The Battle of Anzio – Operation Shingle and the casualties with a Nova Scotian connection January 22, 1944 - June 5, 1944 Anzio, launched on 22 January 1944 as Operation Shingle, was an ambitious Allied attempt to break the deadlock south of Rome by landing the Allied forces of the U.S. VI Corps (3rd Infantry Division, Rangers, paratroopers, support units), the British 1st Infantry Division, and Commandos and supporting formations, behind the German Gustav Line. The beaches around Anzio and Nettuno were almost undefended, offering a fleeting chance to seize the Alban Hills, the key high ground controlling the German supply routes. Instead, VI Corps commander Maj. Gen. John Lucas chose to consolidate the beachhead rather than push inland, a cautious decision that allowed German commander Albert Kesselring to rush reinforcements to the area. Within days, the Germans had encircled the beachhead, transforming what might have been a rapid advance toward Rome into a four month siege marked by relentless artillery fire, trench like conditions, and heavy casualties. Amid this crisis, the 1st Special Service Force, the bi national Canadian American unit later known as the “Devil’s Brigade” played a critical role. Vastly outnumbered, the Allies relied on the Force to hold an unusually long stretch of the defensive line. During the battle, through aggressive patrolling and daring night raids, the 1st Special Service Force (FSSF) the elite joint American–Canadian commando unit created the illusion of a much larger presence, helping to deter German attacks during the most precarious phase of the siege. Their actions were instrumental in preventing a breakthrough that could have crushed the entire beachhead. Only in May 1944, with a renewed Allied offensive launched both from Anzio and along the Gustav Line, did the stalemate finally break, opening the road to Rome. Nova Scotians Buried at the Beach Head War Cemetery Four casualties with ties to Nova Scotia are interred at Beach Head War Cemetery. All four served with the Canadian Special Service Battalion, the Canadian component of the 1st Special Service Force (FSSF), the elite commando unit known as the Devil’s Brigade or the Black Devils. German soldiers reportedly coined these names in response to the unit’s stealthy night raids, blackened faces to camouflage themselves, and reputation for appearing “out of nowhere.” The FSSF arrived at Anzio on February 1, 1944. James Donald Schofield Killed in Action on March 13, 1944. (Age 19) Michael Joseph Ryan Killed in Action on May 28, 1944. (Age 28) Daniel Cummings McMasters Killed in Action on May 23, 1944. (Age 20) Daniel Serrick Killed in Action on May 29, 1944. (Age 23) Other Casualties with Nova Scotian connections of the Anzio Campaign: In addition to those buried at Beach Head, three other men with Nova Scotia ties died in connection with the Battle of Anzio. Two are interred at the Sicily–Rome American Cemetery, and one, Joseph Rudolph, is buried in his hometown of Medford, Mass. Joseph Cyril Rudolph Killed in Action on February 7, 1944. (Age 20) Sergeant Raymond Curtis Balser Killed in Action on February 18, 1944. (Age 30) Leo Joseph Comeau Killed in Action on May 22, 1944. (Age 27)