Finnish Maxim machine gun with winter painting and ammo boxies in Mikkeli inrantry museum

Maxim M/09-21

The Abbey complex has been extensively restored, and is now used for a number of purposes, religious and otherwise.  Interestingly, the bulk of the Abbey's huge art collection and library (that may without any exaggeration be described as "priceless") was saved - by the Germans, who persuaded the monks to allow their treasures to be moved to relative safety in Rome before the metal started flying.  As the German officers concerned were from the Hermann Goering Division, one might be somewhat suspicious as to their motives.  However, the monks spoke up for them when accusions of looting were advanced after the war.  Best regards, JR.

Abbey of Monte Cassino today.

Rifle: M- 27 "pystykorva", basic weapon on winter war, replaced by m- 39 "ukko- pekka" on continue war.

MP: Kp31 "suomi"

pistol left: L- 35, right: Tokarev(?) + some attac knives.