Battle for Ortona National Historic Event
Ortona
Battle for Ortona
(© Lt. T.F. Rowe / Library and Archives Canada | Bibliothèque et Archives Canada / PA-116852)
Address :
Piazza Plebiscito, Ortona
Recognition Statute:
Historic Sites and Monuments Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. H-4)
Designation Date:
2000-11-15
Other Name(s):
-
Battle for Ortona
(Designation Name)
-
La Battaglia di Ortona
(Other Name)
Research Report Number:
2000-21
Importance:
Symbolized the efforts of the Canadian Army in the Italian Campaign during World War II
Plaque(s)
Existing plaque: Piazza Plebiscito, Ortona
In early December 1943 the 1st Canadian Infantry Division and 1st Canadian Armoured Brigade began their most savage battle of the Italian Campaign. In the mud and rain troops attacked from the Moro River to Ortona. Then, from house to house and room to room there raged a ferocious battle against resolute German defenders. With extraordinary courage the Canadians prevailed, and just after Christmas finally secured the town.