page 364
Appendix V
Operation dickens: 2 New Zealand Division and 6 Brigade
Operation Orders
SECRET
Copy No.
23 Feb 44.
2 NZ DIV OPERATION ORDER No. 41
Ref Maps: 1/25,000 Sheets 160/II NE, 160/II NW,
160/II SW, 160/I SE.
1/25,000 Reproduction of German Map.
INFORMATION
| 1. |
Enemy
As contained in NZ Corps Intelligence Summaries.
|
| 2. |
Own Tps
| (a) |
Fmns flanking NZ Corps are to maintain present dispositions
and exert pressure.
|
| (b) |
NZ Corps is to capture CASSINO and adv against the enemy
line PIEDIMONTE-AQUINO-PONTECORVO.
|
| (c) |
4 Ind Div is to
| (i) |
assist ops of 2 NZ Div by neutralising enemy posns
on eastern slopes of M CASSINO with SA and
mortar fire and by harassing enemy mov in CASSINO
prior to zero;
|
| (ii) |
after capture of Pt 193 (G854213) by 2 NZ Div,
take over and secure the feature;
|
| (iii) |
in conjunction with the adv of 2 NZ Div, attack
south across eastern slope of M CASSINO feature;
|
| (iv) |
maintain pressure in sector NW of the Monastery to
prevent the withdrawal of enemy reserves from that
area.
|
|
| (d) |
Arty of CEF and 10 Brit Corps is to sp ops of NZ Corps by
carrying out a CB programme in own sectors, and by neutralising
enemy OPs in the vicinity of TERELLE G8127.
|
|
| 3. |
Additional Tps under Comd
US CCB remains under comd 2 NZ Div for follow-up ops.
|
INTENTION
| 4. |
2 NZ Div will capture CASSINO and break out into LIRI valley in
vicinity of Highway 6.
|
page 365
METHOD
| 5. |
General
| (a) |
The op will consist of a daylight attack by inf and tks from
the north, following an intense air bombardment, and supported by
maximum arty effort.
|
| (b) |
The op will be referred to by the codeword ‘DICKENS’.
|
| (c) |
After completion of DICKENS, the ops included in 2 NZ Div
Op Instr No. 21 dated 17 Feb (phases INSTEP, COBRA and JOINER)
will be proceeded with as soon as possible.
|
|
| 6. |
Groupings
Groupings within 2 NZ Div are shown in Appx ‘A’ att.
|
| 7. |
Air Sp
| (a) |
Air attacks on CASSINO will begin at approx zero minus 4 hrs,
and will increase in intensity until zero.
|
| (b) |
It is expected that 360 hy and 200 med bombers will be
available for the attack on CASSINO, and additional fighter-bombers
for subsequent ops.
|
| (c) |
The safe bomb-line is shown in Appx ‘B’ att. NO tps will
remain inside this line during air attacks on CASSINO.
|
| (d) |
NO attacks will be made on CASSINO after zero.
|
| (e) |
The following fighter-bomber targets have been prearranged
for the adv from first to second objectives and will be ‘called down’
by a controller at Tac 2 NZ Div if required:
| Rly sta |
G860201 |
| Amphitheatre |
G853199 |
| Pt 435 |
G847206 |
|
| (f) |
For ops by TFB on D plus 1 day, the following targets have
been prearranged, and will be directed by the controller if required:
On lower slopes of M CASSINO and along Highway 6 and rly line,
behind arty barrage.
Area G835205.
Wadi G831206.
Area G815215.
|
|
| 8. |
6 NZ Inf Bde Gp, with in sp one additional armd regt and 7 NZ Fd
Coy if required, will assault and capture CASSINO and Pt 193 from
the north, then adv to secure a bridgehead into the LIRI valley.
|
| 9. |
Preparation for the Assault
6 NZ Inf Bde will withdraw all tps to lying-up areas north of
safety bomb-line immediately before first light on D day (see Trace
in Appx ‘B’ att).
|
| 10. |
Assault by 6 NZ Inf Bde Gp
| (a) |
Details of arty sp are shown in Appx ‘B’ att.
|
| (b) |
6 NZ Inf Bde will make maximum use of ground smoke to
cover fwd mov at zero.
|
| (c) |
First objective: Incl Pt 193 (G854213) – rd junc 854209 – rd
junc 860208.
Codeword: QUISLING.
page 366 |
| (d) |
Second objective: rd junc 853197 – incl 55 ring contour
G8519 – R GARI at 858192 – stream junc
G861197 – rly at G862201.
