Harassing shellfire at Anzio

22nd April 1944: The Allies confined on the bridgehead must endure constant shelling from surrounding German guns

"ANZIO, ITALY -- The camera catches the explosion of a Nazi shell, which throws a column of water high into the air narrowly missing an amphibious DUCK headed for the beach at Anzio. The shell served as a reminder to Allied forces operating the beachhead supply line that they are still within range -- and within danger. The DUCK in the foreground is heavily loaded with supplies, while the others, (background), are empty and headed out to transports for a refill.

Four German shells that have been recovered on the bridgehead. Left to right: - 150 mm - 6 inch 180 mm - 7.2 inch 210 mm - 8.4 inch 280 mm - 11.2 inch 1st Sgt. William A. Hill of Charlestown, S.C., U.S.A. holds up a stick marked off in 6-inch lengths to give an idea of the size of the shells. The 280 mm shell has a mose-cap which is estimated to add 24" to its length. Round the body of the shell are raised strips which fit into the rifling of the gun barrel, the gas seal being obtained by a narrow copper band at the base end of the raised strips. The 280 mm shell is believed to be the largest shell to have been used against Allied troops in the bridgehead.

The impasse in Italy continued. In the narrow bridgehead at Anzio everyone was effectively on the front line with no 'rear areas'. The whole of the bridgehead was within range of German artillery which routinely shelled the entire area. The already wounded and nurses in the field hospitals were as likely to be hit as anyone else - and did suffer casualties.

Every position had to be well dug in. It was possible for the majority to survive even sustained artillery barrages in well protected foxholes, even if some would inevitably fall victim to direct hits. It was the sustained nature of such attacks that deprived men of sleep and wore at the nerves.