It took four attacks to break the German defence line in May 1944. After heavy fighting, a Polish unit reached the top of Monte Cassino and planted the Polish flag among the ruins of the destroyed monastery. The road to Rome lay open. On 4 June 1944, American troops seized the Italian capital.

Mark Clark was responsible for operations at both Anzio and Cassino. Under Clark, and in direct command of the two-division attack at Cassino, was General Sir Bernard Freyberg. A New Zealander of imposing physical appearance and impressive reputation, Freyberg was a legendary hero of World War I.