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On 3rd January 1945 we were rushed in to guard the left flank of the Canadian Division in Cassa di Mezzo, Italy. The Canadians were pushing against the Germans in their last attack in Italy. The King's Dragoon Guards we took over from had been attacked that morning and couldn't get out quick enough. I was 20 at the time.

It was so dark we didn't know where we were. We could hear the Germans sawing and hammering so we knew something was going on. At 4.45am a flare went up (probably set off by a trip wire) and we opened fire. I was manning a Bren (machine) gun and the battle went on until 10am. It was 3 companies of Waffen SS troops that had attacked us.

Support came up to provide us with ammunition and one of the vehicles was hit. The men inside never got out but could be heard moaning and groaning which was very upsetting. We ventured out to take in prisoners and German mortars came over killing some troops and injuring others. We didn't get out until last thing at night when we were able to drive away.

This was just another episode in the life of front-line troops.

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