Osoppo
The formation of the Osoppo-Friuli Brigades
The Osoppo-Friuli Brigades were founded on December 24th, 1943 in Udine, on the initiative of a group of volunteers inspired by secularism, socialism and Catholicism. The name Osoppo was chosen for its symbolic connection with the region's risorgimental history, during which the city of Osoppo resisted the Siege for seven months in 1848. The main objective of the Brigade was to cooperate with the Garibaldi Brigades and contribute to the Italian Resistance against the German occupying forces, which had established the Adriatic Coastal Operations Zone and taken over the entire Friuli-Venezia Giulia territory from the authority of the Italian Social Republic. The Osoppo was commanded by Candido Grassi, Manlio Cencig, two captains of the Italian Royal Army, and Don Ascanio De Luca, former chaplain of the Alpini in Montenegro and at the time parish priest in Colugna, a fraction of Tavagnacco.
The political-military situation in the region
The political-military situation in Friuli-Venezia Giulia was very complex, at the center of opposing nationalisms and secular ethnic-territorial rivalries. The Osoppo formations often had conflicting relationships with the communist Garibaldi units and were in contrast with the Slovene-Yugoslav partisan forces. After the Badoglio Proclamation of September 8th, 1943, the Italian divisions of the 2nd Army disintegrated, and the over 100,000 Italian soldiers stationed in the area were handed over to the rapid German reaction without the possibility of outlining a plan of resistance. The German occupation did not immediately extend to the entire region, and after the dissolution of the Italian administration, the Yugoslav formations took the initiative.
The partisan struggle in the region
The Osoppo-Friuli Brigades began to operate in the area of Udine, Spilimbergo, and Tarvisio, taking part in numerous sabotage and guerrilla actions, often with a high degree of coordination with other partisan formations such as the Garibaldi Brigades. The Osoppo also engaged in operations to recover and supply advanced material from the allies in enemy territory. The partisan activity in the region was characterized by numerous difficulties, including harsh weather conditions and the resistance of the occupying forces but also by moments of great success, such as the liberation of Udine and Trieste in 1945.
The role of the Osoppo-Friuli Brigade
The Osoppo-Friuli Brigades played an important role in the Italian Resistance, operating with great courage and sacrifice in a region where the partisan struggle was particularly difficult due to the complex political-military situation. The osoppini, as the Osoppo partisans were called, demonstrated great tactical and organizational ability, often managing to coordinate their actions with those of other partisan formations. Their contribution to the liberation of Italy from Nazi-fascism was precious and hard-won.
Remembering the Osoppo-Friuli Brigades
The Osoppo-Friuli Brigades have been remembered in numerous ceremonies and commemorations as an example of civic engagement and the struggle for the freedom and independence of Italy. Their sacrifice has also been remembered in literary and cinematic works, such as the film "La notte della Repubblica" by Sergio Zavoli and the poetry collection "La guerra degli invisibili" by Maurizio Cucchi. The memory of the Osoppo-Friuli Brigades is still alive in the memory of the people of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, who do not forget the sacrifice of their partisan heroes.
