There seems to be conflicting info about the 111. As far as I can tell, they were part of the 2nd NZ Division. Thet may have been attached to the 8th Indians for a while but I cannot find them in the 8ths order of battle.
The 111 did move around quite a bit as this shows:
Axis History Forum :: 111th Field Regiment R.A (TA)
I don't have the official history of the 8th Indians (damn difficult to get hold of) but a general hsitory is avaiable online in its entirety:
The Tiger Triumphs. The Story of Three Great Divisions in Italy. 1946. Foreword. Table of Contents.
Interestingly I can't find Ellis's name in The Times casualty lists (not that is any indicator). Has your friend applied for his service records?