119 thoughts on “Contact Us”

1. My father was with the 1/4th Essex regiment at casino James Oswald Came we understand he was a Regimental Sergant Major but have no knowledge of what he went throughas returning home he never spoke about it he had shrapnel wounda and a leg injury and was admitted to Lincoln hospital to recover can any one confirm his rank or position after the battle.

   • Hello Christopher.
     Thank you for your message. We will try to find out more about your father’s history in Italy and get back to you. In the meantime, if you look at the Recollections page on this website, you will find the diary of Harold Brand who was also in the 1/4 Essex regiment, which may be of interest.
     Regards
     Des James

2. I am been meaning to put pen to paper and try to find more about my Late fathers time during WW2.
   i have been in contact with northampton musseum and found more details.
   My Father was Roy Stanley Baker, No.14406330, 5th battalion ,Northamptonshire regiment.

   As a child in the 60s/70s i grew up not knowing a great deal about my fathers military career, but being a young boy would have loved to. As like a lot of veterans he did not like to talk about his time in battle, i even found his medals discarded in a draw in the garage, grimy and oil stained. and i knew he had a small box with documents and old photos of himself and sweethearts in other countries, which my mother knew about and often Joked about.
   His attitude seemed to change in 1995 during the 50th anniversary of the end of the war, when he got to talk to other veterans at organised events at local social clubs, which i helped to organise with copies of newspapers of the war years which the veterans and wives really enjoyed. and with this eventually talked to me about his service.
   He said he served in north Africa and then took part in invasion of Italy. He recalled about his first taste of curry onboard the deck of ship when members of Indian regiments openly cooking and handing it around, and frightning times in landing craft heading to beach. But he eventually ended up at Monte Cassino which ended in disaster , I know his best freind who i’m sure he said was also called Roy and was also from Hinckley was killed. and i believe his unit was disbanded and then he was transfered to the Royal army service corp and he spent rest of war driving in Italy. he said the hardest thing he did was to come home and face his friends Family, Which is why his reluctance to talk about the war.
   After these 50th celebrations he even replaced his medals (which i now have) which he wore with pride at vetaran parades until his passing in 2003. Unfortunately when my mother passed away we couldnt find the box with his documents and photos in. (Whether it was to difficult for her to hold to these) and He was buried wearing his jacket with regemental Badge.
   I never knew what my Fathers friend’s surname was, but on checking the war graves website have found a Roy Allkin who died at Cassino, and checked on our local memorial (Hinckley) and his name appears there.
   so i am now hoping to check this out and hopfully meet.

   Many thanks

   kim baker

   • Thank you for your message about your father. If you find out more and can put it together as a ‘story’ I will add it to the Recollections page where you can read other peoples stories. The main purpose of the Monte Cassino Society is to perpetuate the memory of the conflict in Italy as it is often forgotten.

3. Hi,
   Just finished reading ‘Hell and High Water’. I noticed the exploits of ‘Smokey Smith’, I think to do with the Liri Valley and dealing with Monte Cassino. My late very good friend Bernard Pelletier, of the Saskatoon Light Infantry, was with Smokey when Smokey was taking out the two Panzers. I have a picture of Bernie beside Smokey’s casket in the Rotunda of the Parliament Buildings. I have no idea how people like Bernie and Smokey kept their sanity after what they had to do. I cry every Remembrance Day, also for my Dad’s service and my wife’s son’s service in Afghanistan. Many thanks for the opportunity to comment.

4. Our late father told us his two brothers died at Monte Cassino but we can’t find any records of them .
   Klemon Leon Brylowski 1919
   Franciszek Brylowski 1924 born in Reboszewo
   Father Viktor
   Mother Marta was Wiercinska
   Regards
   Mrs Deborah Brylowski

   • Debbie.

