Prelude to Monte Cassino

[Marco]

The cave at the base of the Monastery of Montecassino, where a patrol of the 34 Division captured 13 German soldiers. Just after this action, the patrol was forced to turn back for the MG fire from nearby hills. The cave has existed until a few months ago, when it was closed with bricks and cement.

[Marco]

The Barracks in Cassino, when american fought hardly against germans in a postcard late '800, when was here a Military school for Italian Army (Carabinieri)

[Marco]

Barracks today...

[Marco]

Ok boys...see you later, around the next 15 february...we have an important rendez-vous.
Cheers.
Marco

[helmetbuyers]

Here are a couple photos of my Great Uncles grave (my father's, father's, brother) taken about two years ago....

He was with the Polish forces.

Robert



Jeszcze Polska nie zginęła,
Kiedy my żyjemy

[helmetbuyers]

I've never been to Italy...

but... met a gentleman on-line that was kind enough to take these beautiful photos.

[helmetbuyers]

my great uncle.


Morawiec Florjan Antoni from Katowice Poland Died May 12 th 1944.

We believe there are still some relatives living in England???

[John Hodgin]

During this period in 1944, beginning on Jan. 24th, the French Expeditionary Corps and the US II Corps attacked to the north of Cassino. The French made good progress in the far north against the 5th Mountain Division led by General Ringel and the French thrust proceeded all the way to Monte Belvedere and Colle Abate. General Juin's plan, which was far superior to anything Mark Clark had attempted, was to encircle the Abbey and the town of Cassino, leave them isolated without a resupply route, and then continue north to Rome. But the French were halted at Monte Cifalco where the Germans pounded the French and their resupply lines.

The US II Corps captured key positions near the Abbey but became equally bogged down in the rocky hills and ravines just north of the Abbey. Fighting was extremely fierce and a US patrol actually made it all the way to the base of the Monastery walls where they were repulsed by heavy MG fire from the Germans above.

[Marco]

General Juin wanted to take before the mount Cifalco and after divert to left for cut the Gustav Line, instead Clark imposed operations without conquering the Cifalco and for all the duration of the climb up the Colle Abate and Colle Belvedere the Germans fired at the back of the French.
This is a map self-made.

[John Hodgin]

Thanks Marco. And all the while, Juin's troops were under observation by German artillery spotters on Monte Cairo.

I know this is true, Patrick told me so.

[John Hodgin]

And to put Monte Cairo in perspective, here it is, snowcapped, this photo was taken shortly before the Monastery was bombed. The Monastery can be faintly seen on the left, (grey arrow) and Marco's town of Cassino at the base of the hills.

[John Hodgin]

The Abbey, photo taken last April, while there with Marco. This view would be similar to what some of the US II Corps saw as they advanced, but there would have been zero foliage or sheep in Jan. of 1944, only torn earth and rocks.

[Marco]

..ad this is Mt. Cifalco today..

[John Hodgin]

Oh what a difference the foot soldier's view makes!

Mark Clark should have viewed this for himself!

Have a good weekend Marco.
John

[Marco]

Germans positions on Colle Abate...