Question: Who were the mountain boys and how did they help in the Italian Campaign?
The date was July 18. Canadian troops marched into Sicily and were met with some of the heaviest resistance of the during the Italian Campaign. There was major casualties on both side with 145 on the allied side and 210 on the axis side. But the Canadians had an advantage that the Germans did not. They had Mountain boys. The first Canadian division nicknamed the “mountain boys” were specially trained soldiers that had adapted to Italy’s mountainous environment. They scaled mountains up to 904 m high with rifles and bren guns in nothing but moonlight and surprised the Germans stationed in Assoro. They climb to the edge of the Village on goat trails inflicting heavy casualties. Despite the Germans uphill advantage the town ultimately fell to the Canadians. Piazza and Valguarnera fell shortly after. The Canadians Lost 438 men over those three towns which was the highest rate of casualties throughout the entire campaign.
The only town left in the area was Agira. But even it could not stand the battle tactics of the Loyal Edmonton Regiment and the Seaforth Highlanders. Well these attacks were taking place the Germans pulled back to Catenanuova and Regalbuto but a surprise attack by the Canadians made short work of them. The final mission for our Canadian troops was capturing Adrano. This prove challenging because of large amounts of German troops, physical barriers, and harsh terrain. This was the most costly battle for the Canadiens because in this 210 km stretch of uninhabitable mountainous area 2310 soldiers suffered casualties. They had to fight from rock to rock, Boulder to Boulder. We ultimately one after the Germans evacuated and Sicily became free of German occupation.
Without the Canadians mountain boys we might not have ever freed Sicily. That is a reality that could’ve changed the entire outcome of the war. That is not a reality that I want to think about. So I think the mountain boys for all they did, and all they die for.
Answer: Heros.
—————————————————————————————————————–
(Also why this is late is because I rewrote it using the literary dictation device so Ms. Willemse can’t say I wouldn’t say this.)