Cassino ’44: The Brutal Battle for Rome

Monte Cassino, in central Italy, with its ancient monastery, was a perfect vantage point to observe the surrounding hills and valleys of the rugged countryside. Its capture would allow Allied forces to reinforce troops away from the watchful eyes of the Germans and act as a jumping-off point to crack the German defensive line, enabling a breakout from the Anzio beachhead. Distinguished historian Holland (Burma ’44) details the extraordinary effort of American, British, Polish, and French forces to capture the German-held mountain in a savage battle that raged from January to May 1944. Repeated attacks across plains, valleys, and up steep mountainsides chewed up men, equipment, and supplies, with gains quickly erased by vigorous German counterattacks. The erroneous belief that the Germans were using the monastery itself as an observation post led to the controversial decision to destroy the abbey through bombing. The staggering cost of the battle in men and equipment compounded as Allied equipment demands shifted away from Italy toward the upcoming invasion of Normandy. Diaries, memoirs, and interviews add a human element to Holland’s fine history of the battle for Monte Cassino.