Battle Of Ortona: The Bloodiest Fighting Of The Italian Stalingrad | War Story | War Stories

Experience the harrowing tale of the Battle of Ortona, a conflict so brutal it is known as the 'Italian Stalingrad'. It was at the town of Ortona in 1943 where Canadian forces clashed with Nazi Germany's elite airborne troops. In this gripping recount, veterans of the battle recall the horrors of war as they describe the sacrifices made and the relentless determination required to overcome adversity.

00:00 The Battle Of Ortona
21:55 Italian Tank Battles
43:13 Outro

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[DJPhantomRage]

Canada doesn't get the credit it deserves. This was an eye opener of what they accomplished and suffered.

[hutxn]

I am ashamed to say I have been ignorant of this significant battle all of my 71 years! My father and his cousin were veterans of the US/Texas 36th Infantry facing similar on the western side from Salerno, Cassino and beyond. Thank you for publishing this video!

[philgoldsney]

My father was with in a Sherman tank group of the 8th New Brunswick Hazars. He was wounded just out side of Rome and was sent home to Saskatchewan. This is the first documentary I’ve seen detailing the Canadians advance to Rome….thank-you so much for this series! RIP Dad!

[bryanbourrie]

A Canadian living in the US. I am proud of all the Canadian contributions to the 2nd WW. Many, many Americans are as well. To this day, US military vets brag on any training or operations done with the Canadian Armed Forces! I have heard many times that if you want someone to stand and fight along side of you, call for the Canadians! They will ALWAYS be there.

[troyspurling]

This American vet salutes all you Canadian soldiers. God bless

[gavinrivington]

My Uncle Jack fought and died in Ortana he was killed just days before Christmas in 1943 at 23 years of age.

[daleupthegrove]

Not taking away from anything but D-Day and the Pacific have almost completely overshadowed the Italian Campaign. There really need to be more in depth studies of these fierce battles and the men who fought them. Much love and respect to the Greatest Generation.

[garyhill]

Huge respect for the veterans interviewed here. What terrors they lived through!
Remembrance for the Canadian troops that liberated Rome.
It can't have been easy to have to relive what they went through to tell their stories. But they did so, that others might know. And likely with hope that others might endeavor to make sure it doesn't have to happen again.
Because of such struggles, we enjoy freedoms today that should not be taken for granted.
When we take it for granted, when we don't remain vigilant and strong, it sets the stage for such events to happen again.

[bhut]

It was the Stalingrad of Italy. My Uncle was a Sgt there. It shook his nerves as well as Monte Cassino. In the early 60's, I talked to an old Perth R (33 min Bold but Cautius) vet who did talk about it. I was also in the RCR's but there was no vets there who talked of Ortona which is one of their battle honours.

[arniewilliamson]

My Uncle served in the Italian campaign. When they found out the Americans were to take Rome, he and a few others thought about shooting Gen Clarke if they saw him. So many people killed opening the road to Rome only to have another army get all the credit.

[adamaalto-mccarthy]

The D Day dodgers thing is sick. Heroes.

[robertdelacruz]

A very fine and fascinating documentary. It is a tribute to the Canadian soldiers in World War II. I honor them as much as I honor our own WW2 veterans. And YES, Gen. Mark Clark was a glory-hound of the worst sort!

[robertsolomielke]

TY for a good glance into forgotten heros. Among the best work of this channel, the D-day dodgers saw more blood, and no glory. Gen. Clark was a ballerina of fake glory.

[premierhoner]

D Day Dodgers??? How could they be so cruel??? My word, the war was all over. Not only fought in Normandy... No I as a South African salute you all for what you have done.. May you all find peace and rest in peace. Great respect, from Capetown South Africa... ❤❤😢😢

[davidhouston]

They were called the "D-Day Dodgers" in Sunny Italy, and yet they faced a level of Horror few can imagine.

[lyndallsymons]

It’s sad to see the veterans still hurting after all these years it’s something that never leaves you no one wants to kill but war forces the hand and the pain of doing what u have to do only goes when you die 😢

[Bullet-Tooth-Tony-]

Quote " *Clark wanted Rome for his own selfish aggrandizement, and it would lead him into wrecking Alexander's plans for destroying the German 10th Army south of Rome."* "
A Question of Leadership: The 5th Army in Italy

[alanmilian]

HUGE RESPECT to all war veterans. You can feel the pain they endured, it's in their eyes, the 1000 thousand yard stare 😢 War is the lowest creation of the human race, still seems it goes on repeating every time more deadly...

[skinorth]

I grew up in a veteran's settlement area (my Dad was in the Navy) in Ottawa called Carleton Heights. All of the streets were named after places in Europe that figured in the war. I am embarrassed to say that I know very little about any of these places save for Normandy Crescent. Watching this documentary was very enlightening as the United Church that was built in the neighbourhood, which was the cornerstone of the community, was on Melfa Crescent. Ortona Ave was one of the streets that I cycled on as a kid (as were Senio Ave, Apledorn Ave, Arnhem St to name a few). Up until now I was completely oblivious as to why Ortona and Melfa were commemorated in such a way. Thank you for this documentary and thank you to all who served.

[scottsevers]

Thank you for your service ❤❤❤, The history books don't always know the truth, you served with honour. Rest with that peace of mind, gentlemen. God Bless Canada.... from Australia 🇦🇺 ♥