Monte Camino & The Winter Line – British Battles in the Italian Campaign

Monte Camino & The Winter Line – British Battles in the Italian Campaign

Following the Salerno landings in September 1943, the Allies began their slow and bloody advance through the mountainous terrain of southern Italy. The German defensive system known as the Winter Line (including the Bernhardt and Gustav Lines) blocked the road to Rome, with fortified positions on strategic peaks like Monte Camino, Monte la Difensa, and Monte Sambucaro.Monte Camino stood as one of the most formidable German strongholds, heavily defended by the 15. Panzergrenadier Division. Between November and December 1943, British forces launched two major attacks to take the mountain. The terrain was steep and exposed, the weather unforgiving, and casualties were heavy. This tour explores the key moments and locations of the Monte Camino battle, highlighting the sacrifices of British regiments involved and offering an emotional journey through history. Danila Bracaglia contributed as a historian to the ITV documentary My Grandad’s War, which featured Gary Lineker’s discovery of his grandfather’s service at a dressing station near Sipicciano used by British medical units.

Tour Itinerary Highlights

  • Monte Camino – 201st Guards Brigade Memorial: Learn about the elite Guards Brigade’s initial assault and the fierce resistance they met in November 1943. 
  • Grenadier Guards Path: Follow the trail taken during the first attack along steep, rocky paths exposed to German fire.
  • Second Attack Positions: Visit the sectors attacked by the 56th London Division and supporting units during the December offensive.
  • Dressing Station in Sipicciano: Explore the site used as a forward medical station, including its mention in Gary Lineker’s family history.
  • Museum of Mignano Montelungo: Discover wartime artifacts and the story of the town’s role during the Winter Line battles.

    • British Regiments and Units Involved

    First Attack – November 1943 

  • 201st Guards Brigade:   
  • 3rd Battalion, Coldstream Guards
  • 2nd Battalion, Grenadier Guards
  • 1st Battalion, Scots Guards 
  • 7th Armoured Division (support elements)

    • Second Attack – December 1943 

  • 56th (London) Infantry Division:   
  • 1/6th and 1/7th Battalions, Queen's Royal Regiment
  • 2/5th Battalion, Queen's Royal Regiment
  • 2nd Battalion, Royal Fusiliers
  • 201st Guards Brigade (again involved)
  • Other supporting units from Royal Engineers, Royal Artillery

    • Tour Details

  • Duration: Full-day (approx. 6 hours)
  • Start time: 9:30 AM
  • Pickup: From Cassino train station or your hotel
  • Language: English

    • Contact & Booking

    WhatsApp: +39 338 2458831