Personal Message
from the
Army Commander

You have won great victories. To advance 220 miles from Cassino to Florence is a notable achiement in the Eight Army's history. To each of you in Eight Army my grateful thanks.

Now we begin the last lap. Swiftly and seretly,lonce again, we have moved right across Italy an Army of immense strenght and striking po wer - to break the Gothic Line.

Vicory in the coming battles means the beginning of the end for the German Armies in Italy.

Let every man do his utmost,
and again success wil be ours.
Good luck to you all.

(Signed) Oliver Leese,
Lieut. General.

Tac H.Q.
8th Army, Italy,
20th August, 1944.

Reproduced from the original which is on file.

Return to
Messages Index