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Made in late 1944 by the U.S. Army Pictorial Service, “The Liberation of Rome“ depicts the successful Allied advance into Rome, freeing it from German control during World War II. The film begins with footage of Allied forces arriving in the city, before flashing back to the beginnings of the campaign that eventually liberated Southern Italy from Axis control. At 1:37, the combined Chiefs of Staff are seen planning the campaign after the successful battle for Siciliy. At 2:45, Gen. Montgomery and the British 8th Army land at Reggio Calabria. The Italian navy surrenders to the Allies at 3:10. Gen. Mark Clark and the U.S. 5th Army land at Salerno behind an intense naval bombardment at 3:25. The Luftwaffe bombards the beachhead. The 5th and the 8th Armies meet up, and the Allies take the Foggia airfield and later enter Naples at 6:10. Refugees return to the city at 6:40. U.S. troops cross the Volturno River and advance through mud. Ortona is taken after street fighting and a savage tank battle. Gens. Eisenhower and Clark inspect Cassino defenses at 11:00. 5th Army units land at Anzio. Gens. Rommel and Kesselring direct the arrival of Nazi reserves at 12:55. British Gen. Alexander directs an artillery bombardment on the Gustav Line. Cassino falls at 16:38. Allied tanks roll toward Rome. The Nazis evacuate the city and 5th Army units enter. In early October 1943, Hitler was persuaded by his Army Group Commander in Southern Italy, Field Marshal Albert Kesselring, that the defense of Italy should be conducted as far away from Germany as possible. Kesselring was given command of the whole of Italy and immediately ordered the preparation of a series of defensive lines across Italy, south of Rome. This documentary shows us the fierce fight for Rome during the Italian campaign of World War II. We encourage viewers to add comments and, especially, to provide additional information about our videos by adding a comment! See something interesting? Tell people what it is and what they can see by writing something for example: “01:00:12:00 -- President Roosevelt is seen meeting with Winston Churchill at the Quebec Conference.“ This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit
