LO SHAMROCK, SIR HAROLD ALEXANDER E i diari di GUERRA della "IRISH GUARD"
A Massalubrense, nell' ex collegio dei Gesuiti e convalescenziario militare,
in via dell' Arco, si era insediato, dai primi mesi del '44, la "IRISH GUARD", il reggimento
della guardia irlandese di sua Maestà Britannica. Il 17 marzo ricorreva la
festa di San Patrizio patrono d' Irlanda ed i cattolicissimi irlandesi vollero
solennizzarla secondo le tradizioni del loro paese.
Fu celebrata una messa solenne, officiata, da Mons. Giuseppe Iaccarino e, nella
cattedrale di Massa, risuonarono le sacre note del "Te Deum Laudamus"
del Perosi. Fra le voci del coro si distinsero quelle degli artiglieri che
ancora erano ospitati nei casali di Massa e, nel corso della cerimonia, il
Generale SIR HAROLD ALEXANDER ( Comandante di
tutte le forze alleate presenti in Italia) consegnò ai partecipanti lo "SHAMROCK", il mitico
trifoglio emblema nazionale d' Irlanda. Alla cerimonia religiosa fece seguito
una parata militare, che si svolse nello spazio antistante la ex cattedrale,
alla presenza di autorità civili e militari, fra cui il Governatore di Sorrento
Musmanno e il Commissario
Prefettizio al Municipio di Massa, e il Comandante Busacca.
Sfilarono, con le altre formazioni, le "IRISH GUARDS" precedute dalla banda scozzese, nei caratteristici gonnellini variopinti con tamburi e cornamuse, le leggendarie "BIG PIPE".
FONTE:
NINO COPPOLA,San Cataldo e il suo culto.
Sfilarono, con le altre formazioni, le "IRISH GUARDS" precedute dalla banda scozzese, nei caratteristici gonnellini variopinti con tamburi e cornamuse, le leggendarie "BIG PIPE".
FONTE:
NINO COPPOLA,San Cataldo e il suo culto.
I DIARI DI GUERRA: 1st Battalion IRISH GUARDS ( durante il loro periodo a Massalubrense)
1944 March 12
Holy Mass was celebrated in the Church of Our Lady in St. AGATA, also in the Church of Our Lady in MASSUALBRENSE.
A Church of England Service was held at Battalion H.Q.
1944 March 13
The Commanding Officer inspected billets at 1100 hours.
At 1330 hours the Brigade Commander addressed the Battalion on the square at MASSALUBRENSE.
Expressing his regret that we were leaving his Brigade, he said that he had been told that we were the finest Battalion in the British Army - a dangerous statement, but a nice thing to have said about you.
We then practised the ‘March Past’ for ST. PATRICK’S DAY with the Regimental Band which later gave a performance to a motley crowd of civilians and soldiers.
In the evening there was an ENSA show in the Cinema at SORRENTO.
1944 March 14
A new No. 3 Company was formed today under the command of Major D.M. KENNEDY with C.S.M. SMYLIE as its Company Sergeant Major.
The Company is billeted in the village of PASTENA, half way between Battalion H.Q., and No. 2 Company.
In the evening the Regimental Band gave a performance in the road outside Support Company’s billets.
There was a Sergeants Mess Meeting in the evening.
1944 March 15
There was another practise for ST. PATRICK’S DAY in the morning, and in the afternoon a fresh batch of men arrived from the I.R.T.D.
This evening marked the beginning of a series of Cinema shows which are being shown in No. 2 Company’s billet, a former fascist school building in which one of the rooms is equipped with a screen and a projector.
1944 March 16
Another practise parade was held in the square at MASSALUBRENSE: otherwise an uneventful day spent chiefly in cleaning up for to-morrow.
1944 March 17
ST. PATRICK’s DAY.
The parade was held under ideal conditions and in the attractive setting of the square of MASSALUBENSE.
