Count Ciano

[Simon K]

How far did Ciano actively manage to influence Mussolini to distance Italy from the Nazis?

Ciano is one of the very few Axis personalties with real independent intellect, much more than Speer, who is in some ways his equivalent.

His writings display a journalist/historians eye and a witty incisiveness.

[zapdream]

Ciano had always been thinking about what was best for Italy. He was a patriot. He was the best friend of the future King of Italy.

Meanwhile Mussolini (his father-in-law) was unpredictable at best, he would say 'yes' to who ever was infront of him - and then forget it when his back was turned. Hitler had broken his word to Mussolini and Italy - Ciano had every reason to question the Axis Agreement and the way the war was unfolding.

Italy was about to face untold death and destruction with an Allied attack. He voted for the return of Monarchy to protect Italy and Italian lives - to say he was guilty of treason is to side with Hitler and the Narzi's. Yes he was against the Axis Agreement - but that doth make treason.

[Michal78]

Nice photo of Ciano...

[Michal78]

Ciano with Ribbentrop.
Michal

[Michal78]

And one more...
Michal

[tigre]

Hello to all ; better times........................................

Ciano speaks!

Source: https://www.tradera.com/item/341315/360 ... are-i-vast

Cheers. Raúl M .

[Hans1906]

Good afternoon,

one question about the execution of Galeazzo Ciano on january 11th, 1944:

He was executed by a firing squad, sitting on a chair, and he was shot dead in the back.
Was this a common execution method in Italy back then, that would be my question?

Hans1906

[DavidFrankenberg]

Good afternoon,

one question about the execution of Galeazzo Ciano on january 11th, 1944:

He was executed by a firing squad, sitting on a chair, and he was shot dead in the back.
Was this a common execution method in Italy back then, that would be my question?

Hans1906

It is a common execution mode for those convicted of treason. They are shot in the back like they are supposed to have stabbed in the back themselves.
The treason in question concerning Ciano, and others shot with him, was the vote for the deposition of Mussolini during the night of the 24 to the 25 July 1943.

Ciano and others were attached on a chair. But you notice that Ciano, in a last bravado, tried to turn his face at the last moment. He never considered himself as a traitor. He just assumed that the King would make a new government with him, Ciano, in order to make peace with the Allies. At this time, the US conquered Sicily and were bombing Rome. Ciano and others wanted to stop the war without betraying the Germans. But it did not happen.

[Hans1906]

Thanks David,

I was not aware about all the bloody details.

"Revenge" was probably the reason for the execution, and I did not like to share the photos, neither the film clip.

Thank you

Final question, was Ciano shot dead with a handgun after the former execution, or was he already dead after the rifle
fire into his back?

Hans1906

[DavidFrankenberg]

Yes. It was usual also to terminate them with a handgun after the shooting. It was to be sure they are dead and won't suffer anymore...

Some say Ciano was still alive, but im not sure. The bullet hit him in the chest. Wounds are rarely lethal, except if the bullet goes through the head or in the heart... that's why they always shot them with a handgun after the shooting. The officer in charge of the shooting personally had to do it himself. This is how all armies were doing.

[Hans1906]

Thank you again, David,

I had to translate your sentence "But you notice that Ciano, in a last bravado, tried to turn his face at the last moment..."

Really strange, what some persons are able to see...
The term "Bravado" was new to me.


Hans1906

[DavidFrankenberg]

Thank you again, David,

I had to translate your sentence "But you notice that Ciano, in a last bravado, tried to turn his face at the last moment..."

Really strange, what some persons are able to see...
The term "Bravado" was new to me.


Hans1906

Yes, Ciano didn't want to be killed like a traitor. And it is right that if he voted for the Grandi's motion during the last Great Council, he didn't want to kick out Mussolini. He just hoped a new government which would negotiate with the Allies.
You can see there :

Ciano is the only one looking back upon his shoulder in order to see when they would shoot, so he could turn himself at the last second.

There is an even better photo which shows Ciano turning himself at the very last moment and taking the shoot... but I can't find it online.

[CogCalgary]

Edda Ciano told the Nazis that if he, Ciano, were executed, she would publish his diaries, which she did

Edda Ciano went to Switzerland hiding diairies in her pregnant woman disguise.She sold the diairies to american inteeligence.

Too bad.Although the unedited version would likely be completely unacceptable.