German prisoners awaiting interrogation

 

A group of German prisoners awaiting interrogation, 18 Jan 44. (Photo Capt R.F. Gade, 2 AFPU, IWM TR 1526

York & Lancaster Museum Rotherham

We Will Remember Them!

 Last week I visited the Clifton Park Museum in Rotherham.   The last time I visited the Museum was some years ago.  Sadly the York & Lancaster section has been considerably reduced since then and now consists of a small room with a couple of showcases and a chest of drawers with one drawer for each country the York & Lancs. fought in.  However the good news is that the staff were magnificent.   We were given a warm welcome by the doorman who then showed us to the York & Lancs. section.   Then we went to the archives section of the museum where the staff were wonderful and very helpful.   I gave them a copy of my book "Battle For Monte Natale", and we had a lovely chat.   They told me that 70% of the museum's enquiries relate to the York & Lancs. Regiment.

The Italy drawer of the York & Lancs:

The contents of the drawer were as follows:

The keepsake says Buon Natale:

 

There was also a photo of York & Lancs. soldiers in Italy but no further information   If anyone recognises them please do let me know!

 We Will Remember Them.   Remember the men of 1 York & Lancs. at the Commonwealth War Grave Cemetery at Minturno in Italy. 

New Information Re 98 Field Regiment Royal Artillery

 

NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE BOOK PUBLISHED.

Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page  39

NEW INFORMATION

17 Infantry Brigade HQ War Diary

18 Jan 44 – 1630

Monte Argento shelled by Navy. Position has been twice attacked by 2 Royal Scots Fusiliers.; is heavily mined and booby trapped.

T. B. Davis The Surrey & Sussex Yeomanry (98 Field Regiment) 1980

“Monte Argento was supported by a fire- plan from the Regiment.   Not until midday was the little hill finally taken.   The Royal Scots Fusiliers had suffered nearly two hundred casualties in a total advance of two miles and the Seaforth Highlanders had lost two hundred and forty.   To the right of 17 Brigade the picture was less gloomy, for 13 Brigade had gained all its objectives, and Major Peile and Capt Stride were across the river with 6 Northants.   The Minturno Ridge was still in enemy hands but the Royal Pioneer Corps were maintaining a constant smokescreen along the line of the river and under cover of this were swiftly constructing a tank ferry.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page 19 

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, Surrey and Sussex Yeomanry prepare themselves and their mobile PRIEST Guns for the battle.

17 Jan 44

Video 643 5-7

No.2 Army Film and Photo Section

Cameraman: Sgt Hopkinson

Copyright: Imperial War Museum

NEW INFORMATION 98 Field Regiment R.A. 18 Jan 44

 

NEW INFORMATION RECEIVED SINCE BOOK PUBLISHED.

Book: Battle For Monte Natale Page 31

52 Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery War Diary

18 Jan 44 - 0600

“206” Battery:   Section of 17 pounders from Landing Craft Tanks landed South of river in error.   Landing lights were placed on wrong side of river which resulted in complete disorganisation of landing party.  Lieutenant Allen and Troop Sergeant landed successfully near Monte d’Argento.

NEW INFORMATION

Major G. H. Peile Adventures of “392 Battery”, 98^th Field Regiment 1945 IWM

The “A” Troop boating part proved something of a flop.   Led by their Troop Commander in his new Sherman they made a dashing assault-landing only to find that the only opposition came from “B” Troop, since their Landing Craft Tank had landed on the south side of the river instead of the north.

Navy lends A Hand ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

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.