Operation Avalanche was the codename for the Allied invasion of Italy near the port of Salerno, executed on 9 September, 1943. The Italians withdrew from the war the day before the invasion, but the Allies landed in an area defended by German troops.
Allied units participating included U.S.VI Corps, and British X Corps.
In order to draw troops away from the landing ground, a landing had already been made by the British Eighth Army in Calabria in the 'toe' of Italy, on 3 September.
Salerno was an obvious choice for an invasion and the defenders were not surprised. Heavy naval bombardment, reinforcement by the American 82nd Airborne Division and a secondary flanking landing at Calabria and Taranto were needed to overcome the strong defenses. Planned under the name Top Hat. Supported by the deception plan Operation Boardman.
Not to be confused with Operation Avalanche (child pornography) or Operation Avalanche (Afghanistan).