Codeword: JOCKEY.
|
| (e) |
Rate of adv: 100 yds in 10 mins.
|
| (f) |
Action on capture of first objective:
| (i) |
Reorg on Pt 193, but be prepared to hand over defence
of this feature to tps of 4 Ind Div during night
D/D plus 1. Codeword for this relief is CROMWELL.
|
| (ii) |
Covered by arty ‘stonks’ for 15 mins, prepare to adv
immediately for the capture of second objective.
|
|
| (g) |
Action on capture of second objective: Reorg to hold bridgehead JOCKEY until the passage of TFB.
|
|
| 11. |
Arty: NZA, with in sp II US Corps arty and 4 Ind Div arty, will
| (a) |
sp the attack by 6 NZ Inf Bde Gp in accordance with outline
task table att at Appx ‘B’;
|
| (b) |
sp ops of TFB on D plus 1 day in accordance with 2 NZ Div
Op Instr No. 21 dated 17 Feb.
|
|
| 12. |
Engrs: NZE, with under comd 48 US Engr Bn less one coy, will
| (a) |
proceed at last light on D day with the construction of Class 30
br over R RAPIDO at Highway 6;
|
| (b) |
clear and mark a route from this br to Highway 6 south of
CASSINO;
|
| (c) |
as soon as CASSINO rly sta has been captured, clear and
repair rly route to give access to southern outskirts of CASSINO;
|
| (d) |
proceed as soon as possible with the construction of a Class 30
br over R GARI on rly route and effect junc with Highway 6 in
vicinity G853917;
|
| (e) |
hold 7 NZ Fd Coy with a det mech eqpt in a suitable area
east of the BARRACKS 8523, to come under comd 6 NZ Inf Bde if
required for the clearance of routes through CASSINO.
|
|
| 13. |
5 NZ Inf Bde will
| (a) |
carry out the following internal reliefs during night 23/24 Feb:
| (i) |
relief of 2 NZ Div Cav Regt by one bn of 78 Brit Div;
|
| (ii) |
relief of 23 NZ Inf Bn by 2 NZ Div Cav Regt;
|
|
| (b) |
during night D minus 1/D, occupy fire posns well fwd with
all weapons;
|
| (c) |
from zero to zero plus 40 bring maximum neutralising fire to
bear on enemy localities in CASSINO south of Highway 6. This will
include the destruction of individual houses and suspected strong-points by 17-pr fire;
|
| (d) |
be prepared to take over defence of rly sta area, NOT beyond
R GARI, after capture of second objective. Codeword for this op to
commence will be HUNTER. Completion of take-over will be signalled
by codeword OTAKI;
|
| (e) |
provide immediate cover for engr parties working on RAPIDO
br at Highway 6 and on rly route.
|
page 367 |
| 14. |
CCB will
| (a) |
posn TD guns on Western slopes of M TROCCHIO during
night D minus 1/D, sited to engage enemy localities in CASSINO
south of Highway 6 and to harass enemy mov on rds south of the
town;
|
| (b) |
engage houses, enemy mov and suspected enemy localities in
these areas from zero to zero plus 40 on D day;
|
| (c) |
be prepared to est TC system at two hrs notice from zero hr;
|
| (d) |
at 1900 hrs on D day, assume a one-hr alert to pass TFB through
bridgehead JOCKEY for the capture of objective LIBEL as already
ordered in 2 NZ Div Op Instr No. 21 dated 17 Feb.
|
|
| 15. |
4 NZ Armd Bde will
| (a) |
hold one armd regt in readiness as from zero to move from
present area to come under comd 6 NZ Inf Bde Gp if required;
|
| (b) |
be prepared to proceed with phase COBRA after success by TFB.
|
|
| 16. |
Pro
| (a) |
2 NZ Div Pro Coy will be prepared to est red lights on one
fwd route from M TROCCHIO to objective JOCKEY at last light on
D day.
|
| (b) |
Codewords for routes will be:
-
CARUSO: present route to FDLs of 6 NZ Inf Bde via
BARRACKS 8523.
-
milton: Highway 6.
-
disney: Highway 6 to rd junc 872205, thence by rly route.
|
| (c) |
APM 2 NZ Div will maintain liaison between Tac 2 NZ Div
and TC post.
|
|
| 17. |
Zero
| (a) |
Zero will be the time at which arty opens on barrage opening
line.
|
| (b) |
Time and date are dependent upon flying conditions but zero
will NOT be before 1200 hrs on 24 Feb.
|
| (c) |
It will be promulgated on the evening before the attack by the
codeword BRADMAN followed by a time and date.
|
|
ADM
INTERCOMN
| 19. |
Bdys
| (a) |
Inter-Div:
| (i) |
Right with 4 Ind Div:
Incl to 2 NZ Div: Pt 175 G854218, Pt 193 G854214.
|
| (ii) |
Left with 46 Div:
Excl to 2 NZ Div: CLE CECRO [sic] sq G9014; RIVOLO
LADRON to G877131, line of R GARI to G875126;
G864123, thence line of F LIRI.
|
|
| (b) |
Inter-Bde:
|
page 368 |
| 20. |
Locations
| (a) |
See NZ Corps Location Statement as at 1800 hrs 18 Feb 44.
|
| (b) |
Tac HQ 2 NZ Div will open G914197 at a time to be notified.
|
| (c) |
(i) Tac HQ 6 NZ Inf Bde: G858225.
