大象传媒

This story was submitted to the People鈥檚 War Site by Three Counties Action, on behalf of John Nickels, and has been added to the site with his permission. The author fully understands the site鈥檚 terms and conditions.

Naturally, after 60 years, one鈥檚 memory becomes a little hazy, but I will attempt to write a few lines about my own experiences.
At the time, I was in Italy, serving with the 48th Battalion, Royal Tank Regiment. Following the successful campaign in North Africa, we were ordered to Italy, Arriving in Naples on 1st May 1944.
Then began the long advance through Italy, eventually reaching Venice, some 12 months after our initial landing.
I enclose a photograph taken at LUNGO BRENTA a village situated a few kilometres south of Venice where we first heard the news of the German surrender. The photo shows our ARV (Armoured Recovery Vehicle), I am on the extreme left, together with the rest of my crew. This was virtually a Churchill tank but with the turret removed, and fitted out as a mobile workshop complete with oxy-acetylene welding and cutting gear and steel towropes. Our job was to repair and recover (if possible) any broken down or knocked out tanks.
What were our thoughts at the time? Initially of course euphoria. Later came the memory of those of our comrades who were no longer there to share our joy.
After a few days of unaccustomed leisure, during which we were able to explore Venice (a wonderful city) we were then sent to Rimini where we were billeted in sea front hotels. Our days were spent swimming in the

sea, playing cricket and tennis and taking part in various organised sports and in the evenings drinking the local wines (plentiful and cheap. This was indeed the life of Riley!
We also had the opportunity to visit Rome, Florence, Padua and other cultural cities.
On the 8th of May the German Capitulation in Europe was announced.
Was this to be the end of hostilities for us, or would we be posted to the Far East?
Luckily we were soon on our way home.

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