George Hatton

The 7th Bn of The Oxford and Bucks were involved in the invasion of Italy at Salerno in September 1943. From October they were trying to persue the Germans north and by November they were involved in the heavy fighting around Monte Camino, north of Naples. Due to the terrain and the position of the German defenders they had great difficulties in reaching thier objective and suffered severe losses.

On 10th of November the regiment was placed on a 4 hour notice to move. Rations for 24 hours and woollen underwear were issued to each man.
The regiment was informed that the two Guards battalions were in a serious position and the regiment had beenplaced under the command of the brigade to carry out an attack on Point 819 that night. At 23:30 hrs the regiment left for the hill climb. It took 3 hours due to the steepness of the track and the heavy packs they were carrying.
At 03:00 hrs on the 11th they crossed the start-line. After 200 yards 'B' Coy on the right encountered heavy machine gun fire. A company was sent to clear out the machine guns which they did successfully and took 21 prisoners. However this action stalled the advance and the Germans were able to reorganise. Soon after first light on the 11th and despite being close to their objectives their position was precarious being overlooked on 3 sides. Their were several machine gun nests surrounding them and any movement was impoosible. By mid-day the Germans had been able to reinforce their position but the regiment was able to counter-attack and the enemy withdrew.
The forward companies had to be withdrawn due to the deplation in their numbers. Despite the day's fighting they were in the same position as the night before.
On the 14/15th of November they were ordered to evacuate the hill as they could not hold it.

From the 10th to the 15th, 3 officers and 21 other ranks were killed.

Unknown