20 Oct 44 is an interesting date for 132 Fd Amb. Three soldiers were killed that day which is a large number for a Fd Amb. You might want to get hold of the War Diaries and find out the circumstances of your uncle’s death. It is bound to be recorded with such a high loss.

He was killed along with Pte WG Ellen and Pte KC Haynes and they are all buried together in Faenza CWGC Cemetery.

Regards

Frank

My grandfather John Walker was a staff sergeant in 132 field ambulance and served in Italy…

My father Lieutenant William Stanley Roderick was the officer in charge of the evacuation when those three soldiers were killed on 20 October 1944. To quote the citation for the MC he won ‘for gallant and distinguished service on three occasions’:

“Lieutenant Roderick was in charge of the evacuation from M:CECO to MERCATALE when the track came under heavy mortar fire. With three bearers killed and three severely wounded, Lieutenant Roderick arranged for the wounded and organised and led the party of relief bearers. During the period that Lieutenant Roderick was in charge at MERCATALE , the bearer post was under continuous harassing fire and he had to take numerous visits forward to BAFADI, along a track which was rendered very dangerous from shell and mortar fire. The efficiency of his work and his cheerfulness and coolness under fire were an inspiration to the bearers under his command.!

I’m a very proud son! But I know he was devastated by the losses for the rest of his life.

My father Lieutenant William Stanley Roderick was the officer in charge of the evacuation when those three soldiers were killed on 20 October 1944. To quote the citation for the MC he won ‘for gallant and distinguished service on three occasions’:

“Lieutenant Roderick was in charge of the evacuation from M:CECO to MERCATALE when the track came under heavy mortar fire. With three bearers killed and three severely wounded, Lieutenant Roderick arranged for the wounded and organised and led the party of relief bearers. During the period that Lieutenant Roderick was in charge at MERCATALE , the bearer post was under continuous harassing fire and he had to take numerous visits forward to BAFADI, along a track which was rendered very dangerous from shell and mortar fire. The efficiency of his work and his cheerfulness and coolness under fire were an inspiration to the bearers under his command.”

I’m a very proud son! But I know he was devastated by the losses for the rest of his life.