Battle of Cassino

Published in 1957 this is a fairly easy read on the Battle of Cassino. Bear in mind that that battle was not all just the Monastery, and that it was fought in and around the town of Cassino. There were 4 battles in total. These took place over 4 months from the middle of January to May 1944. It has also been called The Battle for Rome as the objective was to break through the Germans line of defence, a line that was exceptionally strong, and take Rome. The objective was met though with heavy loss to both sides. There were approximately 55,000 allied troops and 20,000 German troops killed or wounded in the 4 months.

Was it worth it? There is plenty of debate to this day as to what it achieved. My own opinion is only based on the reading of this book, but there seems to have been several mistakes made at military level that caused more casualties and losses than may have been warranted. The terrain and weather also played a significant part in the battle. Typical of these events, it is best to read further.

As far as this book goes, I would suggest that it is useful to the individual that has an interest in the event and the Italian theatre during World War 2. It is of its time in presentation and writing style. The author gives his opinions, and that has tended to not be a style that this reader prefers when reading history. Also, there are no footnotes and a very limited bibliography.

Considering that the war in Europe began with the invasion of Poland back in September 1939 there was, to quote the author, “.....particular poignancy in the inscription on the Memorial in their war cemetery which now stands on the slopes of the hill known as Point 593.

‘We Polish soldiers
For our freedom and yours
Have given our souls to God Our bodies to the soil of Italy
And our hearts to Poland.'

By their selfless immolation, the Poles converted that grim mountainside into a memorial to soldiers everywhere.”