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4 unusual facts about Bernhardt Line


Bernhardt Line

A further brigade supported by two Commando battalions landed from the sea north of the river at Termoli, and a fiercely contested battle ensued which had hung in the balance when temporary river crossings had been washed away after heavy rains and prevented Allied armour from moving forward.

On the Adriatic front he could advance to Pescara and then use Route 5 (the old Roman Via Valeria) which traversed the country to Rome on the other coast.

Meanwhile, inland of V Corps, Orsogna had suffered three successive assaults but XIII Corps spearheaded by 2nd New Zealand Division could not get past the defending 26th Panzer Division.

As the New Year approached, it became clear that with no prospect of better weather until the spring, Eighth Army did not have the strength to force its way to Pescara.


4th New Zealand Armoured Brigade

The Brigade arrived in Italy on 5 October 1943, landing at Taranto and were involved in the first actions to break through the Bernhardt Line on the Sangro front.


see also