Cassino War Cemetery facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cassino War Cemetery |
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| Veterans Affairs Canada Commonwealth War Graves Commission |
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| For Commonwealth service members of World War II from the Italian Campaign | |
| Unveiled | 1944 |
| Location | 41°28′39″N 13°49′38″E / 41.4776°N 13.8271°E near Cassino south-east of Rome, Italy
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| Commemorated | 4,271 |
| Statistics source: CWGC: Cassino War Cemetery | |
The Cassino War Cemetery is a special place in Cassino, Italy. It is a cemetery where soldiers from the Second World War are buried. This important site is about 139 kilometers (86 miles) south-east of Rome. It honors the brave soldiers who fought in the Italian Campaign.
Many of the soldiers buried here are from countries of the Commonwealth of Nations. Some of the graves belong to soldiers who could not be identified. There is also a special memorial at the cemetery. It remembers over 4,000 Commonwealth soldiers whose graves are not known.
Contents
What is the Cassino War Cemetery?
The Cassino War Cemetery is a place of remembrance. It is managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. This organization cares for the graves and memorials of soldiers from the Commonwealth who died in the two World Wars.
The cemetery is located in the town of Cassino. This area saw some of the toughest fighting during the Second World War. The battles here were part of the larger Italian Campaign.
Why is Cassino so important?
During the war, Cassino was a very difficult place to capture. The town itself and the nearby Monastery Hill were strongholds. Soldiers fought fiercely for control of this area. These battles are known as the Battle of Monte Cassino.
Most of the soldiers buried at the Cassino War Cemetery died during these intense months of fighting. By 2012, there were 4,271 Commonwealth soldiers from the Second World War buried or remembered here. This includes 194 Canadian service members.
Remembering Heroes: The Cassino Memorial
The Cassino Memorial stands within the cemetery. It is a large monument that honors soldiers whose bodies were never found. It also remembers those who have no known grave. These memorials are often placed in military cemeteries near where the battles happened.
The memorial helps us remember the courage and sacrifice of these soldiers. It ensures that their efforts are never forgotten.
Stories of Bravery
Many brave individuals are honored at the Cassino War Cemetery. Each soldier has a story of courage and dedication.
- Yeshwant Ghadge (1921–1944) was one such hero. He served in the 5th Mahratta Light Infantry. This was part of the British Indian Army. For his incredible bravery against the enemy, Ghadge was awarded the Victoria Cross. This is the highest military award for bravery in the British and Commonwealth forces.
- Dan Billany was another notable person remembered here. He served in the East Yorkshire Regiment. Billany was also a talented novelist. He disappeared in 1943 after escaping from enemy captivity. His story reminds us of the many different lives affected by the war.
These stories help us understand the personal impact of the war. They show the bravery of individuals who fought for freedom.
See also
- Polish cemetery at Monte Cassino
