The legendary German Tenth Army defense of Monte Cassino was one of the bloodiest battles of the Second World War. For four long months the German defenders clung to the rubble of the hilltop monastery, frustrating the Allied advance towards Rome. Though the Allies suffered twice the number of casualties a decisive combination of superior Allied numbers and overwhelming firepower finally broke the German resolve. The battle was key to the eventual Allied success in the Italian Campaign. -- From the back cover.

The strategic imperatives, Italy, 1943 -- through the Bernhardt line -- The time imperative, Fifth Army and ‘shingle’ -- The First Battle Of Cassino -- The Second And Third Battles Of Cassino -- Monte Cassino: a Polish battle -- Casino and controversy.