New Information 17 Jan 44 Book page 19

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

It is believed that the Sergeant working on the gun in the opening sequence is Sgt. Gerry Tonkin.

See Video below 643 5/7

Priest F1 Sgt. Gerry Tonkin on right Winter 1944

Lieutenant Geoffrey Winter 1 York & Lancs.

Additional Information: 

Book: Battle For Monte Natale Introduction Page xix

From left to right: Fleur Winter (wife of Geoffrey), Eileen Norton (wife of Colonel Geoffrey Norton), Colonel Geoffrey Norton – Former Colonel of the York & Lancaster Regiment, John Strafford, Lieutenant Geoffrey Winter - Platoon Commander 1 York & Lancs., Caroline Strafford (wife of John).   John Strafford was presented by Colonel Norton with the tie of the York & Lancaster Regiment in honour of his father Ernest Strafford.   Colonel Norton and Lieutenant Winter are wearing the regimental tie.   (Photo 2014)

Seaforth Highlanders of Canada at Ortona Jan 44

 When researching my book "Battle For Monte Natale" I came across this film at The archives of the Imperial War Museum which I thought might be of interest in particular to the Canadians. The film starts with a shot of the town of Ortona, Italy and then the Padre (Major Roy C.H.Dunford of Price Regent, Canada) leading the men in prayer and then singing the hymn "Lead Kindly Light". Then the Pipe Major (Pipe Major Esson of Vancouver( slow marches in front of the graves playing "Flowers of the Forest". I Battalion York & Lancs. fought near Ortona at the end of December 1943. My father Ernest Strafford, was there!

Extra Information - Photo of Bombardier Reggie Keast

 

Book: Battle for Monte Natale page 97

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

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

20 Jan 44

 l Battalion the York and Lancaster Regiment on the right, supported by Captain Jerdein and E Troop Observation Post, seized Monte Natale, a mile to the north of Minturno. During the afternoon the O.P. was dive-bombed and Sergeant Howard was slightly wounded. Then, as the light faded, the enemy counter-attacked in force and infiltrated to the right of the position. The O.P. was heavily shelled and twice cuts in the remote control cable were repaired under heavy fire by Bombardier Keast. Later, further German advances cut off the O.P. completely, but Captain Jerdein managed in the dark to work his to the way round to the south of the Monte Natale feature and succeeded, in spite of heavy machine-gun fire, in joining the York and Lancasters and his own O.P. vehicle just before the position was evacuated. With the O.P. vehicle Bombardier Belcher and Gunner Alcott had spent an uncomfortable night, having first been closely shelled by a German self-propelled gun and then after dark having tried in vain to contact their missing Troop Commander on foot. However, Captain Jerdein completed an excellent day's work by backing the O.P. vehicle, half trapped by shell craters, down a twisting, sunken lane and finally leading the whole party back to Rear Headquarters Battalion near Point 172, north of Minturno.”

Extra information received since the book "Battle For Monte Natale" was published re above.

Bombardier Reggie Keast who won the Military Medal at Monte Natale as signaller to Captain Jerdein, 471 Battery Observation Post. (Photo (Mark Howard)

5 Infantry Division Revised Plan of Attack

 

         18 Jan 44             

 5 Infantry Division Revised Plan of Attack showing 15 Infantry Brigade moving ahead to take Tufo and Minturno. 13 Infantry Brigade are to the right of them. No area was safe from mines. 10 Corps War Diary. (TNA)

Additional Information about Battery 471 Royal Artillery - see Notifications below

 

Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page 19

Video 643 5-7

No.2 Army Film and Photo Section

Cameraman: Sgt Hopkinson

Copyright: Imperial War Museum

17 January 1944 is the eve of the launching of the first stage of the battle for Rome.

Armour moves up for the battle, and mobile “PRIEST” Guns and their crews prepare.   Last minute adjustments and repairs are carried out on the guns, and the gunners eat their eve of battle meal.   Gunners of the 471 Battery, prepare themselves and their mobile PRIEST Guns for the battle.

As others see us

 Article in the Monte Cassino Society Summer Newsletter.

As others see us? Meta says!

