FWIW, I found Ellis to be better than Parker (though not by much) and his was my bible whilst at Cassino researching for my own book.
ropey, what does FWIW mean? That is a new acronym on me. I've heard in the past that Ellis went to press before Parker. I do think that Ellis's book is probably the best that one can buy.. Each to there own of course. At 600 pages, it does take some reading. I keep going back to it.. One day i will finish reading it! I must take it to work. The only other book that i have on Cassino is by FRED MAJDALANY CASSINO PORTRAIT OF A BATTLE. I think he came before Ellis, or Parker? I think Frank de Planta has a soft spot for Majdalany's book. How are doing with your own book? Regards, Stu.
FWIW: For what it's worth. As to books, as is often the case, it comes down to facts Vs colour. Once you feel you have a sufficient skeleton of dates and facts, you tend to prefer subsequent accounts to have more anecdotes and first-person narrative, but if you start with a narrative-heavy account, you'll be thirsting for statistics. It reminds me of GK chesterton's History of England. The whole book only contains four dates--and one of them is incorrect!
Charley, thanks For whats it's worth. I started with Majdalany's book then moved onto Ellis's. I'm not sure what you mean by GK chesterton's book? What has he to do with the above two books that I've mentioned? Sorry if I'm missing something here. Regards, Stu.
It's just an extreme example. Some histories are date/fact/data heavy and narrative light; others are light on technicalities and heavy on narrative, impressions and 'what the experience was like'. Good history book are very often good because they get the balance between the two perspectives right, zooming from the eagle's eye to the worm's at the right moment. In this case, Majdalany and E.D. Smith lean towards the worm's view of Cassino, Ellis--perhaps--the Eagle's. I rate Parker's as a good balance.
Yes, Majdalany was much earlier - 1957. My book - The Battles for Monte Cassino: Then and Now is still selling, and continues to get good reviews.
I had given up on campaign books. Then & Now sounds interesting though. Hats off to yourself for getting into print. Regards Stu.
I did have a butchers on that book-selling megasite & found it going for a song. It will have to be a hardback version though. Another door-stop book to buy then. Charley, did you get them pics that one sent? Regards, Stu.
Hey Charley. I wondered if you can assist me in getting more information about my great uncle. He served in the 1/4th bin. Essex regiment. He died on 10th April 1945. His army number was 1824175. His name was Frank Donohue. My dad is named after him so I appreciate any information you can find. thanks in advance!
This is an unusual one because he is buried in Bari - deep in southern Italy and nowhere near the battalion was in Greece at the time. I suspect that he was wounded in Greece and evacuated to a hospital in Bari where he died. Regards Frank
Yes, I’ve found that he is buried in Bari. But can’t find out much else. I’ve emailed for his service records but I’ve heard this takes months?! I wondered if anyone had any details of what happened to him or any photos? Thanks for the reply !!!
The name is familiar, but that might only because I've seen his grave details. I'll certainly take a look for you, but I have wall-to-wall work scheduled until Saturday evening, so I may not get back to you at once. Regard CF
Ooh interestingly familiar! Thanks a lot - appreciate your time & no problem at all to wait. My dad didn’t know really anything about his uncle only that he went to Egypt and that he died in Italy. I’ve found his grave details and that he was wounded in December. Thanks so much Charley! I’ll await your findings.
