Codename: OPERATION NEAPOLITAN
Date: Sunday 16th February 2003
Map: Anzio
Regimental Rolls:
Baldric, Flasheart, Blackadder, Proudfoot-Smith, Ploppy, Capt.Darling, Private Bob, Pvt Tipplewick, Nurse Mary, Von Richthoven, Perkins, Evil Prince Ludwig, Captain Rum, Bum Fluff, Dougie Haig, Strangely Brown, Miggins, Titch, 3-fingered Pete, Doc Leech, Edmund, The Bishop
Summary:
The High Command ordered a massed attack against the strategic port of Anzio by Allied forces, aided by elements of the Homeguard regiment. Fierce fighting broke out in the hills surrounding the port and several enemy incursions were repelled, while defending against lethal bombing raids by their Me110 aircraft. The middle areas of the port were captured and recaptured and at the end of the first battle, the enemy had a minor victory.
The second stage started with our forcesnow being located at the factories and the enemy holding the docks. Once again a series of fierce skirmishes took place all round the docks and our valiant defence of the factories prevented them making any major inroads. The second battle ended with our forces holding a slight advantage, thus overall Anzio was declared a draw.
God save the King! Valiant mention should be given to the elements of Homeguard (including King_Dave and KnifeU) who assisted the Hussars throughout the difficult conflict.
In His Majesty's Service, [1st Hussar] Blackadder Co-Commander of the Regiment
Codename: OPERATION RASPBERRY RIPPLE
Date: Sunday 16th February 2003
Map: Salerno
Regimental Rolls:
Baldric, Flasheart, Blackadder, Proudfoot-Smith, Ploppy, Capt.Darling, Private Bob, Pvt Tipplewick, Nurse Mary, Von Richthoven, Perkins, Evil Prince Ludwig, Captain Rum, Bum Fluff, Dougie Haig, Strangely Brown, Miggins, Titch, 3-fingered Pete, Doc Leech, Edmund, The Bishop
Summary:
If the battles for Anzio were considered difficult, when the battlefront moved inland to the strategic hillpost of Salerno, things were to get much worse.
Our forces left the southern base and assaulted the hill, fighting a series of skirmishes with enemy forces at the various outposts and suffering many casualties to their armour and MG positions. Again aided by elements of Homeguard, the Hussars gave as good as we got and despite a lack of air support due to communications failures, succeeded in scoring a minor victory in holding the hill.
The second stage of the battle proved even more chaotic. After a series of assaults on the stages leading to the hill top, we managed to push back the enemy and hold the position against their repeated advances, despite their use of heavy armour and our own lack of air support. More confusion was added when it became apparent during the battle that many of the enemy forces appeared to be deserting the battlefield, apparently convinced that the fight was over.
Although the final outcome was tainted by this, it was believed that before the dessertions, the Hussars Regiment had maintained the upper hand.
In His Majesty's Service, [1st Hussar] Blackadder Co-Commander of the Regiment