Battle Analysis: Operation Encore - The 10th Mountain Division in Action, Limited Offensive in Mountains, 18 February to 5 March 1945

Abstract : Operation Encore took place from 18 February to 5 March 1945. It was a limited offensive operation designed to secure better positions for initiating a spring offensive to capture the Po River Valley. The operation took place as the Allied armies in Italy were conducting an active defense which had been assumed in October 1944 when large scale offensive operations were suspended due to a lack of sufficient ammunition, bad weather, and heavy losses. The objective of the operation was to seize a series of mountain peaks and ridges averaging 3, 800 feet in height. Control of these peaks and ridges would provide a strong anchor from which the spring offensive could be launched.