     Here is how you can find out:

     APC Polish Enquiries
     Building 1
     RAF Northolt
     West End Road
     Ruislip
     Middlesex
     HA4 6NG

     Email: apc-sp-polishdisclosures@mod.gov.uk

     You might want to use this link:
     https://swoopingeagle.com/home/research/how-to-get-polish-military-records-from-the-uk-mod/

     Regards

     Frank

5. To whom it may concern,
   I am the son of a WW2 Polish Soldier whose name is “Jan Drewniak” a sapper in the 3rd Sapper Battalion, 1 Company, 3rd Carpathian Rifle Division. I have been sharing my father’s Memoirs of his involvement during the period of 1939 to 1948. As a Polish Citizen of the Eastern Kresy Region, conscripted by the NKVD in 1941, then placed into forced Labor Camps in Siberia. After the amnesty joined the Polish 2nd Corps in Buzuluk, USSR. Evacuated to Persia & outfitted and trained in the Middle East with the British 8th Army. Left Port Said, Egypt in late December 1943, sailed across the Mediteranean to Italy and landed in Taranto. This is where he fought during the Italian Campaign along the Adriatic Coast. He fought and was wounded at the Battle of Monte Cassino, May 14, 1944. Later fought up the Adriatic Coast until his Battalion reached Bologna. Remained in Italy where he married my mother and in 1948 immigrated to Canada.
   I have taken my father’s written memoirs which he wrote when he was 67 years old and when I retired I decided to put it into a pictorial book for my children & grandchildren. I have been sharing his Memoirs to more than 250 decendants of Polish soldiers all around the world. I would like to know if the MC Society would be interested to have a copy to share with their membership? Please contact me by email.

   • Michael.

     I would like a copy. How do I get hold of one?

     Regards

     Frank

6. Hello my interest is thru my Uncle John Clarke who fought in the black watch. I live in Australia but originally in UK born on base at Longmoor Alton. My dad was Royal Engineers.
   I wish to research now as Uncle John deceased Oct 2022 and visit Monte Cassino in 2027.
   Do you have any suggestions for my travels. I know John was heavily invested in returned soldiers pilgrimages.

   • Hi Lesley. Thanks for your post. The Society organises visits to Monte Cassino and other parts of Italy which had significance during the war. We are usually accompanied by a military historian who is able to give us greater detail and the trips will visit the nearby military cemeteries. There are trips planned for 2026 (see the Events page) but not yet for 2027. Check the Events page later in the year for trips in 2027. You would be most welcome.

   • Lesley.

     That would put him in 6th Battalion Black Watch who were in 12 Infantry Brigade in 4 Infantry Division. He would have been at the Fourth Battle of Cassino in May 44.

     I have now set the date for the 2027 Monte Cassino Society battlefield study. We will be there 12-16 May 27 inclusive.

     If you would like more information, get hold of me through my website http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk

     I look forward to hearing from you.

     Regards

     Frank

7. My Mum’s brother Gunner Leonard Stapley served with the 149(The Lancashire Yeomanry) Anti-Tank Regiment Royal Artillery.
   Died on the 16th March 1944 aged 24yo. And is buried in the Monte Cassino War Cemetery.

   • Thank you for your post. If you know the grave reference (you can find it on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website) we could put a memorial card there when the MCS visit in May 2026.

   • Paul.

     149 (LY) AT Regt RA were the anti-tank unit supporting 4 Indian Division who were at Cassino from Feb-Apr 44. Gnr Stapley would have endured the Second Battle in Feb 44 and two days of the Third Battle in Mar 44. He would have witnessed the bombing of the monastery on 15 Feb 44 (576 tonnes) and the bombing of the town (1,112 tonnes) – two huge events at the time.

     Regards

     Frank

8. Hi, I would like to know a bit more about my great uncle’s involvement at the Battle of Monte Cassino. He was called Ronald Watson and was awarded a Military Cross. Thanks Barney

   • Hi Barney. Thanks for getting in touch with us. Do you have any more details about your great uncle, such as his rank, army number, regiment and date he was at Monte Cassino. There were four battles between January 1944 and May 1944. You can get more information about the conflict from this website. I wait to hear from you. Des James

   • Barney.

     Would that be Lt Ronald Watson 1 Derbyshire Yeomanry? If it is then do get in touch and I will happily send you the original citation for his Military Cross.

     Get hold of me through my website http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk

     Regards

     Frank

9. Hi,
   Would you have any records on our Polish uncles who died at monte cassino. All I have is their names and dates of birth
   Klemon Leon Brylowski 1919
   Franciszek Brylowski 1924
   Would love to know any information on them if possible .
   Thank you
   Mrs Deborah Brylowski

10. I’m trying to find my uncle’s military record
    Edward Tarrant Came from Knutsford Cheshire. Born 1910
    Joined the Veterany courps. He served in
    Africa and fought at Monte Casino 1945 where he was injured, losing an eye He retired as Captain. Came back to live in Cheshire
    Thankyou for any help you can give me.
    Yours sincerely. Letitia Tetsill ( Mrs)

11. My late father
    Arthur Harrison
    56th recces service no 7892408

    12thvroyal lancers.
    Was he at Monte Casino please
    Sheila.robinson@hotmail.co.uk

    • Sheila.

