The Battle of Ortona
The components of the Battle of Ortona
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Canadian faced the renowned German 1st parachute division; Germans were experienced and and were ordered to defend Ortona at any cost.
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The initial Canadian attack on December 20 by Loyal Edmonton Regiment with Seaforth Highlanders of Canada.
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Some of Canada's 3rd Infantry Brigade makes northerly attack west of town to overpower and cut off rear communication but made slow progress because of terrain and German defence.
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Germans hid guns and anti-tank emplacements throughout the town.
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Canadians used houses to hide and fight, a tactic called, "Mouse-holing"(Houses have adjoining walls) Germans eventually joined them in the houses. This is to avoid exposure from outside the houses while the inside has less exposure which is safer.
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Germans destroyed a house with Canadians inside which resulted with only one survivor. Canadians destroyed a house with two German squads, which resulted all Germans dead in that house.
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After six days, since the fighting started, 2nd Brigade's 3rd Battalion joins with tanks from 1st Canadian's Armoured Brigade's Three Rivers Regiment.
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At the eighth day, Germans were forced to retreat sinced they lacked reinforcements.
