SIXTY years on, I was back in Italy to honour the memory of the brave men of the 4th Anti-Tank Regiment, Royal Artillery killed when trying to erect cableways over the Rapido river on May 12 1944 at Cassino,

It was an enthralling week in Southern Italy. Our party was 92 people strong, who in age ranged from 94 to a teenager. Some were agile, others were not so nimble but all were there to visit a war grave at one or more war cemeteries, Anzio and Salerno, the United States cemetery at Nettuno, Mintumo and Cassino. In between their visits there were excursions to Pompeii, Naples and Rome and the Vatican.

The highlight for soldiers from the Italian campaign was the service of remembrance at Cassino War Cemetery. The service was conducted by an Anglican priest, the Last Post was played so well by an Italian Army trumpeter, the dipping of the RBL standard was faultlessly carried out by the Scottish National Standard Bearer and in the presence of a representative from Her Majesty?s Embassy in Rome.

Crosses and sprays of poppies were laid on graves of known and unknown servicemen, many photographs were taken, tales were told as veterans reminisced, some to the BBC who were filming the ceremony, and all the time the sun shone from a cloudless sky.

So much was crammed into the week, which could be appreciated only when we were home. The hotel was good, pasta puts on pounds, the organisation by RBL was excellent, we had an outstanding leader, a fluent Italian speaker. National Lottery funding helped with some of the cost.

All in all a thoroughly enjoyable worthwhile pilgrimage. Any second world war veteran who wishes to retrace his or her steps should go through the Heroes Return scheme. Applications must be submitted by March 31 2005. Talk to your RBL branch or phone the Big Lottery Fund on 0845 4 10 20 30. You will enjoy the experience.

G R Jones

25 Ryan Court

Station Road

Okehampton