Canadian Battlefield Tour - Monte Cassino - Hitler Line - Liri Valley

MONTECASSINO AND THE LIRI VALLEY: The Canadians in the battle for Rome. 

KINGSMILL BRIDGE

On May 11th 1944, 1st Canadian Armored Brigade supported 8th Indian division at the Gari River. The Calgary tank regiment secured a tenuous bridgehead by crossing the river on a Canadian-designed and built bailey bridge secured to the base of a Sherman Tank. Driving the tank into the river provided a solid foundation to support the bridge. This innovative design was later named after its inventor, Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineer Capt. Tony Kingsmill. 

HITLER LINE & LIRI VALLEY 

Despite heavy casualties, the attack broke the Gustav line.  The brave Canadians now faced the formidable HITLER LINE. It bristled with Pillboxes "Panzerturms" (tank turrets mounted on concrete emplacements), and sprawling networks of barbed wire and minefields.The Canadians took huge casualties until they were able to dash through the narrow gap on the left flank that allowed the 5th Armoured Division to bust through and capture Pontecorvo, the linchpin of the Hitler Line. Despite a massive artillery barrage the Loyal Edmonton, Seaforth Highlanders and PPCLI regiments were shredded while the supporting North Irish Horse regiment proved easy prey for the Panzerturms. Within hours 2nd bde lost 162 men killed, 306 wounded and 75 taken prisoners on the left flank 3rd brigade's Carleton and Your regiment pierced the line. The Van Doos and RCR's with Three Rivers regiment tanks dashed through the narrow gap and soon widened it sufficiently to allow the 5th armoured division to bust through with its tank regiment. With the Hitler line (soon renamed by the Germans Von Senger Line) breeched on 23rd May 1944, the advance to Rome started. 

MELFA RIVER CROSSING AND THE VICTORIA CROSS

The Germans almost succeeded in establishing a new defencive line behind the MELFA River but a hasty dush by the Lord Strathconas' Horse and Westminster Infantry Regiment commanded by Commander Major John Keefer Mahony managed to get accross. The Battle raged for two days before the Germans Withdrew. Mahony was awarded a VICTORIA CROSS for unceasing gallantry during the action that costed his regiment 100 casualties, 20 being fatal. German resistance continued until the 5th Division seized the village of Ceprano. 

OPENING THE ROAD TO ROME

At theis point, the Germans were in full retreat after the 5th Division capture of CEPRANO on May 27th 1944 but the cost for the CANADIANS  was again high with 800 dead, 2,500 wounded, 4,000 sick and 400 evacuated for battle exhaustion. 

On 31st May 1944 the Canadians of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment liberated my hometown FROSINONE opening the road to ROME. 

The Canadians in the battle of Cassino and the Liri Valley

MONTE CASSINO ABBEY AND THE LIRI VALLEY  CANADIAN BATTLEFIELD TOUR

Welcome to this special tour dedicated to the Canadian forces who played a crucial role in the Italian Campaign of World War II. Today, we will follow in the footsteps of the brave soldiers who fought in some of the most intense battles from Monte Cassino to the Hitler Line and the decisive crossing of the Melfa River.

Our journey begins in Cassino, the site of the fierce battle for Monte Cassino, where the Allies struggled for months to break through the German Gustav Line. While Canadian forces were not directly involved in the assaults on the abbey, they played a pivotal role in the next phase of the campaign -The breakthrough of the Hitler Line.

We will then move towards the Hitler Line, a formidable German defensive position near Pontecorvo, north of Cassino. On May 23, 1944, the 1st Canadian Infantry Division launched a massive assault, breaking through the heavily fortified defenses after intense combat. This victory paved the way for the advance towards the Liri Valley and Rome. 

This tour can be combined also with ORTONA BATTLEFIELD TOUR  Visit both the Canadian battlefields, cultural sites while paying homage to the young men who sacrificed their lives in the name of Freedom. 

CANADIAN WW2 TOUR OF MONTE CASSINO AND THE LIRI VALLEY!
Embark on a journey through pivotal World War Two Sites where Canadian Forces made significant contributions during the Italian Campaign. This itinerary covers the key locations from Cassino to Frosinone, highlighting historical landmarks and battle sites. This itinerary offers a comprehensive overview of the Canadian forces' journey through these historic sites, honoring their bravery and teh pivotal monuments of the Italian Campaign. If you have a family member who fought in the Italian campaign of WWII, a personalized tour can be arranged to visit significant battle sites and memorials. I will do research to pinpoint the area where they fought  by examining  their war records, WWII maps with to pinpoint the area where an action happened. These personalized tour can offer a meaningful way to honor your family member's service by exploring the locations where they served.  
      TOUR  HIGHLIGHTS
  • Monte Cassino Abbey - Discover the history, architecture and the significant events that unfolded within its walls. 
  • The Commonwealth war Cemetery - pay respect at the Commonwealth cemetery, where about 800 Canadian soldiers who fought in the Italian Campaign are laid to rest.
  •  Breaking the HItler Line from  Pontecorvo - to Aquino including the WWII memorials
  • Visiting the remaining of a Bunker in the Hitler Line
  • Melfa River Crossing and the site of the Victoria Cross awarded to Capt. Mahony, Westminster Regiment of Canada. One of the most significant moments of the Canadian advance was the Melfa River Crossing on May 24, 1944. Under the leadership of Major John Mahony of the Westminster Regiment, a small force successfully crossed the river under heavy enemy fire, establishing a bridgehead that was crucial for the Allied push forward. For his bravery and leadership, Maj. Mahony was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military honor.
  • War Museum on the Liri Valley
  • Ceprano, Torrice Crossroads and Frosinone

This tour will give you a deeper understanding of the challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs of the Canadian troops in Italy. Their courage and determination played a vital role in the liberation of the country, leaving a lasting legacy that we honor today.Full day private customized tour (about 7 hours). Further info and bookings: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com - WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831.

Our Monte Cassino and Liri Valley tour is the most comprehensive tour of its kind!

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