10.7.1943. 12. pm. Rich. Wessel
The new Allied communique about the invasion
of Italy says that the success of the landing was
achieved in 3 hours. British, American,
Canadian troops taking part as well as
British, American, Indian, Dutch and
Polish naval forces. This invasion as General
Eisenhower says in a proclamation is the
first stage in the liberation of European
continent. The Allied landing which
started at dawn today are proceeding
according to plan. It is understood the
landings are taking place over a front of
some 100 miles. Enemy opposition was
checked and by 7.30 am. ours troops were
advancing and artillery was put ashore.
Since then more reinforcements have
been put ashore. Roads and communications
throughout the island were bombed.
Allied warships are bombarding
without interruption. a pilot said he
never saw so many ships together in
his life. Our bombers carried out a
devastating attack on Santo Bennio [?]
where in a hotel there are the headquarters
of the Axis. The hotel itself and
the principal telephone exchange, the
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