I found a couple of diaries on a Council tip in Northants in 1996. They were written by a member of the RAF who lived at 23 The Vale, Northampton. His details are; 1507942 AC- GIBSON, LW, RAF.
The papers had been 'saved' & were available for purchase. They included censored telegraphs home to his wife, a Mess Pass for the Troopship to South Africa, several photographic negatives (showing K.D Dress), receipts and blank postcards. I paid 拢5.00 for them.
He makes mention of being stationed in Sorrento and around in 1944 and visiting the Opera in Naples and being present at an audience with the Pope in Rome. Nothing of real military interest, though, which makes it all the more interesting in my view.
He compares the both the towns and rural areas with what he knew of 'Blighty'. He witnessed Vesuvius erupt in 1944.
I have 'translated' the fine copperplate handwriting to a 'Word' document. The originals have been donated to the RAF museum in Hendon.
My wife and I are visiting the same area of Italy in the summer of 2005, staying in Rome & Sorrento (via Monte Cassino)and hope to look up some of the places he mentioned. Research on the internet has already begun!
I am interested in both WWII & the Roman Empire, so it's a dream come true, really.
Oh! and the missus gets to shop her socks off!
Kevin.
Recommended story
Story with photo