July 1945, Tunisia, Africa
OPERATION HUSKY
Soldiers of the combined forces of the United States.
Soon we will embark on a mission to end all missions. Fortress Europe is about to be breached on what will be the start of a immense campaign to destroy the Kraut war machine and to bring an end to Mussolini's special relationship with Adolf.
Sicily is our first stop in this campaign, our airborne and ground infantry, as well as mechanised units, have been tasked to take territory to the south-western area of the island and remove enemy artillery and ground units.
Our intelligence have allowed the body of a 'British officer' carrying false documents to wash up on Spanish shores and this diversion has worked perfectly. They are now convinced that our invasion is planned for Greek shores and are massing troops in that area of the Mediterranean.
We intend to hit the enemy hard and kick them back to the boot of Italy. Once a foothold in Sicily has been established we will push into the mainland and head for Rome. However we must not underestimate the strength of our adversaries. The Germans are battle hardened troops and are veterans of their African campaign and the Italians will fight hard to protect their land and families.
We will need to put our training into practice, fight hard, with great resolve and organisation. This will not be a battle for lone rangers or blind heroism. We will have the support of our British friends from the 8th Army and 1st Airlanding as well as elements of the Canadian 1st Army to the east, but the battle in the west will be our own.
We will not fail, we will endeavour.
ALL THE WAY!
Major S Badham, 'F' Co, 505th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division.
Gentlemen, the time of action is nearly upon us.
I've just returned from a very pleasant, very informative meeting with Major Chomley-Warner of the 1st Airlanding Division, 2nd Battalion, South Staffordshire Regiment. Boy, if there was ever a definition of Limey, he's it! Remarkable fellow though, who's seen a lot of action and knows his stuff.
I'm confident that we can rely on him and his troops to keep our Eastern flank well protected. However, I know we'll beat them to Etna, in the hour I was there they offered me 6 cups tea, they'll be too busy brewing up, as they call it, to make any ground.
Anyway, back to the point in hand. We've had intel that there is a Panzer unit occupying the island so we're going to have to move quickly to take enough ground to form a defence if they swing our way. At the moment this unit is covering the British sector, so I wouldn't worry too much about it for now. We've also got to be aware of the long range K98 rifle that most of the Krauts tote. There's a lot of open ground on the island so move low and fast and find cover. I'll be using our boys with Garands to return fire over the heads of the rest of us.
Also, I need to inform you all that Sergeant Matt 'Webby' Webb has just received the US Army's first battlefield commission of the ETO and will now be your 2nd Lieutenant. I'm sure we'll all raise our glasses to 2nd Lieutenant Webb in the mess tonight.
This may be the last time I speak to you before jump off time, so I'll wish you all the best and will see you on the field.
Major S Badham, 'F' Co, 505th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division.
Well, here we are and nearing the off.
Our training exercises have been long and arduous, but you've all held up well especially during the live-fire exercises.
Over the next couple of days we're going to be getting used to our final drills for the airborne jump-off. As you know, this is the first time some of our Air Force men have seen action and we want everyone to be drilled fully before the off.
Major Chomley-Warner has helpfully issued us with some copies of the British Army's Guide to Sicily which will no doubt come in useful over the coming weeks. I can't emphasise enough how important communication and close work with the locals will be. Many of them aren't happy with Mussolini's heavy-handed leadership and are keen for change.
I'm really looking forward to working with you men, this will be the great beginning for Allied troops to enter Hitler's so-called Fortress Europe. Once we step on the toe of Italy, it'll be a turkey shoot into Berlin.
All Americans - ALL THE WAY!
Major S Badham, 'F' Co, 505th PIR, 82nd Airborne Division.
major, any more intelligence on the armour support?
None as yet. I'm waiting for final battle orders from headquarters. Our initial work will involve clearing the artillery inland to allow infantry troops to land by sea.
Gentlemen, tonight is your last night on African soil. Tomorrow we'll make the jump into Europe and won't look back.
See you on the airstrip.
