Campobasso or Canada Town Battlefield Tour

Campobasso or Canada Town Battlefield Tour: HISTORICAL BACKGROUD

Coming from Foggia, Montgomery aimed to cut Highway 17, which connected the Adriatic port of Termoli with Naples. He ordered General Dempsey to advance north along two routes: the 78th Infantry Division would move along the main coastal road toward Termoli, while the 1st Canadian Division would push toward Campobasso and Vinchiaturo. The latter was naturally the more difficult option, as the roads were little more than narrow paths, and the Canadians faced challenging terrain, including mountains and the Fortore River.

Campobasso or Canada Town Battlefield Tour

On September 29th, the Allies first sent an advanced guard composed of the Calgary Regiment, the 4th Princess Louise Dragoon Guards, and the Royal Canadian Regiment. The divisional start line was at Lucera, but the first resistance was encountered in Motta and Montecorvino. Here, the support of Popski’s Private Army and the bravery of the Canadian forces forced the Germans to withdraw. The same pattern continued in the following villages up to the Fortore River.

Campobasso or Canada Town Battlefield Tour

On the other side of the Fortore River, the Canadians could see the village of Gambatesa. Highway 17 was blocked by the Germans, who had demolished the “Bridge of the 13 Arches.” The Canadians made their first attempt to establish a bridgehead across the Fortore River during the night of October 5th to 6th, but it was unsuccessful. It was only on October 7th that the Allies overcame German resistance and successfully crossed the river.

Campobasso or Canada Town Battlefield Tour

On October 11th, it was decided that the I Brigade would capture Campobasso by advancing through Jelsi. After passing Jelsi, the forces split into two groups: one followed the highway, while the other moved through the surrounding hills toward Vinchiaturo. The 48th Highlanders advanced toward Campobasso on the 11th, but the Germans attempted to delay their progress. Finally, at 5:30 a.m. on October 12th, the Royal Canadian Regiment entered Campobasso without resistance, although the Germans reported to their high command that the battle had been hard-fought.

Campobasso or Canada Town Battlefield Tour

The Canadians spent about eleven days in Campobasso, and during that time they began calling it “Canada Town.” Meanwhile, the other group, formed by the II Brigade, reached the Vinchiaturo area and was able to cut Highway 17 north of Vinchiaturo. The mission assigned by Montgomery to the First Canadian Division was successfully completed. Our tour will follow the Canadians from the Fortore River to Campobasso, visiting places important for understanding the various assaults, as well as the town center—where the Canadians made notable changes to the main roads, bars, and shops.

Campobasso or Canada Town” Battlefield Tour: WHAT TO EXPECT

The “Campobasso or Canada Town tour” (about 5 hours) includes:

1) pickup from your arrival at the railway station in Campobasso everyday  

2) about 5h guided tour of the Canadian most meaningful sites of Campobasso and Fortore river area:

• Fortore river and the Bridge of the 13 Arches
• Gambatesa village and the road to Jesi and Campobasso
• Visit of the Town of Campobasso called “Canada town”
• Piccadilly Circus, Trafalgar square, Scarf road in Campobasso
• Bomb shelters in Campobasso 

3) return to the railway station in Campobasso

Campobasso or Canada Town” Battlefield Tour: EVERYTHING YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT THIS TOUR

WHAT IS INCLUDED: Minivan and ww2 tour guide

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: Lunch and dinner are not included but I can suggest…

WHEN AND WHERE: At the railway station in Campobasso every day at 10.00am or 02.00pm (Main entrance) 

PRICE PER PERSON: 150 euros minimum 2 people (lunch or dinner not included)

GUIDES/LOCAL EXPERTS:  I will held this tour with Patrizia Curci, local historian and WW2 tour guide.

“Campobasso or Canada Town” Battlefield Tour: More Tours Available in This Area

“Operation Devon in Termoli” tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Monte Cassino Battlefield tour on the footsteps of the Canadians ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Monte Cassino Battlefield Tour on the footsteps of the Canadians in the Liri Valley ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Ortona and the Moro River crossing” Grand Battlefield Tour ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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