 142 RAC was present when the Allies overcame the Hitler Line and the Gothic Line in late 1944.However, due to a shortage of manpower, the regiment was disbanded in January 1945 while in northern Italy.The 50th (Holding) Battalion was created in late May 1940, around the time of the Dunkirk evacuation, and was originally intended temporarily to 'hold' men who were medically unfit, awaiting orders, or, as this was at the time of Dunkirk, returning from overseas service.