Troops positioned preparing for attack. Photographer Frederick G Whitcombe. Similar Photos P0209, P1175 different sizes. P1427
Here’s action on the Italian front near San Leonardo di Ortona as infantrymen of the 48th Highlanders of Canada awaited the order to attack by Platoon Commander Lt. I. MacDonald, of Windsor, Ont., (with Binoculars). These infantrymen include Sgt. J.T. Cooney, of Hanover, Ont; Pte Athol R. Downie, Sarnia, Ont.; Pte. O.E. Bernier, Sudbury, Ont., Pte G.R. Young, of Toronto, (with Tommy-gun); Cpl. T. Fereday, Toronto, and Bren-gunner Pte S.L. Hart, Toronto P1427
Photo and copy above from a Toronto newspaper article. The battalion had crossed the Moro River on 8 August 1943 to capture a ridge between San Leonardo and La Torre in the “province” of San Leonardo di Ortona as the Canadians advanced towards Ortona. The photo is dated 10 December 1943.