The pass between Melilli and Villasmundo, Sicily, 1943

Photograph compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters), World War Two, Italy, 1943.

Winding road between Melilli and Villasmundo. The caption refers to the loss of a lead tank of 'A' Squadron with 'All the ground occupied by Hun guns'.

Transported on American-built 'Landing Ships, Tank', or 'LSTs', sailing from North Africa, the 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) landed in Sicily on 10 July 1943 as part of 4th Armoured Brigade.

After their successful amphibious landings, elements of 3rd County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters) advanced inland to take the village of Cassibile and to support 17th Infantry Brigade in taking Syracuse. The port was quickly secured and became a base for the Royal Navy. From Syracuse the Sharpshooters moved northwards to Priolo Gargallo, Melilli and Augusta.

The Sharpshooters' war diary records the heavy losses that 'A' Squadron suffered on 13 July 1943. Supporting the 15th Infantry Brigade's assault on Tenutella, a half squadron under the command of Major C N Wrey lost six out of seven tanks to enemy anti-tank and mortar fire. Seven men were killed in action and six more wounded (two later dying of their wounds).

From an album containing 246 photographs compiled by Major Wilfred Herbert James Sale, MC, 3rd/4th County of London Yeomanry (Sharpshooters).