Operation 'Honker' Part 1 of 2. 2300 hours 11th May 1944

The 4th British Division breakthrough the Gustav Line in the Liri valley at Cassino 11th-12th May 1944. Known as the fourth battle for Cassino, or to the Canadians as the battle for Rome. The British 4th Division was part of XIII Corps in the Eighth Army. The Gustav Line was a German defensive line that ran the width of Italy, most of which, was mountainous and used to good effect as a defensive position. The deep and fast flowing River Rapido/Gari spanned the mouth of the Liri valley and formed part of the Gustav Line. It was heavily defended and was overlooked by the German-held 1700 ft Monastery Hill, where Monte Cassino stood on the top. It was a superb observation point for the Germans and a real nightmare for the Allies.