iam reseaching my great uncles history in the involvement with the Cassino battle in 1044 and would like to trace his actions and contributions to the balltle, so far i know he served with the 2nd battalion Northamptonshire regiment, and his name is on the Cassino Memorial in Itlay, but i cannot establish which sector this regiment was involved in. did the regiment become part of a division if so what division could this have been? Please if anyone can shead some light i would be very greatfull Natasha
iam reseaching my great uncles history in the involvement with the Cassino battle in 1044 and would like to trace his actions and contributions to the balltle, so far i know he served with the 2nd battalion Northamptonshire regiment, and his name is on the Cassino Memorial in Itlay, but i cannot establish which sector this regiment was involved in. did the regiment become part of a division if so what division could this have been? Please if anyone can shead some light i would be very greatfull Natasha Welcome Natasha, I am sure someone will be able to assist and I am sure you meant to type 1944. Please post you great uncles full name if possible.
Hi Natasha I'm sure that you will get help on this site in your research but to increase your chances I'm going to suggest another site also. Try the BBC Message Board at: BBC - MESSAGE BOARDS - History - WW2 People's War and start your message by addressing it to Trooper Tom Canning who you will find is quite an expert in these matters. Although I was at Cassino myself (as a wireless-op) it is Tom who has a much broader knowledge of all the units involved and I am sure he will try to help. Best of luck in your research Ron
Natasha The 2nd Battalion Northhamptonshire Regiment wasn't at Cassino. Throughout WW2 they were in 17th Infantry Brigade, in the 5th Infantry Division, part of X Corps. From 17 January to 31 January 1944 they were in action at the Garigliano Crossing. On 22 January, part of the 17th Infantry Brigade was moved to Anzio where they were in action until 22 May, then from that date to 4 June they moved on and entered Rome. Mathew Parker in his excellent book Monte Cassino (Appendix 2, Orders of Battle) lists the 17th Brigade (2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers, 2nd Northhamptonshire Regt, 6th Seaforth Highlanders) in the Battle order of the First Battle of Montecassino, but they were involved in bitter fighting on the Garigliano River rather than on the mountain. If he fell on the Garigliano this would account for his inclusion on the Cassino War Memorial which bears 4,266 Commonwealth servicemens' names. The quickest way to find out which unit your great-uncle was in and where he fell is to enter his name here :: CWGC :: at the Commonwealth War Graves Commission website. Kind regards, Peter
Natasha, My late Grandfather was RSM with 2nd Northamptons during the Italian campaign and the family has both of the published Battalion histories as well as a general 5 Div one. Unfortunately, I don't have them to hand at the moment. One of the books has a "Roll of Honour" What was his name ? You might find the "D-Day Dodgers" forum useful as they have connections with the Northampton's museum and have a project to record veteran's stories so are in contact with a number of them. http://www.d-daydodgers.com/intropage.htm The fighting at Anzio and on the Garigliano was extremely heavy and casualties were high. Good luck with your research. Don't hesitate to ask if you get down to specifics. Rich.
Two photos from IWM of 2nd Bn from 1943. Description: Reggio, 3 September 1943 (Operation Baytown): View of invasion preparations at the quay-side in Catania, Sicily. Troops from C Company, 2nd Battalion, Northamptonshire Regiment wait to embark on the landing craft moored at the quayside. Description: Troops from 'C' Company, 2nd Northamptonshire Regiment wait to go aboard landing craft at Catania, Sicily, 2 September 1943. For some general views of the Garilgliano area visit here, IWM Collections Online: Search Photographs Archive and in the subject box key in Garigliano, there are some amazing photos there.
I have this map of the Garigliano Crossing from The Wiltshire Regiment by Kenrick. The Northamptons were with the rest of 17th Brigade, who came ashore on lower left of the map. Also found this other map with the help of Google.Shows 5th Div to the south. http://www.romacivica.net/anpiroma/secondaguerra/sgmcampagnaitalia4d.htm
In case he was killed at Anzio here is another map from same book. Excuse the colouring in of the sea. I've had it since I was younger.
Have you contacted the Regimental Museum? Army Museums Ogilby Trust Northamptonshire Regiment and Northamptonshire Yeomanry Collections Abington Museum, Abington Park, Northampton, NN1 4LW Tel: 01604 838110
Thank you all for your responces! its very reassuring that people are so willing to help! His name was Frank Taylor private 14415187 dead: 30th April 1944 19yrs, for those who have asked. it is perticulary nice to hear from peole who actually fought in the same battle! i have a picture of him coming to me soon which i will post. Please forgive me this is the first time i have used any sort of forum so it may take me a while to become aquanted with the formats! thankyou all again.
Natasha, He would have died at ANZIO with that date. Glad to help. I see there is another Frank Taylor died Anzio with 2 Northants. CWGC :: Casualty Details This one is yours though. CWGC :: Casualty Details They died a day apart.Both aged 19. Very sad. In War Diary for 2nd Wilts it says for 30/4 & 1/5 that it was quiet for the Wilts but the 2nd Northamptons were holding the area of "The Fortress" and their forward company was driven out and four counter-attacks failed to retake the position.
Thank you Owen I have managed to trace down his memorial location yesterday, the information you have gave is great and is what i have been looking for, i came to and end when i couldn't locate the role of the 2nd Ba. in the battle but thanks to this site and your information this is now becoming clearer!
A great book to give you an insight to life at Anzio is The Fortress by Raleigh Trevelyan. He was in The Green Howards, another 5th Division Unit.
Just have to post these photo of 5th Division soldiers at Anzio as they are so good. Notice the Div sign the "Y" on top of their sleeve. Not the Northamptons same Division. A patrol of the 2nd RoyalInniskilling Fusiliers at Anzio, 20-21 March 1944. The men are lightly equipped, and wear cap comforters and crepe soled patrol boots. While a piper plays, a special rum ration is issued to men of the 2nd Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers to mark St Patrick's Day in the Anzio bridgehead, 17 March 1944.
Natasha Have you sent off for his Service Record yet? See here http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/searching-someone/3105-ww2-service-records-address.html
Owen D You mentioned the 'war diary' is this something that is avalibal online? and do you know where i may find out more about the 'fortress' area? thankyou
Hi Natasha When you have got a good deal further with your research you might like to consider a trip to the British Cemetery at Cassino. I made the pilgrimage myself back in May 2005 and wrote about it on the BBC WW2 Archives: BBC - WW2 People's War - Return to Cassino Regards Ron
Natasha, just keep asking the questions ! War Diaries are not on line and will require a trip to the National Archive. The Diaries, and the published histories rarely mention individual "Other Ranks" by name unless they were involved in a notable action. These are a few pictures from the Divisional History. Just to show that they didn't loose their sense of humour despite the horrors of Anzio:- and a frontspiece showing the various units which formed part of Fifth Division. Once again the 5 Div "Y" is visible. Rich.