Ortona and Moro River Battlefield Tour

The Battle of Ortona and the Moro River: A Canadian Journey of Courage, Sacrifice, and Memory

In December 1943, the Canadian 1st Infantry Division faced one of the most grueling campaigns of the Second World War — the assault on Ortona and the Moro River valley, part of the larger effort to break through the German Gustav Line. From Sant’Apollinare to San Leonardo, Villa Rogatti, and into Ortona, every hill, vineyard, and street became a battleground. At San Leonardo, Canadian troops crossed the Moro River under fire, fighting through mud, mines, and resistance in a campaign that tested their resolve. They advanced through Cider Crossing, endured the deadly terrain of The Gully, and captured Casa Berardi, where Captain Paul Triquet earned the Victoria Cross.

The battle reached its climax in the ancient streets of Ortona — where brutal house-to-house fighting raged from December 20 to 28. At the center stood Sterlin Castle (Sterlin House), a stronghold fiercely defended by German paratroopers, and eventually taken in bitter close-quarters combat. But the story of Ortona was not only written on the front lines. Just south, in San Vito Chietino, Canadian medical units set up a field dressing station and forward hospital. It was here that Dr. Krakauer, a Canadian military physician, treated wounded soldiers evacuated from the front. Fifteen years ago, I had the profound honor of guiding Dr. Krakauer’s family across these very sites — walking with them through Ortona, San Vito, and the Moro Valley as they retraced his wartime journey. Their memories and the stories they shared brought a deeply human perspective to the history I tell today.

This tour is more than a battlefield experience. It is a personal and national journey through places where Canadian courage was tested and remembered — from San Donato to Sterlin House, from the crossing at San Leonardo to the quiet compassion of the San Vito hospital. It is a tribute to both those who fought and those who saved lives, told with historical precision and human connection.

Ortona and Moro River Battlefield Tour

Ortona and Moro River Battlefield Tour: Walking Through Canada’s Bloodiest Battle in Italy

Known as the “Italian Stalingrad,” the Battle of Ortona was one of the most brutal and intense urban battles fought by Canadian forces during World War II. From December 20 to 28, 1943, the 1st Canadian Infantry Division faced fierce resistance from well-entrenched German paratroopers in the small Adriatic coastal town of Ortona. The battle became a deadly street-by-street, house-by-house fight, characterized by tactics such as “mouse-holing,” where soldiers blasted holes through walls to advance undetected. Despite the devastating losses, the Canadian forces succeeded in capturing Ortona, marking a pivotal victory in the Italian Campaign. Today, the town stands as a solemn reminder of the courage and sacrifice of those who fought there.

Tour Itinerary (1 Full Day):

  • Walk through the historic town center, tracing the paths of the Canadian regiments as they advanced through the town.

  • Visit the site of the “mouse-holing” tactic, a haunting reminder of the urban combat tactics employed by Canadian soldiers.

  • Explore Piazza Plebiscito, the epicenter of some of the fiercest fighting, and learn about the strategies employed by the 1st Canadian Infantry Division.

        Lunch Break: Optional lunch at a local restaurant featuring traditional Abruzzese cuisine.

  • Visit the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, where 1,375 Canadian soldiers are laid to rest.

  • Travel to Casa Berardi, site of a heroic stand by Captain Paul Triquet and his men, an action that earned Triquet the Victoria Cross.

Optional Extensions:

1. Monte Cassino & Liri Valley (1 Full Day):

  • Visit the Monte Cassino Abbey, Commonwealth War Cemetery, and the Hitler Line, including key sites such as Pontecorvo, Aquino, and the Melfa River crossing where Major John Mahony was awarded the Victoria Cross.

2. Orsogna Battlefield (Half Day):

  • Explore Orsogna, another site of intense conflict involving Canadian forces, with visits to battlefields, memorials, and strategic positions.

Practical Information:

  • Duration: Full-day Ortona tour (approx. 6 hours) with optional extensions.

  • Transportation: Comfortable Mercedes van equipped with multimedia for historical documentaries.

  • Customization: Personalized itineraries available for those with family connections to the Italian Campaign. Research assistance provided to pinpoint specific battle sites and memorials.

Booking and Inquiries: danila.bracaglia@gmail.com Whatsapp +39 338 2458831