Hello My Grandad Private James Lockett of the 9th Battalion DLI 3390907 fought and died at the battle at Primisole Bridge (his memorial is at Monte cassino) he was aged 28. I am desperately trying to find regimental photos and any information for my mum who is in her late 70's - she was only a child when he passed away and doesn't have any photos of him. I have been doing some online research and we have managed to send for his medals a few years ago but I would be extremely grateful if anyone could advise as I know a photo would mean alot to my mum. Any help or pointers greatly appreciated! Many thanks in advance Sharon
There is a very good unit history of the 9th DLI in both World Wars, The Gateshead Gurkhas by Harry Moses. It contains many photographs. The Imperial War Museum has additional pictures, try searching their collections online.
LOCKETT, JAMES Rank: Private Service No: 3390907 Date of Death: 16/07/1943 Age: 28 Regiment/Service: Durham Light Infantry, 9th Bn. Panel Reference: Panel 10. Memorial: CASSINO MEMORIAL Additional Information: Husband of Eleanor Lockett, of Old Trafford, Manchester. He is mentioned in the roll of honour in The Gateshead Gurkhas (Moses). Best, Steve.
Hi Sharon and welcome to the forum. Have you considered applying for a copy of his service records or obtaining a copy of his units war diary? Regards Andy
Hello Sharon, The Gateshead Gurkhas reports that 71 officers and men of the 9th Bn Durham Light Infantry were KIA at Primosole, with the main attacks by them being made on the 15th and 17th July 1943. It may well be that your Grandad actually died on the 15th July, but the death was only reported on the 16th; as there are only 4 deaths on the nominal role for the 15th, which just doesn't look right. If you look at this website: Their guns now silent - DURHAM LIGHT INFANTRY 1920-1946 and scroll down the roll of honour, you will see an entry for your grandad and a link to his inscription on the memorial. This website also has a Sicily 1943 section and other material that you may find interesting. The Durham Records Office - which is where the DLI records are now kept - may have regimental photographs. Jim, who runs the aforementioned website, may be able to assist you (and vice versa). Best, Steve.
Hi I am confused over the date July 1943, I thought we did not land on Italian soil until 9th September 1943 rotherfield
Rotherfield. 9 Sep 43 was the Fifth Army landing at Salerno - after Sicily had been secured. Eighth Army had already landed in Calabria on 3 Sep 43. Regards FdeP
Hi I am confused over the date July 1943, I thought we did not land on Italian soil until 9th September 1943 rotherfield Rotherfield. 9 Sep 43 was the Fifth Army landing at Salerno - after Sicily had been secured. Eighth Army had already landed in Calabria on 3 Sep 43. Regards FdeP Hello Mike, Operation Husky, the Sicily main landings, commenced on the 10 July 1943. It was only once Sicily had been secured that the Allies - mainly British, Canadian and US - launched their attack on the Italian mainland. The Sicilian campaign was a staging for the mainland landings and instrumental in knocking Italy out of the Axis. Best, Steve.
Here's the 9 DLI's unit war diary for 1943 held at the National Archives. Click the red link at the bottom if you would like a copy, I'll be back at TNA early in January. WO 169/10205 9 Durham Light Infantry 1943 Jan.- Dec. Cheers Andy
Hello Andy, Steve, TTH and Mike Just wanted to say thank you so much for your help, we have booked a trip to the DLI recods office and museum in Durham and are going to follow up the leads you all gave Many thanks and Kindest Regards to you
Sharon could this be your Grandad Also have a look at this account for Primosole Bridge http://durhamlightinfantry.webs.com/sicily1943.htm
Thank you so much Alan. That is my Grandads Baptism entry which I have never seen, my Mum will not have seen that before either so she will be thrilled. As well as James being killed in action my Mum and Nana lost personal effects etc in the blitz in Manchester so any information found is very precious indeed. Cannot nelieve how kind and helpful everyone has been on this thread, it means a lot The account of the battle is really interesting too so I will make sure my Mum gets to see that Many Thanks and Kind Regards Sharon
You could apply for a copy of his birth and marriage certificates from your local registry office, if you've not already done that. Alan