The Invasion of Italy
As a longtime ally of Germany, Italy fell to Allied control in what is commonly known as the Invasion of Italy. (Italy was lead be facist Mussolini, who was a mentor and inspirtation to Adolf Hitler. The Invasion of Italy consisted of various operations, with the intend to decieve the enemy, allowing for an easy advance into foreign soil. Additionaly, the invasion toppled the facist government within Italy, and an ally of the Axis Powers. Following these events, the Allies were able to establish territory in Europe, a feat they failed to accomplish during the disastrous Dieppe raid of 1942.
Before the invasion could take place, Allied leaders decided to create a deception. This was a document filled with false information to trick Nazi Germany into thinking that an invasion would occur in a different place. The tactic was well planned out and worked flawlessly.
Operation Mincemeat
The secret Operation Mincemeat was set in motion in April 1943. A dead body was left near the coast of Spain with a briefcase chained to it. It was strategically placed so that the Nazi forces would find the false information and relay it back to German commanders. The falsified information claimed that an immediate attack would occur in the islands west of Italy (Sardinia and Corsica) and Greece. As a result of this deception the majority of Nazi troops were spread out in each specified location. The way to a poorly defended Italy was now clear.
Invading Sicily
The invasion took place on July 10, 1943 in Sicily. Over 150 000 troops were transported there, including the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade. Joining them were the British troops. During the initial fighing there was little resitance, allowing the Allied forces to attack Sicily, Italy. After a month of intense fighting, the Allies managed to secure the island of Sicily. The Canadian division also exerted their influence over the enemy for their fierce fighting and a strong will not to give up. (They were called the "Red Devils". They were given this name for the red insignia on their uniform as well as their fearless approach in the face of combat.)
Liberating the Mainland
After taking Sicily, the Allied troops began a difficult journey to strike at and capture the mainland of Italy. While these events were occurring, the leader of Italy himself was ousted out of government and was replaced by Pietro Badoglia. Pedro then immediately ordered a cease-fire with Allied troops.
This small victory was shortly lived, as German troops soon invaded Italy themselves and were stationed along key points of the mainland, making the assault more difficult.
During the harsh Italian campaign the Canadian division had the task of capturinf the City of Otona. (More on Other Battles.) This was accomplished in December 28, 1943, after months of traversingrocky mountain terrain and engaging in warfare. Over the course of the battle 5000 Canadian lives were cut short.
The occupation of Italy helped the Allies establish influence in southern Europe, while also effectively taking out a German ally from the war. As well, another front was opened, easing the pressure on Russian, allowing them to defend their own country.
Before the invasion could take place, Allied leaders decided to create a deception. This was a document filled with false information to trick Nazi Germany into thinking that an invasion would occur in a different place. The tactic was well planned out and worked flawlessly.
Operation Mincemeat
The secret Operation Mincemeat was set in motion in April 1943. A dead body was left near the coast of Spain with a briefcase chained to it. It was strategically placed so that the Nazi forces would find the false information and relay it back to German commanders. The falsified information claimed that an immediate attack would occur in the islands west of Italy (Sardinia and Corsica) and Greece. As a result of this deception the majority of Nazi troops were spread out in each specified location. The way to a poorly defended Italy was now clear.
Invading Sicily
The invasion took place on July 10, 1943 in Sicily. Over 150 000 troops were transported there, including the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade. Joining them were the British troops. During the initial fighing there was little resitance, allowing the Allied forces to attack Sicily, Italy. After a month of intense fighting, the Allies managed to secure the island of Sicily. The Canadian division also exerted their influence over the enemy for their fierce fighting and a strong will not to give up. (They were called the "Red Devils". They were given this name for the red insignia on their uniform as well as their fearless approach in the face of combat.)
Liberating the Mainland
After taking Sicily, the Allied troops began a difficult journey to strike at and capture the mainland of Italy. While these events were occurring, the leader of Italy himself was ousted out of government and was replaced by Pietro Badoglia. Pedro then immediately ordered a cease-fire with Allied troops.
This small victory was shortly lived, as German troops soon invaded Italy themselves and were stationed along key points of the mainland, making the assault more difficult.
During the harsh Italian campaign the Canadian division had the task of capturinf the City of Otona. (More on Other Battles.) This was accomplished in December 28, 1943, after months of traversingrocky mountain terrain and engaging in warfare. Over the course of the battle 5000 Canadian lives were cut short.
The occupation of Italy helped the Allies establish influence in southern Europe, while also effectively taking out a German ally from the war. As well, another front was opened, easing the pressure on Russian, allowing them to defend their own country.
Tanks roll into Sicily, Italy