Description
Object description
Well written ms diary (191pp) recording his career as an officer with the Scots Guards in Italy, January 1944 - January 1945, including: active service as a platoon commander with the 2nd Battalion (201st Guards Brigade, 5th Division) crossing the Garigliano and occupying the Minturno Sector, January - March 1944, and the 1st Battalion (24th Guards Brigade, 6th South African Armoured Division), March 1944 - January 1945, participating in the advance on Rome (Cassino II, Trasimene Line, and Sarteano), May - July 1944, Arezzo, July 1944, and Florence (Battle of Monte San Michelle), July - August 1944; assaulting the Gothic Line (Battle of Monte Catarelto), August - October 1944; being taken prisoner, escaping, and being evacuated to hospital in Florence, October 1944; and wintering in the Monte Sole Sector of the Apennines, October 1944 - January 1945; and making informative comments on Army life; conditions; his illnesses; relations with the men of his platoon; the constant casualties, especially from 'S' mines and artillery fire; heavy drinking and tensions within the battalion; friction with non-combatant troops; morale; relations with the Italians, including the warm welcome from liberated Rome in June 1944; training; patrolling; his respect for the opposing German troops; Army inefficiency; entertainment and leaves in Florence; and SS atrocities.
Content description
Well written ms diary (191pp) recording his career as an officer with the Scots Guards in Italy, January 1944 - January 1945, including: active service as a platoon commander with the 2nd Battalion (201st Guards Brigade, 5th Division) crossing the Garigliano and occupying the Minturno Sector, January - March 1944, and the 1st Battalion (24th Guards Brigade, 6th South African Armoured Division), March 1944 - January 1945, participating in the advance on Rome (Cassino II, Trasimene Line, and Sarteano), May - July 1944, Arezzo, July 1944, and Florence (Battle of Monte San Michelle), July - August 1944; assaulting the Gothic Line (Battle of Monte Catarelto), August - October 1944; being taken prisoner, escaping, and being evacuated to hospital in Florence, October 1944; and wintering in the Monte Sole Sector of the Apennines, October 1944 - January 1945; and making informative comments on Army life; conditions; his illnesses; relations with the men of his platoon; the constant casualties, especially from 'S' mines and artillery fire; heavy drinking and tensions within the battalion; friction with non-combatant troops; morale; relations with the Italians, including the warm welcome from liberated Rome in June 1944; training; patrolling; his respect for the opposing German troops; Army inefficiency; entertainment and leaves in Florence; and SS atrocities.
History note
Cataloguer SNR
History note
Catalogue date 1996-01-17