July 1943

Sicily

In the early morning the Canadian Malta Brigade storms the ridge overlooking Regalbuto. The Germans are ready with a spirited counterattack spearheaded by a paratrooper company. The Canadians hold their positions and try to dislodge the Germans from theirs on the eastern slope of the ridge. The German paratroopers withdraw into the town and prepare to defend it house to house.

Hoping the Germans were a little disorganized, Gen Evelegh's 78th Division attacks a day earlier that the original plan of the night of August 1. The lead brigade only gains ground a little at a time due to well-placed maching guns and mortars. The defenders now are the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Parachute Regiment, and elements of the 2nd Battalion and a battery and an anti-tank unit from the Hermann Göring Division. Although the Germans have no more reserves, they can still delay Monty's drive but they can not stop it. On Evelegh's right flank is the 51st Highlander Division which attacks 2 brigades abreast supported by the 50th Royal Tank Regiment in support. Here they are opposed by part of Group Schmalz, 1st Battalion, 2nd Hermann Göring Panzer Grenadier Regiment, reinforced by a dozen PzKw IV tanks. The attack begins at 11:30am with an artillery barrage, a pattern the Germans are used to. They get as many under cover as possible until the barrage stops at which time they man their defensive positions. The British advance continues stubbornly resisted by the Germans and hindered by minefields.

In the 7th Army area, Gen Patton issues a directive for major attack eastward toward Messina, beginning August 1. The II Corps, which is to contain 1st, 3rd, and 9th Divisions, and supporting units, will make main effort along Highways 113 and 120 from line San Stefano-Mistretta-Nicosia. The Provisional Corps is to organize the western part of Sicily and protect the rear of the II Corps and be prepared to furnish reinforcements to the II Corps. Aircraft and naval Task Force 88 are to support offensive.

The 45th Division occupies the town of San Stefano and are relieved by Gen Truscott's 3rd Infantry Division, having rested near Palermo for a week.

The 1st Infantry Division attacks Cerami and takes the town by 9:00am. The 39th Infantry Regiment, attached to the 1st from the 9th, attacks toward Troina, and the Germans stop them cold west of the town. The German strength has been underestimated and 5 US infantry regiments will be committed to the fight before the town is taken. The 129th Panzer Grenadier Regiment (Fullriede) is posted on the heights northeast of the town and the 104th Panzer Grenadier Regiment to the southeast.