Canadian Military History

Volume 22 Issue 3 Article 2

2013

“The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943

Lee Windsor

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Recommended Citation Lee Windsor "“The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943." Canadian Military History 22, 3 (2013)

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Soldiers of the 1st Canadian Infantry Division on the road during the advance on Ispica, 12 July 1943.

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Lee Windsor

his year’s seventieth anniversary in the next scheduled Mediterranean Tcommemoration of Canada’s Abstract: Canada’s role in the Battle operation.2 contribution to the 1943 invasion of for Sicily is usually overshadowed The inexperienced and unproven Sicily is a worthy time to reflect on by Anglo-American tensions and 1st Canadian Infantry Division and 1st German assertions that they were the why it matters. Operation Husky, real victors. The green 1st Canadian Canadian Army Tank Brigade were as the Allied collective effort was Division was supposed to play a assigned supporting roles in plans to code-named, constituted the largest supporting role alongside veteran invade Sicily, second to battle-tested international military air, sea and British and American formations, British and American formations land operation in history and turned but found themselves at the centre fresh from victory in North Africa. of events. Canada’s contingent the tide of the Second World War destroyed elements of every major RCAF bomber and fighter squadrons irreversibly in the Allies’ favour. Axis formation on the island and along with RCN landing craft flotillas It marked the end of a three year contributed significantly to the Allied rounded out Canada’s contribution struggle to contain Axis expansion capture of Sicily which broke Fascist to the great armada bound for the while the Allies mobilized, built, and power in Rome. central Mediterranean. Once the trained the massive forces necessary invasion began on 10 July 1943 a to return to Axis-occupied Europe. chain of events and decisions thrust Canadians formed a large portion Of course blood had been spilled the newcomer Canadians to centre- of the Allied invasion force and at Hong Kong in 1941 and Dieppe stage, ready or not. Five days into played a pivotal role in the victorious in 1942 demonstrating Canada’s Operation Husky British Eighth 38-day struggle for the island, but commitment to the Allied cause, but Army’s renowned commander, their voices were drowned out by it remained to be seen whether the General Sir Bernard Montgomery, those louder and more numerous in nation’s Great War reputation for ordered 1st Canadian Division to Germany, the United States, and the military effectiveness would carry make haste for the mountainous United Kingdom. What follows here through to the Second World War. central province of Enna in search of is an effort to re-consider Canada’s First Canadian Army trained and the weak point between Axis forces part in Operation Husky.1 waited in England, held together for gathering in eastern Sicily and those In June 1943, when the Canadian the invasion of France postponed believed to be remaining in the west.3 contingent sailed from Great Britain until 1944. Meanwhile, British Montgomery’s controversial order bound for Sicily the Royal Canadian and other Commonwealth forces resulted in 23 consecutive days of Navy had been fighting German had been fighting German and violent clashes amid rugged hills U-boats for three long years. Royal Italian armies in the Mediterranean and rolling grain fields, culminating Canadian Air Force personnel had region since 1940. By early 1943 the around the ancient mountaintop helped thwart a German invasion Canadian government, people, and towns of Agira, Regalbuto, and of Great Britain in 1940-41 and by senior Army leadership could wait Centuripe. During those days 1st 1943 were carrying the bomber war no longer to get their soldiers into Canadian Division alongside 231st to the heart of Germany. Only the the fight. Senior British commanders British “Malta” Brigade and 1st US Canadian Army still waited; coiled granted Ottawa’s request to find a Division broke the centre of the up and anxious to join the fight. place for a Canadian Army contingent Axis defence. By 7 August, combat https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/2© Canadian Military History, Volume 22, Number 3, Summer 2013, pp.4-34. 5 2 : “The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943

losses, Benito Mussolini’s arrest, and 1st Division’s official historian, wrote offensive against Hitler’s “Fortress mounting tension with their Italian that Canada’s “campaign consisted Europe” of the Second World War.7 allies forced the German garrison to of a series of brigade ‘shows’ and Canada’s story in Sicily is also commence an evacuation. The defeat usually the brigade in action only buried in an international history of foiled German hopes to delay an committed one battalion at a time.” Anglo-American friction, particularly Allied conquest of Sicily long enough Conacher’s message referred mostly between British Eighth Army’s for fall weather to postpone Fascist to the dispersed nature of fighting in Sir Bernard Montgomery and the Italy’s collapse and Allied landings a vast mountainous battlefield,5 but United States Seventh Army’s in southern Europe for another year. his message rings true in Canadian George Patton.8 Many believe that Instead, German forces pre-emptively histories of Sicily which generally this dysfunctional alliance frustrated turned on their Italian allies and took feature the small shows at the total victory and let the Germans over the defence of southern Europe, expense of the wider program. escape from Sicily in August 1943 in transferring large numbers of men, Farley Mowat made the Hastings their equivalent to the British 1940 tanks, guns, and planes from other and Prince Edward Regiment’s cliff evacuation from France at Dunkirk. 4 theatres. In short, Allied plans to scaling at Assoro famous in Canadian English language histories near 166751 Canada PA Library and Archives conquer Sicily as a base, remove Italy literature. Other regimental histories unanimously contend that after the from the war, and draw German likewise capture clan accounts, like Allies landed with overwhelming resources away from Russia and that of Princess Patricia’s Canadian force, fighting in Sicily amounted to a France to southern Europe succeeded. Light Infantry in Leonforte, the Royal skilful German delaying withdrawal Canada’s contingent played no small Canadian Regiment at Nissoria, or the which repeatedly foiled a shoddy part in these outcomes. Royal 22e Régiment at Catenanuova.6 Allied pursuit.9 Rick Atkinson Canada’s unanticipated leading Indeed, the heroism, high drama, and recently summed up the prevailing role is Sicily remains little known in tragedy experienced by famous units view that “barely fifty thousand part because the story is often carved made it easy to lose sight of how they Germans had overcome Allied air into small regimental pieces. Not collectively contributed to the global and sea supremacy, and the virtual long after the battle, J.B. Conacher, war in 1943 and the first major land collapse of their Italian confederates,

General view of “Roger” and “Sugar” Beaches, the landing site of 1st Canadian Division during the invasion of Sicily, 10 July 1943.

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An Italian coastal gun captured by the Canadians near Pachino.

to hold off an onslaught by nearly include the 200,000 Italian soldiers on middle phase from 13 July to 6 half a million Anglo-Americans for Sicily. Ulich and most other German August 1943. During those three five weeks.”10 The result was a clean commanders dismissed the Italians’ weeks German forces on Sicily German getaway across the Straights value claiming that they “virtually doubled in size and most of the of Messina to mainland Italy to fight never gave battle” and that “90% of Italian garrison remained in action another day which “doomed the Allies the Italian army are cowards who do and together they fought to hold to a prolonged battle of attrition up not want to fight.”15 On the surface, Sicily. Desertions in some Sicilian the bloody Italian peninsula.”11 Even the surrender of 130,000 Italian coastal militia units and Italy’s final Montgomery grumbled at Allied soldiers in Sicily, many after offering surrender should not overshadow inability to prevent the German only token resistance, affirmed the fact that Italian soldiers, sailors, escape “when we had complete air German complaints.16 Germany’s and aircrew did much of the fighting and naval supremacy.”12 military leadership realized that and dying for the Axis in Sicily.18 Not surprisingly, German Italy would probably break in 1943, Allied units battled mixed Italian commanders who served on Sicily leaving German units trapped on and German formations until the last were the loudest advocates of this Italy’s islands and mainland. General week of the fighting. Italian numbers view. German accounts devalued Walter Warlimont, the deputy chief and firepower made the Axis defence the Allied final victory by insisting of the operations staff of the German possible. Only in August, after the that Sicily was impossible to high command (OKW), thought Allies unloaded and concentrated all defend in the face of overwhelming it best to abandon Sicily sooner available forces in northeast Sicily did Allied superiority. General Hans- rather than later. Hitler insisted field the Allies significantly outnumber Valentin Hube, the German ground commanders be prepared ultimately their opponents on the ground. commander on Sicily, considered to evacuate Sicily and indeed, most During the critical three weeks from his mission hopeless before it of Italy.17 Somehow Germany’s 15 July to 6 August, the Canadians even began.13 General Max Ulich, successful evacuation turned defeat fought their toughest actions against commander of the 29th Panzer in Sicily into a defensive victory. a staunch Axis defence between Grenadier Division, claimed that History’s preoccupation with Enna and Catania. Their experience Allied forces outnumbered German Germany’s evacuation from Sicily contradicts German explanations of units by 8:1.14 His calculations did not does not explain the campaign’s what happened on Sicily.

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In fact the Germans had little Hitler’s commanders responsible were the German 15th Panzer choice but to defend Sicily. The capture for protecting Europe’s south coast, Grenadier and Hermann Goering of the island and establishment understood that “the Germans could Panzer Divisions numbering over of an Allied base in the central not fight two opponents – the Allies 30,000 troops. German and Italian Mediterranean would threaten and the defecting Italians.”22 For units drew on the large Axis military the entire south coast of Europe. Germany, the Axis alliance had to base complex still on Sicily after three Allied leaders agreed that attacking continue as long as possible making years of war in the Mediterranean sovereign Italian territory in Sicily it necessary to hold on to Sicily. region. That included 30,000 German was the next logical blow in the effort Although Axis leaders suspected Luftwaffe support troops, supply to topple Mussolini’s unpopular Sicily was the next Allied target in depots, signals stations, anti-aircraft government and remove Italy from 1943 they could not be sure, leaving batteries and ground crews added the war.19 An Italian exit would force them little choice but to disperse to Axis capability. All Axis forces on the Germans to move forces from their forces to defend the entire Sicily nominally fell under command more important fronts to protect Mediterranean coast. What they of General Alfredo Guzzoni’s Sixth southern Europe’s long coastline. In mustered for Sicily included the Italian Army although German 1943, the Italian army, naval, and air equivalent of seven Italian reserve units also took orders from a parallel forces defended the Mediterranean coastal defence divisions totalling national command system under region with 1,700,000 men in some 100,000 men. The garrison’s the senior German liaison officer uniform.20 Even if German leaders mainstay were four regular Italian Lieutenant-General von Senger.23 mistrusted Italy’s commitment to the infantry divisions including 4th The Axis force was sub-divided Axis, they could not replace Italy’s Livorno, 54th Napoli, 26th Assietta, into 12th Italian Corps in western armed forces. German plans for a and 28th Aosta Infantry Divisions Sicily and 16th Italian Corps in the major offensive on the Russian front reinforced with artillery and tank eastern half. In both areas coastal at Kursk in 1943 depended on the units borrowed from other regular defence units, made up largely of Italians carrying the main burden Italian divisions, along with base Sicilian militiamen, spread a thin of defending the Mediterranean troops and anti-aircraft gunners perimeter defence and early warning coast.21 Generals Albert Kesselring totalling another 100,000. The most screen along all potential landing and Frido von Senger und Etterlin, mobile and best equipped defenders beaches. Behind that perimeter

