{"id":18977,"date":"2025-12-09T22:28:02","date_gmt":"2025-12-09T22:28:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/?page_id=18977"},"modified":"2025-12-11T11:03:26","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T11:03:26","slug":"on-route-9th-july-1943","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/second-world-war\/38-irish-brigade-1942-1947\/38-irish-brigade-photographic-memories\/a-pictorial-history-from-algeria-to-austria\/sicilian-campaign-july-august-1943\/on-route-9th-july-1943\/","title":{"rendered":"Sicily &#8211; On route to Sicily, 9th July 1943"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004625_1-2-300x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"368\" height=\"368\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004625_1-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004625_1-2-150x150.jpg 150w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100554\">(NA 4625): Major Cooke, officer commanding \u2018A\u2019 2nd Inniskillings, explaining the operations to his men.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004495_1-2-300x283.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"391\" height=\"369\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004495_1-2-300x283.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004495_1-2.jpg 457w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100556\">(NA 4495): On the journey to the Mediterranean troops spend a good deal of time cleaning their weapons and making sure they are in good condition for the coming \u2018show\u2019. Left : Pte. F.T. Cater 1st Bn. comes from Camberwell; centre \u2013 Pte. W. Kelsey of Guildford; right \u2013 Pte. D. Rogers from Oswestry. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004496_1-2-300x289.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"441\" height=\"425\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004496_1-2-300x289.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004496_1-2.jpg 453w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100557\">(NA 4496): Another way of spending time on the way to an invasion learning the language of the country you are about to invade. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004497_1-2-300x282.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"412\" height=\"387\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004497_1-2-300x282.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004497_1-2.jpg 451w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100558\">(NA 4497): Rehearsing the loading of their assault craft. These men were the first men to land on their particular beach.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004498_1-2-300x273.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"484\" height=\"440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004498_1-2-300x273.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004498_1-2.jpg 456w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100559\">(NA 4498): First men from this ship to set foot on Sicilian soil, Sgt. L. Young comes from Longham, Dorset. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004499_1-2-300x272.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"451\" height=\"409\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004499_1-2-300x272.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004499_1-2.jpg 464w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100560\">(NA 4499): Convoy at dusk. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004500_1-2-300x268.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"448\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004500_1-2-300x268.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004500_1-2.jpg 460w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100561\">(NA 4500): \u2018The complete invader\u2019 Soldier on board ready to go ashore. The book tucked into the back of his pack is the Soldiers Guide to Sicily, a pamphlet issued to every man in the invasion force. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004501_1-2-300x287.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"407\" height=\"389\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004501_1-2-300x287.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004501_1-2.jpg 451w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100562\">(NA 4501): Troops in landing craft. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004502_1-2-300x288.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"392\" height=\"376\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004502_1-2-300x288.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004502_1-2.jpg 437w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100563\">(NA 4502) British troops in a landing craft assault (LCA), 9 July 1943. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004503_1-2-300x287.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"410\" height=\"392\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004503_1-2-300x287.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004503_1-2.jpg 423w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100564\">(NA 4503).<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004504_1-2-300x290.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"418\" height=\"404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004504_1-2-300x290.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004504_1-2.jpg 430w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100565\">(NA 4504): One of the first men ashore, Sgt. J.B. Matthews of the R.Es who hails from Carlisle. His job was to recce the beach single-handed for minefields, then meet his clearing party and direct them in making a gap in the enemy minefields.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004505_1-2-300x285.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"417\" height=\"396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004505_1-2-300x285.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004505_1-2.jpg 426w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100566\">(NA 4505): Landing craft putting the stores and personnel ashore. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004064_1-2-300x269.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"407\" height=\"365\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004064_1-2-300x269.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004064_1-2.jpg 411w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100567\">(NA 4064) Original wartime caption: Men of the Black Watch board their LTC\u2019s (cut hackles). <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004065_1-2-300x267.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"388\" height=\"345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004065_1-2-300x267.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004065_1-2.jpg 421w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100568\">(NA 4065) Troops embarking into landing craft at Tripoli for the invasion of Sicily.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004066_1-2-300x272.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"422\" height=\"383\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004066_1-2-300x272.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004066_1-2.jpg 409w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100569\">(NA 4066): Men of the Black Watch board their LTC\u2019s (cut hackles).<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004067_1-2-300x267.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"433\" height=\"385\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004067_1-2-300x267.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004067_1-2.jpg 408w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100570\">(NA 4067): Men of the Black Watch board their LTC\u2019s (cut hackles). <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004068_1-2-300x282.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"406\" height=\"382\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004068_1-2-300x282.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004068_1-2.jpg 405w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100571\">(NA 4068): Left to right:- Major Keating, No.2 A.F.P.S., talks to Major Scot-Noble of Hawick, Roxburghshire. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004069_1-2-300x270.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"429\" height=\"386\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004069_1-2-300x270.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004069_1-2.jpg 423w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100572\">(NA 4069): Piper Pte. G. Masterton, of Dunfarshire, Fife, pipes whilst the members of the L.C.T. and members of the Black Watch stand in the background. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004070_1-2-300x273.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"390\" height=\"355\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004070_1-2-300x273.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004070_1-2.jpg 415w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100573\">(NA 4070): Piper Pte. G. Masterton, of Dunfarshire, Fife, pipes whilst the members of the L.C.T. and members of the Black Watch stand in the background.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004131_1-2-300x291.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"414\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004131_1-2-300x291.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004131_1-2.jpg 441w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100581\">(NA 4131): The convoy moves off, a view of Port Said as the ship gets under way. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004132_1-2-300x285.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"420\" height=\"399\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004132_1-2-300x285.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004132_1-2.jpg 445w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100582\">(NA 4132): Major General S.C. Kirkman, OBE., MC., formerly GOC 50th Division. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004133_1-2-300x282.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"376\" height=\"353\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004133_1-2-300x282.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.irishbrigade.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/large_NA_004133_1-2.jpg 441w\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\" id=\"caption-attachment-100583\">(NA 4133): Part of the convoy sailing through the heavy swell. <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>(NA 4625): Major Cooke, officer commanding \u2018A\u2019 2nd Inniskillings, explaining the operations to his men. (NA 4495): On the journey to the Mediterranean troops spend a good deal of time cleaning their weapons and making sure they are in good condition for the coming \u2018show\u2019. Left : Pte. F.T. Cater 1st Bn. comes from Camberwell; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"parent":18095,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-18977","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18977","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18977"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18977\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19148,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18977\/revisions\/19148"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/18095"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.londonirishrifles.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18977"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}