(ii) Main HQ 6 NZ Inf Bde: G885228.
|
|
| 21. |
Wireless
All sets in 2 NZ Div will break silence and commence normal
working at zero minus two hrs.
|
| 22. |
Recognition
Ground to Ground
| (a) |
By day: Rifle held vertically, muzzle uppermost and/or one
RED tracer fired vertically.
|
| (b) |
By night: One RED tracer fired vertically.
|
|
| 23. |
Passwords
-
Challenge: MOTOR.
-
Answer: JEEPE.
|
| 24. |
Codewords
| (a)Codeword for op |
dickens |
| (b)Cancellation of op |
alexander |
| (c)FIRST objective–6 NZ Inf Bde |
quisling |
| (d)SECOND objective–6 NZ Inf Bde |
jockey |
| (e)Handover of Pt 193 |
cromwell |
| (f)Present 6 NZ Inf Bde fwd route |
caruso |
| (g)Highway No. 6 through CASSINO |
milton |
| (h)Rly route |
disney |
| (i)Zero hr |
bradman |
| (j)Arty tasks |
tilden |
|
maroon |
|
lentil |
|
trotsky |
|
ghandi |
|
ACK
L. W. Thornton
Lieutenant-Colonel
General Staff
2 New Zealand Division
Time of Signature: 0140 hrs
Method of Issue: Copies 1–4, 21–23 by LO.
6, 7, 9, 10, 11, 13, 16, 17–20 by Runner.
5, 8, 12, 14, 15 by SDR.
Distribution: [List not reproduced.]
Appendices ‘A’ and ‘B’ not reproduced.
page 369
6 NZ INF BDE OPERATION ORDER No. 2
SECRET
23 Feb 44.
Copy No.
Ref Maps: 1/25,000 Sheets 160/II N.E.
160/II N.W.
160/I S.W.
160/I S.E.
1/25,000 Reproduction of GERMAN Map.
INFORMATION:
| 1. |
Enemy: As contained in NZ Corps Intelligence Summaries.
|
| 2. |
Own Tps:
| (a) |
2 NZ DIV is to capture CASSINO and break out into LIRI
valley in vicinity of Highway 6.
|
| (b) |
After completion of this operation US CCB and 4 NZ ARMD
BDE are to pass through and commence advance towards line PIEDIMONTE–AQUINO–PONTECORVO.
|
| (c) |
5 NZ INF BDE is to carry out the following:
| (i) |
during night D minus 1/D, occupy fire posns well fwd
with all weapons.
|
| (ii) |
from zero to zero plus 40 bring maximum neutralising
fire to bear on enemy localities in CASSINO South
of Highway 6. This will include the destruction of
individual houses and suspected strong-points by 17
pr fire.
|
| (iii) |
be prepared to take over defence of rly sta area, NOT
beyond R GARI, after capture of second objective.
|
|
| (d) |
Engrs are to carry out the following:
| (i) |
proceed at last light on D day with the construction of
Class 30 br over R. RAPIDO at Highway 6.
|
| (ii) |
Clear and mark a route from this br to Highway 6
SOUTH of CASSINO.
|
| (iii) |
As soon as CASSINO rly sta has been captured, clear
and repair rly route to give access to southern outskirts
of CASSINO.
|
| (iv) |
Proceed as soon as possible with the construction of a
Class 30 br over R. GARI on rly route and effect
junc with Highway 6 and vicinity G 853197.
|
|
| (e) |
4 IND DIV is to:
| (i) |
assist ops of 2 NZ DIV by neutralising enemy posns on
eastern slopes of M. CASSINO with SA and mortar
fire and by harassing enemy mov in CASSINO prior
to zero.
page 370 |
| (ii) |
after capture pt 193 (G 854213) take over and secure
the feature.
|
| (iii) |
in conjunction with adv of 2 NZ DIV, attack South
across Eastern slope of M CASSINO feature.
|
| (iv) |
maintain pressure in sector N.W. of the MONASTERY
to prevent the withdrawal of enemy reserves from
that area.
