1st Battalion 48th Highlanders
Taken Prisoner near Marano River – 6 Sep 44
Lt William A. (Bill) Hunter, of Shreveport, Louisiana USA, joined the 48th Highlanders 1st Battalion in England on 12 June 1941. He remained in England, joining the 1st Battalion as a replacement office in Italy in the week of 14 January 1944 while the battalion was at rest near San Tommaso. Our regimental history “Dileas” reports him on 31 August 1943, at the request of Brigade HQ, leading a 13 man patrol of the River Foglia area for hidden German posts and to feel out the far side of the river prior to an advance.
On 5 September, the battalion launched a 2-company attack on high ground overlooking the Marano River 500 yards to the north. Baker and Able Coys took their objectives with Able pulling 7 and 8 platoon off the high ground to a more protected position. In the early night the Germans attacked Able in strength trapping the two platoons in their houses. By daylight of the 6th the German paratroopers had captured two officers, 7 Corporals and 22 men. Lt. Hunter was taken prisoner. After the war, Bill Hunter returned to the USA and became a professor at East Texas Bible College in Marshall Texas.
A letter from Lt Hunter sent to the son of Captain Beal, OC Able company in 1984 is an example of the care 48th Officers took to write to the next of kin at home>
June 21, 1984 – East Texas Baptist College, Marshall Texas, 75670
Dear George: A few days ago my wife found the first letter she received from your father after my disappearance. It occurred to me that you might be interested in it, as it is a striking example of the thoughtfulness that was so characteristic of him.
Sincerely
Bill Hunter
Saturday Sept. 23 1944 – 48th Highlanders of Canada, C.A.O. C.M.F.
My Dear Mrs. Hunter,
It is with deepest regret and sympathy that I am writing to you to let you know the circumstances in connection with Bill, who as you know has been missing since September the fifth. I was Bill’s company commander and I want to let you know everything that happened.
The company were the leading elements of the Division and we had just made a long advance in very close country, south of Rimini when we were cut off and practically surrounded by the enemy. We did not suffer any casualties at first and were able to take up a position and fight it out. This was on the late afternoon of the 5th.
That evening about dusk another platoon went forward to clear some houses of the enemy and occupy them. They did so and then Bill’s platoon went forward. Shortly after they arrived there the enemy in strength closed in and they fought them all night long. About three o’clock in the morning Captain Bob Murdock one of the other platoon commanders went forward to contact them. Although there was quite heavy machine gun fire about Bill’s house he was cheerful and quite confident he could hold his position. When morning came the remainder of the company was cut off from them and forced to withdraw due to very heavy pressure in which we suffered many casualties.
It wasn’t till four days later that we were able to advance again and investigate.
I personally looked over the house and the surrounding ground. In the house we found certain parts of their web equipment – undamaged. I feel quite certain Mrs. Hunter that Bill and his platoon are prisoners of war for the following reasons. Firstly there were no signs of blood. Secondly no sign of bodies or graves and thirdly Bill was a very level headed chap and he would have had sense enough to surrender when he saw that their case was hopeless.
I know how anxious you must be and I feel very badly myself. I was very fond of Bill and he was one of my best friends and a bloody good officer.
It has been a very long hard battle since he has been missing and if he is a prisoner, which I sincerely hope, we may both be thankful he was out of it. Since that day our casualties have been heavy.
Again Mrs. Hunter my sympathy to you for these anxious days until you get definite news. If I receive any information whatsoever I will let you know at once.
Sincerely
George Beal. Capt.
Officer Commanding “A” Company
48th Highlanders of Canada