      I answered your original email.

      I have sent that answer to your email address. Look out for it.

      Regards

      Frank

12. arthur geoge butler of darlaston died on 8 arpil 1944

    • Arthur.

      There is no record of Arthur George Butler on the CWGC database.

      Are you sure of your facts?

      Regards

      Frank

      • I have found Arthur Butler. He was killed on 7 Mar 44 whilst serving with 1/6 East Surreys.

        Regards

        Frank

13. Hi
    My Grandad, Harry Palmer (Ginge) fought at Monte-casino with the 1/4 Essex Regiment, 4th Indian Division, 8th Army.
    I have an article that he kept from a newspaper clipping about his regiment taking Hangman’s hill and being trapped up there for 9 days.
    I would love to find out more especially if any of the old comrades are still alive ?
    Any information would be greatly appreciated .
    BR
    Lee

    • Lee.

      Get me through my website http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk and I will share with you the full story of what 1/4 Essex got up to in the castle and then the two Rifle Companies up on Hangman’s Hill. The two Companies were sent to reinforce the single 1/9 Gurkha Rifle Company that reached and occupied Hangman’s Hill.

      Are you aware the the Royal Anglian Regiment erected a memorial to 1/4 Essex
      in 2007. It is inside the castle grounds.

      Regards

      Frank

14. My father, Norman Eric Bothamley, fought at Monte Cassino with the 2nd Btn Coldstream Guards. I have extensive details of his time during WW2, including Dunkirk, North Africa and Italy. I have his war diaries and an account of his war experiences written when he was in his 80’s. If anyone is interested in any of the information I can forward it. Despite his records would love to know more about his war history.

15. I have a film of The Siege of Monte Cassino. Would you be interested? If so please contact via email
    john.franklin 4@BTinternet.com Gwyneth Franklin

    • Thank you for contacting us. We would be interested in your film for our library but would like to know more about it. Who made the film? Is it copyright? Thanks.

16. My late father was in the 56th Reconmaidsnce Corp and also the 12th Royal Lancers. He was un the Izitalian campain. But is there anyway if you could tell me if his name is in your archives for the Momte Cassino .campaign.He would have been 24 at the time. He was a Tank Driver.
    Arthur Harrison service no.7892408

    • Sheila.

      Your father was indeed at Cassino because 56 Recce Regt were the reconnaissance unit for 78 Infantry Division.

      The Division held ground behind the monastery and directly below it in the castle after the Third Battle of Cassino in Mar 44 before handing over to the Polish Corps and been withdrawn in preparation for their role in the Fourth Battle of Cassino.

      For the Fourth Battle of Cassino the Division was the reserve for XIII (British) Corps in May 44 and took up the lead on 16 May 44.

      I am not sure how he ended up in 12L because 56 Recce Regt were involved in 78 Infantry Division impressive advance through the Argenta Gap in Apr 45 during the Final Offensive and would have been required for that.

      Could it be that he was transferred to 12L after the war when the Div was in Austria?

      Regards

      Frank

17. My father fought at Monte Cassino in April/ May 1944.
    He then went on pushing up through Italy until November 1944 when he trod on a mine being blown up and loosing a leg, amongst other horrific injuries. He was with the SE Surreys, transferring to the London Irish after Cassino as there were only 11 left standing of his group. My father was Joseph John Taylor , aged 30 at the time of Cassino.
    I have visited the Monastry and many cemeteries a very moving experience.

    • Penny.

      If he was transferred to 2 London Irish after Cassino that would likely put him in 1 Surreys. Is that correct?

      Regards

      Frank

18. I had two uncles in the battles at Casino. My English uncle was only seventeen and unfortunately lost his life My other uncle who was Polish survived. I have never been there but would be interested in visiting the area My uncles names were Raymond Truslove. and Jan Swavikovski

    • Leslie.

      Raymond Truslove was a Private in 2nd Battalion Somerset Light Infantry and was killed on 15 September 1944 in the Battle for the mighty Gothic Line in the area around Rimini.

      2 SLI were part of 10 Infantry Brigade in 4 Infantry Division and they played a major part in the successful Fourth Battle of Cassino in May 44.

