Belatedly, a couple of photos from a recent visit to the Liri Valley, and a link to a narrative account that could be used to explore some parts of the area. Greetings go out to Gurdjeff (D), who joined myself and my brother on our 10k walk. Following in my Dad and his comrades' footsteps continues to be extremely humbling. http://www.irishbrigade.co.uk/media/A%20practical%20guide%20to%20the%20Irish%20Brigade%20during%20Operation%20Diadem%20in%20the%20fourth%20battle%20of%20Cassino%2014%20-%20Oct%206th.pdf One bit of advice - don't try to walk it in August, as we did !! Only Centuripe, Termoli, Fossasecia, Sanfatucchio, Spaduro, Argenta, to do now.. Photo 1 - near to the site of Congo bridge over the Gari river, looking north. Photo 2 - view towards Massa De Vito, and onto the abbey of Monte Cassino, and thence to the 5000 ft hulk of Monte Cairo. best,
Lady and Gents, Thanks for the kind feedback comments.. following in the footsteps of Scott, Bredin, Horsfall, Mayo, Franklyn Vaile amongst so many does bring some slight moisture to the eyes...
Richard. Superb. Well done indeed. The pictures of Congo are the exact same point that parts of 141 Inf Regt from 36 US Inf Div crossed on 20 Jan 44. I have never seen it from the German bank. Regards Frank
Thank you all again - although the guide is focussed on a small (albeit important) element of the May 1944 battle period, we hope that it would help to stimulate others to view the stunning countryside with new eyes - and with the help of these notes, other sources and a friendly face you can start the trace some of the precise details of those days. As we know, it's extremely moving to walk in our fathers' / grandfathers' / uncles' / great uncles' footsteps... best,
great stuff Richard it is excellent to see a little of what was going on alongside the Canadian Corp in the later stage of Daidem would love to read about actions from the 17th to 23rd MAY on the 78ths front. Matt
Thanks, A quick and dirty summation of the 78th Div's actions after 17th May when the Irish Brigade were taken out of the line. On 18th May: 36th Infantry Brigade attacked westwards from Piumarola with the 17th/21st Lancers. 8th Argyll and Sutherlands, and 5th Buffs in the lead. North of them, Derbyshire Yeomanry were also moving forward, and they reached Aquino by evening with limited resistance being faced, although they had now reached the vicinity of the strongly fortified Hitler (aka Senger) Line defensive scheme. That evening, due to apparent limited resistance, the order was given for the Divisional Armoured Recce Force (incl 10 Rifle Brigade), along with 36th Brigade and 17th/21st Lancers to seize the village but they were held up by awakened accurate, defensive fire. On 19th May: 8th Argylls and 5th Buffs, supported by the Ontario Regiment attacked towards Aquino early in the morning - but ran into the now reinforced defensive line, and when the morning fog lifted the Canadian tanks were heavily mauled (13 Shermans were lost), and the infantry battalions exposed to crippling fire. Both infantry battalion COs were casualties (one killed, one wounded), and the attack was aborted. That afternoon further to the right, 11th Infantry Brigade supported by 17th/21st Lancers probed towards Aquino but again were driven back. From 20th May onwards: It was then that General Leese decided on a full set piece assault on the Hitler Line and this was initially timed for 21/22 May, later postponed to 23 May (Operation Chesterfield). Quick.. and dirty.
Frank Hey! Have you finished with that? It should have it own thread; I think, though. Did you find the maps and diary entries i posted of use while you were putting it together. Absolutely put it up I'm sure it will be well received. Matt
Richard from the 1st Can Corp perspective it is often forgotten that the 13th corp came close to bouncing the Hitler line on the 19th but held up a couple 100 meters short. Which resulted in the prolongation of the operation and the laying on of Chesterfield. What was the reason of this do you know the history? Most know a great deal about mauling the NIH took a few days later but the Ontario's were pretty badly cut up in front Aquino on the 19th. You would have thought it might have been an opportunity for the 2 corps to share a little info with each other to prevent the second worse disaster of the NIH. My dad was 17th field regiment RCA they got beaten up in counter battery fire on the 21st while supporting the 1st CID attack to see if the line was in fact held in strength at the finish the Daidem.
