ASLComp Gustav Graveyard Everyman Edition

Snakeshead Ridge, near Cassino, Italy, 18 February 1944: Capture of Point 593 was critical to support the flank during any attack directly against the Monastery, yet two previous attempts by the 4th Indian Division to take Point 593 had failed.  During the dark hours of the morning of the 18th, the 4/6th Rajputana Rifles, 1st Royal Sussex, and a Company of 1/9th Gurkhas jumped off in another attempt to capture Point 593 and Point 569.  Despite heroic efforts by the platoon leaders of the various companies, the Germans held out resolutely on Point 569 and could not be pushed back off the reverse slopes of Point 593.  As dawn approached, the German counter-attacks began and gradually built in intensity.  Due to the nature of the terrain, the issue would be decided with hand grenades. The Germans hurled counter-attack after counterattack at the Indian lodgement on the forward slopes of Point 593.  The day wore as the 4th Indian Division casualties mounted.  The assault companies that had so nearly carried the position in the morning were only tattered remnants of their former selves.  It was finally too much; orders were issued to fall back to friendly lines.  The Germans reoccupied Point 593.