The Gurkha forces were sent to Italy in May 1943, to prevent the Germans from advancing. Italy surrendered when the Allied troops invaded, but the German soldiers remained in the mountains of Italy. The Gurkhas reached Italy on 11 February 1944 as a part of the 4th Indian Division. They started an offensive on February 16 and 17. Both attacks were a failure, causing 20% casualties. On May 14 the Polish Division finally took the position. During the period, the Gurkhas managed to take several mountains while losing 4,000 men.
