'Anzio beachhead - Operation X'

Date commenced: 
Sunday, March 19, 1944

Location

Anzio
Italy
41° 26' 58.542" N, 12° 37' 11.01" E
Units: 
Known only as Operation X, No.9 Commando were tasked with clearing three Wadis about half a mile from the perimeter of the beachhead. The Germans had been using these as a forming up point for counter attacks.  These wadis formed a 'U' with a small hill in the centre and some further high ground below the base of the 'U'.
Due to their casualties at recent operations around Monte Ornito, the strength of 9 Commando had been reduced to 14 officers and just 255 OR's so the Commando was reformed from troops into 3 squadrons for the operation. Colonel Tod then divided the operation into three phases codenamed Haydon, Charles, and Laycock.
1st phase, Haydon, was to be mounted in darkness against the left hand arm of the 'U'. 
2nd phase, Charles, was to attack at first light and clear the enemy off the base of the 'U'.
3rd phase, Laycock, was to clear the enemy off the right hand arm of the 'U'. 
The fighting was brutal, often at close quarter, with attack and counter attack. No.9 succeeded in taking the objective but were denied immediate reinforcements and supplies. Eventually they were ordered by Brigade HQ to withdraw to the positions they had started from.
No.9 Commando had 73 casualties, killed wounded or missing, during the action. 
 
Sources
When Shall Their Glory Fade by Major James Dunning.
 

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