7-8 September, 1943 - A Step into Italy

 In Stan's letter yesterday (6 September) he mentions "our successful landing in Italy".  What is happening and what is the position of the Italian government?

The British 13th Corps, part of Montgomery's 8th Army, crossed the Messina Straight on 3 September after an advance bombardment which proved to be unnecessary.  The Germans had already with drawn and the Italian troops offered no resistance.  However, further advances were slow, as the German army, as they retreated, demolished roads and bridges in the mountainous region of Calabria - the 'toe' of Italy.

On 8 September, Italy's government surrendered and realigned with the Allied forces.  However, this did not mean an end to the fighting, as it left Italy occupied by the German army.  Hitler ordered a staged withdrawal to the northern Apennines based on a series of defensive lines.  The first of these was to be the Gustav line, running from south-east of Pescara in the East to the rivers Rapido and Garigliano in the west, half-way between Naples and Rome.

The Allied forces therefore had to progress while fighting the retreating German army and accepting the surrender of thousands of Italian forces.  

The position in Italy was reported in British newspapers on 6 September, such as the Newcastle Evening Chronicle, below.  Note, in other news, new ground was being broken in equality for women, with the first woman to address the TUC!

With thanks to 'The Imperial War Museum Book of the War in Italy, 1943-1945' by Field Marshal Lord Carver (pub. 2001 by Sidgwick & Jackson and in paperback in 2002 by Pan Books).