Customer Reviews

History of United States Naval Operations in World War II. Vol. 9: Sicily-Salerno-Anzio, January 1943-June 1944

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

When I was a pre-teen, in the 50s, a friend of mine's father had served in the submarine service in the Pacific & had the complete set. He let me read them and that started me on a life-long fascination with history. They are finally back in print and, after over 45 years, I now own the complete set myself. They are just as good now as they were then and I cannot recommend them too highly. I plan on leaving my set in my will to my grandson.

A little over half of the book is devoted to the landing and capture of Sicily. The rest of the book is evenly divided to the two landings and the establishment of beachheads on Italy's west coast. Salerno was first, followed 2 months later at Anzio, north of Salerno.
The author does a nice job of describing the preparations for and the actual landings by the Allies. He also does a creditable job of describing the northward assault of Montgomery's 8th along the eastern coastline and subsequent inland move as well as Patton's drive to capture the western half of the island. Mr Morison also describes the troubles between the two generals as well as the two Allies but does so in a more diplomatic way than other authors have done.
For Operations Avalanche and Shingle, the author does a good job of describing the landing process and the establishment and keeping of the beachheads from counterattacks but doesn't really go beyond that. The breakouts are mention as well as 5th and 8th Armies but only in a incidental way.
In all three operations, Mr Morison writes an honest and accurate appraisal of the Allies' performance. Its understandable that his criticism is not too harsh while he explains the reasons why the Allies did what they did.
The author has provided a few good maps and photos of the officiers involved, the coastlines and the terrain.
Even though this is an excellent summary, I couldn't rate it 5 stars for its not on the same level of detail as Carlo D'este's books. Rick Atkinson's books are good as well or the critical book by Eric Morris.
Mr Morison has an straight forward, engaging style that most people will like. While this book is targeted to any interested person, I would suggest its especially appropriate for newcomers for its ease of understanding and style. Also having coverage of all three operations in one book is a plus.

This is the 9th volume of a History of United States Naval Operations in World War II. Sicily-Salerno-Anzio, January 1943-June 1944. All of the books in this series are intended, (my opinion,) for the person who is truly interested in a detailed historical recounting of the US Navy's role in the invasion of Sicily-Salerno-Anzio. The author is consistent in his level of details throughout the entire series. This is a great reference work for the scholar, and a great read for the history affection-ado.