Now there are many, many, myths and half truths which litter our perception of Italy’s role in two World Wars, and the impact of the Fascist dictatorship of Mussolini on the lives of Italians.
That oft quoted comment that “he got the trains to run on time” is grotesque in its summing up of a brutal regime which punished all dissent and took Italy into a series of military adventures culminating with its entry into the Second World War in 1940 on the side of Hitler.
And while some may mutter it was benign when compared to the horrors of Nazi Germany, this obscures the reality of the dictatorship.
In the same way the jokes about the Italian armed forces may have more to do with the simple fact that many Italians had no desire to fight the Fascist wars than anything to do with the bravery of their servicemen and women.
Indeed the sacrifice shown by the opponents of Mussolini during his rule and the heroism of the partisans in the final years of the war should put those jokes to rest.
Opponents like Riccardo Tonolli who was executed as a partisan in August 1944 and is commemorated by this simple memorial by the lake side in the town of Intra.
So with all this in mind I will be attending the first of two talks by Silvana Serra, on Italy 1929-1945 : What did really happen?
Hosted by the Dante Society, the “talks will aim to broaden the knowledge of - and provide some clarifications on - the dramatic events of the Fascism and the role of Italy in World War II. Events sadly often perceived too simplistically.
A glass of wine and Italian nibbles will follow. During the social gathering you will have the opportunity to discuss the presentation.
Venue: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL
Date; May 2nd 6.15 for 6.30 start
Admission: members £ 2.00 / non-members £3.00
It would be helpful if you could confirm your presence to dante@newfuture.org"
Location Manchester
Picture; war memorial to the Partisan, 2018, Intra, from the collection of Andrew Simpson
And while some may mutter it was benign when compared to the horrors of Nazi Germany, this obscures the reality of the dictatorship.
In the same way the jokes about the Italian armed forces may have more to do with the simple fact that many Italians had no desire to fight the Fascist wars than anything to do with the bravery of their servicemen and women.
Indeed the sacrifice shown by the opponents of Mussolini during his rule and the heroism of the partisans in the final years of the war should put those jokes to rest.
Opponents like Riccardo Tonolli who was executed as a partisan in August 1944 and is commemorated by this simple memorial by the lake side in the town of Intra.
Hosted by the Dante Society, the “talks will aim to broaden the knowledge of - and provide some clarifications on - the dramatic events of the Fascism and the role of Italy in World War II. Events sadly often perceived too simplistically.
A glass of wine and Italian nibbles will follow. During the social gathering you will have the opportunity to discuss the presentation.
Venue: Cross Street Chapel, Cross Street, Manchester M2 1NL
Date; May 2nd 6.15 for 6.30 start
Admission: members £ 2.00 / non-members £3.00
It would be helpful if you could confirm your presence to dante@newfuture.org"
Location Manchester
Picture; war memorial to the Partisan, 2018, Intra, from the collection of Andrew Simpson
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