I'm currently searching for information on the Battles around Gemmano , Italy in September 1944 . Th reason for my search is i'm attempting to find out more about the death of the Bn Intelligence Officer , Lt Ken Mitchell on 11/9/1944 , he died of wounds either in Villa or Gemmano itself. I have tried all the usual sources on 16 DLI other than the war diary and was hoping someone might have further information, Regards Paul
Hi Paul, I'm one year out I'm afraid, I only have the 1943 diary. A certain member will probably be along shortly who has a expert DLI contact. A
Paul. Funnily enough, I am out at Gemmano on 11-14 Nov 17. On the night of 11 Sep 44, D Coy 16 DLI were in Villa, C Coy 16 DLI were in Gemmano proper and B Coy 16 DLI were in Borgo, the small hamlet on the north eastern end of the ridge that nudged up against Gemmano. I am not exactly sure where Bn HQ was but the WD will give the Grid Reference. It would be logical for Bn HQ to be in Villa or slightly further back on the valley floor at the X Roads. Bn Tac would logically have been up between the two forward Coys in Gemmano/Borgo. As Bn IO, Ken Mitchell would normally have worked from Bn HQ rather than Bn Tac. 16 DLI were holding the ground for 2/4 KOYLI to pass through and attack Point 449 - through B Coy 16 DLI in Borgo, and 6 Y&L to pass through and attack Zollara and Il Tribich through C Coy 16 DLI in Gemmano. I am taking a group out to the Gothic Line on 19-22 Apr 18 and we will be spending a lot of the time at Gemmano. It was attacked 17 times before the German finally withdraw. If you are interested in seeing Gemmano and understand what was going on when Ken Mitchell was killed, you are more than welcome to join the event. Regards Frank
Paul. I will be popping in to Montecchio CWGC cemetery on Sun or Mon. I will tip my hat to Ken Mitchell. Regards Frank
Thank you Frank for the additional information unfortunately there is no detail in either Peter Harts of Laurie Stringers books regarding Kens death although i beleive he did die of wounds. If you could possibly take a photo of the grave i would be be most grateful ? Best regards Paul
Via FindmyPast: First name(s) K Last name Mitchell Year 1944 Capture year 1944 Service number 258320 Rank Acting Lieutenant Rank as transcribed W/Lt Regiment Durham Light Infantry Regiment as transcribed Durham Light Infantry Theatre of war Italy, Central Mediterranean Archive reference WO 417/7 PIece description Casualty Lists - Officers and Nurses 1501 - 1600 DIED OF WOUNDS, ITALY First name(s) K Last name Mitchell Year 1944-45 Capture year 1944 Service number 258320 Rank Acting Lieutenant Rank as transcribed W/Lt Regiment Durham Light Infantry Regiment as transcribed ?m Light Infantry Theatre of war Italy, Central Mediterranean Archive reference WO 417/8 PIece description Casualty Lists - Officers and Nurses 1535 - 1744 DIED OF WOUNDS, ITALY