`ADVANCE ON ROME` 5TH ARMY , 1944 (RESTRICTED & NUMBERED}

Printed in Italy in 1944, original, contains 44 pages with many photos and several multi-colour fold out maps. Restricted circulation with units involved in the actions between May 11 - June 9 receiving numbered copies. 24.5 cms X 33 cms, condition: very good..

This copy has no number provided..

ALSO INCL. LETTER ADDRESSED TO COMMANDING OFFICER, 46TH SURVEY COMPANY, SOUTH AFRICAN ENGINEERING CORPS. 

On 9 September 1943, Fifth Army landed an invasion force on a 20-mile stretch of beach south of Salerno, Italy, becoming the first American force to invade mainland Europe. At the time of the invasion, Fifth Army included the British X Corps, and the U.S. 36th, 45th and 82nd Divisions. The 6th South African Armoured Division was assigned to their new Corps in the U.S. Fifth Army .

The US commander, General Mark Clark was heavily criticized for ignoring the orders of his superior officer, General Sir Harold Alexander, commanding the Allied Armies in Italy (AAI), for allowing the German 10th Army to slip away, in his drive to take Rome, the capital of Italy but also not strategically important.

Also see

https://www.bobshop.co.za/6-sa-armour-division-monza-victory-parade-1945-15-original-photographs/p/616848876

https://www.bobshop.co.za/mines-engineering-brigade-1943/p/618050845