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Guzzoni stationed 16 mobile former might quit while the Germans full balance of vehicles and heavy battlegroups of tanks, motorcyclists, abandoned the central Mediterranean engineer equipment would not arrive machine gun companies, and and retreated to the Alps. Anything until two weeks after the beachhead anti-tank gun batteries to protect between these two extremes was was secure and the deep water port at airfields and to deliver immediate possible. Italian units fought well in Syracuse open for business. Infantry counterattacks once Allied landings Tunisia in the spring of 1943, revealing battalions organized to function with were detected. Neither the coastal improvements in equipment, supply, 75 vehicles brought 29 on D-Day.28 militia nor the mobile groups were and combat effectiveness. While In light of experience fighting Axis expected to stop an Allied invasion. Operation Husky was calculated to counteroffensive moves, the loading Instead they were a kind of speed collapse the Fascist regime, no one arrangements seemed sound. bump to disrupt Allied landings and could guess how long Royal Italian Convoy routes to Sicily ran delay their assembly ashore to buy Army units would fight on their through enemy-infested sea and time for regular Italian and German own soil before politics intervened air space. Axis naval and air forces divisions to mount a counteroffensive and a truce was reached. It was also remained powerful in 1943. German after the Allies revealed their landing impossible to predict how many U-boats infiltrated the Canadian sites. General Guzzoni felt the Allies enemy divisions could shift to Sicily convoy during the night of 4/5 would land on the wide beaches in if the Axis chose to make a stand July and struck two transports southeastern Sicily and that all six there as they did in Tunisia.25 General with torpedoes. A third went up Axis main force divisions should Montgomery was perhaps the most in flames the next afternoon. Fifty- concentrate a decisive counter- famous voice calling for caution, but five Canadians died on the three stroke there. But Guzzoni submitted in the face of so many unknowns vessels along with merchant navy to German fears of simultaneous Allied commanders agreed to a crewmen. The divisional artillery lost landings either near Catania on plan that guaranteed victory even 40 guns and tractors and most of its the east coast, Gela in the south, or if the Italians and Germans reacted headquarters equipment. Over half Marsala near Palermo in the west determinedly with all their available of the division’s vehicles, some 500 and northwest respectively. He forces in the central Mediterranean.26 of all shapes and sizes combat loaded allowed 26th Assietta, 28th Aosta The Allies concentrated forces in with stores, went to the bottom of the Infantry Divisions and 15th Panzer southeastern Sicily for mutual Mediterranean, slashing the already Grenadier Division to move west protection and security. The central tight assault scale. Royal Canadian and cover Palermo and Trapani. principle linking the air, sea, and Army Service Corps truck fleets and An eastern counterattack force was land plans was delivering the assault the divisional headquarters were formed by 4th Livorno, 54th Napoli, force to the beaches alive, capturing hardest hit. Equipment lost could and Hermann Goering Division. Axis air bases in the southeast, and not be replaced from stocks in the Guzzoni and von Senger understood then turning the beachhead into United Kingdom until at least D+42, the Allies would be weak in the first an fortress in time to receive the the forecast termination of Operation 48 hours of battle as they unloaded expected counter-offensive. Beyond Husky.29 It was fortunate then that men and material from ship to shore. that, it was difficult to make plans 1st Canadian Division had the easiest They hoped that a concentrated Axis until the enemy showed his hand.27 D-Day assignment. counterattack with tanks in those first The Allied amphibious task The Husky plan assigned Eighth critical days might isolate and defeat forces, including the Canadians, Army’s three British divisions backed part of the Allied landing force and loaded into transports prepared to by air assault troops and commandos then move to the next.24 battle hard for the beach and then to land south of Syracuse and grab the In the Allied camp, the final against an Axis counter-offensive. ancient port intact. The 1st Canadian Operation Husky plan was shaped Fighting troops, weapons, and Division would guard their left by commanders who appreciated ammunition took priority in the wing by landing on the Pachino the dangers of landing on a hostile assault convoys. Eighth Army’s Peninsula and capturing the airfield. shore revealed by the 1942 Dieppe divisions sailed with an assault US Seventh Army’s three assault experience and who had experienced scale of vehicles (890 of their full divisions, along with Ranger and an aggressive Axis defence in Tunisia. establishment of 3,000), which was parachute units, would land across None could be certain about how enough to fight and re-supply to the Gulf of Gela on the south coast. the enemy might react when Allied about 16 kilometres from shore. Their main mission was to seize troops waded ashore on Sicily. Follow-on convoys would land more airfields in the broad Gela and Acate Italian and German forces might vehicles around D+2 enabling some valleys and the commanding heights resist ferociously together or the deeper penetration inland, but the above them where General Patton https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/2 9 6 : “The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943 Map drawn by Mike Bechthold ©2013 Mike by Map drawn

planned to meet the enemy counter- forces to the south and east coasts. smashed by US 1st Infantry Division strike.30 After winning the beachhead Neither Guzzoni nor von Senger and Allied naval gunfire. Smaller battle, General Montgomery expected calculated that the Allies could or Italian units counterattacked or tried his three British divisions to turn would simultaneously land seven blocking British landing forces. While north and drive on Catania and reinforced divisions massed in there were tense moments and heavy the neighbouring Gerbini airbase southeastern Sicily. With just three losses for some British and US units, complex before carrying on to main force divisions in the east the beach defences were overcome Messina and cutting the Axis link to they only had strength to strike the and Axis counterattacks defeated mainland Italy. General Patton would Americans at Gela. Guzzoni launched more quickly than anticipated. land a fourth American division 4th Livorno and Hermann Goering British 5th Infantry and 1st Airborne and advance to central Sicily to Divisions into the attack immediately. Divisions aided by commandos and engage Axis forces left intact after Guzzoni also ordered Major-General the Royal Navy destroyed Italian the opening battles, including those Eberhard Rodt’s veteran 15th Panzer counterattacks and captured the in western Sicily.31 After securing Grenadier Division to rush to central port installations at Syracuse intact their beaches and Pachino airfield, Sicily from the west and join in the by early evening on D-Day.33 In the the Canadian mission was to guard battle. Guzzoni hoped the stronger Canadian sector assault battalions the British inland shoulder and coastal defences around Syracuse- engaged in a few sharp fights with link up with the Americans in the Augusta fortress complex could hold Italian coastal defence units around most remote part of the assault on against the British.32 the Pachino airfield complex, but area, the least likely to see an Axis In the vulnerable first days, their area stood isolated from Axis counterattack. 13th British and 2nd US Corps bases and road networks and thus Despite losses at sea and and attached airborne forces bore met only a few small counterattacks, tumultuous weather the day before the brunt of fighting north and none backed by substantial armoured the invasion, events unfolded much west of the Canadian area. For forces. The 1st Canadian Division as both sides anticipated. Italian two days Italian and German then advanced to the northwest patrol aircraft and coastal defence armoured and motorized infantry before dawn on D+1, following the units served their warning function, forces counterattacked US Seventh plan to anchor the beachhead along triggering the march of Axis mobile Army’s beachhead at Gela, only to be the ridge overlooking the Pachino

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Peninsula. Canadian vanguard sight of the Gela beaches and 15th Harpoon Force. This partly motorized columns won the towns of Pozzallo, Panzer Grenadier Division was column based on 23rd British Ispica, and Rosolini commanding reportedly moving there too.36 In Armoured Brigade and 231st Malta that ridge face by midday.34 The 206th that light Montgomery made a bold Brigade was ordered to drive inland Italian Coastal Division and the two decision. Despite vehicle shortages he to cut the east-west Highway 124 at Italian mobile groups that covered 70 ordered the infantry and tanks of 13th Vizzini. That much was expected, kilometres of Eighth Army’s landing British Corps to dash up the coast but Montgomery added a twist by beach were overwhelmed. Two on Highway 114 to Catania. These ordering Harpoon Force to turn thousand were captured in the first 36 conventional forces had help from west at Vizzini and keep going along hours and an unknown number killed British No.3 Commando who landed Highways 124 and 117 to Enna. by naval and aerial bombardment. ahead of them to grab the Lentini Those two-way roads and the major The survivors withdrew towards River bridge north of that town. transportation junctions around Enna their base at Modica or to the inland The Parachute Brigade dropped were assigned to US Seventh Army hills alongside 54th Napoli Division.35 to secure the heights and bridge at as part of its mission to cut Sicily By 12 July commanders on both Primosole along the Simeto River.37 in half. Montgomery asked for and sides contemplated what to do next. The roads along their path were few received permission from General Sir Events hinged on what looked like in number. Only the coastal Highway Harold Alexander, the overall Allied a thinly defended road to Catania 114 was paved and sturdy enough ground commander, to take those and Messina, manned by weak for heavy two-way military traffic. roads and that mission for his own enemy forces. It appeared to General Montgomery and his staff calculated 30th British Corps. That the decision Montgomery that day that his troops that was only enough to carry the two strained Anglo-American relations destroyed, captured, or drove off British divisions in 13th Corps, even in Sicily is an understatement, but Italian units in their area faster with their vehicle shortages.38 is worth remembering that it made than anticipated. Most German In light of the cramped road sense on 12 July. That day most the troops were located further west. network Montgomery ordered German garrison and three of four Hermann Goering Panzer Division Lieutenant-General Oliver Leese, regular Italian divisions were locked was fighting the Americans within commanding 30th Corps, to form in close combat with or moving

The Gela River plain, epicentre of Axis counter-attacks from D-Day to D+2. US Air Force Photo A-67110 AC A-67110 Photo US Air Force

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towards the Americans in southern divisional transport company to In the Axis camp, Generals central Sicily. Reconnaissance aircraft Harpoon Force. Having become the Guzzoni, von Senger and Kesselring reported no sign of the enemy least motorized Allied force in Sicily, determined by 12 July that the moving east towards the British. It the Canadians continued marching Syracuse-Augusta naval fortress looked like a rapid British armoured inland with orders to capture 206th complex was in British hands, Axis thrust northwest to Enna might trap Italian Division’s headquarters at counter-attacks at Gela failed, and the enemy main force against the Modica before German units arrived eight Allied divisions were ashore. Americans and cut them off from in support. After that they were to They therefore decided to fall back the small Italo-German force in the link up with the Americans at Ragusa to a line running from the Catania east. The enemy lying in the path of and keep walking north, screening Plain on the east coast to Leonforte in the main British 13th Corps thrust to Harpoon Force’s inland flank.41 US central Sicily and then to San Stefano Catania seemed to amount only to Seventh Army would do its part by on the north coast. This shorter line pieces of 54th Napoli Division and taking on the majority of Italian and on defensible ground might hold a German regimental battlegroup German units in Sicily already on with available troops and weapons, under command of Colonel Wilhelm their front or moving towards them.42 including the well-stocked supply Schmalz.39 That day Montgomery In a sense, all was as it was supposed base in the Catania-Gerbini complex signalled to General Alexander that to be in the original Husky plan. and its fortress units.44 Hitler and the “once my left (30th) Corps reaches Eighth Army was poised to strike German senior staff sanctioned the area LEONFORTE-ENNA the enemy north for Catania and Messina while decision and despatched German opposing the Americans will never the Americans engaged the main reinforcements to Sicily. The Italians get away.”40 enemy force. Montgomery’s plan to agreed to do the same. Most of Montgomery directed 51st trap that force made sense on 12 July 1st Parachute Division along with Highland Division to closely follow even if it was poorly communicated bomber and fighter squadrons moved Harpoon Force while 1st Canadian to the Americans and assumed that immediately to Sicily or nearby Division, the junior formation in no more Italian or German troops mainland airfields. The 382nd Panzer 30th Corps, was sidelined and reinforced Sicily from mainland Grenadier Regiment moved into ordered to hand over much of its Europe.43 Of course Axis generals Sicily that day and 29th Panzer Royal Canadian Army Service Corps made their own decisions. Grenadier Division also made its way

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down the Italian peninsula towards hold south of Primosole Bridge and Plain. As long as they remained open Sicily. The Germans deployed buy time for more German units to Hermann Goering Division could additional heavy coastal artillery, arrive in Sicily and for those in the escape from southern Sicily to the anti-aircraft and engineer units to west to move east. Eighth Army join the main Axis battle line forming the Straits of Messina to turn the headquarters could not know of these at the edge of the plain.50 The Italian- short ferry link between Sicily and developments, although they did German force at Vizzini fought on the mainland into an unbreakable get reports of German paratroopers through 14 July until 51st Highland lifeline. Hitler instructed his men to landing on Sicily.47 Division arrived to envelope the “delay the advance of the Allies and On Eighth Army’s inland wing naturally strong hilltop position. US then bring it to a standstill.”45 If Axis Harpoon Force reached Vizzini 45th National Guard Division closed forces could not throw the Allies early on 13 July where a stiff fight in from the southwest. British troops off Sicily they now had to hold the raged much of the day. British troops won the town early on 15 July but Allies there. As long as the frontline captured 54th Napoli Division’s by then Hermann Goering Division remained in Sicily, Mussolini’s Fascist commander by afternoon and had escaped to the Catania Plain.51 regime might hold on, Italy’s armed believed they had won. Montgomery British reports oddly acknowledge forces might stay on side, and the thought his manoeuvre plan was only the presence of German troops at Allies might be kept away from vital working and sent word to Alexander Vizzini, writing off the larger Italian natural resources in the Balkans.46 that night that his “general battle force there as a “few miscellaneous The first wave of 1st Parachute situation was excellent.”48 In fact detachments.” In contrast the Division reinforcements dropped Napoli Division and surviving 206th Americans always identified which onto the Catania Plain on the night Coastal Division troops had not yet Italian units they engaged, including of 12 July. Battlegroup Schmalz given up Vizzini and two Hermann 54th Napoli Division at Vizzini.52 swelled with the attachment of three Goering Division battalions arrived Fighting also flared at the southern German parachute battalions, fortress to assist them.49 Vizzini barred access edge of the Catania Plain where battalions and a large contingent of to three key roads running down British commando and parachute Italian troops all of whom dug in to the Iblei Mountains to the Catania troops landed in a hornet’s nest. The

