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Princess Patricias Canadian Light Infantry
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San Fortunato

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The Patricias

The PPCLI was raised on the initiative of Andrew Hamilton Gault in 1914, to participate in the Canadian war effort for the First World War. They were the first Canadian infantry unit to enter the theatre of operations, arriving in France on December 21, 1914.

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Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

1 week ago

Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry

San Fortunato 19-23 September 1944

After months of constant and heavy fighting in the Italian mountains, the Patricia's as part of the 1st Cdn Inf Div were tasked to capture San Fortunato. Considered the hinge of the German defences along the GOTHIC LINE, its capture would be a turning point in the campaign.

After costly but critical preliminary moves by the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, the conditions were set for the Regiment's assault on San Fortunato. Among many other valiant actions, two companies of Patricias, totalling only 60 men seized a critical rail line, and held their ground in the face on ferocious enemy fire. "...how anyone
survived the enemy fire directed from San Martino behind us and San Fortunato ahead of us, is a miracle"

The Patricia's attacked from 19-21 September and though engaged in heavy combat throughout, they relentlessly pursued their objective: The Lombardy Plains. "An air burst explodes a few yards in front of me. Two men from another platoon fell. The platoon keeps climbing up the slope, leaving the two men face down on the trail. ... Now the Germans are sending in their Moaning Minnies. But the column forges ahead. I look back at my boys. Not a man has dropped out of line or gone to ground."

By dawn on 21 September 1944, San Fortunato, was in Canadian hands and the door to the Northern Italian plains was open. The Patricia's were the first battalion, of the first division to break out of the mountains into the Lombardy Plains, for which they have been fighting for since the invasion of Italy.

The 8th Army considered San Fortunato a great victory and the bitterest fighting since Cassino and El Alemein. He sent the following signal to the Patricia's:
“The Regiment may be proud of its part in a great and hard fought victory. Well done, Canada." ... See MoreSee Less

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