In January 2004, sixty years after the landings, I returned to Anzio. A number of events had been planned to commemorate the 60th anniversary and as this would be my first visit since 1944 it was, for me, a very special and emotional occasion.

I was accompanied on the visit by Reg Norfolk who was a Major in 248 Field Company, Royal Engineers, the company in which I had served. Our intention, besides taking part in the ceremonies commemorating the anniversary, was to place a wreath at the cemetery where many of our company lay.

I flew out to Anzio with a group of survivors of H.M.S. Spartan, a cruiser which was sunk by enemy action on January 29th 1944. Among the many ceremonies taking place for the 60th anniversary would be the placing of a wreath at the spot where the Spartan went down. My companions on the trip out - Geoff Smith, Bernard O'Connor, Stan Turton, George Busby and Bill Maidment - were to take part in that ceremony along with crew members of the present H.M.S. Spartan.

Reg flew out to Italy separately but met up with me at Anzio and together we achieved our objective, laying a poppy wreath in memory of our comrades of 248 Field Company. As you can imagine this was a very moving occasion for us both - an occasion I'd waited a long time for and one I'll never forget. I hope you enjoy my photgraphic record of the 60th anniversary ceremonies and if you wish to email me with any thoughts or memories of your own I would be happy to hear from you.

Bob Odell, Bedford, UK