Battle of Monte Cassino

The Battle of Monte Cassino occurred in Italy during World War II. (COMIC: Treasure Trail)

History
Italy was invaded by the United States (PROSE: Autumn Mist) and the United Kingdom in 1943, (PROSE: Deadly Reunion) prompting the fall of Benito Mussolini. (PROSE: The Dying Days)

In 1944, the combatants clashed at Monte Cassino. The battle left the monastery of Monte Cassino in ruins.

By the time of the battle, Italy had effectively been split in two, with the Allies controlling the south. The forces of Nazi Germany continued to fight to hold on to the north. The Germans viewed their former Axis partner with contempt as partisan groups began to form in opposition to the occupiers. (COMIC: Treasure Trail) By June, members of the Allied forces like Joseph Heller no longer considered the Italians their enemies. (PROSE: The Turing Test)

According to Father Antonio, the battle concluded about a month before the Fourth Doctor and Sarah Jane Smith arrived in Borosini, in the summer of 1944.

By 1976, the monastery had been rebuilt. The Doctor allowed Father Antonio a trip in the TARDIS to see the rebuilt monastery for himself. The experience eventually brought Antonio round to trusting the Doctor, and helped restore some of his faith which had been shaken by the war. (COMIC: Treasure Trail)