NZ Vets Arrive In Cassino - North By North-West

Monday, 17 May 2004, 8:28 am
Article: Selwyn Manning

NZ Vets Arrive in Cassino
North By North-West

By Selwyn Manning in Italy

Click for big version

CASSINO, ITALY -- New Zealand World War II veterans have arrived at the place of a famous battle at Monte Cassino, Italy.

The veterans arrived in the early hours of Monday morning New Zealand time to prepare for a week of commemorations marking the 60th anniversary of the battle.

It was an emotional moment for many of the veterans when they first sighted the foreboding Abbey atop a mountain peek and looking down over the town of Cassino.

For several months in 1944, a multinational allied force strove to take the Abbey off the occupying German army.

Throughout this time, the Abbey was the all seeing eye from where the Germans watched the allies every move.

Thousands died on all sides. The Abbey was bombed and totally destroyed on the recommendation of General Freyburg, only to be rebuilt after the war.

Reports continuing...

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