At 6.45am, the advance on to the Green Dotted Line commenced. Very deep, swift water was found in the most northerly area of the Piave and whilst wading this, the Battalion suffered heavily from MG fire, the leading Company losing nearly 50% of its strength. Comapnies reorganised and pressed forward, to be held up by uncut wire close to the objective, which was strongly held. The wire was cut most gallantly by various parties, amongst whom Capt. Gibbens MC DCM, Sgt O'Hara and Pte Brown were conspicuous. The Battalion pressed on, and C Company captured the first objective. D Company pushed on, overcoming all obstacles and captured the Red Dotted Line (second objective). A Company with B Company (now very weak) puished steadily on and together captured Blue Dotted Line (the road from C. Padovan to C. Benedetti). Here orders were received as the Italians on the left of the Brigade had failed to cross the Piave, no further advance would be made. The Battalion organised a reserve near C. Borazzuni. Battalion HQ at C. Borazzuni. Major E. Borrow DSO was taken from the Battalion to command the 11th Northumberland Fusiliers, vice Lt-Col St. Hill DSO killed.

The Battalion this day captured 3 guns, 2 heavy Trench Mortars, 2 Tank Guns, several hundred prisoners and many machine guns. Our casualties were 2/Lts Hodgson and Fisher, killed; Capt Gibbens MC DCM, 2/Lts Smith and Wade wounded. RSM Burton DCM was killed after the capture of the first objective by a ricochet bullet. 27 other ranks killed, 111 wounded and 11 missing. The night was quiet.

Midnight: A Company commanded by Lt Wiley with the X.23 Section mobile Trench Mortar to seize the crossing over the Monticano River, NE of Mareno. This difficult and hazardous operation was successfully accomplished and reflects the greatest credit on all concerned.

The advance was resumed at 8.30am, the Battalion objective being the Conegliano - Campo Cervaro road. C and D Companies led the advance, B Company in support, A Company being already on the Monticano River near C. Balbi (south). The advance progressed rapidly until the Monticano was reached, though the difficult nature of the country caused Companies to lose direction on many occasions. The north bank of the river was very strongly held and it was not until 13.00 that A Company - supported by 2 Platoons of C - succeeded in forcing a passage near C. Balbi (north). D Company and C Company less 2 Platoons were still held up near Villa Balbi. B Company, now commanded by 2/Lt Ridley, was ordered to follow A Company, to change front left and attack in flank the enemy who were holding up D Company near Villa Balbi. B Company pushed forward through very close and difficult country, much intersected with deep water cuts until held up by MG fire. A prolonged fore fight ensued and continued until the 11th Northumberland Fusiliers came up, when teh enemy was driven back. Meanwhile A Company with 2 Platoons of C had pushed forward and most gallantly taken the objective. Less than 120 bayonets, theey were attacked by a whole Battalion of the enemy and - their flanks being open - were compelled to fall back about 300 yards, where they beat off the attack. Battalion HQ, following up A Company, inclined to the left and came under heavy MG fire at close range. They withdrew about 200 yards and regained touch with B Company.

At dark, about 18.00 hours, Battalion HQ with B Company seized the large strong house at K 34.50 52.25(Vazzola 1/25000) about 200 yards short of the objective and deteremined to hold this point, and by holding it retain command of the ground won. Largely through the gallantry of L/Cpl Nelson, touch was regained with C and D Companies, and they were moved forward into position.

By 3.30am, the whole Battalion was in position close in rear of their objective with posts on the objective. So roughly had teh Austrians been handled that under cover of darkness he abandoned his very strong position, leaving a battery of 5.9 inch guns in our hands. Many acts of gallantry were performed this daywhich will go unrecorded. A fine display of determiation to succeed was given by every officer and soldier, and to this alone can success be attributed. Many prioners were taken. Casualties this day: 7 ORs killed, 19 wounded, 2 missing. Lt W.M. Blenkinsop wounded.

At 10.00 hours, the Divisional Commander called upon the Battalion for a further effort in support of 70th Brigade who wee held up at Sacile. In 30 minutes the Battalion was on the move and marched to Sacile where we went into billets, the enemy's opposition having been overcome.

During the battle 27th-29th, the total loss of the Battalion was: 2 officers killed, 4 wounded. 39 ORs killed, 153 wounded, 14 missing. During the same petriod the Battalion captured 1020 prisoners, 18 horses, 7 GS limbers, 4 gun limbers, 46 machine guns,2 anti tank guns, 2 Anti Aircraft guns, 4 6-inch howitzers, 4 5.9 inch guns and 2 heavy Trench Mortars, vast quantities of ammunition of all calibres.

This is an extract from the Battalion war diary which is held at the Public Record Office, in document WO95/4236.