 The 2nd New Zealand Division had moved into the front line in November in order to relieve the 8th Indian Division and would take part in the advance across the Sangro planned for the end of the month . The brigade subsequently occupied positions around Atessa , with the Māori Battalion in brigade reserve , occupying a series of low hills which formed the Sangro river valley . The Eighth Army 's forward units had reached the Sangro in early November and General Harold Alexander — commander of the 15th Army Group — had planned for Lieutenant General Bernard Montgomery to strike across the river on its coastal plain on 20 November with V Corps . Montgomery shifted the 8th Indian Division to the right in secret to narrow the V Corps front and concentrate its power , bringing the newly arrived 2nd New Zealand Division into the gap . Heavy rain flooded the river , forcing the postponement of the offensive and giving the Germans time to move in reinforcements . In the early hours of 28 November the Eighth Army attack began , supported by heavy artillery concentrations . The New Zealanders advanced steadily , capturing the bulk of their objectives . The Māori Battalion , still in brigade reserve , stood to during the attack but was not required . 
