Polish Heroes of the Battle of Monte Cassino

During the Second World War, Monte Cassino was not just a key strategic outpost for the Axis powers on the road to Rome – it was one of the strongest defensive positions in Europe.

Among the huge Allied coalition facing a grueling uphill struggle to conquer this rugged mountain and its formidable defenses, it was the Polish II Corps who finally broke the Axis line.

Anders' Army was formed after Stalin released thousands of Polish prisoners from the Gulag in 1941 in a deal aimed at creating additional forces to fight the Nazis.

More than 110,000 Poles, including 36,000 women and children, managed to leave the Soviet Union with the Anders troops.

But it was more than just a military formation – it organized care and schooling for children orphaned in Russia.

What followed was a 9,000-mile journey to freedom, crossing the Caspian Sea to safety in Iran. In February 1944, the Polish II Corps was transferred from Egypt to Italy.

After five months of heavy fighting on Germany’s Gustav Line, Anders’ Polish soldiers proudly raised the red and white flag over the destroyed defenses on May 18th, 1944.

Despite heavy losses, the victory provided an immeasurable morale boost for the Polish people.

In today's special episode of How We Got Here, Jan Darasz has the pleasure of speaking with Prof. Norman Davies, a renowned historian and author. Join us to discover the fascinating, true story of Gen. Anders' soldiers, whose bravery and courage helped to end the Second World War. History does not repeat itself; it rhymes. Prof. Norman Davies goes on to share his insight on the formation of Ukrainian national identity and why Putin wants to destroy Ukraine.