The Italian Army, 1940-1945 (1): Europe 1940-43

Osprey Men at Arms #340

by Philip Jowett, Stephen Andrew (Illustrator)

At its peak the Italian Army contributed 2.5 million troops to the Axis war effort of World War II (1939-1945). English-speaking readers tend to think of this army in terms of the North African campaign; but far more Italian troops served in other theatres. They invaded, and later bore the major burden of occupying, the Balkan countries; and Italy sent 250,000 troops to fight on the Russian Front. In this, the first of a three-part study, Philip Jowett covers the European theatre - including Russia - from 1940 to Italy's armistice with the Allies in 1943. Many interesting uniforms, a number of them new to most readers, are meticulously illustrated by Stephen Andrew.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, World War II, Military History, 20th Century

48 pages, Paperback

Published April 25, 2000

About the author

Philip S. Jowett was born in Leeds in 1961 and has been interested in military history for as long as he can remember. His first Osprey book was Chinese Civil War Armies 1911–49, and since then he has published numerous other titles for Osprey including, The Russo-Japanese War 1904–05, Japan's Asian Allies 1941–45 and Armour in China 1920–1950. He lives in North Lincolnshire, UK.

Reviews

[Michael Eklund · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting to read both about their army and their uniforms. Italian units often seen as not as good, not just because of bad equipment but because the divisional binary organisation, which made a Italian division much less strong than a German or a British.

It tells about their equipment, the Carcano rifle and the Breda machinegun of inferior quality, even if the Beretta SMG was good.

Their special Italian headgear, the bustina and the fez used by the blackshirts. And lots about different ranks, and units. The blackshirts especially, with their very different system.

[Michael Romo · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, excellent illustrations and details about uniforms and equipment. Without a doubt, the Italian army had the worst equipment of any major belligerent in Europe during World War II.