Photo:  View of the Castle, Hangman's Hill  and the Monastery from the Caruso Road.

'Monte Cassino – one of the longest and hardest battles of World War II.  Frank de Planta provides the ideal in depth analysis of this titanic struggle.'

Dr Roy Bradshaw.  University of Nottingham

'An experience that I shall never forget.  Frank de Planta brings out the lessons brilliantly and paints a fantastic picture.'

CSgt Paul Sprayson.  2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

‘It was the most interesting battlefield study I have ever been on, brought to life by a vibrant and enthusiastic narrator.  Every individual who attended gave it a glowing review.’

Maj Phil Ord.  The Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (Militia)

‘Frank de Planta takes the interesting subject of Monte Casino and makes it fascinating.  His ability to put across the good and the bad, the wise and the weird are second to none.  A memorable battlefield tour, great stuff.’

Lt Col Mike Stephenson.  HQ 2nd Signal Brigade

'Frank de Planta has researched the campaign thoroughly and his narrative is authoritative.  As a former Infantry Officer, he has an eye for the ground and the best vantage points from which to appreciate the key aspects of the battles at Cassino.  He is an excellent guide.'

Maj Nick Sutherland.  3rd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment 

'We both thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Cassino.  A major part of our enjoyment was Frank de Planta's encyclopaedic knowledge & enthusiasm for his subject.  He made the four battles at Cassino, and the Anzio landing, really clear and interesting.  We have come away wanting more!'

Bob and Patrick Midgley.  Stockton on Tees

'The struggle for Monte Cassino was immense but Frank de Planta is a master at explaining in detail the four battles that took place before victory was assured.  His knowledge of these battles is amazing.  The whole tour was a delight; the organisation first class.  A must for a return visit.'

Adrian Ashby.  York

'Frank de Planta was awesome and provided not only a comprehensive study, with detailed history and modern interpretation, but also invaluable advice in getting the tour off the ground.  I would highly recommend using him if you want to study Monte Cassino and Anzio.'

Maj Richard Green.  1st Battalion Grenadier Guards

'The depth of knowledge and understanding that Frank de Planta has acquired is truly awesome.  His mastery of the plans and the events for both Cassino and Anzio: from Rifle Companies to Army Group, is impressive.  The study was executed with constant good humour, in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and paced to the needs of the client.'

Douglas and Eric Dee.  Shrewsbury

'What an interesting and compelling trip.  Knowing little or nothing of these two costly battles of WW2 at the start, by the end I had a vivid picture in my mind.  Frank de Planta's meticulous research and attention to detail provided the group with broad knowledge and thought provoking conclusions.  This was not a whistle stop tour but a deep study of the ground, bringing the whole period to life.'

Ursula Smallman.  Frome

Frank de Planta provided us with all the information that we needed, starting from the landings at Anzio/Nettuno through to the battles at Cassino.  He is a great guide with an indepth knowledge of these WW2 battles.  I highly recommend him to anyone planning a battlefield tour in Italy.  A big thumbs up.

Kimmo Veikkolainen.  Helsinki, Finland

Photo:  The Beach Head Cemetery at Anzio.