19 Jan 44 A Bofors gun crew in the Garigliano area.

 19 Jan 44

These men belong to a Bofors gun crew in the Garigliano area. They are doing some sewing and one is observing the sky for enemy planes. In the background transport on the Via Appia can be seen.

The crewmembers' names are also known: Sergeant T.R. Young of Barrhead near Glasgow; Bombardier N. McLean of Staffen, Isle of Skye; Lance Bombardier R. Ruddernam of Walsham-le-Willows, Suffolk; Gunner W. Elliot of Mile End, Glasgow; Gunner J. Prendergast of Bootle, Liverpool and the Padre is Captain Ritchie of Dunfermline.

"A Royal Artillery Bofors gun crew making repairs to their uniforms during operations to cross the Garigliano river in Italy, 19 January 1944. doing some sewing. Transport on the Via Appia can be seen in the background. (Photo Captain Richard Gade: IWM TR 1527) 

19 Jan 44 - Regimental Aid Post

          

Private J. Blundell and Gunner J.R. Howarth in their slit trench at a Regimental Aid Post, 

                                             (Photo Capt. R.F. Gade, IWM TR 1528)

 

NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE BOOK PUBLISHED.

 Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page 65 

1 Green Howards War Diary 19 Jan 44 – 1050 Leading elements of ‘C’ Company entering town [Minturno] followed shortly by ‘A’ Company. ‘B’ Company passed through to Point 141. Meet opposition, eventually getting one Platoon onto the feature. Remainder of Company held up by machine gun and mortar fire. Battalion HQ and ‘D’ Company to area 789960 [just North of Minturno] ‘A’ Company sent Platoon to assist Platoon of ‘D’ Company on Point 141 and get established.

"Mark Howard, historian researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery”

Lt. Col TB Davis Regimental History of the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

19 Jan 44

“15 Brigade attacked the ridge, with Major Payne and the 471 Battery Observation Posts in support, and after a hard struggle the Green Howards fought their way into Minturno during the afternoon.”

 

19 Jan 44 A Sherman crossing the River Garigliano on a pontoon raft.

 19 Jan 44

A the same time as 1 KOYLI was taking Point 201 having advanced from Tufo:

Sherman III (M4A2) is hauled across the River Garigliano in Italy on a pontoon raft with a Bailey Bridge section - 19 January 1944 Tyler (Sgt) (Photo IWM NA 10957 WWP-PD)

6 sections of Bailey Bridge, 60 ft. Standard Bailey rafting technique.

19 Jan 44 Point 201 and Tufo

 

                                    Point 201 and Tufo from the plain. (Photo John Strafford)

19 Jan 44 5th Army Sleeping Soldiers

19 Jan 44

 Photos show Lieutenant Olaf Branns, of Hill House, Watlington, Oxon and Lance Corporal A. Durrent, of Bethnal Green, London with The Fifth Army at Lauro, snatching a few moments of sleep in a hay barn during a lull in the fighting in the Garigliano River Valley, Italy.

19 Jan 44 Royal Engineers

 19th January 1944

Royal Engineers in assault boats embark for the opposite bank to repair the last two sections of the pontoon bridge knocked out by enemy fire. (Photo Imperial War Museum).