 

As others see us?   Meta says!:

"Battle for Monte Natale" by John Ernest Strafford has received a positive review from Len Hill, who congratulated the author on his outstanding research and thoroughness in conducting interviews and researching original documents. Hill particularly appreciated how Strafford collated evidence and presented various scenarios, showcasing the book's meticulous approach to historical storytelling.

The book itself is a detailed account of the Battle for Monte Natale, which took place during World War II. Strafford's work brings together contemporary accounts, highlighting both the strategic and individual aspects of the battle. With its extensive use of war diaries, missing person reports, and personal accounts from both British and German soldiers, "Battle for Monte Natale" provides a unique glimpse into this pivotal moment in history.

Battle For Monte Natale - Could the British Army fight it today?

 Speech given to the New Forest Conservative Association on 13 June 2025 questions the capability of today's British army.

Why I wrote the book "Battle For Monte Natale"

 A speech I gave at the new Culture Forum Literary Festival 24 May 2025

How the book "Battle For Monte Natale" got published!

 The Trials and Tribulations of publishing!

NEW INFORMATION (9) received since book published!

 NEW INFORMATION (9)

Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page 202

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

26 Jan 44 – 1030

392 Battery being shelled – four casualties on way to Medical Officer and one more. 26 Jan 44 – 1055 Batteries ordered to stop moving vehicles in area forthwith [visibility too good for any Motor Transport movement].

26 Jan 44 – 1120

Two ambulances to this location [474 Battery] immediately.

26 Jan 44 – 1300

Regiment’s position being shelled apparently by same guns as before. 392 Battery report situation serious – ammunition hit – 17 casualties.

26 Jan 44 – 1332

391 Battery report 12 rounds fell in their area.

26 Jan 44 – 1335 Orders received for 392 Battery to pull out.

26 Jan 44 – 1530

Information received from Battery Master Royal Artillery that Regiment is to be pulled out at dusk on 27 Jan 44.

 

Artillery played an important part in the recent advances, firing almost continuously. During a respite, the crew of a Priest self-propelled gun unpack ammunition ready for the next shoot. Minturno/ Garigliano area. 26 Jan 44 (Photo 2 AFPU, Sgt. Johnson. TNA 11532)

26 Jan 44 – 1600

Orders received to leave area at 1800, 27 Jan 44.

Lord Carver, War in Italy, 392 (Surrey Yeomanry) Battery, 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery. J. Gascoigne-Pees writes

26 Jan 44 Wednesday

’A black day for the Surrey Battery. It was a very clear morning, and their first warning of trouble was a ranging air burst plumb over the Battery area. This was ominous and it was soon followed by a few shells straight into the area. The Command Post staff were inside “H” truck, and it seemed as though the shells whizzed just a foot above the hood. Soon the troops were reporting to Command Post that some gunners had been hit and all spare men from “K” and “Y” trucks were used as stretcher bearers to take the wounded to the Regional Aid Post. The shelling eased off for a while and then came on again very heavily. Several enemy guns must have been engaged on bombarding the position and then “C” Troop reported one ammo dump on fire and later reported it was out of control. Shortly after that “D” Troop reported the same thing and some guns had to move their position. More and more shells were pumped into the area but throughout the day the Surrey guns kept firing. The situation was reported to Regimental HQ and the CO.2 [second-in-command] ordered the Battery to evacuate the position when it became untenable. It was more than untenable and to hang on would have meant all would have been lost. Their own ammo was burning furiously and exploding, and the air was alive with schrapnel. The guns pulled out and Command Post made a rush job of packing up “H” truck and cleared off. They mustered together again by 391 Battery position, and it was a very dazed party that was left. 18 of the gunners had been hit out of about 100 men on the gun position. Luckily there were some rations on “H” truck, and they were able to have a brew up for the HQ party. A few more shells came over while they waited until dusk before they moved back to “B” echelon where they spent the night. Jack Beeby who was in charge of one of “D” troop’s guns described the day in his diary: “the wind changed direction and our smoke screen became useless and at the same time the visibility became very clear. Soon after breakfast I was on the gun firing and with a sudden swish a shell burst two yards in front of our Priest [self propelled 105mm gun]. A minute later another burst right at the side of us putting the gun out of action. Our armour saved us from injury but the schrapnel damaged a great deal of our equipment. From then on we were shelled solidly all day long. We had casualties every few minutes and to make matters worse two of our piles of ammunition were hit and started to explode all over the place. However, we continued firing until several more guns were knocked out and then we were given the order to evacuate. Shells were bursting all around us, trees came crashing down and the air was filled with that horrid acrid smell that comes from bursting shells.”

