Whose trucks evacuated the art treasures from Monte Cassino monastery?

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Sid Guttridge
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Whose trucks evacuated the art treasures from Monte Cassino monastery?

#1

Post by Sid Guttridge » 26 Feb 2019, 15:43

Hi Guys,

There is no doubt that the Germans allowed the art treasures from Monte Cassino monastery to be evacuated, but whose trucks were used, German or Vatican?

Many thanks for any assistance,

Sid.

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Steve
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Re: Whose trucks evacuated the art treasures from Monte Cassino monastery?

#2

Post by Steve » 27 Feb 2019, 15:44

Hi, the commander at Monte Cassino General Frido Von Senger Und Etterlin mentions the matter in his book Neither Fear Nor Hope. Just prior to his taking over at Cassino the monastery treasures were evacuated by the Herman Goering Panzer division. A convoy under the command of a Colonel Schlegel set off heading north but was halted at Spoleto and ordered to proceed to the Vatican.

This meant the convoy had to backtrack 80 miles. Interestingly Etterlin says that as all the details have now been made public it can at least be said that Colonel Schlegel acted in good faith. Were the Germans taking the treasures to Goering?


Sid Guttridge
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Posts: 10158
Joined: 12 Jun 2008, 12:19

Re: Whose trucks evacuated the art treasures from Monte Cassino monastery?

#3

Post by Sid Guttridge » 28 Feb 2019, 15:53

Hi Steve,

Thanks. A very complete reply.

Cheers,

Sid.

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Ironmachine
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Re: Whose trucks evacuated the art treasures from Monte Cassino monastery?

#4

Post by Ironmachine » 28 Feb 2019, 19:40

Here:
you can see a pair of photographs showing some of the trucks employed. Judge by yourself!

Sid Guttridge
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Posts: 10158
Joined: 12 Jun 2008, 12:19

Re: Whose trucks evacuated the art treasures from Monte Cassino monastery?

#5

Post by Sid Guttridge » 28 Feb 2019, 22:10

Hi Ironmachine.

Definitely not Vatican. They used Italian trucks painted yellow and white.

Thanks,

Sid

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