Media & Publications
Over the years, Dr. Danila Bracaglia, historian and founder of Monte Cassino Battlefield Tours, has been featured in major international media and publications. Her expertise on the Italian Campaign of World War Two has led to collaborations with the BBC, as well as mentions in books and projects that document the memory of the fallen and their families. This page highlights her most meaningful contributions to preserving WWII history through historical research, storytelling, and battlefield experience.
BBC Documentary
My Grandad’s War with Gary Lineker (2019)
In 2019, Dr. Bracaglia was hired by the BBC as Historical Consultant for the Battle of Monte Cassino, supporting the production of the documentary My Grandad’s War. The film follows English football legend Gary Lineker as he retraces the journey of his grandfather, Stanley Abbs, a Nursing Orderly during World War Two.
Thanks to Dr. Bracaglia’s on-the-ground research and analysis of official war diaries, the BBC reconstructed Stanley’s movements from Salerno to Monte Cassino, bringing to life the experience of the so-called “D-Day Dodgers” — the Allied troops who fought in Italy.
“It was a challenging but deeply rewarding experience to help tell this story and honour Stanley’s service.”
— Dr. Danila Bracaglia
Book Feature
The Caves of San Pietro by Susan Gayle (2015)
Dr. Bracaglia is featured in The Caves of San Pietro, a moving book by Susan Gayle, niece of American soldier Frank Moster, who was killed near San Pietro Infine on December 9th, 1943.
In 2015, Susan contacted Dr. Bracaglia to learn more about her uncle’s story. Thanks to extensive research, Danila located a family in Serre (Salerno) who had known Frank during the war. This led to the rediscovery of Massimo Perna, a man who had met Frank as a child in 1943 and still remembered him 70 years later. This extraordinary story brought together the Moster and Perna families — across generations and continents.
“I was moved and proud to help keep Frank’s story alive. God bless all who gave their lives for freedom.”
Lost Between Worlds – Edward Herzbaum's Diary Rediscovered
Dr. Bracaglia also assisted Krystina Herzbaum, daughter of Edward Herzbaum — a Polish soldier and artist who documented his journey through war-torn Europe in a remarkable illustrated diary. Before the publication of Lost Between Worlds, Krystina and her daughter travelled to Italy to retrace Edward’s steps. Dr. Bracaglia guided them through the key locations mentioned in the diary, helping them connect personal memory with historical context.
Their emotional visit included battlefields, hospitals, and refugee camps, offering a powerful tribute to Edward’s resilience and the broader experience of displaced Polish soldiers in WWII.
Next Stop Siberia – Remembering a Father and His Fallen Comrades
In one of the most touching visits Dr. Bracaglia has hosted, British-Polish author Elizabeth Taylor came to Monte Cassino to honor the memory of her father and the men he served with during the Second World War — including his dear friend Andrzej Dolecki, who was killed in the battle and is buried at the Polish War Cemetery in Bari.
Elizabeth’s father was among the many Poles deported to Siberia during Stalin's regime. In her book Next Stop Siberia (Grosvenor House Publishing, 2012), she recounts her family's painful journey — from forced labor in Soviet gulags to the formation of Anders’ Army and the campaign in Italy. Her visit to Cassino was both a personal tribute and a way to reconnect with the collective history of Polish resilience and sacrifice.
This visit was a way to reconnect with her family's wartime story and pay tribute to those who never returned.
Contact
Dr. Danila Bracaglia
Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831
Website: www.montecassinotours.com