Hawks in Italia

As the Seventieth Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day approached a contingent from the KRH joined a number of ex 14/20th in the commemoration of a battle fought in Italy seventy years ago. The trip to Italy was paired with a battlefield tour of Monte Cassino for crew commanders and above from across the Regiment.

In April 2015, a group of NCOs and Officers put their thinking caps on to take part in the battlefield tour of pivotal sites around the campaign in Monte Cassino that eventually led to the fall of Rome and the continuation of the Allied offensive against Axis forces. Discussion stands were mixed with planning within groups and historical background giving a unique perspective on the battles that caused so many casualties. Everyone was reminded of the relevance of history in today’s planning cycles as we worked out what we might have done on the ground that day. Medicina is now the Corporals’ Mess battle honour, and they joined the group in the town alongside members of “Noah’s Arc”. There was a proud march around before the unveiling a new commemorative plaque. As everybody on parade watched on Italian school children sang and the last surviving men from the Regiment took pride of place. A proud day to be a King’s Royal Hussar!