Operation Avalanche

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)