Introduction

Discussion in 'User Introductions' started by SteveJB, Apr 15, 2021.

  1. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Steve.

    This is the attack that decimated 2 N STAFFS. They were on Buonriposo Ridge which was far too large for the number of men that the battalion deployed and the ground was far too unsuitable for effective defence so the Germans had a field day.

    upload_2021-4-16_8-58-26.png

    Regards

    Frank
     
  2. SteveJB

    SteveJB Member

    Frank,
    That's brilliant that has given me a better perspective and understanding of the area that he fought in it seem as you say an awful lot of ground to defend no wonder they got stuffed.

    Steve
     
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  3. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Capture was not the end of his story. You also need to consider what happened after capture and what they went through as POW's, including the train Journey to Bavaria from the same railway sidings and trucks as the concentration camp victims. Men died during the journey due to the conditions on anything up to a four day trip.
    Have you researched the camp, is there any information on him on record or a Liberation Report at the NA.
    There are people on here who can probably help if you need it.
     
    Last edited: Apr 16, 2021
  4. SteveJB

    SteveJB Member

    Always wondered how his journey would have been from Italy to Germany I did not now realize how harrowing it would have been and how long it would of taken to get there very interesting.

    I have had a look on a couple of sites on Stalag XIB/357 Fallingbostel which are a general history of the POW camp and I believe there is a museum there as well but can not seem to find a web address or email address to contact.

    I am waiting for the next slot on the IRC archive site to see if I can obtain his POW card details but the next quarterly slot is mid May

    I will have to contact the NA to see if they have a Liberation report on him as well.

    Steve
     
  5. Gary Tankard

    Gary Tankard Well-Known Member

  6. SteveJB

    SteveJB Member

    That's the Chap.
    I have his service record here and it says on his record appointed acting Warrant Officer II on the 11/10/43.

    Yes please I would love copy. thank you.
    Steve
     
  7. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

  8. SteveJB

    SteveJB Member

    Thanks for the heads up I will take a l look.
    Thanks
    Steve
     
  9. LesLie Williams

    LesLie Williams New Member

    I am a new member trying to get an understanding of the possible passing of my Uncle, Pt Ronald Sydney Turner ( No 5733230) on the 8/ Feb /1944 seving in italy with the 2nd Batilion North Staffs
    It seems highly possible this is the battle that sadly took his life.
    Can you give me a brief explanation of the red & yellow Markings on the illustration you kindly posted?
    thank you in advance Les Williams
     
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  10. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    Frank aka minden 1759 will no doubt appear soon. He is well versed on Anzio and a well known tour guide. He will be able to go into detail on the map that you refer to on #21 and maybe even take you around the battlefield on one of his tours if you want.

    My interpretation (until he turns up) is that the red lines are the allied positions and the yellow the German Attack.
    Whilst I am familiar with the Artillery support of the North Staffs at this time, I will leave it to the experts.

    Gary Tankard may also via his research reveal more about your uncle.

    Enjoy the story as it unfolds.
     
    Last edited: Oct 24, 2022
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  11. LesLie Williams

    LesLie Williams New Member

    Many Thanks to you
     
  12. Uncle Target

    Uncle Target Mist over Dartmoor

    In contrast to Franks excellent modern map, I have attached a photograph of an original Military Map of the same area.
    The red dash lines forming a sort of square is Aprilia otherwise known as The Factory. to the left if you look carefully, you will see Buonriposo Ridge which is also on Franks map.
    Running down the centre of the map is a road on which are hand-written circled numbers in light blue.
    1. The Flyover 2. Factory Carrocetto 3. Campoleone

    I have also added a copy of a photo of the area courtesy of the Shepherd Family Collection.
    Flyover Factory etc enhanced.jpg Carroceto Anzio.jpg

    The photographs came from the briefcase of Major DCL Shepherd MC who was awarded the Military Cross for his control of the Divisional Artillery, breaking up the German attack on the 6th Gordons on 4th February.
    The Gunners took a pounding after this as they were in view of the German observers on the Alban Hills and on the 7th/8th Feb were moved back under cover of the trees in the Bosco. The move took place under fire, mostly in the dark. The guns had to be winched out of the boggy ground, the wooded area wasn't much better. It cost casualties as the Gun Tractors were hit, the flames lighting up the night giving the German guns an easy target. B Troop Ammunition pile was hit, brewing up, exploding all over the position.
    On the 8th there was a tremendous rainstorm moving became impossible in deep mud. On the 9th winches were brought in. F Troop was hit, the first shots set a Quad (gun tractor) on fire then E Troop was hit, Sgt Philips was wounded needing his arm amputated. (These were the 446 Bty Troops who supported 2 NS).
    At two in the morning C Troop received a "bread basket" of anti-personnel bombs courtesy of the Luftwaffe.

    The 2 N Staffs were therefore short in Artillery Support as their designated Artillery was 446 Bty 67th Field Regt.
    This left 1st Infantry Division temporarily 24 guns short with only two out of three Artillery Regiments in action.
    A Medium Gun Regiment was also moved back with many casualties.
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2022
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  13. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Leslie.

    Get hold of me through my website at www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk and I will happily explain what my marked map means.

    Pte RS Turner was killed on that fateful night of 7-8 Feb 44 when 2 N STAFFS were simply run over by the massive German assault. The Battalion sat on Buonriposo Ridge which enjoyed excellent views over key parts of the beachhead so the Germans wanted it. With so few troops in such a large area, the British units were picked off one by one. 2 N STAFFS never really stood a chance.

    Pte Turner is commemorated on the Cassino Memorial because his body was never found. Left out on the open ground, it would quickly have been destroyed by the constant artillery from both sides.

    I hope that helps.

    Regards

    Frank
     
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  14. LesLie Williams

    LesLie Williams New Member

    Frank ,
    I received a gift last week from my wife on my Birthday.It is a 5 day trip in May next year to the area, hopefully giving me the chance to visit the Casino Memorial to see my Moms Brothers Tribute.
    It will give me the opportunity to full-fill a wish my dear Mother never got to achieve.It is Something I have wished to do since Moms Passing.
    I also now understand from your comments Why he did not have a marked grave. Mom would have been 12 at the time of the battle so suggest that detail would have been kept back from her.
    How can i find out if he was a conscript or a volunteer and his point of entry into the regiment ?

    Thank you & Kind regards Les
     
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  15. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Leslie.

    I am running a study/tour to the Garigliano and Anzio on 14-17 May 23 if that grabs you. It will include a visit to the Cassino CWGC Cemetery to see the wonderful Cassino Memorial and we will look, as part of the Anzio bit, at what happened to 2 N STAFFS on 7-8 Feb 44 up on Buonriposo Ridge.

    Get me through www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk and I will explain more.





    Pte Turner did not have a marked grave because the Battalion was run over so quickly no one had a chance to bury anyone. Anzio was truly grim.



    I will also put you in touch with a chap whose father commanded C Company and who was mortally wounded that same night. He has done a lot of research on the battalion.

    Regards

    Frank
     
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