Operation GRADIENT

Operation GRADIENT

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History

Target of the operation was bridge between the islands of Cres (Cherso) and LoÅ¡inj (Lussino) in order to block sea channel between them (dug back in Roman times when they used to be one island). This would force enemy shipping to sail more dangerous route around LoÅ¡inj island which would put them in closer range of Allied naval forces at Ancona or much longer route around Cres.

Carried out on the night of 9/10 August 1944 by 5 troop total of 109 men from No 9 Commando left Ancona in 3 MTBs and 1 MGB. One party was to seize and destroy the bridge while a second, using bicycles for transport, was to destroy a local garrison. There was no opposition at the bridge which was destroyed and two Italian guards were taken prisoner. The local garrison could not be found so the bicycle party destroyed the local telephone exchange and returned with documents of possible interest and some civilians for questioning. On the way back to Ancona a grateful American pilot was picked up after spending a week adrift in the Adriatic.

Aftermath

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References