| Original caption: “Coast Guardsmen and Navy Beach Battalion men hug the beach at Paestum, South of Salerno, as a German Bomber attacks, Sept. 1943. An explosion can be seen in the background. Note wire mat on beach.” German opposition to the Salerno landings began on September 6, 1943, with an attack by 180 aircraft on Bizerte, Tunisia, to disrupt convoys gathering there. The next day, Messerschmitt Me-109s flying from Sardinia on reconnaissance patrols photographed harbors along the North African coast from Cape Bon to Phillippeville. A Junkers Ju-88 was dispatched that night to monitor the Straits of Messina. Clearly the Germans were aware a major operation was imminent. As the convoys got underway for Salerno on September 7 (D-2), radio intercepts notified Allied Intelligence that a Me-109 had sighted them at 1700 Hours. Nazi German torpedo bombers in Southern France were dispatched for an attack at 1755 and intercepted the convoy at 2230 Hours. HMS Delphi heard a torpedo explode at end of run, but no aircraft scored any hits. On September 8 (D-1), 1 of the convoys was attacked by 5 Focke-Wulf Fw-190 fighters that dived out of the sun. USS LCI(L)-87 was damaged by a near miss. The convoy was again sighted by Nazi German reconnaissance at 1400 and 1403 Hours by 2 different flights. At 2015-2205 Hours, Junkers Ju-88 torpedo bombers came in at low level, invisible in the dark to Allied ships. Smoke was laid to harass the attackers. HMS Ledbury reported 1 shot down. HMS Prince Charles reported a torpedo passed astern. USS LST-375 was hit by a bomb that passed through the ship without exploding and suffered 2 near misses. USS Biscayne (AVP-11), HMS Mendip, several landing ships and craft also reported near misses. Allied planes chased off the bombers. Other attacks occurred at 2100 (against HMS Hilary), 2109-2230 (against HMS Prince Charles), 2112, 2303 (against Convoy FSS-2), and 2130 (against HMS Princess Astrid). The Allies believed they destroyed 3 Ju-88s and probably destroyed another. On D-Day, September 9, 1943, HMS Fly reported that Landing Ship, Infantry (LSIs) with Convoy LP-2 were under heavy air attack. HMS Cadmus suffered a near miss and was damaged. HMS Bristol reported a Nazi German aircraft dropping flares over the entire beachhead at 0510 Hours. 9 miles (15 kilometers) from the beaches, HMS Delphi reported low level bombing of the convoys. 1 Junkers Ju-88 dropped 2 bombs on the beach. At 0550 Hours, it was reported the air attacks were coming from Benevento. Another air attack by 4 bombers developed at 0742 Hours by a Dornier Do-217 and 8 other aircraft; they were driven off by Supermarine Spitfires. The Allies claimed 2 aircraft shot down. At 1130 Hours, 3 Messerschmitt Me-109s raided the beaches; 1 was shot down. Another air raid developed at 1240-1307 Hours over the beaches and landing craft. 11 fighter-bombers were intercepted by Spitfires. At 1629 Hours, dive bombers struck the beaches. Many interceptions (“bogies”) were found to be friendly aircraft. Me-109s dropped bombs on HMS Bristol, landing 300 yards astern, at 1735 Hours. Nazi German Fighter bombers strafed the beaches at 1741 Hours. A major raid appeared at 2140 Hours. Nazi German aircraft dropped flares. 30 sticks of bombs rained down on the anchorage. Anti-aircraft artillery fire was heavy. USS LST-375 was damaged by a 500 pound (226 kilogram) bomb. At least 1 Ju-88 was shot down. HMS Delhi and HMS Uganda collided in the smoke screen during the raid. The raid continued until 2230 Hours. The next day, September 10, D+1, Nazi German aircraft bombed Salerno at 0100 Hours for 40 minutes. Nevertheless, at 0250 Hours, the Northwest African Tactical Air Force (NATAF) considered the air raids so far “light scale” and suggested that Lockheed P-38 Lightnings be brought lower to be directed against road movement in the south. Another raid developed at 0430 and 0446 Hours. At 0707 Hours, the Allied Air Command reported that the high ground around Salerno was interfering with ship’s radar supporting aircraft, especially Beaufighter operations. At 0723 Hours, reconnaissance reported that Rome and Foggia Axis airfields were not active. At 1024 Hours, 12 Nazi German fighter bombers were sighted; they attacked the convoy at 1046. At 1100 Fw-190s and Spitfires engaged in an air battle over Salerno. At 1430 Hours, during another air attack, a Nazi German aircraft was claimed to be shot down. 12 Me-109s engaged by Supermarine Seafires over the convoy at 1740 Hours. The Allies claimed 3 were downed. 20 Nazi German bombers from Naples and Frosinone raided at 2141 Hours. Additional raids occurred at 2230-2330 and 2235-2340 over different parts of the landing zones. Royal Air Force Beaufighters claimed 1 Ju-88, 1 Heinkel He-111, and 1 additional unidentified aircraft. HMS Bristol reported an aircraft dropped flares at 2245 Hours. 