|
|
| (f) |
CCB is to:
| (i) |
post TD guns on Western slopes of M. TROCCHIO
sited to engage enemy localities in CASSINO South
of Highway 6.
|
| (ii) |
engage houses, enemy movement and suspected enemy
localities from zero to zero plus 40 on D day.
|
|
|
| 3. |
Additional Tps:
|
INTENTION:
| 4. |
6 NZ Inf Bde will assault and capture CASSINO and Pt 193, then
advance and secure a bridgehead into the LIRI valley.
|
METHOD:
| 5. |
Grouping: One Pl 4 Coy 27 NZ MG Bn will come under comd 26 NZ
BN forthwith.
|
| 6. |
Routes: Codewords for routes will be:
| caruso |
road BARRACKS to CASSINO. |
| parallel route |
rd junc G863232–rd junc G859216–Highway 6. |
| pasquale route |
rd junc G876223–rd junc G85952160–Highway 6. |
| milton |
Highway 6. |
| disney |
Highway 6 to rd junc 872205, thence by rly route. |
|
| 7. |
The op will be carried out in three phases:
-
Phase 1: Withdrawal of fwd tps behind safety bombline (See 2 NZ
DIV O.O. No. 41 Appx ‘B’ issued separately.)
-
Phase 2: Assault by 25 NZ Bn with under comd one sqn 19 NZ
Armd Regt. Reoccupation of high ground by 24 NZ Bn
to form firm base.
-
Phase 3: Assault of final objective by 19 NZ Armd Regt (less one
sqn) 26 NZ Bn following to take over final objective
when captured.
|
PHASE I
| 8. |
Withdrawal:
| (a) |
Fwd Coys 24 and 25 NZ Bns and fwd tp armd Sqn will withdraw behind safety bombline.
|
| (b) |
NO move before 2400 hrs D minus 1 day. Evacuation of fwd
area complete by 0600 hrs D day.
page 371 |
| (c) |
Heavy weapons may be left fwd but essential parts will be
removed.
|
| (d) |
Mines on rds leading into CASSINO will be removed.
|
|
| 9. |
Rearguard:
| (a) |
Following will act as rearguard in quarry to cover exits from
CASSINO:
One tk 19 NZ Armd Regt.
One A Tk gun–25 NZ Bn
and will withdraw before bombing starts.
|
| (b) |
25 NZ Bn will cover route CARUSO with A tk gun from area
BARRACKS.
|
|
| 10. |
26 NZ BN: 26 NZ Bn will occupy area recced between PARALLEL and
PASQUALE routes on night 23/24 Feb.
Tasks:
| (a) |
Lie up in preparation for attack.
|
| (b) |
Cover Northern exits from CASSINO.
|
|
| 11. |
7 NZ FD COY: 7 NZ FD COY will move mine clearing and demolition parties and one bulldozer to area BARRACKS,
and one bulldozer to vicinity PARALLEL route on night
23/24 Feb.
|
PHASE II
| 12. |
Air sp:
| (a) |
Air attacks on CASSINO will begin at approx zero minus 4 hrs,
and will increase in intensity until zero.
|
| (b) |
It is expected that 360 hy and 200 med bombers will be available
for attack on CASSINO, and additional fighter-bombers for
subsequent ops.
|
| (c) |
The safe bomb-line is shown in Appx ‘B’ to 2 NZ DIV O.O
No. 41 already issued. NO tps will remain inside this line during
air att on CASSINO.
|
| (d) |
NO attacks to be made on CASSINO after zero.
|
|
| 13. |
Objectives: Incl pt 193 (G854213)–rd junc 854209–rd junc 860208.
|
| 14. |
Assault by 25 NZ Bn:
| (a) |
25 NZ Bn with under comd one Armd Sqn will capture the
objective and hold the following:
| (i) |
Western edge of CASSINO and lower slopes MONTE
CASSINO between incl pt 193 and incl rd junc 854209.
|
| (ii) |
Line incl rd junc 854209 to incl rd junc 860208.
|
| (b) |
Start Time–Zero.
|
| (c) |
Start Line approx 1500 yds from opening line of barrage.
|
| (d) |
Rate of adv to Northern end of CASSINO 100 yds in one
minute. Thereafter 100 yds in ten minutes.
|
| (e) |
Pt 193 is to be taken over by 4 IND DIV after capture.
|
|
page 372 |
| 15. |
Arty: See Appx ‘B’ to 2 NZ DIV O.O. No 41 and BARRAGE trace
issued herewith, for barrage and concs.
