August 1943

Sicily

Units of the British 5th Division enter Catania after Gen Hube had ordered Conrath and Schmalz to evacuate the town to prepared postions around Acireale, covered by the Col Koerner's 115th Panzer Grenadier Regiment. The British 5th also takes Paterno. Adrano falls to the 78th Division as the enemy pulls out during the night.

The 16 RCT of the 1st Infantry Division enters Troina, but can advance little farther because of the stubborn rear guards of the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division which holds them up short of the key road junction of Randazzo, using minefields, artillery concentrations, and demolitions. Bradley and Patton are concerned with Allen's conduct of operations and it is decided to relieve him of his command. Both Allen and his Assistant Division Commander Brig-Gen Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. are replaced. Maj-Gen Clarence R. Huebner takes Allen's place as Division CO. Maj-Gen Eddy's 9th Infantry Division replaces the 1st Division in the line and prepares for its own battle against survivors of the 15th Panzer Grenadier Division. The 60th RCT, 9th Division, takes tje heights 7 miles north of Troina. The 9th Division is reinforced by the 91st Recon Squadron and the 4th Tabor of Goums.

Truscott launches a series of uncoordinated piecemeal attacks against the Germans in the Battle of San Fratello. The Germans easily repulse each one. After consulting with Patton and Bradley, Truscott plans an amphibious assault for the next day. Late afternoon sees a small attack by Luftwaffe which damages one of the LSTs to be used in the assault.