“CASSINO RAILWAY STATION 17^th FEB 1944”       

2007

Acrylic on canvas

110cm  X  195cm

Inv.# 265

Ruins in Italy are not uncommon and usually mark the rise and fall of various dynasties and civilizations.  This ruined railway station took a very short time to raze but it does mark the bravery of the young men of the 2^nd New Zealand Division who on this the second battle for Cassino put up an astounding effort.   The 28th (Maori) battalion was committed to the railway station action     “…….their action that night remains one of the legendary engagements, on a par with their bayonet charge on Crete, the break-out at Minquar Quaim, and the assault on Takrouna.”  Mathew Wright IN Italian Odyssey                                          

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