28 May Shropshire Yeomanry Comrades Association remember the 80th Anniversary of the last day of the Battles for Monte Cassino
The Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner was invited by the Shropshire Yeomanry Comrades Association to a Remembrance Service of the 80th Anniversary of the last day of the Battles for Monte Cassino, followed by a reception at Shrewsbury Castle.
The Service was attended by Honoured Guests, Comrades, Members of D (SY) Squadron Royal Yeomanry and friends of the Shropshire Yeomanry Comrades Association
Readings from the service included the following Vignette
(taken from ‘The Necessity for the Destruction of the Abbey of Monte Cassino.’)
Read by: Major Richard Greenway Squadron Leader D (SY) Squadron Royal Yeomanry
The rocky terrain prevented the digging of fighting positions, instead, “coffin shaped” stone shelters were constructed. The observation and proximity of the Germans required soldiers to remain concealed and silent during daylight hours. Any movement outside of the shelters were greeted with a sniper’s bullet or the impact of mortars. Leaders could only check on the conditions of their soldiers at night. The intermittent snow and rain created conditions favourable for cold weather injuries along the windswept ridges. Soldiers would alternate two hour shifts of standing guard, resting, and rubbing each other’s feet to prevent the onset of frostbite. Food arrived by mule train and was always cold since no fires were permitted. There was very little available water. The winter clothing provided to the soldiers was poor. Soldiers would huddle together in pairs in their shelters under blankets on a bed of stone and try to sleep. The ever-present sound of artillery and rockets would echo through the mountains. Most soldiers found it difficult to sleep with the anxiety of a possible attack, the sound and vibration of indirect fire, and the discomfort and cold of their shelter. The lack of bathing water, the difficulty of digging latrines, and the lack of liberty to move during day caused extremely unsanitary conditions. The soldiers quickly became ill.
Vignettes
Read by : SSM WO2 Dean Moss D (SY) Squadron Royal Yeomanry
A war correspondent’s report on Shropshire Yeoman and their teamwork when in action during World War Two
‘The Shropshire gunners worked at speed as they loaded, rammed inserted the propellant charge and fired round after round. There was such a strong bond of comradeship between the men who shared the common dangers. It was always a team effort with none trying to take undue credit – but all proud of the end result’.
Cpl Alan Bidgood wrote on the 11th January 1944 on his pride in serving the Shropshire Yeomanry
‘We needed the insignia sewn on the sleeves of our new battle-dresses. The word Shropshire Yeomanry were sewn on both arms, we were very proud of our Regiment, as there had been four Military Medals and one Military Cross awarded for brave action’.
