No, but I remember that Tom, Owen, and Ron Goldstein have walked this whole route. THey know it well and I just found this building last month while backcountrying near the area of Sferro / Gerbinni. This Hospital was a field hospital for German Italian Aviators stationed at gerbinni airfield. I have been researching that area along with the area between Villasmundo and Lentinni. These two areas represent a formidable defense by the Axis and efficiently stopped Monty in his tracks along with Primosole. BTW the Black Watch / Fusileirs were the ones who were present in Gerbinni along with 50 RTR.
Tron, Thanks...of course we're now remembering the 72nd anniversary of the 5 1/2 week land campaign in Sicily. I shall be returning to the island next year - walking some of the ground that 50th Division and 78th Division covered on their movements south of Catania and west of Etna - and maybe get to the beach at Patti. best
Following this thread.... My grandad Bill was wounded in Sicily on 13th August '43. The attached photo was taken on Christmas '43 obviously in a hospital but I have no clue as to where..... Bill is at right of the photo..
I shall be visiting Sicily again with the London Irish Rifles Regimental Association in 10 days time to remember the sacrifices of my father's friends and comrades who are resting at peace on the island.
Tron, Yes - I had a wander around there (under the bridge by the river) a couple of years ago... hopefully will get the chance to meet with Sicily 43 next week, best wishes,
ya Marco is very passionate about history. He showed me the hidden ACKACK site in Nicilosi. He found writing on walls in english in Tregastangi. E' Un bravo caruso.
Does any one know where the British wounded were hospitalised during the Sicily campaign? I have been searching for a couple of weeks now but not coming up with any real definitive answers. I'm trying to pinpoint the location (if that is at all possible!) of my Grandfathers Christmas 1944 photograph.
By the way if you stop by Ponte Drillo there is a caretaker of the area named chris. He is quite passionate about the war and has many relics from the war since he takes care of it ( the Ponte Drillo pillboxes).
I also found a site alloversicily.it that has a story and video of the first contact with invasion forces. Posto di blocco 452 near S.C. Camemmi and Marina di Ragusa. There is a restaurant there now called La Masseria posto di blocco 452. Word is they have really nice southern sicilian cooking.
Hello Ken, My grandad Billy McClay was also shot in Sicily on 12th/13th august whilst trying to take out a machine gun post. He was a member of the London Irish rifles and was from Londonderry northern Ireland. The male 4th from the right looks like my grandfather but I cannot be 100% sure. Do you have any more information regarding the photo. My grandfather passed away 4 days ago so unfortunately he isn't able to provide any further information. Kind regards Jordan McClay
Jordan, Sorry to hear the news about your grandfather.. and best wishes to your family. Hopefully Ken will get back to you in due course, edit update: I've also dropped you a personal note. Quis Separabit.
Just re-remembering my father, CQMS Edmund O'Sullivan, along with the rest of 2nd Bn London Irish Rifles, came ashore south of Syracuse, 75 years ago today, on 28th July 1943. Meanwhile at home, my mother, Private Patricia Webb, working at Southern Command at Wilton House near Salisbury, was celebrating her 24th birthday. Dad would write later of his first few days in Sicily: “As we moved through the countryside, we were struck by its natural beauty.... Our welcome was subdued, as the people were obviously uncertain whether we were friend or foe. The Irish Brigade advanced steadily, passing through the town of Catenanuova. Here we became infantry once more and prepared for our attack on the centre of enemy line at Centuripe. I served the company by jeep. 28 July 1100 Battalion landed at Bay of Ochrina – about 10 miles South of Syracuse and marched from beach to Divisional concentration areas. 1630 Battalion left by transport via Floridia, Palazzolo, Buccheri, Vizzini and Mineo. Battalion bivouacked for night 2 miles north of Mineo. I've also just completed the voice recording of the third part of our film series and one that covers the Sicilian campaign - hopefully will be ready within a few weeks. Quis Separabit Faugh-a-Ballagh Nec Aspera Terrent