Breakout and pursuit in Italy

22nd April 1945: The long slog over the mountains of Italy comes to an end - and Allied armour is ready to take the lead

The 'Tankman'. Sergeant A G Williams of 17/21 Lancers in the turret of his Sherman tank at the main Headquarters of the Eighth Army in the San Angelo area of Italy. Sergeant Williams from Woodford Bridge, Essex left England in November 1943, landed in North Africa, and from there was sent to Italy.

In Italy the final assault by the British 8th Army and t…