North Africa and Italy History of the Irish Guards

sherman tanks of 46th (liverpool welsh) royal tank regiment in support of men of 1st battalion, irish guards, anzio, italy, 25 january 1944.

on 30 april lance-corporal kenneally repeated brave actions when, accompanied sergeant of reconnaissance corps, charged enemy again forming assault same ridge. both men charged germans, inflicting heavy casualties on germans resulted in rout of german force. 2 men began return position did so, kenneally hit in thigh. however, continued fight, refusing relinquish bren gun or leave position. despite wound fought rest of day , actions awarded victoria cross, regiment s first of war.

sixty hand-picked men of irish guards part of 14,000 strong british contingent took part in victory parade in capital tunis on 20 may 1943. in december of year 1st battalion, irish guards, rest of brigade, reached italian front.

the battalion took part in anzio landings (codenamed operation shingle) on 22 january 1944 , saw action @ carroceto repulsed several german attacks. battalion took part in attack on campoleone, experienced heavy casualties. german counterattack launched several days later. battalion inflicted heavy casualties on germans, surrounded following day little support against german armour, , forced fight way through allied lines, suffering many casualties in process.

a few further actions took place battalion s companies but, april, battalion severely depleted in manpower , returned uk, remain duration of war training battalion.