On The Move Again a New Zealand GunnerÆs Italian Campaign in World War Two

Description

Masterton-born Len Frances joined New ZealandÆs war effort when qualifying for service in November 1940 and training became serious with the Pacific WarÆs outbreak in December 1941. He was called into camp immediately, spending the first months of 1942 at MastertonÆs Solway Military Camp, training for the infantry. After officer training, he was posted to anti-aircraft guns and helped prepare reinforcements in the Wellington area û and married Jean.
Part of the 10th reinforcement, Len left New Zealand in July 1943, reverting to the ranks in Egypt to join 6th Field Regiment as a gunner. He served right through the Italian Campaign, feeding the guns at Sangro River, Cassino, Florence and up the Adriatic coast to Trieste, occasionally taking a little time out to continue accountancy studies.
Len kept a diary for 31 months, detailing military and other experiences in the land of his fatherÆs birth, a Kiwi-Italian in the midst of total war. His story is also that of a young husband separated from wife and family half a world away.