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The Bombing and Battle of Naples
The Bombing and Battle of Naples
Sept. 9 1943 - Jan. 21 1944
Sept. 9 1943 - Jan. 21 1944
Goal of battle:
Liberate city of Naples from German occupation.
The allied strategy was to bomb the city and weaken the German forces before sending troops. Air strikes with incendiary bombs were aimed at specific targets. Although later on it went on to destroy the whole city.
The battle was a difficult one to fight for the allied because the conditions were terrible. As shown in the following photo a truck gets stuck in the mud.
The city had not been well prepared and there were weak anti-aircraft defences. The bombings were an act of total war and bombing became a sport for American pilots.
The constant bombing of the city left the houses and buildings in ruin. As shown in the following city.
The civilian causuilties of the battle was around 20,000 people. And over 10,000 homes were destroyed.
Foggia
Goal: To prevent use of the airfield and transportation networks in Foggia.
Small Infantry units pushed northward operating with no artillery or armored support. They were able to push through over 60 miles of mountains and valleys with only light enemy resistance. Once at the city the allies bombed it on 9 different occasions. With over 9000 casualties due to the bombing. Winston Churchill had said "Foggia had been conventrated." Which shows the success of the raid. The destruction of the city in shown in the following photos.
http://www.reddog1944.com/Missions_Targets_Combat_Action_files/image081.gif
Naples-Foggia total Allie casualties: Approximately 12,500
Foggia civilian causuilties Like Naples was around 20,000
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