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Italy homage to Indian soldiers

Rome: In a rare gesture, touching tributes were paid to 5,782 Indian soldiers who laid down their lives during World War II, fighting for Italy against fascist forces.

The ceremony was held for the first time since 1945 at Cassino on Thursday to honour Indian soldiers. In all, about 50,000 Indian troops, mostly between the ages of 19 and 22, fought in Italy. Close to 50 per cent of them were injured. Out of 20 Victoria Cross decorations given for bravery during the war in Italy, Indian soldiers won six. The story of their bravery and sacrifice is still being talked about in Italian cities and villages which they helped to liberate, Indian Ambassador Rajiv Dogra said.

Italian Deputy Defence Minister Emidio Casula, Ambassadors of a number of countries, Cassino Mayor Bruno Scittarelli and senior Generals of the Army were present. The Chief of the Army Staff of Italy General Fabrizio Castagnetti said: “The fourth, eighth and tenth Indian Infantry Divisions were employed in the battle for the capture of Monte Cassino and in the bitter campaign that followed for the breaching of the Gothic Line.” — PTI

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