TASK IN ITALY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25466, 22 February 1944, Page 2

TASK IN ITALY

NEW ZEALAND DIVISION SECRECY OF RECENT MOVE A despatch from Mr A. L. Curry, the radio commentator with the New Zealanders in Italy, broadcast by the BBC says that the last time news was heard of the New Zealand Division it was on the flank of the Canadians sharing in the advances on the battlefield over the Ortona-Oirsogna road. The New Zealanders held the positions they had won and then were held up by heavy snow. Units of the New Zealand forces have been switched from the Eighth Army to stand with the British and Americans in the attack on Cassino, Mr Curry says. Their move across the mountains was a closelv-guarded secret, and that is why for a while nothing has been heard of them. Their engineers played a big part in building a road among the snow-covered mountains from the Eighth Army battle front Their own artillery covered the withdrawal, and, staying on, gav.e support to the new battalion coming in. Spell and Manoeuvres On reaching the Mediterranean, the New Zealanders were given a spell for recreation. They enjoyed days of warm and bright sunshine, where the conditions were described by everyone as perfect. Goal posts sprang up mysteriously and footballs appeared from nowhere. It was good to see the familiar jerseys again and to hear the cheering crowds. Later manoeuvres by day and by night begajn, a|nd formations were tested on a large scale. “There was an inspection by General Freyberg, and I was reminded,” said the speaker, “of the similar impressive displays made in the desert before El Alamein and Tripoli last year before the cross-

ing to Europe. No time was lost in preparation, and soon we were on the move again through long and impressive lines of communication —on the move to the front line. “Recently I went up to the high ground won by the Americans to have a look at the battlefield. It is easy to see the importance of Cassino to the enemy. Immediately behind it rises an impressive mass of mountain, on the top of which is, or was, the famous Benedictine monastery. Cassino guards the entrance to a fruitful wide valley, and the enemy will hold on to the bitter last. For them it may well be counted one of the crucial strongpoints barring the road to the Anzio beach-head.

Mighty Stream of Transport "Is is clear that the attackers will have to oversome not only isolated strongpoints, but carefully prepared defensive lines constructed of rock, rubble, and steel in protective depth. Infantry is the only arm by which the initial attack must be made, but our artillery has not been idle, and heavy American guns have been in action day and night. „ “ For more than 50 miles behind the front, unbroken lines of transport are moving up and down in a mighty stream. Its variety is a commentary on the nature of the pending struggle. The aircraft move against the background of the snow-covered mountains and add their quota to the din Our infantry are ready for the next move now, whatever it may be.”