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First Canadian Infantry Division - Italy

© Carl Johnson

1st Canadian Infantry Division

The 1st Canadian Infantry Division although having been sent to England from Halifax, Nova Scotia  in 1939 wasn't thrust into the war until three years later when it arrived in Sicily as part of the British Eighth Army. In England it's primary function was being shifted back and forth around the country to provide proof to the Germans that England was able to defend itself from invasion. After weeks of fairly easy fighting made more difficult by the terrain the 1st Infantry Division and the Allies arrived on the beaches of Italy. 

The First Canadian Infantry Division was instrumental in the advancement of allied troops when they were stalled before the town of Ortona. The town tho of little military importance was the focus of the Canadians drive from the Moro River to the  Riccio River along the eastern coast of Italy. 

The British Eighth Army commander in his failed attempt to capture Rome decided to bleed the German Army of men and supplies by thrusting the Canadian First Infantry Division and the Canadian First Armoured Regiment at them along the east coast corridor. The fighting was fierce, the terrain and weather horrendous. 

Although many blunders were made, the Canadian soldiers acted with bravery and distinction. In hindsight military statisticians have determined that the direct assault made by the British and Canadian commanders should not have been attempted, but that an indirect and flanking move would have proved faster and more effective, and would have cost less lives.  The opposing force were made up of some of Germany's best fighting men and equipment. The main obstacle to the taking of Ortona was a small spot on a military map designated the 'Gully' (a long depression running along the south of Ortona). The Germans entrenched along this depression fought for days against the attacks of the Canadians. The Canadians using infantry, tanks and artillery were for a long time unable to wrest this objective from the Germans and lost many brave men to the Germans guns.

December 28, 1943 saw the defeat of the defenders of Ortona, but not until after the fall of 2,339 dead and wounded Canadian soldiers. This action totally decimated the Canadian Division and resulted in it's inability to conduct any further actions until re-outfitted and staffed.

The Canadians were, at the end of hostilities in Italy, sent to bolster the forces fighting in the Netherlands, Belgium and Holland. Here they fought until the end of the war.

Lest We Forget

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