30 reactions | 1943, Sicily. "The Semovente da 90/53 was a heavy Italian self-propelled gun and tank destroyer, used by the Italian and German Armies during #WW2." #HISTORY | British & Commonwealth Forces | Facebook

On this day during World War II, Allied forces launched the invasion of Sicily–marking the first step toward toppling the Axis’ Fortress Europe. America and the Allies landed on the island’s southern shores with limited opposition, but the fight intensified as they pushed inland. Facing rugged terrain, extreme heat, and stiff German resistance, the campaign tested Allied coordination and determination. After more than 30 days of combat, Sicily fell–paving the way for the invasion of mainland Ita