Anzio Nettuno 1944

The Allied amphibious operation at Anzio in 1944 was opposed by German forces, but the operation was not a German success. The battle lasted over six weeks, with mistakes made by leadership on both sides. The Allies applied lessons from this battle to facilitate the success of Overlord, launched five months later.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2023
Publisher: Casemate Publishers

The Allied amphibious operation, code-named Shingle, was launched in late January 1944, facing opposition from German forces in the Anzio and Nettuno areas. Achieving success hinged on the element of surprise and the swiftness with which the invaders could gather strength and advance inland. General Mark Clark, the commander of the US Fifth Army, grasped this concept, but his subordinate commanders needed further clarification.

This German account specifically highlights the landing at Anzio, as it was the sole operation that failed to break the German defense and achieve operational freedom of movement. The battle raged for over six weeks, with leadership errors on both sides leading to significant sacrifices from soldiers on both sides. Although the operation did not result in a German victory, their efforts to prevent the establishment of a strong bridgehead also proved unsuccessful. Ultimately, the Allies would conquer Rome, drawing valuable lessons from Operation Shingle that would contribute to the success of Overlord, launched five months later.

While this account is not comprehensive, as the author lacked access to some of the war diaries of higher-level German command, it remains one of the most insightful German accounts of Operation Shingle. For the first time, it is translated into English to provide a broader understanding of this pivotal chapter in World War II.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 159 x 246 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781636241913