Monte Cassino Māori Battalion Tour – In the Footsteps of the 28th Battalion

28th (Māori) Battalion – Monte Cassino Battlefield Tour

Honouring the Legacy of the Māori Warriors

The 28th (Māori) Battalion, part of the 2nd New Zealand Division, earned legendary status for its courage and sacrifice during the Italian Campaign. Their most dramatic contribution came during the night of 17 February 1944, when they crossed the Rapido River under heavy fire and launched a fierce assault on the Cassino railway station, facing elite German paratroopers. This private tour follows their path through key sites of remembrance and battle.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Monte Trocchio – Panoramic view and strategic briefing point for the Māori Battalion
  • Rapido River crossing point – Starting site of the Māori night assault
  • Cassino Railway Station – One of the fiercest battles of the campaign
  • Cassino town ruins – Including the area around the former Hotel Continental (Hotel des Roses)
  • Castle Hill – Observation point and contested ground in March 1944
  • New Zealand Memorial – Tribute to all New Zealand forces
  • Commonwealth War Cemetery – To honour and visit the graves of Māori soldiers
  • Monte Cassino Abbey – Symbolic end of the campaign

Family Research and Personalised Tour

If your whānau served in the 28th (Māori) Battalion, we are honoured to help you retrace their journey. Please share their names and company details to begin research and identify their path or final resting place. We will do our utmost to include the graves of those buried at Monte Cassino War Cemetery in your itinerary.

Optional Extension – Orsogna & Sangro River

If your relatives also fought in the Sangro River and Orsogna battles in December 1943, we can organise a separate full‑day trip to visit those sites (approx. 3 hours from Cassino). Available on request before or after the Cassino tour.

Tour Features

  • Private guided tour led by Dr. Danila Bracaglia, WWII historian and certified guide
  • Mercedes van with air conditioning and onboard multimedia (historic maps & footage)
  • Flexible itinerary tailored to your family’s history
  • Full‑day experience with hotel pick‑up in Cassino area or train station

Booking & Contact

For further information about this tour or to share details for family research, please contact me directly.

Email: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com
WhatsApp / Mobile: +39 338 2458831

I look forward to guiding you through this emotional journey of remembrance and pride.

“He toa taumata rau” – Courage has many resting places.
The men of the 28th (Māori) Battalion showed the world what true bravery looks like. Their legacy lives on in every step we retrace at Monte Cassino.

Dr. Danila Bracaglia