Hoch Forces in North Africa 1940-43Editor: Mark Johnston Copyright © 2007 by CONCORD PUBLICATIONS CO. 603-609 Castle Peak Road Kong Nam Industrial Building 10/R.B1, Tsuen Wan New Tertitories, Hong Kong www.concord-publications.com All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical. photocopying or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Concord Publications Co. We welcome authors who can help ‘expand our range of books. If you would like to submit material, Please feel free to contact us. We are always on the look-out for new, Unpublished photos for this series If you have photos or sides or information you feel may be useful to future volumes, please send them to us for possible future publication. Full photo credits will be given upon publication. ISBN 962-361-130-7 printed in Hong Kong DEDICATION This book is dedicated to my father, who provided a valuable education in history to me, and to my uncle, G Verdone, a former sergeant ofthe Malian Amillery’ at Tobruk in 1941 ‘Special thanks to Dr. Birzar for his patience during the research into pictorial evidence 1o De Crociani for some invaluable suggestions; and finally to Mr. Leung for his great encouragement™and effort invested in this book, inchading his interest in incorporating German photographs in this volume. Mr. Fomiti also typed all of my original manuscript. My personal thanks go to Dr Rossini forthe se of photos from his personal collection, SELECT BIBLIOGRAPHY A BECHI LUSERNA: 1 Ragazzi Della Folgore C.CABALLERD JURADO, K-LYLES: Foreign Volunteers of the Wehrmacht 1941-45, 1983) PCACCIA DOMINIONI: Alamein 1933-62, 1963, A.CIOCI: Museo del Reggimento Giovani Fascist, 2000 BLLDAVIS, PTURNER: German Uniforms ofthe 3nd Reich 1933-1945, 1980 VEDEL GIUDICE: Uniform Militari laliane dal 1867 ai Nostil Gini ol.2, 1961 PSJOWETT, S.ANDREW: The Italian Army 1940-45(1) Europe 1940-43, 2000, PS JOWETT, S.ANDREW: The Italian Army 1940-45(2) Africa 1940-43, 2001 RKURTZ: Afrikakorps ~ Army ~ Luftwaffe Kriegsmarine, 2008 M.LBRAYLEY, M. CHAPPELL: The British Army 1939-45(2) Middle East & Mediterranean, 2002 RMIGLIAVACCA: Nel Vivo Della Battaglia, 2003 D. McGUIRK: Rommel's Army in Africa, 2003 A.MOLLO, MMeGREGOR: Army Uniforms of World War 2, 1977 A.MOLLO, MMcGREGOR: Naval, Marine and Air Force Uniforms of World War 2 197s G.ROSIGNOLE: Army Badges and Insignia of Word War 2, 1972 G.ROSIGNOLI: Misn Storia, Organiczazione Uniform’ e Distntiv, 1993 ASANTOPONTE: El Alamein immagini, Cronache,Testimoniance, 2008, B.QUARRIE, M. CHAPPELL: German Airborne Troops 1939-45, 1983 B.PEITZ, G, WILKINS: Afriakorps: Rommel's Topical Army in Original Color, 2005, B.CULVER, R.VOLSTAD: Afrikakorps in Action, 1979 N-THOMAS, S.ANDREW: The German Army 1939-45 (2) North Africa & Balkans 1998 R-TRYE: Mussolini's Soldiers, 1995 J.WILKINSON-LATHAM, G.EMBLETON: Montgomery's Desert Army, 1977 M.WINDROW, M.ROFFE: Rommel’s Desert Anny, 1976 M.WINDROW, M.ROFFE: R Hook: the Panzer Divisions, 1982 G.WILLIAMSON, R.VOLSTAD: Afrikakorps 1941-43, 1993INTRODUCTION Although a great deal of attention has been paid to the North Aftican Campaign (especialy tothe legendary igure of Rommel), there remains» huge amount ‘of litle-known photographs, literature and documentary footage that depicts various fascinating aspects of Axis soldiers inthe western deser. This material deserves attention, and some has been reproduced in this volume: This book is a study of uniforms and associated equipment. Is based on accounts of veterans, contemporary written reports, photographs, war documentaries and authentic relies. The text incl inthis volume is intended to bea concise yet comprehensive record ofthe period from September 1940 to May 1943, ‘The author's orginal atwork is based upon contemporary photographs, illustrating the actual rather than imaginary appearance of German and Italian fighting men in North Africa, CHRONOLOGY September 1940 ‘The Italian Amy in North Aftica, under Graziani, the Marshal of Ttaly and Governor of Libya, attacked across the Egyptian frontier. At that time, the territory of Egypt was under British occupation. Tis attack advanced east as fara the towns of Sollum and Sidi Barra. Grazian’s forces in North Africa included the Sth Army, commanded by Generale ’Armata (Army General) Gariboldi and the 10th Army, under Generale Arata Beni, The Sth Army, located in Tripolitania (western Libya) initially consisted mainly of X, XX and XXII Coeps. The 10th Army, located in (Cyrenaica (easter Libya), initially consisted mainly of XXI and XX Corps, but later X and XX Corps were also sent to Cyrenaica, X Amy Corps, led by Generale di Corpo d’Armata (Lieutenant General) Barbieri included the following infantry divisions = Bologna - led by Generale di Divisione (Major General) Lerici, comprising the 39th and 40th Infantry Regiments, pls the 1th Arillery Regiment. Sabratha - commanded by Generale di Divisione Della Bona. comprising the 85h and 86th Infantry Regiments, plus the 42nd Arillery Regiment. = Savona - commanded by General di Divisione Maggiani, including the 15th and 16th Infantry Regiments, plus the 12th Amillery Regiment. XX Army Comps, commanded by Generale di Corpo d'Armata Cons, included: ~ Pavia Division with the 27th and 28th Infantry Regiments, plus the 26th Artillery Regiment (Generale di Divisione Zaglio) Brescia Division (Generale ai Divisione Cremascoli - comprising the 19th and 20h Infantry Regiments, plus the 5Sth Ari ~ Sine Division (Generale Della Mura) - withthe 69th and 70th Infantry Regiments, and 43rd Arillery Regiment. XXIII Army Corps, under Generale di Corpo d’Armata Bergoneoi, included: = 1st23 Marzo Blackshtt Division withthe CCXIX and CCXXXII Legions, plus the 201st Anillery Regiment. 2nd 28 Ouiobre Blackshiet Division with the CCXXXI and CCXXXVII Legions, plus the 202nd Ariillery Regiment. = _Inreserve for these Army Corps were the 2nd Libyan Division (Generale dé Divisione Pescatoi), with the 3d and dth Groups, and 2nd Atillery Group. XXI Army Corps (Generale di Corpo d’Armata Dalmaz20) included the Marmarica Division (Generale Traccha), which included the 115th and 116th Infantry Regiments, plus the 44th Anillery Regiment. = Girene Division (Generale di Divisione Spatoceo) with the 1STth and 158th Infantry Regiments, plus the 4Sth Alley Regiment XXII Army Corps, under Generate di Corpo d’Armata Pitas Maanela comps: Catanzaro Division (Generate Stefaneli) withthe 141s¢ and 42nd Infantry Regiments, plus the 203ed Arillery Regiment. 4th 3 Gennaio Blackshit Division (Generale Merzati withthe CCL and CCLXX Legions, plus the 204th Arilery Regiment. In reserve were the Ist Libyan Division commanded by Generale Siille, with the Ist and 2nd Groups, and Ist Arillery Group. Although Marshal Graziani was «professional commander with experience inthe African War of Ethiopia in 1936, he soon suffered a serious shortage of supplies and faced problems fielding enough trained senior officers. Therefor, his advance into Egypt ground toa halt. ‘Contrary to postwar propaganda, in North Africa Graziani had a powerful force of 339 tanks and armored cars otal of 1,811 guns, and as many as 3.787 ‘chicles! The armored force comprised L:¥33, 3/35, and 16/40 light tanks (several of them L3/33-35 flamethrower versions). There were also MI1/39 medium tanks, which were organized in Generale Maleti’s Group (from December 1940), Finally there were light armored cars of the Ansaldo Lancia ZM type, plus AB 40 medium armored cars. In addition, the Fifth Aie Squadron of Libya had 300 aircraft Generale Bergonzol in his XXIII Army Corps had his own armored group. Attached to this group there was also a Sahara Libyan Troop Command that included a Saharan Battalion, Light Armored Car Companies, and a Parachute Battalion. All of these units were composed of Libyans, led by Generale Gallina, and trained for desert warfare. Further to this was attached the following units: a Libyan Batalion, a Machine Gun Company, a Camel Battery of 65/17 guns, and two Heavy 20mm Machine Gun Sections December 1940 ‘The Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth forces in the Western Desert, General Sir Atchibald Wavell eceived some 150 armored vehicles from Britain and counteratacked against Italian garrisons along the Egyptian border. This was known as “Operation Compass”, The 4th Indian Division and the ‘ih Armoured Division captred the Halian camps at Nibeiwa, Tummar and Sidi Barrani, Despite this setback, the well-trained Libyan troops ofthe Malet Group fought tothe death. British Commonwealth troops captured around 38,000 Italians, 237 artillery pieces and 73 tanks. Wavell replaced the 4th Indian Division with the 6th Australian Division, which subsequently drove out all alan forces from the Egyptian frontier. January 1941 In Africa, the lalian Army began the New Year under an unlucky star. O°Connor’s Western Desert Force (or XIII Corps) advanced deep into the Italian colony of Libya, capturing the important population centers of Bardia, Tobruk, Dera and Benghazi. With its tank regiments, the Allied force also reached Beda Fomm, where they won a resounding victory in February 1941In addition to the ltalian forces that have been listed already, the following units were now added to those that were in-theater: = Group of Generale Malet with the , V, XVII and XIX Libyan Battalions = 1 Salnaran Battalion = TH Armored Batalion = one artillery group with 65/17 guns, and one anillery group with 75/27 field guns ~ two antitank companies (47/32 guns) = one 81mm mortar company = abeavy anillery battery with 105/28 guns ‘The Special Armored Brigade of General Balbini fought with a measure of valor at El Mechili This brigade was composed ofa battalion of M11/39 medium tanks, two battalions of new M13/40 medium tanks, one battalion of motorcyclist Bersagliri, one battalion of light tanks, an arillery group of 75/27 guns, and another of 100/17 heavy guns. Usually the light tanks and armored cars were organized in light armored battalions and cavalry squadrons, In addition, light and medium tanks were also deployed in independent batalions. By the time of their victory at Beda Fomm, the British XIII Corps had captured more than 130,000 lalians (including twenty-two generals) 845 guns and 380 armored vehicles, After such a disaster fr the lalian Empire in Aftica, Mussolini relieved the unreliable Graziani, and instead gave supreme command in North Africa to General Gariboldi (the former commander ofthe Sth Army). Undoubtedly, Graziani commanded a powerful foree in North Aftica, but unfortunately he fought a colonial campaign rather than a modern mechanized ‘war in the desert. In a letter, Graziani complained to the Duce: “Your Excellency obliged me to fight a war against an elephant with a fla!” February ~ April 1941 Defeat in the first Libyan campaign obliged Mussolini to accept Hitlers offer of help. This offer included a German armored force led by Generalleumant (Lieutenant General) Rommel ‘Thus, from now on, Generale Gariboldi would play only a supporting role in the campaign. The newly created Deutsches Afrika-Korps (DAK) arrived in Libya from 12 February. Rommel had soon organized his force in North Africa as follows Sth leichte (Light) Division commanded by Generalmajor (Major General) Johannes Steich. This division included: Sth Panzer Regiment + 200th Rifle Regiment (2nd and 8th Machine Gun Battalions) ~ 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion + 38th and 605th Pancerger (Anti-Tank) Bataions = 606th Self-Propelled Anti-Aireraft Battalion ~ 75th Anillery Regiment . ~ 133d Luftwaffe Ani-Aireraft Regiment 15th Panzer Divison led by Generalmajor Hans-Karl von Esebeck, composed of ~ 8th Panzer Regiment = 15th Schitzen (Rifle) Brigade 33nd Artillery Regiment ~ 33nt Reconnaissance Battalion 33nd Panceriger Batalion ~ 33nd Pioneer Battalion Ttalian troops fielded in Nomh Africa included the newly atived Ariete Armored Division. This incorporated the 32nd Tank Regiment, the Sth Bersaglieri Regiment, and the 132nd Armored Arillery Regiment (equipped withthe modern and powerful Semoventi 75/18 self-propelled gun, arriving in April 1941). ‘This division was commanded by Generale di Divisione Baldassare Generale Nuvoloni led the Motorized Division named Trent. It comprised the 61st and 62nd Infantry Regiments, the 46th Motorized Artillery Regiment, and the 7th Bersaglieri Regiment. Thete was also the Brescia Division (Generale di Divisione Zambon) with its 19th and 20th Infantry Regiments, plus the Ist Anillery Regiment ~ Celere (Fast). The Pavia Division (Generale Gigloli) had its 27¢h and 28th Infantry Regiments, plus the 3nd Celere Artillery ‘Regiment. The Bologna Division (Generale Marghinot) fielded its 3th and 40th Infantry Regiments, plus the 20Sth Amillery Regiment At this time all the teritory of Italian Cyrenaica was sill occupied by Commonwealth forces. However, the Italian garrison at Giarabub Oasis (commanded by Colonel Castagna) resisted for over five months. On 21 March 