During 1944, the Allies launched one of the largest amphibious assaults of the war at Anzio. Codenamed ‘Operation Shingle’, it has come to be regarded as one of the great lost opportunities of the entire conflict. Thereafter, the Allies tried desperately to break through the German winter defensive line that blocked the advance to Rome. At the centre of the line was the heavily fortified town of Cassino, which was dominated by a sixth century Benedictine monastery. This imposing hilltop site became the subject of bitter controversy and a symbol of some of the most savage fighting of World War Two.
There were major disagreements between the Allies over strategy and tactics. In the first two months of 1944, attacks by the British 10th Corps, US 2nd Corps and the French Corps were all repulsed with terrible losses, and the decision was taken to bomb the monastery itself - the cause of much argument on both sides.
The 4th Indian Division and 2nd New Zealand Division made some headway on Monastery Hill but it took a ferocious artillery bombardment which flattened the town to clear the way for the capture of the railway station.
The final battle began on May 11th, when after yet another enormous artillery bombardment by 2000 Allied guns, the Polish 2nd Corps made their famous attack on Monastery Hill as British, French and US troops attacked positions to the west and south. By 18th May, both town and monastery were in Allied hands - but at the most appalling cost human lives.
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17 авг 2024
