I have been enjoying a trip to Italy for the last two weeks and popped into a model shop around the corner from our accommodation. I needed some interpreting and another customer spoke excellent English and was also very interested in WW2 Italian history. It turned out that he has connections with other like minded people and he asked me to meet him this morning (saturday) when he would have a little surprise for me. He was there promptly and presented me with a booklet that was supplied to US service men and the he pulled out the shell of an original WW2 British and Commonwealth helmet with Divisional signs painted on together with place names of importance. Regards Tom
That was very nice of him Tom. Would have been a great surprise. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. Cheers Geoff
Tom Lovely story and I bet you were truly chuffed to get your presents Couldn't help thinking of my own "Present from Rome" ! http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/83/a1941383.shtml (Scroll down to "A gift" Ron
Geoff/Ron, Thanks for the comments. The gift was like a bolt out of the blue. I at first told Vittorio that I could not possible accept such a gift especially as it was earmarked for a small museum. He straight away replied that I really must take it as a gift for my fathers part in helping to Liberate Italy. I couldnt really argue and said that I would treasure it. Ron, the story is a nice one and I remember reading your items on the BBC site. Had a great time and traced some of my fathers route through Chianti land towards Florence. Just one painful reminder as I had to visit the Policlinic A+E the first Wednesday as I trapped my left middle finger in the metal outside window shutter which was jammed. I freed it ok but it slammed shut on my finger which was not fast enough to get away. Unfortunately it slammed my finger against the marble window bottom and also acted as a guiotine slicing the whole of the underside of my fingertip. I knew straight away it required A+E and the Doctor did a great job of stitching me up with 12 stitches in all. Unfortunately Anja had to do the car driving. We survived the trials and tribulations of Rome but i do not think she will ever wish to drive in Rome again. Hopefully have the stitches out tomorrow. Regards Tom
Excellent one Tom - back in 2009, I was given some German barbed wire and a British Army ammunition box (dated 1942) from the grounds of Casa Sinagoga..almost ruined my suitcase getting it back. And fantastic story Ron - thanks for re-linking it...very moving indeed. best wshes
Nice gifts Tom I'm really pleased you are enjoying your trip following some of your father's route. I cherished my time in Italy too. Lesley
Tom. What a wonderful act of kindness - and so well preserved. Would you mind taking a photo of the other side of the helmet. I cannot make out the other Div badges. Regards Frank
Frank, Photos straight from my tablet for you. Hopefully vittorio will have received my email with a link to this forum. He sounded very interested when I mentioned the veterans posting with several having served in Italy, as well as several members also from Italy. May lead to another member. Regards Tom View attachment 148461 View attachment 148462 View attachment 148463 View attachment 148464 View attachment 148465 View attachment 148466 View attachment 148466
