Robert Frettlöhr was interviewed for the Second World War Experience Centre in 1999. This video shows Robert's donated photographs and gives a few short clips from his interview.
Robert was born in 1924 in Duisburg. At the age of 17 he began his training with the Luftwaffe. After watching a film about Paratroopers, he volunteered to join and was posted to a Para school northeast of Berlin.
In the late summer of 1943, Robert was posted to the 1st Paratroop Division Pioneers, 4th Regiment. Early in February 1944, he was sent to Monte Cassino. In March he was in the ruins of the monastery at Cassino, now occupied by the 4th Regiment. He stayed there for a short time following the Allied air bombing of Cassino town on 15 March.
A few days later, the Pioneers attempted to take a position known as Castle Hill. Robert took part in the second attack, but the fighting was fierce and the Pioneers pulled back. On the night of 17 May, they were given orders to retreat. When they came under heavy shell fire, Robert was injured in his leg. He took sanctuary in Saint Benedict's crypt where he was captured by a Polish platoon.
Robert was sent to a POW labour camp in America, and from there to a camp in England at RAF Lindholme in Yorkshire - and it was here he discovered his passion for playing the double bass.
After repatriation Robert remained in Yorkshire, playing bass in his own jazz band. He continued to play until the age of 85.

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