88th Infantry Division WWII Tour – The Blue Devils from Monte Cassino to Rome

88th Infantry Division WWII Tour – The Blue Devils from Monte Cassino to Rome

Discover the legacy of the 88th Infantry Division—“The Blue Devils”—on this private WWII battlefield tour tracing their advance from the coastal sector near Monte Cassino all the way to the gates of Rome. Though the division did not engage directly in the ruins of Cassino town, their role in Operation Diadem was pivotal in the broader breakthrough of the Gustav Line.

Starting near Minturno, just 30 kilometers from Monte Cassino, the 88th pushed north through fortified towns and rugged terrain, confronting fierce resistance and contributing decisively to the liberation of central Italy.

Itinerary Highlights

     
  • Minturno (May 11–12, 1944): Assault launched by the 349th Regiment, crossing the Garigliano River under fire and clearing urban defenses.
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  • Santa Maria Infante (May 12–14): The 350th Regiment secured high ground through artillery support and determined infantry attacks.
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  • Formia (May 14–16): Urban combat required coordinated action to open the coastal road northward.
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  • Gaeta (May 16–18): The 351st Regiment defended the division’s flanks and repelled strong counterattacks in this coastal stronghold.
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  • Terracina (May 18–20): Street-by-street fighting and mine-clearing operations led by the 350th Regiment enabled breakthrough toward Rome.
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  • Approach to Rome (late May – June 4): The Blue Devils played a support and reserve role as Allied forces entered Rome, liberating the city on June 4, 1944.

    • Division Overview

       
    • 349th Infantry Regiment – "The Spearhead": Known for leading key assaults, especially near Minturno and Santa Maria Infante.
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    • 350th Infantry Regiment – "Iron Resolve": Specialists in urban warfare, crucial in Formia, Gaeta, and Terracina.
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    • 351st Infantry Regiment – "The Anvil": Provided crucial defensive strength during the division’s northward drive.

      • Tour Options

      This battlefield tour can focus exclusively on the western coastal sector from Monte Cassino to Terracina, or be extended to cover the full campaign to Rome. You may choose to follow the route of a specific regiment or even customize the itinerary based on your family history.

      Multimedia Experience

      Your journey takes place in a private, air-conditioned Mercedes van equipped with an onboard screen showing wartime footage, battlefield maps, and firsthand accounts from Blue Devils veterans. This interactive content allows you to understand the intensity of the campaign and connect deeply with its legacy.

      Book Your Private Tour

      To create your personalized tour of the 88th Infantry Division’s heroic advance, contact Dr. Danila Bracaglia:

         
      • WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831