An Indian soldier with a pack mule on the main street of Torine di Sangro, Italy, 1943

Photograph, World War Two, Italy (1943-1945), 1943.

The German defensive positions north of the River Sangro in Italy formed part of the 'Gustav' defensive line with which they intended to defend Rome from the Allies during the winter of 1943-1944. On 20 November 8th Indian Division operating alongside the British 78th Division as part of V Corps was tasked with breaking this position by advancing along the Adriatic coast. Despite a determined effort, the attack was greatly hampered by atrocious weather and narrow axes of advance. However, a break in the weather at the end of the month enabled the Allies to utilise their superiority in tanks and air power and they eventually succeeded in capturing their immediate objectives. Despite this the delays that attended the early stage of the attack had enabled the Germans to withdraw, regroup and form new defensive positions. This type of grinding warfare was to characterise much of the remainder of the Italian Campaign.

From a collection of British official war photographs relating to the 78th Division.