Lancers in Italy during the Second World War

The Lancers in Italy during the Second World War' is a brief combat history of the British Queen's Royal Lancers during the Italian campaign

In May 1943, after the successful North African campaign, the 16th/5th Queen's Royal Lancers and the 17/21st Lancers as part of the 26th Armoured Brigade of the 6th Armoured Division moved to Italy. Both regiments found it difficult terrain for tanks and armoured vehicles. At times, the Lancers had to revert to an infantry role. The 16/5th Lancers distinguished itself at Piuarola, playing a major part for the Liberation of Rome.

On 18 April 1945 both Lancer regiments broke out of Argenta with the 17/21st Lancers passing through the 16/5th Lancers and capturing a bridge at Segni, seven miles ahead. They found the bridge blown and had to find an alternative route. They located a bridge intact at Gallo and were told to push onto Poggio Renatico. The Germans withdrew north of the Po River.

On 2 May the Germans surrendered to the Allies, ending the Italy campaign.