Cassino or Anzio?

Mention my website - that seems to get you a discount!

 

Renn –
Thinking about your trip to Cassino and also your forthcoming dissertation.

Many years ago early ‘80’s I was a neighbour and a friend to a British regular army Officer who had also served in North Africa – Italy and finally Austria.

He had finally retired to Highcliffe a small village near Christchurch in Dorset on the South Coast of England opposite the Isle of Wight, and we often met and discussed many adventures of our service in those campaigns.

One of those tales you won’t find in the guide book for the Abbey at Monte Cassino nevertheless it is completely true as he was a man of honour, his name – Lt Col. Maurice Me’nage M.B.E.

Here is the link for that story…

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ww2peopleswar/stories/76/a3785376.shtm

 

Renn -
my apologies - getting a bit of nonsense from the BBC at this time - try this link ...

BBC - WW2 People's War - The Abbey at Montecassino

 

Thanks for the link- the BBC site is wonderful! One question- any thoughts on the Florence American cemetery? I'll probably visit there too, since I will be staying in the area. Also, it seems that the Sicily-American Cemetery is actually closer (via train) than Cassino. Perhaps if the weather isn't too nice, visit that instead? I've read that the cemetery is within walking distance from the train station. True?

 

Renn

A few more pics for your holiday folder.

I think they are self explanatory but, just in case, they are as follows:

1. The Abbey Gate showing the PAX sign
2. A Map of Cassino showing some salient points of interest.
3. The CWGC map showing positions of grave sites
4. A blurb for a hotel I used (and would reccomend) that is spitting distance from the main railway station

As an ex-service man I've always maintained that time spent on reconnaissance is seldom wasted

Cheers

Ron

 

Renn -
In all my travels - I have never been closer to Florence than Siena so haven't a clue where the American cemetery would be likewise at Cassino we Brits tend to look at the Commonwealth contributions rather than the American or Polish for that matter - so again I wouldn't have a clue where the Sicily - American cemetery would be - BUT - I do know where the Anzio cemeteries are as I have been to Nettuno unforgettably as my wife broke her leg there !
Cheers

 

Not sure about how far the US Cemetery at Nettuno is from the station, but it is true it will a shorter route from Rome. However, once you are there, there will be little else to do. You could possibly get a train back to Anzio, but I still maintain for a first visit you will find Cassino more interesting and understandable than Anzio.

 

So much useful information! Thanks to all! The Florence-American cemetery is only about 7 miles south of Florence (according to internet). So, I will take pictures when I visit and share with all! Also recieved a speedy reply from the La Pace Hotel. Thanks Ron for the hotel advice in Rome - will be checking that out. Also, I tried to send you a private message as to places to visit in Rome/Florence, but was unable to. Perhaps send me a private message and then I can respond. So much too look at over the next few days in regards to planning my trip! I can't thank all of you enough for the helpful advice and information!

 

Renn

Have sent you a PM with a few suggestions

Ron

 

I live in downtown Florence and I've been at the American cemetry several times. It's well worth visiting. There is a couple of Commonwealth war cemetries around Florence as well. Seen that it is not easy to get to these places by public transport here and a taxi is way too expensive, I would be more than honoured to bring any WW2 veterans that are planning to visit Florence and the cemetries.
Justin

 

many guidebooks state that the American cemetery can be reached by bus, but JayKay perhaps you can verify if this is true? I haven't heard anything about the Commonwealth cemeteries near Florence, so those would be interesting to see as well. though I'm not a WWII veteran, any additional information regarding the cemeteries in and around Florence would be wonderful!

 

It is correct that the American cemetery can be reached by bus, it's just not always easy to find your way around here.., especially for older foreign people that's why I'm offering to any WWII veteran to drive them around to pay my respect to them.
The Commonwealth cemetery closest to Florence can be found here:
CWGC :: Cemetery Details

Unfortunately only available in Italian, but the 'regione Toscana' has a very well documented website with lots of information about locations and events during WW2 in Tuscany. As for Florence, here is a map showing some of the events and points of interest around Florence:
http://ius.regione.toscana.it/memorie_del_900/images/it9_cartina_b.gif

 

Unfortunately only available in Italian, but the 'regione Toscana' has a very well documented website with lots of information about locations and events during WW2 in Tuscany. As for Florence, here is a map showing some of the events and points of interest around Florence:
http://ius.regione.toscana.it/memorie_del_900/images/it9_cartina_b.gif

What's the URL of this website, Justin?

 

Paul, the website is:
Paesaggi della memoria. La Linea Gotica in Toscana

But as said, only available in Italian. If you need anything to be translated, please let me know!

 

Thanks for that - interesting website!