A VETERAN from Bude has been able to pay his respects to his former comrades from the Second World War through a special tour to Italy.

May 18 marked the anniversary of the battles of Anzio and Monte Cassino, two of the least well known but some of the hardest won battles of the Second World War. A group of eleven veterans from the campaign, including 94-year-old Ron ‘Arthur’ Marsh, from Bude, returned to pay their respects on a special tour funded by a charity rugby match organised by the travel arm of the Royal British Legion. The veterans’ visit took place between May 15 and 19.

Remembrance Travel, the travel arm of the Royal British Legion, returned to Anzio and Monte Cassino, Italy, with a group of 90-year-old veterans from the campaign to mark the anniversary of the battle.

Hundreds of people helped to raise funds for the tour by supporting amateur rugby players to take on rugby legends, including former Welsh captain Colin Charvis, in matches organised by Remembrance Travel on the playing fields of London’s Honourable Artillery Company.

Nichola Rowland-Smith, head of travel at Royal British Legion, said: “The battle of Monte Cassino in Italy seems to be less well-known in the nation’s history, to other battles such as D-Day, yet it was another pivotal turning point in bringing to an end World War Two.

“We have a wonderful opportunity to take back those who fought in Monte Cassino for them to pay their respects to fallen comrades. We are also extremely grateful to Wates Construction and A E Arma Elektropanc for sponsoring the event and to all the rugby players that took part to help us raise this amount. This means a great deal to Monte Cassino veterans and their families.”

Colin Charvis said: “It was a wonderful experience to take part in this match. We all knew about what happened at Normandy but for many of us, it was a real eye-opener to discover what those guys did at Monte Cassino. We also shared some great stories between the teams, finding out what each other’s ancestors did in World War Two — it was a lovely chance to ensure their memories live on.”

Ron described the trip as a ‘wonderful experience’. “It was wonderful,” he said.

“It was all very well-organised and the guide, Peter, was wonderful. There was absolutely no pressure on the veterans. There was supposed to be 13 of us, but the eldest, who is 103, wasn’t able to make it. A couple more dropped out so there ended up being eleven veterans. It was a wonderful experience, and it was like one big happy family.”

This isn’t Ron’s first time back to the sites of the battles — he has now been four times, and hopes to go again next year.

“The first time, there were three coach-loads; the second time, there was one coach-load; the third time there was half a coach-load and this time round there was just eleven of us. But it truly was wonderful, and you got heartened to it.

“Each time you go back, it is rather strange, particularly if you have never experienced anything like it before. It is difficult to say that you enjoyed it, but it really is a wonderful experience.”

A highlight for Ron was visiting Monte Cassino on the Friday, which he says was very moving. “That very day, 74 years ago, [the Polish] placed their flag on top of Monte Cassino.

“When we were there, the Polish had their own service and then joined us in our service too. It was a wonderful day for [the Polish], and it really did add to the experience for us.”

Ron was accompanied by his son, David Marsh, on the trip and wore his grandfather’s Royal British Legion tie, who had joined the charity in 1922. The guide for the trip, Peter, wanted to lay a wreath on behalf of the group at Monte Cassino, which they were all delighted to be able to do.

“The whole experience was so well organised,” Ron continued. Police cleared the way and the group was even guided along by a police escort during some parts of the trip.

On visiting Anzio, Ron was taken aback by the reception the group received, with children cheering and waving flags at them. A wreath was also laid here, on behalf of the Royal Navy.

“It really was a wonderful trip,” Ron added. “And it’s wonderful that they will be doing another trip next year — which I will almost certainly be attending if I can. It was a really well-organised trip, with a lot of lovely organisers — we were rather spoilt!”

Monte Cassino veterans fought in despicable conditions, on exposed hilltop slopes, coming under heavy artillery fire, knee-deep in mud and snow. Many veterans are in their 90s and will now be able to lay old ghosts to rest and honour fallen comrades.