The October Martyrs of Lanciano, were a group of brave partisans who gave their lives in the fight against Nazi occupation during World War II. Condemned to death on 5th October 1943, they were executed on 6th October.
Lanciano, a town in the Abruzzo region of central Italy, found itself in the grip of German forces following the armistice of 8th September 1943. After Mussolini’s fall, Italy declared itself open to Allied forces, prompting the Germans to swiftly occupy large parts of the country. They fortified their positions and were determined to crush any resistance.
Trentino La Barba and the Gran Sasso Resistance
A key figure is Trentino La Barba, a founding member of the “Gran Sasso” resistance group. Following the armistice in September 1943, Italy faced occupation by German forces determined to suppress any resistance. La Barba, alongside his comrades, spearheaded efforts to arm and organize local resistance fighters. At the beginning of October 1943, they raided local Carabinieri, MVSN, and Guardia di Finanza barracks, securing weapons that would fuel their efforts.
On 4th October 1943, La Barba’s group attacked a German military column near Pozzo Bagnaro, successfully dispersing the enemy forces. However, their defiance came at a great cost. After a subsequent attack on another German column, La Barba was captured by Nazi troops. Despite brutal torture, he refused to betray his comrades or reveal the names of the resistance leaders.
A Hero’s Final Stand
In an effort to break the resistance and intimidate the local population, the Germans brought La Barba to Lanciano. Tied to a tree in a main street, he was given an ultimatum: reveal the names of his fellow partisans, or face execution. When he refused, the soldiers subjected him to unspeakable cruelty, cutting out his eyes in front of the gathered townspeople before finally shooting him dead. His body was then hanged from the same tree, serving as a grim warning to the population.
The Uprising and Its Consequences
La Barba’s brutal execution ignited the spark of rebellion in Lanciano. Hours later, an uprising broke out against the German occupiers. In fierce fighting, forty-seven German soldiers and eleven partisans were killed. The Germans responded with characteristic ruthlessness, executing twelve civilians in reprisal for the uprising.
Every year, the town holds memorials and ceremonies to honour their sacrifice. The local community gathers to pay tribute to these fallen heroes.
The bravery of the October martyrs of Lanciano, in the face of overwhelming odds, continues to inspire those who cherish freedom and justice.
