May 1944

Italy

In the US 5th Army area, the VI Corps boundary is altered to give the Factory to the British. Upon completing extensive regrouping and a preparatory bombardment, the VI Corps renews its attack at 1100. On the left flank, the 45th and 34th Divisions, pushing toward the line Campoleone Station-Lanuvio, make average gains of about 1-1/2 miles despite considerable opposition. The 1st Armored Division tries in vain to reach Velletri over terrain unsuitable for armor. After nightfall, the 1st Armored withdraws to the reserve turning over its sector to the 36th Division. The 143rd Infantry, 36th Division, and its reconnaissance elements bridge the broad gap between the 34th and 3rd Divisions and apply limited pressure toward Velletri. The 3rd Division, assisted by Task Force Howze of the 1st Armored Division, on the left, and the 1st SSF, on the right, drives northward on the right flank of the corps to positions south and west of Artena. TF Howze then cuts the Velletri-Valmontone road in a drive toward Highway 6.

In the II Corps area, the 339th Infantry, 85th Division, consolidates its positions west of Priverno. The 88th Division's 350th and 349th Regiments advance from the Roccasecca area across Amaseno Valley, beginning at 2300.

In the FEC area, the Moroccan 2nd Division overruns Pastena and advances into the hills east of Castro dei Volsei, pinching out the Algerian 3rd Division. Falvaterra falls to the Algerian 3rd Division.

The British 8th Army issues orders for regrouping while pursuing the retreating Germans. The Canadian I Corps reaches the Liri, where the bridges are down. Patrols find Ceprano clear of the enemy. In the XIII Corps area, the 6th Armored Division, driving on Arce, is checked by delaying opposition at the Providero Defile. The Indian 8th Division takes Roccasecca. Later it attempts to outflank Arce in support of the 6th Armored Division. The Polish II Corps is being pinched out by the XIII Corps on its left and the X Corps on the right and loses contact with the enemy. The X Corps begins pursuit, with the New Zealand 2nd Division taking the axis San Biagio-Atina-Sora and the Italian Liberation Corps directed along Highway 83 toward Monte Cavallo.