Battle Of Ortona Research Paper

Introduction The Battle of Ortona was a battle fought between soldiers from the Canadian 1st Infantry Division and a battalion of German Fallschirmjäger from the German 1st Parachute Division. The battle lasted from December 20 – 28 1943, and took place in the small town of Ortona, Italy. The battle was part of the Italian Campaign, which was the Allied name for all operations in and around Italy that would help them invade Sicily and force the German troops in Italy to surrender. The Battle of Ortona was nicknamed “Little Stalingrad” because it mimicked the constant close-quarter combat that occurred at the Battle of Stalingrad. The battle ended in a Canadian victory, with the German forces withdrawing out of Ortona.

Background
The
The Seaforths managed to capture the Santa Maria di Constantinopoli Church, and at nightfall, the Germans retreated to the older part of the city.

December 22nd, 1943 The Canadians prioritized the clearing of the main streets to allow their tanks to manoeuvre in the city. They reach Ortona’s Piazza Municipali (Town Square), around 2/3 into the city. The Associated Press released their story about the Battle of Ortona today, including the reference to Stalingrad. The story is ran by many different newspapers, including The New York Times.

December 23rd, 1943 Troops sent to the northwestern parts of the city suffered heavy losses, because they went too far and ended up cut off from communications, reinforcements, and supplies. The southeast quadrant of Ortona was now under complete Canadian control, but the Germans destroyed buildings, block exits, and set booby traps on their way out.
December 24th, 1943 Fighting in the west of Ortona intensified around a school. When the Canadians learned of the hundreds of civilians taking shelter there, the attack was suspended to protect the civilians’ lives. The 48th Highlanders also managed to break through Germans lines towards the