Robertson Painting to Italy

16th December, 2004

Darryl Robertson Painting
travels to Monte Cassino
Abby Italy.

The veterans who were aged in their 80s were selected for the Italian visit by a New Zealand wide ballot. The project was set up by a trust call "Our Heros Trust" which raised money and put this special return visit together.

The men who were selected in particular Mr. George Mackay from Nelson area of New Zealand who had served in the 23rd battalion carried with them a box which contained a very special painting and a special poppy for the grave of of" Clem". The painting "A CLEMENT Hill"(acrylic on canvas) was created by Darryl Robertson and inspired by the memory of his great uncle Allen Clement Hill who served in the New Zealand 26th Battalion. Sadly " Clem " was killed in action at Cassino, he is buried in the Cassino Commonwealth Cemetery#XF9 along with many other New Zealand soldiers as well as men from all parts of the world.

The painting was taken to Cassino and then up to the Abby of Monte Cassino where the head of Our Heros Trust Mr.Greg Evans presented the "A Clement Hill" painting to the Head Abbott of Monte Cassino Abby. This is a symbol of thanks for the visit as well as the care and respect of the graves of the fallen soldiers who are buried in Cassino.Not to forget all the soldiers who bravely served in Italy and Cassino who liberated the people and towns and were not killed in action.
It was a great moment for Mr Greg Evans as well as the artist Darryl Robertson whose own father Donald Alexander Robertson 23rd Battalion(D.A to his mates) saw action at Cassino as well.

Allen Clement Hill and thousands of other soldiers never made to the top of the hill but this artwork remembers them as it resides in the Abby of Monte Cassino at the top of Monte Cassino hill overlooking the fallen.

The painting itself has used his great uncles name is a play on words A.clement Hill meaning..............A Merciful Hill in relation to the religious history of the Abby and today as Cassino remembers the loss of it own town and people.There is a great deal of mercy shown and forgivness on all sides.

The visit to Italy was a great success for the veterans who attended with some returning the following year to visit other areas of Italy.They have all returned however the painting will stay on at the Abby of Monte Cassino, Italy, permanently.

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