Seaforth Reunion at Catania, Sicily on 25 August, 1943. The Canadian and Imperial Seaforths gathered here for a massed pipes and drums presentation as well as a sports day before their invasion of Italy. From the Official History of the Canadian Army (Italy) Volume II: "For The Seaforth Highlanders of Canada the highlight of this respite from battle was undoubtedly on 25 August, when they held a "reunion" with the 2nd , 5th and 6th Battalions, Seaforth Highlanders. It was an occasion unique in the Second World War, a similar gathering on a smaller scale having taken place in France in 1918. Ceremonies opened with the massed pipes and drums of the four battalions marching to the Catania Stadium for the sounding of Retreat. It was according to a regimental account, "a never to be forgotten sight, that kilted phalanx walking through Catania with local populace agape with wonder and admiration." Catania is an Italian city on the east coast of Sicily facing the Ionian Sea, between Messina and Syracuse. It is the capital of the Province of Catania, and is the second-largest city in Sicily and the tenth in Italy. During World War II Catania was repeatedly bombed by the Allies, starting from 5 June 1940, and some 100,000 of its inhabitants were moved to the neighboring villages. It was evacuated by the Germans on 5 August 1943 and liberated by the British 8th Army. The donor was Major W.D. BLACKBURN served in the Seaforhs from 13 August, 1940 to 12 February, 1944.