Full Description
Enjoy a detailed examination of Operation Olive as US, British, Commonwealth and Allied forces seek to smash through the last German defensive line in Italy.
The Italian theatre of operations post-summer 1944 was often (and incorrectly) surmised at the time as a quiet sector of World War II, populated with troops who were relieved not to find themselves fighting in North-West Europe. Yet the true nature of the hard fighting that took place here was soon revealed when the Allies began their assault on the Axis Gothic Line defences, known as Operation Olive.
In this book, Italian military historian Pier Paolo Battistelli documents the dual Allied offensive spearheaded by American and British units to smash through what was supposed to be the final Axis defensive line in Italy before the Alps. The overall strategic aims of both the Axis and Allied leaders are explored, together with the organization of the forces committed.
The expertly researched maps and 3D diagrams guide the reader through the progress of the phased battles in challenging terrain. Photographs and specially commissioned artworks show the soldiers that fought on both sides, including American, Canadian, Indian, Brazilian, Polish, New Zealander, British, German and Italian troops, as well as the materiel they employed. The result is an essential illustrated guide to a fascinating and complex late-war campaign.
Contents
ORIGINS OF THE CAMPAIGN
CHRONOLOGY
OPPOSING COMMANDERS
Allied
Axis
OPPOSING FORCES
Allied
Axis
Orders of battle, 25 August 1944
Orders of battle, 1 November 1944
OPPOSING PLANS
Allied
Axis
THE CAMPAIGN
BR Eighth Army breaches the Gothic Line
The Battle for Rimini
US Fifth Army pierces the Gothic Line
BR Eighth Army's offensive on the Romagna Plain
The thrust towards Imola
US Fifth Army's drive on Bologna
BR Eighth Army's final push
Final operations
AFTERMATH
THE BATTLEFIELD TODAY
FURTHER READING
INDEX
