The final day of the Staff Ride took Senior Course 138 to Anzio, where Course Members enjoyed a systematic study of the Anzio operation from the WWII Italian campaign in 1944. The visit encompassed extensive touring of the actual sites, along with an opportunity to integrate the lessons offered by study each location. The trip to Anzio was preceded by considerable preparation on the part of Course Members, so as to spur further thought, analysis and discussion.
The first stop of the day was at Anzio’s Harbour Pier, where the Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) provided an enriching lecture on how the Allies arrived on the shores of Anzio. The group then moved to the Beach Head Museum, where remaining items and vestiges from the Anzio landing were on display. The following stop for the convoy was at the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery, where the NDC Dean, Stephen J. Mariano, together with the NDC US Senior National Representative, Colonel Lance Varney, laid a wreath at the US Memorial in tribute and respect for the fallen Americans during the Italian campaign.
After midday, the group advanced to the Beach Head War Cemetery where Course Member Lieutenant Colonel Paul Hooker laid a wreath for the British soldiers who died in the battlefield. SMEs then provided detailed briefings on the British contribution to the Italian campaign. The final leg of the journey took place at the German Cemetery in Pomezia, where tribute was paid to the German soldiers who lost their lives during the Italian campaign. Course Members CDR Lars Stellmann and Colonel Bodo Mario Venn laid a wreath at the memorial.
NDC Public Affairs Office
(Prepared by Mr Jose Moron Marchena, ESP C)
NATO Defense College