The Battle Of Ortona

The Battle of Sicily was a big factor in the cause of the Battle of Ortona. Italy and the Nazi Germany created a plan called “Operation Husky”. It was for the assault of the island by two armies. The Eight Army’s offensive on the winter line defenses commenced on November 23rd, by the crossing of river Sangro. By the end of November, the man Gustav line defenses were taken over and the allied troops made their way to river Moro, 6km north of Ortona. In the crossing of Moro, the exhausted British 78th infantry division on the Adriatic coast were relieved by Canada’s first infantry division. The Divisions first infantry fought within 3km of Ortona and helped the second infantry for the advance on the town.