Battle of Ancona

Significance

The Battle of Ancona was fought from 16 June to 18 July 1944 as part of the Allied Italian campaign, with the Polish 2nd Corps assigned the task of capturing the Adriatic port city. The strategic purpose was logistical: possession of Ancona would give Allied forces a seaport closer to the front, shortening supply lines to units engaged in the Italian campaign. After a month of fighting, the Polish 2nd Corps accomplished the objective on 18 July 1944. With Polish forces committing 50,000 troops and sustaining 1,789 casualties against an estimated 2,500 German casualties, the battle represented a significant operational cost for a gain that paid dividends in Allied sustainment capacity along the Adriatic axis.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (3)