1941, the garrison of Giarabub was finally overcome by Australian forces. Nevertheless, iarabub was perhaps one ofthe most heroic episodes ofthe Iaian desert war. Rommel reconquered the city of Benghazi via Agedabia, with a small task force including the Sth leichve Division, plus the Italian Ariete and Brescia Divisions. April ~ May 1941 Although lacking in communications and reinforcements, Rommes mixed army surrounded the British forces (based around the th Australian Di Plus an extra brigade) that were now equipped with Kalian spoils and were gatisoning Tobruk, ‘The Trieste Motorized Division attacked with Rommet’s army, but the rest ofthe Italian divisions such as Bologna, Sabratha and Savona were demoralized and poorly equipped. The Htalian High Command had trouble accepting Rommel’s new methodology of rapid desert warfare Nevertheless, the ‘Commonwealth garisons at EL Agheila, Mersa Brega and Mechli were overrun, and such important figures as General ©' Connor and General Neame were ‘captured, Savage combat also took place in Sollum, Halfaya Pass and Fort Captizzo, as far eastwards asthe Egyptian frontier. May ~ June 1941 {nthe implacable desert summer, General Wavel attacked the Halfaya-Capuzzo line to reduce Axis pressure on Tobruk (“Operation Battleaxe”). However, his leadership did not rival the military genius of Rommel. For example, the tanks of the 4th and 7th Armoured Brigades, which had dramatically knocked 4‘ot light M11/39 Kaian tanks in December 1940, were now being fatally dealt with by German 8.8em guns used in the anti-tank ole! Rommel moved his Panzers through the desert in dramatic exploits, as previously seen in the Blitzkrieg in 1939 and 1940, Although Wavell sil had plentiful supplies, he was soon to be replaced by General Sir Claude Auchinleck in late Jne 1941. The Commonwealth’s “Western Desert Force” was fenamed the 8th Army and General Cunningham was appointed as its commander. . RAF superiority in the Mediteranean skies ruled out the Axis conguest of Mala, In addition, the Royal Navy intercepted Halian supply convoys carrying provisions destined for Rommel’ army. November 1941 ‘To resolve the stati siege of Tobruk, Auchinleck ordered the launching of “Operation Crusader’, including the employment of fresh forces such asthe Ist Polish Brigade, the 32nd Army Tank Brigade. the Ist South African Division, and the 22nd Guards Brigade, Inthe preceding months British tanks such as Matilda, Crusaders, Cruisers and Valentines were struggling against Rommel’s more powerful Panzer Ills and IVs. Thus, the US. govemment began supplying Stuart tanks (nicknamed “Honeys” by the British), combat airraf, guns and clothing to British forces, ‘The Ariete and Trieste Mechanized Divisions commanded by General Gambara successfully defended Bir El Gobi. Here the volunteer Young Fascist Division fought heroically agains the 7th Armoured Division and Ith Indian Brigade, In total, ily British tanks were destroyed. The Malian armored ‘regiments lacked heavy tanks and wrongly used its M (Medium) tanks in an assault role. These medium tanks would have been better employed a light infantry tanks. ‘The 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions countered Auchinleck’ efor, but he advanced as fat asthe area around Sidi Rezegh with his XXX Cops to relieve the defenders of Tobruk twas only in late November 1941 that New Zealand troops of XII Corps could link up with the Ed Duda stronghold (near Tobruk). Cunningham was replaced by General Ritchie, and Rommel, with no reinforcements. abandoned this battle to pressure the Tobruk area. Rommel subsequently retreated 10 Gazala, leaving a a rearguard two sacrificial divisions» Savona and Brescia that were arrayed along the Sollum ~ Halfaya- Bardia front (December 1941), The Deutsches Afrika-Korps lost 9,000 prisoners, whilst the alians lost 23,000 captured, plus 382 tanks, January 1942 New reinforcements arived for Rommel’s army, including Halian 75/18 self-propelled guns that rivaled the medium tanks of the Sth Army. February 1942 * Romimet’s Army was now designated Pancerarmee Afrika, including three German divisions (90th leicht, 1Sth and 21st Panzer) and seven I (Pavia, Brescia, Trento, Bologna, Savon, Ariete and Sabratha), May ~ June 1942 Panzerarmee Afrika successfully attacked Ein El Gazala, but encountered fierce opposition from French troops at Bir Hakeim, Trieste and Pavia solders clashed with strong British forces (led by the Ist and 7h Armoured Divisions) a the “Knightsbridge” positions. Inthe meantime, Axis forces had taken the Tobruk stronghold. The South Africans of the 2nd Division finally surrendered to Ariete and Lintorio patrols. In total, 45,000 ‘Commonwealth prisoners were taken and plentiful British stores, including fuel and vehicles (see plate F2). The port of Tobruk was now controlled by Axis, air and naval forces. The desperate situation at Tobruk obliged Auchinleck to withdraw tothe El Alamein lin, Mussolini and Hitler planned to conquer Egypt as far as te strategically important Suez Canal Pancerarmee Afrika was now led by the newly promoted Feldmarschall (Field Marshal) Rommel. It included the old Deutsches Afrika-Korps (led by Generalleutnant Nehring) with 18th Panzer Division (Generallewmant Gustav von Vacrst) comprising the Sth Panzer Regiment, the 115th Schitzen Regiment, the 33ed Amillery Regiment, the 33rd Reconnaissance Batalion, the 33rd Pioneer Battalion, and the 33nd Panzerjiger Battalion 21st Panzer Division (Generalmajor Georg von Bismarck) with the Sth Panzer Regiment, the 104th Schcen Regiment, the 15Sth Arillery Regiment, the 39th Panceriger Battalion, the 200th Pioneer Batali, and the 3d Reconnaissance Battalion ‘The Sith eichte Division (Generalmajor Ulrich Kleeman) including the 158th, 200th and 36Lst Infantry Regiments, the 361st Artillery Battalion, the 190th Anillery Regiment, the 580th Reconnaissance Battalion, the 190th Panzerjager Battalion, and the 288th Sonderverband. ‘The ltalian X Army Comps led by Generale di Corpo dArmata Gioda had the Brescia Division with the 19th and 20th Infantry Regiments, plus the Ist Fast. + Celere Arillry Regiment (Generale Lombardi). There was also the Pavia Division commanded by Generale Torriani comprising the 27th and 28th Infantry Regiments, and the 26th Amillery Regiment. This Army Corps was supported by the 9th Bersaglieri Regiment, the 16th Artillery Group, X Engineers, and XXXI Assault Engineer (Guastaior) Batalion, ‘The XX Army Comps (Generale di Corpo dArmata Baldassare) was composed of the Trieste Motorized Division (Generale Azzi, including the 6Sth and 66th “Motorized” Infantry Regiments, as well a the 21st Mechanized Antllery Regiment. There were also the XI Battalion of MI3/40 medium tanks, the VIL Armored Bersaglieri Battalion (with new AB 40/41 armored cars), and LI! Mechanized Engineer Batalion, Generale De Stefani was the commander ofthe Ariete Armored Division. This included the 132nd Armored Battalion (with light L6 ~ Novara Lancers ~ M11/39, MI3/40, and MI4/41 tanks), the Sth Motorized Bersaglieri Regiment, and the 132nd Motorized Artillery Regiment (with 75/27 field guns, 105/38 heavy guns, 90/53 guns on lories — ‘autocannoni ~ a group of 8:8em Mak guns of German origin, and two groups of 75/18 self-propelled guns or Semoventi. Support for XX Army Comps included the Niza Cavalry Regiment (with AB 41 armored car), the Sth Arillery Regiment, and XXXIV Special Engineer Battalion, Finally, the Generale di Corpo d’Armata Navatini had the Trento Motorized Division (Generale Gott) with the 61st and 62nd Infantry Regiments plus ‘the 46th Anillery Regiment. The Sabratha Division (Generale Soldaneli incorporated the 85th and 86th Infantry Regiments, and the Srd Celere AlleryRegiment. There was also the ISth Schtcen Brigade under Oberst Menny, comprising the 200th and 361st Regiments, 528th and 535th Anillery Regiments, and the 612th Flak Group, July 1942 ‘Auchinleck personally took command of his troops bolstered by 160 U.S. Grant medium tanks. During the following weeks, Rommel launched several offensive on the El Alamein front, bt he was met by reorganized! Commonwealth forees that were reinforced by continual supplies and fresh divisions ariving from Alexandria, August - September 1942 ‘Churchill personally replaced Auchinleck as Commander-in-Cief ofthe Middle East with General Sir Harold Alexander, while General Montgomery ook ‘over the important command ofthe Sth Army in the Western Desert. Thee hundred powerful new Sherman tanks were arrayed in British tank regiments, (On the Axis side, welcome new troops were employed, including tained paratroop formations like Folgore and Ramoke. All the brave attacks ofthe 15th and 21st Panzer Divisions (supported by the Italian Aricte, Litorio and Trieste Divisions in the Alam Halfa offensive failed, causing heavy losses amongst ‘men and vehicles. Montgomery was abe to field the th Australian, 2nd New Zealand, Ist South African, Stst (Highland) and 4th Indian Divisions (XXX. Corps). In addition he had the Ist, 8th and 10th Armoured Divisions (X Corps), 7th Armoured as well as SOth and 44th Divisions (XIII Corps) In other ‘words, he was fielding some ofthe best of the British Empire’ troops. October ~ November 1942 ‘The major battle of Et Alamein began with 104,000 Axis personnel, 489 tanks and 1,290 guns facing the attacking Commonwealth force that comprised ‘over 200,000 men, 1,029 tanks and 2,311 guns. This was perhaps the most important clash ofthe entire North AMican campaign (Operations “Lightfoot” and “Supercharge”), Rommel had, in fact, jst 38 Puncerkampfwagen TV tanks (the remainder of his German tanks were Panzer Il and Il tanks, and Marder TIL self-propelled guns armed with captured Russian 76.2mm guns). His “Deutsch-ialenische Pancerarmee™, as it was renamed in September. included the DAK and when Rommel returned to Germany il was briefly led by Generalleumant Stamme, ts forces were as follows: = 15th Panzer Division (Generalleumant von Vaerst) with 8th Panzer Regiment, 115th Panzergrenadier Regiment, 33rd Aaillery Regiment, 33rd Reconnaissance Battalion, and 33d Pancerjager Battalion the major unis = 1Gtth leicht Division (Generalmajor Lungershausen) withthe 125th, 382nd and 433rd Panzergrenadier Regiments the major units = 90th leicite Division (Generallewinant Graf von Sponeck) with the 155th, 200th, and the 361st Motorized Regiments, plus the 288th Sonderverband asthe major units - 2st Panzer Division (Generalleutant von Randow) with the Sth Panzer Regiment and the 104th Panzergrenadier Regiment the major units. = Fallschirmjager Brigade Ramcke, known as Rameke after its commander, which was composed of the 4th Fallschirmiiger Regiment, II Pararoop Battalion, and one Anti-Tank Company ‘ 136th Giovani Fascist Division of Generale Di Nisio, which could array the Giovani Fascisti Regiment (Infantry) the 136th G.F. Anillery Regiment, and IX GEE Infantry Battalion. To this division was attached the Monferrato Cavalry Group, =X Ammy Corps, led by Generale di Corpo d'Armata Brunet, was composed of the Brescia Division with its 19th and 20th Infantry Regiments, plus the Ist Celere Regiment, The Pavia Division (Generale Seataglia) had the 27th and 28th Infantry Regiments, plus the 26th Arillery. The Folgore aratroop Division (Generale di Divisione Fratini) was composed of the 86th and 187th Parachute Infantry Regiments, plus the 188th Artillery [Regiment (Folgore also included engincers and sappers). Sth Bersaglieri Regiment, the 2nd Arillery Group Il Engineer Batlion, and.XXX1 Guastatori Battalion supported X Army Corps. XX Army Corps commanded by Generale di CA. De Stefanis, include: = Trieste Motorized Division (Generale La Ferla, the 65th and 66th Motorized Regiments, plus the 21st Artillery. In addition there were the XI Medium ‘Tank Battalion, VII Armored Bersaglieri Batalion, and Lil Motorized Engineer Battalion. Generate Atena led the Ariete Division, including the 132nd Armored Regiment, the Sth Bersaglier Regiment, and the 132nd Self-Propelled Artillery Regiment. Generale Bitossi commanded the new Littorio Division. It had the 133rd Armored Regiment, Aaillery Regiment, and the Novara Lancers Armored Group. the 12th Bersagleri Regiment, the 133rd Armored, The Halian XXI Army Coeps was under the command of acting Generale di Divisione Glovia comprising the 6Ist and 62ad Infantry Regimens. They were joined by the 46th Mechanized Anillery Regiment, plus TV Anti-Tank Grenadier Battalion composed of the Trento Division (Generale Masina). The Bologna Infantry Division had the 3th and 40th Infantry Regiments, along with the 205th Arillery Regiment. The 7th Bersaglieri Regiment was atached to this Army Corps. Upto-date and impressive P40 heavy tanks, and 90/53 and 105/25 self-propelled guns never reached Haan tank crews operating in North Africa, Such ‘vehicles were needed to face the heavier Sherman and Grant tanks being operated by the Allies. ‘On 23 October, after a seemingly interminable and tribe anillery bombardment, a series of armored and infantry atacks attempted to penetrate Axis ‘defensive lines. Fieee resistance from Axis forces obliged the surprised Montgomery to employ masses of U.S. manufactured tanks. After two weeks of ‘exhausting fighting between the opposing forces, Rommel eventually ordered a retreat to Fuka with te few surviving vehicles ofthe 1Sth and 21st Panzer Divisions. I64th and 90th leichze Divisions andthe Ramcke Brigade. alan sokiers often fought to the last shot and evento death, destroying entre British armored columns. At night, the majority of Ariete's tanks burned on the El Alamein pain In the meantime, an Allied expeditionary force of 100,000 soldiers had landed in Morocco and Algeria (“Operation Torch”) on 8 November 1942. With a new front opening in Tunisia, Rommel consolidated his remaining Axis forces in the Western Desert, but Montgomery marched up to Mersa Brega (December 1942)1943 order of battle The new Heeresgruppe Afrika (Army Group Africa) was not complete until March 1943. 