The Commander-in-Chief, General The Honourable Sir Harold ALEXANDER presented the shamrock which had arrived - only just in time by air.
Immediately after the presentation General ALEXANDER decorated several Officers and men of the Battalion and Brigade with awards earned on the ANZIO Bridgehead.
The parade concluded with a March Past and High Mass in the Church of Our Lady.
Colonel RYAN, Senior Chaplain of the U.S. ARMY, gave the address.
Much to everyone’s disappointment the General had to leave immediately after the parade to get back to the Battle of CASSINO.
That this parade, a never-to-be-forgotten occasion for all who took part, was equally impressive for the many spectators was fully born out by the congratulations of our visitors and guests: but our chief pride is in the tribute - contained in a letter to the Commanding Officer - paid by General ALEXANDER.
http://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675059354_Azio-rocket-gun_Saint-Patricks-Day_shamrocks_General-Eisenhower
In this letter General ALEXANDER says:-
“I do so heartily congratulate you on having such a really fine Battalion.
It was a real joy to me to be with them to-day, and I though they looked just fine.
Smart, proud of themselves, in fact just what one wishes and expects guardsmen to look like.
It must have impressed all the onlookers very much, like it did me.
The Micks were always good (the best in the whole Brigade) but I really believe they are better to-day than ever they were, or ever have been.
I am only sorry I could not remain longer with you - to to High Mass and go round the Company dinners and then lunch with you - but as you know I have this important and tricky battle of CASSINO in full swing, and it must be won.
This is my 15th ST. PATRICK’S DAY on parade with the Regiment and the 5th on active operations - not counting CONSTANTINOPLE and GIBRALTAR in 1922 - 1924.
Good luck to you all.”
Dinners followed [strike]with the customary speeches[/strike] and great credit is due to the Quartermaster and his staff for the magnificent meal provided.
The Battalion then quietly disappeared to “sleep it off” and the rest of the day was free.
There was a very successful party in the Sergeants Mess in the evening, lasting until the early hours, when one well known character was seen to give the sentry on the door a tip, and tell him to call a taxi?
1944 March 18
VESUVIUS today began an alarming series of eruptions unparalleled in violence since 1929.
By night especially the fiery streams of molten lava moved slowly down the mountain side provided a magnificent and unforgettable sight.
With the Battalion the day passed quietly.
1944 March 19
Divine Services were held as usual.
The Church of England Service being conducted by a Padre from the 201 GUARDS BRIGADE in place of Reverend BROWNING, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS.
About mid-day Lieutenant General LLOYD, G.O.C., London District, paid an informal visit to the Battalion and spoke to several Officers and Other Ranks.
The following extract from Part I Orders is printed below:-
ST. PATRICK’s DAY PARADE.
The Commander-in-Chief wishes to congratulate the Battalion on their fine bearing on parade.
The Commanding Officer wishes All Ranks to know that the Commander-in-Chief purposely saluted the Battalion before it saluted him, in order to show his respect and admiration.
1944 March 20
A quiet day - nothing of interest.
1944 March 21
Main Guard was posted for the first time since leaving ANZIO, in MASSAULBRENSE.
Captain T.C. KEIGWIN, M.C. appointed Musketry Officers.
Sergeant KENNEALLY, V.C., appointed Sergeant Instructor Musketry.
The Isle of CAPRI has been placed Out of Bounds to All Ranks.
1944 March 22
Battalion parade this morning had to be cancelled owing to bad weather.
The Battalion proceeded to CASTELLAMMARE for baths.
An Intelligence course at Brigade H.Q., started today.
Four Officers and the Battalion Intelligence Sergeant, attended.
1944 March 23
Drill Course for Lance Corporals started today.
There was heavy rain early in the morning which later gave way to a dust storm; this dust, which had to be seen to be believed, was hurled out of VESUVIUS every few minutes in enormous clouds which rose several thousand feet and was then blown over the country-side to fall like light rain.