      He is buried in the wonderful Coriano Ridge CWGC Cemetery – I was there a few weeks ago and probably passed him.

      If you would like to see all this for yourself, do get in touch through my website http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk

      I guide groups at both Cassino and the Gothic Line. Off the top of my head, Raymond Truslove was killed in the area around the village of Cerasola.

      Regards

      Frank

19. Watching the Remembrance service in Whitehall prompted me to wonder about my father’s war time history as I know he fought across North Africa and then the length of Italy. He rarely spoke of his time in the army as he had a very hard time, seeing a lot of action and lost many friends. However, I do recall him once talking about Monte Casino hence this email.
    I wonder how I can research his time in the military. I believe he served1939-1945. Name: Alfred Henry Neale
    d.o.b. 1921. died 1990
    Born in Bethnal Green, London.
    I’m afraid I don’t have any other records as I lost various paperwork after his (untimely) death. I won’t enlarge, unless needed, but as I said he had a very bad war and this greatly impacted the rest of his life.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Many thanks.
    James Neale (son)

    • Thanks for contacting us James. We will reply to you soon.

    • James.

      You should go to http://www.gov.uk and type in ‘How do I obtain a Service Record’.

      Follow the instructions and do not worry if you do not have every detail that they are asking for.

      Regards

      Frank

    • James.

      You should go to http://www.gov.uk and type in ‘How do I obtain a Service Record’.

      Follow the instructions and do not worry if you do not have every detail that they are asking for.

      Regards

      Frank

20. Hello, I’m hoping you may be able to provide further information as to my grandfathers Military Cross award at Cassino.

    He was with the Reconnaissance Corps.
    Capt JDM Williamson.

    • Thanks for contacting us John. We will reply to you soon .

    • John.

      I have checked with the National Archives and can find no record of a Williamson with the initials JDM as having been awarded the Military Cross.

      Do you have those initials in full?

      Regards

      Frank

21. I’m hoping you have some information on my late mother’s brother who fell at the battle of Monte Cassino, March 29th 1944, age 27, and is buried in Cassino War Cemetery.
    Lieutenant James Austin Burgess 262180,
    132 (The Glamorgan Yeomanry) Field Regt.,
    Royal Artillery.
    I recall once seeing a letter from his CO, which says he was killed by a ranging shot from the German artillery, which may or may not be true, if course.
    Regards,
    Ray

    • Thanks for contacting us Ray. We will reply to you soon.

    • Ray.

      132 Fd Regt RA were one of the three embedded field artillery regiments in 78 Infantry Division. Where the Div went then so did 132 Fd Regt RA.

      29 Mar 44 was right at the end of the Third Battle of Cassino. James Burgess was an Officer so it is a 99% likely that his death would have been mentioned in the Regiment’s War Diaries.

      Get me through http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk and I will happily put you in touch with someone who can get you those War Diaries.

      Regards

      Frank

22. My father LCpl Jozef Bal – 30085285
    served in Monte Casino with the Polish forces under British command from 1/4/42 – 19/2/47
    He was wounded and lost his left eye in the conflict
    Dad didn’t speak about the war when he was alive. I would like to piece together more information

    • Thanks for contacting us Maria. We will reply to you soon.

    • Go to the Sikorsky Museum in London. They hold lots of information.

      Regards

      Frank

23. Good morning
    My grandad was George Henry Conlan
    He lost his life in this battle
    Is there anyone still alive that served with him that could tell me anything about him
    Thankyou

    • Thanks for contacting us Mark. We will reply to you soon.

    • Mark.

      Sjt GH Conlan was serving in 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade at the time. The battalion were part of 61 Infantry Brigade who were the infantry for 6 Armoured Division.

      The Division was pushing up the Liri Valley towards Rome when he was killed.

      Only the War Diaries can confirm where the battalion was on 4 Jun 44.

      Regards

      Frank

24. My father Patrick George Docwra was at the invasion of Sicily and then went on to the Anzio landings. From the information I hold he was part of a reconnaissance unit he passed away in 2010 of lung cancer.

    I hold his medals and his discharge papers etc.

    • Thanks for contacting us Andrew. We will reply to soon.

    • Andrew.

      Do you know his Regimental Number?

