"The Allied Landings in Italy, September 1943- Reggio, Taranto and Salerno" Salerno, 9 September 1943 (Operation Avalanche): The Salerno beachhead was at the limit of the effective range of Allied fighters operating from Sicily. The capture of Monte Corvino airfield, near Battipaglia, was therefore vital to gain the Salerno beachhead adequate air support. After fierce fighting, it was captured on 11 September. The picture shows barrels of oil abandoned by the Germans with two immobilised German aircraft in the background.