A classic history of the Allied campaign to take back Italy from the Axis during World War II. When the Allies invaded mainland Italy in 1943, they intended only a clearing-up operation to knock Italy out of the war, but Hitler ordered the German armies to defend every foot of the country. The 'Tug of War' was the mysterious force which caused a war to race out of control, and attract vast numbers of men, tanks, guns and aircraft. This book analyses the main battles of Salerno, Cassino, Anzio and the march on Rome.