Nicosia (operation)

Nicosia (operation) is an Operation in .

Overview
American and British make progress north and west in Sicily as German and Italian forces contract northeast toward Messina. Meanwhile, a mix of Italian troops defend the road to Nicosia against the US 1st Division s assault while the 15th Panzergrenadier Division prepares to defend against a deeper incursion.

Allies
The Allies are moving through Sicily. Palermo is about to fall to Patton and there is the sense that organized Italian resistance is on the wane in Sicily. It is, however, a much different story with the Germans. Operation HUSKY and the invasion of Sicily was intended to hold up German forces and precipitate Italy dropping out of the war. That has yet to happen, and the hilly, rugged terrain leading to Nicosia will be a dangerous game for Bradley s II Corps. The fight ahead may or may not lure the German 15th Panzergrenadier Division back into action. Much depends on how hard the Italians fight, and how quickly II Corps drives north and cuts off western and eastern Sicily.

Axis
Sicily is being overrun by Allied forces, especially by the Americans in the western half. Few Italian and German forces remain near the line, as the bulk of troops pull back t the northeast within reach of Messina. The 15th Panzergrenadier Division has been hobbled by air attack and is withdrawing but remains vigilant against rapid gains to the northeast. Remaining Italian troops from the 28th Aosta Division will fight rearguard actions in order to slow, delay, or stop the American advance.

Battles

 * Enna: American infantry move north from Enna to clear the area and ultimately make a drive to the north Sicilian coast. Scattered Italian resistance and supporting assault guns offer to spoil American intentions.
 * Petralia: Italian defenders continue to fight a delaying battle in the Sicilian badlands where endless hills and winding roads make offensive progress difficult.
 * Gangi: A company of American infantry engages in a firefight with Italian infantry digging in their heels against the intractable American advance toward Nicosia.
 * Nicosia: The US II Corps pivots to the east, with the 1st Division driving along the winding Highway 120 through the hills toward Troina. Elements of the German 15th Panzergrenadier Division take over for the depleted Italian blocking force, determined to halt the American advance.