In mid-winter 1944, massive infantry losses were incurred at Cassino, in the town and hills above it, as the Allies fought vainly to batter their way through heavily fortified positions to advance on Rome.

What is not widely known is that a golden opportunity was created by Kiwi and Indian engineers to outflank Cassino through the construction of a road carved high up into the hills to the north of the German encampment.

A surprise attack by 15 Kiwi Sherman tanks on 19 March saw the capture of Albaneta, a key German stronghold and supply line behind the monastery.

As with Gallipoli 30 years earlier, however, the failings of army hierarchy let the Kiwi troops down as they were refused vital reinforcements and the result was defeat a few days later at the hands of hardened German paratroopers using hand-held weaponry.

This book details the brilliant opportunity afforded by the Kiwi engineers, the surprise and success that resulted, a sadly wasted opportunity which had the potential to avoid many of the later infantry losses.

Based on eyewitness accounts on both sides, Freyberg's war diaries, minutes of Officers Conferences and formal reports, author Ron Crosby provides keen insight into a feat of Kiwi wartime bravery not previously written about.

Nine detailed maps and plenty of photographs complement the information as events unfold.

Inside we found a 5.5x5.5cm slip of thin paper in Italian dated 1944 and written on the back in fountain pen (see photo).

It has the name of the northern Italian town of Trieste on it, where for many Kiwi troops the war ended, and the address of the Grand Hotel Duchi d’Aosta, located in Piazza Unità d'Italia, the city's most impressive square that opens onto the sea.

It is likely a souvenir brought home by a returning soldier who may have been billeted there.

Albaneta: Lost Opportunity at Cassino by Ron Crosby is a 2007 first edition published by Reed, Auckland. It is a quality 172-page card soft cover in very good condition.

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