9. Whilst the Allied invasion of Sicily – codenamed Operation Husky – is widely known, the Axis evacuation of the Mediterranean island is less well remembered despite the immense strategic impact of the endeavor
A major campaign of the Second World War, lasting six weeks from July to August 1943, the Allied invasion of Sicily – the first salvo of the Italian Campaign – saw the Mediterranean island recover from Axis control after an amphibious and airborne operation. Although significant for both the outcome as well as the terrible losses inflicted on both sides, with more than fifteen thousand killed in combat, the campaign should equally be remembered for the strategic significance of the resultant Axis evacuation. As early as July 27, the Axis commanders on Sicily realized the campaign was lost and an evacuation would be required.
Quietly planning and transporting equipment from August 1, ten days later the full-scale withdrawal commenced in force. Ordering successive withdrawals each night of between five and fifteen miles of territory, the retreating Germans and Italians delayed an Allied rush using mines, demolitions, and the natural geography of the narrowing peninsula. Proving highly successful, under the watchful protection of hundreds of heavy and anti-aircraft guns, the Allies were unable to impede the Axis withdrawal. Recovering almost sixty thousand German soldiers, as well as an estimated seventy-five thousand Italians plus thousands of vehicles and immeasurable tons of equipment, the Axis recovery ensured a far longer and harder struggle on mainland Europe for the Allies.