Major J.D. Forin writing a letter home while sitting on his cot at Militello, Sicily on 23 August 1943 (not April) during the last days of rest before the invasion of Italy. He is wearing khaki summer shorts and shirt with a balmoral. Major J.D. Forin, Battalion Second in command. The official caption states: "Life in Sicily with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada is here reported on for his relatives in Vancouver by Major J.D. Forin." Date - 23 Aug 1943, Operation Static. The Seaforths were resting and refitting before they left for the Italian mainland campaign. Major Forin took over as CO when Lt Col Hoffmeister took command of the 2nd CIB in October 1943. From the OFFICIAL HISTORY, OF THE CANADIAN ARMY IN THE SECOND WORLD WAR Volume II: THE CANADIANS IN ITALY, 1943-1945 By LT.-COL. G. W. L. NICHOLSON: " ... the Canadian Division moved during 11-13 August to a concentration area at the southern edge of the Catania plain.* The 1st and 2nd Brigades found themselves on the high ground about Militello, ..." page 195 "[T]he 2nd Brigade, following the same route from Militello, staged at Riposto, preparatory to taking its turn at embarkation on the Santa Teresa beaches. These various movements were executed under the most rigid traffic control to prevent any tell-tale congestion of vehicles on the coastal road, which was under continuous observation from Italy." Canadian Army Overseas Photo (23711-R) Old SH of C Museum A0500.327 Stamp: 000084