Stag Special
Eighty years ago today, the Allied invasion of Sicily marked the start of the Italian Campaign in the Second World War.
Code named Op Husky, the invasion of Sicily marked one of the largest seaborne operations in military history. Canadians were critical to its success.
On July 10, 1943, some 3,000 Allied ships and landing craft reached the Sicilian coastline in a coordinated attack on enemy territory. Tragically, 58 Canadians had drowned when three Allied ships were sunk by enemy submarines before reaching Sicily.
When the Allies came ashore, Canadian, British and American troops had to fight against skilled Italian and German forces, across hundreds of kilometres of difficult mountainous terrain. After more than four weeks of fighting on the island, there were approximately 2,300 Canadian casualties, including almost 600 who gave their lives.
“In the invasion of Sicily and the Italian Campaign, Canadians fought with tremendous courage. Their determination and ultimate success were representative of Canada’s efforts during the Second World War, when we fought alongside our Allies to create a more peaceful world. Today, we remember and honour their sacrifices, and the sacrifices of all who have served, and continue to serve Canada. Lest we forget,” said Defence Minister Anita Anand.
In the end, taking Sicily helped secure the Mediterranean Sea and cleared the way for the Allies’ assault on mainland Italy. However, victory in Italy came at a high price for our country.
More than 26,000 Canadians became casualties of war, including nearly 6,000 who died, during the 22 months of the Italian Campaign. The Canadians who died in Italy are buried there or are commemorated on the Cassino Memorial to the missing, in Frosinone, southeast of Rome.
Soldiers from the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and the 1st Canadian Army Tank Brigade who fought in Sicily sacrificed much in their efforts to help bring peace and freedom to people in Europe.
On this 80th anniversary, we remember all those who fought during the Italian Campaign, and the million others who served Canada during the Second World War.
“The Italian Campaign was a long, bitter struggle, and one of Canada’s major military efforts during the Second World War. Right from the time that Canadian troops set foot on the island of Sicily in July 1943, and later on the Italian peninsula, they fought with determination, skill and courage,” said Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay.
“More than 93,000 Canadians fought along with their allies for more than 20 months – suffering more than 26,000 Canadian casualties, including nearly 6,000 who lost their lives. On the 80th anniversary of Operation Husky, we pause to remember and honour them.”
It was tough fighting for Canadian soldiers when they landed on the shorts of Italy eight decades ago. With help from Polish and US Allies, the Canadians were able to defeat the Italians, but then had to deal with German reinforcements sent by Hitler from the north. Defence Minister Anita Anand marked the occasion to remind Canadians about Canada’s involvement of freeing Italians from a fascist leader and fascism after he declared war on Britain and her Allies.
Infantrymen of the Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment advance in a Universal Carrier toward Nissoria, Sicily, in July 1943. Photo Lt Jack H. Smith/DND/Library and Archives Canada/PA-114511
Sherman tanks of the 14th Canadian Army Tank Regiment move along a winding mountain road through Sicily in the early morning of July 28, 1943. Photo DND/Library and Archives Canada/PA-141304
Three members of Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI_ take aim near Valguarnera Caropepe, Sicily, on July 20, 1943, as enemy vehicles burn in the background. Photo Frank Royal/DND/Library and Archives Canada/PA-163670
Near the entrance to the Sicilian town of Agira, Canadian soldiers guard captured German and Italian fighters waiting for transport to a POW camp in July 1943. Photo DND/Library and Archives Canada/183272
