Sicily
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| Map of Sicily |
Introduction Sicily Campaign
The campaign in Sicily was called Op Husky. In January 1943, Winston Churchill and the American President Franklin D. Roosevelt met with their senior military advisers at Casablanca, Morocco, to devise a military strategy for the coming year. With the North African campaign moving toward a successful conclusion, the leaders of the two nations debated where to launch their next blow. After several days of negotiations, they agreed to make Sicily their next target.
The original Allied plan was to launch two widely separate landings in the north-west and south east of the island. General Montgomery objected on the grounds that this approach violated the principle of a combined and closely coordinated force. After much discussion, the plan was changed with the British 8th Army landing on the south east of the island and the US 7th Army landing on the south.
Preparation for Op Huskey
As the North Africa campaign was coming to an end the location for further operations remained a closely guarded secret. The Divison crossed to Malta on the 5/6 July.
The Landing
The Division formed part of 30 Corps and landed at the southeast tip of the island near Pachino. They landed on 10 July and were largely unopposed and pressed in land to secure the bridgehead.
Vizzini and Francofonte
On 13 July the Division was south of Vizzini and Francofonte. After an initial failure by other forces on Vizzini, the 51st Highland Division were ordered to take over the assault. This was successfully achieved on 14 July. At the same time they met determined defence at Francofonte and this position was also taken after fierce action.
Gerbini
The Division now continued the advance and on the night of 19 July they pushed forward towards Gerbini. The initial attack was unsuccessful and a further attack was mounted on the night of 20 July but this was also rebuffed with heavy losses. Montgomery now decided that there was no point in pressing on in this sector and ordered them to pull back.
Sferro
Between 31 July and 1 August the Division mounted a Divisional assault on Sferro hills. The position was taken but in order to press forward the 78th Division was moved up to take the lead.
The Division After Sferro
Pushing their way northward, the Division encountered only minor skirmishes. With their help, the Americans and Canadians were able to advance on Messina.
General Wimberley's Departure
With the Americans taking over for the final push on Messina, the Division awaited leave of duty. General Wimberley was called away on urgent business in Britain.
Sicily and Departure
After General Wimberley's departure the division spent a further three months in Sicily. The division was back in Britain before Christmas.