Operation Avalanche fighting in Italy continued even after the fall of Berlin. In addition, the invasion left the Allies in a position of supplying food and supplies to conquered territory, a burden which would otherwise have fallen on Germany. As well, Italy occupied by a hostile German army would have created additional problems for the German Commander-in-Chief Albrecht von Kesselring. The main landings were scheduled one week later, 9 September 1943. The main force would land around Salerno on the western coast in "Operation Avalanche". It would consist of the US Fifth Army under General Mark W. Clark, comprising the U.S. VI
Invasion of Elba Invasion of Elba The invasion of Elba, codenamed Operation "Brassard", was part of the Italian campaign during the Second World War. The invasion was carried out by Free French Forces supported by British and American ships and aircraft. According to the testimony of captured Germans, Allied activity had been observed on Corsica, thus the defenders were aware of the impending invasion 24 hours in advance. They resisted for two days before being given permission to withdraw to the mainland. The Allied 15th Army Group—under the command of General Sir Harold Alexander—captured Rome on 4 June 1944 and forced the German