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Battle of Anzio. January 22 – June 4, 1944 Raj Patel Austin Craig. Who was in it?. Allies: United States Britain. Axis Powers: Germany Italian Social Republic. Where did it take place?. Anzio Beachhead, Italy Nettuno , Italy. Pre-Battle Events.
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Battle of Anzio January 22 – June 4, 1944 Raj Patel Austin Craig
Who was in it? • Allies: • United States • Britain • Axis Powers: • Germany • Italian Social Republic
Where did it take place? • Anzio Beachhead, Italy • Nettuno, Italy
Pre-Battle Events • Allied victories in North Africa make Mediterranean Sea a necessary stronghold • Britain invaded Italy, but the German line held • Plans made in December, 1943 to make landing in Italy • America not in favor at the time, so plans are put on hold • Churchill & FDR revive the plan and agree to invade
Goals • Allies • Break Stalemate • Secure route to Rome • Break Gustav Line • Cut supplies and communications for enemies • Gain control of the Mediterranean Sea • Axis Powers • Maintain Gustav Line & Important Land in Italy • Protect Rome
The Battle • Allied troops come ashore in an amphibious attack on January 22, 1944 • German troops taken by surprise • Troops push 7 miles inland, fail to break line • February 1: Allies set up greater air defenses to combat Luftwaffe • February 3: Germany launches full counterattack • By early March, the battle had been fought to a standstill • May 15: Allies break Gustav Line through artillery and infantry attacks • June 4, 1944: Allies take Rome
Outcome • Successful for Allies • Initial objectives were achieved, but far later than planned • Allies gain control of Rome
Effect on World War II • Allies able to gain a foothold in Italy • Prevented German deployment to Northwest Europe on the eve of the Normandy Invasion
Losses • Allies (43,000 casualties) • 7,000 Dead • 36,000 Wounded or Missing • Axis Powers (40,000 casualties) • 5,000 Dead • 30,500 Wounded/Missing • 4,500 Taken Prisoner
Interesting Facts • Battle was result of “Operation Shingle” • Germany used weapon known as “Anzio Annie,” a 280-mm railway gun
Bibliography http://olivedrab.com/od_history_ww2_ops_battles_1944anzio.php http://www.history.army.mil/brochures/anzio/72-19.htm http://militaryhistory.about.com/od/worldwarii/p/battle-of-anzio.htm