On 6 December 1943, the Canadians crossed the Moro River attempting to capture the two towns of Villa Rogatti and San Leonardo. The Germans fiercely resisted but the Canadians succeeded in establishing a bridgehead.
The following week the Royal 22e Regiment and tanks of the Ontario Regiment launched an attack near Casa Berardi, where the Germans held their defensive positions. This attack, combined with assaults by the 48th Highlanders and the Royal Canadians finally pushed the enemy back. After two weeks, the Canadians were able to advance to Ortona. Ortona was taken after eight days of fierce fighting.
The fighting in December cost the 1st Canadian Division over 500 fatal casualties. December would be considered as "Bloody December" by Canadian forces because of the numerous casualties in and around the town.
MORO RIVER CANADIAN WAR CeMETERY
This project is our first on mainland Italy. We have already collected about 890 pictures of the 1563 soldiers buried in the cemetery, and our team is still searching for more.
