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Messages - bangerjackson

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1
World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Tuesday 10 December 13 20:06 GMT (UK)  »
hi Adam
Had a quick read of the War Chronicles - after crossing the Garigliano the Regiment were in action on Mt Damiano at point 411 and 411 near Mt Rotundo which they captured 29th Jan.On the 5th/6th Feb. the Regiment was relieved and on the 9th Feb. they were on 3 hour standby to embark for Anzio. rTherefore by  my reckoning they were still a few miles SE of Cassino. You may be right that  a unit from the 7th Bn may have been involved with 1st battle for Cassino but I see no record of this . If you can obtain a small scale ordinance map of central Italy it may help with the geography.
I close now.
regards banger

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World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Sunday 08 December 13 19:12 GMT (UK)  »
Hi Adam

Yes I got your private msge. - thank you.
Mt Comino part pf the Winter Line .The terrain is mountains and rivers The fighting was horrendous - likened to the worst of  WW1. The area lies a few miles south of Monte Cassino which is much better known.
I also find the accounts confusing. I think the mistake we make is to think that the regiments stayed in neat individual units when in fact they may have got mixed up with different units in other parts of the front. This may explain why I saw a number of Ox and Bucks graves in the
 cemetary at Monte Cassino, even though I did not know  they were in action there.
Without a doubt the best source would have been  the veterans themselves but sadly that is probably too late. The Regiment was also receiving reinforcements from various places. One interesting account I read was a officer who was responsible for joining  the Regiment with a draft of deserters from N, Africa and according to him - instructions what to do if they faced the wrong way.
The truth is we can only scratch the surface of of what these men endured.
I will close now for the time being and I wish you and your family a very merry xmas from my wife and I.

regards banger








 

 

3
World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Tuesday 03 December 13 11:44 GMT (UK)  »
Hi Adam,
A good and comprehensive account of the 7th Bn Ox and Bucks in Italy.

I could add  a little to the fighting on Monte Comino . A veteran of the 6th Bn Grenadier Guards part of the 201st Guards Brigade gave me an account of his experience -the guards fought to the summit but found they were isolated and overseen by the enemy who were entrenched on even higher ground. I mention this because my Dad made reference to this on how the the 7th were given the task of assisting the Guards to withdraw - there were many casualties,

regards Banger

4
World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Thursday 21 November 13 16:17 GMT (UK)  »
Hi Adam,
Thanks for clarifying the situation I should have read the message board properly.
My dad an ex regular soldier called back to the colours on the outbreak of war and joined the 1st Bn also known as the 43rd . This was a regular battalion. The 1st Bucks were deployed nearby but took a different route in retreat. I think they were at Cassel with the Glosters to act as rearguard but were moved on to Hazebrouk . This is fortunate for your grandad since the Glosters were overrun and captured. I also think !st Bucks were involved in a  rearguard action on a canal in Saint Omer before reaching the coast.

I am certain my dad was at Anzio since  I have a group photo of WO and Sgts in Egypt on their
return from Anzio.(that is how I learned his nickname).
The Lt. Col. you knew from Slade is also friend of mine who me helped tremendously gathering info.
My sources are extracts from war diaries ,interviews with vets (one who knew my dad quite well),
magazines and videos that I took on a tour of Italy. I did not manage to get Anzio unfortunately but I did visit Salerno War Cementary. My dad - he hardly spoke about his experiences apart from a few remarks that gave me a some clues to follow.
Thats it for moment stay in contact
regards bob

5
World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Wednesday 20 November 13 17:08 GMT (UK)  »
hi Adam
I have blown the dust off my files and I have enough material for a book so I will keep my findings brief . My contribution  about the regiment was really directed to the folk who indicated they had lost family at the Salerno landings and to make known the location of the British military cemetary.
However I would be happy to offer a background to the fighting in Italy until the 7th was disbanded in 1945, but I will have to keep it within certain limits.
Meanwhile may I ask if you do have a personal interest and/or a general interest in the 7th

regards bob jackson

6
World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Monday 18 November 13 19:46 GMT (UK)  »
HI Adam,
Thanks for your comments I will get back to you I need to read up my notes. My dad - Sgt bob Jackson nicknamed bangerjackson posted to the 7bn bn for the duration 1941 to 1945 after recovering from wounds at Dunkirk while  he was with the 1st bn ox bucks in  France and Belgium.
regards banger. 

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World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Sunday 17 November 13 11:12 GMT (UK)  »
I have done some research on the 7bn. ox and bucks and I can give you a summary.
The bn was formed in 1941 and was posted around folkstone. After training they were shipped to kirkuk via South africa and Bombay. They expected a german breakthrough but after the russians checked their advance the threat diminished. The regiment was moved by road to north Africa to join the 8th army. They went straight into battle at Enfideville and was commended for their fighting ability They become part of the US 5th army under Mark Clark and landed at salerno in September 1943. The fighting was fierce and a withdrawal was considered but after intense bombardment by the navy -  a breakthrough was achieved. The battalion advanced towards Battipaglia. The heaviest fighting was on the southern flank bourne by the 36th div (texans). The regiment took many losses and the fallen are buried in a british war cemetary ouside Battipaglia on the road to town of Salerno.
and

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