1t comprised the Sth Panzer Army led by General der anzertruppen von Vaers, including: the 10th Panzer Division with 7th Panzer Regime, the 69th and 86th Panzergrenadier Regiments, the 90th Artillery Regiment; and the 21st Panzer Division (Oberst Hildebrandt) with Sth Panzer Regiment, the 104th Panzergrenadier Regiment, and the 155th Artillery Regiment XXX ltalian Corps of Generate di C.A. Sogno comprised the Assaul/Landing Superga Division (Generale Gelich), the SOth Special Brigade of Brigadier General Imperial, the 3rd Arillery Group, XV Medium Tank Batalion, and the $57thSel-propelled Gun Group with 47/32 and 79/18 Semoventi. Attached to them there were the Ist North Africa Legion of Blackshits, plus XBlackshirs Assault Baltalion, The remainder of Bersagleri, Carabinieri and other troops were also included. ‘Oberst Weber led the 334th Infantry Division, including its French volunteers, the 756th Mountain Regiment (Gebirgsiger, plus the 334th Artillery Regiment. The Hermann Goring Division, commanded by Generaimajor Schmidt, had the H.G. Panzet Regiment, the H.G. Ist and 2nd Panzergrenadier Regiments (both with Sturmgeschit self-propelled guns) plus the H.G. Flak Regiment ‘The “Division von Manteuffel” (under Generaimajor von Manteuffel) listed the Sth Parachute and Barenthin Regiments, the remnants of the Ramoke Brigade (Hubner Battalion), Feld-Abtelng T3 (Field Unit), Marsch Abteilung A30 (March Uni) the 4th Arillery Regiment, and XI Fallschirmige- Pionier-Barailon (Paratoop Engineers Batalion). The 99%th lichte Division (Oberst Baade) was composed of the 961st and 962nd Motorized Infantry Regiments, plus the 999th Anillery Regiment, and the 20th Flak Division (3rd Flak Aillery Regiment). ‘The Army Group support incorporated some elite units: the Italian “S.Marco” Landing Regiment, the SOIst and SOth Heavy Panzer Battalions (with new ‘neavy Tiger I tanks), plus the 190th Recce Group. Attached fo these support units there were some Kampferupper from ten exhausted units (for example, Gruppe Schmid. « company of the Th Panzer Regiment, Kampfruppe Strempel,, 334th Pioneer Battalion, and s0 on). Generate d’Armata Messe would have command ofthe Ist Kalian Army. It was composed of XX Army Corps (Generale Orlando), withthe Giovani Fascist Division (Generale Sozzan), the 8th Rersaglier Regiment, the Giovani Fascist tnfantry Regiment, andthe 136th Alley Regiment. The Trieste Motorized Division still comprised the 65th and 66th Infantry Regiments, and the 21st Amillery Regiment (Generale La Ferla). The 90th leichte Division (Generalfewnant Graf von Sponeck) had the 15Sth, 200th and 361st Motorized Regiments and the 190th Artillery Regiment. XXI Army Corps. led by Generale Berardi listed the La Specia “Landing” Division (Generale Pizolato) withthe 125th and 126th Infantry Regiments, plus the 80th Anillery Regiment. The Pistoia Division had the 35th and 36th Regiments commanded by Generale Fallusi, plus the 3rd Amillery Regiment. The 64th leichte Division of Generalmajor von Liebenstein comprised the 125th, 382nd and 433rd Panzergrenadier Regiments Generale di Divisione, Count Calvi di Bergoo led the newly arived Centaur Armored Division with the 31st Tank Regiment, the Sth Hersaglieri Regiment, the 131st Anillery Regiment, the 132nd Anti-Aircraft Anillery Regiment, and the Lodi Cavalry Group (AB 40 armored eats). General Mannetini ‘commanded the Raggruppamento Sahariano, ot Saharan Group. It comprised the 290th and 350th Infantry Regiments, IV Infantry Battalion, seven Saharan ‘Companies (equipped with Viberi SPA 42 vehicles), andthe Novara Group with armored cars ‘The survivors ofthe 1Sth Panzer Division included the Sth Panzer Regiment, the 11Sth Panzergrenadier Regiment, the 33rd Arillery Regiment; the 288th Aika Panzergrenadier Regiment, and the Luftwafle's Jiger Batalion, Finally, there were available the 19th and 20th Flak Divisions with three detached soups and the 3rd Anti-Tank (Pok) Regiment. Army support consisted of seven Italian Anillery Groups, the Monferrato and Nizza Armoed Cat Groups, the 3rd German Recee Group, and CLXX1 and XXVI Italian Machine Gun Battalions. January 1943 By ths time, Rommel had command of just the “phantoms” of his Heeresgruppe Afrika. With his new Tiger I heavy tanks, he organized his army on the ‘Mareth Line. Rommel launched his last epic offensive against the US. 1st Armored Division, the famous “Old Ironsides”. The inexperienced American tank erews were not prepared for North African warfare, and were greatly surprised by their aggressive Halian and German veteran opponents! February 1943 Montgomery cautiously advanced against the Mareth Line, but before he could launch an offensive, Generaloberst von Armim (Commander of Sth Panzer Army) and Rommel himself stacked the U.S. Il Corps withthe new Specia and Pistoia Division, plus the Giovani Fascist and Centauro Divisions, which were collectively renamed asthe Italian Ist Army (commanded by General Messe). Although these combined forces inflicted 7,000 casualties upon their ‘opponents in U.S. I Corps, General Patton slowed and reversed their offensive with his Allied reserves. March 1943 Ntalian regiments, alongside the 90th and 164th feichte Divisions, fought hard against the Allied 8th Army still tthe Mareth Line. But lacking consistent arillery support, they were finally overwhelmed by the 2nd New Zealand Division. The ailing Feldmarschall Rommel was forced to leave Attia, whils., von Amim took over command. General Messe was the sole Malian general with DAK troops under his contol ‘The Sth Army counterattacked against the Pistoia, Trieste, Spesia and Giovani Fascist Divisions. The result was that by late March 1943, the flimsy Axis, force was definitively destroyed. April 1943, ¢ The last remnants ofthe Halian Army in Africa retreated to Wadi Akarit and Enfidaville, but they were surrounded by mobile Allied forces inthe southeast of Tunisia May 1943 ‘The main cities of Bizere and Tunis were conquered by the Sth Army and U.S. Il Cops, witha total of 250,000 prisoners. Only a few Taian and German fugitives left the Aftican coast to retreat to Sicily. This marked the very end of the Axis cccupation of North Africa, 7ITALIAN FORCES PLATE A2. PAI motorcyclist, Lance-Sergeant (guardia scelta), Libya, 1940-41 The Polzia delAtica ttalana o* PAI (italian Attica Police) wos a handpicked corps within the Italion colonies. At the outbreak of the war. the PAlperformed cs miffary pole, supparting the civiion population as well as fighting win Nonor. Several units hoc motorcycle and armored sections (soe Plate B2). Native Attican PAI troops aso existed. The PAI was armed entirely with the special Beretta 386A submachine gun with integral folding bayonet. This figure wears the standard Sahariana with brass fasces on the Cola. lion khaki uniforms were of a mustard color a lie different to the DAK olve {green shade or Bish khaki cl, The mid-blue aiguilette wos a Service device common to all PAl personnel. Characterstic rank Cchevions ore displayed on both sleeves. The M36 crash helmet ‘appears similar to the tank version (see Plates B2 anc 83) ond it shows the PAI badge on the front - the Savoia eagle, with shield {and knot. This crash helmet leaves the ears uncovered for better hearing. (Our guardsman wears the pecullr Itaian fleld cap nicknamed ‘bustina of a pattern exclusive to all PA personnel locks side flops ‘and a cloth visor but it hos a left patch bearing smaller chevrons (Gee aso Plate BS). leaner coat red-brown in color - somewhat similar 1o the tank model - was also Isued (see Plate BS). The stinctive PAI equipment included the special haversack ond motorcycist leggings. The motorcycle depicted & a Mologuzd 500 Alco (Ek), PLATE Al. Ait Marshal (Maresciallo dell’Aria) Italo Balbo, Castel Benito, 1940 ‘Ar Marshal Balbo was one of the best known fgures of Fascism. A Skiul plot of Aton Aights in the 1990s, he iater became the dynamic governor of Libya. Unfortunately, Balbo was shot down in his citcroft by tiendly alan fre in June 1940, Perhaps under his ‘expert command the fate of he italian Army in North Attica could have been a better one. Balbo wears he elegant dress unitorm ofthe italan Royal A Force: (Regia Aeronautica). The officer's colonial helmet i of the "Aden pattern. with fake chinstrap and puggaree. On the front s sewn the badge of on Ar Marshal, Balbo ako weors the most popular colonial garment, a sahariana (oush jacket). with its peculor breast pockets ($90 aso plates A2 and F3). The buttons were usualy made of wood. bakelte or fruit stone. Regulations of the italian Atica Minstry prescribed marching dress with shorts and Doots or officers, but “ust on the AMfican lowlans”, or bassopiono, (On his ett breast, Balbo asplays many ribbons ond a pict's eagle. Meanwhile, his rigid shoulder boards of Maresciallo dela are made of rich gold lace with rank stars (see inset) Note the eccentric Balbo's affectation for sunglasses, gloves andi {walking sick Vible in the backgrounds the stondarc-bearer of the 2nd_Ubyan Battalion “Tipottania’. of the Camel Troops (meharist,PLATE A3. Libyan Carabiniere, (Zaptié), Escort for the Governor, Castel Benito, 1940 Jn early 1940, talon colonial troops dressed in gaudy uniforms, ‘possbly reflecting the exotic nature of Attica rather than being Sued to modern warfare. Very soon the threat of anew desert wor Gromaticaly gave place to more practical dull unforms (see Paates £2 and E3). The Zaptié were the native Libyan carabinia and some of them escorted the governor ustated here Is @ solar in ful Arabian Sivie dress, comprising @ white robe or baracano, and 3 “garnet fed" cape, or burnus. Thi latter is embroidered in siver. Al Libyan troops wore the “gamet red" headgear called tachia with an Under-fachiain white cotton: on the front of the fachia there is the siver grenade moti of the carabinier. Around the headgear is Groped a white scart The armament of the zaptié included the cavalry saber Mod. 71 ‘and the cavary lance Mod. 990. dork bive bannet or fama, fon the lance bears the white carabinien badge. In the insets we ‘con see the rear view of the hood ond the cavalry sober Mod. 71 letter writen by Rommel in March 1941 recals 0 gif of an Arab bburmus cape for his wife, from the alan General Coli di Bergo!o The officers burnus was dork bive with red sik decorations! In the background there Isc Libyan cavaryrman, oF sovar: PLATE A4. Standard-Bearer (Aifiere), and NCO (I Caposquadra) Ist Division “23 Marzo" Libica (Libyan), Infrepida (Intrepid), Bardia, January 1941 This plate is token directly ftom @ contemporary photo. demonstrates the appearance of some Bldckchits during the volatile days of lote 1940 - early 1941 Both figures cre going into captivity ater a week of hard fighting, but have managed fo save thelr puppy: They wear a motiey range of colonial and gray-green garments. The sun topee ‘of the standard-bearer (of “other ranks” pottem) has the stencled badge of the 219th Legion on the front. The annes or labare, bears the Ronorife tie of Infrepida given by Musson to this Blocks civison The fez ofthe squad leader has lost its tassel (see Plate E1).He has the Arai Assault Troop badge on the sleeve, dating back to WW! Note the metalic shield of the division pinned on the standarc bearers tunic. He has the fork of sotfocapo manigolo (and ‘Moniple Leader. roughly equvalont to 2nd Lieutenan). The Fascist bonnet which formerly uttered on the walls of Sidi Barren, el Into opty at the same time as its owners.PLATE B2. Sergeant-Major (Brigadiere), Italian Africa Police (Polizia dell’Africa Italiana), “R.Gessi” Battalion, 1941 The Polela delAtica ltalona served in North Africa with armored female ecicped wi 3 Kat fnks ond amered cor (A840 ond a Note the comfortable M1941 biue overalls used inside the vehicle, (On the breost wete stitched the brigadtere chevrons.The scarf was estentialto protect crewmen ftom the smoke of the main gun and the dust thrown up by the tank The gloves