The Battle Of Ortona

Canada played a huge role in the Battle of Ortona, and was the main fighting force in the battle. Coming into the fight, the Canadians were facing Germany, who was well-rested and well- and thoroughly trained. The Germans were also well- prepared. They had planted mines, bombs and set up traps in 

abandoned houses and rubble. The enemy used every trick and weapon they had. However, the Canadians were strong, and were able to fight back. They were also more innovative than the Germans. They created a new “mouse-holding” tactic. During the Battle of Ortona, the streets were killing zones. Fire from machine guns and snipers came from all directions. Instead of fighting in the streets where they would be caught in the artillery fire, the tactic involved blasting walls in order to create tunnels. This way, Canadian soldiers could advance without having to expose themselves to the violence on the streets.

After eight hard days of fighting, Canada won the battle. The Germans realized that defeating Canada was impossible, and left Ortona to the Canadians.  Even though Canada had achieved a great accomplishment that week, the loss was devastating. 1,375 Canadians were killed in the Battle of Ortona. This was almost one quarter of the total casualties suffered in the entire Italian Campaign. The victory was a great accomplishment for Canada. Not only did our country defeat the Germans in the bloodiest battle of the Italian Campaign, but they also proved to the world how great of a fighting force they really were.