The Society has embarked on fund raising to place a memorial to the veterans of the four Battles for Cassino. It is our intention to place the memorial in the Mediterranean Sector of the National Memorial Arboretum, Alrewas, Staffordshire. The plot, dedicated to the Mediterranean Campaigns, is laid out geographically with the outline of the North African Coast and map of Italy.
The memorial will give us a permanent focal point for individual or group visits and will be accessible for the majority of our members.
Though still in the planning stage, we are aware that we need to raise sufficient funds to place a memorial worthy of those to whom it will be dedicated.
For further information please contact Judith Coote at
For information about the National Memorial Arboretum visit their website at http://www.thenma.org.uk
James Morgan, The Royal Corps of Signals, writes
Dear Fellow Members,
Recently I was able to borrow a copy of the official guide to the National Memorial Arboretum, located near Lichfield in Staffordshire. Although I have not yet had the opportunity to visit the site, I was very impressed with the layout. Some of you will no doubt have already visited it and will know that it was established with the concept of providing a fitting memorial to our servicemen and women, and in particular to those who have given their lives in various conflicts down the years. The thoughtfully planned walkways and areas planted with shrubs and trees interspersed with permanent memorials dedicated to campaigns, regiments and associations such as ours, made it a place where both young and old can contemplate the sacrifices of generations in an atmosphere of tranquility.
Although there is already one area dedicated to the Mediterranean Campaign, I have made a suggestion to Judith and Rosalind that we, as a society, should investigate the possibility of commissioning a suitable memorial specifically for those who fell in the battles for Monte Cassino, whom we represent. Both of them have embraced the idea wholeheartedly. Judith has already been in touch with the Arboretum, where the proposal was also received with enthusiasm. However, both these ladies, who have achieved so much on our behalf, are desperately busy with our newsletter; so much so that they are limited by the amount of time they can give to any new project. I have offered my help wherever possible, and that is why I, as an ordinary member, am addressing this letter to you with their authority.
Firstly, this project cannot even begin to proceed without the approval of the greater part, if not all of our membership. Secondly, from the outset it will require funding. It would have to be self-supporting, with an account quite separate from out general working account, which Judith tells me is stretched to the limit of its resources.
If you also feel this proposal is worthwhile, would you please contact Judith or Rosalind by post or e-mail to express your support and your willingness to make some financial contribution towards it. Surely with a membership of approximately 200, we should be able to raise the initial sum of £2000. How much it might eventually cost would depend entirely on its design, material, transport and other considerations, but whatever form it takes will have to be worthy of those to whom it is dedicated. Please do not send any money at this stage, but if you wish to mention a sum, it might help our future plans, by giving Rosalind and Judith some idea of how to proceed. If we are able to show our own willingness to raise a start-up fund, I feel sure that we could attract grant aid and contributions from other sources. I would certainly be prepared to help in searching for these and there must be others among our membership with experience and ideas of where funding might be sought, but it has to start with us.
The question of design and siting would depend in the first place on the strictures of the Arboretum Management. Again though, I am sure there are members who may be able to share invaluable input based on past experience in these areas. A small committee with a treasurer and trustees would be essential to give this scheme the necessary authenticity. This committee would have to be headed by Judith and Rosalind.
If this venture comes to fruition, it would give us a permanent focal point in central England for individual or group visits, which would be reasonably accessible for most members. Initially, it would have to be dedicated with an appropriate ceremony. Please let us know your thoughts on the matter.
Yours sincerely,
Jim Morgan (ex 4th Indian Div. Signals)
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