Lancers in Italy during the Second World War
The Lancers in Italy during the Second World War' is a brief combat history of the British Queen's Royal Lancers during the Italian campaign
In May 1943, after the successful North African campaign, the 16th/5th Queen's Royal Lancers and the 17/21st Lancers as part of the 26th Armoured Brigade of the 6th Armoured Division moved to Italy .[1] Both regiments found it difficult terrain for tanks and armoured vehicles. At times, the Lancers had to revert to an infantry role. The 16/5th Lancers distinguished itself at Piuarola, playing a major part for the Liberation of Rome.
On 18 April 1945 both Lancer regiments broke out of Argenta with the 17/21st Lancers passing through the 16/5th Lancers and capturing a bridge at Segni, seven miles ahead. They found the bridge blown and had to find an alternative route. They located a bridge intact at Gallo and were told to push onto Poggio Renatico. The Germans withdrew north of the Po River.
On 2 May the Germans surrendered to the Allies, ending the Italy campaign.[2]
References
[edit]- ^ Lunt, James (1993). The Scarlet Lancers (First ed.). London: Leo Cooper. p. 129. ISBN 0-85052-321-4.
- ^ Blake, R L V ffrench (1993). The 17/21st Lancers 1759–1993 (second ed.). London: Leo Cooper. p. 111. ISBN 0-85052-272-2.