Operation Husky: The Invasion of Sicily
In July 1943, the Allies stormed Sicily in the largest amphibious assault of the war to that point and toppled Mussolini.
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Following victory in North Africa, the Allies launched a massive seaborne and airborne invasion of Sicily. The assault was huge in scale and complex in execution, with airborne drops scattered by high winds.
Allied forces advanced across the island against stiff but ultimately collapsing resistance. The port of Messina fell as the last Axis troops escaped to the mainland.
The disaster in Sicily triggered the collapse of Mussolini's regime and Italy's armistice, drawing Germany deep into a new front.
"The island fell in weeks, and with it the Duce. Hitler's chief ally was broken, and the road to Italy lay open."
The capture of Sicily led directly to the fall of Mussolini and Italy's exit from the war, forcing Germany to occupy the country. It opened the Italian campaign that would consume German divisions for the rest of the conflict.
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The Greatest Amphibious Armada
Husky involved thousands of ships and aircraft. Despite chaotic airborne landings, the beachheads held and expanded faster than planners expected.
The Fall of Il Duce
As Sicily fell, the Italian king and fascists deposed Mussolini. The new government began secret talks to exit the war, though German troops rapidly occupied Italy.
The Italian Quagmire
The invasion opened a campaign up the Italian peninsula that pinned German divisions but cost enormous Allied casualties in mountainous fighting.