Civilians are being evacuated from the base of the Volcano.
1944 March 24
All roads near VESUVIUS have been placed Out of Bounds to All Ranks not on duty, so as to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from the danger zone.
So thick was the dust that ‘Duties’ were mounted wearing anti-gas eye-shields.
In the evening a Guardsmen’s Dance was held in No. 2 Company’s billets; dance music was provided by a section of the Regimental Band.
1944 March 25
On the occasion of the Battalion leaving the 24th GUARDS BRIGADE a farewell Ball was given by the Commanding Officer at the PENSIONE JACCARINO, ST. AGATA.
1944 March 26
The usual Divine Services were held in the morning.
Main Guard will in future mount outside Support Company Billets instead of the square at MASSALUBRENSE.
1944 March 27
It is announced in Part I Orders that the President of the Supreme Council of the U.S.S.R., has conferred on General ALEXANDER the ORDER OF SUVOROV, 1st Class.
1944 March 28
An Officers and Lance Sergeants class started this morning.
The Commanding Officer congratulates Lance Corporal HISLOP, ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS, on the immediate award of the Military Medal.
Lance Corporal HISLOP joined the Battalion at WELLINGTON BARRACKS before it embarked for NORWAY, and remained with us until the Battalion left the 24th GUARDS BRIGADE.
A part of men who went on leave to SALERNO several days ago returned tonight.
1944 March 29
Battalion Parade cancelled.
Companies held Drill parades under their own arrangements.
1944 March 30
Message of congratulation received from Officer Commanding 1st (British) Division; Major General W.R.C. PENNY, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., on immediate awards to members of the Battalion.
Several men from the Con. Depot in SORRENTO joined the Battalion today.
1944 March 31
A quiet and uneventful day.
1 April 1944
The Battalion paraded in the Square at MASSALUBRENSE.
A message to the Commanding Officer from Field Marshal the Earl of CAVAN has been published, of which the text is as follows:-
"Please tell the gallant remnants of the its Battalion that I am prouder of them than ever. Even they cannot do the impossible, but they did a very wonderful thing, which will always live in my memory, and will, I am sure, be a very bright spot in the history of Ireland’s best men.”
A small party left this morning under command Lieutenant J.R.A. MACMULLEN to provide guards at 103 GENERAL HOSPITAL and 372 Prisoner of War Camp.
During the day a party of 20 rejoined the Battalion from Hospital.
2 April
During the night 1/2nd April, the customary one hour’s sleep was sacrificed in order to bring Double Summer Time into operation.
Church Services were held at ST. AGATA, PASTENA and MASSALUBRENSE at various times during the day, for the Companies billeted in those areas.
3 April
A new No. 4 Company has now been formed under command of Major J.S.O. HASLEWOOD.
Captain D.A. GILLIAT is Second-in-Command, and C.Q.M.S. DOONAN is Acting Company Sergeant Major.
They are billeted in a house near ST. AGATA, with a magnificent view across the bay of NAPLES.
A Battalion Shoot was held today on the 100 yards Range behind the Sergeants’ Mess.
There were three events - a Pool Shoot open to all comers, a competition between eight-men teams of officers and sergeants, and an all ranks inter Company Test, which was won by Support Company.
4 April
Messages have recently been sent by the Commanding Officer to O.C. 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, congratulating him on the award of the Victoria Cross, to Major W.P. SIDNEY’ to Brigadier R.B.R. COLVIN, Commanding 201 GUARDS BRIGADE, on his being awarded the Distinguished Service Order; and to Major General W.R.C. PENNEY CBE DSO MC, on his award of the C.B.
5 April
A day of normal routine, in which the Battalion paraded at MASSALUBRENSE, and parties went to CASTELLAMMARE for baths.
11 April
Anchor was weighed this morning at 0515 hours.
When people began to appear on deck we were passing between the ISLE OF CAPRI and our recent billet area of SORRENTO - ST. AGATA.
