Scoglitti

File:Ragusa posizione.png

Location of the province of Ragusa

Scoglitti (Sicilian: Scugghitti) is a small fishing village near the town of Vittoria on the south coast of Sicily.

In addition to its fishing industry, the village derives a substantial part of its income from tourism. The village hosts a daily fishing auction, and annual events such as the Festival of St Francesco, and the procession of the Virgine dif Portosalvo.

History

Scoglitti found a niche in history after being selected by the Allies as the site for an amphibious invasion of Sicily made by the US 45th Infantry Division during World War II.

When the invasion went ahead on July 10, 1943, rough seas disorganized the attacking boat waves, and the soft sand proved an impediment to movement. Fortunately for the attackers, the location was poorly defended and the Allies were able to consolidate their position in a day or two and move further inland.

References

• Scoglitti, Ragusa.net website.
• Mitcham, Samuel M. and Stauffenberg, Friedrich von (2007): The Battle of Sicily: How the Allies Lost Their Chance, Stackpole Books, ISBN 0-8117-3403-X (Extract).