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World War Two / Re: 7th Batt Oxford & Bucks Light Infantry - WW2
« on: Thursday 15 August 24 17:23 BST (UK) »
Bill-
That parade in Cairo was in the summer of 1944 when they were rebuilding after Anzio; the Battalion's chronicles state:
"On 8th June the Battalion took part in the King’s Birthday parade, when the Division marched through the streets of Cairo. Old members of the Battalion insisted hotly that the light infantry pace should be maintained throughout the march. As this meant that the Battalion would pass all others before reaching the saluting base, and reach home before the others had completed the march, a compromise was reached. However, the old members did not approve. On the day, the Battalion broke into the light infantry pace just before the saluting base, and created thereby quite a sensation. The Battalion was congratulated on its bearing and smartness."
As for fighting the Italians, that was most probably in Tunisia at Enfidaville (May 1943) - there were certainly Italian units in the front line there opposite your Dad's battalion.
I'm beginning to get my teeth into this project now & while it may take me a few years in between my day jobs there's an amazing story to tell of this unit.
That parade in Cairo was in the summer of 1944 when they were rebuilding after Anzio; the Battalion's chronicles state:
"On 8th June the Battalion took part in the King’s Birthday parade, when the Division marched through the streets of Cairo. Old members of the Battalion insisted hotly that the light infantry pace should be maintained throughout the march. As this meant that the Battalion would pass all others before reaching the saluting base, and reach home before the others had completed the march, a compromise was reached. However, the old members did not approve. On the day, the Battalion broke into the light infantry pace just before the saluting base, and created thereby quite a sensation. The Battalion was congratulated on its bearing and smartness."
As for fighting the Italians, that was most probably in Tunisia at Enfidaville (May 1943) - there were certainly Italian units in the front line there opposite your Dad's battalion.
I'm beginning to get my teeth into this project now & while it may take me a few years in between my day jobs there's an amazing story to tell of this unit.