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Allied invasion of Italy WW2

• Message 1.Β 

  Posted by StourBlue (U1774521) on Tuesday, 10th June 2008

  Something is puzzling me with regard to the situation in Italy after the Allies invaded in July 1943.
  I am aware that the German occupiers were keen to take Italian (and other) civillians north with them as they were being forced up the peninsula. Why might they be so keen to take them with them? Would it be to act as some kind of human shield?
  On a related issue, if anyone can recommend any books that have information on the experiences of internees in Italy during the war, I'd be glad to know them.
  many thanks

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• Message 2

  , in reply to message 1.

  Posted by ex4thhussar (U520216) on Tuesday, 10th June 2008

  Stourblue
  
  I will watch with interest the replies you will inevitably receive on this thread.
  
  As someone who was very much involved in the area at the time in question, having previously served in North Africa & Sicily, I can't remember ever being aware that the Germans were "keen to take Italian (and other) civilians north with them as they were being forced up the peninsula".
  
  I would remind you that the Italian surrender took place on September 3rd, 1943 and from then on, as we chased the German Forces up the peninsular, the German plan was always to fall back on previously prepared positions.
  
  Taking the Italians with them, once they had surrendered, was never part of their plan (or so I will believe until others tell me otherwise)
  
  A very interested
  
  Ron
  
  
  
  
  

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• Message 3

  , in reply to message 2.

  Posted by StourBlue (U1774521) on Tuesday, 10th June 2008

  Hi Ron,
  
  thanks for your reply.
  
  Looking back at my original post, I obviously didn't word it very well!
  
  It's just that I'm aware of a British couple who lived under internment in Italy during the war. They were moved by the German occupying force, initially from a small town near Naples, gradually making their way northwards, first to a town in the Abruzzi, finally ending up in Imola near Bologna, finally liberated in April 1945.

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• Message 4

  , in reply to message 3.

  Posted by ex4thhussar (U520216) on Tuesday, 10th June 2008

  Stourblue
  
  I must admit that your clarification now does make more sense.
  
  Individuals, such as the couple that you mention, would just have been mere pawns to the Germans and would have been moved wherever it was deemed necessary.
  
  Thanks for coming back to the thread and explaining.
  
  Regards
  
  Ron

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