Battle of Monte Cassino

Discussion in 'Italy' started by Lisa1, Feb 22, 2006.

  1. Lisa1

    Lisa1 Junior Member

    Last week I made a trip to Cassino to visit my Great Uncles Grave Private Robert (Bobby) Hark 6969073. He was in the 5th Northamptonshire Regiment and the 78th Division during this bloody battle. He was sadly killed on 16th May 1944, at the young age of 26. He was taking a bridge over the Rapido River and was shot in the back of the head by a German sniper. He was buried on the road to Cassino and later moved to his final resting place in the Cassino War Cemetery. I am looking to hear from any veterens who can answer many questions I have, especially any from his regiment. Fred Fennell continued writing to his family after BObbys death, but I have been unable to trace him. Hope to hear from someone soon........................
     
  2. Herroberst

    Herroberst Senior Member

    Condolences for your uncle. I was amazed at the terrain at Cassino as well as the food. Did you like the Sherman M-4 in the middle of town? My relatives say that Mark Clarke in his infinite wisdom not only flattened the Abbey but the town as well, everything vintage alla 60s. Where else did you go in Italy?
     
  3. spidge

    spidge RAAF RESEARCHER

    Welcome Lisa,There are many sad stories from this battle!Good luck with your quest.
     
  4. No.9

    No.9 Senior Member

    Lisa, I think Paul Reed on this site could give you info on the 5th Northamptonshire Regiment at Cassino.

    No.9
     
  5. Wise1

    Wise1 There We Are Then

    Or Gerry Chester, he was at Cassino and is a wealth of info on the subject.
     
  6. Gerry Chester

    Gerry Chester WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Hello Lisa,

    Welcome to the Forum and condolences on the the death of your Great-Uncle. He and so many, including thirty-two from the North Irish Horse, rest for ever in Italian Soil.

    As Lee says, I do have a great deal of informatiion on the battlles for Cassino. Unfortunately, at present being on an extended vacation in Bali, I do not have access to my computer at home. On my return I will ceratinly follow up on your request.

    With best wishes to you and yours,

    Gerry
     
  7. jimbotosome

    jimbotosome Discharged

    Gerry,

    Why did the Allies not drop gasoline stores on the monestary and ignite it and keep feeding the fire with new drops for a few hours until everyone inside was either dead or had surrendered?

    Jim
     
  8. Paul Reed

    Paul Reed Ubique

    Hi Lisa - only just caught up with this and got your email as well - will be in touch shortly.

    Your relative was killed in the advance up the Liri Valley, rather than in Cassino or the Monastry itself. Although previously he would have served on Snakeshead Ridge, below Hill 593. There is quite a lot about this on my website.
     
  9. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

  10. Kiwiwriter

    Kiwiwriter Very Senior Member

    Last week I made a trip to Cassino to visit my Great Uncles Grave Private Robert (Bobby) Hark 6969073. He was in the 5th Northamptonshire Regiment and the 78th Division during this bloody battle. He was sadly killed on 16th May 1944, at the young age of 26. He was taking a bridge over the Rapido River and was shot in the back of the head by a German sniper. He was buried on the road to Cassino and later moved to his final resting place in the Cassino War Cemetery. I am looking to hear from any veterens who can answer many questions I have, especially any from his regiment. Fred Fennell continued writing to his family after BObbys death, but I have been unable to trace him. Hope to hear from someone soon........................

    And thank you for your interest in our web page and your great-uncle's sacrifice for Crown and Country.

    You'll learn a lot here!
     

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