Fifth Army Anzio Combat Report Italian Campaign (1944)

Synopsis

This film from WWII details the Fifth Army and its assault on Anzio in late January, 1944, with hopes of reaching Rome. The Battle of Anzio took place from January 22 (beginning with the Allied amphibious landing known as Operation Shingle) to June 5 (ending with the capture of Rome). The operation was opposed by German forces in the area of Anzio and Nettuno. The operation was initially commanded by Major General John P. Lucas, of the U.S. Army, commanding U.S. VI Corps with the intention being to outflank German forces at the Winter Line and enable an attack on Rome. At mark 0:46, the Fifth Army is seen advancing with tanks and other armor as well as jeeps and trucks. They took this place by under the command of General Mark Clark saying. Not one foot of ground will be given up." At mark 1:32, soldiers are given a welcome by Italian civilians. At mark 1:59, material of every description including gasoline, guns, ammunition, medical supply, are shown moving to supply the advancing Fifth. A city once full of life and hope now smashed into waste by the Germans is seen at mark 2:35. People begging for clothes, water, food as seen at mark 2:55. The objective is to take Rome with the smallest loss of life. The philosophy of this Italian campaign is explained at mark 3:20. At mark 3:47, the Fifth Army is moving up. Yankee-built bulldozers are seen at mark 4:00 clearing up the streets, blowing up towers so that supplies may come through. They clear the streets so that the tools…

Uploader's description on archive.org

Details

Running time

11 minutes

Collection

Ephemeral Films

Subjects on the Internet Archive

• Stock Footage