7th Ox and Bucks Anzio

Discussion in 'Italy' started by matthew lucas, Feb 16, 2012.

  1. matthew lucas

    matthew lucas Junior Member

    could anyone hazard a guess at the circumstances of a soldier from 7th Ox and Bucks, (56th division) dying on 16th Feb 1944 - the day most arrived at Anzio, yet buried in Rome. Is it likely that he may have died in Italy as a POW some time after Sept 1943? Or killed on the 16th Feb and being in an isolated grave that was moved to Rome after the war? This is a request from the mans brother
    many thanks
    matt
     
  2. Tom Canning

    Tom Canning WW2 Veteran WW2 Veteran

    Matthew
    We will probably never know the truth of those deaths in the first landings - BUT - the small Anzio Cemetery was not completed until much later and so many burials were made in existing cemetery's -Rome was not "Liberated " until 4th June '44 -and many were then gathered up to be re-interred in - most likely Cassino massive cemetery as Anzio filled up very quickly only 1600 graves- but - as you say - it's guessing ....his service records will state whether he was a POW or killed at Anzio
    Cheers
     
    Tom OBrien likes this.
  3. matthew lucas

    matthew lucas Junior Member

    Tom,
    thanks for that, will get him to apply for his service record
    matt
     
  4. adam180

    adam180 Senior Member

    Hi Matt
    The 7th feb 1944 was a massive day for the 7th ox and bucks regiment.
    It was the start of operation Fischfang (fish haul), where the germans smashed through the allied lines.
    My grandad was in the 7th battalion and was taken prisoner on the 16th feb 1944.
    I have visited the battlefield awesome experience.
    Thanks Adam
     
  5. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Adam.

    I am taking a group to Salerno on 4-7 Feb 21 if you would like to see what 7 Ox & Bucks LI endured during the landings. They had a pretty grim time of it.

    I could not work out from your earlier posts whether you have already been to Salerno.

    Regards

    Frank
    www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk
     
  6. adam180

    adam180 Senior Member

    Hi Frank
    No, I have never been to Salerno, a few years back i went on holiday to Anzio and had a good look around the area behind it.
    I went to where so many of the 7th ox and bucks got captured and killed in operation fishfang.
    The flyover where thousands of men got killed was on the way.
    Was your trip to Salerno cancelled in the end?
    Adam
     
  7. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Adam.

    The Salerno trip has been moved to 23-26 Sep 21. At the time, Feb 21 seemed sensible but, looking back at the decision, I was naive and over optimistic. I think Sep 21 should go.

    I have a trip to Anzio 24-27 Jun 21 but it is touch and go whether it will go ahead. I may have to kick that one down the road too.

    Regards

    Frank
     

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