The Battle of the Moro River

At the bottom of my blog are several YouTube videos about World War II, specifically about the Battle for Ortona and the Battle of the Moro River. These two battles are very near and dear to my heart. You see, my family's vineyards lie on the banks of the Moro River. Today, these same vineyards belong to my mother and her sisters here in Canada.

The Moro River Campaign was a campaign fought by the First Canadian Infantry Division along the Moro River in eastern Italy in December 1943. The Campaign was part of the British Eighth Army's drive across the Winter Line. The campaign lasted throughout December, 1943, and culminated with the vicious Battle of Ortona.



During 1943, my mother and her family survived the devastation and the battles that occurred on these very vineyards outside of Villa San Leonardo which is located just south of Ortona. The Canadian soldiers, with the assistance of the Americans, liberated the town from German occupancy.

I am passionate about this subject. This rich family history is the sole reason I became an author. I long to recount the hardships faced by the Italian citizens during this time. I want to pay homage to the Canadians who helped them survive, who gave them food and blankets while they lived in caves until their homes could be rebuilt.

Before I can write about this episode of World War II, I need to walk my upon my grandfather's vineyards. I need to visit the cave where he sought shelter for his family for 8 long months. Only in this way can I begin to perhaps understand and truly experience this sentiment.

Today, next to my family's vineyards is the Moro River War Cemetary. A lovely tribute to the Canadian, English, and American soldiers who lost their lives to free the Italians from the German's clutches.



One day, whether in the form of a novel or a collection of short stories, I will tell their stories. In the meantime, I welcome any comments or information anyone has about these battles or circumstances.
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