Ortona remembered
Read Ortona remembered and let me know what you think of it.
I'll be back later with a question for you. Thanks, Hanno Quote:
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Historically, it's factually correct, albeit obviously short on detail. I was in on the raising of money for the reunion visit, with a couple of web pages and a one-page flyer I did up and distributed, but while I knew of the sculpture, I was unaware of the Sherman and of the museum.
If you want to look at what's left of the original pages I did up, click here: http://www.mapleleafup.org/histories...index_bak.html Some of the pics and links don't work, so I haven't put it online as part of MLU. I should probably fix it up, but I have other priorities right now... |
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I have in my possession a letter dated 11 Sept 1999 from the designer/artist of the Ortona sculpture "The Prince of Peace",Robert Surette which states... Quote:
Having done the photography and having had the opportunity to get down and personal with this sculpture I can tell you it would make a stone cry..The feelings that this sculpture radiates is indescribable... To see it in the reality of what it stands for and to touch it is something that must be experienced ...I have no words for the feeling that overcame me when I was photographing it.. Dig around and find them and put them back on..I have them around here somewhere but where...??? |
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What saddens a lot of people here in the Netherlands (including me!) is this:
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Now the Ortona memorial - which I wholehartedly support - is graced with a Sherman of a type the Canadians did not even use. For a budget of $90,000 I could have gotten them a host of Shermans to choose from. Hanno (picture source) |
Ah, now your question makes sense... I wonder why they elected to sell, given the historical significance of the thing? A moment of weakness, or are they cash-strapped?
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As you can see, I am well and truly p|ss€d off. Those who feel the same can sign a petition against the sale of this Sherman here (I am still working on a proper response, but have to get over my anger first). Rant over. Thanks, Hanno |
Is there an English version of this petition? Secondly, are you inferring that the tank could actually be brought BACK to Overloon, presumably if a replacement could be found, or is this simply an exercise in showing Overloon one's displeasure?
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How can we get those involved in the Ortona memorial to revert their actions? Hanno |
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URGENT - PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO PETER WORTHINGTON ASAP It might help. Give me an English translation and I'll also sign your petition. |
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A quick update: this news has hit the local radio and newspaper (see article in Dutch below). In defence the museum claims Cookie's history was unknown :eek: Attached goes a picture dating from the 1950s.
H. (still :mad: ) Quote:
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H. http://www.surfacezero.com/g503/data.../imm022_23.jpg |
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"Sherman III [M4A2] of the Three River Regiment in Ortona, Dec 1943. The stowage scattered about the tank is not untypical of an armoured unit in combat conditions. PAC Photo." Source: www.canadiansoldiers.com |
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Picture source: www.wwii.ca |
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Cookie dressed up as "Athena" . . .
Source: Un carro armato canadese entra in città dopo oltre 60 anni Google translation: Quote:
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This is a picture of the memorial at Ortona - striking!
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...anadese_01.jpg Source: http://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linea_Gustav |
The Sherman looks like an afterthought to the memorial as it appears to just be 'parked' like any other vehicle.
On a separate subject, when a tank is set up like a memorial (as in this case) why not have a sculptor cast the kit and weld it to the exterior of the vehicle? The tank shown here looks like it is factory fresh and has never had a crew. At least with helmets, small packs, cookers, cam nets, etc.. attached, the visitor would get a more realistic idea of what the tank and crew looked like. |
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More on the battle for Ortona: Armchair General magazine > Canadians in Italy, Part 1, The Battle of Ortona.
H. |
Owen and Paul from WW2 Talk have just visited Ortona. It looks as if Cookie has been moved and left to disappear into the undergrowth.
http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/italy/1...a-sherman.html |
What a waste. :doh:
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Anniversary
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Canadians Remember the Brutal Battle of Ortona in Italy ORTONA, ITALY--(Marketwire - Dec. 1, 2009) - The ancient town of Ortona holds grim memories for Canadians. Sixty-six years ago it was the site of some of the most bitter fighting of the Second World War. A Government of Canada delegation, led by the Honourable Greg Thompson, Minister of Veterans Affairs, stopped in Ortona today as they visited a number of historic sites with great significance for Canadians in the Italian Campaign from 1943 to 1945. Local citizens joined the delegation in a moving floral-laying ceremony at the Price of Peace monument. "The price for freedom during the Italian Campaign was high," Minister Thompson told the gathering of Veterans, Ortona citizens and visiting Canadian students, adding that nearly 6,000 Canadians lost their lives and some 20,000 were wounded or taken prisoner of war. "Freedom is never free. The values of democracy, freedom, human rights and the rule of law that Canadians fought and died for in Ortona and throughout the 20-month campaign are the same values our Canadian Forces men and women continue to protect today." Today, Canada also paid special tribute to a Canadian soldier, Lance-Sergeant John Aubrey Matthew of The Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment. A re-dedication ceremony was held at the Moro River Cemetery in honour of the soldier, whose grave has been identified. A grave marker formerly indicating "a soldier of the 1939-1945 war" now bears his name. Over the next week, the members of the delegation which includes Veterans, representatives of Veterans' organizations and youth, will continue to visit historic sites relevant to Canadians in the Italian Campaign. Already, they have visited the Cassino War Cemetery where 855 Canadians lie buried and another 194 Canadians, who have no known grave, are remembered. They will also visit various other cemeteries where rows of white headstones are a sombre reminder of the cost of war. For more information on the Second World War or to view daily reports with photos of the events in Italy, visit www.vac.gc.ca. To watch interviews with Veterans of the Italian Campaign, search "Heroes Remembers" and "Italy" on this site. You can also visit the Canada Remembers Facebook page or YouTube channel to share your thoughts on the Italian Campaign. How will you remember? For more information, please contact Veterans Affairs Canada Heather MacDonald Media Relations Officer 613-992-7428 or Office of the Minister of Veterans Affairs Richard Roik Director of Communications 613-996-4649 Click here to see all recent news from this company :remember:remember :support :support :salute: |
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These are photo's i took from the former M4 "Cooky" now on a roundabout outside the city of Ortona on an industrial estate.Not anywhere near the statue of the fallen soldier and his comrade coming to his aid in the city centre
cheers, Tom Attachment 65125 Attachment 65126 Attachment 65127 Attachment 65128 Attachment 65129 http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture270.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture269.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture268.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture267.jpg http://i203.photobucket.com/albums/a...Picture266.jpg |
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Cookie
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Another photo of Cookie, most likely taken somewhere in the 1960s:
Attachment 110375 Source: https://proxy.archieven.nl/0/6299426...14CEF5897CC3E2 |
Read some background on The Price of Peace Monument at the Canadian Heroes Square, erected by a group of Canadian Veterans, remembering the fierce battle that took place during Christmas 1943.
https://www.veterans.gc.ca/eng/remem...ncesca-lasorda |
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