MONASTERY’S FALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 88, Issue 126, 29 May 1944, Page 5

MONASTERY’S FALL

GERMAN WHO THOUGHT IT IMPREGNABLE Recd. 6 p.m. Rugby. May 27. “German parachute detachments in Cassino had sufficient ammunition to last for a fortnight, and food for another ten days. We never expected the Monastery could be conquered at all, and I was very surprised on receiving orders to retreat.” So said Capt. Bayer, commander of the German detachment at Monte Cassino, who was captured by Polish troops. A correspondent on the Italian front, giving this news, adds: "Capt. Bayer said that on considering the order he realised the decision must have been taken because of a hill to the north-west of the Monastery had been conquered by Polish troops, and. therefore, Monte Cassino was isolated and cut off. In those circumstances the German detachments had no chance of defence. Capt. Bayer added: “The German retreat was only partly carried out. Only a comparatively small number of German soldiers succeeded in breaking through to the area of Highway Six. A majority of the defenders of the Monastery' were killed. Of the remainder many were wounded and taken prisoner.” On searching Capt. Bayer Polish troops found in his possession an ivory stick belonging to the abbot of the Cassino Monastery, a masterpiece adorned with beautiful carving, describing the life of Christ. Capt. Bayer used it as a walking stick when he went, round inspecting the German positions on Monastery Hill, The stick has now been returned to its rightful owner.—B.O.W.