War Memorial Monte Cassino
By
Colonel Raina
Gud morng everyone. Tomorrow 7 th July ,COAS Gen Narawane will inaugurate the much belated war Memorial of “Monte Cassino” south east of Rome in Italy.
Also known as the “Battle for Rome “One of the most important and bitterly fought battle between allied forces and Germans/ Italian forces the contribution of 4 Indian Div under Maj Gen Francis Tucker can’t be wished away.
Out of 20 Victoria crosses won for the liberation of Italy by the allied forces , 6 Victoria crosses were won alone by Indians.. ,The famed” Red eagle “division/ 4 Indian Div alone suffered max casualties of 4000 troops in First and second attack on Monte cassino.
The abbey of Monte cassino was strategic in imp being in the center of the famous ” Gustav line’ formed by Germany astride Highway 6,about 140 miles away from capital city of Rome.
1/9 Gurkhas, forming part of 4 Indian Div/7 Inf Bde alone was responsible for laying the foundation of victory of the Polish II Corps over Monte cassino in the famous Battle of “Hangman’s Hill” which has been officially named by the Italian govt as a part of Monte cassino.
It’s believed remains of Indian soldiers lie in 40 cemeteries across Italy. The same 4 Div/7 Inf Bde was deply in NEFA Arunachal Pradesh in 1962 across the Namkachu river and the first to bear the burden of Chinese attack.
The Div which laid the foundation for victory over Monte cassino during 2 WW was decimated by the Chinese under the poor leadership of Indian planners and official apathy by the Nehru govt.
A fine cut piece reminiscent of World Military History, a yet an add on page in the present times of Jethi History; an honour par excellence unexpressed in words.
Time rotation awaits for none, refreshing afresh, the past memorable war historical moments through such reflection of honouring the martyrs Memorial of “Monte Cassino” of which Jethi is indebted to Martyr Rfn Sher Bahadur Thapa, VC & Jethi’s heroic soldiers, who gave us their day in honour of Jethi, indexing the Regt Flag prestigious grace & honour, all this for of us to Celebrate Jethi’s Battle Honour “Cassino DAY ” (16 Mar 1944) each year in fervour, which deserves the highest respect & salutations to all the martyrs of Jethi, who gave us this Honoured Day.
With the honour presented to the Casino memorial by COAS, yet an another history has been rejuvenated afresh, post 1947 to all those including the Indian Govt & the World, the importance of Jethi & the 9th Gurkha Regt of it’s share of contribution to the Allied Forces it fought for in achieving independence to the Nation (Italy) an immortal history in making.
Wish for such a Special important event, we could had a rep of Jethi either a Sr Veteran or a Sr serving offr/COR as an an invite to mark yet an imprint honour to the Paltan/the Regt.
Hope some of the pictures & write up of above COAS visit will be made available & become an awareness drive in the Regtl center as well to the young generation in the times ahead.
Thank you for the nice placed inputs of Jethi’s heroic history pre & post independence.
Jai Gurakh
Col Raina
