Operation Avalanche

Overview

Operation Avalanche was the codename for the Allied landings near the port of Salerno, executed on 9 September 1943, part of the Allied invasion of Italy during World War II. The Italians withdrew from the war the day before the invasion, but the Allies landed in an area defended by German troops. Planned under the name Top Hat, it was supported by the deception plan Operation Boardman.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Significance

Operation Avalanche, the Allied amphibious landing near Salerno on 9 September 1943, was a central element of the Allied invasion of Italy during World War II. The operation came one day after Italy's withdrawal from the war, but the Allies landed against German rather than Italian defenders, meaning the anticipated collapse of Axis resistance did not materialize. With a force of approximately 170,000 Allied troops opposed by around 35,000 German troops, the landing secured a foothold on the Italian mainland, though at a cost of over 4,000 Allied casualties against roughly 2,000 German. The operation was supported by the deception plan Operation Boardman, which had been developed to mask Allied intentions ahead of the assault.

Forces & casualties

Commanders (4)