Aspects of the event
Description
New Zealand's 20 Battalion was fighting its way north through Italy in late 1944. At the beginning of August they were south of Florence, advancing along narrow roads winding through hills, with many opportunities for ambushes. Individual Tigers would fire on them from vantage points such as "Point 243". Their armour comprised Shermans and M10 tank destroyers, with Honey tanks accompanying the infantry.
On the morning of 3 August they took the village of Giogoli. There was a German position on Point 199 to the northeast. Three Shermans went to attack it, but could find only a single road for their approach. One Sherman raced ahead to the hill but was knocked out by a hidden Tiger on arrival. The New Zealanders then dealt with the strongpoint using artillery.
The next morning they found the Germans gone and two burnt-out Tigers on the road. It's not clear why the Tigers were destroyed, but they may have lacked fuel to withdraw.
Location
Approaching Galuzzo in Google MyMaps
Photos
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