James Bourhill brings to life the personal and day - to - day life of the South African troops in Italy during the 2nd World War.  His book has been meticulously researched from the War Diaries and Divisional Documents from the National Archives, personal diaries, private letters and memoirs as well.

This impressive book on the South African Division in Italy is a first to provide such a level of intimacy among soldiers in a war where the human friendship and camaraderie are held together by victory and the losses of these indomitable soldiers who gave up their lives to fight for their country.

For any South African whose family was engaged in Italy during the 2nd World War. Come back to Portorfino is a part of your family history and will remain a legacy and treasure for generations to come.

Over 900 men who lost their lives in this operation   are honoured in this publication. My father served in this campaign and I am more than delighted to have this book in my collection.

"We watched the South African Bombardiers, stripped to the waist, bronzed and sweltering in the blazing sun, as they loaded their 25-pounders, fired ,  reloaded and fired again. Immediately behind us, the medium guns fired away, their five inch missiles screaming low over our heads, the blast from their barrels swaying the vehicles in which we worked on their springs. A noisy dusty, broiling life."

Click here to view all the items in the 2nd World War Casualties Portofino Index (915 records)