A complete stab in the dark, but does anybody have a better (and hopefully unwatermarked) copy of this photograph: The caption is generic, but I believe it to be B-Coy 1/4th Essex at Cassino on point 175. It may or may not be an IWM-held image; I'm not yet sure.
One forlorn bump to the thread and then I'll leave you all alone. Any photo hoarders got this in their treasure house?
I doubt that it is 1/4 Essex. This is, I believe, a posed photo and one for the magazines. Regards Frank
Frank is absolutely right about this rather stagey image. It's from the 'Illustrated London News' - Copies are available via the Mary Evans Archive website. Costs of copies are not published, which is ominous ! http://www.maryevans.com/search.php Picture No 10218081 Date 1944 Description British Soldiers near Monte Cassino, 1944. Details Photograph showing a group of British soldiers dug in to a position near Monte Cassino, Italy, in 1944. Between January and May 1944 the Benedictine monastery of Monte Cassino and the nearby town were completely destroyed as the Allied Fifth Army attempted to push the occupying Nazi troops out of their strong defensive position, in the monastery. Source Illustrated London News. 1944. bottom right of page 377. Credit © Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
Compare with the image attached here. As a regimental publication, I feel fairly confident the caption is accurate. The author was an officer in the battalion and is likely to recognise one or more of the men depicted. It does look awfully staged, doesn't it? Not least because if those chaps really are expecting action, the photographer is standing at silly mid-on.
Thought I'd see what Google Images would have to offer on the subject and keyed in " Montecassino IWM" Excellent results much appreciated by someone who was there ! Ron
The Illustrated London News database may be available through your local/State/Provincial/National Library, or a University near you. http://gale.cengage.co.uk/product-highlights/history/illustrated-london-news.aspx Cheers Maureen
There are a lot of atmospheric shots of the monastery brooding over the castle, but I think one of my favourite images of the terrain is the one attached. I found it here: http://liberationtrilogy.com/books/day-of-battle/historical-photos/historical-photos-for-the-day-of-battle-not-in-the-book/ I haven't read the trilogy, but I've listened to a long lecture of his and enjoyed it - as a US-centric perspective on the war.
The photo was taken in the quarry at the foot of Pt 175. Given that it was out of sight of Cassino (just) these guys are about to cause fratricide. The quarry was used as HQ for many units, a supply dump, RAP, holding area, etc. It is extremely likely that 1/4 Essex used it for one or more of those purposes too. Perry
Here's another picture that I've not seen before. Any opinions on who or where? Caption gives: "British Fifth Army Fighters in Italy - 13/3/44" (I'm not claiming that it's in the vicinity of Cassino, but it could be.)
Hmm. Brits on top of a mountain. The ridgeline at rear will be the key to finding this, along with the date. Mid-March makes it possibly Monte Ornito area, or the other side of Cassino in the Belvedere area. Further into the Appenine would not have many long vistas like this one. They appear pretty relaxed and are in full view of ridge at rear so it may be looking back to Allied lines. Those troops at the back look to be relieving the ones at front, but that's surmising. Doesn't really help does it. I would think a good hunt on GE for that ridgeline would be the only way forward without more info on the photo.
Will investigate your suggestions - many thanks for the input. I bought your Cassino book a few weeks ago, incidentally, and it's superb.