      Regards

      Frank

25. Hello, my father Vernon Ruff fought in Italy serving in the Royal Sussex Regiment, went through Monte Cassino and eventually ended up stationed in Verona northern Italy . I had a brief service record from the MOD but would like to know more about his service. He sadly passed in 2003, and I finally managed to fulfill his ambition to return to Verona last year and stand in the holding area he was stationed in before major development was undertaken ( I was amazed it was still there)
    But obviously would like to know more and fill in gaps,
    best regards,
    Andrew Ruff

    • Thanks for contacting us Andrew. We will reply to you soon.

      • Andrew.

        1 R SUSSEX featured very heavily at the Second Battle of Cassino in Feb 44. They had a very bruising time up on Snakeshead Ridge which overlooks the monastery.

        If you would like to see for yourself, MCS are running a battlefield study to Cassino on 13-17 May 26 during which we loook at the Second Battle in some detail and you will get a good iidea of what he endured.

        Get me through http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk for more details.

        Regards

        Frank

26. Just to let you know my wife’s father served in the RAMC and was at Monte Cassino. He was Pte Harry Locke.
    184 Field Ambulance 48 Div 7397639

    • Thanks for contacting us Desmond. We will reply to you soon.

      • Desmond.

        184 Fd Amb RAMC looked after 138 Infantry Brigade so where that Brigade went so did the Fd Amb.

        Regards

        Frank

    • Desmond.

      I think that you mean 46 Infantry Division.

      They were at Cassino between the First and Third Battles before being withdrawn to North Africa. They had landed at Salerno on 9 Sep 43 and by April 44 were completely shot through.

      At Cassino, they were in the mountains to the south of the Liri Valley. Ghastly places with names like Monte Rotondo, Monte Cerasola or Monte Faito.

      Regards

      Frank

27. Hello.
    I’m very interested in finding my great uncles participation in the battle of Monte Cassino. His name was Jan Wromyko he was a member of the Polish forces that took part in the battle. He came to England after the war where he married my great aunt.
    Thank you for your consideration.

    • Thanks for contacting us Paul. We will reply to you soon.

    • Paul.

      Your starting point should be the Sikorsky Museum in London.

      They hold lots of records.

      Regards

      Frank

28. Just to let you know my wife’s father served in the RAMC and was at Monte Cassino. He was Pte Harry Locke.

29. Hello there.
    I’m very interested in learning more about my fathers role in the battle of Monte Casino. He was an RSM and he lost most of his team in the battle. I would love to understand where he was and how things unfolded for him. His name and service number are below.
    Barrington John Stancombe: 6020495
    He served in Greece and Italy.
    Many thanks for any signposting you might be able to share?
    Mark

    • Mark.

      6020495 is from the batch allocated to the Essex Regiment. If he served in both Italy and Greece then he was in 1/4 Essex who played a major role in the Third Battle of Cassino in Mar 44.

      Get me through my website http://www.cassinobattlefiields.co.uk and I will happily share more information. My Regiment erected a memorial to 1/4 Essex in the castle at Cassino in 2007.

      Regards

      Frank

30. I am off on a Leger Battlefield Tour this coming Monday 6th October 2025
    The Italian Campaign specifically around Cassino.
    Have read a couple of books about the campaign but my first time to the Italian battle grounds.

    • Ian.

      If the Leger tour whetted your appetite for a lot more detail about Cassino, you are welcome to join one of my tours.

      Get me through http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk

      Regards

      Frank

31. Hi, I am still trying to find my dad’s service record, he was in the RA and served in north Africa and Italy. His service number T/279209. WILLIAM CLAY DOB 5/7/1914, any help would be great.
    many thanks
    Joe

    • Free Ancestry war records until 12 Nov 2025 . I have just found out a lot of info from there. Hope that helps

32. Hi, my dad was at Monte Cassino during ww2, he served with the royal artillery as a gunner/driver/mechanic.His friend named SYDNEY ALBERT BODKIN sadly lost his life and is buried there, I really want to know if there is a record of my dad being there 1944. My dad was WILLIAM CLAY – SERVICE NUMBER 1125740

    • Thanks for your enquiry. Do you have any information about your father’s regiment and we will try and help you.

      • Hi, Thanks for your reply, sorry I don’t have his regiment info you require.
        He came from Meir in Stoke -on-Trent, DOB 05/07/1924, if that helps?.
        Thank you. Joe

      • Sorry DOB was 1914 not 24.

        • Joe.

          1125740 is from the batch of Army numbers allocated to the Royal Artillery so that is correct.

