They must have been around the Cassino area I think, but anyone any definite location for the 2nd/4th Hampshire on 13th April 1944 please. Tony
from The Royal Hampshire Regiment 1918-1954 by David Scott Danniell page 166 The Battalion was in the line again on 6th April, once more in a mountain position on the Belvedere feature above Cassino. The Battalion's position was overlooked by the enemy on six-thousand-foot Monte Cairo, and once again all movement had to be made in darkness. the Battalion were kin this position for two weeks , under incessant mortar and shell fire. edit: added photo of page extract
Saw this plaque today in St Mary's Church next to Chastleton House . Thanks Drew for posting the war diary for that date. CWGC entry for HADLAND, PERCY JOHN HADLAND, PERCY JOHN 5504217 Private Date of Death:17/04/1944 Age:24 Regiment/Service:Hampshire Regiment 2/4th Bn. Grave Reference: XII. J. 10. Cemetery: CASSINO WAR CEMETERY
My uncle was with the 2/4th Hampshire and died on 4th June 1944 at Cassino. Do you have a copy of the diary for that day please. Neil Jennings
Neil. On 4 Jun 44, 2/4 Hampshires were at Piedimonte d'Alife - 50% of the men on Church Parade at 0900. I suspect that your uncle was wounded earlier than 4 Jun 44 - most likely during the start of the Fourth Battle on 11-12 May 44 when 2/4 Hampshires ran the river crossing operation for 28 Infantry Brigade. What was his name? Regards Frank
Thank you for your prompt reply Frank. My uncle's name was Victor Frederick Jennings , regimental number 14606734. The family "story" is that he was killed in an accident with a gun after the fighting had ceased. However the regiment had left Cassino where he is buried on 16th May , I believe. If you can shed any light on this I would be very grateful. My daughter and family are going to visit his grave in August. Neil
Neil. I will have a look at the WDs this evening but doubt whether there will be any mention - the mention of Officer casualties was very common but those of other ranks very rare. Let me see what I can find. I have seen the list of casualties for 11-15 May 44 and he is not on it. Great to see that you are going to tip your hat to him later in the year. Regards Frank
Hello Frank, I am new to this forum. It would be great to get any context you may potentially be able to offer about the death of my uncle from 2nd/4th Hampshire bn. He died on May 14th 1944 and was 5733151 and is buried in Cassino - Private Michael McEvoy. Any information would be gratefully received. Best Regards, Jay.
Jay. That Regimental Number is from the batch allocated to the Dorsetshire Regiment. Does that square with your uncle's home county? Regards Frank
Thanks Frank, He was Irish, from Waterford, so it’s hard for me to know exactly how he would have been allocated really. He was one of those who found a way to join at sixteen, in his quest for adventure, so perhaps he took the regiment that he could get into. I know he sent a message from Naples at some stage on his way to Cassino. Casualty. Thanks for any assistance you may be able to offer. Best Regards, Jay.