Anzio

The Second World War

Date

22 January to 22 May 1944

Geographical parameters

(no geographical parameters defined)

Context

A battle honour incorporating the actions “Campoleone” and “Carroceto” and the engagement “Aprilia” and itself forming part of the “Italy, 1943-45” theatre honour ^{Footnote 1}

Description

The 1st Canadian Special Service Battalion was the Canadian component of a joint Canadian-American organization called the First Special Service Force. Organized as part of the United States Army, and using American equipment, the Force, as it was known, comprised three regiments each of two battalions plus a Service Battalion or echelon. Canadians commanded five of the six battalions and made up roughly one third of the unit’s strength. After six weeks of arduous service in the Italian mountains, the Force was deployed into the Anzio bridgehead, southwest of Rome.

On 1 February 1944 the Force was landed at Anzio where it took over roughly a quarter of the defensive perimeter, a front that extended about seven miles. This was held for 14 weeks until the Force was pulled back into the centre of the bridgehead to prepare for the breakout battle in May that would eventually lead to the fall of Rome.

Awarded to:

Currently Serving Unit

• Canadian Special Operations Regiment ^{Footnote 2}