The Italian Campaign Commences

[Barmaid]

Troops to mobilise at 0850 hours with invasion to Reims timed approximately 1800. Thereafter the troops will proceed to Lake Como and then to Anzio.

On Easter Sunday 1944 my grandfather landed on the Italian coast. Tomorrow we will take him back to say his goodbyes to the friends he lost.

And in chorus "there'll be blue birds over, the white cliffs of Dover"..........


I'll be seeing you................

[Psybbo]

I hope you have a lovely time and your grandfather enjoys it. ASBO and I will be keeping a check on your travels xx

[Jeza]

A lovely thing for you to do for your Grandfather. I'm sure he will get a little tearful, but you're there to take care of him.

[Mamyalynne]

How wonderful!!


We shall never forget.

[wolf63]

This will be an unforgettable holiday and hopefully for all the right reasons.


Is this the trip with the vicar?

[Psybbo]

I think the vicar isn't going, how many are?

[stewey]

It is really considerate of you to transport your grandfather back, Barmaid, in order for him to "relive" memories which, for him I will assume, will be extremely emotional: the good, the bad, and the ugly. The Battle for Anzio was rather a long, drawn out, and messy campaign.

[Barmaid]

Thanks all.

The vicar was meant to be coming, but sadly his wife is very ill so they cant. So its just me, Mr BM, Ma and Pa BM and Grandmama and Grandpapa BM.

I've had the book bound today about Grandad's Italian exploits. It looks WONDERFUL.

[murraymints]

Ah how poignant for him...I'm sure there will be a tear or two....



And....a few glasses of something later !

Safe onward journey....xx

[murraymints]

Ah how poignant for him...I'm sure there will be a tear or two....



And....a few glasses of something later !

Safe onward journey....xx

[murraymints]

How did that happen ?

[leahbee]

What a wonderful family. I hope that everything goes well for you.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning we WILL remember them.

[ChillDoubt]

Friend of mine took his Grandfather back to Monte Cassino a couple of years back, said it was the greatest most humbling thing he'd ever done.
Have a great trip BM.

Lest We Forget.

[Barmaid]

You are all so kind.

I went and bought some tissues today because I just KNOW there will be tears. Not least at the time when they all had a stomach bug and Grandad and his mate were running to the latrines back and forwards together. At one point his mate said he needed to go again, but Grandad was feeling a little better and declined. His mate trotted off to the latrines and took a direct hit with a shell......

And there, but for the grace of God go I.

[Psybbo]

Oh lord there will be tears, what age is your Grandad BM if I may ask. It really is going to be an emotional trip for him. I wish him the best and as others have said Lest we forget xx

[rockyracoon]

Ph BM, you've made me all teary:(

Have a fantastic holiday and get lashed on a few bottles of Chianti :)

[boxtops]

what time are you coming through Dover, LOL?!

[Barmaid]

Grandad is 88 and Nanna is 87 (and has never been abroad).

No idea what time we pass through Dover, Boxy. I shall be asleep until someone wakes me up to join the main coach from the feeder coach seeing as we have too much to do to go to bed tonight!!!!

[boxtops]

BM, have a wonderful trip - I'll wave as you go past. It's a brilliant thing you're doing - I hope all goes well, all the way along until you come back to your UK. Big hugs to you all, especially your grandfather on this momentous journey.

[mikey4444]

A few years ago I went on a trip to Monte Casino. As well as the Monastery, we visited the Commonwealth Grave site at Casino itself. What a moving sight that was. I will never forget it.