3 September 1943
Following the Allied invasion of Sicily in July, an Italian delegation signs an armistice. On the same day, divisions of Britain's Eighth Army cross the Straits of Messina from Sicily onto the toe of Italy.
9 September 1943
After the announcement of the armistice the previous evening,, supported by air and naval forces. They are met by German forces under Field Marshal Kesselring (right).
