Question about The Italian front?

Im not sure where to put this since it is a multitude of questions… well not really a multitude but a few, so I will place it in misc. first, when did the italian front for the united states open up in WWII? second, can someone name a few specific divisions that participated in it besides the 3rd? third, what model of a sherman tank was used, (early, late, cast hull, welded hull etc…) 4th did medics use haversacks for the medical supplies or did they use another sack to carry the supplies? Thanks in advance.

I’ll take a stab at a some of the answers for you.

    • Operation Husky … the invasion of Sicily … July 1943
    • Besides the 3rd - 1st A.D. & 2nd A.D. both were there … I’m sure others were too
    • pick a Sherman … any Sherman … and you’ll be close. M4 early & mid, M4A1 early & mid, M4A3 75 & 76mm variants
    • don’t know enough to say on this one.

Hope this helps a bit.

thanks a ton shermanfreak.

Other divisions that participated in the Italian campaign include the 34th, 36th and 45th Infantry Divisions along with the 82nd Airborne Division (or elements thereof). All were under 5th Army in either II or VI Corps. Smaller units included the 509th Parachute Infantry Battalion and the FIRST SPECIAL SERVICE FORCE (Black Devils). The FSSF is near and dear to my heart, as I command the FSSF Living History Group.

As to what medics carried, it was really personal preference. There was a specific setup for medics which included a yoke and two bags which rode high on the medic’s hips. He could wear a haversack over the yoke, but more likely would have a musette bag, as they could carry more and were less awkward. One interesting thing I’ve seen with medics was the use of ammunition bandoleers to carry Carlisle Bandages.

If you’re interested in Italian Front uniforms, check out our website at www.members.tripod.com/fssflhg.

Hope that helps!

Thanks Cobrahistorian =D