A formation of US Army Air Force B-25 Mitchells and P-38 Lightnings engage an axis air convoy during the struggle for air superiority prior to Operation Husky. US Air Force photo 23698 AC photo US Air Force

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small band of elite British soldiers subject for not giving back those Sicily while the Americans waged a were caught between Group Schmalz routes because “the moment Harpoon separate battle to clear the western that they had bypassed, German Force failed to drive through Vizzini half. But some Allied formation parachute reinforcements landing in the whole logic of his strategy fell still had to drive to central Sicily, front of them, and Hermann Goering apart.” Hamilton argued that the capture Enna, and prevent Axis Division arriving from the southeast. Americans had more four-wheel forces in western Sicily from joining 53 The 13th British Corps advanced drive trucks and were in a better the battle on the Catania Plain. northward to even the odds. Confused position quickly drive inland to The 1st Canadian Division was the fighting raged for three days as reach Enna and cut off Axis forces in only Eighth Army force available Group Schmalz fought to escape western Sicily from those in the east.54 for the job and so began Canada’s encirclement at Lentini and the rest In Montgomery’s view, coordinating greatest contribution to Operation of the Axis force repeatedly tried to manoeuvre along an international Husky, made along the schism recapture Primosole Bridge. Both of army boundary was too complicated. between Eighth British and Seventh Montgomery’s daring 12 July moves Better if Eighth Army maintained US armies, literally and figuratively. collided with Axis plans to make a sole control over what seemed to be Their mission to central Sicily was stand south of Catania. He reacted a quick battle to disrupt a German the bastard child of the “stolen by cancelling the Harpoon Force evacuation. Montgomery retained road” inherited from the short-lived mission and steering 51st Highland Highways 124 and 117 to keep his Harpoon Force. Division north from Vizzini to pursue movement options open. There was Orders for 1st Canadian Division the Goering Division and add British still another German division to to move arrived at the end of a 24- weight to the fight expanding on contend with in western Sicily.55 hour rest on 13/14 July. Montgomery the Catania plain. History may have Hamilton and other critics of publicly praised Canadian potential judged Montgomery less harshly Montgomery’s decision might be but mused privately that they had had he also cancelled his request to right, but the damage was already “to be rested; the men were not fit take over Highways 124, 117, and done. By 15 July Patton’s Seventh and they suffered severely from the Enna from the Americans. Nigel Army began shifting west towards hot sun and many got badly burnt; Hamilton, Montgomery’s well- Trapani and Palermo. For the next generally, officers and men are too known biographer, condemned his ten days the British fought in eastern fat and they want to get some flesh

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off and to harden themselves.”56 the long sea voyage and 48 hour with willing Italian Army volunteers Montgomery’s flippant and oft- march and to shuttle divisional who revealed early clues about quoted diary entry created a supporting units up to their forward how many Italians were ready to Canadian historical inferiority location around Giarratana. All join the Allied cause against Nazi- complex. Certainly the Canadians that changed when heavy fighting Fascism.59 Second wave convoys also came pale-skinned directly from at Vizzini, Lentini, and Primosole brought Royal Canadian Engineer Scotland to a Sicilian summer after drew in all of Eighth Army except trucks, bulldozers, and other heavy a long sea voyage. Arguably, they the Canadians. equipment vital for getting past proved their fitness level by marching Fortunately, the new Canadian the roadblocks, explosive traps, 45 kilometres inland to capture assignment arrived on 14 July, the and demolitions that lay ahead on Modica and 206th Coastal Division same day convoys unloaded Eighth the road to Enna.60 Three Rivers headquarters by the morning of Army’s second wave of vehicles. Regiment Sherman tanks from 1st 12 July. This was no small feat Until then Canadian service corps Canadian Army Tank Brigade and given their lack of transport – many troops supplied the division with 43 Bishop self-propelled 25-pounder of the few trucks they had being of the 225 trucks they were supposed guns from 142nd Field Regiment, commandeered for Harpoon Force. to have had even at assault scale.58 Royal Canadian Artillery were In fact, Montgomery wanted all his But on that day Canadian truck attached to 1st Canadian Division to divisions rested after long marches platoons loaned to Harpoon Force add to their mobility.61 Before dawn in blazing sun and heat even if some were returned and Eighth Army on 15 July the Canadian column was rest periods were cut short when found replacements for some of as motorized as it could be and on its the chance to manoeuvre presented what was lost at sea. Canadian way to Enna. itself on 12 and 13 July on the east service corps troops scrounged other Rich stories of Canadian actions coast.57 In the Canadian case, after vehicles, borrowing or stealing them in Sicily are well told elsewhere; capturing Modica and linking with from British units. More still were the aim here is to review how the Americans in Ragusa there was captured from or donated by 206th they affect the wider campaign.62 little do on 13 July but recover from Italian Coastal Division. Those came In the early morning of 15 July

British troops advance in Sicily behind a Bishop self-propelled 25-pounder gun. Canadian War Museum 19890223-220 Canadian War

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the divisional vanguard set off Three Rivers Shermans enveloped group Eighth Army now faced the including the Hastings and Prince the town and captured or destroyed equivalent of two German divisions Edward Regiment, a squadron of two self-propelled quad-20mm guns, on the eastern Catania Plain. Both Three Rivers Regiment Shermans, an 88 mm gun, and a troop of three seemed hotly engaged by British a Saskatoon Light Infantry machine tanks. Total German and Italian 13th Corps’ 5th and 50th Divisions gun detachment along with towed casualties are unknown but Private around the Primosole Bridge sector. anti-tank and self-propelled artillery. Huron Brant killed or captured at Things looked looser on the western By 0900 hours they met a Hermann least thirty on his own. Canada lost or inland side of the Catania Plain. Goering-4th Livorno Division three men killed and 22 wounded There 51st Highland Division seemed rearguard waiting in ambush in in the exchange.63 It seems probable to be pressing on an open German and south of Grammichele. At first that the Canadian column surprised inland wing. At that time Eighth all seemed to go badly. Enemy long the Axis rearguard by approaching Army staff wrote off all Italian units range anti-tank guns, quad-mounted from the east. The day and night in eastern Sicily except for ineffective 20 mm anti-aircraft guns, tanks, before, the same Italian-German scattered remnants.66 In this light and mortars picked off a number of force faced southwest and fought off Montgomery ordered 51st Division Canadian vehicles. What remains 179th (Oklahoma) National Guard to drive north from Vizzini onto remarkable about Grammichele was Regiment.64 the western Catania Plain, capture how quickly the green Canadians The actions at Vizzini and the Gerbini airfield complex and assessed the enemy threat, formulated Grammichele along with intercepted press on to Paternò at the foot of a workable plan and deployed wireless messages provided General Mount Etna. Montgomery wanted aggressively to see it through. If the Montgomery’s staff with clues the Highland Division to turn or purpose of any rearguard is to slow about enemy movement but no at least extend the main German down their pursuers by forcing them complete picture. Hermann Goering force on the eastern Catania Plain to halt and deploy for battle and then Division was obviously on its way and possibly open a second route escape before suffering undue loss, to the Catania Plain and more of to Messina.67 On 15 July, it was the Axis rearguard at Grammichele 1st German Parachute Division still unclear whether the staunch achieved only the first goal. In three arrived to reinforce Group Schmalz.65 German defence south of Catania hours Hasty P rifle companies and Instead of one German regimental covered an evacuation or if the enemy

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planned to hold on in Sicily. The towards Enna.” If the Canadians town of Caltanissetta, 20 kilometres other unknown quantity was 12th met 15th Panzer Grenadier on route west of Enna and on a parallel path Italian Corps with its 15th Panzer Leese warned Simonds that “all our with the Canadians.69 The partnership Grenadier Division still lurking to experience in this island has been began when Allen’s 18th US Infantry the west in the American sector. that if you are held up put in a well- Regiment attacked the Highway The Allies expected Italian troops in supported attack in strength.”68 So 124-117 crossroads prior to handing 12th Corps to keep fighting against far Axis troops proved hard to catch over there to the Canadians. US 1st or to surrender to the Americans. or out-manoeuvre as they retreated Division patrols discovered enemy Montgomery’s main concern was through Sicily’s rugged hills. Only positions covering the crossroads that 15th Panzer Grenadier Division when Axis troops stopped to fight did manned by an Italian infantry would head east to join the Catania opportunities arise to destroy them. battalion and a battalion of 100 mm battle. His solution was to intercept As 1st Canadian Division drove medium guns. The Americans caught them with 1st Canadian Division. on its intercept course with the the Italians unaware and brought Montgomery ordered General Leese, enemy, they drew closer to the down observed artillery fire into commanding 30th Corps, to “drive the American force destined to be their their midst before sweeping down to Canadians on hard…to Caltagrione, most important partner in Sicily. attack. Italian survivors pulled back and then to Valguarnera-Enna- Most of US Seventh Army grudgingly northward after abandoning 11 guns, Leonforte.” General Leese passed the obliged Montgomery’s plan and 50 trucks, and 200 prisoners.70 The instructions to Major-General Guy shifted units westward, except for road junction seemed open by late Simonds, commanding 1st Canadian Major-General Terry Allen’s 1st afternoon on 15 July. Division. “It is all the more vital for US Infantry Division driving north The 1st Canadian Division could us to get on quickly…If opportunity from Gela. General Patton diverted not link up with the Americans occurs push a mobile mechanized their path only slightly towards the until the next morning. Highway force with tanks quickly through sulphur mining and transport hub 124 running from Grammichele

Palermo, pictured here during a March 1943 US Army Air Force bombing mission, was the largest port and city on Sicily. US Air Force photo #834.955 photo US Air Force

https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/2 17 14 : “The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943 Library and Archives Canada PA 183276 Canada PA Library and Archives

Infantry of the 48th Highlanders advancing through Sicily.

was blocked at Caltagirone. The All the division’s bulldozers came The Loyal Edmonton vanguard ancient Greek city lay on a narrow, forward to fill craters and move column rolled through 16 July steep-sided plateau connecting the rubble. Bomb damage, raging fires, pausing on occasion because of southeastern Iblei Mountains to the enemy traps, and the city’s precarious German “demolition and mine laying Erei Mountains in Sicily’s centre. location made Caltagirone the worst activities.” They met hundreds of Caltigirone’s topography made it an roadblock encountered by any Allied Italian and German soldiers looking important road junction town and the division in Sicily. Walsh asked 51st to surrender, including stragglers base for the Hermann Goering and Highland Division’s engineers to from the Gela battle and headquarters Livorno Divisions. Both attributes send their dozers to help. He also troops from the nearby base areas made Caltigirone an Allied bomber found 200 Italians prisoners willing to between Caltagirone and Piazza target. Toronto’s 48th Highlanders help clean up the broken city.72 Armerina. The vanguard left these led the way into the half-demolished A rough bypass was ready for willing prisoners-to-be for others city of 40,000 inhabitants on the night a Loyal Edmonton Regiment-based to round up and kept driving to of 15/16 July, encountering their first battlegroup to take the lead of the the American-held Highway 117 mass humanitarian disaster of the 1st Canadian Division column early crossroads where they turned north. war. German engineers intensified on 16 July. By then Lieutenant- As the column negotiated its way the chaos by leaving behind mines, Colonel’s Len Pease, commander down into a hollow across Highway explosive-traps, and massive craters Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, 117 five kilometres south of Piazza blown in all roads in and out of the and Preston Gilbride, assistant Armerina, the Loyal Eddies met city. Steep sided hills dropping away adjutant and quartermaster general, what they called the “main German from the roads meant that traps had scrounged 53 trucks including rearguard.” An intense gun fight could not be easily bypassed and 33 large three-ton Bedfords, enough developed across the hollow as Three had to be cleared. Booby-trapped to motorize all infantry battalions in Rivers Regiment tanks, and Loyal demolitions killed the first two the lead brigade. That morning over Eddie anti-tank guns and 3- inch 48th Highlanders lost in the Second 3,000 men moved forward in a grand mortars on the south side responded World War.71 Lieutenant-Colonel Canadian fighting convoy to join to German machine guns on the north Geoff Walsh’s divisional engineers the Americans at Highway 117 and side, blowing open the stone farm had to open the bottleneck quickly. where they turned north to Enna.73 houses they fired from. Germans

