Day 1.
Meet at Ciampino Airport in Rome and drive Cassino.
Study the strategic background to Italian Campaign, orientate to the ground and set the scene for the four battles Jan-May 44. Study and view of the crossing sites on the River Garigliano by 36 (Texas) Infantry Division in the first battle 20-23 January 1944. Study and view the ground over which 34 (Red Bulls) Infantry Division advanced in 24 January-12 February 1944 in the first battle across the River Rapido and their break in behind the Monastery.
Study the supply route for 4 Indian Infantry Division in the second and third battles and II (Polish) Corps in the fourth battle. Study the ground on Monastery Hill and appreciate why this position dominated the battlefield. Examine the controversial decision to bomb the monastery on 15 Febuary 1944. Study and view the ground over which part of 5 NZ Infantry Brigade attacked up the railway causeway on 17-18 February 1944 in an attempt to get armour into the Liri valley during the second battle.
Study and view the terrain over which elements of 34 (Red Bulls) Infantry Division attacked Castle Hill on 5 February 1944 during the first battle; the ground over which a Rifle Company of New Zealanders fought to capture the Castle on 15 March 1944 during the third battle and the 1 (New Zealand) Division’s fight for Cassino town on 15-23 March 1944.
Study the route taken by C Company 1/9th Gurkha Rifles when they captured Hangman’s Hill on 16 March 1944 and the counter-attack by the German 4 Parachute Regiment against a Company of 4 ESSEX in the Castle on 19 March 1944.
Day 2.
Walk and study the route of the Cavendish Road tank attack of 19 March 1944. Study the enormous logistical problems of resupplying troops on the ridges from Caira and the Allied efforts to meet this challenge. Study the ground on Snakeshead Ridge, Point 593 and Point 575 over which the 34 (Red Bulls) Infantry Division fought in the first battle, 4 Indian Infantry Division in the second battle and II (Polish) Corps in the fourth battle.
Examine the role of the Poles in the battle and the circumstances that led them to Monte Cassino.
Day 3.
Return to Ciampino Airport, Rome.