          The best thing for you to do is to go to the http://www.gov.uk site and type in ‘How do I order a Service Record’. That will get you to the MoD who hold Army Records. His Service Record will tell you every unit that he ever served with and show the dates.

          Regards

          Frank

          • Hi Frank,

            Thank you very much for the info, I will try that and let you know how it goes.
            Regards
            Joe

33. Hi, my dad was at Monte Cassino during ww2, he served with the royal artillery as a gunner/driver/mechanic.His friend named SYDNEY ALBERT BODKIN sadly lost his life and is buried there, I really want to know if there is a record of my dad being there 1944.

34. When is the next event being held at the National Arboretum.
    Widow of Casino Veteran would like to remember them all., especially her late husband.
    Lives in Derby.
    I am the link, RBL Branch Chairman
    Littleover.

    • Hi Ian.
      The next event at the National Arboretum will not be until May 2026. We have not set the date yet as it has to be arranged around other events. However, if you watch the website it will be listed on our ‘Events’ page soon.
      The next event is the Remembrance service at the Cenotaph in London on Sunday 9th November 2025 which is by invite only to members of the society.
      Thanks for your enquiry.

35. Information on how the Resistance aided in Monte Cassino

36. I am keen to know anything about my grandfather Walter Tilley who fought with the 7th Battalion Green Howards Yorkshire “C” company at Monte Cassino.

    • Hi Mark.
      Thanks for getting in touch with us.
      I have sent your question to our military historian but he is unaware that the 7th Battalion Green Howards were at Cassino. The 1 GREEN HOWARDS were on the Garigliano crossing at the end of Jan 44 and were then sent to Anzio.
      Are you sure of the Battalion number and do you have your grandfather’s army number? We are keen to help you but need more information. You can reply via the ‘Contact Us’ link if you want more privacy. I look forward to hearing from you.
      Regards
      Des James

37. Sorry forgpt to add – the new headstone for Hantman sghoukd have a Star of David on – the cross was wrong and CWGC agreed to change some years ago

    • Hi Martin.
      It could be few years before there is an officiall trip to Cassino as we only go every 5 years. However we would be delighted to photograph the grave on our next visit. i have put your request on our website in case anyone can help sooner.

38. Dear Friends

    Can you ask a member to take a good quality photo full view, of the new headstone of a casualty at Cassino, Gdsman. Samuel Hantman ? Grave XIX H 23

    • Martin.

      I will be in the CWGC cemetery on 2 Oct 25. Get hold of me through my website http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk so that we can exchange emails and I can attach the photo to an email when I have taken it.

      Regards

      Frank

    • Martin.

      If you go on to the CWGC website and type in his name you will see that the CWGC have posted a photo of the headstone.

      Frank

39. Hi my father served in the British Eighth Army in Monte Cassino and I am trying to locate his service records. His name was Ismail Hassan and he was born in Cyprus. My son is visiting there tomorrow. Do you have any advice on how we might find these? Thank you

    • Did he serve with the Cyprus Regiment. I ask because soldiers from the Regiment were brought to Italy to man the Mule Pack Transport Companies that operated in the hills all around Cassino.

      Frank

40. Hello

    I have a photo of Dad’s which is of the troops gathering to hear Mr Churchill’s speech at 3pm on VE Day. Dad wrote on the back that this was at Alexander Barracks, Maddaloni, where he was stationed, presumably. I can find the town but there appears to be no record of the location of the barracks online. Do you know where it was located in the town? Thanks so much.

    • Hi Jeanie.
      Thanks for your enquiry. I have found a photo on the Imperial War Museum website. The photo is captioned ‘Mrs.Whateley is met by Brigadier J.H. Woods, CBE.,DAG.,GHQ., 2nd Echelon, at the Alexander Barracks in Maddaloni.’, so that proves that it exists. I will do more research to see if I can locate it.
      This is the link for the photo: CHIEF OF THE A.T.S. IN ITALY Image: IWM (NA 25847)
      Regards
      Des James

    • Hi Jeanie
      I am informed that there are two barracks in Maddaloni, so we are not sure which one was Alexander’s as they have been renamed.
      They are Caserma Rispoli and Caserma Magroni. You can find their location on Google maps.
      I hope that this has been of some help. If you have any more information about your father’s time in Italy, we would be interested to hear of it.

      Best regards

      Des James

41. Good morning
    I am looking to bring my Partner to memorial service at National Arboretum in May .

    Do we need to book ?

