On Saturday we took a ride up to Torino di Sangro with friends to visit the Sangro River War Cemetery, about 45 minutes away.
This mostly British cemetery holds the bodies of the men who died during the fierce fighting to cross the River Sangro. It contains 1800 British burials, 355 New Zealand, 75 South African and almost 400 Indian along with a small number of Australian and 2 Canadian burials. There is also a Cremation Memorial in the cemetery which commemorates by name 520 Indian soldiers who were cremated in accordance with their faith.
Walking among the rows and rows of white tombstones, one can’t help but think about the sacrifice that these soldiers made. It was sad to read the names and ages. So many were in their early twenties and some even younger. They lost their lives here in Italy, so far from home.
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Gorgeous photos–so moving. I’m fascinated by cemeteries in general, but ones such as this are all that more special. As you said, to have died so far from home; I hope their souls are comforted knowing they are among their brothers (and possibly a few sisters? I honestly don’t know).
Thanks so much for sharing these.
Love the new look, by the way
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We walked most of the graves, but I did not notice any women among the names. There were several for unknown soldiers and I always feel a particular twinge at those, thinking about the dead man’s family and how long they must have held out in hope that their husband, son, brother, would one day return.
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I was impressed and moved. I am sure very few Indians know about it and, ever plan to visit these sites.
Pretty touching ,and thanks for sharing these with me.
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Fab photos. we visited this cemetary in June this year as our friends brother is one of the thousands who’s grave we wanted to visit it was very sad he was only 22 yrs old.
We also came to Italy last year as my husbands uncle was one of the first men to go into the S.A.S unfortunatly he did not have a grave but due to my mother in law keeping all letters ect. we were able to find the lady who hid him in 1944 in a village called Collelongo she is now in her 80,s
and we have made great friends with them. Leslie,s name is on panel 12 at Cassino cemetary wonderful place to visit.
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