In November 1943, the 1st Battalion Royal Fusiliers faced their first major battle of the Italian Campaign; the crossing of the River Sangro. The Battalion, along with 1st Battalion 5th Royal Gurkha Rifles and the 1st Battalion 12th Frontier Force Rifles, formed the 17th India Brigade of the 8th Indian Division.
The Fusiliers were to be held initially in reserve, whilst the Gurkhas moved to capture the fortified village of Mozzagrogna. From there, the plan was for the Fusiliers to pass through to capture the neighbouring village of Santa Maria.The capture of Mozzagrogna proved to be extremely difficult, as the German resistance stalled the Gurkhas' attack. B and C companies of the Fusiliers were commanded to reinforce the Gurkhas. The ensuing battle was intense and bloody; the Fusiliers suffered 95 casualties, the Gurkhas even more.
The close cooperation between the two regiments was later celebrated by exchange of a silver kukri, which is on display at the Fusilier Museum London. The battle is included in the regiment's battle honours.
Each year at the beginning of February, there is a wreath laying ceremony at the Fusiliers' Regimental Chapel at St Sepulchre without Newgate, to remember those Fusiliers and Gurkhas who fought bravely during the battle.
To learn more about the Battle and the experiences of Fusilier Warrant Officer Class II Robert Jellyman check out the brilliant youtube video from Liveth for Evermore.