440523_01: Operation Buffalo - PzC 13 Salerno '43

Anzio, May 23rd 1944: The siege of Anzio lasted 125 days and long nights, it was like being in a POW camp of your own making. Two nights before the operation was to begin, the engineers had begun to prepare paths through the German minefields, working at night and returning to their own lines through the day. At H-hour they were already in the minefields clearing the way. The build up for the offensive was done with great care, lest the enemy observe anything unusual and launch a spoiling attack. "Operation Buffalo" was to be led by the US 1st Armored and 3rd Infantry Divisions aimed straight at Cisterna, the swift capture of which was the key to the success of the operation. The next major objectives were Velletri and Valmontone, then both highway and railroad links to the south would have been cut. The left flank was to be protected by the British while the Special Services Force would screen the right. The infantry from the 34th Infantry Div were to be interspersed to help protect 1st Arm'ds' tanks. But there was still nagging doubts about the plan, would it end up in disaster again, just as the German's big offensive had done a few months before? Then when all seemed to be going well, Gen Clark ordered the attack to swing to the north west right into the teeth of the German defenses. [Size, large]