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

NEW INFORMATION (9)

John Gascoigne-Pees, 98 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery was in Peile’s Battery, & before Peile was promoted to Major, in his troop

Empty shell cases being stacked ready for removal. Minturno and Garigliano area. 26 Jan 44. (Photo 2 AFPU Sgt. Johnson, TNA 11533)

 

NEW INFORMATION (8) Military Medal for Gunner Darley

 Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page 198

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

25 Jan 44 – 1900

392 Battery Observation Post received direct hit – Captain Stride evacuated with leg wounds. Bombardier Miller also evacuated with wounds. Battery Commander instructed Lt. Fisher to stand by as new Battery Observation Post Officer. 392 Battery: Vehicles believed to be tanks moving North-East up to Santa Maria Infante at 1750. At 1800 four tanks going same route.

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery Military Medal Citation for Gunner E. S. Darley NEW INFORMATION (8)

25 Jan 44

On 25 Jan 44 enemy medium and field guns began heavy and accurate shelling of the battery position just South of the River Garigliano, at which Bombardier (then Gunner) Darley was at duty.

A direct hit set one of the ammunition dumps on fire, causing some of the charges to explode and throw shells, portions of cartridge cases and burning fragments of containers about the gun position.   The prospect of putting it out appeared hopeless, and a warning was given to remain under cover.   Gnr Darley however, left the safety of his Priest’s armour, ran 80 yds across the open, and began to put out the fire with a fire extinguisher, completely regardless of enemy shells which were falling into his troop position at the rate of 3 or 4 a minute or of the fact that the whole ammunition dump might go up at any time.   Inspired by his example, others brought extinguishers and water, and the fire was brought under control.   His initiative and leadership combined with quickness of thought and action and gallant disregard for his own safety, were directly responsible for prevention of further casualties to personnel and probably of damage to the guns in action.

27 Jan 44

On 27 Jan 44 enemy shelling was renewed, causing a number of casualties and another fire.   Once again Gnr. Darley was prominent in helping to put out the fire and move the wounded, although more than one shell burst within a few yards of him.

Military Cross Citation for Major G.H. Peile NEW INFORMATION (7)

 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery Bar To Military Cross Citation for Major G.H. Peile NEW INFORMATION (7)

22-30 Jan 44

Major Peile was in support of 2 Coldstream Guards in Tremensuoli.   Throughput this period, the outskirts of the village constituted the Forward Defence Lines and enemy Observation Posts overlooked the position from South West and North, some of them from within 100 yards.   As a result, enemy shelling, mortar and Spandau fire was constant and extremely accurate; the establishment of our own observation Posts whether in the fronts of houses facing the enemy or on forward slopes in front of the leading infantry, called for the greatest skill, care, and determination.   One OP on a forward slope was discovered and knocked out by enemy mortars, with the loss of the observing Officer (amputation of leg) and other wounded.   Many direct hits from Artillery and mortar shells were made on the three or four houses used as Ops on the west face of the village, while our own fire was being directed from them.   All the OP vehicles were either damaged or covered with debris from shells falling near them.   In spite of these difficulties and dangers, Major Peile kept observation going on the three sides facing the enemy throughout the whole period; the surrounding country was carefully registered to within 200 yards of the forward Defence Lines; a number of mortar positions were engaged, with good effect to judge by shouts and screams heard; enemy were driven out of houses and shelled as the ran, causing casualties: further out Motor Transport was hit, and two hostile batteries, whose flames could be seen, were registered, both with his own guns and those of the Division Medium Regiment.   Many of these tasks were carried out by Major Peile, others by Observation Post officers under his command, but the manner in which support was given was due to the cheerfulness, courage, energy, determination and leadership of Major PEILE, himself during a week of constant strain and danger, by day and night.   The qualities he showed were an inspiration to those around him and the Artillery support he gave was of direct assistance to the infantry in maintaining a difficult position.

