irish at the end of this battle - they were withdrawn with 168 Brigade on the night 10/11 February 1944 - were missing D Company completely, both A and B Companies were reduced to less than one third strength, while C Company's losses were less serious. The Battalion's company command element was severely disrupted as three company commanders and many of the platoon commanders were casualties.

Following a period of 'rest' in the beachhead, during which the Battalion was visited by General Alexander, 1 LIR returned to the fighting on 17 February 1944.