On The Road with the D Day Dodgers, May 2010

As stated elsewhere, have just returned from a week in Italy with a group. Almost everyone in the group had a connection to the Italian Campaign, and we were privileged to have six veterans aged between 86 and 93.

We started at Salerno, where two of the veterans fought.

Below is Norman Hubble, then 2/4 KOYLI 46 Div, outside the cemetery.

 

George Lyons, ex 16 DLI also 46 Div, was our other Salerno veteran. We found the area where his unit came ashore. He had never been back, and was surprised at how built up the area is now.

 

Later that day we went to Naples War Cemetery.

 

Here we visited Colonel Fienne's garve, father of the famous explorer.

 

This was a badge I had never seen before.

 

From Naples we went up to Caserta War Cemetery.

 

Here, one of the group found the grave of Hedley Verity, Yorkshire & English cricketer, something I had missed on previous visits.

 

Next day we started at Cassino War Cemetery.

 

....

 

...

 

We then went up to Monte Cassino and visited the Polish Cemetery & Abbey.

 

Despite the colour of the sky it soon cleared and was blue again an hour later.

 

Next day saw us back on Monte Cassino visiting Snakeshead Ridge. This is those who braved it to the high ground in the sweltering heat!

 

The "Doctor's House" at Snakeshead.

 

We also went down to the Sherman near Albaneta Farm; this lady's father fought here in May 1944 with the Polish Armoured Brigade, having previously been conscripted into the Wehrmacht, deserted and got across to the Allies.

 

We then went down to Acquino; here is Ken Southwell, 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers 78 Division, who fought here in May 1944.

 

We ended the day at the Rapido, and here some of the Vets stop for a rest in the sunshine.

 

The next few days took us to Anzio and the Sangro: more photos to follow.

 

Paul,

Absolutely fantastic. Superb pictures and commentary that makes you feel part of the group.

Regards
Tom

 

Cheers Paul---Great Pics