were sulable both for the driver and! the loader. PLATE BI. 2nd Lieutenant Pilot (Sottotenente Pilota), 4th Flight Francesco Baracca, Libya, 1941 The 4th Flight. or Stormo, of ltalon fighters was part of the 7a Squadron, 3th Group. operated in North fica from November 1941 tovJanuary 1943, participating in the defense of the port of Tpol. The fighters of the th Fight oso put up resstance win some success ‘against the Desert Air Force during the advance up fo El Alamein, os well as supporting the Axis retreat fo Tunisia in 1943. The Regia Aeronautica (alan Air Force) adapted its fight garb to the hot climate, just as its comrades in the Luttwarfe cia (see Plate L3), Thus. @ charocterstic informal combination of winter ond summer fying suits was wor. All he garments were Introduced in the 1980s. There were three types of tving helmet - one made of brown leather, «c brown convas version, and @ white canvas version (thf the type llustrated here. Note oo In the left inset the 2nd Leutenont rank bbodge). Cops with vsors ond bustine were jst os commoniy used. A two-piece fing sult was available, being made of waterpx0ot wool, [A second version of ighter brown canvas was also worn, but both typeshad sheepskin collors and modem zippers. Khaki shirts ond shorts were also worn aboard the airplane. The thigh pockets were rather suitable inside the cockpit: they could even contain meal tns) Special fying slippers without soles were avaiable, although even sondals could be wor. Folowing the native habi, italons wore sondals more widely than the German and Commonwealth forces ‘he particula pattern lustrated here protected the wearer's foes very ‘well. Note the F 41 parachute harness. king of Ifejacket is lustiated here - made of canvas in a “sausage shape” and filed with Kapok (Compare to Prate (3). The fighter in he background is @ Macchi 202 Folgor: It bears the Insignia of the 4th Fight with the “Rampant ile Horse". Such insignia was sometimes applied on the left breast of the fiying sult (See right inset). This wos the personal device of Mojor Francesco Baracca, the taion ace of WW. Today thislogo I stl used bby the Feta racing team!PLATE B3. Captain (Capifano), Ariete Armored Division, 1941-42 The Aviete “Rom Divsion was, together with the Uitferio Divison, the most famous Italian armored formation in North AMtica. ond it performed three yeas of service in the desert war without rele. The euthor is personaly foriar with an authentic M13/40 tank, stored inthe Infantry Museum in Rome. Space inside the hull of the tank's very cramped and hot (over 45°C) Infact, Hafan miltary regulations enrolled men who were jst 1.60 - 154m tall fo serve os tank crews. Therefor, Comidering the conditions these crewmen served in dung the North Afican Campaign. these taian crewmen appear rather heroic. ‘Armored troops were entirely equipped with a special but outdated garb -a black leather coat and an M36 crash helmet. though this was later ‘made of leather Ined with fel and cardboard. Often the side cop Or Bustina was worn os @ substitute (#ee the BaCkgroUNG gure) The |§—$ ‘most popular pattern of bustno in Affica was the Mod. 29 Aeronautica” (without flaps). Ip Tunisia, Halon sel propelled gun crews adopted steel helmets too. Al Italian personnel in. Nosh ‘Aico were issued with sun goggles with neutal or amber colored lenses, According to reguations these goggles were placed on the loft sce of the headgear hus exposing the front badge (Pates A2 D2 and G1). But folowing the style of Rommel, many men preferred Biitsh plexiglass goggles Pate L1). The captain pictured here wears Afika-Korps boots, Note the lace showing rank on his coat cuffs. In the desert there was even shortage of collar patches (the Special Store of Tipo lacked 300.000 pars of mosirine - color patches). Therefore, the men had handmade colar patches in many cferent shapes The lustration shows an M13/40 tank of the Ariefe Division laden with sandoags and rucksocks. Sections of tracks were aiso placed ‘on the fiontal armor for extra protection. Note the front piate os prescribed for every talon vehicle. It is also interesting to see the: ‘hwo rom (Aviete) emblems painted on the frontal armor plus the motto, "We ofe the Terror of the Tommies!” There is ako a nickname fon the tank: "steel Arrow”, Cacia Dominioni remembers @.coptan Of the Italian armored regiments who dressed pretentiousy, even Wwearng a monocle, 0s depicted here! PLATE Cl. Admiral (Ammiraglio) Giartosio, Flotilla Group A/1 (Gruppo Flottiglie A/1), Mersa Matruh, 1942 In the 1930 the Royal Haan Navy adopted functional ightweight ‘garments for colonial service. Hore Admiral Giartaso is dressed With a Smpie sahariana with just the gold rank shouder boards His cap In Kho cloth bears the Regia Marina badge and the braids of an aaa or roca. The radio operator on the lett operating a Ragiomarel RFT radio wears the gray-gteen version of the landing troops” uniform. This SMarco rodio operator dsplays his trade badge and rank of soffocapo (leading rating) on both sleeves. he cuffs ore marked with the traditional SiMarco lion, Our radio operator has Personalized his postion wih falion pinups!PLATE C3. Warrant Officer (Maresciallo Capo), 21st Motorized Artillery Regiment, Trieste Motorized Division, 1942-43 The Teste Motorized’ Divsion was deployed alongside the German 90%n leichte Division at E1 Alamein. facing the Britsh XXX Army Corps. Subsequently in the Tunison campaign it played an important role in the Mareth Line. Such @ shabby appearance among Italian soldiers in the desert might be questioned by some readers, but this Is based on original evidence, The \Werrant Officer depicted in his plate has his own M983 helmet covered with {an uneven coat of sand paint originating from vehicle oF aifcraft workshops The uncovered front part of the gray-gfeen helmet in the figure shows the black badge of the ZIst Motorized Artilery Regiment, However. the term “motorized” at ths date should be viewed as being largely theoretical Certainty. sel-propeted guns of the 75/18 model were employed. but the Tieste Motorized Division depended heavily on captured Commonwecith vehicles. Even the guns came from captured booly of Tobruk such as the llusrated Bofors aomm gun placed in en anti-aircraft postion. The Marescialo or Warrant Officer in this plate wears Commonweaith khaki Gill shirt and shorts the latter having been rolled up for comfort! The collar Patches were rarely woin on the shirt (S90 Plate G4), The rank bars of Marescialo Capo are sported on the left breast while the trade badge of tank destroyer (distuttore dl cam) is affxed to the upper left sleeve: the ‘number "2"'in the center indicates the number of destroyed enemy tanks, ‘Commonweatth “hose tops" and highly tegarded “chukka” desert boots Ccompiete the garb of this Warrant Officer who s armed as @ gunner with & ‘mm Beretta pistol. The Janyard Ground the neck wos secuted to the pistol preventing is loss in combat, Hafan gunners would be supplied with special asbestos mittens for changing hot machine gun barrels, though ou figure protects his right hand with & more common glove. The 8mm Breda MI937 machine gun was quite & Powerful weapon, although its modern load system was faulty The brass dog, tag was seldom wom by ifalan solciers since they considered them unlucky objects! 12 PLATE C2. Leading Rating (Maré Sceito), Ill Tobruk Battalion, Tobruk Garrison, 1942 Theil Battalion ofthe $ Marco Landing Regiment was honored with the “Tobruk’ te, after the eventual conquest of the LUbyan town in June 1942, This battalion was tough opponent for the South Africans. and the Landing Regiment goined © (900d reputation In combat with its evident Fascist creed (986 the background of the figure) The M933 helmet was the standard naval sue item with o Painted anchor. Some snapshots show a group of Marines of the Tobruk Battalion wearing a Hessian cover on thelr helmets (Plate H2), khaki berets or colonial helmets were also worn. The field jumper or caméaccio, existed in a white version 00. It 'bears a single rank chevron in black for topical use, and the lode bodge of an armorer (armiere), Webbing equipment was adopted during WWI. intaly produced by o British company, Note the carwas gaiters (see ‘60 Plate D1).Some photographs attest how Haan Marines at Tobruk wore olive green shirts, sandals Gnd paratroop jump boots: perhaps these latter were used by the swimmer porachutist company, Spor's sneakers were so worn (Plate 3). In one such photograph, a shgle Marine is observed ‘equipped withthe fekd waistcoat, of samurai of Plate G3, The standard M91 bayonet was carried ina leather sheath, but ‘@speciat naval dagger was adopted by Halon landing troops. It appeared rather smior to the Blackshits pattern (eee Plate £4). Our Leading Rating s armed with a useful Brno-Enfield MIKI light machine gun. ts scare magazines are carried in the Mod, 135 gasmaxk bog.PLATE D1. Bersagliere, 7th Regiment, Trento Motorized Division, 1941-42 The Bersagle were the most fomous rife roops of the talon Army Rommel ‘commented on their valo: saying, “Here In Noth Aca. the Htalan Bersoglere hhat aroused the German soldier's admiration! ‘We can s2¢ in the llustration the popular pulover shirt Mod. 39. or camiciotto sohaviano, Examination of some authentic garments reveals c cheap cotton ‘composton inhi lary wien in North Affica, Captain H.PSamweil of the Argyl ‘ond Sutherland Highlonders Regiment noted the fst time he encountered Itaion soldiers with their bodly tolored uniforms and their fithiness (October 1942), A second version of the camiciotio sahariano was completely Open Ike the sahariana (see Plate £1). On the colar the Bersagilr’ wore the ciimson patches or fame, while the siver stars were the Ubiquitous symibol of fralan folders, The ammunition pouches were ako characteristic of the Bersagler: being made of brown leather and with no color sap (Gee Plate EI). Note the: \widespread use of civilian shits. The bayonet was offen attached fo the fed shovel For the Ethiopian Campaign of 1935-36, aly issued the M1935 colonial helmet (Casco colonial). This latter was of obsolete design, made of cork covered with *Massau type twil. A Folgore veteran remembers that his “colorial helmet wos hard and heavy whist the English tropical helmet was very light, being made of bonne leaves" (Plate G1), Usually the talon colonial helmet bore on the front { ross national cockade ond branch badge, or sometimes a black badge ‘embroidered on 0 gray-green background wos also worn. This branch boage Could be drawn by hand. or be absent altogether (see Plate 1). A small pocket (on the right sce of the colonial helmet Gust under the vent) held in place the Aisinctive cockerel feathers of the Bersoglie (piumeto). Curiousy, on their ‘colonial helmets, troopers were known to fix German and Commonweaith trophies such a8 on RAF crown, a German eagle shield, or badges of the Coldstream Guards. Royal Tank Regiment, 8in King's Royal lish Hussars, Royal Northumberland Fusiers, or Durham Light Infrity ‘The issue musket or moschetto for ight troops of the Bersagiier! was the 'M1891/38 with folding bayonet, in a caliber of 7.35mm. PLATE D2. Warrant Officer (Maresciallo Ordinario), Military Police (Carabinier), Tobruk, 1941 italy assigned police duties in its Aficon colonies to the PAL and Carabiner: the webinoum Halon miary polce. A former officer of the Bris Special Ar Service fold how he was Captured by the Carabiner! in bye in 1941, beaten up and even handcuffed. he Carabiner cso nod tne combal sections and @ Batfaton of Corabhier paratoopers Who {ought with some bravery in December 194) at EhvotE! Aso (UB¥O). The Worrant Offcer. or marescialo orcnaro, in ths plate has the reguor Clive-khold ttre of the Italian solder in the colonies. As usual the sun helmet looks rather faded and it bears the cockade and flaming grenade Cf the Carabiner on the front. The gray-green shit and puttees (fasce Gambiere) are used because of G shortage of khaki garments. The Colonial tunic of the figure is completed with special Carabinieri color tbs. or alomari whist the rigid shoulder boards with the marescialo's rank lace are characteristic of Carabinier colonial cress. Black shoulder boards ‘were also observed. Note the oigulleties ofthe colonial service (cordone CFandianité colonials). The breast rlbbon is for the Ethiopian Campaign medal. The brown leather bandoleer includes two pockels (Mod. 91) and was stondord for atilery mounted troops and tank crews. There also existed {grey-green version. The lanyard of the Gisent 1889 pistol was secured 10 the bondoleer. The M1912 boots for foot solders had a special hobnall pattern on the sole. The 91/98 musket with foldable bayonet was normal issue for af Carabiner! Note the block brossard on the laff sleeve To CGenote family mourning. interestingly there was an episode during the Battle of El Alamein when an talon soldier wearing such a mourning Drassord was coptured by Commonweatih troops and balieved fo be o {exci