Not So Disposed

The small city and port of Gela was at the center of the American landing beaches and therefore was an important target. Colonel William Darby and his famous Rangers were to take the town during the landings. It was a difficult task, but one that the tough and …

1943-07-10

S047

The small city and port of Gela was at the center of the American landing beaches and therefore was an important target. Colonel William Darby and his famous Rangers were to take the town during the landings. It was a difficult task, but one that the tough and experienced Rangers expected to be able to handle with ease given the town was thought to be defended by war weary, low grade Italian Coastal Defense units. However, the 429th Coastal Battalion was not so disposed to surrender. Commanded by Major Rabellino, the 429th fought the Rangers for every building in the small city.

Gela, Sicily

The amphibious Battle of Gela was the opening engagement of the American portion of the Allied Invasion of Sicily during World War Two. United States Navy ships landed United States Army troops along the eastern end of the south coast of Sicily; and withstood attacks by Luftwaffe and Regia Aeronautica aircraft while defending the beachhead against German tanks and Italian tanks of the Livorno Division until the Army captured the Ponte Olivo Airfield for use by United States Army Air Forces planes. The battle convinced United States Army officers of the value of naval artillery support, and revealed problems coordinating air support from autonomous air forces during amphibious operations.

American

Italian

Scenario Type = Starter Kit