Italian Campaign of World War II
Allied Bombing of Rome
In a significant escalation of the Allied campaign in Italy, over 500 Allied bombers launched a devastating air raid on Rome on July 19, 1943.
The primary target of the bombing was the San Lorenzo freight yard, a vital hub for Axis supplies. However, the raid also caused extensive damage to nearby civilian areas, including the historic Basilica of San Lorenzo fuori le Mura.
Breaking of the Gustav Line
Following the Allied landings in Salerno in September 1943, the Italian Campaign became a protracted and bloody struggle. German forces established a defensive line along the Gustav Line, which stretched from the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Adriatic Sea.
It took four major Allied offensives between January and May 1944 before the Gustav Line was finally broken. The breakthrough was achieved by a combined effort of British, American, and French troops, supported by heavy air and artillery bombardment.
Strategic Importance of the Italian Campaign
The Allied campaign in Italy was controversial, with some questioning its strategic value. However, the campaign did achieve several important objectives:
- It knocked Italy out of the war, depriving the Axis of a valuable ally.
- It persuaded neutral Turkey to join the Allied side, providing access to important supply routes.
- It diverted German forces away from other фронты, such as the Eastern Front.
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