1/9th Gurkha Rifles

Thanks Maureen.

 

Sheila.

Yes. It now stands out very clearly against a concrete background at the very front of the feature. It is very difficult to reach but the important thing is that it is there. I was in Cassino last week with a military group that included soldiers from 1 and 2 RGR and they were frightfully proud when I pointed it out.

I am there with a civilian group on 8-11 Jun 17. Check out www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk for details.

Regards

Frank

 

Thanks Frank
Very interesting, glad it's back to mark the achievement.

Regards

Sheila

 

Spotted a citation of relevance to the action on Hangman's Hill:

 

Hi,
I am heading for Cassino in a couple of days, I would like to click some photos of the plaque. Can you please explain where it is exactly?

 

Hi Dhruv, hope you find your trip to Cassino interesting. If you talk to Frank, (who is on this page), he has been more recently to Hangman’s Hill, so will give you more detailed information about the location. Would love to see one of your photos of the 9th Badge on the rock. Regards Sheila

 

Sheila.

I have sent him a message via Start a Conversation.

F

 

Does anyone have all the units on Hangman's Hill from 17-23 March? I am aware 1/9 Gurkha Rifles were the main elements. Were there any others?

Thank you in Advance
Chris

 

About 70 men from a mixture of B and D companies of 1/4th Essex and, I think, a forward observation officer from 1 Fd Regt R.A.

Can supply more details when at home, short version here:

Family Soldiers: 1/4th Essex (WW2) & 25 Field Regiment R.A.(Post-War)

 

Thank you will take a look at that post again!

 

The FOO was Major Howland.

See my transcription of the diary here:
1 Fd Regt RA at Cassino - March 44

Are you working on something specific?

I have a lot of material on this action.

 

Charley,

We are currently researching this engagement as a possible scenario to represent at an event in the US.

Do you happen to have any information on the supply drops. US or British, type sent, ammo, water..etc. I have seen the documentary regarding Castle hill with the veteran talking about Indian food being dropped.

Chris

 

Not off the top of my head, but a few of the Essex men at Cassino have done audio interviews with the Imperial War Museum, and I think the drops are mentioned. An associated issue is that the smoke screening the hill from the monastery was coming in too close and injuries were sustained. It was decided after a while that it was more of a hinderance than a help.

Try the IWM website and search for "Essex" and the names Stringer, Brock, Hazle (in particular, and check his medal citation for work on Hangman's Hill), Hawkins and Bond. There are two interviews with Stringer. Alternatively, message me your email address and I'll supply them all tonight.

Also, speak to minden1759 nicely and he may have specifics on this.

 

Hi I spoke to some of the men of the Essex Reg. during the 50th Anniversary. They lead their mules to Hangman’s Hill with ammo. My father was 2IC of Coy D 1/9 Gurkha Rifles he spoke highly of Essex and their mules. The US drops were missing their targets to supply Hangman’s Hill. The GR tried to reach some drops but injuries/losses. My father committed after Hangman’s Hill he never took water for granted again, he described when he eventually had water again it was like nectar.

 

First to reach was the "C" company of 1/9 GR, it was later joined by the "D" company followed by the "A" & "B" companies. 2 companies of 4/6 Rajputana Rifles under Captain John French guided by Lt. Lincoln Gordon took the first supplies to the battalion. Capt. French and his men were allotted defensive positions at the Hangman's Hill where he was later wounded. Porterage duties were also carried out by the 11th Field Regiment and MG battalion of 6th Rajputana Rifles. Those to return back from the garrison included 2 gunner officers and 4 other ranks, 8 officers and 177 men of 1/9 GR, 2 officers and 30 men of 1/4 Essex and 40 men of 4/6 Rajputana Rifles. Sources : Fourth Indian Division by Lt. Col. G.R. Stevens, 9 Gurkha Rifles: A Regimental History (1817 - 1947)