Agira

The Fighting for Agira, 24-28 July 1943
Source: G.W.L. Nicholson. Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War. Vol. II The Canadians in Italy. National Defence, 1956, 128.

The Second World War

Date

24-28 July 1943

Geographical parameters

No geographical parameters defined

Context

A separate action honour forming part of the “Sicily, 1943” theatre honour^{Footnote 1}

Description

By late July 1943, the Allies had pushed into the mountainous interior of Sicily. The Germans held the east of the island in strength to protect their access to mainland Italy across the Straits of Messina. The 1st Canadian Infantry Division, having captured Leonforte, was to attack east through Agira toward the coast. The assault, launched 24 July, called for close co-ordination with the air force, a first for Canadians in Sicily.

On 24 July, The Royal Canadian Regiment and tanks from 12th Army Tank Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment (Tank)) advanced down the highway to Nissoria, a town between Leonforte and Agira, securing it by mid-afternoon. When they tried to continue, they encountered heavy fire. Companies of The Royal Canadian Regiment became separated trying to clear the Germans from the surrounding hills and, out of communication, were forced to dig in for the night. In the morning, they were withdrawn. Tanks from 12th Army Tank Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment (Tank)) also attempted to push forward but were either knocked out or fought until they ran out of ammunition.

Early on 25 July, The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment took up the advance but came under heavy fire and were forced to withdraw. An attempt that evening by the 48th Highlanders of Canada, supported by the machine guns of The Saskatoon Light Infantry, was also unable to dislodge the Germans.

On 26 July, the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade relieved the 1st Brigade and were ordered to successively attack the three ridges between Nissoria and Agira. Preceded by a heavy artillery barrage and supported by tanks from 12th Army Tank Regiment (The Three Rivers Regiment), the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry cleared the first ridge that evening. The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada were then ordered to move on the second and, despite heavy fire, the two units captured it.

Early on 27 July, The Seaforth Highlanders attacked the third ridge, sending most of a company up a steep cliff to assault the German position at the top. The right of the ridge was soon in Canadian hands. On 28 July, The Loyal Edmonton Regiment assaulted remainder of the ridge and by mid-morning had cleared it. Later that afternoon it was found that the Germans had withdrawn and the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry entered and finally secured Agira. ^{Footnote 2}

Awarded to:

Currently Serving Units

• 12e Régiment blindé du Canada ^{Footnote 3}
• 48th Highlanders of Canada ^{Footnote 4}
• The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment ^{Footnote 5}
• The Loyal Edmonton Regiment (4th Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry) ^{Footnote 6}
• The North Saskatchewan Regiment ^{Footnote 7}
• Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry ^{Footnote 8}
• The Royal Canadian Regiment ^{Footnote 9}
• The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada ^{Footnote 10}