A105412 Pte. Howell, Robert Norman joined the 1st Battalion, 48th Highlanders in Italy on 1 March 1944 when the battalion was on the Arielli River area doing aggressive patrols into the German positions to determine their strength and deployment. The battalion then moved across Italy to the Liri Valley in April and Howell participated in the Liri Valley advance/battles, the breaking of the Hitler Line at Pontecorvo, rest and training at Piedmonte d’Alife and transfer back across Italy to begin the Gothic Line battles in late August. In an advance towards the Marano River Able company was on its objective at a high point overlooking the Marano River 500 yards away. As night fell, and after discussions with Able’s Officer Commanding, two platoon commanders stated that they could hold their positions. That night the German paratroopers attacked in strength capturing 31 members of Able company including Pte Howell. Howell and the others spent the balance of the war as POWs.
