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On this day in 1944, the Nazis executed 300 civilians. Here is a British Movietone report of when the Pope blessed the Allied troops after the occupation. The Pope, who remained in the Vatican City during the battle for Rome, gave a blessing to the Allied troops after the occupation. When the Allies entered Rome they found evidence of Nazi savagery in the hundreds of graves of massacred civilians in the catacombs. Cut story - KS. Interior shot of Pope carried through hall of crowded Allied troops. Troops push their hands forward to be shaken by the Pope. Pope addresses troops. MS & CU of same. Pope speaks in English. Pope carried out of Hall again. Nazis leave Rome, various shots of German infantry, armour, etc. leave by all means of conveyance, handcarts, barrows, cycles etc. Tanks & guns rumble through streets, taken from all angles, one shot passing Colosseum. Sherman tanks enter Rome, shots of crowds gathered round transport, crowds follow American troops shooting out snipers, from various buildings, CU Yank machine gunning balcony. Italian women visit Catacombs, various shots of same, also notice saying “320 massacred by Germans“. AFU - Signpost “Ancona“ & transport passing, also under bridge on outskirts of town. LS of Bucine small town, with shell bursts all around same. Sherman tanks make way up hill. Sherman tanks make way across open country covered with gorse etc. Tank lost in dusk to finish. SEE STORY NUMBER 44986/2, 44986/3 FOR CUTS Disclaimer: British Movietone is an historical collection. Any views and expressions within either the video or metadata of the collection are reproduced for historical accuracy and do not represent the opinions or editorial policies of the Associated Press. You can license this footage for commercial use through AP Archive - the story number is BM44986. Find out more about AP Archive: Twitter: Facebook: Tumblr: Instagram:
