Canada and World War II Italian Campaign

Victory in the North African Campaign allowed Allies to re-enter occupied Europe.Victory in the North African Campaign allowed Allies to re-enter occupied Europe. The first logical step was to enter Italy.The first logical step was to enter Italy. –Italy was becoming less enthusiastic about participating in the war. By invading Italy it would hopefully knock them out of the war, providing at least a major propaganda blow. –The elimination of Italy as an enemy would also enable the Royal Navy to completely dominate the Mediterranean Sea, massively improving communications with Egypt, the Far East, the Middle East and India. –It would also mean that the Germans would have to transfer troops from the Russian Front to defend Italy and the entire southern coast of France, thus aiding the Russians.

The San Tommaso Cathedral in Ortona was literally gutted during the December 1943 fighting.

Its initial goals were the capture of Naples and of the Foggia and Rome airfields.Its initial goals were the capture of Naples and of the Foggia and Rome airfields. The Allied landing started on the morning of September 3rd, 1943; on September 8th, the Italian government announced its surrender.The Allied landing started on the morning of September 3rd, 1943; on September 8th, the Italian government announced its surrender.

From higher ground, a 14th Armoured Regiment (Calgary) Sherman tank covers the progression of the West Nova Scotia Regiment towards Potenza, September 20th, 1943.

Sicily Campaign, July 9 – August 1943Sicily Campaign, July 9 – August 1943 The Winter Line, Anzio and Monte CassinoThe Winter Line, Anzio and Monte Cassino –Spring Offensive & Capture of Rome, May – June 1944 Gothic Line in North Apennine Mountains ~ Spring 1945Gothic Line in North Apennine Mountains ~ Spring 1945 Rapid advance into Po Valley Feb. – April 1945Rapid advance into Po Valley Feb. – April 1945 ~ Italian Campaign ~ September 3, May 2, 1945)

Tanks of the Régiment de Trois- Rivières driving along the corso Vittorio Emanuele towards the Piazza Municipale, December 23rd, 1943.

Canadian Participation The 1st Canadian Division landed near Reggio di Calabria on September 3rd, 1943, and met no opposition whatsoever.The 1st Canadian Division landed near Reggio di Calabria on September 3rd, 1943, and met no opposition whatsoever. –They then started moving along the coast towards the Gulf of Tarento; then turned up north meet up with the Fifth Army. In October, Canadian troops harassed the enemy throughout the area north of Potenza to the Fortore and Biferno rivers, near the Adriatic Sea.In October, Canadian troops harassed the enemy throughout the area north of Potenza to the Fortore and Biferno rivers, near the Adriatic Sea. Campobasso fell on October 14th. Enemy casualties were heavy and the Germans learned to respect the soldiers of the 1st Canadian Division.Campobasso fell on October 14th. Enemy casualties were heavy and the Germans learned to respect the soldiers of the 1st Canadian Division. The progression of the Canadian army had been rather trouble- free to begin with; since September the German strategy was simply to delay their progression as much as possible.The progression of the Canadian army had been rather trouble- free to begin with; since September the German strategy was simply to delay their progression as much as possible. –Their commanders had orders to retreat until they could take solid positions between the Bernhard Line that cut across the Italian Peninsula from Gaeta in the west to Ortona in the east. –That line protected Rome and the Germans had clear orders: They shall not pass!

Soldier firing 6- pounder anti-tank gun at the end of a street in Ortona, Italy, 21 December 1943.

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