The start of 1945 saw both battalions continuing in front line positions in Northern Italy – the 1st Battalion (1 LIR) with the 167 Brigade on the floodbanks of the Senio river and the 2nd Battalion in the mountains near San Clemente.
Although both battalions were in static positions, they continued to take part in regular nightly patrols and occasional raids forward – at Casa Tamagnin on the 3rd by the Battle Patrol of 2 LIR and one the next night by 1 LIR who, along with the London Scottish and Royal Fusiliers, were in action near Cassanigo Vecchio.
In the middle of the month, the 1st Battalion moved back to rest at Forli whilst the 2nd Battalion awaited their own relief from front line positions, which would eventually take place early in February.
There was now to be an extended period of much needed rest for both battalions before training commenced in preparation for the next stage of the campaign, which was expected once drier weather returned to Italy.
Key Dates:
3rd January: Successful 2 LIR raid on Casa Tamagnin.
4th January: Raid on enemy positions by 167 Brigade.
10th January: 1 LIR relieved from the line and move to Forli.
Roll of Honour: January 1945.
Rifleman RJ Handley 04/01/1945 Forli Italy 1 LIR
Rifleman JW Harris 04/01/1945 Forli Italy 1 LIR
Rifleman J Foley 06/01/1945 Argenta Gap Italy 2 LIR
Rifleman HS Jordan 06/01/1945 Argenta Gap Italy 2 LIR
Sgt JWB Mitchell 06/01/1945 Forli Italy 1 LIR
Rifleman T O’Mara 06/01/1945 Argenta Gap Italy 2 LIR
Rifleman W Kennedy 07/01/1945 Forli Italy 1 LIR
Sgt EKJ Tweed 07/01/1945 Forli Italy 1 LIR
Rifleman EC Davey 11/01/1945 Cassino Memorial Italy 1 LIR
Rifleman M Foley 11/01/1945 Rome Italy 2 LIR
Rifleman HS Pluck 13/01/1945 Forli Italy 1 LIR