Editor's Research: Invasion of Italy - The Montreal Star, Parts 1 - 33

The Longest Search Comes to an End (Almost)

Photo as found in The Montreal Star, Nov. 6 1943

Introduction:

My search for particular news items from a particular "Star" reporter was lengthy, informative, interesting, seemingly endless, exciting ("I think I'm getting closer!"), down-heartening ("This isn't going where I thought it would go."), and more... and more.

I could link many news items to the Canadians in Combined Operations that are my chief focus re research and writing. But I couldn't link a specific article to the specific trail I was following at the time.

That being said, I'm not done yet. Oh, I've got other fish to fry. And I am always hopeful because new information re (approx.) 1,000 Canadian sailors - who not only volunteered for RCNVR but the Combined Operations organization as well - comes to the surface with each passing year. 

While I continue my search please enjoy the seemingly countless details related to the role of men (navy and otherwise) serving in the Mediterranean Theatre of War during the invasion of Italy in September 1943, as found in The Montreal Star (on microfilm at the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada). 

Editor's Research: Parts 1 - 33 (from September 1, 1943 - December 11, 1943)

1. Invasion of Italy (1) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 1, 1943

2. Invasion of Italy (2) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 2, 1943

3. Invasion of Italy (3) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 3, 1943

"Monty's Men," incl. Canadian troops, were transported by

Canadians in Combined Operations.

4. Invasion of Italy (4) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 4, 1943

5. Invasion of Italy (5) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 6, 1943

6. Invasion of Italy (6) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 7, 1943

7. Invasion of Italy (7) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 8, 1943

8. Invasion of Italy (8) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 9 - 10, 1943

9. Invasion of Italy (9) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 11, 1943

10. Invasion of Italy (10) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 13, 1943

11. Invasion of Italy (11) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 14 - 15, 1943

12. Invasion of Italy (12) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 16 - 17, 1943

13. Invasion of Italy (13) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 18 - 22, 1943

14. Invasion of Italy (14) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 23 - 24, 1943

15. Invasion of Italy (15) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 25, 27, 1943

16. Invasion of Italy (16) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 28 - 29, 1943

Excerpt from the Sept. 29, 1943 issue of The Montreal Star

17. Invasion of Italy (17) - The Montreal Star, Sept. 30 - Oct. 1, 1943

18. Invasion of Italy (18) - The Montreal Star, Oct. 2 - 4, 1943

19. Invasion of Italy (19) - The Montreal Star, Oct. 5 - 11, 1943

20. Invasion of Italy (20) - The Montreal Star, Oct. 12 - 15, 1943

21. Invasion of Italy (21) - The Montreal Star, Oct. 16 - 19, 1943

22. Invasion of Italy (22) - The Montreal Star, Oct. 20 - 22, 1943

23. Invasion of Italy (23) - The Montreal Star, Oct. 23 - 30, 1943

24. Invasion of Italy (24) - The Montreal Star, Nov. 1 - 5, 1943

25. Invasion of Italy (25) - The Montreal Star, Nov. 6 - 8, 1943

26. Invasion of Italy (26) - The Montreal Star, Nov. 9 - 12, 1943

27. Invasion of Italy (27) - The Montreal Star, Nov. 13 - 17, 1943

28. Invasion of Italy (28) - The Montreal Star, Nov. 18 - 22, 1943

29. Invasion of Italy (29) - The Montreal Star, Nov. 23 - 25, 1943

30. Invasion of Italy (30) - The Montreal Star, Nov. 26 - 30, 1943

Dad wrote 'Rosie, Westy' to indicate Chuck Rose (front left) and Don Westbrook

(front centre) in the centre knot of five Canadian sailors. Al Kirby is on the right

of that same group, with a big laugh starting, his Mae West over his shoulder.

Straightening his collar is Joe Watson (to the right of the group of five, and 

behind Joe is Doug H. (Dad), with his cap hiding his wavy red-blond hair.

The back of the same photo. Dad names the ship, and I provide

other details. From the collection of Doug Harrison.

31. Invasion of Italy (31) - The Montreal Star, Dec. 1 - 4, 1943

32. Invasion of Italy (32) - The Montreal Star, Dec. 5 - 8, 1943

33. Invasion of Italy (33) - The Montreal Star, Dec. 9 - 11, 1943

For more research from another fine Canadian newspaper please link to Editor's Research: Operation Baytown (Italy WWII) Parts 1 - 11

Unattributed Photos GH