June 4th, 1944. ROME FELL this day. Does anyone else remember, or really care??? Well that was 59 years ago and we were out of the line, out of range of enemy fire and resting near the town of Pofi. Our Canadian infantry and tanks had incurred terrific causalities in the drive past Cassino and all up the Liri valley. When the great prize Rome seemed within our grasp, politics took over and the Canadians who smashed through the tough spots were now taken out of the dash for Rome. Sad looking back on it.
I would say we were used and so were the Poles. But memory grows dim and after 59 years not many of us are left that experienced those hard won battles of May 1944.
I'm in a reflective mood this morning and there is something that I'm sure not many remember or knew at the time. But 50 years ago 2nd June at the great event of the coronation of Princess Elizabeth being crowned Queen, Charlie Brown, and George Green were present as members of the Canadian military. I do not know what rank Charlie would have had at this time or George either. I remember Charlie Brown telling me how the exww2 contingent from Canada really out classed the famed Guard regiments in drill and deportment, and how someone in the Canadian ranks at a rehearsal muttered something derogatory at one of the stiff necked British officers who was mounted on a horse. This officer turned in the saddle and said to Charlie Brown, "Who said that" ?? Charlie knew but replied "Said What ??I did not hear anything ".The comradeship of those that had been there were getting a bit fed up with the rehearsal for those that did not need the drill. The Canadian contingent, from what I can find out, put on a great show. So put these two events into your memory bank.
George Green has passed away and Charlie Brown has slowed a bit but will be 88 in September. Orme Payne, Alex Ross and I have all been in phone conversation with Charlie. Always great to talk to old friends. This is just a flash back in my memory .