4 bombs landed starboard and port off USS Ancon (AGC-4). HMS Ulster Queen claimed 1 aircraft shot down. The smoke screen was so heavy visibility was down to 15 feet (4.5 meters). Nazi German aircraft were dropping fragmentation bombs. Anti-aircraft artillery fire was heavy. During sorties September 10, Allied fighters flew 68 patrols and 739 sorties over Salerno. 120 Nazi German aircraft were encountered in flights of 6 to 16. The Allies claimed 5 Me-109s and 3 Fw-190s, and probably destroyed 1 Me-109s and 1 Fw-190. Another Me-109 and Fw-190 were seen to be flying away with damage. 2 Spitfires and 3 P-38 Lightnings failed to return. On September 11, D+2, USS LST-358 reported many flares and bombs dropped on the beachhead at 0300 Hours. An attack by 15 to 20 Nazi German bombers from Naples and Frosinone developed at 0435-0515 Hours; numerous flares and bombs were dropped around Convoy SBM-4. At 0925 Hours, Fw-190s heading south outran Spitfires. At 0930-0955 Hours, Nazi German high level bombers made an attack on the beachhead. At 0941 Hours USS Savannah (CL-42) received a Fritz X radio-controlled glide bomb in her Number 3 Turret. At 1130 Hours, NATAF returned the P-38s to air cover, as the Royal Navy Seafires were inadequate. NATAF preferred they would serve in ground attack roles. As unloading backed up on the beach and air attacks became more frequent, United States Navy Admiral Henry K. Hewitt (February 11, 1887 – September 15, 1972) stated that ship losses were becoming unsustainable. Some LSTs lacked adequate anti-aircraft artillery, so destroyers were requested to assist. Nervous gunners were opening up on any aircraft, so all ships were directed to identify targets before firing. Because of the easily identifiable shape, P-38s were to escort all Allied aircraft. Another dive bombing attack began at 1800 hours. P-38s claimed 4 aircraft. At 1944 Hours, USS Philadelphia (CL-41) was near missed by a Nazi German plane, which crashed into Frame 110. At the same time, another air raid on the beaches saw 1 Nazi German aircraft shot down. At 2300 Hours, it was reported that excellent radar coverage gave good warning, intercepting nearly all raids. 7 major raids of more than 10 aircraft and many with up to 4. During the landing at Maiori a major dogfight ensued with 40 aircraft. The beaches were strafed 15 times. The Paestum Airfield was almost ready, and the Nazi Germans made a maximum effort before land-based aircraft were established at Salerno. On September 12, D+3, Nazi German bombers raided the beachhead from 0235-0340, hitting a British coastal vessel. The bombers returned at 1100 and 1230 Hours; when strafing the beach, 1 aircraft was shot down. They are pursued by Spitfires and P-38 Lightnings. 20 minutes later, Nazi German planes with rockets struck the beach. At 1310 Hours, 2 ME-109s strafing the beach were shot down. 30 minutes later, in an attack on the landing at Maiori, USS Biscayne (AVP-11) suffered a near miss that resulted in a hull dent and other minor damage. Steamship Lyminge, with a cargo of gasoline, mines, and chlorine gas, was set on fire and abandoned. Eventually the fires were brought under control and the ship was saved. A Me-109 was engaged over the beachhead at 1740 Hours. 6 Nazi German Fw-190s came in low and dropped bombs on the beachhead at 1805 Hours. They straddled USS Boise (CL-47). From 1820-1842 Hours, an air raid on the beachhead was driven of by Allied fighters. On September 13, D+4, Nazi German aircraft bombed the beachhead and the port of Salerno at 0255 Hours. HMHS Leinster, a hospital ship, was bombed at 0401 Hours. HMHS Saint Andrew was bombed at 0454 Hours. HMHS Newfoundland was sunk in the same attack. Another attack occurred at 0515 Hours. Another raid occurred at 1050-1140 Hours. At 1440 Hours HMS Uganda was hit by a rocket bomb, the beginning of a Fw-190 raid that lasted for 15 minutes. USS Philadelphia (CL-41) suffered a near miss a 100 feet (30 meters) from a Fritz X glide bomb. Another raid developed at 1600 and at 1655. At 0900 Hours on September 14, D+5, Nazi German aircraft dropped bombs on the beachhead with no result. Another raid occurred at 0920 Hours. North American B-25 Mitchells were attacked by Nazi German fighters over Salerno. The air space over the convoys and beachhead was deemed too insecure for Allied bomber operations; it was recommended that they be re-routed due to 4 to 5 air attacks daily. An air attack by 12 Fw-190s occurred at 1213 Hours. Steamship Bushrod Washington was hit by a rocket bomb at 1421 Hours and later exploded at 0355 Hours on September 15. USS LCT-209 was damaged. Landing craft picked up survivors. Another raid developed at 1755; bombs dropped on the convoy at 1800 Hours and 15 Nazi German fighters strafed the beachhead at 1802 Hours, wounding 8 in USS LST-325. USS LCT-19 was damaged by a rocket bomb at 0740 Hours; it was towed out to sea and sunk at 0910 by HMS Hambleton. Steamship James Marshall was alongside, and its fire was extinguished by salvage tugs. In a 45-minute raid, 2 LCTs and 1 Liberty ship were on fire. 7 Nazi German dive bombers came out of the sun to attack the beachhead at 1210 Hours. HMS Derwentdale was damaged below the waterline by a near miss at 1214 Hours. 