Island Retreat MTO (id:#61466)

(Special Ops # 2 ID: S40)   [next]   [previous]

Isola Bella, Italy 1944-01-30 (16 others)

Overview:

The Allies had planned an extensive breakout attempt from the Anzio beachhead that was scheduled to jump off without artillery preparation. Two American Ranger Battalions were to infiltrate through enemy lines along the narrow Pantano ditch in an effort to reach Cisterna, where careful reconnaissance had determined that the enemy had not had time to consolidate their defenses. Behind these Rangers, a third Ranger battalion and a battalion of the 3rd Infantry Division would assault the main line. Unknown to the Allies, the Germans were planning their own major offensive spearheaded by 17 Infantry Battalions. The American assault disrupted the German timetable, but the Germans had powerful units in place in anticipation of their own attack. In darkness, the Rangers managed to infiltrate to about 800 yards below Cisterna, where the Germans executed their well-laid ambush. Having spotted the Ranger infiltration, they closed the gap behind them at Isola Bella, effectively sealing them off from the rest of the Allies. Realizing their predicament, the Rangers broke radio silence and informed headquarters of the situation.

Defender: German (Hermann Göring Division)  

Errata (source)