Operation Husky Battlefield Tour Sicily
The invasion of Sicily began on the 10th July 1943; by the 17th August it was all over. In just six weeks the Allies had a firm foothold in Europe, which would pave the way for the invasion of Italy. Famous names like the “Big Red One” and “Darby’s Rangers” would storm ashore and then find themselves on narrow winding roads and high peaks fighting a very determined enemy. Day 1 Arrive Palermo airport. Transfer to our hotel. Dinner at local restaurant. (B D) Day 2 After breakfast check out and drive to Agrigento to visit the Valley of the Temples. Onto Licata to examine the landing beaches where Audie Murphy landed and bridgehead of the 3rd US Infantry Division and the battle of the 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 82nd Airborne Division, making their first combat drop. En-route to Gela we shall stop at the 3rd US Division Memorial and the Lt David Waybur Medal of Honor site. Over-night in Gela. Our hotel is situated on the site of the German counter attack of July 11, 1943 and just a short distance from where Luz Long a 1936 German Olympian and friend of Jesse Owens was killed. (B D)
Day 3 After breakfast at hotel, check out and head for the U.S. landing beaches at Gela where Darby’s Rangers stormed ashore to capture the Gela Mound and fight off the German counter-attack which was delivered on 11th July 1943. Then onto the Scoglitti landing beaches of the 45th US Division, via Ponte Drillo, the scene of the dramatic and costly action by US paratroopers. Follow the exploits of the US 45th Infantry Division who were operating on the right of the 1st US Division. The 45th would capture the airfield at Comiso and enter Ragusa to link with Canadian forces. Overnight at Syracuse (B D) Day 4 After breakfast at hotel, check out and drive to Catania via No3 Commando Bridge and Primosole Bridge, scene of the action involving British Commando and Paratroopers and the Durham Light Infantry. Free afternoon in the centre of Catania or visit to the excellent Catania war museum. Overnight at Catania (B D) Day 5 After breakfast at hotel, check out for our day in the mountains with the drive to lofty town of Centuripe captured by the 38th Irish Brigade, Gagliano and the site of Sgt Gerry Kisters Medal of Honor action, Nicosia, the site of Patton’s first slapping incident, Mount Basillio where Pte James Reese was awarded a Posthumous Medal of Honour for his bravery, and Troina, scene of severe fighting and the US “Big Red One” hardest day on Sicily. En-route we visit the Agira Canadian War Cemetery. Over-night at Centuripe. (B D) Day 6 After breakfast, check out and drive to the north coast and along the US route to Messina, the target of both Patton and Montgomery, which was finally reached on the night of August 16, 1943 when leading elements of the 3rd US Division entered the city. Visit the San Fratello Ridge and Brolo, and the Naso Ridge the scene of two amphibious landings. Before reaching Messina we shall cross the “bridge in the sky”. (B D)
Day 7 Check out of hotel and transfer to Catania airport for those ending their journey today. (B)
Date of Tour 8 th – 14 th July Price of Tour TBC Single supplement TBC Included in the price: Transportation to and from the airports. All hotels. All meals as per itinerary. All land transport. 1 bottle of water per day. Battlefield Guide – Steve Hamilton Battlefield Booklet