In September 1943 on the Greek island called Cephalonia an Italian officer by the name of General Antonio Gandin, the first officer of the division of the Aqui, fought the Germans after Italy’s surrender to the allies. The Germans were unnecessarily violent and deceitful as usual, because the Italians who surrendered elsewhere, were going straight into Labour and Concentration Camps. Possibly German lawyers advised and argued as Italy had not declared war on the Germans, then the Italians were not prisoners of war so the Germans could do what they liked with them. Gandin did not surrender and he plus his men fought on against the Germans who had air cover, the Italians not, but this did not deter them. Some 1300 Italians lost their lives at night and in the day the Italians stated that the Germans lost 1200 the Germans say only 300. After some fierce fighting Gandin saw the hopelessness of his position. He ordered his men to lay down their arms. The Germans executed 5000 of them as Hitler wished. Then some more, of the 11,700 Italians of the Acqui division on the island 9,406 were dead. Shot for treason or so the Germans said, or was it for having the audacity to fight back? A priest that was there gave the men the last rites over and over again. Then one German showed his feelings and the priest begged and pleaded for him to stop. The German said that he would ask his commanding officer. They, then stopped, the Italians that were left boarded some boats heading for Labour or Concentration Camps. The boats hit mines on route and sank. Mussolini was furious when he heard but said they fought just like an Italian could do. My deepest respects to those who fought and died for their country.
:m ad:
March 3rd, 2008, 05:37 PM
