The German perspective of the battle of Rome.
In late 1943, 362. Infanterie-Division was formed around the remnants of
268. Infanterie-Division, which had been disbanded after high casualties
on the Eastern Front. It fought at Anzio in early 1944, overrun when the
Allied broke through the German lines in April. During its time at
Anzio, the division was involved in the Benedicta massacre.
The unit was withdrawn to Rome. Facing the Allied advance, it suffered
further losses and had to be rebuilt once more. Returning to the front,
it then fought until late April 1945, when it surrendered.
This account focuses on the efforts of 362. Infanterie-Division to turn
back the Allied forces from their advance north in late 1944 and early
1945. Its commander, Heinz Greiner led the division in a series of
counterattacks against Allied forces outside Rome that slowed Allied
progress.
While Greiner did not have access to the unit war diary while writing
this account his experience as commander of 362. Infanterie-Division
throughout this period means that it offers a unique insight into the
battle from the German perspective as well as a thorough account of the
reestablishment, training and combat performance of a German division.
