Who Liberated Rome in Ww2?

By Alice Nichols

In World War II, Rome was liberated by the Allies. The liberation of Rome was a significant event in the war and marked a turning point in the Italian campaign. Let’s explore who played a role in liberating Rome.

The Allies’ Advance

After the successful invasion of Sicily by the Allied forces in July 1943, their next objective was to advance northward through Italy. The strategic importance of capturing Rome was twofold: it would symbolize a major victory for the Allies and also disrupt German supply lines.

The American Fifth Army

The American Fifth Army, under the command of General Mark Clark, played a crucial role in the liberation of Rome. After landing at Salerno in September 1943, they fought their way up the Italian peninsula. By early June 1944, they reached the outskirts of Rome.

The British Eighth Army

Simultaneously, the British Eighth Army, led by General Oliver Leese and later General Sir Richard McCreery, also pushed northward from their position at Cassino towards Rome. They faced strong resistance from German forces along the way.

The Battle for Rome

As the Allied forces approached Rome, they encountered resistance from German defenders who were determined to hold on to the city. However, Adolf Hitler had ordered his troops not to defend urban areas like Rome but rather establish defensive positions further north.

On June 4th, 1944, General Clark made a controversial decision to divert his forces westward and bypass Rome. This allowed him to seize an important port at Anzio and prevent German reinforcements from reaching Rome.

Entry into Rome

Despite Clark’s decision to bypass Rome initially, he later changed his mind and ordered the American Fifth Army to enter the city. On June 5th, 1944, three days before the D-Day invasion in Normandy, Allied forces entered Rome.

The Celebration

The liberation of Rome was met with immense joy and celebration by the local population. Romans poured into the streets to welcome the Allied troops and express their gratitude for their deliverance from German occupation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it was a combined effort of the American Fifth Army, led by General Mark Clark, and the British Eighth Army that led to the liberation of Rome in World War II. Their successful advance through Italy paved the way for the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. The liberation of Rome marked a significant milestone in the war and brought hope to a war-weary population.