The Death Company

by Cristoforo Baseggio, Gabriele Costarella (Translator), Giovanni Borelli (Preface)

Venetian front, 1915. The Austro-Hungarian army has taken control of key mountain locations facing the plains. The Fassa Alps are well guarded, and heavy casualties are expected. Mount Collo and Mount Saint Osvaldo are excellent launch points for an all-out offensive which is already in the works behind the grim vista of the Glockenthurm. The Italian High Command is paralyzed by outdated methodology, wasting precious time with failed assaults and flanking maneuvers that end with red snow. Men watch from their trenches, hiding along the parapets with their guns pointing at no man’s land, and the tension in the Italian lines has taken the form of a grim silence, as if the men already know their doom is approaching and wish only for it to envelop them quickly.

Colonel Baseggio of the Italian Royal Army, a veteran of many mountain engagements in Africa, creates a new section, based not on doctrinal tactics, but on intrepid actions which he calls “Ardite.” Assembled with volunteers drawn from the entire Italian Royal Army, his hastily trained company strikes deep into Austro-Hungarian lines, shocking the world with their courage and daring, often carrying the day with little more than knives and grenades. In the mud and snow of the Carso mountains, the “Arditi Company Cristoforo Baseggio”—the first of the famed Arditi formations—grows to carry the name of The Death Company.

This first hand historical account details one of the most fascinating military phenomena of the Great War. Antelope Hill Publishing is proud to present Cristoforo Baseggio’s The Death Company, for the first time in English, to preserve and expand access to the story of these extraordinary men.

Genres: History

167 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1929

Reviews

[Nick John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the Italian spin on Storm of Steel. I once again am very greatful to AH Publishing to bringing such an amazing historical account to light that I otherwise would have never heard of. I have Italian in my ancestry and Italy was always portrayed as sort of lame in both world wars. Reading this account actually red pilled me further on just how deep these lies really go. Outside of the main narrative the book is loaded with historical perspectives from other military officials and journalists at the time to corroborate the events along with even more inspirational material. A must have in any aspiring fascists collection.

[Bobby Daugherty · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short but interesting account of the Arditi. I only gave it three stars as every time a soldier is introduced, and his qualities are are highlighted the unfortunate demise of said individual is reported. It is a good read as it exposes the reality of these men that fought for Italy in the Great War but it is very short and as depressing as it is inspiring.

[Louis Perrotta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exhilarating true stories of heroism. Lots of blood. Inspiring to learn of Baseggio's Arditi, their philosophy, and their daring spirit. The writing/translation have a good flow, so it's a relatively quick read. Another winner from Antelope Hill Publishing.

[Andrew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book about the brave Arditi company that helped Italy during WWI

[Hugh Jassle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing style is very similar to Degrelle's Eastern Front/Campaign in Russia. I really enjoyed it. Too bad it's so short!