This tour can be customized based on your requests and tailored to follow the path of specific British divisions.
After the breakthrough of the Gustav Line in May 1944, the Allied advance continued through the Liri Valley. While Canadian forces led the main offensive, British divisions played a crucial supporting role through artillery coordination and infantry advances. The British 78th Infantry Division and the Guards Brigade advanced alongside the Canadians, pushing through the valley towards Arce, Monte Grande, and Fontana Liri.
The terrain of the Liri Valley, with its rivers and surrounding hills, posed engineering and tactical challenges. British engineers constructed multiple Bailey bridges across the Gari River—including the famous Amazon Bridge—to facilitate rapid troop movement and support the advance through the valley. This tour follows the steps of the British units through this critical phase, showcasing the key locations, river crossings, farms, and commemorative sites along the route to Rome.
Tour Highlights
Bailey Bridges and the Amazon Bridge
To support the Allied push through the Liri Valley and beyond the Gustav Line, the Royal Engineers built several Bailey bridges across the Gari River. These modular steel bridges enabled tanks, artillery, and supplies to cross previously impassable terrain due to destroyed infrastructure and German demolitions.
The Amazon Bridge, constructed soon after the breakthrough, became a symbol of British ingenuity and was essential for the movement of infantry and vehicles across the Gari. Though the bridge no longer stands, its location is marked near the river junction, with interpretive plaques and preserved remnants.
Other Bailey bridges were constructed near San Giorgio, Pontecorvo, and close to Aquino. Each bridge was crossed by British units such as the Irish Guards, Royal Fusiliers, and engineers from the Royal Engineers. Their construction was vital in maintaining the momentum of the British advance and ensuring coordinated logistics and artillery support.
The Advance of the Irish Guards
As part of the Guards Brigade, the Irish Guards advanced across the Amazon Bridge and engaged German forces in and around Sinagoga, Aquino, and the Liri Valley basin. Their progress was essential in securing the right flank of the Allied front and maintaining pressure on retreating German units.
These movements were coordinated with artillery and engineering units to maintain speed and efficiency. Several plaques commemorate the Irish Guards' actions, especially in the Sinagoga sector.
British Divisions & Regiments Involved
78th Infantry Division (Battle Axe Division)
Guards Brigade
Support Units
Tour Details
Contact & Booking
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