I am researching the relative of a friend serving with the above Regiment and who died at Sicily on 9th August 1943 and is buried in the Catania War Cemetery. I assume this was part of the initial invasion of Sicily but would be grateful if anyone could provide further information Many thanks
Hello David and welcome to the forum. There are a lot of posts already regarding Sicily - simply put 'Sicily' in the Search box and they will show up. Regards, Vitellino
David, By 9th August 1943, the 6 RWK, as part of 36 Infantry Brigade (78th Div), would have been up near Bronte on the western slope of Etna. They had landed south of Syracuse with the division at the end of July and then moved up to the Cantenanuova area. Obviously the war diaries would give you precise details of where exactly they were fighting on that day - as you know, 16 men from the battalion are listed by the CWGC as having died on 9th August 1943. best
I have no idea whether it is of any help, but I posted a document I found online here: 6 RWK North Africa 30/11/1942 Am still interested to know what CRAB stations are likely to be?
The Regimental History suggests that 6RWK were assaulting Mt Rivoglia on 9 August 1943 (north-east of Bronte). The assault was successful but a number of casualties were sustained in this obviously brisk little battle. Chris
Charley, cant see any mention of CRAB stations in The Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment 1920-1950 by H.D.CHAPLIN.. Will have a look again when I've got my specs on. It would be nice to know what the acronym stands for. Any help from the wiser people would not go a miss. Stu.
Good of you to take a look for me -- appreciated. Does that book have much about 6RWK at Cassino during March 1944?
That history has a full chapter headed Cassino. However, 1RWK, 5RWK and 6RWK were all involved. There are 6 pages on 6RWK in the castle at the beginning of the chapter and two pages on 6RWK in the Advance on Rome at the end; the rest mainly concerns 1RWK and 5RWK. Chris
On the off chance, has anybody had a look at this? Weymouth, Guy A.W.O.L. In an Italian Prison Camp and subsequent adventures On the Run in Italy 1943-1044 London: Tom Donovan. Hardcover. [6], 98, [1] p. Includes: illustrations, maps, index. The author was a subaltern in the 6th Queen's Own Royal west Kent Regiment in WWII. After severe fighting in Tunisia he was captured at Bald Hill in November, 1942 [sic--1943?]. He was incarcerated in various POW camps in Italy &, having successfully escaped, he lived on his wits behind enemy lines for many months.
By luck I've just discovered that--unbeknownst to me--the commanding officer of 6RWK wrote a book! Paul Bryan had a distinguished wartime career. He served with the Royal West Kent Regiment during World War II. He entered as a private soldier and attained the rank of lieutenant-colonel gaining the Military Cross and the Distinguished Service Order. In 1942 he fought first in North Africa as part of the Torch Landings. He was given command of 6th Battalion for the invasion of Sicily and then Italy in September 1943. For his "outstanding" leadership shown in the capture of Centuripe, Bronte and Monte Rivoglia in Sicily, he was awarded a DSO. After leading his battalion at Monte Cassino, he finished the war as commandant of a training unit established at Barmouth, Wales. Here he brought his wartime colleagues Denis Forman and Fred Majdelaney as instructors. Source: Paul Bryan - Wikipedia
