Operation Paula-Linie (i)

Paula Line

'Paula-Linie' (i) was the German defence line shielding Florence in the north central part of Italy against an Allied advance from the south (summer 1944).

This defence line extended from Figline Valdarno on the middle reaches of the Arno river north-westward to Montelupo on the Arno river in the area to the west of Florence. The line was breached by elements of Lieutenant General Sir Oliver Leese’s British 8th Army in 'Plonk' during August 1944.