Private Laurance Leishman, Italy 1944

5339249 Private Laurence Leishman, a pre-war territorial soldier in the 5th (Hackney) Battalion, Royal Berkshire Regiment, was mobilised in 1939. Volunteered for service with the independent companies in 1940 and served with Number 3 independent company under Colonel Newman, V.C. in the Norwegian campaign. Drafted to the Middle East as a replacement in 1943. Joined 13 Platoon, C Company, 10th Royal Berkshire Regiment, 168th Brigade, 56th (London) Division just after the Salerno landings. Took part in the Battles of Monte Camino and Monte Damino.The Brigade was pulled from the front line on 30 January 1944 and arrived at Anzio via Landing Ship Tanks (LSTs) on 2 February 1944. By 6 February the brigade had moved into defensive positions with the 1st London Irish Rifles around Aprilla (the factory) and the 10th Royal Berkshires around a crossroads approximately 1.5 miles east of the factory, whilst the 1st London Scottish were the Brigade reserve. The German Battle Group Graser was tasked with capturing the ground held by the 168th Brigade. Capturing this ground would achieve two objectives: firstly to trap the British 1st Division and prevent its withdrawal; and secondly, to capture the jump-off point for the subsequent Operation Fischfang, the third largest German counter-attack in the West after Operation Wacht am Rhein (Battle of the Bulge) and Operation Nordwind. Approximately 15,000 German infantry with tank and artillery support were to attack the rifle companies of two Battalions (1st London Irish Rifles and 10th Royal Berkshires) comprising about 400 men each. German attacks against the Brigade positions (the fourth largest German counter-attack in the West) began on the morning of 7 February and continued for 72 hours, taking place in almost non-stop heavy rain. The attacks comprised of waves of infantry, continuous artillery bombardment, tank attacks as well as remote control 'Goliath' disposable demolition vehicles. Much of the fighting was hand to hand. Eventually the German troops surrounded the Berkshire's positions and casualties were such that surrender was the only option. Private Leishman, along with seven other survivors from B and C companies and two Royal Engineer Sappers, were taken prisoner by German Fallschirmjäger (paratroopers). All that was left of the Royal Berkshires were 40 men, most of whom were members of the battalion HQ. Private Leishman remained as a POW for the remainder of the war, taking part in the long march of January 1945 when the Germans evacuated Allied prisoners-of-war away from the advancing Soviet army.

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