    Many thanks

    • Hi Karen.
      No you do not have to book but it would be useful if you could let our Secretary know if you are coming as it helps with the organisation of the event. You can contact her though the link on our home page. I look forward to meeting you at the Arboretum.

42. Is this Society restricted only to British veterans of this Battle? I noticed on your site that there are no other veterans of other Allied forces. My father was a Polish veteran fought & wounded at the Battle of Monte Cassino. He wrote down his personal memoirs of his entire journey from when he was sent to Siberia, released after the amnesty, joined the Polish army in Russia, went to Iran and the Middle East where he trained along side the 8th British Army, fought throughout the Italian Campaign, to when he immigrated after the war to Canada. Would this be something the Society would be interested in?

    • Hi Michael. Thank you for your message. The Society is definitely not restricted to British veterans. The stated aim of the Society is to perpetuate the memory of the conflict in Italy and this includes all participants. This year we travelled to Cassino for the 80th Anniversary with two of our members whose fathers were both in the Polish army. You are correct to say that our Recollections page only has British veterans (except for an Italian), so we would welcome your father’s memoirs to be included. My wife edits our newsletter and would be delighted to receive your father’s account. I await to hear from you.

43. Dear society.

    My family comes from a little village near Cassino, and I have always been passionate about the story of what happened there.

    Being able to connect with veterans, transcribe their testimonies, and honor the memories of those who lost their lives would greatly contribute to expanding this memorial. Even something as simple as a date of birth, a place of death, the name of a unit, or a photograph of a soldier would be incredibly valuable to my work.

    I sincerely thank you for taking the time to consider my request, and I remain at your disposal for any questions or additional information you may wish to share.

    Thank you once again for your attention and support.

    • Hi Fabio.

      Thank you for your interest in our society. We are also dedicated to preserving the memory of all the people who were involved in the conflict in Italy. Unfortunately, we have very few veterans left amongst us and those still alive are not able to communicate well. Have you looked at the page on our website titled ‘Recollections’? It has the transcribed memories of many veterans, some no longer with us. If you have any more accounts from people, both military and civilian, who experienced the war in Italy, we would love to hear of them and possibly publish them. May I ask the nature of your work and if it is solely for your personal interest.
      Best regards
      Des James

44. Hi,

    I am researching my family tree and am trying to find out some more information about my paternal grandfathers war service (Warrant Officer John Sutherland Campbell Stirling). He served in the Royal Engineers from 1939 and was evacuated from Dunkirk in 1940. Subsequently, he served in North Africa and the Middle East then in the Italy campaign (after being seconded to the US 5th Army as an engineer. He was mentioned in dispatches for something he did during the battle of Monte Cassino but we have never been able to find out what he did (he didn’t talk about his war when he was alive and died relatively young in 1974 aged 58. Just wondering if you have any pointers on where I can find out more information on his service? Many thanks, John

    • John.

      If you could post his full name, and Regimental Number if you know it, I will have a dig around.

      Regards

      Frank

      • Hi Frank

        That’s great. His full name was John Sutherland Campbell Stirling and his regimental number was 1913429.

        Many thanks

        John

        • John.

          His Regimental Number is from the batch allocated to the Royal Engineers so that is correct. Your best bet is to go to http://www.gov.uk and look up ‘How to I obtain a Service Record’. That will secure you his Service Record and all will be revealed about where he went and with which Field Company or Field Squadron.

          Regards

          Frank

45. I am desperately trying to buy an 80th anniversary pin badge but am having no success…. My great uncle John Walker died there on 13th May 1944 and I have memories of going to his memorial every year in Budworth Cheshire…if you can help at all I would be thrilled … many thanks..Christine Mercer X

    • Hi Christine.
      Sorry about the delay in replying but I have been on holiday. I have contacted the Royal British Legion and unfortunately, the Monte Cassino pins have sold out and they do not intend to replace them as it was for a special occasion. If it is of any interest, the Monte Cassino Society are about to have badges made which will be on sale to members. Let me know if you are interested and I will send you more details.
      If you have any details or stories about your great uncle, we would love to hear them and with your permission, perhaps put them in our newsletter. You can see copies of past newsletters on this website.
      You can reply to my email address which should appear below.

