“Lands of Avalanche/ I luoghi dell’operazione Avalanche (Province of Salerno)”.
One of the main (and little known) turning points of the Second World War, a step towards democracy and European cohesion
Seven municipal administrations in the Province of Salerno are advocating for recognition of the importance of Operation Avalanche in World War II. Battipaglia, Eboli, Montecorvino Pugliano, Montecorvino Rovella, Olevano sul Tusciano, and Salerno have prepared a detailed dossier to promote the history of the region
On the eightieth anniversary of the end of WWII, we commemorate the Salerno landing in 1943, which took place over an area of 40 km from Maiori to Sapri, the largest amphibious operation in the Mediterranean. Avalanche represented a turning point in European history: it accelerated the Italian armistice announcement, upheaving the region and producing consequences in Greece, France and the Balkans. It cost thousands of lives due to bombings, 12,000 soldiers fallen and 1,401 victims of Nazi repression within a few days. The Nazi occupation started as deportations in Italy and in Italians occupied territories, but from Salerno, the democratic journey of Italy and Greece began thanks unitary governments in 1944.
However, the first battle on the Continent after the Dunkirk retreat is often overlooked. Only the narrative of an entire people, supported by digital technologies for the dissemination of historical heritage, can promote a correct understanding of its importance.