Troina (operation)

Troina (operation) is an Operation in .

Overview
Occupying a key position in the Etna line, Troina and its neighboring hills and ridges offer a defender s paradise. Commanding views, long fields of fire, and convenient routes of withdrawal were what the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division needed to buy time for the ultimate German withdrawal to the Italian mainland. II Corps job, including two regiments from the 1st Infantry Division, is to roll up German resistance, capture Troina, and unhinge the door through the Etna line.

Allies
Palermo has fallen and the Italians are no longer able to sustain defensive action in Sicily. Mussolini was deposed on July 25, and Italy cannot remain engaged in the war much longer. The Germans are tired, running short on ammunition and intelligence suggests that Troina and its hilly approaches may be lightly held as the German continue to fall back toward Messina. The end for Sicily must be near, and Troina could fall just as quickly as the numerous hilltop Sicilian towns before it. This engagement may be be the 1st Division s final act in Sicily, and efficiently taking Troina and its defensive approaches could bring the warm glow of victory and well-deserved break from the fighting.

Axis
The German and Italian situation in Sicily is getting complicated as no one wishes to be trapped outside of Messina, the point of easy escape to the mainland. The key to holding on to Sicily and ultimately allowing an orderly withdrawal to the mainland is the Etna line, a bulwark of natural, defensive hilltop towns. The most important piece in the Etna line is Troina. This prominent village stronghold, occupied and fortified by the 15th Panzergrenadier Division, afforded commanding views to direct artillery and mutually supporting occupied ridgelines.

Battles

 * Hill 1034: Hill 1034 offers a view into Troina and the German artillery positions beyond. One of the several towers  supporting the fortress that is Troina, Hill 1034 has become an important location for II Corps to capture and hold against the inevitable German counterattack.
 * Hill 1006: Hill 1006 is another key point in the defense of Troina. 1st Division infantry with little support is tasked with taking the hill and surrounding ground. Panzergrenadiers and their supporting artillery have other designs.
 * Troina: After a difficult time taking the surrounding hills and ridges, II Corps is finally in a position to dislodge the remaining elements of the 15th Panzergrenadier Division from their fortress hilltop.
 * Normandy: The greatest effort of the Allied war effort has begun the invasion of Normandy and the return of Allied armies to mainland Europe. After success in Sicily, the 1st Infantry Division is again chosen to lead the assault. This time, the Germans have had ample time to prepare defenses and make plans and their forces are expected to fight with boundless resolve. Normandy will be the crucible of victory in Western Europe. Every inch of battlefield and each tactical decision will determine who emerges triumphant.