Battle of Monte Cassino RESEACRH questions - Page 2

Forestfan · #26 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 01:29 AM

THANKS MUSSOLINI

Za Rodinu · #27 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 01:36 AM

Admirable, really.

Erich · #28 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 04:23 AM

you can really see how the Fallshirms really had a commanding view of the valley below the Abbey walls. obviously over time the understory plants have grown a wee larger

great pics Muss ans a question did you just get up to the Abbey or travle over the countryside to the main spots of "hot" action ?

E

scarface · #29 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 05:44 AM

GREAT pics, Duce!

They really show the forbididing topography, as well as the natural beauty of the area.

Thanks for sharing them.

-whatever

-Lou

Forestfan · #30 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 07:41 AM

2. To what extent did the terrain of M.C affect the battle? Allies advancemnts etc... maybe not such a great question?

3. Analyse the commanders/ generals at of the battle, where they generally inadequete at making crucial decisions? refer to Clark, Alexander etc

is the 3rd question well-worded

**Ron Goldstein** · #31 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mussolini

I've actually got some pictures from March, 2007 (this year) from the brief time i was there. Actually being there gave me a good impression of why it was an important 'hill' to take - the view over surrounding countryside is clearly dominating - and the terrain is extremely steep (terraced around the present-day abbey). I can post the pics here if you like.

Hi Musso & Forestfan
Thought you might like to see this map (from MultiMap) of MonteCassino and district. I used it on my visit in May 2005 and it clearly shows the winding road to the Monastery and the position of the British Cemetery.

Mussolini · #32 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 02:29 PM

Unfortuneately, it was a school-sanctioned trip and we got very little time at anything of World War II significance. I think we had about an hour, maybe two, to explore the Abbey of Monte Cassino. I would have loved to go to the Polish Memorial and some other sites, but thats was not part of the itinerary. I do have another picture, looking down to the town below (taken from the bus as we drove back down).

Erich · #33 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 04:35 PM

were you able to view what was left of the castle down below and are you planning a nice long return trip in the future ?

Mussolini · #34 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 05:25 PM

We saw the castle on the way up but didnt get to explore. Monte Cassino was really just a stop on the way to Naples (I believe) on the trip. Only one of the 4 or 5 Professors on the trips is really into WWII stuff (which is why we got to stop at Anzio for an hour or so too). If it had been left up to him, it would have been a WWII Orientated trip, not a 'Italian Culture' type of thing.

Did spot some Bunker in amongst some hills on one bus ride too.

Erich · #35 (**permalink**) September 30th, 2007, 05:34 PM

ah but will you return within the next 10 years as you become wiser and older ? personally I would love to see sosme youngin put together a present day tour of the battlefied minus the ever present skirting of the mines

Herr Oberst · #36 (**permalink**) October 5th, 2007, 03:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mussolini

Unfortuneately, it was a school-sanctioned trip and we got very little time at anything of World War II significance. I think we had about an hour, maybe two, to explore the Abbey of Monte Cassino. I would have loved to go to the Polish Memorial and some other sites, but thats was not part of the itinerary. I do have another picture, looking down to the town below (taken from the bus as we drove back down).

I hope you didn't miss the Sherman Tank in town and that great trattoria with the man counting cash in the back table.

Nice pics.

Good luck Forest, Hope your report goes well

Forestfan · #37 (**permalink**) October 7th, 2007, 01:59 AM

I HAND THIS IN ON WEDnesday 10th

thanks for all your input

any final internet sites etc
that any one knows that may be of interest to me?

Mussolini · #38 (**permalink**) October 7th, 2007, 02:15 AM

Didnt get to visit the town either. Stopped at a shop just outside where they sold those special shell-necklaces, and fell in love with some Lemon-Chocolate. They leave samples of the chocolate out to taste. The GF mistakenly tasted the Spicy one because she thought it was a dark-chocolate one.

sunray · #39 (**permalink**) October 9th, 2007, 12:07 AM

When looking at the first Battle of Cassino you must look at the bigger strategic picture. Originally the idea was to break the Gustav Line in four stages. First the French Goumiers were to flank Cassino whilst the British crossed the Garigliano before the US troops crossed the Rapido and finally the Anzio landings. However things did not go according to plan and the US troops failed to cross the Rapido then they were bogged down at Anzio. Although the British and French were having considerable success they were stopped by Mark Clarke and in his desperation to be first into Rome lanched a full frontal assault on Cassino which ended in disaster. If Clarke had supported either or both of the British or French, by sending the US troops to support their attacks, one or both would have broken through and been first to Rome. They may have even made Anzio unneccessary.

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