440122_01: Operation Shingle - The Anzio Invasion - PzC 13 Salerno '43

Anzio, January 22nd 1944:The Allies planned an amphibious landing at Anzio, codenamed "Operation Shingle", to bypass the strong German defenses on the Gustav Line, particularly around Monte Cassino. The US VI Corps, with just two divisions, was expected to secure the beachhead, then advance inland to cut two main highways and railroads supplying the German forces to the south. If successful, this would lead to a German withdrawal, which would open the road to Rome. That was the plan. Unfortunately, uncertain leadership at the highest levels and the lack of an adequately sized force doomed this mission to failure. Instead, after a completely surprise landing with extremely light casualties, inaction led to the Germans being able to bring in enough troops to ring the area with steel. It then became a meat grinder as both sides were mired in mud from the winter rains, and casualties began mounting, with both sides suffering tremendous losses before the actual breakout five months later. [Size, large] Designer Note: Allied players should be aware that German forces build up strength in a timely fashion. [NOTE: This scenario covers the initial landing of "Shingle" up to Feb 15th 1944. The breakout, "Operation Buffalo", is covered in a later scenario.]