New Zealand soldiers talk to Italian refugees

Several soldiers from the New Zealand Division talk with Italian refugees (centre) who have returned to their homes in the Atina area, just north of Cassino.

The photo was taken around 30 May 1944 as the Division advanced through formerly German-held territory. The presence of civilians was a major contrast noted by men of the Division between Italy and the North African Campaign in which they had been involved between 1940 and 1943. Many Italian civilians lost their homes, possessions and lives during the Italian Campaign.