In 1944 I was serving as "Sparks" on HMML 567 in the 8th Motor Launch Flotilla - based on the Island of Ischia in the Bay of Naples. While there ,we were ordered on various operations; Anzio Landings Elba Operation 'Brassard', the South of France by now we were Minesweeping. After 'Operation Brassard' I was sent to a rest camp on Ischia - there I met the daughter of the house, a young lady named Nina Garise. She was studying English at Naples University. She asked me to help with her 'English' and she would help me with my 'Italian'. She wrote to me after the War and I kept all her letters. I applied for 'A hero's Return' holiday to Ischia and having booked I awaited the money from the 'Lottery Fund' to arrive. On the 16th April we duly arrived on Ischia and on going to the Tourist Information Office I spoke to a man who had a very good command of our language. Being keen to meet up with Nina again I showed him the letters and he was most surprised to recognise the name - "Professor Nina taught me English! but I am afraid that she was killed in a car crash 3 years ago" On hearing that I was returning after 61 years he suggested that I contact the local paper who - ran a two page spread on the visit. On returning to the Hotel on the Friday before we left for home (on Sunday) - I was told that a gentleman was waiting to see me - it was Pippo Conte - who as a 13 year old used to come to take my washing home for his mother to do for me. We reminisced over old times and he told me of a member of 'our' crew who had been back to Ischia several times - Arthur Smith. This was someone who I had not had contact with since I left the Boat in Venice in June 1945. I have since contacted him and found that for all those years he had been living in Dartford Kent (UK) - about 30 miles away. He has since moved to Ireland to be near his Son - I will certainly try and get over there to see if we can meet up. He had tried to meet up with others of our Crew but many have 'Crossed the Bar' I am very grateful to the 'Hero's Return' and the 'Big Lottery Fund' for the opportunity to return to Ischia.

Wallis Randall: Coastal Forces Veterans Association Librarian.

Hello Wallis

A "veteran" of Anzio and Elba survives in the shape of HMML 1301,a 72ft HDML now called Gibel-Tarik,serving as our family motoryacht in Gibraltar(for pics click the www button below,then Real Thing album).She is largely original including machinery.Do you remember her?If you're ever in our part of the world let us know and we'll take you out for a spin round the bay.

Regards,Christian