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Author: S. Giannitto - ITIS "M.BARTOLO" - PACHINO

Troina Valley was a Battle Honour granted to Canadian regiments that fought in this region during the Battle of Sicily, a phase of the Italian Campaign during the Second World War.

Background

As the US 7th Army advanced east along the northern coast of Sicily towards Messina, the 8th Army was able to resume a northward advance on the east coast. In the centre of the island, British XXX Corps was tasked to take Regalbuto, Centuripe and Adrano. The 3rd Brigade was temporarily assigned to the British 78th Division for their drive on Centuripe, and fought a successful action at Catenanuova on 29-30 July, and then at Centuripe. The Germans, having lost Regalbuto and Centuripe to their rear, quickly withdrew to avoid being encircled. By 2 August the stage was set for the advance to Adrano.

The Battle

The 2nd Canadian Brigade began the advance to Adrano along the dry river bed of the Salso River. As usual, rough terrain and strong defences hindered the advance. In particular, three major positions barred the Canadians - Hill 736, Monte Revisotto and Monte Seggio. The Loyal Edmonton Regiment fought through especially rigorous terrain, cut off from the rest of the division and reliant on pack mules for supplies. Reaching Hill 736, they faced a well-entrenched defence in company strength, over which 300 yards of open ground had to be crossed. An attack was mounted with adequate covering fire, and only a small number of German survivors managed to flee.

With Centuripe and Hill 736 in Allied hands, the British 78th Division was ordered to advance on Route 121 to take Adrano; the Canadians continued their drive along the dry Salso to Monte Revisotto and Monte Seggio.

Taking a page from the German book on forming ad hoc Kampfgruppen for specific tasks, (Divisional Commander) Simonds organized his own battle group of Three Rivers tanks, Seaforth infantry, PLDG Scout Cars and supporting SP and anti-tank guns all under Lt Col L. Booth. On 5 August Booth's force drove rapidly down the Salso Valley to the high ground overlooking the flowing Simeto River. By 1100 hrs the Canadians' wild rush had carried them onto their objective which was held by the seasoned 3rd Paratroops. At a cost of 45 casualties the Canadians captured the position...1

Monte Revisotto fell to The Loyal Edmonton Regiment the next day, while PPCLI took Monte Seggio even after losing track of their companies during the night approach. The 3rd Brigade then sent the Royal 22e Regiment to grab a bridgehead over the Simeto River. The 78th Division captured Adrano and marked the end of major fighting in the campaign for the Canadians.

Aftermath

The Canadians found themselves "squeezed out" of the battle line now, as the British 78th Division moved northeast onto the lower heights of Mount Etna, and the US 7th Army drove eastward from Troina. Troina itself proved to be the toughest battle of the Sicilian campaign for the US Army, where the Germans had stalled two US divisions. The fall of Adrano and the clearing of the Salso forced German General Hube to reconsider his position; he feared a Canadian drive north down the Adrano-Troina road, and prompted him to withdraw his units.

Infantrymen of the 48th Highlanders of Canada on the march to Adrano, 18 August 1943. LAC photo

Battle Honours

The following Canadian units were awarded the Battle Honour "Troina Valley" for participation in these actions: 

Image:1tankbde.gif 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade

  • 12th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment)

Image:1gif.gif 1st Canadian Division

  • 4th Reconnaissance Regiment (4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards)

Image:1gif2bde.gif 2nd Canadian Brigade

  • The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada

  • The Loyal Edmonton Regiment

Notes

  1.  McKay, A. Donald Gaudeamus Igitur "Therefore Rejoice" (Bunker to Bunker Books, Calgary, AB, 2005) ISBN 1894255534 p.63

GalleryPhotos of Messina