Operation Maple (Italy) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Operation Maple
Part of World War II, Operation Shingle
Date January 1944 Location Italian east coast Result British success
Belligerents
United Kingdom	Italy
Strength
16 troopers

Operation Maple was a series of secret missions during World War II. These missions took place in Italy in January 1944. They were carried out by a special British army unit called the Special Air Service (SAS). The goal was to help a bigger invasion called the Anzio landings.

What Was Operation Maple?

Operation Maple included several smaller missions. The main goal was to damage important railway lines in Italy. This would stop enemy supplies from reaching the battlefront. The missions were named "Thistledown," "Driftwood," and "Baobab."

The Goal: Cutting Supply Lines

Before the Anzio landings, it was very important to cut off the enemy's supplies. Railways were key for moving soldiers and equipment. So, the British SAS teams were sent to destroy parts of the rail network. They focused on areas north of Rome and along Italy's east coast.

Operation Thistledown

The first mission was "Thistledown." Four soldiers were sent to attack rail lines near the towns of Terni and Orvieto. Sadly, this team was captured by the enemy. None of them returned safely.

Operation Driftwood

Next came "Driftwood." This mission involved two teams, each with four soldiers. Their job was to cut the rail lines between Urbino and Fabriano, and also between Ancona and Rimini. The fate of these soldiers is not fully known. They did not return safely and are thought to have been captured or lost at sea.

Operation Baobab

Because the first two missions faced difficulties, a new team was sent. This was "Operation Baobab." A group of reinforcement soldiers landed by sea on January 30. They successfully destroyed a bridge between Pesaro and Fano. This helped to achieve the overall goal of cutting enemy supply routes.