While the 1st Canadian Infantry Division was withdrawn from the battle line after the capture of Adrano, and the 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade was officially in 8th Army reserve, one regiment - the 10th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Ontario Regiment) - was attached to the British 5th Division. The Regiment supported the 13th Brigade which defended two crossings of the Dittaino River at Stimpato and Sferro, the extreme western flank of the British XIII Corps. The 13th Brigade then made an advance parallel to the British 51st (Highland) Division which crossed the Dittaino. Subsequent operations at Gerbini on 4 August and Paterno on 6 August were supported by the tanks of the Ontarios. As a general enemy withdrawal continued, the 5th Division operated as the left flank formation of XIII Corps, forced to operate on a single brigade front over rough terrain. Belpasso was taken on 7 August, and on 9 August General Montgomery, commanding the 8th Army, ordered a more aggressive role for the corps. Two divisions were ordered forward along the defile between Mt. Etna and the sea; the 5th Division's advance was led by the 13th Brigade and a squadron of the Ontario Regiment supported British infantry at Trecastagni on 9 August.

The regiment saw action the next day as well when British infantry seized a bridgehead north of Zafferana Etnea followed by German counter-attacks. The 5th Division was subsequently relieved of operational duties, and the Ontario Regiment returned to the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade.

The following Canadian units were awarded the Battle Honour "Pursuit to Messina" for participation in these actions:

1st Canadian Armoured Brigade

• 10th Canadian Armoured Regiment (The Ontario Regiment)