We can see graft the background ofthe lustation left by ish solders on a wal in Tobruk 13PLATE D3. Army General (Generale d’Armata) Messe, Tunisia, 1943 Messe wos the best Itollon general of Word War 2. As @ soldier with long experience, he was the sole talon commander who led German troops. The Colonial Bustina Mod. 42 with vsor and chinstrap bears the rank badge of Army ‘General, os shown inthe inset. The elegant out of this commande - introduced in 1940 - Is in pxvately made coraeline cloth. The breeches nad internal reinforcements and side bands in velvet. The high covairy boots, herein the brown colonial version, have just been {greased One veteran recalls some miltary doctorsin the El Alamein Line wearing shiny boots and even spurs! (See Plate E4). The size of rank badges on the cuffs ao varied: thei pattem was called greca. \Weartime rank badges were smaller and embroidered rayon yarn. The impressive ‘aay of General Messe's wor decorations i os folows: on the right seeve are two ‘wound’ in sevice: on the toot the German Knight's Cross awordad in Rusia ‘on the lower left breast there & the German lon Cross Ist Class: the upper lett breast is fl of five gold war promotions. The ribbons are expicined as folows: frst ‘ow, ftom lett fo right - Saint Mauraio ond Lazzaro Order; War Metit Cross: Savoia Miltary Order (knight): Memorial National Med! of WW. In the second row - Merit Medal for volunteers in WWI Medal of the Ethiopian War: and two WW! war medals with golden swords, PLATE El. Lance-Sergeant (Caporal Maggiore), Giovani Fascisti Regiment (Young Fascist), 1941-43 ‘Aifhough composed of young boys 17-20 years old, the Young Fosciss Regiment, at fist Named Gruppo Battogioni GG FF (Young Foscist Battalion Group) was certainly one of the most pugnacious Units ofthe talon Army in Afica, On 29 August 1942. the Corps was renamed Young Fascist Division. grouping the 136th Artery Regiment, medical sections n. 15 ond 16, pus the Desert Range Squads ts Glorious end come on 13 May 1943 when it wos oxdered by the ttalan-German High Command fo destoy is arnmuniton {and armaments while the flags of I and il Battaions were uted | Batlon divided is own fog ino seventeen pasts. which were then Given fo each of the survivors ‘though rather misjudged by the talon High Command, the Young Fascists firmly asked Mussolini permission to fight against the ‘enemies of Fascism. At Bir EI Gob) these young boys fought with ‘bravery and impressed Commonweatth veterans, who nicknamed the Giovani Fascist as “Mussolin's Boys” The main feature oftheir uniform was the block tosseled fez, proualy worn even In action. The Giovan) Fascist devices on their colonia! Lntform were the colar fares in the colors of the Gil (alan Fascist Youth). The Giovani Fascist did not have the black shirt, But wore (ray-green oF khaki shit. Gray-green uniforms were also worn. he Boggy pantaloons of ihs igure were referred fo os “alla 2uaVa" (zouave type) and had an internal reinforcement Wearing two pats of socks was @ common italian habit Ths Lonce-Sergeant displays on the left breast the shield awarded for Young Spoting Games (Lud! liveries), pus tne ribbon of benemerito della Gi (selected young members of the Gil). The Young Fascists were never issued with steel helmets. The infantry equipment of the “Mussoln's Boy" depicted hete is rather woen The battle flag. or flamma, bears ¢ Mussolini motto and the battalion's number. The M1938 musket TS. (special troops). is postioned ready for combat (with ts bayonet nearby). Wisco box of comed beet wos a real delicacy for tallan soldiers in fica. Not infrequently the sole meal of the Gay was just a few syrup peaches and hard tock The luckiest men could be: supplied with o iter of say water in o characteristic Halon bottle covered with straw ({lasco). There wete qui o lot of fined goods or A.M, (Amministazione Mittare). but these were nicknarned Animale Morfo, or "dead anima” by the fans, ond Aller Mann. of "old man” by the (Germans (feferting to the meal ration contained in the tn) 14PLATE £2/E3. Corporal (Caporale Libico), Libyan Paratroopers (Fanti dell’Aricy; Sergeant (Sergente Libico), Saharan Group (Gruppo Sahariano), Libya, 1940-42 The Ubyan divisions were famed for their loyatly and pugnacity, Thus a battalon of Ubyan Porachutits was organized and personally selected by Morsho! Balbo. In March 1939 they fought at El Fteian (Gruppo Mobile Tonin) A clater fene, Libyan mobile units (Gruppi Saharian) were aio enisted, These Jwere modern and heavily mechanized unis, and here in this plate we can 528 0 squad operating 8mm mortars, The personal weapons of Libyan troops varied enormousy, with M1891 ries ot ‘even Austrian &mm Mannicher M896 repeating riles being in evidence. Meanwhile, porattoops usualy had MP1/38 or M938 TS. muskets. Machine {guns varied ftom the old Schwarziose MO7/12 (of Austion WWI vintage) fo the nt-oicraft 20mm Breda. The combat dagger of the Poratroops Is interesting = it wos the old Fascist Mitia’s bayonet from the Wetely rife. he man on the Fight farmed with an old 1889 Boceo-Gientirevolver Note the characterise ‘arnmunition pouch worn by this man. Some Libyans equipped by the DAK ‘operated as native scouts for the Germans. Native troops wore uniforms that showed thelr colonial status. The paratrooper on the let wears Livan national headgear, oF tachia, with colonial infantry badge and skuleop, His comrade displays the Cabus-beda cap/tufoon draped according to the: {iba fashion of the owner (his tbe is Kabila).The M1929 tunic. or lubba. wos Peculiar fo colonial Woops. and here he has the rigid shoulder tabs and Characteristic large parachute badge on the right. The sergeant has a white version of the camiciotto sahariano per coloniallin IMI940 pattern. Both figures display the stars, of stelette, on the collars, since LUpyan troops were gronted Italon citzenship as of December 1941, Simla the rank badges were oko redesgned, Usually poratroops or Fant del’Ario wore pantaioons and putlees or socks - while our Sergent UBICo on the right os the native Arab siwal folded trousers and balga. cr fraitional senda, The most distinctive tem worn by the Libyans wos the colored soeh that voried ‘accorcing fo the battalion. Note on the right a young Fascist boy of Libya (eat). = PLATE E4. Centurion (Centurione), 2nd Division “28 Ottobre” Libica (libyan), 1940-41 Blackshit units.or CCNN, Camicie Nee, had a rank organization that recalled the ancient Roman Legions so the rank of Cenfurione was equivalent to the Army's Coptain. Accorcing to the orders of the Duce Mussaini tree ‘dvsiors of Blackshins were attached to Xl and XXll Corps - 23 Marzo, 28 Ottobre. and 3 Gennaio Such legions bore the celebrated dates of the Fascist revolution in the ties (see Plate Ad), The Ist Division “28 Crtobre” suffered heavy losses during the early stoges of the: Ubyan Campaign, facing the hardened th incion Division. 7h Armoured Division, ‘and éth Austraion Division. Ths combat wos particularly heavy around the sites of Bardia Solum and Sis Barani. the offcer's Colonial uniform hos the some cut os the M1940 continental uniform. but if was made of kaktoiive (olve-Krak) ‘material. Ths could be gabardine for winter of cotton for the summertime (S08 Plate 02).the experience of colonial uniforms for aly went back to at least he Ethiopian Campaign in 1935-36. Nevertheless, offers and enlisted men adapted their ufos fo the necessies of a modem “fast war in the desert Here the centurion figure wears an elegant off.white colonial helmet of the “Aden” pattem, worked with a quited surface. The brass badge of the fasces bears the number “231” of the Legion This officer has discarded the tunic and! te cf his orcinary colonial dress for greater comfort so exposing his black shir, On the: left breast there are the three bars of the rank badge of a centurone, os prescribed by regulations (compare with Plate Ad) The Sam Browne holds the 7.65mm Beretta pistol in place. The Fascist Matto dogger is on offcer’s variant The olve-kha Breeches show two block strioes flanking the red piping of the infantry. he breeches also have suede interna! feinforcement. The white scort and the whip ae items of a smartly cressad officer aithough they were useful ogainst cust and mosquitoes too. Many Blackshirts were seasoned veterans of the Arc (assout hoops) n WW Ethiopie (1935). anc ‘even of the Spanish Civil Wor (1936-39), Such officers often ended thei days in Brish prisoner of war camps in Kenya. Sudan and India (Ao fewer han twenty two Italian generals were Captured in the Ubyan Campaign in 1940-41). he active service of the centurion is marked by his agullates with golcen ‘Smart white uniforms were ne longer worn on active service (see the inset),PLATE FI. Private, XXX! Guastatori (Assault Engineers) Battalion, El Alamein, 1942 ‘The Guastator of the 1001 and 200K Battalions were special assault engineers (Genio). In the “cauldron” of El Alamein they operated in the minefields anc fought bravely. Supplies of clothing were reduced or hatted by RAF aerial inferciction of As shipping to North Attica. Fortunately In June 1942, after the recapture of Tobruk, huge omounts of Commonwealth unvforms were coptured. Even pajamas trom a Bish Miltary hospital were plundered, The Bish “aertex” shit gave superior ventlation and sun protection. The sands and overall dress of the figure look well adapted to the desert conattions, Note the single Senm Beretta pistol suitable for an assautt engineer. The guastatore ci not forget fo stitch his trade badge on To his Bish hit, Both men in the liustration protect thelr heads with the M923 steet helmet - such a helmet appears to be strong, although perhaps a Iie heavy, Ths helmet was in service In tay unt the 1990s! The main figure in the plate wears his helmet pointed roughly in a sand color while the office sports his helmet in the orignal gray-green finish, with the engineers’ badge painted in black on the front (see Oso Plates C3 and F2). The officer figure In the background is Ist Leutenant (Tenente) De Rita who is defusing @ Britsh MK. IV mine. Offen mines were butied in double layers to increase the devastating blast. De Rta wears @ fine white sahoriana with black shoulder boards, complete with the crimson piping of the engineers, two rank stars, and the brass branch badge. A dagger of the Fasclst miltia and @ Sam Browne belt complete his uniform, [Although the Folgore ond the Guastatorihad no effective antitank ‘weapons. they bravely assoutted Bish Grant and Shetman tanks with Molotov Incendiary bottles. In this plate some examples found (on the EI Alamein battlefleld are shown. Some of them ore made ‘om Brtsh beer bottles - coptured in huge quantities ot Tobruk. ‘Alongside the Molotov cocktails, ofo hand grenades are ako depicted. Such grenades were nicknamed “red davis” ‘An allan veteran from Libya recals how there was nobody in his Unit able fo cut hai. so the soles offen soorted unkempt hat! Experienced soldiers knew wel hat minor wounds did not heo! wel In the Atfcan climate. Thus they opplied tincture of iodine on their wounds. PLATE F2. Lance-Sergeant (Caporal Maggiore) Tuvo, Flamethrower operator, XXXI Assault Engineer Battalion, 1942 Flomethrower operators were equipped with the Mod. 41 fomettrower and hod @ special sut made of asbestos moteral Htalan famethvower operators oF lonciollamme. performed extensive sevice n the desert. There ore tales about Guosator ‘who operated aganst enemy ines and panicked Commonwooith Troops with ther famethrowers. Actualy, Italy had much exparience in famettwower worfore dating back 10 WM ond Ethiopian 1996PLATE F3. Major (Maggiore) Caccia Dominioni, ‘Commander of the XXXI Assault Engineer Battalion, bombed city of Tobruk, 1942 Mojor Caccia Dominion, Count of Silavengo, was the fomous ‘commander of the XXXI Guastator Battalion. which sow hard fohting ot Tobruk and £1 Alamein. He sll retains hie fractional mountain troop fat. or cappeto alpina, with the badge of the Mountain enghveers the inset in the plote shows the Brass boss Folding the white Rawk feather fora senior Alpin oficex. The sahariana adopted during the war of Ethiopia in 1936 is now made of coarse brown canvas. is decorated with Engineer color patches (pipe - see Plate Fl). The M993 helmet had just been Introduced. Caccia Dominioni displays a pair of Comfortable CChukca ools, loot from Tobruk. Ths type of footwear was highly foppreciated by the lalians. Each Italian officer was ordered 10 ‘2cquie his map case privately. For an officer in Nosth Aico, was essential fo know detais about Libyan setiements and tertain ond especialy the locations of minefelas. PLATE G1. Paratrooper, Folgore Division, El Alamein, (Beir EI Munassib), 1942 Although the men of V Battalion, 186th Folgore Regiment, were fee, trained soldiers they all oppeared sunburned and skinny. A shortage of fresh f00d, 00 little water (and salty a that), caused sentery among the men. The uncle of the author ~ a former crtlery sergeant at Tobruk in 1941 - recalled that the sole ration per day was often only some jam! (See Plate E1) Stipped to the waist and wearing shorts. our paratrooper demonstrates the habit, common among ttalan privates. of Covering their colonial helmets with religious scrawis ong polical mottoes, names or Ist of actions. Note the personal web ‘equipment that looks rather modem: is accompanied by musket ‘magazine pouches ond grenade pockets. Folgore personne! were Issued with special high jump boots with rubber soles Unfortunately. in the Saharan ciate, these should have been Teplaced, since some paratroopers had their soles completely worn out and thee feet covered with sores during the reat fom E1Alamein! Note the civ socks sent by the paratroopers tomy.PLATE G3. Lance-Sergeant (Caporalmaggiore), 185th Artillery Regiment, Folgore Division, £1 Alamei 1942 Today its hard to belleve thot at &1 Alamein, o few hundred Arillery Paraitoopers of the Folgore. armed with ight Ma7/32, ‘uns, effectually damaged cimost 160 Commenweattn medium fanks. The destroyed tank in the Background has an amusing Inscription: “American tank. Engish ctew. shot by talons!” Note the wide trousers wom for comfort (Compare with Plates G2, H3. ka. and MS). Rare contemporary photes of EI Alamein show men Ike this one - rather mauled, with no water of food, and poorly ‘armed. is interesting to note that the woolen knitted cap of our LLance-Sergeont has possibly been token from British troops, Note the patched baggy trousers copied from a painting of CCaccla Dominion. ey ate in a darker olve khok’ shade, The peculiar collar patches on the colaress jacket show the Artilery Regiment of the Folgore. Note the parachute badge affed 10 ‘he left breast. The most characteristic fectwe of ths fguee is the field wosstcoct, o° samura with submachine gun pouches and Pockets for grenades. The personal armament of ths paratrooper 's the Beretta M3BA submachine gun - an excellent weapon of ‘9mm caliber - even better than simior German and: Allied Submachine guns Although isued in imited numbers to fighting regiments. it was officially termed “automatic musket” in alan se. andi had 10,29, or 30ound magazines. Note on the right is ‘convas cose used for parachute jumps. Dung the night, patos Cf the artigferi ~ paracadutist! of the Folgore (artlarymen- Paratroops) used sports sneakers, whist the trousers were, Sometimes filed with sond to protect the wearer from grenade. fragments, orto hold the barel of @ mortar. PLATE G2. Trumpeter, X Folgore Battalion, El Alamein, 1942 In August 1942. X Paratrooper Battalion was positioned near Delt Alinda and Deir EI Muna is commander, Major Ross ordered his turpeter to play the charge against New Zealand froops - an ‘episode of Nopolecnic traction in modem mechanized warfare! [After the good showing of the Libyan Fant det Ara see Plate E2), Italy decided to organize ts own poratroops, These Poracoduist had special attire modeled cn the German pattern (Plate Ma). The Mod, 1942 helmet had a leather nose-guord and @ bifurcated Chinsrop. The camoutloge cover (feted fodera mmetica per ‘eimetto M733) was originaly designed for the M933 helmet, Note ‘he string that compressed the cover (0s copied from an original photo). Some photographs of El Alamein prsoners depict them wearing only the camouage cover on thelr heads! ‘his faded camouttage jump smock (combinazione mimetica do lancio) was manufactured in tent canvas. but it was rarely worn in ‘Afica (note the civlian pullover underneath) This paratrooper has ‘ttached the traditional Folgore collar tabs to his smock,PLATE G4. Infantry, Pavia Division, E| Alamein, summer 1942 WA typical assault squad of the 17th Pavia infantry Division. Al the figures are dressed in Britsh gor, Note the use of shorts and Italian puttees. The 1933 helmets are gainted in Soharan khaki, covered with mud oF left inthe standard gray-green frsh. The leading officer § armed wih the iBodeo-Gisenti 1889 revolve. The old FiatRevell M1914 heavy machine guns aso depicted, 19 PLATE HI. Lance-Sergeant (Primo Aviere), Assault Airborne Lorefo Battalion, Tunisia, 1943 Similar fo the eite troops of the Novy and Army Plates C2. H2 « HH), the Ar General Staft.or Superaereo, trained selected ren a the paratroop school at Torquinia In June 1942, It included the following unis: a Parachute Battalion, an Assault Troop Unit (or Arditi Oisruttod Regia Aeronautica (ADRA)). and the Assoult Aoome Loreto Battalion. The tle of the bation was sacred to the Vigin Mary of Loreto, patton of the alan Air Force. The Loreto Battalion served os an assout unit along the Enficavile Line January 1948, The Loreto Battalion crested inthe usual Diue-gray Ar Force uniform shown here. The special bright Dive patches, or flomme, are reminiscent of the Araifipatiem (see Plate #3), Note the coptured Czech M1934 helmet. The tunic’s ins includes the ltallon-German war medal, the badge of Fos. “squadiista (squad men taking part in the March on Rome in 1922). ‘and the Special Assault Loreto Badge on the left sleeve. Note the reguiction Arr Force brown leather accoutecment surprisingly this Lance-Sergeant, being a $m Breda 1930 gunnes. d have © pistol. A haversack for the magazines & Oso ute Colonial garments wore Issued 10 the ele forces of the Regia Aeronautica (akon Air Force),PLATE H3. Colonel (Colonnello), X Arditi (Commando) Regiment, Tunisia, 1943 During the crucial year of 1942, the Italian Royal Nawy, Royal A Force ond Royal Army began crganizing —handpicke Commandos. folowing the example of the British Long Range Desert Group ond Special Ar Service (see also Piates C2 ond H}). An interesting war documentary shot by US. combat comera units shows a color image of Arai war prisoners in Tunisia. The X Art Regiment wore the continental version of the paratrooper cress (00 Pate 63), Uniform included a characteristic beret with @ hoop on the top, plus comfortable boggy trousers. The badge of the beret wos ‘Unique fo X Aral The inset shows the left rank badge of a colonel The bush jacket has special blue collor flames. whist its cufs bear regulation rank lace. The badge of the Arai elte assault troops of WW! ~ Is postioned on the left sleeve, under other interesting Insignia the badge of @ parachutist Instuctor who has completed twenty-five jumps). The devices on the left breast are: a bronze Valor medal Ilatan-German medal he “she- wolf” of the PosubIo Division and the badge of war promotion. Since this Colonel was {a former offcar of the Pasubio Dison, he hos the sivered round badge of the Russian Font Note the standard Sm Beretta Pistol and the combat dogger wth ivory GAip for senior officers. Our figure displays captured US. Ray-Ban sunglosses| The X Araiti Regiment had on autonomous mechanaed uni that mbushed the enemy behind Alled nes (Gometimes even concealed under Arab clothing). This practice was otfested fo by Ist Leutenant Rossini former officer of the Pavia. and who later transterted fo the Arc PLATE H2. Private, Superga Assault Landing Division, Tunisia, 1943 ‘large humber of units brought over supplies trom It so they Never received any colonial sues. Thus in the latter months ofthe Tunision Campaign. they fought in continental gray-areen M1940 cand MI942 uniforms. These were made of cheap cloth termed fanitat in fact consisted ‘of regenerated wool mixed with synthetic rayon. ‘Again, surprisingly, ou figure sil wears the Eahtweight pantaloon fotigues. cated bigia Note the tent camoutaged poncho folded over the pack, The M1929 poncho was made of waterproof canvas, in a sand, gray-gieen and redtbrown scheme on one Comoutage side, ond umber and red-brown on the reverse. The Hakan Army was the fist fo issue such camouflaged tent ponchos. Two water bottles appear os the normal accouterment for Malian ‘oops In North Aca (see alto Plate EI). Even in 1948 the Italans were sfil using the improcticol puttees. Folowing the Aled stye, the helmets were effectively camouflaged with rough Hessian ‘cover, to avoid the semi-gloss paint of the heimet being vile to fenemy snipers on a damp night! Folage could be also added in the cover'sstips fo offer camoutlage in the busty terain of Tunisia The funie worn under the M1934 greatcoat has wooden buttons (@s does the greatcoa!), and it shows the coll patches of the Ist Regiment - Superga Divison. At fist it wos rained os an assault Jonding Unit for the conquest of Matta, but lke many other elte Itaion «visions the Superga served as conventional line infantry. Note the bayonet secured with a cord To prevent It being lst In 20silerymen inthe early stag val continental gray ed onl in limited numbers. The phoMotoreyel Fast) unt. Note s. This photo Gates trom 1941, (See Plate 01) jonial and continental nthe let wears his side fing on Tobruk, May 1981alan airmen in thei n colonial gar been shot down This talan artilery cow is camouttaging thel heavy fld gun (perhaps German 210mm gun) in Cyrenaica, summer 1941. The photo clearly shows the fatigue dress and side caps, plus gtay-green putes. They possibly belong to the 2na Artery Group, Arete Division "@ desert at Solum, December 1987, The gunners are i; their ale includes standard issue rolled up brown An historic—S ee patiern, and the rank stars onthe breastERMAN FORCES TE J1. Armorer Sergeant (Wattenfeldwebel), 2nd Machine Gun Battalion (Maschinengewehr-Bataillon 2), Tripoli, 1 igure hos @ newiy Issued tropical M1940 Aika dress, recenty ordered ftom the Tropical nsttute of Hamburg At fist the tropical uniform fe Complete with © shit and fe; the buttons were of krutled type" and painted in olve green. Uniforms were of a sage green oF ave Bul 6 farbrown version also exited badges were introduced for the tropical dress - a light biue-gray machine woven Bevo design on an ochre of tan background. The NCO ‘Fr Tresse, wos also in ochre. The M1940 tropical helmet was made of cork covered with convas. A metalic shield bearing the nationa! jor was pinned cn the right side (os in our figure), whist on the left side there was the Heer eagle shield (ee Plato O2), A second tropical imet made of sand-colored convas wos later issued (see the background figure in the plate). The tropical breeches were chways matched M1940 early patter tropical boots, being especially made in sturdy canvas and brown leather. The continental block leather boots ‘ough worn in North fica, fended fo Clack fn the heat. Therefore, ankle Hooks were soon adopted (eee the background figure) Js Gunner. our Werfenfelcwebe' is equipped with a pistol and spare pouch holding « clearing sponge, while his trade badge is sewn on the t CU A DAK belt buckle in olve green colo just visbie. In ths both figures have the light green Wotfentorbe of machine ynners on their shoulder stops background figure sports the equipment of a 2nd Gunner: convas raps, topical bread bag, entrenching tool with bayonet, ond 5k Case (which was lett In continental ove green - se also fe M1), and fwo water bottles. This latter piece of equipment wos fed with Gray OF brown felt to help keep the water fresh. The yrinum cups were finished in ole green or Black oF they were fen lack oF light green bokalte. A celuloit-moregnates den bottle was aso Issued, whist Lftwatfe personnel had blue ‘Cup 100. The main figure displays the superb M34 ight machine 7.0 quick-tring 7.92mm weapon, while the 2nd Gunner caries two ition boxes. A metal case fortwo spare barrels s placed on the nd te the mosquito net under the tropical helmet. copied from a rare K color photograph. Among the fist things Gerrans encountered ‘Atica were the hot clmate, sunburn. dust and fles! 4 PLATE J2. Lance Corporal (Gefreite), 15th Panzer Division, 1941-42 The life of tank crews in the desert was very hard. The temperature Inside armored vehicles was scarcely bearable, the gun's smoke wos ‘acti, he tank bounced over uneven terrain, and fre was @ common ‘anger. This ole green uniform s rather city with oll and soot. It exposes the DAK dog tag composed of two parts if the owner was kiled, one would be snapped off and taken by the commander whi the second part was left hanging around the deceased's neck. The traditional black Felamitze was often retained by ormored units, os \wete the Panzer troops’ shoulder shaps with pink piping » Note the Characteristic metalic skuls on the tunic’s lapels. he siver Panzer boottie badge fon the left breast pocket. Note the Funkhaube eadehones of this tank radio operatorPLATE K1/K2, Major General (Generalmajon) Gause; Colonel (Obersh Westphal, 1941-42 ‘As Rommel’s Chief of Staf, Gause became very close to the Desert Fox In this mage he wears a practical desert combination ‘and. his Genera's regalia Identify him as a DAK commander, ‘Among the identiying features is the gold piping on the Foiamate. The talon sahariana appears rather crumpled ond bas. The Newspaper of Major General Gause is the Brish propaganda oper “Afrika Kampfer (Attica Fighte). Oberst Westphal Rommet’s very capable operations officer, wears @ comfortable falored Britsh bush jacket made of kha dill cotton, and long matching ttousers His insignias also minimal: shoulder saps of an infantry Colonel. siver Nazi Eagle pinned on the right breast, siver German Cross. knight's Cross and Ist Class on Gross on the left breast pocket. Note ao the M1935 continental callat patches. or Utzen, PLATE J3. 