|
| 16. |
24 NZ Bn: will reoccupy ground evacuated–Start Time: Zero.
|
| 17. |
MMG: One Pl 4 Coy 27 NZ MG Bn will come under comd 24 NZ Bn
1800 hrs D minus 1 day to assist in protecting flank 25 and
26 NZ Bns.
|
PHASE III
| 18. |
Objective: Rd junc 853197–incl 55 ring contour G8519–R. GARI
at G858192.
|
| 19. |
Assault:
| (a) |
19 NZ Armd Regt will move through CASSINO by Eastern
routes to Highway 6 then assault objective.
|
| (b) |
26 NZ Bn will follow 19 NZ Armd Regt as closely as possible.
|
| (c) |
Start Time: as ordered by Bde Comd.
|
|
| 20. |
Consolidation: 26 NZ Bn will take over ground captured by 19 NZ
Armd Regt and consolidate.
19 NZ Armd Regt will remain in close sp.
|
| 21. |
Arty:
| (a) |
For concentrations to be fired on objectives (see Appx ‘B’
2 NZ DIV O.O. No 41).
|
| (b) |
Concentrations: lentil
trotsky
ghandi
may be repeated at call if required.
|
| 22. |
Air: The following fighter-bomber tasks have been prearranged and
may be called for if required:
| Rly sta |
G860201 |
| Ampi Theatre [sci] |
G853199 |
| Pt 435 |
G847206 |
|
| 23. |
Engrs: 7 NZ Fd Coy will be prepared to assist adv of Armd Regt
through CASSINO with mine clearing party and bulldozers.
|
| 24. |
Zero:
| (a) |
Zero will be the time at which Arty opens on barrage opening
line.
|
| (b) |
Zero will NOT be before 1200 hrs 25 Feb.
|
| (c) |
It will be promulgated by codeword bradman followed by
time and date.
|
|
ADM:
| 25. |
Sups etc: Normal.
|
| 26. |
Medical:
| (a) |
ADS A Coy 6 NZ Fd Amb remains present locn (880248)
|
| (b) |
After move fwd of Bn RAPs A Coy 6 NZ Fd Amb will est
a CP at the quarry 855230 to be used until Amb Jeeps and Amb cars
can evac direct from RAPs.
|
| (c) |
Bns will notify this HQ of move fwd of RAPs in order that
ADS may be instructed to set up EP.
|
page 373 |
| 27. |
Pro:
|
| (a) |
Det 2 NZ Div Pro Coy will be prepared at any time after
zero on instrs from this HQ to
|
| (i) |
picquet any of the following routes into CASSINO and through
to Highway 6.
CARUSO ROAD
PARALLEL ROAD
PASQUALE ROAD
|
| (ii) |
After last light to light the above mentioned routes.
|
|
| 28. |
P.W.:
| (a) |
Collecting pt NORTH of BARRACKS 856234.
|
| (b) |
6 NZ INF BDE Def Pl will supply personnel to take over
PWs at the collecting pt.
|
|
INTERCOMN:
| 29. |
Bdy: right with 4 IND DIV: incl to 6 NZ Inf Bde: Pt 175 (G 854218)
pt 193, (G 854214).
left with 5 NZ Inf Bde: excl rd S. PASQUALE to rd and river
junc G 862216.
|
| 30. |
Locations: Main HQ 6 NZ Inf Bde will remain at G885228.
|
| 31. |
Comns:
| (a) |
Wireless silence will be broken 30 mins before zero hr.
|
| (b) |
Signal centre will remain old locn, Tac Bde G858225.
|
|
| 32. |
Recognition:
Ground to ground:
| (a) |
By Day: Rifle held vertically, muzzle uppermost and/or one
RED tracer fired vertically.
|
| (b) |
By Night: One RED tracer fired vertically.
|
|
| 33. |
Password: Challenge motor Answer jeep.
|
| 34. |
Codewords:
| (a)codeword for op |
dickens |
| (b)cancellation of op |
alexander |
| (c)FIRST objective–6 NZ Inf Bde |
quisling |
| (d)SECOND objective–6 NZ Inf Bde |
jockey |
| (e)Hand over of Pt 193 |
cromwell |
| (f)present 6 NZ Inf Bde fwd route |
caruso |
| (g)Highway No. 6 through CASSINO |
milton |
| (h)Rly route |
disney |
| (i)zero hour |
bradman |
| (j)Arty tasks |
tilden |
|
maroon |
|
lentil |
|
trotsky |
|
ghandi |
|
(Signed) J. P. Cook, Major
B.M. 6 NZ Inf Bde.
ACK
Time of Signature 1900 hrs
Issued by SDR
Distribution: [List not reproduced.]
.jpg)
