December 1942
to
August 1944

Elsewhere…

·      D-Day June 1944: Allied invasion of France

·      Allied victory in North Africa enables the invasion of Italy to begin

·      John's former regiment, 142nd Field Artillery, support Canadian Forces in Italy. They suffer heavy losses at the Battle of Monte Cassino. John's best mate, Bill Lush is killed in action as the allies advance on the city of Florence in July 1944
158th Company continue Railway training and planning as the Army prepares to invade and liberate occupied Europe.
158th Company train at the military railway at Weston Camp near Derby, learning track and bridge construction. Then they move on to Warwickshire, then Basildon Park and on to Kent.