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mortar and artillery shells struck 12th Italian Corps was to set up the the less likely was an encircling back, scoring direct hits on Canadian northern wing of the Hauptkampflinie manoeuvre from the west in pursuit gun and mortar crews. Lieutenant- or main battle line from San Stefano of the retreating Hermannn Goering Colonel Jim Jefferson deployed his on the north coast to Leonforte. Division.”80 Von Senger disregarded rifle companies to attack the other Germany’s 29th Panzer Grenadier the composite Italian forces covering side of the hollow on both sides of Division was on its way to join them the gaps between German divisions. the road that bisects it.74 from the mainland. Once those moves The mistrust between Italian and It was too soon for the Canadians were complete 15th Panzer Grenadier German generals was far worse to realize who they were up against. Division was to back up into its than any Anglo-American friction. They assumed that in front of them section of the line around the natural Nevertheless von Senger’s worries lay the same Goering Division mountain fortress of Leonforte.78 were justified as the Canadian- rearguard evicted earlier from From San Stefano to Leonforte and American threat mounted along the Grammichele.75 In fact the Loyal east to Catania the German and seam between Axis formations in Eddies had met the eastern end Italian senior leadership agreed fight Sicily. The 15th Panzer Grenadier of General Eberhard Rodt’s 15th a protracted defensive battle. German Division had to defend south of Panzer Grenadier Division battle goals remained the same: to keep Enna. More specifically Colonel Ens’ outpost line. The hills before them Mussolini in power and Italy in the reinforced 104th Panzer Grenadier were manned by a battalion from war by holding the Allies in Sicily.79 Regiment must hold the Piazza Colonel Karl Ens’ 104th Panzer On 16 July, before Italian and Armerina-Barrafranca-Valguarnera Grenadier Regiment reinforced German forces were assembled triangle. with German self-propelled guns as and organized on the main battle In that sense the Loyal Edmonton well as Italian 90 mm dual-purpose line, von Senger saw the threat fight south of Piazza Armerina guns and heavy howitzers. Colonel posed by 1st Canadian and US 1st was only half the battle on 16 July. Ens’ men had been waiting there Divisions driving towards Enna and Ten kilometres west at Barrafranca for three days. The job of the 104th Leonforte. He wrote: “The longer US 1st Division’s 26th Regimental Panzer Grenadier Regiment was the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division Combat Team met the western to defend a deep triangle from could remain in its present position wing of Battlegroup Ens.81 The fight Piazza Armerina west to Barrafranca and north to Valguarnera. Livorno Division tanks and artillery and 16th Corps’ artillery reinforced Group Ens and held Aidone and Raddusa to the east, although not yet in a well-coordinated or cooperative fashion.76 The rest of 15th Division was deployed in an arch southwest of Enna at every substantial road junction town.77 If the Canadian mission was to advance to Enna to intercept 15th Panzer Grenadier Library and Archives Canada PA 169997 Canada PA Library and Archives Division then they had found their quarry. Collectively Group Ens and Livorno Division were to hold south of Enna so that 12th Italian Corps and the well-stocked ammunition and fuel depots at Palermo could be moved east. The mostly intact

Officers of the Carleton and York Regiment confer during an attack near Valguarnera, 18 July 1943.

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Lieutenant-Colonel R.M. Crowe and Major J.H.W. Pope of the Royal Canadian Regiment consult a map at Piazza Armerina, Sicily, 17 July 1943.

Grenadier Regiment from demolition and delay work near Caltanisetta. As 15th Division fell back it integrated survivors of Livorno Division re- constituted into four battalion- sized battlegroups deployed from Valguarnera eastward, along with General Rossi’s 16th Corps artillery. West of Enna, 15th Panzer Grenadier Division had help from battalions from 26th Assietta, 28th Aosta, and 207th Coastal Divisions along with a Bersaglieri Regiment to hold off 1st US Division.84 By now General Hans- Valentin Hube had brought 14th Panzer Corps Headquarters to Sicily to take command of the battle from the Italians. Hube ordered General Rodt’s division to hold a new line of for Barrafranca raged all day and crescent shaped valley in which it combat outposts south of Enna until reached a peak when Colonel Ens lays and the 2nd Battalion of 104th the western anchor of the main battle counterattacked the lead American Panzer Grenadier Regiment and line at Leonforte and Nicosia was battalion with a company of Panzer its attached German and Italian prepared.85 IVs. By the late afternoon US 1st artillery withdrew to the hills north Allied commanders remained Division brought their artillery of town. The 15th Panzer Grenadier in the dark regarding German and into action and drove the German Division’s report to Kesselring in Italian decisions at the end of 16 July. reinforced battalion off the field the first week of Husky complained Signs still indicated the Germans were towards Valguarnera, leaving eight that “a special characteristic of the moving east in order to evacuate and Panzer IVs burning behind them.82 enemy manner of fighting is that he that Italian units looked to surrender The Loyal Edmonton Regiment does not attack over open ground, but at the first opportunity. In that light attacked into the hills south of Piazza attacks through areas that provide most of Patton’s Seventh Army Armerina that same afternoon, into cover while diminishing the efficacy carried on towards Palermo and terrain where their supporting of the tanks.”83 Crews from 70th US Trapani to capture those ports and Three Rivers tanks could not follow Tank Battalion and the Three Rivers finish off 12th Italian Corps believed them. Lieutenant-Colonel Jefferson Regiment might be forgiven for to be standing passively in front of mustered only three of his four avoiding obvious prepared German them.86 Montgomery also remained rifle companies giving the German anti-tank kill zones in open fields and optimistic: “All indications are that battalion odds in this fight. Both along main roads, opting instead to the enemy is stretched and we should attacker and defender were well support off road infantry attacks on press him strongly with thrusts in all backed by artillery and mortars. German flanks. sectors.”87 Thus on 17 July all Allied Nevertheless the Loyal Edmonton The loss of Barrafranca and units in Sicily drove northwards, infantrymen prevailed by carrying Piazza Armerina on 16 July forced spreading out from the landing areas the action across the hilltops and General Rodt’s 15th Panzer Grenadier like a fan, pursuing an enemy who away from the road the Germans Division into in a tighter circle seemed intent on escape. The next 72 tried to block. By late afternoon the protecting the approaches to Enna. hours changed Allied assumptions Eddies owned the hills commanding Rodt pulled in his western-most unit, and opened their eyes to the Battle Piazza Armerina and the long Colonel Fritz Fullriede’s 129th Panzer of Sicily yet to be fought.

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On 17 July British units in chased out of Grammichele, identified at Enna and Leonforte. Simonds Eighth Army followed up Axis units as Battlegroup Hahm. The Canadians therefore abandoned his road-bound falling back into the outpost zone appreciated how after Grammichele advance in column and split the of their main battle line positions.88 the enemy broke contact and fell division into two. Brigadier Howard In the Canadian sector, Group Ens back some 30 kilometres to Piazza Penhale’s 3rd Brigade was to mount abandoned the high ground north Armerina. As they drew closer to back up in trucks and drive on Enna of Piazza Armerina leaving behind Enna the Germans backed up more under cover of darkness, “ready bobby-trapped craters and mines to deliberately and violently, reinforced to debus and engage the enemy as cover their escape. Third Canadian by more Italian infantry, tanks, and soon as contact was made.” The Infantry Brigade took over the artillery.90 Simonds and his staff divisional artillery hitched up to division’s improvised truck fleet and believed that 1st Canadian Division follow them.91 Brigadier Howard continued the pursuit up Highway threatened the fault line between 15th Graham was to march 1st Brigade 117 to Enna. That afternoon they Panzer Grenadier Division to the west northeast across country, capture discovered that the enemy had only and the Goering Division main body Valguarnera and encircle Battlegroup backed up a few kilometres to the to the east. At that point the Canadian Hahm. Valguarnera, perched on cluster of hills covering the fork where mission still centred on blowing an Erei mountain outcropping Highway 117 bears northwest to through this nuisance rearguard overlooking the Dittaino River valley, Enna and a provincial road branches and pressing ten kilometres further was the key. From there a secondary off northeast to Valguarnera. New to intercept 15th Panzer Grenadier provincial road ran due north Brunswick’s Carleton and York Division at the major road junctions across the broad valley to Leonforte. Regiment was riding atop Three Rivers Regiment Sherman tanks when the fight started. The New Brunswickers jumped clear and both went into action against a well-armed enemy backed again by artillery and mortars. Three Rivers’ “B” Squadron won a close range gun fight against a Livorno Division detachment west of the highway compelling crews to abandon three Italian light tanks, two towed 76 mm anti-tank guns and a Museum 19890223-228 Canadian War self-propelled gun. The Italians fell back to the main German position sited on three hills commanding Highway 117-Valguarnera Road fork in the area known locally as Grottacalda. The Carleton and Yorks and the West Nova Scotia Regiment were about to attack the main position when General Simonds halted the proceedings in the afternoon. Simonds gathered his brigade and supporting arms commanders together for a conference.89 Simonds and his staff still believed that ahead of them laid the same battalion-sized rearguard from Hermann Goering Division that they

British troops clear a house in Centuripe, Sicily.

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Canadian Sherman tanks prepare for an attack east of Enna.

Battlegroup Ens. In the early morning of 18 July the Van Doos fixed the attention of two battalions of Group Ens at the Grottacalda fork. The West Nova Scotia Regiment marched wide out to the west to hook behind the enemy while the Carleton and Canadian War Museum 19890223-026 Canadian War Yorks attacked hard on their east wing supported by nearly all the divisional artillery.95 The Germans at the Grottacalda fork got little help from their artillery and headquarters area around Valguarnera. That same morning the Hasty Ps ambushed convoys carrying infantry and artillery reinforcements to the Grottacalda position and fought off German counterattacks to re- open the route. The Royal Canadian Regiment arrived later, right around the time the Hasty Ps ran low on the After 1st Brigade cut off the enemy grenadiers emerged from the fire-lit ammunition. The Royals thus took rearguard and secured a base at darkness to counterattack.93 At the over the job of separating Group Valguarnera, Brigadier Christopher same time, 1st Brigade’s battalions Ens’ base at Valguarnera from their Vokes’ 2nd Brigade would strike disappeared into night shrouded forward battalions.96 Group Ens had across the Dittaino Valley and seize hills south of Valguarnera. Short no choice but to withdraw in broad Leonforte.92 Leonforte stands on an range No.18 radio sets lost contact daylight down secondary farm equally imposing outcrop on the in the steep hills. The same rugged tracks, blowing up precious oil and Dittaino Valley’s north side and terrain prevented tanks and tracked fuel dumps that could not be carried carries Highway 121 connecting Enna Bren carriers from following the along. The next day General Rodt to Catania through its narrow main lead companies with more powerful, reported up the German chain of streets. Controlling the Valguarnera- vehicle mounted No.22 radio sets. command that his division was under Enna-Leonforte triangle would Nevertheless by morning on 18 July heavy pressure and that “another certainly block west to east traffic, the Hasty Ps emerged from the hills strong enemy formation (1½ - 2 but as the Canadians soon found out, overlooking Valguarnera and cut the divisions) took Valguarnera.”97 Later 15th Panzer Grenadier Division was road between it and the main German he admitted that “Panzer Grenadier already in the triangle with orders to position at the Grottacalda fork.94 Regiment 104 was maneuvered out of stand and fight. By morning on 18 July the picture position and turned from the east.”98 That night both sides were in became clearer to General Simonds. Figures concerning Axis for a shock. The Royal 22e Régiment In front of his division stood no casualties are difficult to verify with led 3rd Brigade’s motorized rush Hermann Goering rearguard but certainty. A total of 73 Italian and towards Enna while 1st Brigade most or perhaps all of Karl Ens 250 German prisoners were rounded units set off on their fateful night 104th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, up around the two sites over two march. At first, things seemed to tanks from 215 Panzer Battalion, days.99 This first major Canadian go very wrong. The Van Doos met substantial German artillery and roundup of German prisoners-- a wall of fire almost immediately supporting Italian detachments. many of whom were forthcoming at the Grottacalda fork. They leapt Partly by accident and partly by with information--helped to fill in from their trucks and went into design Simonds’ simultaneous night Eighth Army’s picture of enemy action. Not only was the road to Enna attack on Enna and Leonforte turned locations and intentions. Clearly solidly barred, but German panzer into an encirclement action around 15th Panzer Grenadier Division had

