Germans turn against Italian civilians

10th September 1943: German behaviour towards the Italians abruptly becomes brutal and vindictive towards their former allies

U.S. Army Engineers haul a roll of wire mesh into position to make a beach roadway, at Salerno.

Shoree parties sort through a jumble of supplies, on the Salerno waterline, 9-10 September 1943. LCVPs in background include boats from USS LYON (AP-71) and USS JAMES O'HARA (APA-90)

British soldier clearing land mines, using a mine detector, on Red Beach, ten miles south of Salerno. White tape marks the edge of the cleared area. LSTs in background are unloading U.S. Army trucks. LST-311 at right taken on 10 September 1943, the second day of the invasion.

The Italian surrender had not come as a complete surprise to the Germans, and they moved swiftly to neutralise the Italian armed forces wherever possible. These were awkward and uncertain days for the Italians and particularly for their armed forces. At best, they were disarmed and humiliated. At worst, some units were massacred at the hands of the Germans.

These people haven’t eaten for two days, and they are looking to us to take care of them.