One Man’s War: Private Nielsen in Italy

This documented journey follows a 22-year-old New Zealand soldier who departed New Zealand destined for the shores of Italy in World War II. Using notes, Private Nielsen’s letters, photographs, maps, research and experiencing first-hand the terrain of the Italian battlefields, David Nielsen tracks his father’s journey to Italy and beyond. David explains how his father initially did not really like to talk about the war but as time went by, David learnt how to ask careful questions and with respectful prompting, his story began to come forth. He and his Dad marked up a big map of Italy to record the places he went - this was also the first time he spoke in detail about his experiences, and also marked the beginning of One Man’s War: Private Nielsen in Italy. After the passing of his father, David completed his story through many years of research, compiling notes and collating his father’s letters. Finally, a trip to Italy in 2017 allowed him to experience first-hand the places his father had told him about. The history of World War II may have been well recorded, however the soldiers’ experiences will soon no longer be heard first-hand. As this era of brave men pass on, preserving their memories is as important as history itself. Private E.R. Nielsen served as a radio operator with New Zealand 21 Battalion as part of the 2nd NZ Expeditionary Force Division, British 8th Army. Private Nielsen’s experiences include the night of the final battle for Monte Cassino, where he crossed the Liri Valley with 21 Battalion and headed up into the hills towards the Gustav Line, a prepared German defence line spanning the width of Italy.