The Cavendish Road was a tank path built by Indian and New Zealand engineers in just ten days in February 1944 to support an Allied attack on Monte Cassino. The route was essential because, despite the short distance, transporting supplies and equipment to the top of the hills was extremely difficult.
Indian engineers worked tirelessly to transform a simple mule track into a road suitable for vehicles. The road ran from the village of Caira, just a few kilometers from Cassino, up to Phantom Ridge and Snakeshead Ridge, climbing over 800 feet in about a mile and a half.
Because the Indian engineers had limited equipment, the better-equipped New Zealand (Kiwi) engineers joined the effort. From 3 to 10 March, they worked side by side using compressors, bulldozers, pick-axes, and crowbars to carve through the rock. As some parts of the road were exposed to enemy observation and fire, camouflage nets were used to conceal the construction and maintain the element of surprise.
The road was wide enough that on 19 March 1944, 37 Kiwi tanks from the New Zealand Armoured Division were able to reach the rear of the monastery, surprising the Germans positioned on the heights of Monte Cassino. However, because the tanks advanced without accompanying infantry, the German 4th Parachute Regiment was able to destroy the first ten tanks near the medieval Albaneta Farm, forcing the others to retreat.
The Polish II Corps later used the same road during the final assault on Monte Cassino on 12 May 1944. Today, it is still possible to hike the Cavendish Road and reach Monte Cassino following the same path taken by the New Zealanders over 80 years ago.
