WIREDGOV

Second World War veterans from across the country are soon to embark on a historic pilgrimage to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino, the epic struggle to capture a vital German stronghold and open up the way for the main allied advance into Rome. 

Recognised as one of the most dogged and ferocious actions of WW2, the five-month struggle claimed over 50,000 lives. The battle of Monte Cassino (January – May 1944) was pivotal to the success of the Italian campaign and the greater allied advance into mainland Europe. It eventually led to the destruction of the formidable Gustav Line, the spine of German fortifications across Italy.

Peter Ainsworth Chair of the Big Lottery Fund, said: “As we approach the historic 70th anniversary of the Battle of Monte Cassino we are proud to remember and honour the immense debt of gratitude owed to those brave veterans who endured one of the most arduous campaigns of the Second World War and whose courage and sacrifice finally brought an end to a conflict that cost over 60 million lives across the world.”

One group preparing for the historic anniversary are veterans of the Monte Cassino Societyawarded a £28,535 Heroes Return grant to join WW2 veterans from across the world to pay their respects to fallen comrades at official ceremonies around the battle sites. It is expected that the anniversary will also be attended by a member of the Royal Household.

Part of the group, 94-year old Garth Wright from Plymouth is one of the last remaining Dunkirk veterans.  Aged 19, Garth joined up with the local Territorial Army and was due to go to firing camp when he received his call up in September 1939.

He recalls: “We had a Sunday Service and it was there that we heard we were at war. I joined as part of the British Expeditionary Force. We were sent to defend British fighter planes stationed at Lille airport in Northern France. But after the Germans waded through the Maginot Line we retreated and took up defence on the beaches of Dunkirk. I helped a badly wounded guy onto a destroyer and came back with him.”

Garth then joined the 6th Armoured Division anti tank and took part in Operation Torch the British – American invasion of French North Africa.

Garth recalls: “We were on 4.2 mortars. Our job was to place guns just 200 yards in front of the German pits. But we were beaten back by Rommel so the division moved to Italy to join the Battle of Monte Cassino.”.

“I was stationed at allied Headquarters as we went into the final battle half a mile up the road. We were under constant heavy fire. My duties were to drive a tractor pulling artillery. I was also a messenger and sometimes my job was to dash up the line to the forward troops carrying large canisters of hot soup strapped to my back.”

After the allies captured Monte Cassino the division moved up to San Marino on the Italian Peninsula.

He remembers: “All the civilians came out to greet us with wine flowing. One villager was waving around this tiny little gun which he boasted had killed many Germans. My sergeant 
thought this was funny and was playing with the gun when it accidentally went off and shot my best friend through the stomach. He never recovered from the wound and later died. During the war I also lost four very old mates who were with me in the TA in 1939.”

Looking forward to the 70th anniversary trip next month, he said: “I have been back to Monte Cassino since the war. The first visit was the most difficult. I could still smell rotting flesh. But I don’t have the same feeling now and the place takes on a different look. I am dedicated to keeping alive the memory of all those boys.”

94-year old Garth is still a regular fundraiser who has recently singlehandedly collected £5,500 in support of the Royal Artillery Association, Monte Cassino Society and to fund a local memorial stone.

Big Lottery Fund has to date awarded over £26.6 million to more than 54,000 Second World War veterans, widows, spouses and carers across the UK under its Heroes Return 2 programme. 

If you would like an interview with Garth or any further information please contact the Big Lottery Fund press office on 020 7211 1661/1888.           &nbs p;                           &n bsp;        

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The Big Lottery Fund has extended its Heroes Return 2 programme to enable veterans to apply for funding to make second trips. The programme deadline for closure will now be end of 2015. This will ensure Second World War veterans from the UK, Channel Islands and Republic of Ireland who have already been funded since the programme opened in 2009, will have a second opportunity to apply for a grant towards travel and accommodation expenses to enable them to make trips back to places across the world where they served, or make a commemorative visit in the UK. For details contact: Heroes Return helpline:  0845 00 00 121 or visit www.biglotteryfund.org.uk/heroesreturn
       

Big Lottery Fund Press Office: 020 7211 1888
Out of hours media contact: 07867 500 572
Full details of the Big Lottery Fund programmes and grant awards are available on the website: www.biglotteryfund.org.uk 
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Notes to editors

• The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised for good causes by the National Lottery.
• The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since its inception in 2004 BIG has awarded close to £6bn.
• The Fund was formally established by Parliament on 1 December 2006.
• In the year ending 31 March 2013, 28% of total National Lottery revenue was returned to the Good Causes.
• Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £31 billion has been raised and more than 400,000 grants awarded across arts, sport, heritage, charities, health, education and the environment.