After four months, the Allies breakout from their bridgehead at Anzio and meet with the advancing troops heading north after the fall of Monte Cassino last week. The Japanese begin phase two of their big operation in China, and both the Soviets and the Western Allies continue making plans for their massive June offensives to squeeze the Axis from both sides of Europe.

In the early hours it is up the Allied airborne troops to secure the battlefield permitter, and protect the operation. Now they will find out if the Germans have been deceived, or are ready and waiting with mortal force.