Finally got five minutes to think about our Italy trip; while we were not there for the 'official' ceremony on 17th May, we were there on the 60th anniversary of the advance up the Liri Valley and breakout at Cassino, and in the presence of a veteran who was there, John Dray (a member of this forum). So here's a few random photos for you to enjoy.
John Dray, who served with 5th Northants, 78th Division, at Cassino, on the Snakeshead Ridge overlooking Monte Cassino.
Sherman tank knocked out by mines on Cavendish Road; we saw this when we walked the ground around Albaneta Farm. It is now a Polish memorial; despite the battle damage, the tank is pretty much complete!
We were pleased to find an 'ad hoc' museum on a trading estate in Cassino; some great photos, a model of the abbey and some interesting artifacts. Hope it remains permanant!
Thanks to Mark Hone of this forum, we were able to ascertain where Fusilier Jefferson of the 2/LFs got the VC on 16th May 1944; this is the exact spot where he was photographed with the tank he took out with a PIAT.
We put a Poppy Cross down to commemorate our visit; this brought the locals out who had no idea what had unfolded in their gardens and homes. This is me in the photo, by the way!
Just as a final photo, we made it down to Salerno and had a brief recce around in preparation for a proper look about next year. The cemetery was an interesting one, with many unusual graves.
Nice photos Paul. Even had the weather! How many of you were there in total and was it just John on the veteran front? Ryan
Paul - Great photos, thanks for sharing them. And, nice hat! Looks like my infamous Tilley (as seen at the Menin Gate ) I hope you don't mind me adding a photo of one of my great uncles, Stanley Peppiatt MM who fought at Monte Cassino. Uncle Stan had served in the 13th/18th Hussars before transfering to the Wiltshire Yeomanry. I believe that it was whilst he was in the WYs that he got his MM in North Africa (his history is a little sketchy to me at the moment). Unlce Stan died in 1995 in Southall, Middlesex and was cremated.
Originally posted by salientpoints@May 30 2004, 12:43 AM How many of you were there in total and was it just John on the veteran front? There was just four of us: John on the veteran front(!), John Mogie whose uncle was killed at the Sangro, and Clive Harris whose uncle was killed at Salerno. Here's the boys on the Snakeshead Ridge at Cassino, standing amonst the remains of sangars held by John Dray's battalion in March-April 1944. Left to Right: Clive Harris, John Mogie and John Dray.
Hello, i'm President of "Cassino Battle, study and research centre" and we have building in Cassino a Museum on the battle, called "Montecassino 1944, Cassino War Memorial". Is open by the 8 of may 1944 and is permanant. In May 2004 we have the celebration of the 60 anniversary of the Battle, and many veterans and your relatives, came in Cassino....by all the world! Many cerimonies in the war cimitery and in the battlefiel, very important and emotional. On our website is possible to see the photo of this celebration. www.dalvolturnoacassino.it best regards Roberto Molle
Hello, i'm President of "Cassino Battle, study and research centre" and we have building in Cassino a Museum on the battle, called "Montecassino 1944, Cassino War Memorial". Is open by the 8 of may 1944 and is permanant. In May 2004 we have the celebration of the 60 anniversary of the Battle, and many veterans and your relatives, came in Cassino....by all the world! Many cerimonies in the war cimitery and in the battlefiel, very important and emotional. On our website is possible to see the photo of this celebration. www.dalvolturnoacassino.it best regards Roberto Molle
Hello, i'm President of "Cassino Battle, study and research centre" and we have building in Cassino a Museum on the battle, called "Montecassino 1944, Cassino War Memorial". Is open by the 8 of may 1944 and is permanant. In May 2004 we have the celebration of the 60 anniversary of the Battle, and many veterans and your relatives, came in Cassino....by all the world! Many cerimonies in the war cimitery and in the battlefiel, very important and emotional. On our website is possible to see the photo of this celebration. www.dalvolturnoacassino.it best regards Roberto Molle
Hi! Just received a few pictures from the 'D-Day+60 Years' trip me and a few friends made. Sorry! Posted in the wrong topic! You can see the pictures at the new topic: 'D-Day + 60 years'
Second one is the dakota dropping a stick in Angoville.... Sorry! Posted in the wrong topic! You can see the pictures at the new topic: 'D-Day + 60 years'
the third is a stick landing on the original drop zone, only 60 years later.... Sorry! Posted in the wrong topic! You can see the pictures at the new topic: 'D-Day + 60 years'
That's a tree-landing..... Sorry! Posted in the wrong topic! You can see the pictures at the new topic: 'D-Day + 60 years'
Nice photos, but pity you didn't post them in an area about Normandy, rather than one connected with Italy. :ph34r:
