The Amazon Bridge Memorial Association
“The Amazon Bridge Memorial Association is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Bailey Bridge and the courageous engineers who built it under fire. We commemorate the valour and ingenuity of all units of the British 4th Infantry Division—including the 10th, 12th, and 28th Infantry Brigades, Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery, and supporting elements—who played a pivotal role in breaching the Gustav Line and opening the way into the Liri Valley in May 1944. Through historically accurate visual storytelling, interpretive exhibits, and community engagement, we honour the bravery and human sacrifice that shaped this decisive moment on the battlefield and strive to educate, commemorate, and inspire—ensuring that the Amazon bridge’s story remains a living testament to resilience, innovation, and unity under fire.”
Amazon Bridge Memorial Association in strategic collaboration with Adventureland Cassino
Honouring ingenuity,valour and sacrifice. Preserving history. Connecting generations.
Honouring ingenuity,valour and sacrifice. Preserving history. Connecting generations.
“Bridge Under Fire: The Engineers of the 4th Division”
In the evening of 12 May till early hours of May 13, 1944, under relentless shelling and sniper fire, Royal Engineers of the British 4th Infantry Division began assembling a Bailey Bridge across the Rapido River. Working in darkness, exposed to enemy fire, they pressed on with unwavering determination. Every man knew the bridge had to be completed-no matter the cost. Their resolve under pressure enabled the 10th, 12th, and 28th Infantry Brigades to advance into the Liri Valley, breaching the Gustav Line and altering the course of the campaign.
Mission Statement - Amazon Bridge Memorial Association-Adventureland Cassino
Thanks to our dynamic partnership with Adventureland Cassino, we are proud to announce the formation of a dedicated team committed to delivering a truly unique open-air museum experience—right on the historic battlefield itself.
This collaboration has empowered us to blend immersive storytelling with authentic terrain, allowing visitors to walk the very ground where history unfolded. With Adventureland’s logistical support, creative insight, and deep local engagement, we’ve been able to transform vision into reality—bringing interpretive stands, reconstructed elements, and guided experiences to life in ways that honour both memory and innovation.
Together, we’re not just preserving history—we’re making it accessible, tangible, and unforgettable.
Celebrating a Unique Partnership: Adventureland Cassino and the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association
Welcome to the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association
Step into history with us. Our open-air museum on the Cassino battlefield brings the stories of courage, engineering ingenuity, and sacrifice to life-thanks to our proud partnership with Adventureland Cassino. Whether you're here to explore, learn, or remember, we invite you to discover the legacy of the Amazon Bridge and the men who crossed it.
Step into history with us. Our open-air museum on the Cassino battlefield brings the stories of courage, engineering ingenuity, and sacrifice to life-thanks to our proud partnership with Adventureland Cassino. Whether you're here to explore, learn, or remember, we invite you to discover the legacy of the Amazon Bridge and the men who crossed it.
Join the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association
Be part of something meaningful.
By joining the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association, you become a steward of remembrance—helping preserve the legacy of the Amazon Bridge and the heroic efforts of those who crossed it, breaking through the Gustav Line and fought their way into the Liri Valley on the path to Rome
Our members are more than supporters; they are storytellers, educators, and guardians of history.
Whether you're family of a Cassino veteran, historian, local resident, or simply someone moved by the valour, ingenuity and sacrifice of this battlefield your membership helps us:
Maintain and expand our open-air museum on the Cassino battlefield
Develop educational programs and interpretive materials for all ages
Support historical research, restoration, and commemorative events
Build a vibrant, international community of remembrance and learning
Members receive exclusive updates, invitations to special events, and the opportunity to contribute ideas and expertise to our evolving exhibits and outreach.
Together, we honour the past—and shape how it’s remembered.
Be part of something meaningful.
By joining the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association, you become a steward of remembrance—helping preserve the legacy of the Amazon Bridge and the heroic efforts of those who crossed it, breaking through the Gustav Line and fought their way into the Liri Valley on the path to Rome
Our members are more than supporters; they are storytellers, educators, and guardians of history.
Whether you're family of a Cassino veteran, historian, local resident, or simply someone moved by the valour, ingenuity and sacrifice of this battlefield your membership helps us:
Maintain and expand our open-air museum on the Cassino battlefield
Develop educational programs and interpretive materials for all ages
Support historical research, restoration, and commemorative events
Build a vibrant, international community of remembrance and learning
Members receive exclusive updates, invitations to special events, and the opportunity to contribute ideas and expertise to our evolving exhibits and outreach.
Together, we honour the past—and shape how it’s remembered.
Support the Legacy:
Donate to the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association
Help us preserve history where it happened.
Your donation directly supports the maintenance and restoration of memorials and battlefield artifacts—large and small—across our open-air museum at Cassino. From interpretive panels and reconstructed Bailey Bridge elements to personal relics and signage, every contribution helps us honour the ingenuity, sacrifice, and stories of those who served.
With your support, we can:
Protect and restore historic structures and engineering exhibits
Conserve personal items and regimental artifacts for future generations
expand educational displays and tactile learning experiences
ensure ongoing care of the battlefield terrain and commemorative installations
Whether it’s a one-time gift or ongoing support, your generosity keeps memory alive—on the very ground where history was made.
Thank you for helping us build a lasting tribute.
Donate to the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association
Help us preserve history where it happened.
Your donation directly supports the maintenance and restoration of memorials and battlefield artifacts—large and small—across our open-air museum at Cassino. From interpretive panels and reconstructed Bailey Bridge elements to personal relics and signage, every contribution helps us honour the ingenuity, sacrifice, and stories of those who served.
With your support, we can:
Protect and restore historic structures and engineering exhibits
Conserve personal items and regimental artifacts for future generations
expand educational displays and tactile learning experiences
ensure ongoing care of the battlefield terrain and commemorative installations
Whether it’s a one-time gift or ongoing support, your generosity keeps memory alive—on the very ground where history was made.
Thank you for helping us build a lasting tribute.
Shop the Legacy: Museum Merchandise & Publications
Explore our curated collection of commemorative items and historical resources—available at the museum kiosk and online.
Association Book Discover the gripping story of the British 4th Infantry Division’s breakthrough of the Gustav Line and their pivotal role in the Cassino battles. This richly illustrated volume blends tactical insight with personal accounts, offering a powerful tribute to courage and engineering under fire.
Poppy Pins Wear remembrance proudly. Our custom-designed poppy pins honour those who served and sacrificed, with proceeds supporting the upkeep of battlefield memorials.
Postcards & Prints Take a piece of history home. Choose from a selection of evocative battlefield sketches, regimental insignia, and interpretive stand artwork—perfect for collectors or heartfelt messages.
Museum Merchandise From branded apparel to educational keepsakes, our merchandise celebrates the ingenuity of wartime engineering and the spirit of remembrance. Every purchase helps sustain our open-air museum and preserve its artifacts—
Explore our curated collection of commemorative items and historical resources—available at the museum kiosk and online.
Association Book Discover the gripping story of the British 4th Infantry Division’s breakthrough of the Gustav Line and their pivotal role in the Cassino battles. This richly illustrated volume blends tactical insight with personal accounts, offering a powerful tribute to courage and engineering under fire.
Poppy Pins Wear remembrance proudly. Our custom-designed poppy pins honour those who served and sacrificed, with proceeds supporting the upkeep of battlefield memorials.
Postcards & Prints Take a piece of history home. Choose from a selection of evocative battlefield sketches, regimental insignia, and interpretive stand artwork—perfect for collectors or heartfelt messages.
Museum Merchandise From branded apparel to educational keepsakes, our merchandise celebrates the ingenuity of wartime engineering and the spirit of remembrance. Every purchase helps sustain our open-air museum and preserve its artifacts—
Donate
Join here
What We Do
Open-Air Battlefield Museum Adventureland Cassino
Interpretive Panels & Sketches: Explore annotated visuals and battlefield sites that bring history to life.
Museum Partnerships: Collaborate with associations and institutions to present immersive exhibits and technical reconstructions.
Membership & Outreach: Join our growing community of historians, engineers, and storytellers.
Historical Photo Gallery: Access rare photographs, documents, and visual assets from our curated collection.
Featured Project coming soon:
Tactical Ingenuity in WWII
A Bailey bridge exhibit showcasing how a Bailey Bridge is assembled.
Open-Air Battlefield Museum Adventureland Cassino
Interpretive Panels & Sketches: Explore annotated visuals and battlefield sites that bring history to life.
Museum Partnerships: Collaborate with associations and institutions to present immersive exhibits and technical reconstructions.
Membership & Outreach: Join our growing community of historians, engineers, and storytellers.
Historical Photo Gallery: Access rare photographs, documents, and visual assets from our curated collection.
Featured Project coming soon:
Tactical Ingenuity in WWII
A Bailey bridge exhibit showcasing how a Bailey Bridge is assembled.
Battlefield River Tour – River Rapido
Andrea of Cassino Adventureland navigates the River Rapido on a guided battlefield river tour—an evocative journey through the heart of the Amazon Bridge sector. Offered as an optional extra to the open-air museum, these tours provide a unique perspective on the terrain that shaped the battle. Arrangements can be made directly through Adventureland, and the experience is highly recommended for those seeking deeper immersion into the history.
Andrea of Cassino Adventureland navigates the River Rapido on a guided battlefield river tour—an evocative journey through the heart of the Amazon Bridge sector. Offered as an optional extra to the open-air museum, these tours provide a unique perspective on the terrain that shaped the battle. Arrangements can be made directly through Adventureland, and the experience is highly recommended for those seeking deeper immersion into the history.
Serigo and Pino – Guardians of the Legacy. On the left, Serigo from Cassino Adventureland, whose care keeps the grounds in pristine condition. On the right, Pino, a dedicated local historian and close collaborator. Together—with the wider team—we work in harmony to preserve and share the legacy of the Amazon Bridge memorial in the most welcoming and meaningful way.
The Amazon Bridge Memorial undergoing maintenance work May 2025
"Paul, our Association Secretary, delivers a heartfelt talk beside the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Memorial, which he championed into existence in 2007. Its presence led us to discover the site for the Amazon Bridge Memorial, now standing proudly alongside—a testament to remembrance and connection."
"Before the inauguration of the Amazon Bridge Memorial in May 2022, we were honoured with a reception at the Mayor’s office. In this photo, Major General (Retd) Alistair Dickinson CBE receives a commemorative pennant from the Mayor of Cassino, Enzo Salera, following a welcoming speech and exchange of gifts."
"On 13 May 2022, during the inauguration of the Amazon Bridge Memorial, the Mayor of Cassino, Enzo Salera, and Major General Alistair Dickinson CBE laid wreaths in remembrance of the fallen—a poignant tribute to those who served and sacrificed."
"Support our mission to preserve history. Your donation helps maintain memorials, protect battlefield sites, build on our displays and educate local schoolchildren about the legacy of those who served. Every contribution keeps remembrance alive."
Please use the email below for our bank details
Please use the email below for our bank details
"This cave, part of the open-air museum, is one of many that originally stood on the feature known as Point 36. Facing east toward the River Gari crossing—where the 10th Brigade’s infantry advanced—it remains a preserved fragment of battlefield history, safeguarded for future generations."
Meet the team behind the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association
At the heart of the Amazon Bridge Memorial Association is a passionate committee of historians, veterans, enthusiasts and unity advocates. United by a shared mission to honour the ingenuity and sacrifice of WWII battlefields, our members bring both technical precision and emotional depth to every sketch, panel, and outreach effort. Their dedication ensures that the legacy of the Bailey Bridge and its defenders lives on—not just in steel and timber, but in story and spirit.
| Chairman | Ron Gilleard | |
| Treasurer | Chris & Joe Ellis | Chris, a former sapper with 7 Field Squadron RE, Chris descends from the original Amazon Bridge builders and played a key role in planning and constructing the Memorial. His historical insight helped shape a tribute rooted in legacy. Today, his sons Joe and James continue that tradition through active involvement in the Association. |
| Secretery | Paul Hooton | Paul, fondly known as “the memorial man,” is a passionate enthusiast of the Cassino battles and the Italian Campaign. With deep local connections and historical interest, he was instrumental in having the Bedfordshire & Hertfordshire Regiment’s memorial built and a driving force behind several memorial projects. His dedication ensures that the stories of those who served are honoured with care and authenticity. |
| Historian | George Cowie BEM |
George, a former sapper with 7 Field Squadron RE, George turned his retirement into a mission of remembrance. Through meticulous study of war diaries, he uncovered the rich history of the squadron’s service in WWI and WWII—yet it was the Cassino battles and the epic Amazon Bridge episode that truly captured his imagination. Sharing these findings at a squadron reunion sparked something bigger: a battlefield tour to Cassino, where the idea for a memorial to the Amazon Bridge builders took root. George’s research laid the foundation for what would become a lasting tribute to courage and sacrifice. |
| Events | Sammy (ian) Singleton | Sammy, a proud member of 7 Field Squadron Royal Engineers during the 1960s, Sammy exemplifies the spirit of dedication and camaraderie that defines the unit. His commitment was instrumental in the creation of the memorial, and his ongoing care for its preservation reflects a deep respect for those it honours. Sammy remains a much-valued member of the team—respected for his service, admired for his enthusiasm, and cherished for his unwavering stewardship. |
| General Committee Member |
Our General committee members plays a vital supporting role in the smooth operation of the association. Though not assigned a specific portfolio, they contribute flexibly across multiple areas-assisting with event planning and execution, helping maintain communications, supporting logistics, and stepping in wherever needed to ensure the success of our initiatives. Their adaptability and commitment make them an essential part of our team. |
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| General Committee Member | John Riordan | John, a proud and dedicated member of the team, carries forward a remarkable legacy. His father, Tommy Riordan, served as the NCO in charge of constructing the Amazon Bridge—a feat of engineering and leadership that earned him the Military Medal. Tommy also authored an excellent history of 7 Field Company RE from 1939 to 1945, preserving the unit’s wartime story for future generations. John honours this heritage with deep enthusiasm, proudly wearing his father’s medals at our commemorative events and embodying the same spirit of service, remembrance, and pride. |
| General Committee Member | Terry Bridges | Terry, a proud veteran of 7 Field Squadron Royal Engineers in the 1960s, exemplifies dedication and distinction. Decorated for his service in action, he brings both honour and insight to the team. Widely respected for his experience and thoughtful contributions, Terry remains a valued voice—always ready to offer practical suggestions and guidance on the challenges that arise. His continued involvement reflects a deep commitment to the Squadron’s legacy and to the spirit of collaboration that defines our community. |
| General Committee Member | Brian Cowie | Brian A former TA sapper in the 1960s, Brian brings both historical insight and hands-on enthusiasm to the team. Since joining, he’s made an immediate and meaningful impact—always ready to roll up his sleeves and tackle the tasks that matter. Brian recently served as Hartlepool’s Armed Forces Champion, a role in which he advocated tirelessly for veterans and community remembrance. He continues that service today as a Standard Bearer, representing his town with pride and solemnity at military commemorations and funerals. His presence is a powerful link between past and present, and a testament to enduring commitment. |
| General Committee Member | James Ellis |
James, son of Chris, a former sapper with 7 Field Squadron RE, Chris descends from the original Amazon Bridge builders and played a key role in planning and constructing the Memorial. His historical insight helped shape a tribute rooted in legacy. Today, his sons Joe and James continue that tradition through active involvement in the Association. |
Ron carries forward a legacy of service and remembrance as the son of Joe Gilleard, a proud WWII veteran and Amazon Bridge Builder. His deep connection to Cassino began in childhood, when he accompanied his father to reunions. A skilled builder by trade, Ron personally drew up the plans, sourced and shipped the materials, and laid every brick with care and conviction. His hands-on leadership transformed memory into monument, ensuring that the sacrifices of his father’s generation would be honoured in stone.
Committee Members
Association contact email:
info@abmassociation.org
info@abmassociation.org
Thank you
Links
Adventureland
https://adventureland.it/
Royal Engineers Museum
https://www.re-museum.co.uk/
Cassino Battlefields
https://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk
Monte Cassino Society
https://montecassinosociety.co.uk/
LegerTours
https://www.leger.co.uk/italy
Shiny 7
http://www.shiny7.uk/
Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
https://www.royalhampshireregiment.org/
WW2 Talk
https://www.ww2talk.com/index.php
Adventureland
https://adventureland.it/
Royal Engineers Museum
https://www.re-museum.co.uk/
Cassino Battlefields
https://www.cassinobattlefields.co.uk
Monte Cassino Society
https://montecassinosociety.co.uk/
LegerTours
https://www.leger.co.uk/italy
Shiny 7
http://www.shiny7.uk/
Royal Hampshire Regiment Museum
https://www.royalhampshireregiment.org/
WW2 Talk
https://www.ww2talk.com/index.php
Welcome
Info@amazonbridgememass.org
Info@amazonbridgememass.org