|
|
Post by smithy on Aug 16, 2013 1:46:43 GMT 12
I wonder which angle it will be from. I hope like hell it doesn't glorify that idiot General Mark Clark's role. Hopefully they'll do a good job but time will tell I suppose Dave. Probably good that it's a Brit production and that John Irvin has done some good flicks. It should have a fair bit about the Kiwis in it as we played a big role in the assaults. |
|
|
|
Post by Calum on Aug 16, 2013 13:14:22 GMT 12
I agree Dave, Clark was more interested in personal glory rather than the overall strategic goal of defeating the Germans, his rush to Liberate Rome, rather than attempt to encircle the German army (as was the plan) at the time is an example of that. He really should have been sacked after that. All serious historians seem to agree on that.
That said, none of the allied commanders, including Freyberg, can really hold their heads up high over Monte Cassino, (or most of the Italian campaign in general). The French colonial troops were probably the most effective troops in Cassino, although their treatment of the civilian population was appalling.
Max Hasting’s Excellent Book “All Hell Let Loose” has an excellent Chapter on the Italian Campaign. IF you want a one book overview of WW2 then this book is highly recommended.
On the topic of the NZ division in Italy IMHO NZ’s troops were wasted at Cassino, after the fighting in Africa the NZ division was more suited to fast moving armoured campaign as opposed to attacking a well defended static position with a motivated and competent defenders.
|
|