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been intercepted. Estimates of enemy effort and sacrifice.102 Eighth Army in front of them. At Valguarnera 1st dead and wounded left on the field closely watched 30th Corps and Canadian Division got a hand inside range from 180 to 240. At a minimum especially 51st Highland Division’s 15th Panzer Grenadier Division’s Battlegroup Ens lost over 400 of thrust through the perceived weak belt and could not afford to let go. its German fighting troops around point on western end of the Catania The task would not be easy. Between Valguarnera. Canada lost 40 men Plain around Gerbini. The Highland Valguarnera and Leonforte lay 15 killed and 105 wounded.100 Casualty Division remained the only Eighth kilometres of rolling hills covered figures mattered in the days to come. Army formation not in contact with a in post-harvest grain stubble and The Canadian action around major enemy force and Montgomery devoid of concealment. The Dittaino Valguarnera on 18 July provided hoped it still might reach Mount Etna River flood plain runs west to east the first hard intelligence on enemy and outflank the Catania position.103 like a moat in front of the towering locations in central Sicily even if their The Canadian mission was to keep hill mass crowned by Leonforte and intentions remained unclear. That 15th Panzer Grenadier Division from Assoro. From those natural fortress same day 60 kilometres to the east, interfering. towns German artillery observers Italian and German troops violently On the afternoon of 18 July, called down long range artillery fire counterattacked 13th British Corps before the battle of Valguarnera on anything they could see. Given on the open Catania Plain.101 These finished, Simonds called Canadian time German and Italian engineers attacks checked the British advance commanders and staff together to could add enough manmade defences towards Catania but exposed German adapt to the new situation. German to make the position very dangerous and Italian troops to British artillery prisoners confirmed that 15th Panzer if not impregnable. The Canadians fire directed by observation posts Grenadier Division planned to had no intention of granting the on Primosole’s heights and forward fall back on and possibly through enemy that time.105 observers with the leading troops. By Leonforte.104 Continuing northwest The 2nd Canadian Infantry then both sides deployed substantial to Enna was pointless now that the Brigade attacked across the wide numbers of heavy guns around the Canadians were in close contact Dittaino Valley chasm that night eastern half of the Catania Plain and with 15th Panzer Grenadier Division using darkness to mask their movement across it required great retreating north to Leonforte right approach. The rest of the division Map drawn by Mike Bechthold ©2013 Mike by Map drawn

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Sergeant Russell McPhee, Royal Canadian Engineers, talks to General Bernard Montgomery, commander of British Eighth Army, and Major- General Guy Simonds, commander of 1st Canadian Division, August 1943.

the Italians had “low morale and no rations” they still checked 231st Brigade’s advance beyond Raddusa Station onto the Dittaino Valley floor. Italian artillery and dual purpose

Library and Archives Canada e008300285 Library and Archives light and heavy anti-aircraft guns swept the rolling hills at long range.109 Allied reports from this period contain surprise bordering on disappointment at the Axis willingness and capacity to stand and fight in Sicily. By D+10 the picture of new Germans arrivals and the number of Italians remaining in the fight grew clearer. By 18 July American troops had taken over 25,000 Italian prisoners. British and Canadian troops had taken 29,000 prisoners held firm shoulders at Valguarnera but met “stiff opposition.” German of which something over 1,000 were until US 1st Division cleared Enna to counterattacks across the open German.110 That left 135,000 Italian the west. The 1st Canadian Infantry Catania Plain proved costly as did soldiers in the field blended with Division lunged across the Dittaino British attacks. Eighth Army reported a German ground force that had Valley floor 35 kilometres west of the Germans “are fighting fiercely… grown to about 60,000 troops. The their sister 51st Highland Division have suffered very heavy losses in Germans maligned their allies, but pressing towards Gerbini. To help dead during the day.”107 They may Italian units had repeatedly blocked fill in the massive gap in between have, but the Axis line also stabilized and delayed Allied units advancing General Leese placed Brigadier Roy and thickened as reconstituted and inland, effectively covering the flow Urquhart’s independent 231st British re-organized Italian units linked up of German units into the main battle Malta Brigade under Canadian under command of General Hube’s line. In fact, Italian units were critical command. By 19 July, 231th Malta German headquarters. Livorno to the defence as Allied intelligence Brigade captured Raddusa and Division’s re-constituted 34th staff predicted they might be before pressed into the Dittaino Valley Regiment, Napoli Division’s 76th the campaign began in May: ten kilometres east of the Canadian Regiment, the 16th Corps artillery thrust.106 and miscellaneous Blackshirt and The Italian Army has proved that it So began the attack by the surviving mobile group units took can conduct itself with credit in close reinforced 1st Canadian Division station amid German units holding country where it is fighting behind against the Axis main battle line’s the line between Leonforte and prepared defences, with alternate inland hinge, even if no one in the Catenanuova. The Italian presence positions in the rear or on its flanks Allied camp understood it as such on created a mostly continuous front that and in a situation where there is 19 July. During the next 48 hours all of enabled German troops, guns and small danger of encirclement. It is Eighth Army clashed with the enemy tanks to concentrate on commanding moreover commonplace that Italian along the Axis main battle line. To heights and road junctions along units fight with greater tenacity the east at Catania 13th Corps faced the main battle line.108 Italian units when stiffened by Germans in the more Axis “counter-attacks which still had teeth too. The British 231st conditions described.111 included hostile tanks.” In the centre Brigade’s 19 July battle at Raddusa 51st Highland Division crossed the Station was fought entirely against The estimate proved extraordinarily Dittaino River at Sferro and Gerbini Livorno Division troops. Even though accurate.

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On 19 July most of the 200,000 and backed by more German and across the shell swept valley to Axis troops still in action were on Italian artillery than ever before, Leonforte exposed long flanks to an or near their main battle line in but they needed time to properly enemy force known to have tanks. northeast Sicily threatened by only prepare their defence. Instead, To the west Simonds solved the three British, one Canadian, and during two successive days and problem by linking up with 1st US one US division. The other four US nights, 1st Canadian Division pressed Division at Enna. To shield the more divisions mopped up isolated Italian through Axis outpost positions on open and dangerous eastern wing garrisons in western Sicily and closed the valley floor before the enemy Simonds sent Brigadier Penhale’s in on Palermo. They could not turn could blow all the bridges.114 “In 3rd Brigade to join 231st Malta fully eastward to join the battle for their hasty withdrawal the enemy Brigade. Together they spread their another week.112 Eighth Army’s had been forced to leave behind six infantry battalions each with some three British divisions were solidly considerable weapons, ammunition 400 riflemen across the 15 kilometre blocked by the equivalent of one and equipment.”115 gap along the valley floor between Italian and two German divisions The Germans gave up the valley them and 51st Highland Division to across the Catania Plain. Eighth floor quickly but demonstrated the east.117 Army intelligence realized that their desire and ability to hold the Simonds concentrated the General Hube’s 14th Panzer Corps Leonforte-Assoro mountain fortress rest of the division on the enemy Headquarters was ashore and that with artillery fire. They rendered force waiting for them at Leonforte “the enemy is far from selling out on vast swaths of the valley floor and Assoro. On 21-22 July, 104th his remaining bridgehead in Sicily uninhabitable. Long range 170 mm Panzer Grenadier Regiment’s one with the great natural advantages of guns reached all the way across the Italian and three German battalions the Etna position and the defensive valley to Valguarnera and struck defending Leonforte and Assoro Library and Archives Canada e008300284Library and Archives line he holds in front of it.”113 among 1st Royal Canadian Horse were enveloped by four Canadian Only on the far left in the Canadian Artillery as the regiment moved its battalions. Both Axis and Canadian sector at Leonforte did any prospect guns forward.116 By 20 July it was forces included artillery, tanks, remain to strike an enemy weak point. clear that the Germans would not mortars, heavy machine gun, and The 1st Canadian Division operated give up their positions without a anti-aircraft units making the battle in the only sector on Eighth Army’s major fight. Major-General Simonds a remarkably equal contest. Colonel front where the defenders had just issued orders for the whole division Ens’ Panzer Grenadiers fought well arrived in their main defensive zone. to deploy. His problem was that but were nearly surrounded and Battlegroup Ens was still very lethal pressing the division ten kilometres badly shot up in the twin actions

Sherman tanks of the Three Rivers Regiment cross the Dittaino Valley.

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A patrol from the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry enters Agira, 28 July 1943.

which constitute Canada’s most The 29th Division’s commander main German line on the Catania Plain. impressive feats of arms in Sicily. was informed that he must aid That same day Allied intelligence German prisoners and captured 15th Panzer Grenadier Division, staff pieced together that 29th and reports reveal that 104th Regiment “which had been decimated by 15th Panzer Grenadier Divisions were lost an estimated 722 officers and men heavy losses during the first round massing north of Leonforte with 28th killed, wounded, and captured as of of fighting.”120 German desperation Aosta Division.123 The 1st US Division 21 July, not counting the heaviest to stop a Canadian breakthrough fought on towards Nicosia to help fighting at Leonforte on 22 July; created opportunities for Allied but faced a large Italian and German 335 German and Italian prisoners air forces. American and British force northwest of Enna and could went into the cage between 21 fighter-bombers flying from Gela and not arrive for days.124 Meanwhile and 23 July. By 23 July Canadian Pachino attacked 29th Division units the Canadians prepared to meet intelligence staff predicted that “we rushing to the front in large daylight a German counterattack to retake must expect a re-organization of the truck convoys.121 Captured telephone Leonforte. Counterattack or not, Regt [104th] anytime now.”118 Axis transcripts reveal how the raids German and Italian units occupied forces scrambled to plug the hole caused “considerable casualties… the high ground north of Leonforte in in their line, although General Rodt considerable loss of vehicles.”122 In force, overlooking the Canadian route questioned the value of holding total even though the Axis main east towards Agira.125 Axis troops the hinge at Agira after the vital battle line held firm at Catania on 23 also benefited by retreating east along Leonforte-Assoro fortress fell and July and was not yet threatened on Highway 121 towards Italian and “because of the losses suffered” the northern wing, its centre hinge Hermann Goering Division units at there.119 Other 15th Panzer Grenadier was in trouble. Agira, Regalbuto, and Catenanuova. Division units and parts of the newly- On 23 July, General Simonds In consequence Canada’s Sicily arriving 29th Panzer Grenadier turned 1st Canadian Division battlefield fundamentally changed. Division deployed around the rupture eastward on to Highway 121 in Until 23 July, the Canadians to contain the Canadian advance. readiness to attack the flank of the attacked enemy forces isolated from

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neighbouring units. Valguarnera fanfare on 22 July and Trapani strikes against the string of fortified and Leonforte-Assoro typified those the next day. On 23 July Generals towns and cities overlooking the days and earned the grudging respect Montgomery, Patton, and Alexander Catania Plain.129 To the north Patton of their German opponents who designed plans for both Allied armies would open Palermo as his new main complained that Canadian and to assault the Axis force in concert. supply base, bring ashore his reserve British “fieldcraft (Indianerkrieg) Eighth Army shifted from pursuing 9th US Infantry Division from Africa superior to our own troops. Very an evacuating enemy to preparing and wheel his army east towards mobile at night, surprise break-ins, a deliberate offensive to destroy Axis divisions assembled north of clever infiltrations at night with the German-Italian force dug in Leonforte.130 Only then would the small groups between our strong before them. General Montgomery Allies deploy ten divisions to attack points.”126 After 23 July, enemy units began marshalling men, artillery, the equivalent of four German and deployed north and east of Leonforte and shells for Operation Hardgate. three Italian divisions. But these dug in close enough to each together Eighth Army staff arranged to bring preparations demanded time. US to provide mutually supporting their reserve British 78th Infantry engineers needed time to repair observation and fire.127 The nature of Division from North Africa through damaged port facilities at Palermo the fighting changed according. The central Sicily and secretly stage it and to move American men and Saskatoon Light Infantry war diary south of Catenanuova where the machines from western Sicily to the recorded that day that “the first flush Dittaino River spills out onto the east to join the lonely 1st US Division of attack is over and now the division Catania Plain. There Montgomery fighting alongside the Canadians. is settling in to a hard grind.”128 prepared his main attack to break Eighth Army’s three British divisions As the Canadians began their the enemy line through to Adrano were exhausted and needed to rest drive into the buckling Axis hinge at the foot of Mount Etna. To the and absorb replacements. The British the rest of Eighth Army fought off east 13th Corps and the Royal Navy also needed time to stockpile artillery German counterattacks across the would launch feint attacks on the shells necessary for the coming Catania Plain. Most of Seventh US heavily defended east end of the line reckoning, but the balance of their Army was still clearing western at Catania. Allied air forces prepared trucks were only scheduled to land Sicily, entering Palermo with great fighter bomber and medium bomber in Syracuse on 24 July.131 Map drawn by Mike Bechthold ©2013 Mike by Map drawn https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/2 27 24 : “The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943 Map drawn by Mike Bechthold ©2013 Mike by Map drawn