The land on each side looked very pleasant, perhaps because we were (probably) seeing the last of it: but for once the weather was suitably “Mediterranean”, and the first boat drills were carried out in warm sunshine.
It was a real joy to me to be with them to-day, and I though they looked just fine.
Smart, proud of themselves, in fact just what one wishes and expects guardsmen to look like.
It must have impressed all the onlookers very much, like it did me.
The Micks were always good (the best in the whole Brigade) but I really believe they are better to-day than ever they were, or ever have been.
I am only sorry I could not remain longer with you - to to High Mass and go round the Company dinners and then lunch with you - but as you know I have this important and tricky battle of CASSINO in full swing, and it must be won.
This is my 15th ST. PATRICK’S DAY on parade with the Regiment and the 5th on active operations - not counting CONSTANTINOPLE and GIBRALTAR in 1922 - 1924.
Good luck to you all.”
Dinners followed [strike]with the customary speeches[/strike] and great credit is due to the Quartermaster and his staff for the magnificent meal provided.
The Battalion then quietly disappeared to “sleep it off” and the rest of the day was free.
There was a very successful party in the Sergeants Mess in the evening, lasting until the early hours, when one well known character was seen to give the sentry on the door a tip, and tell him to call a taxi?
1944 March 18
VESUVIUS today began an alarming series of eruptions unparalleled in violence since 1929.
By night especially the fiery streams of molten lava moved slowly down the mountain side provided a magnificent and unforgettable sight.
With the Battalion the day passed quietly.
1944 March 19
Divine Services were held as usual.
The Church of England Service being conducted by a Padre from the 201 GUARDS BRIGADE in place of Reverend BROWNING, 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS.
About mid-day Lieutenant General LLOYD, G.O.C., London District, paid an informal visit to the Battalion and spoke to several Officers and Other Ranks.
The following extract from Part I Orders is printed below:-
ST. PATRICK’s DAY PARADE.
The Commander-in-Chief wishes to congratulate the Battalion on their fine bearing on parade.
The Commanding Officer wishes All Ranks to know that the Commander-in-Chief purposely saluted the Battalion before it saluted him, in order to show his respect and admiration.
1944 March 20
A quiet day - nothing of interest.
1944 March 21
Main Guard was posted for the first time since leaving ANZIO, in MASSAULBRENSE.
Captain T.C. KEIGWIN, M.C. appointed Musketry Officers.
Sergeant KENNEALLY, V.C., appointed Sergeant Instructor Musketry.
The Isle of CAPRI has been placed Out of Bounds to All Ranks.
1944 March 22
Battalion parade this morning had to be cancelled owing to bad weather.
The Battalion proceeded to CASTELLAMMARE for baths.
An Intelligence course at Brigade H.Q., started today.
Four Officers and the Battalion Intelligence Sergeant, attended.
1944 March 23
Drill Course for Lance Corporals started today.
There was heavy rain early in the morning which later gave way to a dust storm; this dust, which had to be seen to be believed, was hurled out of VESUVIUS every few minutes in enormous clouds which rose several thousand feet and was then blown over the country-side to fall like light rain.
Civilians are being evacuated from the base of the Volcano.
1944 March 24
All roads near VESUVIUS have been placed Out of Bounds to All Ranks not on duty, so as to facilitate the evacuation of civilians from the danger zone.
So thick was the dust that ‘Duties’ were mounted wearing anti-gas eye-shields.
In the evening a Guardsmen’s Dance was held in No. 2 Company’s billets; dance music was provided by a section of the Regimental Band.
1944 March 25
On the occasion of the Battalion leaving the 24th GUARDS BRIGADE a farewell Ball was given by the Commanding Officer at the PENSIONE JACCARINO, ST. AGATA.
1944 March 26
The usual Divine Services were held in the morning.
Main Guard will in future mount outside Support Company Billets instead of the square at MASSALUBRENSE.
