Sicily
Lance Corporal Joseph Ransley
We have received a note from Gary Sherrington about his grandfather, Lance Corporal Joseph Ransley, who served with the Irish Brigade in North Africa and Italy. In his note, Gary told us: “My grandfather served with the 2nd Battalion London Irish Rifles during 1943. Incidentally, like your father Edmund, he was also from Peckham and in…
Read MoreSicily filming – Day 6.
Today’s filming took us to: CWGC Cemetery, Catania. Primosole Bridge.
Read MoreSicily filming – Day 5
Today’s filming took us to: Patti. Milazzo. Piedimonte Eteno.
Read MoreSicily filming – Day 4
Today’s filming took us to: Simeto River Maletto. Randazzo.
Read MoreSicily filming – Day 3
Today’s filming took us to: Centuripe. Salso River. Carcaci.
Read MoreSicily filming – Day 2
Today’s filming took us to: Catenanuova. Centuripe.
Read MoreSicily filming – Day 1
Today’s filming in Sicily took us to: Fontane Blanche. Palazzolo. Vizzini.
Read MoreRoyal Irish Fusilier, Edward Graham, found by his sons 74 years after his death
Royal Irish Fusilier Edward Graham’s grave was finally found by his twin sons last week, more than 74 years after he died in a German ambush near Maletto in August 1943. Edward and Sydney Graham attended the rededication ceremony for their father at Catania Commonwealth War Grave (CWGC) cemetery on 4th October 2017. Previously, the…
Read MoreHow the Irish Brigade crossed the Salso in 1943
Following the capture of Centuripe, the Irish Brigade pressed forward but were hampered by craters in the road down to the Salso river. Due to these delays, plans were made to attack across the river on the afternoon of 4th August and, despite some opposition, a bridgehead was secured by 430pm. The view northwards from…
Read MoreSicilian campaign overview
Brigadier Nelson Russell provided a succinct overview account of the Sicilian Campaign and how the Irish Brigade affected its outcome: “The British 8th Army was to land on the beaches on the east coast of the island, south of Syracuse, capture Syracuse, and so have a port; then drive the enemy from the Catania Plain,…
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