A delegation of veterans and Labour councillors have been invited to Sicily to commemorate the Durham Light Infantry’s role in one of World War II’s most daring operations.
In July, it will be 80 years since the DLI played a key part in “Operation Husky”, when two armies landed in Sicily to secure a foothold on the island for the Allies successful advance through Italy and into Europe.
The delegation, which includes DLI Chairman and Rtd. Maj. Chris Lawton, DLI Association’s Ian Pearson and County Durham Labour Leader, Cllr Carl Marshall and Cllr Kevin Shaw, has been invited to the town of Catania, to take part in a series of events staged over a week in July, marking the anniversary.
Catania was the focal point of the operation, and each year remembers Operation Husky, which was an intricate amphibious assault that saw the armies land in the southeast and south of Sicily to capture Catania following the Battle at Primosole Bridge, key in securing the back door into Europe and marking the beginning of the end for Hitler’s Nazis.
The battle was intense, with the DLI heavily involved, suffering over 500 casualties.
Ex-Royal Signals and member of the Chester-Le-Street branch of the DLI, Ian Pearson organised the trip on behalf of the Association.
He said:
“This trip signifies the importance of commemorating such historic events to remember the great sacrifice of DLI soldiers and pay our respects to their heroics.
“To visit areas where they battled so valiantly to secure this vital operational success will be an emotional experience and great honour, and I’d like to thank the town of Catania for not only inviting us, but also for honouring the DLI in such an incredible way.”
The week-long commemoration begins on the July 5, and over the course of a week, the DLI Association will attend conferences and visit Primosole battlefield and bridge, taking a tour of the same route the DLI took from Avola to Catania.
“The Peace, Security and Prosperity Conference” will provide different perspectives of Operation Husky from the countries involved. British, American, Canadian and Italian army experiences will be shared, with wreath laying and remembrance services at CWGC cemeteries at Catania and Syracuse, where 207 DLI soldiers are laid to rest.
County Durham Labour Leader, Cllr Carl Marshall, said:
“Our county rightfully takes great pride in the incredible achievements of the DLI infantrymen, and we honour their memory whenever we can, including creating the history centre project that now sees the entire DLI collection on display in Durham.
“To be part of such a special event is a tremendous honour and a responsibility we do not take lightly. I look forward to being able to thank the town of Catania not only for its invitation to take part in this event, but also for remembering our brave soldiers who achieved and sacrificed so much to bring peace to a war-torn Europe.”
Labour intends to use the visit to forge stronger relationships with Catania, cementing a bond with the town and region. Both Ian, Carl and Kevin made donations towards the trip to show support of the expedition and DLI Association.
Rtd. Maj. Chris Lawton added:
“There are millions of forgotten stories of valour and sacrifice, so we embrace opportunity to share the commemoration of Operation Husky with the people of Catania and we’re honoured to attend and represent the Faithful Durhams.”
Operation Husky was a major campaign in World War II and primary factor in the surrender of Italy in 1943, as well as the dismissal of Benito Mussolini. By driving air, land and naval forces away from the island, Allies opened up lanes for merchant ships, essentially creating a backdoor into Europe. Mussolini’s fall from power and the invasion of Italy weakened Hitler’s army on the Eastern Front as Italy’s collapse sent German soldiers south where they would remain until the end of the war.