Italian campaign timeline

Timeline

A brief outline of the key events of the Italian Campaign, particularly focusing on the involvement of New Zealand.

13 January: Decision made to move NZ troops from Orsogna across the Italian peninsula to Cassino
17 January:
- US 5 Army offensive along the Gustav line begins. 2 NZ Division assembling in army's rear.
- First attack towards Cassino.
22 January: Allied landing at Anzio, behind the German lines at Cassino
3 February: First counter attack by Germans at Anzio
15 - 18 February: Allies bomb the monastery at Monte Cassino
16 February: Second German attack at Anzio
17 February: 28 Maori Battalion crosses the Rapido River south of Cassino and captures railway station. Forced to withdraw the following day as Germans counter attack.
15 March: NZ Corps begins the assault on Cassino town after further Allied bombing. Assault continues until 23 March when they withdraw.
11 - 12 May: Allied forces open new offensive against Gustav line in Italy
15 May: Germans in Italy withdraw to the Adolf Hitler Line
18 May: Polish troops capture Cassino
5 June: Allies enter Rome
17 July: Allies cross the Arno river in Italy
4 August: Allied forces advance into Florence
22 August: Germans retreat to the Gothic Line in Italy
31 August: Eighth Army attacks the Gothic Line
2 September: Eighth Army breaks the Gothic Line. US troops capture Pisa
4 December: Eighth Army enters Ravenna, Italy