If any body can help I am trying to locate the grid ref or as near as dam it location of the Amazon Bridge at Monte Cassino I know it was built 12/13May 1944 under enemy fire but cant find its exact location. Any help in this matter would be greatly [FONT="]appreciated . [/FONT]
tkwillett, Hello and welcome to the forum. 'Amazon' Bridge Construction dates: 12/13 May 1944 (Operation Diadem) Details: 80 ft Class 30 Bailey bridge built over Rapido river under constant fire. The bridge was built as part of the Allies break-out of the Gustav Line. Work started at 5.45pm (12 May) and completed at 5.30am (13 May). The human cost was high; 15 sappers were killed and 57 (including 3 officers) wounded. Constructed by: 7th, 59th, 225th Field Companies (4th Division) Amazon Bridge over the Rapido - May 1944 (Painting: Cuneo) Whilst I cannot help with the exact coordinates, there are several members of this forum that are experts on Google earth and I am sure that they will be able to provide you with the exact co-ordinates. I bought a large print for my Uncles 70th Birthday of Amazon Bridge as he was in the Royal Engineers, but not serving in Italy. Regards Tom
I believe the bridge was located very near where the Commonwealth cemetery is today. There is a small bend in the river and today a modern road bridge crosses the river at that spot. It can be seen quite clearly on Google Earth.
When myself and Owen were in Italy last year, we stopped very close to here to see the new memorial to the Beds & Herts. The site of Amazon Bridge is over to the right in the photo below.
Paul I think you may very well be right with your GOOGLE EARTH pic. While you are on a winning streak perhaps you can find another spot for me ? During my month or so at Cassino I remember being held up by the MPs at a spot that was well known as "Speedy Express". We had to wait at this spot until the MPs were satisfied and then, in our vehicles, dash across this gap of exposed territory until we reached another spot in the valley where we were no longer so exposed. If I remember rightly there were warning boards telling you to wait until permission to "cross" was allowed. Is there stuff written about this area and do you have GOOGLE Grid references ? Many thanks Ron
Hi Ron, Speedy Express was the name of the railway embankment used as a road between Mignano and Cassino. It is easily viewable on Google Earth and you may recognise the 2 rocky outcrops the most significant called Porchio. The link below is to the NZ electronic text centre battle write up and describes the 'road' that 2NZDiv used and then when 78th relieved them you Battleaxes also used it as you remember. I'm not sure how to get the google grid ref but I found it by finding Cassino and Mignano and the track is still visible. Hope this helps. CHAPTER 30 — East of Cassino | NZETC
Macca Many thanks for the info and the link which in turn has given me all that I could have hoped for. I went back to the 49th LAA Rgt.War Diaries and found this piece about the Mignano road: On 21 Mar the regt was ordered to take over the task of providing a smoke screen at Speedy Express Highway and Highway 6 Bridges over R Rapido. 84 Bty took on this task. Between 1250 and 1310 hrs on 25 Mar 430 to 40 enemy aircraft in three main waves approached Cassino from the south, flying up Speedy Express and Route 6. They were engaged first by 18 guns of 84 Bty concentrated at Mignano. 90 and 280 Btys and all other local LAA engaged. Seven aircraft were destroyed in all and 84 and 280 btys claimed one each. Regards Ron
By my reckoning this is the location on Google Earth. Thanks for that Paul. My grandfather was with the 225 Fld Coy RE. Amazon was originally their bridge. It's great to see the exact spot on Google Earth and your photo. Lee
Ron, I hadn't looked for this on Google Earth before, will report back if no-one else does in the meantime.
My late father Albert Hobson was in the 7th Company Royal Engineers and was awarded the Military Cross for building Amazon across the River Rapido . At present his report of the bridge building , aerial photograph etc are with my sister who is having them copied , but when they are returned to me I will willingly supply copies if anyone requires them .
Hi Driftwood, Welcome to the forum and I'd like to see them, as I'm sure many others will on here. Can I suggest you post the information on this thread? Regards Andy
Thanks , I believe that we still have his citation with his paperwork . He refused to collect his medal from Buckingham Palace and said that if they wanted to give it him they could post it to his family home in Blackpool . His mother was not very happy as she had bought a new dress , coat and hat to wear when she went to London .