Book 2

or if their home had been destroyed; it was a constant anxiety. Late 1942 the war turned against the enemy and more battle damaged convoys managed to get through, ending the Siege of Malta. When leaving the island on 31st March 1943, everyone was convinced they would be returning to Britain to see their families and convalesce. Instead they were sent to Egypt. After a brief rest, General Jumbo Wilson announced to the undernourished and unfit siege survivors that they were to be put on intensive training in preparation for what he described as “A Small Job” and promised a homeward journey thereafter. During the training period some died and a number suffered amnesia and total breakdown.

Photograph of the Author,

David J Powis, taken in Egypt 1943.

July 1943 Dad landed in Sicily with the 231 (Independent) Brigade, part of The 50th Northumbrian Division, Eighth Army. He was with the first assault wave and faced continuous inland battles throughout the island. After ferocious fighting for Regalbuto Ridge, Dad was one of very few survivors of his platoon. Losses were so high, the 231 Brigade had to be reshuffled, Dad was transferred to his Devonshire

Regiment front line Intelligence Section. His Brigade often fought alongside and with The 51st Highland Division, and a Canadian Division. On cessation of hostilities General Montgomery gave a speech in which he informed the exhausted survivors that he had chosen them to be the first to invade mainland

Italy. Stunned silence soon turned to

anger as everyone realised command had no intention of honouring their promise of home leave. Due to The 231 Brigade’s heavy losses they had to be frequently strengthened by reinforcements and their own patched up wounded. Front line Infantrymen who had survived many battles were known as “Seasoned Troops” and were kept at the front with little respite. Dad’s book reveals the true reason for slight depletion of troops prior to the invasion of Italy.