1943: Allied troops invade mainland Italy
British troops have landed on the Italian mainland four years to the day after war was declared on Germany.
Their arrival in the "toe" of Italy follows two days of heavy bombardment by warships and Flying Fortresses of railways and communication lines.
After crossing the Straits of Messina from Sicily to mainland Italy, British and Canadian troops of the 8th Army met little resistance at the port of Reggio di Calabria.
Amphibian craft known as "ducks" streamed across the narrow straits to the mainland, full of troops still basking in the glory of victory over the Germans in Sicily.
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We landed on the beaches in the early morning of the 9th Sept. Heavy shelling was going over from both sides.
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General Sir Bernard Montgomery commanding the British and Commonwealth 8th Army has said the aim is to take over the whole country and eliminate Italy from the war.
Speaking on the BBC he said: "We have a good plan and air support on a greater scale than we have ever had before.
"There can only be one end to this next battle, and that is another success. Forward to victory! Let us knock Italy out of the war."
The Times special correspondent reporting from north of Reggio said the port had been captured without a shot being fired and was virtually deserted.
He said the large number of Italian soldiers taken prisoner were "rejoicing and exuberantly trying to fraternise with their captors".
Local people said the Germans had left three days ago and Italian troops put up little if any resistance.
There were very few mines or any barbed wire on the beaches.
The British have consolidated the bridgehead by taking the high ground near the coast to have a clear view of the beaches and coastal plains as ever more guns and anti-tank guns are being unloaded to support the advance and protect against counter-attacks.
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