What were the american and british troops in Italy in 1944/1945?

Question

I am curious why a more major offensive wasnt mounted in germanys southern defensive perimeter before and after normandy in WW11. They already had a strong foothold here and could have maybe avoided so many casualties fighting there way through the bocage and low countries?

Something I had not factored in to my equations you all pointed out, i feel stupid not knowing this, thanks for the responses so far, obviously tanks, airpower and sea power were neglagated in the mountains duh

Answer 1

The reason is mountains. It was almost impossible for allied troops to fight through the mountains of northern Italy. The German Army controlled the passes and the defense of the passes was impressive.

Answer 2

The mountains on the Italian-Austrian Border are a hellish place to fight. During the Great War, the Italians and Austrians lost over 10,000 men in a single avalanche. The mountains on the Italian-French Border were not much better.

The Allies lost fewer troops by staying out of those regions, and pinned down large numbers of German troops that might otherwise have bolstered the resistance to the Break-out from the Normandy Beachead.

It is much easier to fight through hedgerows, than to attempt to force through a precipitous mountain pass held by a strong enemy force. And during winter, snow would have blocked the passes anyway.

Doc

Answer 3

The Professor has it right.

The Allies were fighting south to north. And the mountain ranges in Italy run east to west. It was one hill after another, a brutal fight, and the Germans had almost all the advantages.

Answer 4

Have you heard of the Alps?

We went the easy way, just like Hitler did when he chose his route into France. They considered going through Southern France, but dismissed it for th extra distance. You had to have gas to win in WWII and that gas has to be brought in.