Monte Cassino
Provided byGraham Taylor(A SQN DLOY FaceBook Group)
On this day 12 May 1944, 78 (DLOY) Medium Regt, Royal Artillery were in the line facing Monte Cassino, part of the German defensive positions in the Gustav line.
The regimental 2i/c Major Seddon-Brown along with Lieutenant Straker, a South African and WO2 Battery Sgt Major Turner paid a visit to A4 gun pit. Shortly after their arrival the position suffered a direct hit from enemy counter battery fire. The three visitors and six gunners were killed outright. The number one on the gun, Sgt Williams had a miraculous escape, being blown out of the gun pit with only cuts and bruises.
All nine were buried at Cassino War Cemetery
1. 58583 Major Denis William Seddon-Brown, aged 33. Born 22 Feb 1911. Son of Lt. Col Sir Norman Seddon-Brown TD, JP of Caton, Lancaster. NOK wife Mary originally of Hoylake Cheshire but living in Tarleton, Lancs.
Grave No. 1.H.18 RIP
2. 111064 Lt LH Straker, aged 25. South African Artillery attached 78 Med Regt. RA. Son of Colley and Clara of Bergvliet, Cape Town, SA
Grave No. 11.A.21 RIP
3. 402905 WO2 (BSM) John Clifford Turner aged 31 of Preston. NOK wife Elizabeth.
Grave No. 1.H.20 RIP
4. 948320 Gunner Michael Jacob Burns. aged 25.
Grave No. 1.H.13 RIP
5. 947720 Bombadier Arthur Hawitt aged 25. son of Richard and Charlotte of Liverpool.
Grave No. 1.H.19 RIP
6. 940954 Gunner Alex Emanuel Holm aged 25
Grave No. 1.H.15 RIP
7. 13047904 Gunner Thomas Murphy aged 24. Son of Thomas and Catherine of Liverpool.
Grave No. 1.H.12 RIP
8. 14272856 Gunner Frank Moran aged 24. Son of Thomas and Mary Ellen of Wallsend, Northumberland.
Grave No. 1.H.14 RIP
9. 1141805 Gunner Horace William Patrick aged 28. Son of James and Frances of Broadwas, Worcestershire.
Grave No. 1.H.22 RIP
10. 1541618 Gunner John Raymond Ellis, 78 (DLOY) Med Regt, RA. Killed in action 10 May 1944 aged 25. Son of George & Gertrude Ellis of Wombwell, Yorkshire RIP
Grave No. I.E.9.
These 9 photos belong to the casualties of 78 Med Regt at Cassino on 12 May 1944. The one missing is of Lt. Straker, the South African who was attached to the regiment.
They are courtesy of Staff Sgt Andy Taylor who took them whilst on a battlefield tour.
