History of Warfare: The Mediterranean Campaign

During WWII, the Mediterranean was a key arena of conflict between Allied and Axis land and naval forces. As the war progressed, it became a crucial supply route for raw materials, reinforcements and supplies. Allied control of the Mediterranean opened the route to the invasion of Sicily and then the Italian mainland.

1. Malta and the Mediterranean– This film covers the two-year siege of Malta. The strategically important island at the center of the Mediterranean was a vital Allied base and had the distinction of being the most heavily bombed place on earth. This film features rare footage of British war-ships in action defending the crucial Malta supply convoys.
2. The Battle for Italy- Comprised largely of frontline footage, this disc covers the Allied battles for Sicily and Italy, with General Montgomery’s British forces and General Patton’s newly activated 7th Army lead-ing the way. The campaign in Italy against the Axis became an endless siege, fought on rugged terrain, in often appalling conditions, and with limited resources.
3. Italian Battles- This disc covers the most decisive battles during the Italian Campaign, with gripping footage of the landings in Sicily, Salerno and Anzio; the 8th Army’s bloody street fighting in Naples and on the outskirts of Rome; and an in-depth review of the ferocious battles for Monte Cassino.