The forces, weapons, ammunition Regiment no longer needed at the Division joined in the attritional and supplies necessary for Operation shore line. Together they attacked battles around Agira.135 At the same Hardgate would not be ready until an Italian and German pocket time 3rd Canadian Brigade hauled late July. Until then 1st Canadian holding south of the Dittaino River weapons and ammunition by pack Division and its attached Malta around Mount Scalpello overlooking mule to conceal their approach across Brigade were the principal weapon Catenanuova.133 the bald and exposed south side of of the entire Allied force on Sicily. That last week of July was the Dittaino River before battling Their mission was to attack eastward Canada’s toughest and costliest their way on to Monte Scalpello along both sides of the Dittaino River, of the campaign. Every move the overlooking Catenanuova.136 German either rolling up the flank of the main Canadians made brought down fortress and Goering Division troops, Axis defence line or forcing enemy observed mortar and artillery fire. along with parts of 54th Napoli troops to shift inland to stop them. On the north side of the Dittaino 1st Division gave up the prominent Montgomery expected the latter and 2nd Canadian Infantry Brigades ridge with great reluctance. From thereby thinning the main Catania backed by Three Rivers Regiment 24 to 29 July the Canadians cleaved positions prior to Eighth Army’s tanks and the divisional guns fought a wedge into the seam between main assault from Catenanuova to a grim struggle for the ridges between the two wings of the Axis line. Adrano scheduled to begin at the end Nissoria and Agira while the Malta Battle Group Ens was battered and of the month.132 In this context the Brigade threatened Agira’s southern sent to a rest area near Troina and reinforced Canadian division opened approaches. At first, General Rodt reconstituted with personnel from a week-long battle for the Dittaino pulled much of Colonel Ens’ 104th a German construction battalion Valley. The Canadian 1st and 2nd Panzer Grenadier Regiment out of and 800 “Slavs” from the divisional Brigades and 231st Malta Brigade the Canadian path, apparently to replacement battalion.137 The Livorno attacked along the north side from rest, but Canadian pressure towards Division gave up hundreds of Nissoria to Agira and Regalbuto. Agira forced him to throw it back into prisoners and an unknown number On the south side 3rd Canadian the fight.134 Two or three battalions of dead. Private C. Otto Meyer from Brigade was reinforced by spare from 29th Panzer Grenadier Division, 29th Panzer Grenadier Division sent beach organization troops from the tank, anti-tank guns, anti-aircraft to join the battle west of Agira wrote Royal Marines and the Hampshire batteries and the last of 4th Livorno to his parents:

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All of us here have prepared they negotiated peace with the Allies. Hardgate. Behind the Canadians ourselves to accept our fate, never Kesselring predicted that chaos came the fresh and veteran 78th to enter Germany or Italy again. Now would reign when Italy officially British Infantry Division. Together already only 1/3 of our company surrendered and believed German they fought along rock-strewn, fire- remains. All others killed, wounded, and Italian troops must continue swept slopes to Centuripe and the missing, captured or ill. Daily we fighting in Sicily to delay Italy’s Salso Valley northeast of Regalbuto. become less. I always say to myself, defection to the Allies and buy time The Germans counterattacked with it can’t be worse anyplace than it is for Germany’s takeover of southern Goering Division tanks and engineers here at the present.138 Europe.140 The 14th German Panzer and 3rd Parachute Regiment brought Corps and a dwindling number west from Catania to stop the A few days before, in the midst of Italians still fighting with them breakthrough. The 382nd Panzer of Canada’s battle for the Dittaino were thus ordered not to leave Sicily Grenadier Regiment shifted to the Valley, King Vittorio Emmanuelle until forced off by “enemy action.” Salso Valley to stop 2nd Canadian III dissolved Benito Mussolini’s Forward units were informed that Brigade from linking up with the Fascist Government in Rome and “the present position must be held Americans. The Germans transferred arrested Mussolini. Adolf Hitler at all costs.”141 German and Italian pieces from every major formation in found out late on 25 July. Earlier in units remained dug-in and prepared Sicily to hold their collapsing centre the day, Hitler’s headquarters seemed to stand on 31 July when the entire in front of the Canadians in late July satisfied that German reinforcements Allied 15th Army Group backed and early August, weakening those to Sicily made them strong enough by powerful naval and air forces forces along the British and American in tanks and artillery to hold the attacked them everywhere at once. paths towards Messina. Kesselring line until rough fall weather made In 1st Canadian Division’s area warned Hitler on 2 August that “if Allied landings anywhere else in at the centre of the Axis line the it is not possible to hold the pivot the Mediterranean unlikely. That fighting never stopped. On 31 July, Regalbuto” then he must pull back view turned upside down when 1st and 2nd Canadian Brigades into the final evacuation bridgehead. reports arrived that evening about and 231st Brigade attacked the Kesselring’s fears materialized when Mussolini’s arrest. Hitler ordered Goering Division’s inland wing the Canadians and 78th Division German troops to abandon Sicily at Regalbuto while 3rd Brigade pressed across the Salso Valley and immediately and pulled additional stormed the dry Dittaino River cut the Axis line at Adrano.142 By then German divisions from the Atlantic bed and into Catenanuva officially the whole of Eighth Army joined in Wall and Russian front to garrison opening Eighth Army’s Operation the general offensive and clawed into Europe’s Mediterranean coastline. “This [on the eastern front] must be given away. It’s absolutely clear: Here [southern Europe] we’re dealing with critical decisions. If worst comes to worst, even more must be withdrawn from the East.”139 Orders from Berlin became the Operation Lehrgang evacuation plan issued in Sicily two days later. By then Kesselring convinced Hitler not to abandon Sicily immediately because Mussolini’s arrest did not cause Italy’s immediate surrender. 193886 Canada PA Library and Archives Field Marshal Pietro Badoglio’s provisional government kept up a façade alliance with Germany even as

The Pipes and Drums of the Seaforth Highlanders perform in Agira, 30 July 1943.

https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/2 29 26 : “The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943 US Air Force photo 24882 AC 24882 photo US Air Force

This air photo shows the German evacuation from Sicily across the Strait of Messina in progress. The Italian mainland is at the lower right and the beaches north of Messina are at the upper left. The small white streaks on the surface of the water are the wakes of vessels making the voyage to the mainland or back.

the volcanic hills at the foot of Mount Two days after Adrano and The Royal Canadian Air Force did Etna. On the northern wing of the Troina fell, 1st Canadian Division was what it could to stop them alongside Axis line Lieutenant-General Omar pulled out of the line to rest and re- Allied aircrew from a dozen nations. Bradley’s 2nd US Corps attacked constitute for the follow-on mission Three Wellington bomber squadrons the 29th Panzer Grenadier Division to invade the Italian mainland. At from RCAF 331 Wing flew 350 sorties and the comparatively intact 26th the same time German units formed over the Straits, losing five planes to Assietta and 28th Aosta Divisions rearguards and began their infamous anti-aircraft fire along with 25 of the while the 1st US Division, joined by retreat to Messina. They withdrew up 30 men who crewed them.145 the fresh 9th Division, fought what coastal strips on either side of Monte On 17 August the guns finally General Patton saw as the largest Etna, laying mines, blowing and fell silent on Sicily. The Allies and “most desperate American battle booby-trapping bridges, and flooding accomplished all they had set out of the campaign” at Troina.143 When tunnels behind them making pursuit to and in only 38 instead of the it was over General Rodt reported by Allied land forces impossible. expected 42 days. Sicily’s airfields 1,600 additional casualties on top Under the cover of powerful anti- and ports became bases for Allied of those lost in the Canadian sector aircraft artillery German troops planes and ships, Axis control of in late July. The 4,000 man fighting escaped across the Straits of Messina Mediterranean shipping routes component of 15th Panzer Grenadier in barges and small engineer ferries at was broken, Mussolini was gone, Division that started the campaign a dozen places along the narrow gap peace negotiations with Italy were was wrecked.144 between Sicily and mainland Italy. underway, and most importantly

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nearly one million German soldiers Allies lost 33 percent of their ground replacements and thrown into the were on the move from Russia, force on Sicily in addition to 20 British counteroffensive against the Allied Germany and northern France to warships and thousands of airplanes. invasion at Salerno in September 1943. the Mediterranean coast of Europe. Goebbels also claimed that only two Afterwards Kesselring complained Despite later reflection on what understrength German divisions held that formations rescued from Sicily more they might have done to stop off 20 Allied divisions in Sicily.149 The and hastily rebuilt suffered from 50,000 Germans from escaping Sicily, most enduring myths of the Battle “the lack of battle experience and in early August 1943 Allied senior for Sicily seem to have originated in incomplete training of the young commanders were consumed with German propaganda. reinforcements who, as soon as planning the next strategic steps.146 Hube and Goebbels may have their leader has become a casualty, Their next mission to invade mainland been right to conceal Husky’s outcome are completely helpless in the face Italy cemented the deal whereby the from the German people lest they of a much better trained enemy.”152 Italians not only surrendered but abandon hope in Hitler’s war. Among Kesselring kept these private views actively joined the cause against the approximately 60,000 German secret and publicly expressed Hube’s Germany. That mission opened the soldiers evacuated from Sicily were version of events that Germany’s four Italian campaign on 3 September 1943 some 19,261 wounded; in addition, Sicily divisions escaped “completely and diverted 20 percent of German 5,000 were killed and 6,663 taken fit for battle and ready for service.”153 military power to the Mediterranean prisoner in the campaign. Given that Canada’s contingent on theatre. Allied strategic aims of at least half of the 70,000 German Operation Husky inflicted its share assisting Russia and pinning down soldiers on Sicily served in transport, of the cumulative damage that German units in Western Europe service, and headquarters units broke Fascist power in Rome and prior to the invasion of Normandy in casualty rates in fighting units were Axis military power on Sicily. The 1944 were well achieved.147 crippling. German units evacuated 1st Canadian Division faced and The Germans struggled to put from Sicily were hollow shells that outfought parts of every major Axis a positive spin on this strategic needed thousands of replacement formation on Sicily without real catastrophe to “raise morale and soldiers to rebuild. Allied staff numerical and firepower superiority confidence at home.” General Hube estimated that Italy’s armed forces until August. In partnership with US suggested to Marshal Kesselring that lost 2,000 killed and 5,000 wounded, 1st Division the Canadians nearly they must “describe battles in Sicily although those numbers are difficult destroyed 15th Panzer Grenadier as a big success.” Hube argued that to verify given that the Italian Army Division and had a hand in battering evacuation from Dunkirk in 1940 administrative structure collapsed 29th Panzer Grenadier, 1st Parachute, “was presented to the British public into civil war at the end of Husky. and Hermann Goering Divisions. as a great success” even though It is more certain that 137,000 Italian General Oliver Leese, the 30th Corps the British abandoned their heavy troops were captured and 62,000 commander, commended Major- equipment. Because the Germans escaped to the mainland. In total, the General Simonds and his troops who managed to ferry some of their enemy suffered 32,000 German and “took up the forefront of the Corps trucks and tanks off the island then 144,000 Italian casualties compared battle from Vizzini. For three weeks, “the Sicilian campaign is actually a to 19,000 of the Allies.150 with the Malta Bde [Brigade] under full success.” Hube suggested that German losses in Sicily hampered your command, you have fought Germans be told how “in spite of their effectiveness more than they continuously against a stubborn tremendous superiority of men and cared admit. The 15th Panzer German resistance, both by day and material the enemy required six Grenadier Division was the most by night.” General Montgomery told weeks to take the island” and his badly crippled. After absorbing three the Canadians that “I now consider troops inflicted casualties on the replacement battalions and survivors you one of my veteran divisions.”154 Allies of about “1/3 of the fighting from four disbanded battalions the For the first time in the Second World strength.” Hube also pushed the division was still short 1,600 men War the Canadian Army proved it message that his divisions evacuated from its fighting regiments. It did could fight the best formations in the from Sicily “are now on the mainland, not re-appear on the Italian front German Army and win. The public ready and able for battle.”148 German until October 1943. The 29th Panzer at home noticed. Canadian Prime Propaganda Minister Joseph Grenadier Division, in action only Minister Mackenzie King wrote to Goebbels seems to have followed during the second half of the Sicily Simonds: “In Canada the eyes of all Hube’s recommendations claiming battle, lost 50 percent of its fighting fixed on SICILY. We know that there in an August radio broadcast that the strength.151 It was revived with new is heavy fighting ahead. We know too

