Allied Landings at Salerno

Anglo-American forces land in the Salerno area of mainland Italy.

After the Sicily campaign, the Allies sought a foothold on the Italian mainland. Italy's armistice was announced publicly on 8 September, but German forces continued to resist.

On 9 September, Allied troops landed near Salerno in Operation Avalanche. German units counterattacked the beachhead, attempting to drive the landing force into the sea.

With support from naval gunfire and aircraft, the landed forces held their positions. By mid-September they linked up with other Allied units.

The operation opened a prolonged Italian campaign in which difficult terrain and prepared defensive lines slowed the Allied advance.

Source: View historical source ↗