Book: “Battle For Monte Natale”
Page 7 Frank de Planta ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Frank De Planta
“94 Infantry Division were
supported by two cruisers and five destroyers firing from offshore. 17 Infantry Brigade were accompanied by a
Naval Gunfire Control Officer who was able to direct the fire of one of the cruisers.”
No.2 Army Film and Photo
Section
Cameraman Sgt Hopkinson
Copyright: Imperial War Museum
(Video IWM 643/ 5-7)
18 January 1944
5 Division, 17 Brigade
Meanwhile the Navy lends a
hand. Lying off shore destroyers give
support fire to the Brigade, orders being transmitted by a Brigade Artillery
officer to sailors at Brigade HQ, who retransmit
the orders to the ships by wireless.
The Brigade Artillery Officer,
Captain H. W. Hill of Scotland calls out “fire” orders from his wireless truck
to the sailors crouched beside it over their wireless sets, with which they
transmit his orders to the destroyers off shore. Finally another Officer is seen pointing out
targets to a sailor holding the firing-map.