2nd Lieutenant (Leuinanh, Rommel's Pioneer Command, 1942-43 (Our plate ilustates well the rect “sel” of a German officer in the esert! The M1942 tropical tunic with plain pockets i faded ond washed to a “bone white” color (lo use the words of © Panzerarmee Afrka veteran), Decorations include the Kim sie. tne infantry assoutt badge. the wounded badge in bronze, ribbon Cf 2nd Class iron Cross, and ribbon of confirmation of the 1999 ron Cross. he M35 helmet & camouflaged with @ fough Coat of Kok! pot, with san! mixed in Observe the US. sun goggles which are war booty. These and the scarf cre items observatie In contemporary photographs. They protected the wearer trom the desert windstotms, or ghibI. Note the dscolored ribbons of the Italian-German wor medal ana long service medal Frequently. soldiers chose the more practical M1940 tropical trousers rather than the M1940 breaches (#28 Pate JI). A sting secured the trousers fo the ankle s0 0s to avoid the ingress of the Pervasive sond. Short topical boots in leather and canvas are ‘matched to such trousers. he Leutnant has his continent M934 side Cap tucked into the Panzeramee Aika enisted man’s bet NNote the engineers’ black Soutache Waffentarbe, The personal ‘equipment of this oftcer comprises a periscope, a sand-colored map cose (originally In block leather), d pai of wie cutters. and @ flare pistol (Leuchtpsole), The entrenching tool visble on the right was used fo search for mings and To Cover up products of Bolly functions in the field, often called a Spatengang. oF “spade errand!CG2G FSSF0GG wo eweocumecece TE K3. Private, Ist Class (Oberwachtmann), Field olice (Feldgendarmerie), 1941-43 jarime demands increased the need 10 simplify greatly dress ulations ssued in 1939, s0 they were no longer applied to the: Tka-Korps ond Ponzerarmee ‘Aftka. Steady supplies of ful. min ond food were the main priorities of Rornmet's army, ft uniforms is Fekdgendarm is patoling in a Ubyan town and wears the mous South Atican pith helmet with German pins. His regulation is of pullover patleen and has a DAK eagle, shoulder stops, tropical rank chevion. The DAK shorts or kuze Hose, wore Bficially foroidden for active service, and they should have been 1d only with the impractical M1940 high boots (s8e Pate ON) @ men greatly preferred these Hropicol ankle boots. and even But down their high lacing boots! Note the speciokduty gorget luminous insignio (s9e also Plate M2) PLATE K4, Coastal gunner (Marineartillerist), Kriegsmarine, Port of Tobruk, 1941-42 Naval personne! performed police duty in ports, naval bases, and depots. Naval supply wos a Vital port of Romme’s desert worfare strategy. Coastal Arillery Marine Battalions and Land-Bosed Naval ‘Woops adopted a field gray service uniform. although it had gold Insighia and buttons with the navy anchor. Note the shouder strops of this Seaman in dark green cloth with Naval Artilery badge. ‘Topical garments were ako istued in pinksh-tan fine cotton. in Libya the Kriegsmarine used dark blue “boarding” side caps and ‘white summer garments with cornflower blue insignia. Heer leather ‘equipment ana marching boots were employed too, while there is the usual Kor 98k. Note the M36 helmet with golden naval Nazi FogiePLATE 12. Major General (Generalmajon) Ramcke, El Alamein, 1942 Ramcke was one of the most famous German commanders in Atica. As @ Colonel of Asome Troops. he hod been 6 key commander in Crete in 1941. In North Africa, Major General Ramcke led the Falschimjager Brigade named in his honor. Described os short, active and nervous, Ramoke dtessed in informal tropical garb or Tropenarzug. The Luftwaffe General's peaked cap, or Schimmiie, Is provided with a white summer cover. Note the shoulder boards of o Falischimidger Generaimajor on his simple tropical tunic: they ore interlaced in sivergold thread on whvte Wafenfarbe, His insignia include the 1999 Iron Cross Ist Class, bor to the lan Cross Ist Class, Back Wound Badge, ond Wi Battie Cross PLATE LI. Field Marshal (Generaifeldmarschall) Rommel, Tunisia, 1943 The famous Desert Fox chose a useful "Atican” outfit. Among the several items used by Rommel wos the ubiquitous peaked cap (Schimmctze) in gray-green cloth with general's gold piping. n ‘bod weather, Rommel wore a brown-oive greateoat with red velvet lapels, accoraing fo the rank of @ general When the Fuhrer appointed Rommel as Fekimarschal in June 1942, he gave him the interlaced shoulder sttaps with crossed batons. n the figure we can see the everyday version of the Marshar's baton. High cavaty boots and suede gloves complete the uniform. The Desert Fox did not ike a great range of insignia. Note on his neck the special Knight's Cross with, Oak Leaves and ‘Swords. Rommel eared his Pour le Mérite medal during WWI at Caporetto, against the talon Army!asus Sareeae TE L3. Hauptmann Marseille, 1st Group (/ Gruppe), Squadron 27 (Jagdgeschwader 27), Libya, 1-42 forous Jagdgeschwader 27 of the German ace, Hans- him Marselle, fought with bravery against the RAF Sadly yomann Marseille was accidentalyklled in his Messerschmitt #109 EAIN over the desert on 30 September 1942. plot sports alight canvas fying helmet, of which there wos also fan version, Te DAK Zeis-Umbral goggles wore considered of qualty than the Luftwaffe pattern: Unusually, this plot oso ua displays on his tropical biue-gray shit his decorations: fof the 2nd Class kon Cross, Plot's Badge, wings of the 39100 Condor (Spanish Civil War). Nazi Luftwaffe Eagle in Ichine-embroidered design, Operational Fying Clasp (over the. ‘reas! pockel), ond the inferloced shoulder staps of & rwatfe Hauptmann. special ‘Channel-trousers"(Kanalhose) in tropical cotton were fed with large pockels to hold survival equipment in case of iching into the sea. The Luftwaffe tropical belt holds an attimeter 12 PPK pistol as personal armament. Sneakers and suede Jes wore also worn. Note the fe jacket in yelow canvas coed ‘i 18sCU9 Inthe sea. Ths fe jacket with oxygen cyinder wos an ntial garment for Axi aircrew operating over the Herronean. PLATE MI. NCO (Unterfeldwebeh, Artllorie-Regiment, Hermann Géring Division, Tunisia, 1943 ‘At various stages of the wor the Luttwatfe organized a number field divisions. Among these divisions was the site Hermann Gering Divison. iis Battalions were put Info action in the last desperate ‘defense of Tunis. The Hermann Goring Divison was organized os ‘an autonomous. motored and armored unit equipped with the powerful Sturmgeschite ll Aust F/). (Qu NCO belongs to the ArtilerieRegiment of the Hermann Goring Divson - the red piping around his white colar patches maris him as a member of the artery batteries. White was the Astinctive Watfentarbe of the Hermann Goring Division. OF articular interes! is the tropical peaked cap, nicknamed Hermann Meyer by the airmen. Ths derived from the fact that ot the stort of WWI, Hermann Géring femly declared that Fa single Bish bomb landed on German teritory, he would change his ‘own name to "Hermann Meyer"! the Hermann Meyer cop had a ‘neck flop fo protect from the sun. ving 3 fashionable look "a ia Legion Etrangére". Regular Lufiwaffen badges were applied the Hermann Meyer. An otherranks pattern of the Flegerbluse ‘worn in continental felc:biau with fopicol trousers. The lst of ‘garments of some Luftwaffe veterans aso termed the blue-gray Color oftheir uniforms as grou-biou. Some Hermann Géxing Division units landing in Tuniso in March 1943 wore complete blue-gray uniforms and black leather ‘marching boots. Note that in our figure the Lufwate issue tropical fequpment and ornmuniion pouches are in block leather The steel helmet hat a Hessian cover A typical fecture of our Unterfeldwebel is the M940 $3 camouflage smock Some war ‘documentaries shot in colar by US. combat camera units in Tunis show Hermann Géting Divison prisoners wearing unmistokabie S$ {een “spring plone tree" smocks,PLATE M2. Master Sergeant (Stabsfeldwebel, Feldgendarmerie, Ramcke Brigade, Egypt (1942) - Tunisia (1943) Each German combat unt had its own miltory pole or Felagendarmerie. On several occasions ths perteular unit fock part in ighting hn the lef inset we can see the shoulder sap of the Stabsfelawebel tis not clear ifthe Felagendarmen attached 19 the parahoop unvisnac boner olor Ping oF Werfenfarbe around thei shoulder stops inthe orange color of he Felagendlormene orn the golden yesow of the porcrcopee SSmiaty it's not defrite whether the members wore the ranks ofthe Felgendomere (8, tabswachtmester). or the rank of Falschimidige (.e Stabsteliwebe), The figure wears the duty Feldgendamerie aluminum gorgst ‘wih reflective detail. his Falschimjdiger Feldgendarm has been issued with new blue-aray (felc:biauer) bandoleers, though tan or camouflage types a0 existed (Gee also Plate M3). The helmet of the figure Is the prescribed M37 jump helmet, a more compact version of the reguar Wehrmacht M35 steel helmet (see Plates M3) The M37 Poratroop helmet was issued with a camouflage cover here in a sand, ted-brown {and green “spinter” scheme. In Apt 1943, some Jager in Tunisia chose to pant their helmets in a sond. red-brown and green carnoutlage fish. or even with Some gray or green steaks on a sand Background. The NCO in the fgue & essed in a Luftwaffe ton tropical shit and shors. Although most Ramcke members were hardened veterans. they rarely sported the Norvik orm shield. the Spanish combat andi jume badges were just displayed on the tropical tunic. ond ot nthe shirt. ust vile on the right breast of the shits the Luftwaffe eagle {cheaper production design Falschimiéiger wore shorts toled up for elegance, although Commonweatth Bombay Bloomers could also be worn. Jump boots in brown leather had sce lac0-ups. The peculiar tropical battle garb with a tolled up greatcoct sung over the should s described by an tlalan eyewitness. Since Ramcke personnel wore offen engaged in night patrols ond engaged in savage close combat with ‘opponents such as New Zeclonders (Including Moors), the roled greatcoat would give adattional protection. Some photographs shot during the Tunisian Campaign show paratroopers dressed in the M1940 tropical motorcyclist {greatcoot, made of olve green rubberized canvas. The Stabsfelawebelis aed With o holsteredt P38 Walther pistol and @ 33/40 Brunn fe, The Ramecke Brigade wos fist issued with the new MG42 machine gun in late ‘August 1942. Tpe MG42 could fre |.200-1,500 rounds per minute, ond & often Considered the best machine gun of Wi Werner PLATE M3. Lance-Sergeant__(Haupigetreiten), Fallschirmjager Ramcke Brigade, 1942-43 In August 1982, after heavy losses of vehicles and men during Romme's offensive, a harc-pressed Hitler wos forced to deploy the Fotschimioger Bigade (Porctroops) Ramcke on the Dei El Shen Line, Despite Ramcke’s paratroopers being veterans of Narvik. Rotterdam ond Crete, many of them were young boys, some just seventeen years ola Our Jager is completely equipped for o desert patel (possibly ot ight) The jump smock s open ot the legs and chest for comfor, thus exposing the Luftwaffe tropical tunic, A common punishment for an Lndiscipined Jéger consisted of a march under the horsh Aftican sun, with complete field equipment, including rolled grectcoat ond rucksock! (See Plate M2). Note the gravity knife in the ight trouser pocket -it wos used to search for mines ond in handtto-hand combat. The sand-colored smock is bivately purchased by our JAger.ond Ithes integral cloth bandoleers The scort and the comet painted on the pinkish sondi-colored hoot ‘re compony devices. Otherwise, he Luflwatfe eagle decal was also seen on paratrooper helmets. The gasmosk bag on the chest contains hand grenades (M1924 Steninandgranaten), whist the huge pockets of the smock contain G2 magazines. The JAger is cranging his formidable FG42 arbome ‘automate rife. The FG42 In 7.9mm ealber Could oso be fred from Is ipod. The Batalfion von der Heyate of the Ramcke Brigade, was Commanded by Major von der Heydte. 