ASSAULTING THE GOTHIC LINE, 09/10/1944
I know things have been quiet for you for the last few months, but you are needed now so I hope your men are ready.

We have come up against the Gothic Line, stretching approximately east to west across Italy along the Appenines. The basic plan to break the Line calls for 3 attacks, the US army will attack in the west and centre, while our own forces will attack along the Adriatic in the east, aiming for Ravenna - this is codenamed Operation Olive.

However, you will not be part of our offensive. You are being attached to the US 5th Army, who are attacking in the centre of the line. The plan calls for a 2-pronged attack north from Florence with the objective of controlling the mountain passes, crossing the Appenines and advancing towards Bologna.

I understand your trepidation at serving under the Americans, however they are our Allies and they do need your help. They will doubtless use your men in subsidiary roles and take the glory for themselves. They do not seem to trust us as much as they should, however I trust you to work with the Americans and do us proud.