The Italian Campaign as recalled from one of the Veterans who was there. Ortona, 75 years later: The tragedy of Canada’s ‘Little Stalingrad’
The Mystery of the Christmas Day Photo Revealed The late Tom Canning, Veteran and forum member and DDAY Dodger, gave me reference to this photo. 'Other Ranks' in the Canadian Army are served by officers and NCO's.
The most recent episode of the podcast Juno Beach and Beyond is a chat with Mark Zuelke about Ortona. Little Stalingrad with Mark Zuehlke
Hi, I haven’t seen that article before. Thanks for sharing on the forum. I met the author Karen Storwick in Calgary in September 2013 as she had helped me make contact with “long lost” relatives there (with help from forum member Alieneyes - Dave) and remain in touch with her. The Governor General of Canada awarded her the Meritorious Service Medal (Civil Division) in April 2017 - invested on February 28, 2018. The citation - Karen Storwick is the founder of the Mural of Honour at The Military Museums in Calgary. Each tile in this educational mosaic represents an event or individual from Canada’s military history. Ms. Storwick has devoted countless hours to making school presentations, commemorating unmarked battlefields where Canadians fought in Italy, and conducting interviews with veterans, all with an aim to enriching the preservation of our military heritage. My mother’s cousin Fl Lt Bill Fowler RCAF of Michel, British Columbia (attached 263 Squadron RAF) is featured in the Mural of Honour mentioned in the citation. Steve
I’d most certainly agree with your comments. As I was staying with Bill Fowler’s daughter - only about 10 minutes walk away from the Museum - I was able to fit in 3 lengthy visits during my 3 week stay I’m sure you are aware of Calgary based Valour Canada organisation? Valour Canada Karen is a Director and Bill Fowler’s daughter Patti has been involved as a fundraiser. Steve
There is a comprehensive account of the Battle for Ortona in the ATB No 183 out now.....author Lieutenant Colonel G W L Nicholson. Looking further, the main text has been taken from The Canadians in Italy 1943-45 (Volume 11 of the Official History of the Canadian Army in the Second World War by Lieutenant Colonel G W L Nicholson (Roger Duhamel: Ottawa 1966) The account of the Ist Canadian Infantry Division and 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade involved in a 3 week battle to breach the town's defences but a further 8 days of street fighting to take the town.
