Three years of heavy fighting is beginning to tell on the resources of the German nation. Once again, the Red Army follows up victory with a devastating counteroffensive, reclaiming yet more territory from the invaders, crossing the Dnepr before the year is out. With Africa now in their hands, the Allies go on the offensive in the Mediterranean once more, seeking an early end to the war that has ravaged Europe for three years. On 10 July, British and US Forces invade Sicily in Operation Husky. Spearheading the landing are British and American paratroopers but the airborne assaults prove a costly disaster. The amphibious assault proves much more successful, with the two-pronged offensive that follows clearing the island of Axis forces within six weeks. The Allies have gained a toehold into Southern Europe. Growing weary of an unpopular war, the Italian people overthrow and arrest Mussolini. The Allies push on to mainland Italy—supposedly 'the soft underbelly of Europe'—landing at Salerno on 9 September. The new Italian Government surrenders but the German forces assume the role of an army of occupation and fight on against the invaders. The Allied troops make slow headway against such determined resistance. Their advance finally grinds to a halt before the formidable German defences of the Gustav line, which stretches across the Italian Peninsula.
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