This last weekend has seen commemorations taking place for the 70th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Monte Cassino. Cassino was a major Second World War battle and the 2nd New Zealand Division was heavily involved.
Following the end of the North African campaign in 1943, the 8th Army (which the New Zealanders were part of) fought their way up up Italy. The Italians had surrendered in September 1943, but their former ally Germany subsequently occupied the peninsula. Liberating Italy developed into a long hard campaign, with Cassino being one of the toughest battles. New Zealand casualties from the Battle of Monte Cassino were 343 killed and over 600 wounded.
- Search the catalogue for publications about Monte Cassino
- See Christchurch City Libraries’ information page on the war in Italy
- Use New Zealand History Online to find more detailed information about NZ involvement in the Italian Campaign
- Find out about the 28th (Maori) Battalion in Italy.
Christchurch City Libraries Blog 