174363 Richard WAKEFORD, VC, 2/4 HAMPS: Original Recommendation

Discussion in 'Italy' started by Paul Reed, Jul 2, 2008.

  1. Damiano

    Damiano In the shadow of Monte Cassino

    Hi guys,
    there is some error in the coordinates written on the diary or a error of tolerance! For example:

    Masseria Vertechi, Map Reference Point 73 - 8417;
    8417 = Latitude : 41° 27' 21'' N Longitude : 13° 48' 30'' E but these coordinates do not coincide with the true position of Massa Vertechi.
    See this image:
    [​IMG]
    This, for all the conversions...what do you think about?

    for the IGM 1:25k map, this is the position of Massa Vertechi:
    [​IMG]

    follows a ibrid image of Massa Vertechi (1:25kmap + satellite view)
    [​IMG]

    this is the true Massa Vertechi view from Google Earth:
    [​IMG]

    Best Regards, Gurdjieff

    P.S. In the next hours, a few pictures of Massa Vertechi! :D
     
    Owen likes this.
  2. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Most excellent, thanks for doing that.
    Look forward to seeeing the photos.
     
  3. Damiano

    Damiano In the shadow of Monte Cassino

    HILL 38: Lat 41°27'24.00"N Long 13°49'48.00"E

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    HILL 50: Lat 41°27'4.00"N Long 13°49'44.00"E

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    HILL 38 and HILL 50

    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]


    MASSA VERTECHI, HILL 38 and HILL 50
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]

    A further reference from Sant'Angelo in Theodice:
    [​IMG]

    I hope to take pictures of all the places in the next days.

    Best Regards, Gurdjieff
     
    Owen likes this.
  4. Damiano

    Damiano In the shadow of Monte Cassino

    Hello,
    First close encounter with Massa Vertechi :D :

    [​IMG]
    I've taken the picture from here (red point on the map):
    [​IMG]

    It was restructured and is situated in a private property, but I think I know the owner, so in the next days I hope to meet he for take some picture.

    All the best, Gurdjieff
     
    Owen likes this.
  5. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Excellent Gurd,
    Thanks for taking the pics.
    Ah Point 50 is in the middle of the autostrade then. :(
     
  6. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Looks good.
     
  7. Damiano

    Damiano In the shadow of Monte Cassino

    Hi,
    yes Owen the Point 50 is near the autostrade, but I should be able to photograph what remains of the hill!
    Thanks for the appreciation!

    More pictures:

    Monte Cassino seen from the 'square wood':
    [​IMG]

    Monte Trocchio and the Gari river seen from the 'square wood':
    [​IMG]

    The Gari river:
    [​IMG]

    Unfortunately (or fortunately :D ) these lands are now fully urbanized and cultivated.

    Best Regards, Gurdjieff
     
  8. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Gurdjieff-
    Doesn't surprise me in the least as some of the maps we had were drawn in the early 1900's - and many roads were just cart tracks - especially from Foligno - to Iesi.....

    Cheers
     
  9. Damiano

    Damiano In the shadow of Monte Cassino

    Hi Tom, it's true. I know that most of the british war maps about Italy, are related to the IGM measurements of the early of 900!

    Best Regards, Gurdjieff
     
  10. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Paul.

    Owen mentions you providing him with the WDs for 2/4 Hamphires in Italy.

    Would you, by chance, have the pages for 13-15 May 44 - the period of the Bn's advance up to and including Massa Vertechi. I am trying to plot the routes of the four Rifle Coys in detail.

    Regards

    FdeP
     
  11. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    2/4 Hamps May 1944

    Hope this helps

    From 2/4 Hamps war diary May 1944
     

    Attached Files:

  12. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Owen.

    You are a top chap.

    Thank you.

    Itching to piece this little fight together so that I can walk it in Jan 14.

    Regards

    Frank
     
  13. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  14. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Owen.

    May I be impertinent and ask for 10-13 May too?

    Regards

    Frank
     
  15. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Here ya go..
    these preceed what I post in #32
     

    Attached Files:

  16. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Bumping this thread as it's just gone the 70th anniversary of the actions which gained him the VC.
     
  17. Brian26

    Brian26 Junior Member

    .
     
    Last edited: Aug 28, 2023
    Owen likes this.
  18. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Brian.

    Greetings.

    If you are interested, I will be running a battlefield study to Cassino as 13-16 May 21.

    Ryanair have now released their flights for this period so if you are up for the trip, do say and I will sort your accommodation.

    We are 17 in the group at the moment. On the second night, a small part of the group will be going down to the 28 Infantry Brigade's part of the river to see what 2/4 Hampshires got up to in detail.

    Regards

    Frank
     
  19. Brian26

    Brian26 Junior Member

    My father, Phil Woodhouse, gave covering fire to Captain Wakeford
     
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  20. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Brian.

    In that case, you absolutely must let me take you to the spot where 2/4 Hampshires were on 11-15 May 44.

    Regards

    Frank
     

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