In January 1944, the Allies decided to land at Anzio in order to overcome the stalemate at Cassino. This amphibious landing has become one of the most controversial campaigns of World War II. Questionable decisions by the Allied leadership led to three months of World War I-style trench warfare, and the entire beachhead suffered from continuous German observation and bombardment. Vividly describing each thrust and counter-thrust, this book takes us through the agonizing struggle as each side sought to retain or regain mastery. It shows how Anzio proved to be a stepping stone not only to Rome.

Includes maps of: Strategic Situation in Italy, January 1944; Anzio Beachhead, 1 February 1944; Operation Shingle, 22 January 1944; Battle for the Thumb, 3-11 February 1944; Operation Fischfang, 16-20 February 1944; Operation Seitensprung, 28 February-3 March 1944; Operation Buffalo, 23-24 May 1944; Race for Rome, 31 May-1 June 1944.

Cover; Half Title; Title; Imprint; Contents; Origins Of The Battle; The Strategic Setting; Chronology; Opposing Commanders; German Commanders; Allied Commanders; The Opposing Armies; German Forces; Allied Forces; Opposing Plans; The Allied Plan; German Plans; Geographic Factors; The Campaign; Operation Shingle; Containing The Beachhead; The Allied Offensive; The Battle Of The Thumb; Operation Fischfang; Operation Seitensprung; Stalemate Along The Beachhead; Operation Buffalo, 23 May 1944; The Campaign In Retrospect; The Battlefield Today; Further Reading; Index.