https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/2 31 28 : “The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943

that Canadian forces will do honour 2. G.W.L. Nicholson, The Official History 3rd September 1943 to 31st March 1944 of the Canadian Army in the Second World (London: HMSO, 1973), p.82 to our country and to themselves. War, vol.2: The Canadians in Italy (Ottawa: 17. Frido von Senger Und Etterlin, Neither Please give all the assurance that our Queen’s Printer, 1957), p.20. Fear Nor Hope (London: Macdonald, 1963), hearts are with them, that Canada is 3. Library and Archives Canada [LAC] p.126. RG 24-C-3, Vol.13726, War Diary 1st 18. James Sadkovich has long argued proud of the decisive courage of her Canadian Infantry Division – General that English language histories fail to army overseas and that Canada will Staff, Message from Lt-Gen. Oliver Leese consider Italian sources or appreciate not fail her fighting men.”155 to Maj-Gen. Guy Simonds, 14 July 1943. Italy’s complex role in the war. See his: 4. See Helmut Heiber and David Glantz, “Understanding Defeat: Reappraising Canadian troops may have Hitler and his Generals: Military Conferences, Italy’s Role in World War II,” Journal of proved their military value, but their 1942-45 (New York: Enigma Books, 2003), Contemporary History 24, no.1 (January story in central Sicily also revealed pp.132-144, 172-217; Horst Boog, Germany 1989), pp.27, 28. and the Second World War, Vol.VII: The 19. Albert Garland & Howard G. Smyth, how much death and destruction Strategic Air War in Europe and the War United States Army in World War II, The lay ahead before Hitler’s Germany in the West and East Asia, 1943-44/45 Mediterranean Theatre of Operations: Sicily gave up its war. American veteran (London: Oxford University Press, 2006), and the Surrender of Italy (Washington, pp.521-523. 1965), pp.12-18. infantryman and literary scholar Paul 5. J.B. Conacher, Canadian Military 20. Charles T. O’Reilly. Forgotten Battles: Fussell captured North American Headquarters [CMHQ] Report No.135, Italy’s War of Liberation, 1943-1945 expectations. “At first everyone p.63. (Lanham, Maryland: Lexington Books, 6. See Farley Mowat, The Regiment (Toronto, 2001). hoped, and many believed, that 1955); G.R. Stevens, The Royal Canadian 21. Heiber & Glantz, Minutes of Meeting the war would be fast-moving, Regiment: Volume Two, 1933 – 1966, between Hilter and Field Marshal Keitel, (London, 1967); Serge Bernier, Le Royal 19 May 1943, p.124. mechanized, remote-controlled, and 22e Regiment, 1914-1999 (Montreal, 1999); 22. Von Senger, Fear Nor Hope, pp.127-128. perhaps even rather easy.”156 The David Bercuson, The Patricias (Toronto, 23. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the fighting in Sicily included spells 2001). Surrender of Italy, pp.76-81. Mitcham & 7. Canada’s official history remains the best von Stauffenberg, The Battle for Sicily, of rapid motorized warfare, but assessment of national achievement. See pp.29-36, 346-351. whenever Axis forces chose to dig Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy. See 24. US Army Military History Institute, in and hold ground only firepower also, Mark Zuehlke, Operation Husky: The Translated report for the Foreign Military Canadian Invasion of Sicily, July 10 – August Studies Branch MS C-077, 18 June 1951, and hard fighting defeated them. 7, 1943 (Toronto: Douglas & MacIntyre, Eberhard Rodt, “15th Panzer Grenadier Canada paid its share of the blood 2008). Division in Sicily,” pp.4-10; Molony, The price for Sicily: 1,664 Canadians 8. Nigel Hamilton, Master of the Battlefield: Campaign in Sicily 1943, pp.39-42. Monty’s War Years, 1942-1944 (New York: 25. The National Archives [TNA] WO were wounded, 84 were taken as McGraw-Hill, 1983), p.301. 204/7273 Allied Force Headquarters G-2 prisoners, 1,200 contracted malaria 9. For a review of the consensus see: Carlo “Estimates of the Garrison of Sicily and and battled illness relating to it for D’Este, Bitter Victory: The Battle for Sicily, its Likely Tactical Employment,” 15 May 1943 (New York: E.P. Dutton, 1988), 1943; F.H. Hinsley, British Intelligence the rest of the war if not their lives, pp.556-560. in the Second World War, vol.3, part 1 and 562 men were killed.157 It should 10. Rick Atkinson, The Day of Battle: The War (London: HMSO, 1984), pp.69-74. in Sicily and Italy, 1943-45 (New York, 26. Hamilton, Master of the Battlefield, pp. go without saying that the ugliness of Macmillan, 2007), p.173. 291-296. victory in Sicily was much exceeded 11. Samuel W. Mitcham with Friedrich von 27. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, pp.2- by the violence and ruthlessness of Stauffenberg, The Battle for Sicily: How the 5, 14-24. Allies Lost Their Chance for Total Victory 28. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, Nazi German occupation in Europe. (New York, Orion Books, 1991), p.xiv. pp.137-139. The fighting had to go on, but the 12. The Memoirs of Field-Marshal The Viscount 29. LAC RG 24 War Diary, 1st Canadian liberation of Europe was underway. Montgomery of Alamein, K.G (London: Divisional Troops Company, Royal Collins, 1958), pp.169-172. Canadian Army Service Corps, July- 13. US Army Military History Institute, December 1944; Arnold Warren, Wait for Foreign Military Studies Branch MS the Waggon: The Story of the Royal Canadian Notes No.C-095 General Fridolin Senger und Army Service Corps (Toronto: McClelland Etterlin, “Liaison Activities with Italian and Stewart Ltd., 1961), p.227. Nicholson, Sixth Army,” 24 November 1951. The Canadians in Italy, pp.34, 45-46. 1. This essay forms part of a body of work 14. US Army Military History Institute, 30. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, undertaken between The Gregg Centre Foreign Military Studies [FMS] Branch MS pp.22-23; Garland & Smyth, Sicily and the for the Study of War and Society at No.D-004, 27 March 1947, Generalmajor Surrender of Italy, pp.96-97. the University of New Brunswick and Max Ulich, “Sicilian Campaign: Special 31. Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy, p.20; the Department of Military History at Problems and their Solution,” p.2. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, p.77; the US Army Command and General 15. Directorate of History and Heritage, Army Garland & Smyth, Sicily and the Surrender Staff College with support from the Headquarters Report no.14, “The Sicilian of Italy, p.98. Cantigny First Division Museum. This Campaign, Jul–Aug 1943: Information 32. MS C-077, 15th Panzer Grenadier Division essay includes a preliminary survey of from German sources,” “Report of Panzer Report, 12-14; MS No.C-095 “Liaison largely untapped Italian Army archival Division Hermann Goring on the Sicilian Activities with Italian Sixth Army,” materials. Early research raises more Campaign, 24 Aug 1943,” Appendix C, 15 pp.22-23. questions than answers and reveals April 1947. 33. TNA WO 169/8494 Eighth Army War how little is known in English-language 16. C.J.C. Molony, The Mediterranean and Diary, 10 July 43; Molony, The Campaign in histories about Italy’s role in the Battle for Middle East, vol.5: The Campaign in Sicily 1943, pp.77-82; Garland and Smyth, Sicily. Sicily 1943 and the Campaign in Italy, Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, pp.147-165.

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34. “Canadian Operations in Sicily, July – 59. DHH, Report No.136, Canadian Military 79. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the August, 1943,” CMHQ Report No.127, Headquarters, “Canadian Operations in Surrender of Italy, pp.214-215. Historical Section, Canadian Military Sicily, Part II Section 3, Special Aspects of 80. FMS MS C-095 von Senger Report, pp.44- Headquarters, 16 November 1944, p.11. the Sicilian Campaign,” p.18. 45. 35. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army War 60. LAC, RG24-C-2, Vol.14691, HQ Royal 81. The United States Army used the Diary, 10, 11 July 43; l’Ufficio Storico dello Canadian Engineers, 1st Canadian Continental Regimental System during Stato Maggiore [SME/US], 54ª Divisione Infantry Division, CRE’s Situation Report, the Second World War. A regimental Fanteria “Napoli” Message to XVI Corpo 14 July 1943. combat team included three infantry Armata, 12 luglio 43. 61. The Three Rivers Regiment (12th CAR) battalions, similar to the German system 36. Eighth Army’s Intelligence Summary landed with 1st Division at Pachino. The and equivalent to a Canadian and prepared with information available as rest of Canada’s Tank Brigade in came Commonwealth brigade. of 19:00, 10 July cited in Hinsley, British ashore on 13 July and served as Eighth 82. NARA RG 301, US 1st ID, 26 RCT History Intelligence, vol.3, part 1, p.89. Army’s reserve. of the Invasion of Sicily, pp.33-36. 37. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army War 62. See Zuehlke, Operation Husky. 83. This comment was logged on 13 July, Diary, Messages to 15th Army Group, 63. LAC RG 24 Vol.15702, War Diaries, but most 15th PG Division messages and 12-14 July 1943. Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment reports carry incorrect dates. DHH, AHQ 38. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army War [HPER], 15 July 1943; CMHQ 135, pp.4-5. 14, p.12. Diary, Messages, 11-12 July; Hamilton, 64. US National Archives and Records 84. Generale di Brigata Ottorino Schrieber, Master of the Battlefield, p.304; Molony, Administration [NARA] RG 338 US formally commander of 207th Coastal The Campaign in Sicily 1943, pp.87-88. Seventh Army G-3 Operations Report, Division, took command of this large ad 39. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army Sicilian Campaign, July-August 1943, p.5. hoc group on 12 July, Garland and Smyth, War Diary, Message Montgomery to 65. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army Daily Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, pp.197- Leese, 12 July 1943; Hamilton, Master of Narrative 15 July 1943; Hinsley, British 8, 233. SME/US 4ª Divisione Fanteria the Battlefield pp.302-305; Molony, The Intelligence, vol.3, part 1, p.91. “Livorno,” 15 luglio 1943; FMS, MS C-077 Campaign in Sicily 1943, pp.87-89; Garland 66. DHH AHQ No.14, OBS Sitrep 12 July Rodt Report, pp.17-19. and Smyth, Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, 1943, p. 11. 85. DHH, AHQ 14, pp.12-13. pp.206-207. 67. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army Daily 86. NARA RG 407, II US Corps G-2 Estimate 40. Quoted in Hamilton, Master of the Narrative 15-17 July 1943, Messages No.4, 16 July 1943. Battlefield, p.304. Montgomery to Alexander, 16 July 1943. 87. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army, 41. TNA WO 201/613 War Diary 30 Corps 68. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army War Message Montgomery to Alexander, 16 Headquarters Narrative, 12 July 1943. Diary Daily Narrative 15 July 1943, July 1943 42. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the Messages Montgomery to Alexander, 88. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army Surrender of Italy, p.209. 15-16 July 1943; TNA WO 201/613, 30th Narrative, 17 July 1943. 43. Hamilton, Master of the Battlefield, pp.302- Corps Post-Operations Narrative, 13 July 89. LAC RG 24 Vol.15288, War Dairies, 306. 1943; CMHQ No.135, pp.5-6. West Nova Scotia Regiment [WNSR]; 44. FMS MS C-095 von Senger Report, pp.36- 69. NARA RG 338, US Seventh Army G-3 Vol.15050, The Carleton and York 42. Operations Report, Sicilian Campaign, Regiment [CYR]; Vol.18205, The Three 45. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, July-August 1943, Section II “Second Rivers Regiment, 17 July 43. pp.90-92. Phase,” pp.6-7. 90. LAC RG 24 C-3 Vol.14408, War Diary 1 46. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the 70. NARA, RG 301, 1st Infantry Division, RCHA, 1st Canadian Division Intelligence Surrender of Italy, pp.204-205; 211-213. Report by 2nd Battalion, 18th US Infantry, Summary No.2, 16-17 July 1943. 47. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army War 1-31 July 1943; Garland and Smyth, Sicily 91. LAC RG 24 Vol.15238, War Diary R22eR, Diary, Main HQ, Message Montgomery and the Surrender of Italy, p.223. 17-18 July 1943; CYR, 17 July 1943; HQ to Alexander, 22:30, 13 July 1943. 71. LAC RG 24 Vol.15296, War Diary 48th RCA 1st Canadian Division, 17 July 1943; 48. TNA WO 201/613 30th Corps War Highlanders of Canada, 15-16 July 1943. CMHQ No.135, p.13. Diaries, Post-Operations Narrative, 13 72. The British and American engineers 92. The Divisional Commander, Royal July 1943; TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth faced similar problems in Catania and Engineers, Lieutenant-Colonel Walsh Army War Diary, Message Montgomery on the north coast highway respectively kept rough notes from the meeting to Alexander, 22:30, 13 July 1943. in August but arguably neither was which capture the essence that the 49. SME/US 54ª Divisione Fanteria ‘Napoli’ such a unique combination of problems mission remained to intercept 15th Report on Actions at Palazzolo and in such a compact area. LAC RG 24 Panzer Grenadier Division at Enna. Vizzini, luglio 43; Garland and Smyth, C-3 Vol.14691, War Diary, HQ Royal LAC RG 24-C-3,Vol.14691, War Diary, Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, pp.208-209. Canadian Engineers, 1st Canadian HQ RCE, 1st Canadian Division, App 50. Rodt, “15th Panzer Grenadier Division in Division, 15-16 July 1943. No.10; Vol.13726, War Diary 1st Canadian Sicily,” pp.4-10. 73. LAC RG 24 T-6700, War Diary, Adjutant Infantry Division,17 July 1943; CMHQ 51. TNA WO 201/613 War Diaries 30 Corps and Quartermaster Branch, 1st Canadian 135, pp.11-14. Headquarters Narrative, 13-15 July 1943. Division, 15-16 July 1943. 93. LAC RG 24 War Diary Royal 22e Régiment 52. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, 74. LAC RG 24 Vol.15113, War Diary, Loyal [R22eR], 17-18 July 1943; CMHQ No.135, pp.105-106; Garland and Smyth, Sicily Edmonton Regiment, 16 July 1943. pp.13-14 and the Surrender of Italy, p.209. 75. LAC RG 24 C-3 Vol.14408, War Diary, 1 94. LAC RG 24 Vol.15072 War Diary HPER, 53. Directorate of History and Heritage, RCHA, 1st Canadian Division Intelligence 17-18 July 1943. National Defence Headquarters [DHH], Summary No.2, 16-17 July 1943. 95. LAC RG 24 Vol.15288 War Diary WNSR, AHQ Report No.14, ExceReport from OBS 76. On July 16th General Rodt was unaware 18 July 1943; War Diary R22eR 18 July Daily Report, 14 July 1943, p.12. of Livorno Division units covering his 1943; CYR 18 July 1943 54. Hamilton, Master of the Battlefield, pp.307- east flank and deployed his own force 96. LAC RG 24 Vol.15205, War Diary Royal 308. of engineers and anti-aircraft gunners to Canadian Regiment, 18 July 1943; HPER 55. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army the task. FMS C-077 Rodt Report, p.17; 18 July 1943. War Diaries, Messages Montgomery to SME/US 4ª Divisione Fanteria “Livorno,” 97. DHH, AHQ No.14, p.13. Alexander, 14-16 July 1943. 15 luglio 1943 98. FMS C-077, Rodt Report, p.20. 56. Hamilton, Master of the Battlefield, p.305. 77. FMS, MS C-077 Rodt Report, 20; MS C-095 99. LAC RG 24-C-17 Vol.13738, War Diary 57. TNA WO 201/62151, War Diary 51st von Senger Report, pp.37-45. Adjutant & Quartermaster Branch, 1st Highland Division, 11-12 July 1943. 78. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the Canadian Infantry Division, 18-19 July 58. Warren, Wait for the Waggon, p.232. Surrender of Italy, p.233. 1943. https://scholars.wlu.ca/cmh/vol22/iss3/2 33 30 : “The Eyes of All Fixed on Sicily” Canada’s Unexpected Victory, 1943

