July 1943

Sicily

The port of Palermo is opened to shipping, although somewhat limited.

The 45th Division's 180th RCT 1reaches Tusa, a few miles west of San Stefano, and elements cross the Tusa River but are driven back. The 179th RCT reaches San Mauro.

The 16th RCT is stopped cold south of Highway 120 and the 26th is pinned down by German counterattacks, but the 18th Infantry on the northern flank makes considerable progress against Col Fullriede's weak right flank, which consists mostly of units of the Aosta Division. By nightfall the 18th, helped by the Goumiers, have captured Monte Sambughetti, about 2 miles west of Highway 117, the San Stefano-Nicosia Road. During the evening Gen Allen's men probe the German center with the light tanks of the 70th Tank Battalion plus elements of the 753rd Medium Tank Battalion. 3 tanks are knocked out, but convinces Gen Hube that Nicosia could not be held any longer. This action plus US Naval activity helps Hube determine that he needs to consolidate his defensive positions and prepare for the island's evacuation. At 9:00pm Hube orders Gen Rodt to abandon Nicosia. Col Fullriede also withdraws this night without informing the Italians on his right. When it is learned the Germans are withdrawing, the Aosta Division does the same.

The 1st Canadian Division is ordered to take Agira and Regalbuto before the main advance against Adrano begins. Agira is defended by Col Ens's 104th Panzer Grenadier Regiment. The Canadians are originally pushed back before the Germans are pushed back by the Canadians supported by 7 artillery regiments and Kittyhawk fighter-bombers.