      • Thankyou for getting back in touch…I’m so disappointed that I won’t be able to buy the commemorative pin…I recently went back to where his memorial is and was horrified to see it was all smashed up.I can’t even begin to tell you how I feel. I am on holiday at the moment but when I get back I will more than likely join and also purchase the new pin…thankyou for your help

        • Christine.

          If you would like to know a bit more about where and how he died, do say. As part of 12th Infantry Brigade, 6th Battalion Black Watch crossed the bridge at ‘Amazon’ on 13 May 44 and pushed forward accompanied by the tanks of A Squadron 2nd Lothian & Border Horse. I have the mapping and story if you would like to read it.

          Better still, walk the ground with the Monte Cassino Society.

          Regards

          Frank

46. I am writing to you as a result of a photo a friend took last month of my father’s gravesite in the Cassino cemetery. Beside the site (P J Dudman) was a message from your society stating that you had recently held a remembrance service in the cemetery to mark the 80th anniversary of the battle, and that those present had each selected a gravesite to stand by. I was very moved. I have also stood at the gravesite, in 1998, and my brother previously. We were born in England in1941 and 1942, so had no memory of our father. My father’s family was indeed doomed – my grandparents and my aunt were killed in the Blitz in 1940, their youngest son Tony was killed at El Alamein in 1942, my father in 1943 and his twin brother, Jim, shot down over Paris on June 11th, 1944. I thank you from my home in Auckland, New Zealand, for this gesture your society made this year. My friend, Peter Charlesworth, a fellow Italian student, took the photos and made the visit on my behalf. i am now 82, but as long as I live, the sacrifice of my family will never be forgotten. And, as I well know, they were surely just the tip of the shocking iceberg. Thankyou again
    Maureen Rutledge

47. Hi

    My name is Marc Kirsten

    I thought you might like this short interview I did for the RLB about my father who fought at the Battle of Monte Cassino, which was posted on their fccebook page on Saturday.

    https://youtu.be/mkeOiho95OY

    All the best

    Marc

48. I have just read about the society,my father was in the 2nd battalion london irish rifles as was you sec.what if anything can i contribute.

    • Hi John. Thank you for your note. If you wish to join our society for a modest £15 per year then please contact our secretary at info@montecassinosociety.co.uk. If you have any information about your fathers time in Italy we would be glad to print it in our website and newsletter.

    • John.

      Come out to Cassino and see what 2 London Irish did in the Fourth Battle of Cassino. As part of 78 Infantry Division, they were ordered to push up the valley right underneath and in full view of Point 593, Point 575 and the monastery. It was quite an ask.

      Regards

      Frank

49. I was talking to mark Smith at Temple at War on Saturday .
    Asked him why the Battle of Monti Cassino was never pubisised as much as D Day and that my father Oliver Douglas Barnard fought there with the 8th Army .
    He told me of the Monti Cassino Society .
    So here I am wishing to join you all .\

    • Sorry about the delay but most of the committee have been in Cassino for the 80th anniversary. We would love to have you join our society. The cost is a modest £15 per year for which you will receive at least 2 newsletters per year. if you have any information about your father we would be glad to publish it on the website and in the newsletter. Please contact our secretary at info@montecassinosociety.co.uk for more details.

    • Olivia.

      As a battlefield guide for the Italian Campaign, I am immensely frustrated that Normandy and NW Europe get so much more of the media attention than Italy. Part of it is because Normandy was so much easier to get to after the war but with the arrival of Easyjet, Wizz and Ryanair it is now possible to reach the Italian battlefields at far less cost. I am hoping that this will improve the public’s understanding of what exactly the troops in Italy endured from Sep 43-May 45.

50. Diary of Harold Brand. I found his account very moving. My father had fought in the previous Monte cassino Battles. He was attatched now to the “Fifth Indian”. At one timr he took a unit of troops through the ruins of Cassino and up to Castle Hill. He also fought the German assault from the castle ruins. There is a possibility that he is the Sergeant mentioned in Mr. Brands account.

    • Hi John. We are pleased that you found the account of Harold Brand interesting and relevant. If you would like to write a piece about your father we would be glad to include it in ‘Recollections’ and perhaps print it in our Newsletter. You can send it via the email link in the website to our secretary.

    • John.

      I am confused by where your father would have been. Are you saying that he was in 5th Indian Brigade, 4th Indian Division. If so, that would place him on or near Snakeshead Ridge for the Second Battle of Cassino in Feb 44.

      Is this correct? What unit was he serving in at the time?

      Regards

      Frank

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