Reply To: Where is Alf?

[Frank de Planta]

Martyn.

23 Field Regiment RA were part of what was called an AGRA – Artillery Group Royal Artillery. In this case, 23 Fd Regt RA were in 2 AGRA. In effect, they were held centrally and then dished out to anyone who needed them for specific operation. As a result, they spent a lot of time with different Divisions on different parts of the Italian front.

They spent Feb 44 supporting 1 Special Service Brigade in the First and Second Battles of Monte Cassino and stayed on to support units during the Third Battle of Cassino. They then switched to supporting 24 Guards Brigade at Castel di Sangro for the period of the Fourth Battle of Monte Cassino.

After Cassino, the Regt continued to support 24 Guards Brigade who had been allocated to 6 South African Armoured Division. The Division pushed north up passed Rome through the very centre of Italy. On 13 Jun 44, 24 Guards Brigade came up against a German defence at Bagnoregio, 4km east of Lake Bolseno. He was killed during the assault and is buried in Bolsena CWGC cemetery.

23 Fd Regt RA was made up of 60 Battery, 89 Battery & 90 Battery. I know that he was not in 89 Bty.

Interestingly, the inscription on his headstone is ‘Rest in peace Mizpah’ Any idea what Mizpah refers to?

If you want more information, do get in touch though my website at http://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk where you will find an enquiries email address.

Regards

Frank