We learn the unlikely story of a hero through the recollection of operational activities in Italy.
Fall Of Rome and D-Day
Mr. Gorie speaks of the fall of Rome on June 5, 1944, the D-Day landing in France the following day and the less-than-kind nickname, D-Day Dodgers, given to the troops in Italy at the time of the D-Day invasion by Lady Astor.
German Tactics Prevent Movement
Mr. Gorie recalls some of the tactics used by the Germans to keep the tanks from moving forward.
8th New Brunswick Hussars
Mr. Gorie recalls his time with the 8th New Brunswick Hussars, and the first time he went into action.
The Sicily Landing
It's July, 1943 and the flotilla of landing craft is on the move expecting to see action soon, but not sure where. They were soon on their way to Sicily with each landing craft carrying 150 soldiers to the beach.
The Bombing of Monte Cassino
Mr. Godden describes the Allied bombing of the Germans at Monte Cassino where hundreds of Allied bombers atacked the Germans, but could not break their position.
Tanks in Italy
Mr. Dowie describes Italy through the eyes of a tank driver and the impact of D-Day on the Italian Campaign. They were called D-Day Dodgers.
Entering Rome
Mr. Dowie describes being under constant fire for 282 days in Italy and then entering Rome.
Guarding a Tank in No Man's Land
Mr. Dowie describes guarding a tank for three days in No Man's Land.
Fighting in Ortona
Mr. Dowie describes knocking down a church on Christmas Day in 1943 and then holding a reconciliation supper with the 1st German Parachute Division in 1998 at that same church.
Ortona
Mr. Dowie describes a tactical system they learned while in Ortona which was called "mouse-holing".
Punishment for AWOL
Vokes strips him down to buck private and sends him back to the ranks, but he also adds a twist to the punishment.