The Book – Feat of Arms

The book “Feat of Arms” has not been published, and is currently indefinitely delayed.

8 Responses to The Book – Feat of Arms

  1. Jeremy Langlands says:

    Do you have an aerial photo showing the ground S of the Ponte Grande as far S [4 miles or so] as the Sta Teresa railway station please?

    • Ian Murray says:

      Sorry, Jeremy, I can’t help with aerial photos, but I’ve posted an article here which I hope will be the next best thing. It links to satellite maps of Operation Ladbroke coup-de-main objectives.

  2. Steve Bluff says:

    I have a written account given me many years ago by Reg Brown of A Coy of the Staffords. He told me a copy was deposited with the IWM along with other accounts. The account basics were written on a Woodbine packet as he sat on the Horsa floating off Sicily (Reg couldn’t swim). I actually saw the Woodbine packet which he had in a small case along with other mementos. I have two photos of Reg. Is this of any use to you?
    Steve

    • Ian Murray says:

      Thanks very much Steve. I’m always pleased, and always feel privileged, to receive photos of the men who took part in Operation Ladbroke and the battle for Syracuse. I have seen a long account by Reg Brown – I assume it is the same one. The story of the Woodbine packet is a fascinating detail.

  3. Calum Stirling says:

    I’ve really enjoyed reading all the articles here on the website, and know most of the places that you describe. I live not far from Santa Teresa Longarini (in fact, the farm next to Ristorante Mottava). Perhaps you know it ? Pop in next time you’re in the area.

    • Ian Murray says:

      Calum – thanks for the kind comments. Yes, I’ve eaten a few times in the Agriturismo Fattoria Mottava. And thanks for the invitation – I’d love to drop by the next time I get the chance.

  4. Christopher Hollis says:

    The man in de Grineau’s drawing removing the charges was Pvte I Curnock of 181 A/L Fd Amb RAMC. (please see page 47, Red Berrets and Red Crosses, Niall Cherry). This man’s actions stopped the bridge from being blown when it was retaken and he should be credited with saving the bridge I believe.

    • Ian Murray says:

      Thanks Chris. Niall got the story from ‘On Wings of Healing’ p41. For more about the medics, see [here]. You make a very good point about Curnock. However, as so often, the story is a little murky. The charges were disabled in two stages, some hours apart. It seems first the wires were cut, and then later the charges were removed (although accounts differ). The men who are chiefly mentioned as dealing with the explosives are Lt Withers, who led the platoon which stormed the bridge, and Maj Beasley RE and his engineers. This doesn’t mean Curnock did not help, just that he needs to share the credit a bit!

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