1944 March 27
It is announced in Part I Orders that the President of the Supreme Council of the U.S.S.R., has conferred on General ALEXANDER the ORDER OF SUVOROV, 1st Class.
1944 March 28
An Officers and Lance Sergeants class started this morning.
The Commanding Officer congratulates Lance Corporal HISLOP, ROYAL CORPS OF SIGNALS, on the immediate award of the Military Medal.
Lance Corporal HISLOP joined the Battalion at WELLINGTON BARRACKS before it embarked for NORWAY, and remained with us until the Battalion left the 24th GUARDS BRIGADE.
A part of men who went on leave to SALERNO several days ago returned tonight.
1944 March 29
Battalion Parade cancelled.
Companies held Drill parades under their own arrangements.
1944 March 30
Message of congratulation received from Officer Commanding 1st (British) Division; Major General W.R.C. PENNY, C.B.E., D.S.O., M.C., on immediate awards to members of the Battalion.
Several men from the Con. Depot in SORRENTO joined the Battalion today.
1944 March 31
A quiet and uneventful day.
1 April 1944
The Battalion paraded in the Square at MASSALUBRENSE.
A message to the Commanding Officer from Field Marshal the Earl of CAVAN has been published, of which the text is as follows:-
"Please tell the gallant remnants of the its Battalion that I am prouder of them than ever. Even they cannot do the impossible, but they did a very wonderful thing, which will always live in my memory, and will, I am sure, be a very bright spot in the history of Ireland’s best men.”
A small party left this morning under command Lieutenant J.R.A. MACMULLEN to provide guards at 103 GENERAL HOSPITAL and 372 Prisoner of War Camp.
During the day a party of 20 rejoined the Battalion from Hospital.
2 April
During the night 1/2nd April, the customary one hour’s sleep was sacrificed in order to bring Double Summer Time into operation.
Church Services were held at ST. AGATA, PASTENA and MASSALUBRENSE at various times during the day, for the Companies billeted in those areas.
3 April
A new No. 4 Company has now been formed under command of Major J.S.O. HASLEWOOD.
Captain D.A. GILLIAT is Second-in-Command, and C.Q.M.S. DOONAN is Acting Company Sergeant Major.
They are billeted in a house near ST. AGATA, with a magnificent view across the bay of NAPLES.
A Battalion Shoot was held today on the 100 yards Range behind the Sergeants’ Mess.
There were three events - a Pool Shoot open to all comers, a competition between eight-men teams of officers and sergeants, and an all ranks inter Company Test, which was won by Support Company.
4 April
Messages have recently been sent by the Commanding Officer to O.C. 5th Battalion GRENADIER GUARDS, congratulating him on the award of the Victoria Cross, to Major W.P. SIDNEY’ to Brigadier R.B.R. COLVIN, Commanding 201 GUARDS BRIGADE, on his being awarded the Distinguished Service Order; and to Major General W.R.C. PENNEY CBE DSO MC, on his award of the C.B.
5 April
A day of normal routine, in which the Battalion paraded at MASSALUBRENSE, and parties went to CASTELLAMMARE for baths.
11 April
Anchor was weighed this morning at 0515 hours.
When people began to appear on deck we were passing between the ISLE OF CAPRI and our recent billet area of SORRENTO - ST. AGATA.
The land on each side looked very pleasant, perhaps because we were (probably) seeing the last of it: but for once the weather was suitably “Mediterranean”, and the first boat drills were carried out in warm sunshine.
The ship's Dry Canteen was opened during the day, so that cigarettes etc, were available.
Our ship was on the right flank of the convoy - eight or nine ships in all, with a considerable escort of destroyers and, on our starboard bow, a remarkable ‘converted’ craft of no particular class, but well equipped with guns.
By early afternoon our accompanying ships were the only feature of interest, as we had left ITALY behind and not yet arrived within sight of AFRICA.
