Ortona

[Owen]

Erik H has this video on his website.
As Erik hasn't posted it, I will. Sit back and watch this for 25 minutes.
You are allowed to cry.
http://www.wwii.ca/media.php?src=htt...%20to%20Ortona

[ErikH]

^ Thanks for posting that.

I've recently added some new photos I've found to the Ortona page on my site, for anyone interested.

http://wwii.ca/photos/ortona/ortona_e3.jpg
Lance Corporal Roy Boyd of The Loyal Edmonton Regiment is rescued after being burried under the rubble of the mined house for three and a half days.

http://wwii.ca/photos/ortona/ortona_e2.jpg
The team from The Loyal Edmonton Regiment who dug out Lance Corporal Boyd.

http://wwii.ca/photos/ortona/ortona_c1.jpg
During the fighting at Ortona, a Canadian truck burns after being set on fire by German mortar fire.

http://wwii.ca/photos/italy/ortona_c4.jpg
Graves of personnel from the Edmonton Regiment killed in the battle of Ortona, 7 January, 1944.

http://wwii.ca/photos/ortona/ortona_e4.jpg
The ruins could hide snipers or heavier weapons. The rubble could stop a tank. Boobytraps and mines could be anywhere. (This photograph was taken after the fighting at Ortona had ended.)


http://wwii.ca/photos/ortona/ortona_e1.jpg
Two days before Christmas, some troops from The Loyal Edmonton Regiment receive mail. Letters from home were an important morale factor in the war.

http://wwii.ca/photos/ortona/ortona_d2.jpg
Many civilians had stayed in the town throughout the fighting, despite warnings from the Germans to leave. With the end of combat they began emerging from hiding.

http://wwii.ca/photos/ortona/ortona_d1.jpg
Troops from The Loyal Edmonton Regiment shelter in a ravaged building while getting grenades ready for throwing.

[Owen]

Thanks to VP for mentioning this Artist on another thread.
This picture will be of interest
http://www.civilization.ca/cwm/artwa...olorosa_e.html



Soldiers of the 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigade fight their way through the streets of Ortona towards the Piazza San Tommaso, late in December 1943. In his 1956 memoir, Comfort wrote of his first response to seeing the destruction of Ortona: "one felt a choking claustrophobia in the place. Everywhere was misery, death and destruction. I could not possibly paint, or even sketch, on that first dreadful visit."
Oil on canvas 101.5 x 76.2 cm
Date unknown
Beaverbrook Collection of War Art
Canadian War Museum 19710261-2308

[Paul Reed]

I went to Ortona a couple of years ago - you would hardly know this battle had taken place when you go there now, although I did discover I missed a couple of battle scarred buildings. Most of the dead are buried here:

http://battlefieldsww2.50megs.com/mo...nadian_cem.htm

There is a small chapel/church close to the cemetery that has a couple of unit memorials on the wall. If I can find the photos and they are of interest, I will post them here.

[Owen]

Went to Ortona today.
Fantastic day out.
Will post more on our return.

[Ron Goldstein]

Originally Posted by Owen

Went to Ortona today.
Fantastic day out.
Will post more on our return.

Owen

Looking forward to reading about your trip.

Just to set the scene for you:

EIGHTH ARMY: DEEDS AND DATES
from the "Eighth Army News" for July 30, 1945

1943

The advance to the Sangro was slow, and hindered by extensive demolitions, and the beginning of bad weather.
On one read there were 18 major demolitions in 15 miles. On another, 45 major demolitions in 27 miles.
The Eighth Army was commencing the hardest battle of its career.
On the Adriatic sector the battle for the Sangro began on the night of November 21-22. On the inland sector on November 27. It was all over on both sectors, after prolonged and bitter fighting, by December 2.
A firm bridgehead across the Moro River was secured by December 20.
The battle of Ortona , fought and won by the Canadians, began on December 21 and ended on December 28.
On December 31, 1943, Lt.-Gen. Sir Oliver Leese took over the Eighth Army from Gen. Montgomery.


Cheers

Ron

[51highland]

Originally Posted by ErikH

If it were a yes or no answer, my answer would be no.

Mostly our fault though... it's not like we do anything (such as make movies or games) showing that we were actually there, and we actually made a contribution.

The Dutch hold the Canadians in great esteem!!! "Modesty" I witnessed that in 1994 when I was with the Jock veterans. The parade began with the Canadians leading, when the pipes and drums started up, the Canadians parted and told the Jocks to lead !!!!! because they were fighting under command of, and beside the Canadian army, and had liberated the particular town. It was a brilliant touch.