Moral Ambiguities in the Bombing of Monte Cassino

Abstract

The circumstances in which the decisions to bomb the Abbey and town of Monte Cassino in 1944 were taken were complex and difficult, and complicated by factual uncertainties. It is possible to make a case for excusing the bombing of the Abbey on grounds of military necessity without justifying it. It is not possible to excuse the manner in which the bombing was conducted, which deprived the attack of its intended military utility and had an effect on the Allied cause the reverse of that anticipated. The bombing of the town cannot be challenged on laws of war grounds, but may be criticised because the effects were damaging to the progress of the Allied forces, and foreseeably so.

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