This Day in History: 28 April 2020
28 April 1945
75 years ago, today, Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, were shot by Italian partisans that had captured the couple as they attempted to flee to Switzerland. The deposed former Italian dictator was established by his German allies as the figurehead of a puppet government in northern Italy as the end of the war drew nearer. The Allies were fighting their way up the Italian peninsula, so it was certain that the Axis powers would soon be defeated, forcing Mussolini to consider his options.
He did not want to fall into the hands of the British or American forces and knew that the Soviets would try him as a war criminal. The communist partisans had been fighting the last Italian fascist soldiers and thugs in the north. This caused Mussolini to decide to escape to a neutral country. He and Petacci made their way to the Swiss border but discovered that the guards had crossed to the partisan side. Mussolini disguised himself in a Luftwaffe coat and helmet, hoping to slip into Austria amongst German soldiers. This proved ineffective, and the couple were discovered and shot. Their bodies were transported to Milan, where they were hung upside down and displayed in public for viewing.
Want to find out more about the life and death of Benito Mussolini? Click here for more information.
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