Monte Cassino appears in view

30th December 1943: The dominating position - topped by a Monastery soon to be fortified by the Germans - blocks the way to Rome

First Phase: 17 January -13 February 1944: Aerial view of Cassino sector showing Monte Trocchio, Cassino, Monte Cairo, Monte Albaneta, the Via Casilina (the road to Rome also known as Route 6) and the Rapido River.

When the Allies had landed in Italy in September it had been hoped, even expected, that they would be in Rome by Christmas. The natural defen…