This is an auction for CASSINO: PORTRAIT OF A BATTLE by Fred Mandalay.

Amazon.com reviews:

"Few battles compare with the famous, bitterly fought, and controversial World War Two conflict at Cassino, where German forces determined to prevent the Allies from reaching Rome. A former infantry officer who took part in this encounter relates its history, from the highest level down to the actions of individual soldiers, including the disagreements between British and American commanders and the crucial impact of Italy's geography."

"The book roughly describes the four phases of the Cassino battle over six months:

• The poorly prepared American attack across the Rapido.
• The battle of the ridges behind the town and the complex night and day engagements between Indian/Gurkha companies and German paratroops.
• The attack in the town of the marvellously well-equipped New Zealand Division and the brutal house to house fighting that went absolutely nowhere.
• The last phase when, after some of the most intense bombardment of the war, British Commonwealth, Polish and French troops broke the line.

"Majdalany fought in these battles and has an eye for detail. He maintains that although the Germans were on the surrounding heights of the monastery, they were scrupulous in trying to move out the civilians and priests and never violated the Abbey. But it was never necessary that they be in the monastery anyway since the high ground around the monastery more than met the German observation needs. For a measured history covering all of the main points of the battle then it is hard to beat Majdalany."

Hardback 1957.

270 pages + photographs and a fold-out illustration of the battleground.

No dust jacket. Otherwise, good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.