Canadians in the Liri Valley Battlefield Tour

Canadians in the Liri Valley Battlefield Tour: HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

“Canadians in the Liri Valley” Battlefield Tour

On May 18, Monte Cassino fell into Polish hands, and the Canadians had already crossed the Rapido River, passed through Pignataro Interamna, and reached the outskirts of Pontecorvo. However, General Leese took his time and waited until May 23. He wanted to attack the Senger Line—not with the concentrated forces of the entire 8th Army this time, but by deploying a single division from the Canadian Corps.

Canadians in the Liri Valley Battlefield Tour: le valli ridge

At 6:00 Am on May 23, the 1st Canadian Infantry Division advanced into the area between Pontecorvo and Aquino, known as Le Valli di Aquino. Despite facing significant challenges, they engaged the Germans, who were well-hidden in pillboxes and bunkers. After intense fighting, they reached the Pontecorvo-Aquino road, and by the end of the day, Pontecorvo was in their hands. The Senger Line consisted of 19 bunkers, foxholes, and pillboxes, making them difficult to detect and destroy. On May 24, the 5th Canadian Armoured Division took over, advancing toward the Melfa River, near Roccasecca railway station. After a bloody battle near San Vito Church, they successfully broke through the German defenses.

“Canadians in the Liri Valley” Battlefield Tour: Hitler line crossing

With the help of the Poles, who captured Piedimonte on May 25, along with the 8th Indian Division and the British 78th Division, which secured the surrounding areas, the Canadian Armoured Division was able to enter Ceprano. A few days later, they reached Frosinone, but at a great cost in lives. On the road to Frosinone, a key strategic point was the Torrice Crossroad, where, even today, plaques commemorate the events that took place nearly 80 years ago.

Monte Cassino tour: the sacrifice of the Canadians

“Canadians in the Liri Valley” Battlefield Tour: WHAT TO EXPECT

The “Monte Cassino and Liri Valley Battlefield tour for Canadians” tour (about  3 hours) includes:

1) pickup from your arrival at the railway station in Cassino everyday at 10.00am or 02.00pm (Main Square, near the Green Kiosk)

2) about 3,5 hours guided tour of the American most meaningful sites of Cassino:

• A German pillboxe of the Hitler Line
• The Plaque in the Valli D’Aquino area
• San Vito Church next to the Melfa River crossing area
• Aquino Monument dedicated to the Canadians
• The Commonwealth war cemetery
• Cassino town center
• Castle Hill
• The Panoramic point
• The Germans’ caves
• The Abbey of Montecassino.

3) return to the railway station in Cassino at 01:30 PM or 05:30 PM

“Canadians in the Liri Valley” Battlefield Tour: WHAT YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT THE TOUR

TOUR DURATION: about 3 hours

DEPARTUR TIME: Daily at 10:00 AM and 02:00 PM

MEETING POINT: Cassino Railway Station (Main Square, near the Green Kiosk)

WHAT IS INCLUDED

• Professional WWII Guidance
• Transportation in a modern van with air conditioning
• Donation to the monastery

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Lunch and dinner are not included

PRICE PER PERSON: 90 euros

PAYMENT:

• No advance payment
• You can make the payment in cash to your guide during the tour.

“Canadians in the Liri Valley” Battlefield Tour: MORE TOURS IN THIS AREA

“Campobasso or Canada Town” Grand Battlefield Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Monte Cassino Battlefield tour on the footsteps of the Canadians ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

WW2 Museum in Prata Sannita

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