Episode 80: Raid on Pantelleria

In the Mediterranean, Allied bombers were holding Italian islands and Italy itself under constant attack to ensure clear shipping lanes for the invasion of Sicily. Assaulting the island of Pantelleria was the first step. In the years prior to war, the Italians had labored to heavily fortify the island. On June 1, 1943, Allies began around the clock bombing of Pantelleria. The raid slowly intensified until June 11.