Prelude to Monte Cassino

[Si1964]

Marco and everyone thankyou for the interesting thread, I too look forward to the rest of it and the then and now pictures

[Marco]

Down in the Liri valley elements of a Maori Battalion from the New Zealand Division crossed the Rapido and through vicious and difficult combat were able to seize the railroad station. This caused the Germans deep concern.

Yes John, this was Cassino railroad station during these combats..

[Marco]

First attack to the station was lead by Captain Matarehua Wikiriwhi with about 200 men. This rare photo show a group Maori near the station...

[Marco]

ruins of the stations..

[Marco]

Feldwebel Paul Hoffman, german 71th division, who took part in the counterattack to the station and remained wounded.

[Marco]

German paratroopers in action some time after in the area of the station

[Marco]

These tombs was for NZ soldiers in the area between Railroad Station and Continental Hotel (Photo was taken after the battle).

[Marco]

This is an aerial view of the area...

[John Hodgin]

Just wonderful Marco, as usual! Thanks!

The Maori troops held the railroad station though the night and the following day, and without any support! German paras counter attacked using captured Sherman tanks, the Maori had expended all their grenades and anti tank weapons, were also low on all ammo and without food and water. They were forced to withdraw under heavy smoke cover and with heavy losses.

[Marco]

Thanks John..Maori troops at Cassino...

[Marco]

Smoke cover for NZ Troops in the railroad station area...

[Marco]

Cassino and Castle Hill view from Train Station..

[Marco]

German defence in and around Station are well marked in this map

[Marco]

Details of the attack, with start line and withdrawn routes..

[Marco]

Cassino railroad station today: here was the point called on the map "Casa Rotonda" , or "Round House" in english