Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms April 25: Liberation Day Italy

April the 25th is celebrated in Italy as Liberation Day in Italy. It was not the absolute end of hostilities in Italy but it was when most of the North, including Milan came under the control of the Italian partisan anti-fascist forces before the arrival of allied forces.

What is probably little known outside of Italy is that following the Armistice of Cassibile that was signed on 3 September 1943 Italy became a German occupied country. The German forces had anticipated this and viewed the Italian military as an enemy and consequently forced disarmament and imprisonment, thousands were transported to POW camps. Those that could escaped to join the partisans or joined the allies as the Italian Co-belligerent Army. Quite a few navy ships escaped to allied ports, unfortunately not without the loss of nearly 1,400 when the Roma was sunk. In other parts, particularly Greek Islands, there was strong, but somewhat futile resistance.

More details can be found at https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armistice_of_Cassibile for anyone interested.

A couple of years ago I came across the story of a British soldier who lived, first as a POW, and then with the partisans, during this period. It makes very interesting reading. There are a couple of misspelled place names but in the end I have identified all the locations. I have often thought that I would like to visit the area.

Wartime Memories - Private Robert Louvain Dey

Maybe worth mentioning the Italian soldiers in Kephalonia being shot en masse by the Germans also occupying this Greek Island and elsewhere during WW2. The true story being brought to light in the fictionalised book and later film "Captain Corelli's Mandolin". When I visited around 2001/2 whilst cruising the Med, all the small towns and villages had posters advertising the film, shooting having only recently been completed. I recall a long walk into the hills above the capital Argostoli and discovering a memorial to such Italian soldiers massacred out of fear they would turn on their German allies. It very sadly brought the story to life.

I shall have cause to remember again next month when we visit for a holiday on the island.

Fuller facts here