大象传媒

It started with a library book.
18 months ago I read Bitter Victory,by Carlo D'Este and this started me off on a journey that in May this year found me walking up a dusty path in Sicily.
The Canadian War Cemetery lies in the commune of Agira, province of Enna,5 kilometeres from the town of Agira,12 from Regalbuto.
First impressions were of a beautifully laid out area with two small buildings to left and right of a set of steps.The building on the left was closed and locked but the one on the right was open-plan and here on a wall was a large plaque giving details of the cemetery's history.On an adjacent wall was a small alcove with a metal door which I opened to find a book of remberance containing the names of all 490 Canadians buried here.I signed the visitors book also found in the alcove.
I walked up the steps to the first row of headstones,then traversed each row stopping to read the inscriptions at each grave.These gave name,age,rank and service organisation,along with the date of death.Many had additional inscriptions from loved ones,lower down on the headstones.The majority of deaths had occurred in July and August 1943.The youngest had been 18 years old ,the oldest 46.There were a small number who had earned decorations,including two Military Medals(MM).
At the top of the hill was a large central stone memorial and once over the brow,the row of headstones continued down the other side,overlooking Lake Pozzillo shimmering in the midday sun.
The last row on this side of the hill is interesting as the deaths fall outside the 38 day Operation Husky period.(This name was given to the operation to capture the island of Sicily from the Axis forces,from July 10th to August 17th 1943).They are dated April to November 1943 and are mainly RCAF (Royal Canadian Airforce)personnel.
Framed by the trees and the lake,this cemetery is beautifully maintained.At the time of my visit no one else was present and it's peace and quiet made this a very moving experience.
Rupert Brooke's 'Corner of a foriegn field' came to mind from his poem - The Soldier. As I had written in the visitors book:-
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM.

Colin Hotham.

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