Hitler line

With the difference of Ortona, Rome has a very great moral and political importance. Consequently, to take it more effect on the rest of the world will have than any victory gained up to that point by the allied Forces. Also, to preserve Rome, the German commander prepared what perhaps constitutes its more solid defensive position in all Italy. One builds two lines of fortifications: the lines Gustav and Hitler, across the deep throat located between the mounts Matese and Aurunci.

After the catch of the Line Gustave at the time of the Battle of the mount Cassin, on May 23rd, the attack is started. The troops frayent a way through dust, smoke and the morning fog. Shaken by waves of artillery shooting, mortars and of portable weapons, the battalions of the 2nd Brigade reach the enemy line, make a breach there, then cling with eagerness and valiancy to the positions which they gained. On the left, Carleton and York Regiment, 3rd Brigade, does one perforated in the line and, with the support of West Nova Scotia Regiment and the tanks of the Regiment of Three-Rivers, opens the passage. Meanwhile, the 1st Brigade drives out the enemy of Pontecorvo. At this moment, the Germans always hold Aquino on the side; but at the dawn of May 24th, the tanks of the 5th armor-plated Division can cross the open breaches in the Hitler line in order to benefit from the situation beyond the face. The Canadians have some difficulties with the Melfa river, where major J.K. Mahoney of Westminster Regiment gains the Cross of Victoria. But, once this river crossed, the true combat for the valley of Liri is finished and the operation is transformed into continuation.

May 31st, Honest Edmonton Regiment occupies Frosinone and the countryside ends. The Canadian Army corps is withdrawn from the operations and, on June 4th, the Americans enter Rome. The Canadian troops, which however took share with the bloody battles of the Cassin mount and the valley of Liri, are seen refusing the honor to ravel in the streets of the Eternal City, contrary to many other Canadians being useful within the canado-American Force of special service.

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