Operation Fustian was an airborne forces operation undertaken during the Allied invasion of Sicily in July 1943 in the Second World War. The operation was carried out by Brigadier Gerald Lathbury’s 1st Parachute Brigade, part of the British 1st Airborne Division. Their objective was the Primosole Bridge across the Simeto River. The intention was for the brigade, with glider-borne forces in support, to land on both sides of the river. They would then capture the bridge and secure the surrounding area until relieved by the advance of British XIII Corps, which had landed on the south eastern coast three days previously. Because the bridge was the only crossing on the river and would give the British 8th Army access to the Catania plain, its capture was expected to speed the advance and lead to the defeat of the Axis forces in Sicily.

This is a meeting engagement as the British Paratroopers closing in on a German unit guarding a crossroad. The British are attacking on both sides. One British section was eliminated on the German left flank. The other units on that flank are circling around into the wooded area.

Another British unit is coming in on the right flank. These units took one one light light wound. While a German half track was destroyed by a British tank that seemed to be parachuted in along with a bridging vehicle. The Germans moved a machine unit into the mill after be moved from camping in an open field.