Once the Germans had been defeated in and expelled from North Africa, the allies began their plans to land on the European mainland. The first target was Italy. But before any landings could begin on Italian shores, the Germans had to be removed from the Island of Sicily. The allied invasion of Sicily began on July 10, 1943, when over 180,000 men hit the beaches or were airdropped onto the island, defended by only two German divisions. Syracuse was taken on the first day; Palermo on July 22; and Catina on August 5.
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