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This Day In History, August 17th, 2020 – “Messina”



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It was just 77 years ago today, August 17, when the glorious British 8th Army triumphantly marched into Messina, Sicily. After having fought against stubborn resistance from both German and Italian forces, Field Marshall Bernhard Montgomery was greeted proudly by throngs of cheering civilians, though nothing could have warmed the hearts of the British more than the welcome they also received from General George S. Patton and the American 7th Army.

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That’s right, you see, the Americans, landing further away at Licata, had not only managed to destroy the enemy oppositions, but also to liberate the most conquered city in history, Palermo. Operation Husky, the invasion of Sicily, was actually a British plan, with the idea that the British would command the headlines with the liberation of Messina. However, thanks to Patton’s “Grab em’ by the nose and kick em’ in the pants” attitude, and the bravery and tenacity of our American forces, it was the G.I.’s on this date that made it to Messina, and first. Although many of the Germans and Italians, along with their equipment, managed to survive and cross the Straits of Messina and into Italy, under the leadership of a similarly charismatic leader who loved to wear a kilt and carry a claymore, Colonel Ernst-Gunther Baade. Still, 77 years ago today, the British 8th Army marched into Messina, bagpipes a blaring, only to be met by the U.S. Army Band, America!


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