The red Poppies of Monte Cassino

[Franek]

In an effort to break through the Kesserling line to reach Rome. The Allies first had to take Monte Cassino. It was an abby on top of a hill or mountain that over looked the low ground. The American 36th Texas division was all but decimated trying to take it. Many others tried and failed due to the stubborn resistance of a group of German ParatroopsThe Indian troops under the British tried and tried again. They failed every time.Finally a Polish corps attacked between may 11th and 19 1944 . After loosing about 1000 men, they reached the summit evicting the Germans.
Since the mountain was covered with red poppies they wrote a song. It is long so i will give you a part of it in English.
Red poppies on Monte Cassino
Instead of dew, drank Polish blood.
As the soldier crushed them in falling,
For the anger was more potent than death.
Years will pass and ages will roll,
But traces of bygone days will stay,
And the poppies on Monte Cassino
Will be redder having quaffed Polish blood

[Owen]

Listen to it in Polish here.

YouTube - Red Poppies on Monte Cassino

[Franek]

Here is the whole song in English.


Red Poppies on Monte Cassino

D`you see those ruins on the hill-top?
There your foe hides like a rat!
You must, you must, you must
Grab his neck and cast him from the clouds!
And they went, heedless of danger
And they went, to kill and avenge
And they went stubborn as ever,
As always - for honour - to fight.

Refrain:

Red poppies on Monte Cassino
Instead of dew, drank Polish blood.
As the soldier crushed them in falling,
For the anger was more potent than death.
Years will pass and ages will roll,
But traces of bygone days will stay,
And the poppies on Monte Cassino
Will be redder having quaffed Polish blood.

They charged through fire like madmen,
Countless were hit and fell,
Like the cavalry at Samosierra,
Like the men at Rokitno years ago.
They attacked with fury and fire,
And they got there. They climbed to the top,
And their white and scarlet standard
They placed on the ruins `midst clouds.

Refrain:
Red poppies on Monte Cassino ....

D`you see this row of white crosses?
Polish soldiers did honour there wed.
The further you go, the higher,
The more of such crosses youl'l meet.
This soil was won for Poland,
Though Poland is far away,
For Freedom is measured in crosses
When history from justice does stray

[Gotthard Heinrici]

Monte Cassino Foundation

Heres a link to a society about the battle

[kfz]

How where they rewarded? Would they have fought so hard knowing Churchill and FJR where about to sell their country down the river.

Kev

[Franek]

Kev;
You made a good point. They got a bun deal at Yalta

[Gotthard Heinrici]

Poland and Czechoslovakia's fate were the saddest of all the WW2 nations. They never stood a chance and their location proved impossible when it came to aiding them post war.

[Franek]

I suggest that this site be read by all. It confirms my question about his ability to lead.

link removed

[Arsenal vg-33]

Originally Posted by Franek

I suggest that this site be read by all. It confirms my question about his ability to lead.

link removed

While I usually bite my tongue when I read threads on this forum, on this I cannot stay silent. Franek - This site whch you link is rife with anti-semitism (with a mild dose of French-bashing). The initial link, plus those other threads within which decribe a puported Jewish complicity during some of the worst moments of WW 2 history, is absolutely shameful. I'm am amazed it has survived this long on this forum. Say what you will about Gen. Mark Clark - The fact he was Jewish/part Jewish has no bearing whatsoever in his ability to lead. I am disgusted at this to say the least.

Franek, I do not know you, nor am I aware of your beliefs. Therefore, it is in my nature to be compelled to give you the benefit of the doubt. However, you CAN do better than this. A link/source argueing Gen. Mark Clark's leadership without implicating his religious affiliation as a cause would hold more water.


On a personal note about Cassino, it does not strike me as unusual to see the FEC being left out of this particular campaign history, YET AGAIN.

EDIT:Link removed by Owen.
Didn't look at it myself but if a member objects then that's good enough for me.

[Arsenal vg-33]

Originally Posted by Gotthard Heinrici

Poland and Czechoslovakia's fate were the saddest of all the WW2 nations. They never stood a chance and their location proved impossible when it came to aiding them post war.

The aspect of geographical location of these two countries is something I enjoy making others take into account, especially when they refer to France and to a lesser degree, the UK, were supposed to somehow militarily "save" these two countries between 1938-1940.