RAF Regiment "Monte Cassino"

Discussion in 'Italy' started by rockape252, Apr 13, 2013.

  1. rockape252

    rockape252 Senior Member

    Hi,

    13 Apr 1944

    Nos 2771 and 2788 Squadrons, RAF Regiment, were detached to the US 5th Army to reinforce army units in the front line at Monte Cassino, Italy.


    Regards, Mick D.
     
  2. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Mick.

    That is a new one on me. Do you know exactly where these two Sqns would have been sent and what their role was? By 13 Apr 44, the Fifth Army involvement at Cassino was restricted to the coastal sector with 85 and 88 US Inf Divs. These two Sqns were more likely to have been supporting the newly arrived Eighth Army.

    Most of the Fifth Army focus was on Anzio by Apr 44.

    I would be really interested to know.

    Regards

    FdeP
     
  3. rockape252

    rockape252 Senior Member

    Hi minden1759,

    I pulled this info off RockNet to day.

    I'll ask the poster and get back to you.


    Regards, Mick D.
     
  4. idler

    idler GeneralList

    The RAF Regiment at War 1942-1946 by Oliver
     
    Owen likes this.
  5. bexley84

    bexley84 Well-Known Member

    "to" should have been "from" obviously - actually not sure that's right either.
     
  6. Owen

    Owen -- --- -.. MOD

    Some memoirs on here but have to be a member of that group.

    http://www.montecassinosociety.org/index.php/monte-main/recollections/


     
  7. rockape252

    rockape252 Senior Member

    Hi minden1759,

    From my source on RockNet

    Quote

    "Hi Mick,

    All of the “On this day in History” quotes are from the book “The Royal Air Force Day by Day” by Air Cdre Graham Pitchfork.

    The 13 Apr 44 entry is on page 112.

    I’ve had a quick look in “The RAF Regiment at War” by Kingsley Oliver and he backs up the story on page 74:

    “In April 1944 Nos.2771 and 2788 Field Squadrons, wearing the shoulder flash of the American 5th Army, were deployed in the British front line north of Cassino.

    Under the command of a New Zealand brigade they held positions at the end of the winding track leading to the precipitous Belvedere Heights for most of the time.

    However, in May 1944 the Regiment squadrons were temporarily redeployed to reinforce the line between the Black Watch and the Royal Fusiliers on the high ground to the north of the aptly-named Inferno Bowl.”

    Hope that helps.

    Cheers,

    Duncan."


    Regards, Mick D.
     
  8. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Mick.

    Thanks for this. Much appreciated. A much weakened 2 NZ Div were holding the line to the north of Cassino around Col Belvedere for much of Apr 44. 23 and 24 NZ Inf Bns were in the line on 24 Apr 44 with a 'composite battalion' in reserve. The Sqns may have been deployed as part of that composite battalion.

    I will check the NZ History.

    As for being between a Black Watch and a Royal Fusilier battalion in May 44, the only Brigade with both battalions in the formation was 12 Infantry Brigade, 4 BR Infantry Division. Given that this Division was one of the two assault Divisions on 11 May 44, these two Sqns must have spent a very short time in this position.

    Regards

    FdeP
     
  9. Wills

    Wills Very Senior Member

  10. bexley84

    bexley84 Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the link. Hopefully we continue to get these first hand accounts being broadcast as the months/years go by - precious memories and voices..

    best
     
  11. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Top link. I think that John Clarke must have been in 6 BW.

    FdeP
     
  12. bexley84

    bexley84 Well-Known Member

    which, at the risk of digression, reminds me of what Pat Scott wrote about 6 Black Watch on 19th May 1944:

    "Smudger Maxwell, second in command of the Skins, had arrived yesterday to take over command. During the evening of this day, elements of my old 12th Brigade decided that they were going to attack the Skins. I could not quite make out what was happening when Smudger Maxwell called me up on the ‘blower’ to say that he was being attacked by some ‘bare arsed barbarians’.

    After some questioning about who these people could be, I began to see the light and asked if he referred to those who dress themselves in the same way as my Brigade Major. He confirmed that they were. It was Brian Madden and his Black Watch. With some difficulty, but without any untoward incident, we managed to fend them off and indicated the general direction in which they might expect to find Germans.

    I do not believe they found any, which must have been discouraging for them. We have often fought the English, but seldom the Scottish, and I was glad not to have broken a good record in this respect."
     
  13. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    Oldblue job.

    If, having been in Sep, you catch the bug and want to understand what actually happened there between Jan-May 44, do get in touch.

    I have been guiding there for years. Check out my website www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk

    Regards

    Frank
     
    Sussex by the Sea and amberdog45 like this.

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