REVIEW: ‘The Savage Storm: The Battle for Italy 1943’ by James Holland
U.S. troops in Italy (Defense Department via Wikimedia Commons)
December 7, 1941, and June 6, 1944, are iconic dates in the history of World War II, or at least when history was taught in school. But what about the war in Sicily and Italy in 1943 and 1944? It seems to have been forgotten. In his book The Day of Battle, Rick Atkinson quotes historian David M. Kennedy, who called it a “needlessly costly sideshow” with no defensible purpose. However, we must not forget the 30,000 Allied troops who lost their lives there.
James Holland’s The Savage Storm delves into the early phases of combat in the Italian theater from September to December of 1943. This book is not just about strategy and tactics, but about the experiences of the soldiers and civilians caught up in the brutality of World War II. Holland paints a vivid picture of the combat, the bravery, and the fears of the soldiers, as well as the Germans’ unwavering determination despite their impending defeat.
So, what was the point of the Italian campaign? The goals were to tie down German divisions, capture airfields closer to Germany, and force Italy to leave the war. These objectives would help control the Mediterranean, supply Russia, and satisfy Stalin’s demand for commitment from the Allies. The conflict between the Allies about invading Europe through its “soft underbelly” versus the Atlantic wall was a topic of many conferences. Churchill remained committed to the southern strategy, even in the face of ongoing setbacks in the Mediterranean. However, by mid-1943, Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, became the main focus.
The invasion of Italy faced challenges due to a lack of sufficient resources, particularly landing craft. Despite these obstacles, the Allies pushed forward, enduring 14 months of brutal warfare. The book highlights the misery of mountain fighting in the harsh winter conditions and the resilience of the soldiers. It concludes before the legendary battle for Monte Cassino, leaving room for further exploration of the Italian campaign.
Overall, The Savage Storm provides a compelling account of the combatants’ travails in Italy. However, it is worth noting that the hardcover edition lacks footnotes, which can be frustrating for readers seeking additional sources. The digital version, on the other hand, includes footnotes and larger type for easier reading.
The Savage Storm: The Battle for Italy 1943 by James Holland Atlantic Monthly Press, 480 pp., $32
Stanley Goldfarb is an emeritus professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and father of Washington Free Beacon chairman Michael Goldfarb.
Who did Italy invade in ww2?
The real war for Italy began only in October, when Mussolini attacked Greece from Albania in a disastrous campaign that obliged the Germans, in 1941, to rescue the Italian forces and take over Greece themselves. Who fought in the Italian campaign. Holland’s research is meticulous, and he paints a vivid and often harrowing picture of the conditions on the ground.
Holland begins his book by providing a detailed background of the Italian campaign, discussing the political and military considerations that led to the Allied invasion of Italy. He explains the strategic importance of Italy and the various factions and forces at play in the region. This historical context is crucial to understanding the subsequent battles and the challenges faced by the Allied forces.
One of the book’s strengths is the way in which Holland incorporates firsthand accounts from soldiers who fought in Italy. These personal testimonies add depth and humanity to the narrative. We hear from soldiers on both sides of the conflict, from young Americans experiencing war for the first time to battle-hardened Germans defending their positions. Their stories give a sense of the fear, exhaustion, and camaraderie that characterized the Italian campaign.
Holland also examines the challenges faced by the Allied forces in Italy. The difficult terrain, harsh weather conditions, and dogged German resistance made progress slow and costly. Holland does not shy away from detailing the mistakes and failures of Allied commanders, nor does he gloss over the atrocities committed by both sides. This balanced approach adds credibility to his work and prevents it from becoming a one-sided account.
One criticism of the book is its focus on the early phases of the Italian campaign, from September to December 1943. While this period is important in understanding the overall context of the battle for Italy, it may leave readers wanting more information about the later stages of the campaign. However, this is a minor issue considering the breadth and depth of Holland’s research.
Overall, James Holland’s The Savage Storm is a compelling and well-researched account of the early stages of the Italian campaign. Holland’s attention to detail and his incorporation of firsthand accounts make this book a valuable contribution to the literature on World War II. It serves as a reminder that the war in Italy should not be forgotten, and that the sacrifices of the soldiers who fought there should be recognized and honored.
In conclusion, The Savage Storm is a must-read for anyone interested in World War II history and the Italian campaign. It provides a comprehensive and engaging account of the battles fought in Italy in 1943 and sheds light on a lesser-known aspect of the war. James Holland’s meticulous research and powerful storytelling make this book a standout in its genre.
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