The Resistenza on the Road to Victory
Author: Milan Spindler
Between January and May 1945, the Second World War in Italy reached its decisive conclusion as the Allies liberated large parts of the country. In this final phase, the Resistenza assumed a more active and central role in the combat operations than ever before. The nationwide uprising proclaimed on 25 April 1945 has since remained etched in collective memory, transcending the war's end. Following liberation, the disarmament and dissolution of the partisan groups became a pivotal step toward establishing a new political order.
The Liberation of Piacenza from the Allied Perspective
On 28 April 1945, the city of Piacenza was liberated by the Resistance and American and Brazilian troops. After two days of fighting, during the night between 27 and 28 April, the German and Fascist military forces stationed in Piacenza, numbering around 2,000 men, abandoned the city, seeking refuge in Lombardy via the existing ferries on the River Po. On the morning of the 28th, partisan formations took possession of the liberated city. Clashes between the partisans and the last fascist snipers continued until 29 April. Signal Corps photographers captured some moments with their cameras.
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After the liberation of the city, this man lies dead on the street. According to Allied chroniclers, he was a fascist who, after being captured by the partisans, was killed with a shot to the back of the head. In fact, from rooftops, towers and attics, the last fascists who had refused to retreat with their comrades opened fire on the partisans. The operation to flush out these snipers continues throughout the day and night until 29 April: these last enemy fascist soldiers fall in combat or, if captured, are immediately shot © US-NARA, Signal Corps 208336 / Fot. Edwards -
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back © US-NARA, Signal Corps 208336 / Fot. Edwards -
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28 April 1945, a partisan in the streets of Piacenza. Behind him, graffiti reading ‘Long live the Duce’ © US-NARA, Signal Corps 208337 / Fot. Edwards -
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back © US-NARA, Signal Corps 208337 / Fot. Edwards -
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On 28 April 1945, fighting between partisans and fascists continues. Here, partisans attempt to overcome a fascist sniper in Piacenza © US NARA, Signal Corps 359047 / Fot. Edwards -
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back © US NARA, Signal Corps 359047 / Fot. Edwards
