Assault on the Gothic Line 1944

The Allied Attempted Breakthrough into Northern Italy

Assault on the Gothic Line 1944 cover

Assault on the Gothic Line 1944

The Allied Attempted Breakthrough into Northern Italy

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.

Table of 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

Product details

Published Feb 28 2023
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781472850140
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations Colour illustrations throughout, including battlescene artworks, maps, 3D diagrams and photographs.
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Campaign
Short code CAM 387
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Pier Paolo Battistelli

Pier Paolo Battistelli earned his PhD in military…

Illustrator

Ramiro Bujeiro

Ramiro Bujeiro has become a frequent and popular…

Resources

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