100. CMHQ 135, p. 18; Nicholson, The US 1st Division arrived on the Canadian Crucible of War, 1939-1945 (Toronto: Canadians in Italy, pp.90-100. left around 27-28 July. LAC RG 24 C-3 University of Toronto Press, 1994), 101. TNA WO169/8494, Eighth Army Vol.14321, War Diary 1st Canadian pp.650-651. Narrative 18 July 1943. Division, RCA, 23-27 July 1943; Vol.15926, 146. TNA WO 169/8494, Eighth Army 102. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, 48th Highlanders of Canada, 23-24 July Message Traffic concerning Operations pp.113-114. 1943. Buttress, Baytown and Avalanche, 24 103. TNA WO 204/6936, Eighth Army 128. LAC RG 24 Vol.15246, HQ 1st Canadian July -30 August 1943; WO 204/6937, 15th Situation Reports No.09, 18 July 1943. Division Support Battalion (Saskatoon Allied Army Group Messages to Allied 104. TNA WO 201/613, 30th Corps Post- Light Infantry), 23 July 1943. Force HQ Mediterranean, 2- 22 August Operations Narrative, 18-19 July 1943. 129. TNA WO 169/8494, War Diary, Eighth 1943. 105. LAC RG 24 C-3 Vol.14691, War Diary Army, Messages, Eighth Army to 15 147. Hinsley, British Intelligence, vol.3, part 1, 1st Canadian Division, RCE, Notes on Army Group, 21-23 July 1943. pp.103–7; Boog, Germany and the Second Divisional Orders Group, 18 July 1943. 130. NARA RG 338, US Seventh Army G-3 World War, vol.7, pp.497-501. 106. TNA WO 201/613, 30th Corps Post- Operations Report, Sicilian Campaign, 148. G.W.L. Nicholson and the Canadian Operations Narrative, 18-19 July 1943. July-August 1943, Sections II & III; official history team first published 107. TNA WO 204/6936, Eighth Army Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the details of this memorandum. Despatch Situation Reports No.10, 19 July 43. Surrender of Italy, pp.302-305. from Hube to Kesselring, dated 14 July, 108. SME/US 4ª Divisione Fanteria “Livorno” 131. Molony, The Campaign in Sicily 1943, but most certainly 14 August 1943, DHH Log 15-21 luglio 1943; XVI Corpo Armata p.137. AHQ No.14, pp.16-17. Log, 18-20 luglio 1943; Molony, The 132. TNA,WO 169/8494, War Diary, Eighth 149. Intercept of Goebbels broadcast Campaign in Sicily 1943, p.112. Army, Messages, Eighth Army to 15 transcribed in 21 August 1943 issue of 109. TNA WO 201/613, 30th Corps Post- Army Group, 21-29 July, 43. “The Red Patch,” 1st Canadian Division’s Operations Narrative, 18-19 July 1943 133. TNA,WO 201/613, 30th Corps War newsletter, LAC RG 24 Vol.15238, War 110. NARA RG 338, Seventh Army G-2 Report, Diaries, Post-Operations Narrative, 23-31 Diary R22eR, August 1943 Appendix 17 July 1943; TNA WO169/8494 Eighth July 1943 No.46. Army Narrative 18 July 1943. 134. LAC RG 24-C-3, Vol.13726 War Diary 1st 150. Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy, pp.174- 111. TNA WO 204/7273, Allied Force Canadian Division, Intsums 6 & 7, 26-28 175; D’Este, Bitter Victory, pp.606-609. Headquarters G-2 “Estimates of the July 1943. 151. DHH AHQ Report No.14, p.23. Garrison of Sicily and its Likely Tactical 135. Ibid.; US II Corps identified 29th 152. OBS Memo to OKW regarding losses Employment,” 15 May 1943. Division’s reconnaissance battalion and sustained in Italy from 1 September to 112. NARA RG 338 Seventh Army G-3 one or two battalions from 15th Panzer 10 October 1943, 14 October 1943, cited Operation Report (Operation Husky), Grenadier Regiment between Nissoria in DHH, AHQ Report No.14 July-August 1943. and Agira. NARA RG 407, II Corps G-2 153. The view that the Germans outfought 113. Eighth Army Intelligence Summary of 19 Report No.8, 24 July 1943. the Allies on Sicily and escaped “in good July quoted in Hinsley, British Intelligence, 136. LAC RG 24 Vol.15238, War Diary R22eR, order” is best expressed in Mitchem and vol.3, part 1, p.94. 23-29 July 1943; Vol.15288, War Diary, von Stauffenberg, The Battle of Sicily, 114. LAC RG 24 C-3 Vol.14691, War Diary 1st WNSR, 23-29 July 1943. pp.293-303. Canadian Division RCE, 19-20 July 1943. 137. FMS MS C-077, Rodt Report, p.38; Garland 154 Quoted from Nicholson, The Canadians in 115. LAC RG 24, War Diary PPCLI, 19 July and Smyth, Sicily and the Surrender of Italy, Italy, pp.177-179. 1943. pp.324, 336. 155. Message from Prime Minister to General 116. LAC RG 24 C-3 Vol.14408, War Diary 138. The letter was written on 31 July after Simonds. LAC RG 24-C-3, Vol.13726 War 1RCHA 19 July 1943. the battle of Agira ended and before Diary 1st Canadian Infantry Division, 20 117. LAC RG 24 Vol.15288, War Dairies, the soldier was killed in the battle of August 1943. WNSR; Vol.15050, CYR, 20-22 July 1943; Troina fighting 1st US Division. He 156. Paul Fussell, Wartime: Understanding and CMHQ No.135, p.22. was from 4th Company, 1st Battalion, Behavior in the Second World War (New 118. LAC RG 24-C-3, Vol.13726, War Diary, 1st 15th Panzer Grenadier Regiment, 29th York: Oxford University Press, 1989), p.3. Canadian Infantry Division, Intelligence Division. NARA RG 301, US 1st Infantry 157. Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy, pp.174- Summary No. 5, 23 July 1943; RG 24 C-17 Division, Translations of Captured 176. Vol.13738, 1st Division A&Q Branch, 21- German Documents. 23 July 1943. 139. Glantz, OKW Conferences, 25 July 1943, 119. FMS C-077, Rodt Report, pp. 20-21. pp.173-5, 210. 120. Interview with Major-General Walter 140. FMS, MS C-013, Albert Kesselring, Fries, commander 29th Panzer Grenadier “Special Report on Events in Italy Division, quoted in Timothy Saxon, The Between 25 July and 8 September,”pp. German Side of the Hill: Nazi Conquest and 3-12, 17-21; Garland and Smyth, Sicily and Exploitation of Italy, 1943-45 (unpublished the Surrender of Italy, pp.285-286; 307-308. PhD dissertation, University of Virginia, 141. LAC RG 24-C-3, Vol.13726 War Diary 1st 1999), p.152. Canadian Infantry Division Intelligence 121. Nicholson, The Canadians in Italy, p.110. Summary No. 9, Appendix A, 1 August 122. DHH, AHQ Report No.14, p.13. 1943. 123. NARA RG 301, Seventh Army G-2 142. Extracts from OBS Reports to OKW, 2-6 Estimate of Enemy Situation No.5, 23 July August, DHH AHQ Report No.14, p.20. 1943. 143. NARA RG 338, US Seventh Army G-3 124. Garland and Smyth, Sicily and the Ops Report, July-August 1943, Section Surrender of Italy, p.304. III, pp.21-23. 125. LAC RG 24 C-3 Vol.14321, War Diary 1st 144. Eberhard Rodt reports the Troina losses Canadian Division, RCA, 23 July 1943. in detail, but not those in the Canadian 126. DHH, AHQ Report No.14, Extracts from sector between Valguarnera and Agira. Lee Windsor teaches history at the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division Report FMS MS C-077, Rodt Report 25. University of New Brunswick and is on Sicily, p.24. 145. B. Greenhous, S.J. Harris, W.C. Johnston, Deputy Director of the Gregg Centre for 127. German positions three kilometres north W.G.P. Rawling, The Official History of the Study of War and Society of Leonforte remained a problem until the Royal Canadian Air Force, vol.3: The

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