Who are the Partisans in the nonfiction book, War in Val D'Orcia, 1943-1944?

"Partisans" is the name given to Italians who fight to free Italy from German influence, doing so either in militarily organized fashion or in guerilla, more random fashion. On several occasions throughout the narrative, the Marchesa and the Val d'Orcia community provide refuge, safety and supplies to partisan fighters.