So as the title says, Today I was told that my Uncle was captured at Monte Casino during WWII. The story goes that he was a POW for almost a year. Out of the 4000(?) or so prisoners only 47 survived, he being one of them. This is all 2nd and 3rd hand information, so was wondering if anyone knows the true story or where I could find it… Thank you all…
Hmm.... I doubt that only 47 lived was probably not from being a POW, I suspect he might be talking about his unit casualties. The death toll for the battle of Monte Cassino was horrible for the Allies (55,000 dead and wounded), we won. The 34th Division had a casualty rate of 80%. It took from January to May to take Monte Casino. Death rates among European POWs were not that high. Research gives the POW rate among Americans in the hands of Germans at about 3%.
This seems pretty unlikely, even the German POWs on the Russian front rarely had that many deaths. Do you have more information about what unit he served with? Alternatively, you can order a copy of his service records if you are the next of kin. I assume he was American?
If you're interested in learning more about the action surrounding monte cassino, Rick atkinsons book on the liberation of Italy; the day of battle, does an excellent job. Unsure about where to find more info on POWs after the battle however, good luck with your search!