 During December the 2nd New Zealand Division took part in the Moro River Campaign . By this time the attacking battalions had exploited forward towards the Winter Line and the Māori Battalion moved forward by truck on 1 December , crossing the Sangro . Heavy congestion on the road delayed the battalion 's movements , and although scheduled to assault towards Elici , they arrived to find the 23rd Battalion and the Division Cavalry had already completed the task . The Māoris were again ordered into reserve , occupying positions 1 mile ( 1 @.@ 6 km ) east of <unk> . Meanwhile , on 3 December , the 6th Infantry Brigade assaulted Orsogna , and was involved in heavy fighting there , first capturing and then losing it following a counter @-@ attack by German armour . A subsequent attack against Orsogna was planned by the New Zealanders utilising both the 5th and 6th Infantry Brigades . The attack was scheduled for 7 December , with both brigades to advance on a one battalion front . The Māori Battalion would lead the assault in the 5th Infantry Brigade section , up the <unk> spur to cut the Orsogna – Ortona road east of the 6th Infantry Brigade 's objective . Fairbrother planned to assault with two companies forward , one in depth and one in reserve , with support from armour and anti @-@ tank guns . This could not be provided though , as difficult terrain prevented tracked vehicles from moving across the Moro and up on to <unk> . 
