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Info on Italian Army at El Alamein?

Discussion in 'History of Italy during World War II' started by JJWilson, Nov 6, 2017.

  1. JJWilson

    JJWilson Well-Known Member

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    Hello everyone! I created this thread to help me with a part of my story Desert Rats, I didn't post this question on the thread made specifically for the story because I want to truly focus on the writing and creation of the story rather than the research part. Anyway, my knowledge on Italy in WW2 is basic at best, I know of the major operations they took part in, and generally understand their contribution to the war. As far as details, I don't know nearly as much. I know much more about the Italian Air Force and Navy, than I do about the Ground Forces. I know what Italian uniforms look like, and the small arms they used, but if you asked me to name a single Italian tank or armored veichle..........I got nothing. Long story short, what tanks and vehicles did the Italians have, or more specifically the Italian 133rd Littorio Armored division during the Second Battle of El Alamein in October of 1942? Thank you for any answers!
     
  2. LRusso216

    LRusso216 Graybeard Staff Member

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    I also don't know much about Italian armor, but I did some research and found this
    upload_2017-11-6_20-24-19.jpeg
    Notably the Semovente da 75/18 self-propelled gun had equipped the Littorio a somewhat wider tactical repertoire,
    (Knox, MacGregor (November 2000). Hitler's Italian Allies, Royal Armed Forces, Fascist Regime, and the war of 1940-1943. Cambridge University Press. p. 153.)
    133rd Armoured Division Littorio - Wikipedia

    You can also check here to see what fits Carro Armato M14/41
    Maybe useful?
    upload_2017-11-6_20-34-47.jpeg
    Littorio Division insignia
     
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  3. JJWilson

    JJWilson Well-Known Member

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    Thanks Lou! I had checked Wikipedia, and wasn't very satisfied with the info within, but the Carro Armato link looks promising.
     
  4. CAC

    CAC Ace of Spades

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    [​IMG]
    Italian light tanks captured by the Australians...

    [​IMG]
    Another Italian being inspected by Aussies...
     
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  5. JJWilson

    JJWilson Well-Known Member

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    Nice photos CAC, I think I have the info I was looking for, thanks everybody!
     
  6. bushmaster

    bushmaster Active Member

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    If you need more info on the Italian aspect of North Africa, you could drop by comandosupremo, a site dedicated to Italy's participation in WW2. Bon chance.
     
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  7. David.W

    David.W Active Member

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    The Littorio Division consisted of...
    IV Battaglione Carri(M). 133rd Reggimento Corrazato.
    XII Battaglione Carri(M). 133rd Reggimento Corrazato.
    LI Battaglione Carri(M). 133rd Reggimento Corrazato.
    each with 3 fighting companies and one headquarters company. They were armed with a mix of M14/41 & M13/40.

    Also..

    XXIII Battaglione Bersaglieri Autoportati
    XXXVI Battaglione Bersaglieri Autoportati
    XXI Battaglione Bersaglieri Armi Accompagnamento Contro Carro.

    Compagnia Artieri

    I Gruppo. 133rd Reggimento D'Artiglieria
    II Gruppo. 133rd Reggimento D'Artiglieria

    DLIV Gruppo. Semovente
    DLVI Gruppo. Semovente

    1st Squadrone. III Gruppo. Novara Lancieri. 5th Cavallero Reggimento
    2nd Squadrone. III Gruppo. Novara Lancieri. 5th Cavallero Reggimento
    3rd Squadrone. III Gruppo. Novara Lancieri. 5th Cavallero Reggimento

    CDVI Gruppo Contro Aereo

    Kind Regards,
    David.
     
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  8. JJWilson

    JJWilson Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the additional info David!
     

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