Invasion of Elba

Invasion of Elba
Part of the Italian Campaign of World War II

French troops landing on Elba, 17 June 1944
Date17–19 June 1944 (1944-06-17 – 1944-06-19)
Location
Elba, Italy
Result Allied victory
Belligerents
 Germany
Commanders and leaders
Franz Gall
Units involved
2 infantry battalions
Casualties and losses
  • British
  • 38 killed
  • 9 wounded
  • French
  • 252 killed
  • 635 wounded
  • 500 killed
  • 1,995 captured
  • flak ship destroyed

The invasion of Elba, codenamed Operation Brassard, was part of the Italian campaign during the Second World War. The invasion was carried out from 17 to 19 June 1944 by Free French Forces supported by British and American ships and aircraft. According to the testimony of captured Germans, Allied activity had been observed on Corsica, thus the defenders were aware of the impending invasion 24 hours in advance. They resisted for two days before being given permission to withdraw to the mainland.