Monte Cassino Medal

[Pat Healey]

Can anyone confirm that a metal piece of script "MonteCassino" on the medal ribbon, is a later and unauthorised addition?

The medal was awarded to Wladislaw Najduch who at the the time of MonteCassino was a member of 11 Signals (the number on the obverse is one of those issued to the unit). Wladislaw, in common with many at the time, also has the Italian Star, the 39-45 Star, Defence Medals (both GB & Poland), the Siberian Exile Cross.

I believe there may have been others, one a cross of some sort, that were laid upon the grave stones of fallen comrades upon his commemorative visit to MonteCassino years ago.

I'm having trouble attaching pics of his medals and uniform badges. Wladislaw was a corporal in 3rd Carpathian Rifles, 2nd Armoured Battalion(?) and 11 Signals. He was in Tobruk and who knows where else.

I am about to send off for his Full Service History so may (eventually) be able to confirm and or add to this.

[Pat Healey]

The one attachment I have managed is of the GB Certificate of Registration issued in 1947. He had signed up for the Polish Resettlement Corps and had by that time travelled from Scotland, Buckinghamshire and elsewhere, eventually ending up in Easton in Gordano, Somerset, just outside Bristol.

Having managed this attachment, I will try to obtain the medals again to make photos with smaller file size.

[Lukasz Gaszewski]

As far as I know, the metal "Monte Cassino" device is a legitimate part of the ribbon bar and can be found on most ribbons. BTW: are you talking about the Monte Cassino Cross or Monte Cassino Medal that was established to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the battle?

Can you post a photo with the gravestone with the cross you were talking about?

Edited November 21, 2014 by Lukasz Gaszewski

[Pat Healey]

Thanks for that.

Both the "Monte Cassino Cross" & commemorative medal in my possession. The metal device is on the cross.

I am currently gathering necessary documentation to obtain the service record of this Polish soldier from the MoD so cannot confirm what medal (if any) may have been laid at a grave.

[Pat Healey]

It'll be the end of January before I hear from Northolt with the Service History for Wladyslaw. Am currently compiling an album of photographs taken by or of him during his times in Iran, Iraq, Egypt, inc Tobruk, Monte Cassino, Ancona & Bologna. (68 photos) a further 30 during his 2 years in Polish Resettlement Corps in England. Most have his written notations on the reverse but in Polish and cannot translate.

Apart from his uniform Insigna(s), I have his original drawings, many when at school and perhaps more importantly, those of the Forced Labour Camp in which the Soviets imprisoned him.

It transpires that he attended the same school as John Paul (Pope) and I also have a photograph with them meeting for the first time since school at the 25th anniversary of Monte Cassino. (Charles and Dianna were next in line for an audience.......good to know that JP had his priorities right.)

An interesting artefact is his map case from his time in Italy which he engraved with all his unit Insigna.

I'm told that there may be more to be found in his son's loft.

Two items I am yet to identify are: one medal ribbon and his collar flashes. No idea of the colours of the medal ribbon but the collar flashes/pennants in the form of metal and enamel elongated triangles, are black over blue. Also shown on his uniform photograph is a communications/signals circular armoured badge, but this is missing from the collection of items handed to me.

[Pat Healey]

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