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This contribution to WW2 People's War was received by the Action Desk at ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Norfolk. The story is as told to Audrey Ashby ( nee Phillips) by her uncle Harold Phillips and submitted to the website with the permission and on behalf of Audrey Ashby.

HAROLD AND FRANK PHILLIPS ANZIO — JANUARY 1944

Frank ( my father) and Harold Phillips were brothers who both served in WW2.

Frank the eldest, joined up in 1940 as a driver with the Royal Engineers. He was posted to Scarborough then Hemsby for his basic training before going abroad with the 8th Army in Egypt, Libya, Sicily and Italy.

Harold was called up in 1939 and joined the RAMC where he served on the hospital ship 'St David'.

On January 22nd 1944 the 'St David' was in Anzio Bay, Italy, as troops and vehicles landed on the beaches.

Frank, who was resting on the beach was unaware that his brother was nearby, when, Harold who was looking for wounded, suddenly saw Frank. After the initial shock and emotional reunion Harold asked his C.O. If he could take Frank back to the ship for a meal and a rest. It was agreed and the two set off for the 'St David' in a water ambulance. On board they enjoyed a meal and relaxed, no doubt talking of home and the family. However, Frank was soon overcome by tiredness and the emotion of the occasion and fell asleep where he was left for a few hours to rest. The first time for many months,

We can only guess at their thoughts as they said their goodbyes the following day each returned to duty and their own different theatre of war.

It was on 23rd January when later that day air attacks began on ships in the bay. The next day 24th January was a fateful day.

Frank had moved on to wherever, but Harold was on board the 'St David' . By early evening having just come off duty he removed his boots to prepare for bed. Suddenly there was a loud explosion and the ship juddered. It had been struck by a torpedo. Water poured in fast everywhere but fortunately Harold was able to scramble up on deck and into the sea before the ship went down. Harold was one of the lucky survivors but was in the water for some time before another ship came to his rescue. Eventually the survivors were returned to England. Harold later said that he realised removing his boots had helped to save his life.

Frank remained in Italy until 1945 unaware of what had happened to his brother until after he returned home. How different the story might have been if the 'St David' had been sunk a few hours earlier when both brothers were on board together sharing a wonderful and unexpected reunion at Anzio Beach.

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