This page contains a selection of photos that relate the winter months of 1944.  Some books refer to this period as "the Winter stalemate".  Winter is usually a time of inactivity during war.  However, remember that the Germans launched their big offense in Europe, which was called "the Battle of the Bulge".  In the same month, the Germans launched an attack on the west coast of Italy against the 92nd Division.
    In general, the winter of 1944 was a time to allow units to be pulled out of the front lines and sent on R&R--rest and relaxation.  One special place used for R&R was at Montecantini Rest Area, which used to be Mussolini's resort.  During these months, reinforcements were brought in to build units up to strength.  Many new units arrived from several Allied countries in preparation for the big Spring offensive attack.

     These photos were taken during the winter months of December, January and February 1945.  Some were taken by Sgt. Cole while serving in Italy with the 328th Field Artillery Battalion, 85th Division, 5th Army.  The 328th FA Battalion spent  time moving their artillery around to confuse the enemy.  In December, they moved to provide assistance to the 92nd Division that was under a counter-attack.  Sgt. Cole spent Christmas Day, 1944, in Lucca, which was closer to the west coast and out of the mountains.  He may have been there for several weeks.

  Return to:  Photos- Main Menu        Sgt Cole & Buddies        Po Valley & Alps

Front Line Defenses

Sgt. N.F. Cole and buddy in a dugout.  Since Italy had few trees, the rocks and caves were the next best thing.  This could be near Lucca.	"British troops shooting a German gun using Italian shells". Sgt Cole took several photos of this anti-aircraft gun.  Probably January 1945.
Heavy snow in the mountains on Hiway 65.    (Compare this photo to sketch, below.)	Front Line outpost calling on the radio.
Goofing around with the new Winter Camo coat along with heavy gloves and Shoe Pac boots. Photo identified as Sgt. Cole, Sgt Davis & Leo Blais.	Sgt Cole and Sgt Davis wearing the liner for the coat. Photo appears to be taken at Lucca during December 1944.

 

Private McCloud and 3 friends of the 310th Engineer Battalion posing for photo at San Pietro's Cathedral in Rome .

Mike Stefanski of the 338th Regiment, Heavy Weapons platoon.

For more photos of these two units, see 310th Engineers or  338th Regiment.

A Selection of Photos Photos taken between Rome and Bologna during the time the soldiers were on leave or just holding their positions.  French Troops in Rome -  June 18th, 1944 The famous French Battalion "Pacifique" marching past the monument of King Victor Emmanuel II.  This was a news release photo from Allied Forces HQ. Several photos were taken of troops parading around the Piazza Venezia, a central point in Rome. News Photo from my collection. Montecaniti Rest Area - The GI's went on leave at Mussolini's old resort area. This photo shows some GI's getting their shoes shined while on leave. The GI's are wearing the short "Ike" jacket with all their ribbons and patches. Castel Del Rio - This photo was apparently taken in this mountain village soon after it was shelled by German artillery.  In the foreground there appears  to be some damaged trucks and several Medical vehicles parked under a Medic flag. Il Giogo Pass - This pass over the Apennine Mountains was the scene   of heavy fighting at the GOTHIC Line. (Compare this sketch to the actual photo, above.)

Florence (Firenze) - Located on the Arno River, the British entered it on August 5, 1944.  The Germans evacuated the ancient city without very much destruction but they blew many of the bridges to cover their escape.  Florence was one of the cities that was accessible to GI's on leave.

Ponte Vecchio Bridge - The oldest bridge across the Arno was spared demolition by the Germans.  The nearby buildings weren't so lucky.

Return to Photos from Italy top menu.

Return to 328th Field Artillery or 85th Division.