Sgt. Al Mountenay’s Hastings and Prince Edward Regiment from Ontario, Canada made a night raid on the ancient mountain-top fortress at Assoro, Sicily on July 21, 1943. The Canadian unit forced the Herman Goering Division, pictured here, to retreat from the stronghold after holding what was thought to be an almost impregnable position for months. Photo provided.

The ancient hill town in central Sicily is topped by the ruins of King Robert II of Normandy’s 12th Century castle.   It’s been a stronghold of armies and warlords since 1000 B.C.   In July 1943 the village, the castle and the hill with its 1,100-foot cliff was held by the German’s elite Herman Goering Division during the Allied Sicilian Campaign in World War II. Read the rest of this entry »