Polish gunners fire 25 pounders on the Eighth Army front, Italy, 1944 (c)

Photograph, World War Two, Italy, 1944 (c).

In 1944 the Polish II Corps was transferred from Egypt to Italy, where it became part of the British Eighth Army under General Oliver Leese. During 1944-1945 the Corps fought with great distinction, most notably during the Battle of Monte Cassino and the battles of Ancona and Bologna. The forces of the Polish II Corps were crucial in breaking the Gustav and Gothic lines.

From a collection of 650 photographs compiled by the Commando Association.