Monte Cassino bombing codeword

Discussion in 'Italy' started by Brian26, Feb 22, 2021.

  1. Brian26

    Brian26 Junior Member

    Apparently the Codeword for the bombing of the Benedictine Monastery was, 'Bradman's Batting Today'.
    Would anyone know whether this is true or not?
     
  2. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    That is not correct.

    ‘Bradman’s Batting Today’ was the signal for the start of the Third Battle on 15 Mar 44. This included dropping 1,112 tonnes of bombs on the square mile of Cassino town.

    The monastery was bombed with 576 tonnes on 15 Feb 44 as part of the Second Battle.

    Regards

    Frank
     
  3. Tony56

    Tony56 Member Patron

    In the 78 Infantry Division Operational Order No 17 dated 28 Feb 44:-

    "NZ Corps Plan - Codeword BRADMAN indicates commencement of operations given in outline below.
    0900 hrs Air bombardment of Cassino
    1200 hrs 2 NZ Div is to attack Cassino and establish a bridgehead over R Rapido.
    4 Indian Div is to attack and capture Monastery and and high ground West of Cassino".

    Presumably the delays in these operations gave rise to 'Bradman batting today', I have also seen 'Bradman batting tomorrow'.
    Interesting article here, Bradman mentioned about halfway down.
    How I became a ‘D-Day Dodger’ by Edward Carr 13th Foot – Somerset Light Infantry – Italy Star Association 1943-1945
     
  4. minden1759

    minden1759 Senior Member

    That OpO is correct. The tricky bit was that the bombing run required three days of dry weather at Foggia where the aircraft were to take off on the grass runways. At the time, the area around Foggia was experiencing very heavy and constant rain so the runways were water logged.

    The break in the weather did not happen until 12 Mar 44 - hence the start of the bombing on 15 Mar 44.

    Regards

    Frank
     
  5. Stuart Avery

    Stuart Avery In my wagon & not a muleteer.

    I have it has all in all the allied planes dropped 442 tons of bombs on the Abbey and its immediate environs. 15th Feb 44. Page 182 of that excellent book by John Ellis. Why this chap did (not receive) a knighthood for his book is beyond me.

    It went to print in 1984. Imagine having to to do all that typing on a typewriter. He probably did not have to buy all the war diaries that he's read. Edit.. plus all the other books as well.

    Just imagine having him on a battlefield study of Cassino . He must be getting on a bit, if he is still alive?

    Regards,
    Stu.
     

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