September 21, 2024 | by Unboxify
In the context of World War II, the performance of Italian forces has often been ridiculed and undermined by excessive spaghetti and pizza memes. However, amidst the battles and the chaos, there were moments where Italy displayed remarkable military effectiveness. Today, we delve into these moments of valor and highlight the underappreciated contributions of Italian troops during the Second World War.
On the morning of January 21st, 1941, an Anglo-Indian armored column known as Gazelle Force stood quietly in the Kuru Gorge in Eritrea, then part of Italian East Africa. Little did they know that 250 Eritrean horsemen, led by Italian Lieutenant Amedeo Guillet, were about to storm the scene.
Bursted through the morning mist, Guillet and his men charged at Gazelle Force with pistols, swords, and hand grenades. This sudden and fierce engagement sent the defenders into confusion. Despite being heavily outnumbered and facing armored vehicles, Guillet’s squadron managed to regroup for a second charge. The Italian artillery fired back, covering their advance and buying critical time.
Though Guillet lost more than half of his unit, his daring attack allowed the Italian commander, the Duke of Aosta, to organize defenses in Agordat and Keren. Here, the Italians and their colonial troops successfully held off Commonwealth forces for two months. This valiant action marked the last cavalry charge ever faced by the British Army, and Guillet continued to wage a guerrilla war against the British in East Africa.
Italy’s involvement on the Eastern Front during Operation Barbarossa showcased their resolve and adaptability. From September 1941 to August 1942, General Giovanni Messe led the 60,000 strong Italian Expeditionary Corps against the Soviet Union. Their baptism by fire took place at the Battle of Petrikowka in September 1941.
With their positions secured, General Messe orchestrated a pincer movement that captured 10,000 Soviet prisoners at the cost of just 300 casualties. This tactical brilliance paved the way for further successes on the Eastern Front.
By October 1942, the Italian forces had grown in size, forming the ARMIR (Italian Army in Russia). Yet, they faced formidable Soviet opposition, particularly along the River Don. The Savoia Cavalry Regiment’s engagement against the 812th Siberian Infantry Regiment on August 24, 1942, became known as the Charge of Isbuschenskij, the last major cavalry charge in history.
The Savoia Regiment suffered 84 men and 100 horse losses, whereas the Soviets endured 1,050 casualties. This engagement relieved larger Italian units and provided critical defense against further Soviet offensives. However, these efforts were ultimately futile as Operation Uranus and Saturn in December 1942 drove Axis forces back west.
The Mediterranean theater saw the Italian and British navies vying for control over essential supply routes. While cavalry charges were of no use on the seas, this arena presented Italian forces with the opportunity to display their naval ingenuity and prowess.
One of the most spectacular naval operations was the Raid on Alexandria, led by Corvette Captain Prince Junio Valerio Borghese. This raid on December 19, 1941, showcased the daring and skill of the Italian 10th MAS Flotilla commandos.
Despite their capture, the commandos did not reveal their mission. The explosive charges detonated, sinking Valiant, Queen Elizabeth, and two other ships, handing the Axis navies strategic superiority in the Mediterranean overnight.
Gaining control over the Mediterranean was crucial for securing supplies to Axis forces in North Africa. However, the logistical challenges eventually overwhelmed the Axis powers, despite their initial successes.
The North African campaign featured some of the most relentless and intense battles of World War II. Italian forces played significant roles, particularly during the Second Battle of El Alamein from October 23 to November 11, 1942.
Despite their valiant efforts, Italian forces could not prevent the Axis defeat at El Alamein, marking the “end of the beginning” as described by Churchill. However, their tenacity allowed Rommel’s forces to avoid total destruction. The Folgore Division, in particular, held back three British divisions and one Free French Brigade with limited ammunition and anti-tank guns, ultimately retreating without surrendering.
The Italians’ resistance continued in Libya and Tunisia, with the Folgore Division’s strength dwindling from 5,000 men to just over 300 by the end of the North African campaign. Their courage exemplified the determination of Italian troops in the face of overwhelming odds.
Despite their strategic, doctrinal, and logistical shortcomings, Italian forces displayed remarkable valor and ingenuity during World War II. Moments of military effectiveness highlighted their capabilities, often overshadowed by the broader narrative of Axis defeats. When provided with adequate equipment, leadership, and morale, Italian troops performed commendably, scoring victories and delaying defeat with determination.
The contributions of these Italian soldiers deserve recognition, shedding light on the undaunted spirit of a ridiculed nation. Their legacy reminds us that courage and resilience can emerge even in the darkest of times.
Were you aware of these moments of Italian valor during World War II? Do you have any additional examples or stories to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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