17/5/1944. Rich. Wessel.
In the battle for the Gustav line British and
Indian troops have pushed further up the
Liri Valley. The battle continues without
pause, There is no change in the hills
north of Casino and the 8th Army's
bridgehead has been enlarged. All positions
of the Gustav line have been overrun.
French and American troops are fighting
forward towards the Adolf Hitler line.
In Italy the weather prevented operations
of our heavy bombers. 7 enemy planes were
destroyed and 6 of ours are missing. More
than 1800 sorties were flown. Only 10 enemy
planes were seen over the battle area in
daylight. Last night the ports of Piombino, San
Stefano and Portoferraio were bombed.
Further advances by French troops are
reported this morning and we are now
2 1/2 miles from Esperia where we have
captured some high ground. The Americans
have deepened their penetration in the
coastal sector. The Hitler Line starts
6 miles west of Casino.
The latest news from Russia says that the
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