Below is some information on the Allied invasion of Italy. Were your ancestors part of the battle? It also includes the regiments involved in the Allied invasion of Italy with some suggested websites that may be of interest in researching your ancestors or genealogy in general.

Theatres of War, Army Regiments, Naval Detachments, RAF

Description: The allied invasion Italy took place on 3 September 1943 and followed allied victory in North Africa. It was fought between allied troops from Britain, United States. Canada and India and the Axis troops of Germany and Italy. The main invasion (Operation Avalanche) took place at Salerno on the South-West coast of Italy. Two smaller invasions also took place - Operation Baytown in Calabria, Southern Italy and Operation Slapstick in Taranto, South-East Italy. The idea was that Italy was a softer target, would hopefully influence the Italians themselves (with Mussolini having just been overthrown) to sue for peace, would free the Mediterranean of Axis fleets and would tie-up German troops. The latter would allow the planned Operation Overlord (Normandy invasion) to face less resistance. The first step of taking Sicily had been achieved relatively easily. However resistance on the beachheads was much stiffer than expected and the allies came close to defeat. The allies eventually broke through but progress was slow thanks to the terrain. By October, the allies controlled the whole of southern Italy but were halted by the Volturno Line, a network of defences across Italy. This delayed the allied advance and allowed time for the heavy defensive Winter Line to be completed south of Rome. It took the allies until early 1944 to break the Volturno Line and reach the Winter Line. The scene was now set for the battles of Monte Cassino. The result was an allied victory.

Reading Materials:

Found a link that you would like to recommend - submit it here.

If you are interested in your genealogy, why not find out about your family tree here or take a look at our packages.