Stalingrad Of The Adriatic: The Sangro (Part 1)
Summary
This episode explores the Allied campaign in Italy, focusing on the "Stalingrad of the Adriatic" and the brutal fight for the Sangro River. Hosts Murray and James discuss the "DUKE" forces, including New Zealand, Canadian, Irish, and Indian troops, as they battle relentless rain and German defenses. The narrative follows the 24th Battalion and 8th Indian Division through the delays of Operation Encroach, highlighting the logistical nightmares and the eventual breakthrough when clear skies allowed overwhelming air and artillery support to crush the weakened 65th Infantry Division.
Topics discussed
Sponsors and introduction to the Italian campaign
Vignette: Corporal Roger Smith in the advance
Defining the 'Duke' acronym and imperial forces
Diverse troops: Irish, Indian, and New Zealand units
Geography: Roads, rivers, and the Bernhard Line
Allied progress and the Foggia Plain objective
Logistical challenges and the Sangro River obstacle
Weather, infrastructure, and pressure for Rome by Christmas
Operation Encroach: The main assault plan
Canadian diversion at Castel di Sangro
New Zealand 24th Battalion movement to start lines
Harry Wilson's diary and the night before the attack
Delays, rain, and Montgomery's 'Colossal Crack' order
Plan A fails due to flooding; Plan B formulated
Sponsors and the German perspective under Kesselring
Artillery limitations and the relentless rain
German reinforcements arrive, negating the surprise
Clear skies allow air power to break the German line
Infantry assaults: Turbot's platoon and Roger Smith's action
Irish Brigade success and the collapse of German infantry
German command reactions and the destruction of the 65th Division
Casualties and the push toward the Moro River
New Zealanders advance through rolling hills and towns
Tank incident in a town and civilian impact
Casalfrentano captured and the next defensive line
Outro and sponsor reads
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