 The New Zealanders were subsequently transferred to the Fifth Army for its advance up the west coast of Italy towards Rome . Leaving behind the bitter cold on the other side of the peninsula , the battalion undertook a period of training and reorganisation near Sant ' Angelo d 'Alife . At this time Fairbrother was replaced by another Pakeha officer , Major Russell Young , who was promoted to lieutenant colonel and subsequently led the battalion until July 1944 . 
