Essex Regiment North Africa / Italy

Cheers for that.

 

I have his army number recorded as 5730330 from the CWGC and 730330 elsewhere.

The former is much more likely to be correct.

Pte Smith was a member of C-Coy at the time of his death.

He was one of 7 ORs (other ranks: non officers) and several Italians killed by 'friendly fire' in the late afternoon when allied planes (believed to be three Spitfires) bombed their platoon at Monte Petra (GR: 549840).

The other C-Coy men who were killed are as follows:

11255328 Cpl Sidney Edward Charles CAREY
5731278 Pte Walter Thomas GRAY
6021512 Pte George JACKSON (DCM & Bar)
5728891 Pte Charles Alfred JAMES
3810543 Pte David William ROSSER
14242086 L/C Alfred George STEBBINGS

All are interred at Coriano Ridge War Cemetery.

I will message you with the full details as soon as I get a chance--a child needs putting to bed here!

 

5730330 is the number I was given by his Granddaughter, whom I'm doing the research, and providing a replacement set of medals for.

 

Is it possible to convert that Grid Ref' to Lat & Lon, or a map so I can see where it is?

 

There is a website called echo delta which can convert ww2 map references . This location is in the northern Italian grid under block WR . So its WR549840 which gives you reference 43.93072 12.19187 . Just type that into the search bar on Google maps and the location comes up . I've attached a screenshot ot the close up of the location.
Cheers
Dave

 

Thank you, I put in Monte Petro, and got the area, that position makes sense..

Cheers