Allied Invasion Of Italy Collection

Naples in Southern Italy, with its open shops displaying gloves, handbags, silk stockings and artificial silk underclothes

The ground staff of an RAF advanced Spitfire squadron In Italy organised a concert for their fellow airmen. Picture shows: A group of the concert party

When the airfield at Monte Corvino, near Salerno in Southern Italy was occupied by the Allies, RAF Servicing Commandos, who had gone in with the early landing parties

RAF Balloon Barrage men were among the first Allied troops to land on the beaches at Salerno, Southern Italy

The Royal Air Force Air Transport service follows closely the advance of the Allied Forces, even to airfield operating within sounds of gunfire

Crews and pilots of RAF Wellington bombers and USaF. Flying Fortresses are working in close co-operation

Among the enemy aircraft brought down during an early morning raid son the much bombed harbour of Naples, Southern Italy was a JU 88 bomber plane of the German Luftwaffe

Australian airman Warrant Officer Holden of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, pilot of the Australian Air Force landed his spitfire plane safely back at base in southern Italy

RAF Regiment Corporal L Ratchford of Piercebridge near Darlington manning his Browning Machine Guns on a roof top in Naples shortly after downing a German JU88 which had attempted to bomb the citys

The Desert Air Force, an Allied tactical air force created from No. 204 Group RAF to provide close air support to the British Eighth Army. Squadron Leader Reverend T

The American Piper L-4 Grasshoppet, nicknamed as "Cardboard Annie
The American Piper L-4 Grasshoppet, nicknamed as " Cardboard Annie, Maytag Messerschmitt and Division Bomber"

RAF ground crew clear up wreckage inside a bomb shattered hangar at an airport near Salerno in Southern Italy, shortly after its capture from the Germans following the successful landings

Allied Forces of the British Eighth Army capture the great Italian naval base of Taranto following the successful landings in Southern Italy

As the 5th and Allied armies press forward in Italy following the successful landings in early September, the RAF Regiment is occupying airfields

As the American 5th Army and British 8th Armiy of the Allied Forces press forward in Italy following the successful landings in September

Allied Forces capture an enemy aerodrome during the ongoing battle around the Salerno area of Southern Italy following the successful landings

Ground forces of an American fighter squadron move their gear into an Italian airfield around the Salerno area of Southern Italy shortly after its capture from the Germans following the successful

RAF Balloon Barrage men were among the first Allied troops to land on the beaches at Salerno, Southern Italy

The Italian campaign of World War II consisted of Allied and Axis operations in and around Italy, from 1943 to 1945

RAF Baltimores of the Tactical Bomber Force in operation over the Sangro river battle area in Eastern Central Italy

Allied soldiers of four different nations searching through the town of Littoria in Italy in the hunt for any stray German soldiers after the Fifth Army beachhead troops joined up with the main 5th

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The Allied invasion of Italy was a monumental operation that saw the combined forces of various nations come together to liberate the Italian peninsula from Axis control. Among the first troops to land on the beaches were RAF Balloon Barrage men, who played a crucial role in providing aerial defense against enemy aircraft. As the invasion progressed, the Royal Air Force Air Transport service closely followed the advance of Allied troops, ensuring that supplies and reinforcements reached them without delay. The crews and pilots of RAF Wellington bombers and USaF Flying Fortresses worked tirelessly in coordination, delivering devastating blows to enemy targets and supporting ground forces. In Naples, Southern Italy, life began to return to normalcy as open shops displayed gloves and handbags once again. However, this did not deter the relentless efforts of Allied aircrews who brought down numerous enemy aircraft during daring raids. Among these brave individuals was Australian airman Warrant Officer Holden from Melbourne. His courage exemplified the spirit of international cooperation driving this campaign for freedom. Even amidst war-torn landscapes, moments of respite emerged. The ground staff of an RAF advanced Spitfire squadron organized a concert in Italy, showcasing their talents and boosting morale among weary soldiers. Every inch gained came at a cost; therefore, it was imperative for dedicated individuals like RAF Regiment Corporal L Ratchford from Piercebridge near Darlington to man his Browning machine gun with unwavering determination. The Desert Air Force played a pivotal role in this campaign as an Allied tactical air force created from No 8 (RAF) Group under General Montgomery's command. Their expertise proved invaluable in securing victory on multiple fronts throughout Italy. One iconic aircraft that became synonymous with this operation was the American Piper L-4 Grasshopper nicknamed "Cardboard Annie. " Its versatility allowed it to perform essential reconnaissance missions while providing vital communication between ground units and headquarters. Amidst all triumphs were reminders of destruction left behind by the enemy.