Yes, but what exactly makes it a candidate for worst moment in your history? I never considered it as holding any disgrace but as a very fierce proposition- have I missed something?
Non-confrontational question from someone with close relatives on both sides, with one survivor (senior and British).
Thank you. I was unaware to the New Zealand specific reflection on Monte Cassino, even though I have been very close to those who fought there. Opinion only from the front. For Gallipoli cannon-fodder opinion. For Monte Cassino W011 attack opinion , personal involvement. One on one, word of mouth to me. My understanding of Kiwi presence was, as always, an impression of highest admiration.
The greatest betrayal of the soldiers is that they never received the medal which was struck after the war. Today there are approx. 300 veterans alive who has not received the recognition they deserve.I'd say the Danish ground troops did put up a rather decent oposition against the invaders, at least when you consider the lack of will to fight on the political level, and that Denmark is a nightmare for a defender.
Rather like our situation - to our firm knowledge, we had 2 uncles there, one a German in law, the other, Reg, a great professional 30 year man (eventually) took part in many of the great campaigns.
Now our German relative was lost there, and it so happens that Reg was a sniper; the following generation, us, have always skipped lightly over that one- albeit in jest.
But no doubt about it, Monte Cassino and Gallipoli were devastating for those involved, cannon fodder as some described themselves.
not that nice exercise.The loss in 1940 of the impregnable Fort Eben Emael by a handfull of German paratroopers.
A lot of Belgian soldiers were sick of the many excercises and when the Germans attacked they stayed where they were, thinking it was yet another exercise.
I would say when the Brits took Wash. DC in the War of 1812.
We use essential cookies to make this site work, and optional cookies to enhance your experience.