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I am a volunteer working for the ´óÏó´«Ã½'s People's War Project and I am inputting this story on behalf of Percy Gegg who came to one of Worcestershire's Wartime Wednesdays to tell his story. This is part 2 of Adventures with the Royal Artillery. For Part 1 see www.bbc.co.uk/dna/ww2/A3187163

SALERNO, ITALY

I missed the landing in Sicily since I was in hospital suffering from malignant malaria. I rejoined when we were to land at Salerno. We were on the troop ship and could see the US troops taking a beating though so we were stuck at sea for two days. We couldn't fire a shot to help, all our guns were in the hold, and it was dreadful, very traumatic.

We landed at Salerno and took position in a vineyard on top of hill - beautiful big black grapes full of juice - dessert grapes. The Germans had pulled back and the weather was nice so it was quite cushy. The farmer was not happy because a gun takes up a lot of room and we spoilt the harvest. They never came to talk to us.

We carried on moving up country. We were told we'd been attached to the US Army. They didn't ask our permission. The US kept us well-equipped with gum and cigarettes. They liked our stew especially in the cold weather. Their uniforms were very thin gaberdine and they'd barter for our socks and stew.

MONTE CASSINO AND ANZIO

We were at Monte Cassino - down by river, the river was fouled with dead bodies. The guns were useless - the 2 pounders bounced off the rock. It was the only time I saw our guns were useless. [I've been back to M.C. since and found it beautiful].

The next big move was to outskirts of Rome to Alban Hills to Anzio. We went through the marshes. The Germans had a railway gun 'Anzio Annie', a big gun that kept everyone on their toes. They pushed us right back to within half a mile of the sea. The only time I'd seen 2 German tanks one blown on top of the other.

CIVITEVECCHIA AND LEGHORN- LIVORNO

Next we went to Civitevecchia, a port/coastal town. We were guarding the electric works - we were in the worst spot, heavily shelled. Day and night, constantly tense. It was not a very good spot.

We were moved to Livorno next - no fighting - so they gave us mine detectors to clear the town and docks. There were booby traps everywhere. On one occasion, myself and my company entered and left a shop that had been abandoned. A few minutes later, some American troops went in and obviously touched something we hadn’t and a booby trap bomb went off, killing them.

ABRUZZO

We were there when VE Day was declared. We could relax at last. All our guns were handed over to the Italian Army (since they'd capitulated) I went to Milan on a day off. Saw the Cathedral. We were all together now as a unit not far from Milan.

DEMOBILISATION

I stayed on for a while at 31st Training Barracks just south of Rome; I think it was called Gigagnola (military prison for deserters etc.) I trained men there 'til I was demobbed.

I was demobbed from place near to Milan — I had all my medicals to make sure I was fit. I was demobbed under Group 20 because I'd been in from near the start. Came back from Milan via Switzerland, up through France straight to Calais. On the French ferry I dropped overboard a German Luger I'd had for a long time - I took it off a German officer, it had never been used. I kept my compass — it had saved my life more than once in N. Africa.

Went through Customs at Dover and on to Aldershot to pick up demob suit then train to Worcester. I was home.

My only regret that I never kept the army numbers of my colleagues, so I've lost track of them now.

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