Monument to the Fallen Canadians in Tavullia (PU), Hill 204

The monument is dedicated to the fallen Canadians who, between August 31 and September 1, 1944, captured Hill 204, breaking through the Gothic Line. The author of the memorial is architect G. Rombini. The memorial is completed by two iron and steel bas-reliefs created by sculptor Terenzio Pedini and two bronze plaques.

On the site of the Battle of Pozzo Alto, in the locality of Montechiaro, the Municipality of Tavullia erected this monument in 1997 in memory of the young Canadian soldiers who gave their lives for the Liberation of Tavullia. This battle between the Allies and Germans on the Adriatic/Romagnolo side of the Gothic Line was fought here on August 31, 1944. In the locality of Pozzo Alto ("Hill 204," the focal point of the German defenses in the area), Canadian units of the 5th Division clashed with German Paratroopers, aided by other Wehrmacht units. That day, "Hill 204" was fiercely contested but eventually captured by Allied armored forces. However, in the late afternoon and throughout the night, there was a violent German counteroffensive. After bloody clashes, the next morning the German units disengaged and retreated to a secondary defensive line. The Canadians were then able to hold Pozzo Alto, subsequently capturing Monte Marrone and the town of Tavullia. The credit for this victory goes to the daring action of the 9th Canadian Armored Battalion, British Columbia Dragoons, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel F.A. Vokes, who managed to break through the German resistance, ultimately securing the position with the sacrifice of many lives, remembered here.¹

Passing through those beautiful Pesaro countryside, let us pause in this place. For these brave soldiers who fought for us, a simple thought of gratitude is enough.