0 German baron fom ihe Rhineland. At Depienne, Tunisian November 1942, the Grune Teufel ot Green Devis of the Ramcke Brigade, faced the British Red Devis for the fst time,woe aero sOeCarre5~Ne Geoerenres 3g \TE NI. NCO (Oberfeldwebe), Flak-Abteilung 606 Anti-Aircraft Battalion), 1942-43 seasoned NCO representedin this plate has protected himselt 2 Luftwaffe blue-gray (feld-blau) coarse greatcoat. No cial version of the Luftwaffe grectcoat was prepared for the ert. The shoulder shaps ond collar patches Indicate the rank ‘employ the red color of Flok units. interesting snapshot of an aman in North Attica shows him with /Arab shernagh around the neck to protect agains the freezing hts and the sun during the day The Luftwaffe had its own design ‘ide cap with special emblems, though many army versions f@ ako Used. The steel helmet is completed with the strap fron Ip bread bog to hold camouflage folage. Luftwoife amon Ereauenty went on patols in the surounding terrain of their Ibotteres. he topical type of brown leather ammunition pouches Hor the Kar 98k cxe shown here. Note the binoculars case for the Ipreratic binoculars and the personal flashight that was used {uring right patos. PLATE N2. Medical Officer (Arz), Ambulance Company (Krankentransport-Kompanie 705), 1942- 43 Several accounts tell of Axés troops completely dressed in Bish ‘gorments, equipped with Commanweath equipment and criving Bitsh vehicles even with thelr ofiginal plates! Often national or regimental flags were displayed as air identification features by [AX forces (Plates F2 and 42). In one episode a fight of Stukas Cottacked such columns of Commonwealth vehicles manned by German soldiers dressed in British outs. Even Italian sahariane were manufactured with Bish cotton. The miltary doctor in this plate wears an old single-breasted Commonweath greatcoat. A DAK veteran recall how he lest his German tropical greatcoat ‘and thus used @ New Zeciond one. Khaki dD frousers. ond Cconvas gaiters ore aso worn here. The 2nd pattern gasespirator 'bag is used for holding his personal kit The figure also hold a British water botia and a German special medics! pouch and wears an Afrka-Korps officers Balt. Nota the peculiar fan helmet with large red crosses has a shape similar to the Lufischutz (ar protection) pattern, An Edelweiss oko pointes ‘on the helmet, os probably our doctor served in @ mountain unt. Note the tropical Felamatze with medical dork blue Warenfarbe, ‘whilst the right inset displays the shoulder sap ofa Ist Lieutenant Doctor with the gold Staff of Aesculapius, Note the turtleneck sweater of eivlian type and, In the feregrouna..@ German frst container painted In tropical tan hue. In the background ‘mbulance of the talan Red Cross ViePLATE N3. Nurse, Tripolis Kriegslazarett, 1941-43 This DAK nurse i serving in Tipol's mittary hospital. Wounded enemies were not infiequently treated by Italian and German medical Personnel Photographs also attest how wounded men at El Alamein were treated by Commonweatth surgeons (see in ths plate the Scottish officer of the SIst (Highland) Diision). The nurse wears the Usual Medical Corps dress, and the badge on the right shows her Identiication area os “Benin” [A system of blue rank piping was wom on the comers of the col, while the enameled brooches on the tropical helmet ond on the throat indicated the various grades of sster and nurse qualification, Four Geeman nurses and ssters were awarded the 2nd Class kon Cross for ther service in Attica, PLATE 02. NCO (Unterfeldwebe), Gebirgsidger- Kompanie 2, Sonderverband 288, 1942-43 ‘Among elte troops of the Panzerarmee Aftka, © special unit was Created in December 1941. It was composed of German personnel from the Middle Eost or forrner German Colonies of Afica. These men knew Arab languages wel, and for this reason. operated behind Allg lines as commandos oF spies. In early 1942, Sonderverbond 288 was attached to the 90th leicnte Divson. Mountain Company 2 was present In this speciol_ unit. Our Unterfeicwebel has been captured by an Austrilon Sergeant of ihe ‘tn Australian Division. Hi Thompson M1928A1 wos appreciated by ‘Aus forC0s 100. The Australian hos token away the NCO's personal P40 submachine gun and PO8 Luger pistol. The shabby look of some soles in the desert fs very evident In prisoner photographs. But these generaly depict soldiers os they ‘appeared in action or shorty after battle. Note the fatlered tropical Felcmmdtze- i's in an almost white color faded bythe sun. I was considered) the “real seal” of a DAK veteran, so new recruls bleached their fd caps with plenty of soap in so-called “factory bulletproofing"! The feld cop Cf our figure displays the metal Edelwels of the Alpine Troops (upper inset) and the "V" Soutache Warfanferbe in hell-grin. oF light green. Its Interesting fo recal that Germany used « lot of gray-green (fel6-grau) uniforms in Attica andl several of ts vehicles were sil painted in the Continental panzer grau color This NCO wears the M1940 fled tunic - it beats collar patches and a Nazi eagle in mouse gray on @ sage green background for mimetic, ‘purposes. The shoulder stops are of M1985 dark green pattern (with Tresse lace for an NCO). A fat number of trade badges are placed on the tunic of our Unterfelchwebel.On the right sleeve there is the woven Edelweiss (alpine stat) mountain badge and the Krefa veteran cuff ie. On ‘he left orm isthe Narvik 1940 Campaign shield (See lower Inset) The loft breast shows the ribbon of the falan-German campaign medal the ‘bronze infontry Assault badge. the enameled Heeres-Berafnrer (mountcin guide) and the gray metal badge of Soncerverband 288 The baggy trousers were & common feature of Alpine troops operating in North Africa (the other mountain Gebirgs Regiment was numbered 756th), NOS te M1940 web ankets. Some photos taken of German prisoners - perhaps of Gebirasager- show them with breeches ond puttees. Sometimes Commonwealth soldiers 100k of the shoes of thelr prisoners to avold any escapes, and depicted here ate the special boots of the Gebirgsger with studs ond cleots (fee also plate 01). The personal equipment of this Unterfeldwebel includes an Afrika other sanks belt, POB Farc-shel hoster, M1938 /40 olive carwos MPd0 arnmunition pouch, and fon tropical gasmask canister (not Vile), Many Jager of mountan si troops di not ever see snow, Sadly they ended their days in the desert! 38—eoe iti iets TE O1. 2nd Lieutenant (SS Untersturmfiihren, Security Service sherheitsdiensh, Tunisia, 1943 photographs of $5 Poice members show them wearing the Atk cuf tte, They members of the German Security Service (Sichemeltsciens) which controled. curly in Tunisia, intelligence. prisoners of wax. Ali ses and commandos, os wel paltical secur particular tunic In the Italian sohariona cult. This tunic had an SD emblem on the eft ‘nd the green Woffentarbe of the SS Folie! on the shoulder strops. The ribbons nt the Long Service Medal and Polze! Service Medal. Hs breast bodges include 55 runes wom by those units with @ pion black collar patch on the right, Infantry ul §§ sporting and partisan combat, as wel as ron Crosses of Ist and 2nd Class The ractoristic 8 fropical cap with no fase flaps has the devices woven in Bevo style lke ‘Nazi eagle on the left arm. They are alin beige on a black background for tropical The sand.colored helmet boars $$ rune decal as seen on a rare specimen in the fantry Museum at Rome. The personal equipment of our officer includes an $$ canvas it and a submactine gun ammunition pouch, ‘armament conskts of the holstered Walther 7.65mm pistol and MP28 submachine In. An M1924 stick grenade, or Stiehhandgranate, Is inserted in his belt. The figure is ting @ US. Bi~oude in Tunisia, and he hos found 6 USS. dog tog of « sol of Jewish einion (note the hanging Star of David, or Magdem Davie) The glasses are secured 10 1G 1Ubber strap fo avoid lasing them in action, PLATE 03/04, Warrant Officer Ist Class (Adjutant-chef), Phalange Africaine; Petty Officer (Quartier-Maitre), Battleship “Jean Barf’, Port of Tunis, 1943 {Ati the colapse of France in June 1940, many French citizens, not the mojoy supported the Vichy government, Particularly In the French ‘colonies of Airco and the Fax East 0 substantial number of French and Arab solciets were envolled in the Phalange Aicaine, of Afican Phalanx. This unit was led by Commanciont Curnier. and was trained by German cadres in Algeria ond Tunisc. Faithful to Marshal Pétain who led the Vichy Igovernment, the Phalange Aticaine (aso termed Légion Impérialin Napoleonic fashion) saw its rst action ct Kioua on the Tunisian front (Apd 17943), ond it fought hard against overwhelming Aled forces. in early Ma 1943, the Phalange Aticaine retreated to Tunis but id not leave is Rational colors or Fanion Ticolor, In enemy hands: the survivors wete evacuated to France and Italy More French and Arab troops served in Gerrnan units. The Frénkische Kompanie attached to the 764th Panzergrenadier Regiment, the Deutsche: "AobischelehrAbteiung (Arab-German instruction unit). and in Sonderverband 287 and 288 perorrning commando duttes behind Alied lines (Pate 02) Some German cadres came from Iraq ond therefore spoke Arabic or French, Thus they aso operated as spies. riders and inteligence fexperts in the famous InfanterieLehrRegiment 2bV Brandenburg” special Gerrnan units. Perhaps sorne French and Arab members aso served, In ihe Sicherhettscions to capture rebels. enemy saboteurs and Jews (ee Plate 01}. The fgure in Plate O3 wears an interesting combination of French and Panzerarmee Aika tems, The German M35 helmet has the color flas\ on the ght, and French cockades are aso observed. The French vert-kak! uniform beors the rank badges of Adjutant-chef on the cuts, while the shield on the breast isthe nationalist symbol of the Vichy regime - a Frankish double ‘ax@ oF Francia The lett breast pocket ofthis tunic (vareuse) dsplays the campaigns of this seasoned Warrant Officer - from left fo right: Miltary Medal awarded to honorable NCOs, the 1940 Cross of Combatant, and the Colonial Medal with two bars for colonial ‘campaigns. onicaly, such medals were earned fighting Germany during both World Worst Note the ubiquitous scarf (cheich) of the French colonial vaterans, According to Bedouin habit, during sandstorms the cheich was alo wed as ¢ turban. French leather equipment (M1935) was used as well as the standard German Kar 98k tite. The haress and French Lebel 1886.93 patter were also dstibuted.n 1943 the Vichy Navy sil had @ powerful and modern fet, During Operation Torch the battleship “Jean Bart” opened fire from Casablanca agains lied londing forces, butit wash heavily by ‘406erm shels from the battleship USS Massachusetts French naval forces ako included cone cruiser seven forpedo destroyers and eight submarines. All but one of them were sunk by the U.S. warships USS Wichita and USS Tuscaloosa. Nevertheless, Casablanca was siilin Axis hands. On 11 November 1942, al hostities Ceased and Alled forces occupied the Vichy temitoties of Morocco and Algeria, Regulations for French petty officer uniforms existed from 1922. The dress for hot ciate included a pith helmet (bearing the ship’s name on the ribbon). shirt or a jacket (troduced in 1925) with long. matching trousers. Althe garments were manufactured in White nen. Canvas shoes completed this comfortable out, while shorts were aso worn The short-sleeved jacket displays the shouier tabs with rank chevrons. The Vichy Navy {iso used French colonial gorments, while the Army wore Panzerarmee Afika ones 100, Italy ako organized maxed forces of Ialans, Arabs and Indions. An example ofthis f he Roggruppamento Freece Rosse, or Red Arrow Group. It included @ Parachute Battoson of funsans in May 1942 - May 1943 39ust arrived in Trip, with sun helmets. Febr DDAK members show their newiy issued tropical uniforms [—— 141. (See Plate Jt ty dressed in continental gray-green, ih tank. Early 1941 ‘A Luftwate fighter bomber crew resting on a Li including evilan garments and Nalan ofer’s “india” sola op ver tank bs Cyrenaica, Api 1941Maschinengewohr 34 squad fare both in use. Cyrenaica, 1 Antitank crew of @ 3. intial phase of DAK operations, 1941, Despite the High Command's ey wear shorts and socks In action. They are not sunbumed' submarine in the ars a fashionable posed of Blackshins io have gray-green or {an interesting photo of DA 15t Batiaion, 104thOe thw gala, Libyan ae Rigi dae en “A Mercedes lorry ignals Intercept Company 621, intligence to Rom: Unkempt hair and slow ‘ate ar fairly typical——\ Two Afrta-Korps veterans proudly show off a captured battle flag of the The war in the desert often obiged rather pr Bish 250th Battery, Norfok Yeomanry Regiment. Note on the left the rank epaulettes, The bearded character Seen inthis photos probably a hhandmace tropical cap wih insignia, member of the Sonderverband 288 commandos. These men ew long beards and dressed in i I ress, frequently without ‘This grenadior has very worn eary-pattern anki boots with no nails Knights with swords and oak leaves. Early summer of 1842, 'A3.7om Pak antvtank gun crew. The visor ofthe topical cap is turned back 80 he can look into the gun sight, 46= = = -———4 pa pa , f= A iyThis disparate group of Heeresgruppe Arka offcers shows a gray-green M1940 contine coat, British captured gear (mn khaki crab), and an M1940 motoreyelet's greatcoat. Tunisia, 1943, ain Tur mplest tropical syle without rhe men In the center wear special Lufwatle tropical Despite this Jager lacking his Edelweiss arm badge on the rg wears the putoes of the mountain oops even inthe hot desert climate, With his companions he is examining a shot-down American P-38 Lightning. A medio (San) can be identified by the insignia on his right sleeve. Tuntla, 1943,N S S \ Q S g