NEW INFORMATION (6) since book published: Major George Peile awarded his second Military Cross

 NEW INFORMATION (6)

Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page 168

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

23 Jan 44 – 0900

392 Battery Commander with 201 Guards Brigade. Regiment is now entirely in support of 201 Guards Brigade with Batteries affiliated as follows: 391 – 6 Grenadier Guards. 392 – 3 Coldstream Guards. 471 – 2 Scots Guards

"Mark Howard, historian researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery” NEW INFORMATION (6)

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

23 Jan 44

 Major George Peile is the 392 Battery Commander mentioned in the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery entry there. The Observation Post Officer who lost his leg was Captain Stride. Another of Major Peile’s men in 392, Gunner Darley, won an MM during this action.

Major George Peile won his second MC during the same week as Keast during the same part of the campaign as Monte Natale; he was by this point officer commanding 392 Battery, 98 Field Regiment, Royal Artillery.

NEW INFORMATION (5) Four Heroes remembered

All  four fought in the "Battle For Monte Natale"

NEW INFORMATION (5):471 Battery, 98 Field Regt. Royal Artillery 1986 (Photo Mark Howard)  

 Left to right Sgt. Charlie Howard MM, Lance Bombardier Les Belcher, Capt. John Jerdain MC, Bombardier Reggie Keast MM. 

In December 44, Sgt. Charlie Howard won his MM near Bologna, having volunteered for an Observation Post duty in an enemy occupied town, with the ulterior motive of trying to find his best mate Reg Keast who had been missing for 24 hours. Keast’s OP had been overrun.   However, he’d been badly injured by a grenade, and taken prisoner. These four gentlemen were the E Troop, 471 Battery, 98 Field Regt. Royal Artillery, Observation Post party.

Citation for Bombardier J.R. Keast

 NEW INFORMATION (4)

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery Military Medal Citation for Bombardier J.R. Keast NEW INFORMATION:

22 Jan 44

On 22 Jan 44 Bombardier Keast was on duty as Observation Post Signaller on the Monte Natale feature, in support of 1 York & Lancs.

To enable support to be given to the forward troops the O.P had to be maintained all day, in an exposed position.   It was subjected to constant shell, mortar and sniper fire and the least movement brought intense fire down upon it.   A number of casualties were suffered by the infantry close by.   In spite of this Bdr. Keast crawled back on four separate occasions to repair the remote control wires when they were cut by shells or mortars.

His coolness and efficiency under heavy fire and complete disregard for his own safety, kept communications through at a time when they were urgently needed, as the O.P. was the only one in support of the Battalion.

As a direct result two counter-attacks were beaten back, largely by Artillery fire.

Bombardier Keast was awarded the Military Medal.

NEW INFORMATION (3) since book published!

 

NEW INFORMATION (3)

Book: Battle for Monte Natale page 131

1 York & Lancs. War Diary

22 Jan 44 – 0545

FOO [Forward Observation Officer] from 98 Field Regiment arrived to go forward with ‘C’ Company.

Book: Battle for Monte Natale page 135

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

22 Jan 44 – 0650

SOS Category continuous: 471 Battery report strong counterattack making progress coming up road 781969 and at 780968 [Santa Maria Infante road, a kilometre North of the Cemetery]

Book: Battle for Monte Natale page 143

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

22 Jan 44 – 1050

Enemy counterattack down road – occupied Cemetery – some armour with them – situation fluid. 22 Jan 44 – 1053

471 Battery – enemy still counterattacking strongly – some infiltration – situation still fluid.

Book: Battle for Monte Natale page 154

98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

22 Jan 44 – 1430

Air Observation Post on recce but does not see anything. Enemy tanks at 776965, Point 156, Monte Natale.

22 Jan 44 – 1445

471 Battery reports three Sherman tanks previously stuck now OK. Observation Post Officer slight injury. ‘E’ Troop Observation Post Officer resting with 1 York & Lancs. Battery Commanders jeep disabled.

Mark Howard, historian researching the 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery” NEW INFORMATION (3):

‘E’ Troop Observation Post Officer with the York & Lancs. is Captain John Jerdein and Bmdr Reg Keast was his signaller