After repulsing the German counter-attack at Salerno in September 1943, the US Fifth Army and British Eighth Army advanced up the Italian Peninsula. By October, the Allied armies had reached the Volturno Line, forcing a critical decision in German strategy: a prolonged defence would be conducted in southern Italy, contesting the Allied advance using the complex terrain features. By mid-November, the two Allied armies were approaching the German defensive lines along the Garigliano and the Sangro rivers. Here, US 5th Army would attack through the Mignano gap towards San Pietro Infine, while British Eighth Army would seize Ortona on the Adriatic coast and Orsogna. A brutal struggle ensued, with the German defenders attempting to hold their positions. The fighting at Ortona in particular (labelled a 'mini Stalingrad') would be particularly grueling for the Canadian forces involved.
This fascinating work focuses on several little-known battles fought in Italy following the German withdrawal from the Salerno bridgehead and from Taranto. Maps and diagrams present an easy to follow overview of the multiple operations of this complex campaign. The forces of the opposing sides (including American, German, Canadian, New Zealand and British troops), and the three decisive battles fought in late 1943, are brought vividly to life in period photos and superb battle scene artworks.
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Table of Contents
ORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN
CHRONOLOGY
OPPOSING COMMANDERS
Allied
Axis
OPPOSING FORCES
Allied
Axis
Orders of battle
OPPOSING PLANS
Allied
Axis
THE CAMPAIGN
Approaching the Winter Line
US Fifth Army approaches the Winter Line
The first battle of San Pietro
The second battle of San Pietro
BR Eighth Army's crossing of the Sangro
NZ 2nd Division's first attempts against Orsona
The battle of Orsona: Operation Torso
Outflanking Orsona: Operation Florence
Stalemate
The advance from the Moro River
Ortona: the first phase
Fighting into Ortona
AFTERMATH
THE BATTLEFIELDS TODAY
FURTHER READING
INDEX
Review
In summary, this is a concise study of the Allied campaign at Orsogna, San Pietro, and Ortona that serves as a summary for the larger campaign in Italy where, essentially, the German Army was exhausted, under strength, and thinly stretched while manning strategic chokepoints. The Allies were, on the other hand, going from strength to strength and hitting their stride.
The book is well written with the narrative taking an overarching perspective as you'd expect, trying to cover three important battles in 96 pages total, including maps, 3D battle scenes, etc, which means the story travels at pace, mentioning key dates, places, and people.
The format is very 'Osprey', it follows a well-established formula that works: introduction of the subject, analysis of both sides, then the battles proper. The text is supported with applicable images and maps that give context when needed. I particularly liked the "3D battle scenes", see below (thats two of the three in the book). The author remains on topic throughout, does not go astray, indulge in politics or commentary with the benefit of hindsight.
About the only thing missing is any first person account of the battles from either side, which is surprising given the abundance of material on the subject currently available; but this does not detract from a quality read.
Easily recommended as a concise summary of the Allied campaign in Italy as told in the context of three key towns.
I do not usually draw in my books...
One of the few examples where the frontline soldier is identified, Pvt Morris Schimmel of Clayton, Missouri.
A bird's eye view with supporting commentary, 1
2
A more traditional map, 1
2
devastation and
pretty artwork.
