Nick Lees: Loyal Edmonton Regiment marks 75 years since the Battle of Ortona

Remembrance Day this year marks the centennial of the end of the First World War and the struggle 75 years ago for Ortona, one of the bloodiest battles fought by the Loyal Edmonton Regiment (LER) during the Second World War.
The Allies and Germans both thought the fight for Ortona might be an indication of the outcome of the Italian campaign.
Issues of prestige became involved and German leader Adolf Hitler decreed Ortona must be held — “fight for every last house and tree.