9 Nazi German dive bombers attacked the convoy at Salerno at 1756 Hours. 3 were reportedly shot down; 5 wounded in USS LST-347. Another air raid at 1815 and 2105 Hours. At 0200 Hours September 16, D+7, HMS lookout reported a near miss by a rocket bomb from a Low-flying Nazi German aircraft. USS Philadelphia (CL-41) reported at 0500 Hours being bombed by aircraft with Mark 2 Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF) meaning this couldn’t be relied upon any more. At 0730 Hours, Nazi German aircraft approached from the hills southward of the anchorage to attack the convoy. 1 aircraft was shot down. At 1041 Hours, another air raid. At 1425, 4 Nazi German dive bombers attacked at low level, while high level bombers attacked 2 minutes later, accompanied by fighters. HMS Warspite was hit by 2 direct hits and a near miss by Fritz X glide bombs. At 1815 Hours, another air raid by 4 Nazi German bombers from the hills south of the anchorage. Allied fighters pursued the raiders. During daylight on September 16, there were 8 major air raids. Smaller air raids continued throughout the night. At 2205 – 2241 Hours a major raid developed. No casualties or damage. USS Philadelphia (CL-41) opened fire at Nazi German planes dropping flares and bombs at 2246 Hours. At 2253 Hours, Admiral Henry K. Hewitt called for strong fighter patrols at 20,000 to 25,000 feet (6,100 to 7,600 meters) during daylight to “combat the grave menace of rocket bombing.” On September 17, 1944, D+8, an air raid developed at 0040 Hours; no damage or casualties. Because of the moonlight, smoke was ordered at 0149 Hours. Another air raid began at 0458 and continued until 0530 Hours. HMHS Somersetshire, a hospital ship, was bombed with no damage. Another air raid at 0720 Hours. Nazi German reconnaissance aircraft were recorded at 0816 Hours reporting to base the positions and descriptions of all ships in Salerno Bay. Positions were given in grid coordinate. Another air raid at 1015 and 1240 Hours. USS Philadelphia claimed 2 aircraft. Admiral Hewitt protested the lack of fighter cover over Salerno at 1414 Hours. An air raid developed at 1626 Hours. HMS Orion suffered a near miss at 1645 Hours. USS Philadelphia (CL-41) was attacked by Heinkel He-111s that were towing gliders at 1646 Hours. Hewitt complained about the lack of fighters again at 1729 Hours. He believed that smoke screens were the most effective counter to high altitude air attack. Another air raid at 1840 Hours. At 2021 Hours, USS Philadelphia (CL-4!) reported repelling 4 air attacks that day, 2 day and 2 night raids. 2 Dornier Do-217s were destroyed at high altitude. A single Nazi German bomber attacked an LST convoy 60 miles (100 kilometers) on September 18, D+9 at 0100 Hours. Fighters drove off many attacks before they could develop, but the constant alerts interrupted unloading of ships. An air raid occurred at 1804 Hours. HMS Sirius was near missed by a bomb from a Fw-190. At 1824 Hours, torpedo planes attacked, with 1 claimed shot down. Air raids were reported at 2300, 2308, and 2308 Hours. On September 19, D+10, Motor Vessel Empire Charmian was strafed by a Me-109 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the Salerno anchorage. USS Pilot (AM-104) shot it down, but Captain Andrew Smith (1893 – September 19, 1943) was killed in action. 3 other crew members were wounded. On September 19, British and American troops of United States 5th Army began marching on Naples. The city was liberated on October 1, 1944. By the end of the month the southern part of Italy was under Allied control, including the strategically important airfield at Foggia. Despite this success Avalanche had failed in its objective of achieving a lightning-quick seizure of Italy. Instead, the Allies were now committed to a long slog fighting up the boot of the Italian peninsula from toe to top. | |
| Image Filename | wwii2056.jpg |
| Image Size | 1.70 MB |
| Image Dimensions | 5657 x 4517 |
| Photographer | |
| Photographer Title | United States Army Signal Corps |
| Caption Author | Written or Adapted by Jason McDonald |
| Date Photographed | January 1, 1944 |
| Location | |
| City | Salerno |
| State or Province | Campania |
| Country | Italy |
| Archive | Naval History and Heritage Command |
| Record Number | 26-G-2000 |
| Status | Caption ©2026 MFA Productions LLC Please Do Not Duplicate or Distribute Without Permission; Image in the Public Domain |
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