Canadian Forces

17-pounder bombardment

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A British production 76mm, 17-pounder anti-tank gun of the Canadian 1st Artillery Regiment is in action near the Italian village of Campobasso, ca. 70 miles NE from Naples. Campobasso was the scene of heavy fighting during the Second World War. In the months of October and November 1943 a battle between the German and the Canadian troops for possession of the city caused the destruction of many public buildings, including the City Hall and the archives held there. Thirty eight civilians were killed in the action, including the bishop of the diocese, Bishop Secondo Bologna, and an unknown number of people were injured in the intensive bombardment. The occupation by the Canadian troops, and the administrative and political control resulting, had such an impact on the town that it became known as “Canada Town” or “Maple Leaf City”.