On this day during World War II, Allied forces launched the invasion of Sicily–marking the first step toward toppling the Axis’ Fortress Europe. America and the Allies landed on the island’s southern shores with limited opposition, but the fight intensified as they pushed inland. Facing rugged terrain, extreme heat, and stiff German resistance, the campaign tested Allied coordination and determination. After more than 30 days of combat, Sicily fell–paving the way for the invasion of mainland Ita

The Allied invasion of Sicily was a huge success, other than the successful withdrawal of 120,000 Axis troops to mainland Italy. Their escape would haunt the Allies in battles to come. Our YouTube series on the Italian Campaign is sponsored by Company of Heroes 3: https://bit.ly/421Lk6p | Imperial War Museum London

British troops re-enact an incident on 14 July 1943 that led to the capture of Francofonte in Sicily. You can watch our full documentary on the Italian Campaign here: https://bit.ly/4iXJkpf Film: IWM AYY 512/1/4 | Imperial War Museum London

The 51st (Highland) Division travels to Sicily at the start of Operation Husky, 9 July 1943, landing near Avola in the island's southeast. Learn more about the Allied invasion here: https://bit.ly/48028iW Film: IWM AYY 496/1 | Imperial War Museum London