Battle of Authion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Battle of Authion |
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| Part of Second Battle of the Alps | |||||||
 The Redoute des Trois Communes in 2005, showing battle damage |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
 Theo-Helmut Lieb |
 Pierre Garbay |
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| Units involved | |||||||
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| Strength | |||||||
| Germany: 5,200 men Italy: 4,800 |
16,000 unknown number of planes, tanks and artillery |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| Germany: 120 killed 480 wounded 242 captured Italy: 5 killed 155 captured |
280 killed 1,000 wounded |
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The Battle of Authion was an important fight near the end of World War II in 1945. French soldiers went to the French Alps to open a key path from France into Italy. A tough spot was the Authion mountain range, which was 2,080 meters (6,820 feet) high. German and Italian forces, though weakened, strongly defended this area.
British Field Marshal Harold Alexander gave the order to attack Authion on April 10, 1945.
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Why Authion Was Important
The Authion mountain range is 2,080 meters (6,820 feet) high. It stands tall over the Alpine Valleys of Cairos. The area has steep slopes and rocky paths, making it very hard to reach.
German Defenses
The German army had built strong forts on Authion. These forts were made of concrete, covered with thick earth, and had strong gates. They were also protected by trenches, barbed wire, and anti-tank mines.
A German battalion from the 34th Infantry Division held these forts. They also had artillery ready to fire from the sides of the mountain. Extra German troops were waiting nearby to help if needed.
Getting Ready for Battle
In early April 1945, the Allies planned a big attack on the Italian front. The main goal was to capture the highest point of the Authion mountain.
Weather Delays
The attack on Authion was set for April 9, 1945. But bad weather, with heavy snow and poor visibility, delayed the start. The attack finally began at dawn on April 10, 1945.
The 1st Free French Division got more soldiers ready. Their job was to lead the first part of the attack. They also needed to quickly capture the high peaks to the east.
The Battle Begins
On April 10, 1945, at 9:15 AM, French artillery started firing at Fort de la Forca. The shells did not do much damage to the strong concrete forts.
At 9:30 AM, two companies of French soldiers moved out. One company tried to reach a high point between two forts. They faced heavy machine gun fire and barbed wire, making it impossible to move forward. Many soldiers were killed by enemy mortars.
Breaking Through
By 5:30 PM, with help from more soldiers, the Germans' armored turret was destroyed. This allowed the French to take control of that area. Another company used a bulldozer to clear a path for light tanks.
Other French companies faced strong resistance. Some had to retreat after being attacked. However, a company of scout skiers reached the summit of Rauss. Later, another group captured a concrete structure at Col de Rauss.
To the south, French soldiers captured Mangiapo and the top of Bosc. A strong German attack forced them to leave one summit. Another company attacked Col de Brouis but lost many soldiers.
First Day's Results
By the end of the first day, the Allies had made little progress. They had not broken through the main German defenses. The French suffered many losses, with 66 soldiers killed or wounded.
Continuing the Fight
On the evening of April 10, Field Marshal Alexander decided to continue the attack. A special assault group, trained to attack forts, was sent in. They had powerful weapons like bazookas and flamethrowers.
The battle on April 11, 1945, started with German counterattacks. At 3:00 AM, the enemy tried to take back a mountain top but failed. At 6:30 AM, a French section had to retreat after another German attack.
Later, with the help of light tanks, the French forced the Germans to leave Cabanes Vieilles Camps. In the afternoon, French soldiers captured Fort Milles.
Turning the Tide
By the evening of the second day, the French had finally made a big hole in the German defenses. The Allies could now move onto the mountain range. The Germans fought back hard, but their forces began to weaken.
At 6:00 PM, the Germans abandoned their forts and retreated. At 8:30 PM, the German soldiers at Trois Communes surrendered after heavy artillery fire. German prisoners were surprised that tanks could reach such high, difficult places.
The Final Day
April 12, 1945, was the last day of the Battle of Authion. The French operation was a success. This victory helped end World War II in France and opened a clear path for the Allies to move into Italy.
