大象传媒

Interview with Alf Wallwork

He was14 at the beginning of the war and he should have been going on holiday but holiday cancelled and war started next day. Nothing happened for 12 months but the there was the blitz. Became firewatcher and stayed a as fire watcher for about 3 years. During the 3 years he joined the home guard, as a bandsman.

Early 1943 became 18 and had to the join the army. First went to Prestatyn camp. After that, went to Carlisle and joined the Border Regiment. Played football for Carlisle United, played about 6 games until moved to Cromer in Norfolk where they were taught battle skills. After that, went to Cardiff Docks and went to sea for about 6 weeks until they reached Africa. Atlantic was full Under Sea boats. At that time the fighting had just finished in Africa, and they were guarding German prisoners, approximately 250,000. Guarding for about 2-3 months.

Then left Africa for Italy, used as Support troupes, earned medal for catching Naples even though he wasn鈥檛 there. Held up at Casino in the middle of Italy. It was then decided that to make a landing at Anzio just North to Casino, 30 miles south to Rome. Nobody there, very cautious boss them dig in, Germans attacked with great strength, about 250,000 on each side. Battle went on for about 4 months, very violent and savaged. Broke through and Germans retreated. Should of cut off Italy but went to Rome instead. Mark Clarke was the Commanding Officer and made the decision to take Rome. Went to Assisi, 36 churches inside, owned by Saint Francis, Saint of Animals. Went on leave to Rome, had football match between the 5th and 8th army, 5th Army won 3-1. Then had to go back to the Army.

In September 1944 had to go to Borgo San Lorenzo where the Germans were resisting strongly, German defenses was called the Gothic line. Came to a place where there was a pass between two mountains, German were on both sides, were commanded to capture both the Mountains and chase away the Germans. When they got to the top there was a tank which was resisting being blown up. Fired at it so much that the mortar blew up, was given first aid and told to go back down the hill where he met Padere (together wit a captured German) who gave him a drink of Whisky and sent him to the hospital in Rome, there for about 6 months. Sent down to Naples and evacuated on Hospital ship. Stopped and inspected by submarine. Went into hospital in Winwick. Then Discharged from the Army.

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