The Mount Porchio Attack

The Mount Porchio Attack: WHAT TO EXPECT

At the beginning of January 1944, the II Corps continued its advance along Highway No. 6, aiming to reach Rome as soon as possible. The Germans were regrouping to stop the Allied advance toward Rome, but since the 29th Panzergrenadier Division was too exhausted to continue fighting, the 44th Grenadier Division took over their key positions from Mount Majo to Mount Porchia.

Joining Cassino on the Highway 6

On the way to Cassino along Highway No. 6, there were three isolated hills called Cedro Hill (the smallest), Mount Porchia, and, near the village of San Vittore, Mount La Chiaia. These three hills provided the enemy with strong artillery positions against the Allies, as well as excellent observation points. Behind them stood a key element of the German defenses of Cassino — a hill called Mount Trocchio. The Allied opening attack was planned as follows: Mount La Chiaia was to be attacked by the 135th and 168th Infantry Regiments of the 34th Red Bull Division, supported by the 1st Special Service Force, which was tasked with clearing Mount Majo and the surrounding peaks.

The British X Corps on Mount Porchio

Mount Porchia, instead, was to be attacked by the 6th Armoured Infantry, while Cedro Hill was to be cleared by elements of the British 10 Corps. The Battle of Mount Porchia began on January 4th, when the 1st Battalion of the 1st Armoured Infantry advanced toward Mount Porchia. The first challenge was clearing two small rises on either side of Highway No. 6 before reaching Mount Porchia itself. The 2nd Battalion attempted to advance along the railway line but was forced to withdraw. On January 6th, the 1st and 3rd Battalions were ready to join the attack alongside the 2nd Battalion at 7:00 AM.

The Mount Porchio Attack

Thanks to the smoke covering the north flank of Mount Porchia, some soldiers from the 1st Battalion managed to reach the crest, despite heavy casualties. The Germans launched a counterattack supported by the Hermann Goering Panzer Division, but the 6th Armoured Infantry held its ground. On January 7th, the entire hill fell, and the Germans withdrew during the night.

Cedro Hill attack

While the 168th was fighting on Mount Porchia, the 46th Division of the 10 Corps faced similar difficulties on Cedro Hill. During the night of January 4th–5th, the 138th Brigade reached the opposite banks of the Peccia River, but until the 168th took the crest of Mount Porchia, the 138th and 139th Brigades were repeatedly pushed back by enemy mortar fire. When the Germans retreated from Mount Porchia, they also abandoned Cedro Hill, regrouping on Mount Trocchio.

The Mount Porchio Attack: ALL YOU MUST KNOW

The “The Mount Porchio Attack” can be visited every day all around the year.

You must book this tour in advance.

Sorry but whellchairs can not be used

There are parking facilities all around this area

Please wear good sport shoes or trekking shoes

The Mount Porchio Attack: MY TOUR

The “The Mount Porchio Attack” tour (about 3 hours) includes:

1) pickup from your arrival in Cassino at 10.00AM or 02.00PM and about 15 minute ride to Rocchetta al Volturno

2) about 2 hours and 30 minutesguided tour of Porchio area

3) about 15 minutes ride back to the railway station in Cassino at 01.00PM or 05.00PM

The Mount Porchio Attack: WHAT ELSE YOU CAN’T MISS IN THIS AREA

British Battlefield Tour on the Garigliano River ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

---