Italian Armored Vehicles _of World War Two by Nicola'P aero = 2 squadron/signat publicationsItalian Armored Vehicles of World War Two By Nicola Pignato Color by Don Greer and David Gebhardt Illustrated by David Gebhardt and Darren Glenn squadron/signal publications‘guns advance during an Desert in the Summer of Axis counterattack in Egypt's West 1942, The lead vehicle's crew added sandbags and spare track links {othe front hull for additional protection against British shells. The ‘Semovente da 75/18 featured 2 75uu howitzer mounted on a modi- fied M 13-40 of M 14-41 medium tank hull. talian and German forces pushed the British into Egypt in mid-1942, only to be stopped and thrown back at El Alamein. Acknowledgements A special thanks to: My Wife, Maria Major Filippo Cappellano, Cavalry, Italian Army Major Howard R. Christie, Ordnance, US Army Dr. Fabio Temeroli, Repubblica di San Marino (Republic of San Marino) Dr. Antonio Rosati, Rome, Italy COPYRIGHT 2004 SQUADRONSIGNAL PUBLICATIONS, INC. 115 CROWLEY DRIVE. CARROLLTON, TEXAS 75011-5010 All ight reserved, No pat ofthis publication may be reproduced, stored ina fericvaleytern or ansmited in an form by means electrical, mechanical or ‘thermse without waten permission ofthe publisher. ISBN 0-89797.4759) you have any photographs of aircraft, armor, solders or ships of any nation, particularly wartime snapshots, why not share them with us and help make Squadron!ignal’s hooks al the more teresting and complete the future. Amy photograph sent to us wil be copied and the original Feturned. The donor will be fully credited Yor amy potas used. Please send them to: SavadrnSignal Publications, Ine THIS Crosley Drive Carrolton, TX 78011-8010 FeaMy tac cers dotorpadn camoneTon mopy:kewis, coxa sms Sexaapou/Curias eute utepeckee. Sh epeciamweM nant fororpabin x nepuew opurananis Muels tpMenapunts cust Syay'r conponaasaTs noe onyGxonaume ¢oTOrpAgi Towanynera mpucunarre ero pag Ho anpecy SSquacron/ignal Publications, Ine. THIS Crow Drive Carron, TX 780115010 TERM. 2h, At. MRZLORMENALEHSAEIEMEoLenReLE? Loin AME AREERBSNCLONAANSSY. sping UNTER Lat AWN OERRERMLSR SL. OrRERDS em ‘Squadrow/Signal Publications, Ie 115 Crowley Drive Carrollton, TX 75011-5010 Author’s Note: “The fasces was an ancient Roman symbol of authority that was resur- rected by the alin fascists, who took their name from this emblem. A fasces consisted ofan ax with rods bundled around the ax handle. This symbolized the power ofthe stale, which sas strengthened by the unity ofthe people. Roman magistrates were proceeded by an orderly bearing a fasces, ‘which symbolized the magistrates" power over the life and limb of their subjects Talian fascists used the fasces as their party symbol, much like the swastika in Nazi Germany. This insignia was used on Fascist Party ban- ners and worn by party members; however, the fasees did not appear on Regio Esercto (Royal Nalin Army) uniforms and insignia FS numbers were developed in the United States after World War “Two and their use here is solely an approximation (Previous Page) A column of Mf 13-40 or M 14-41 tanks advance along # trail in North Africa in 1942. The lead tank's crew placed ‘sandbags on the front superstructure. This was done to supplement the weak frontal armor against British anti-tank guns. Armor for both the M 13-40 and Mi 14-81 ranged in thickness from 14um to ‘5mm. An tank ammunition taller les abandoned along the track.Introduction By mid-1938, aly 1d how obsolescent much ofits military equipment was with the pos “ibility of a new European war in the near future. On 29 July 193 under its Duce leader), Benito Mussolini ~ real the Regio Esercito (Royal lalian Army) launched & rearmament program that was intended for completion within five years. This project required an extended period of peace for Italy to consolidate and improve its economy, complete pacification ofits African empire, and to m strategic industrial plants to safer areas military Te Italians had Teamed so in World War One and ongoing conflicts in her eo nial possessions: rmored forces were not decisive in those wars, Nevertheless, anew doctrine titled La guerra di rapido corso (The War of Rapid Course) was issued in 1938, This called for vastly increased rate of nization in the Regio Esercito. The new manual Inpiego delle initd carrste (On the Employment of Armored Units) was issued that same year. An early step towards this direction was undertaken in 1937, when the Regio Esercito transformed the single existing mo n armored br brigade into The cadre for a second armored brigade soon followed, Each ofthese new brigades consisted of one tank regiment, which had one L(Leggero; Light) tank battalion and two M (Mero; Mediunn) tank hatalions. A two: bat in regiment of truck-mounted Bersagier light ry) Was also assigned to each armored brigade. Rounding out the brigade were two anti-tank companies equipped with twelve 47y%4 uns, one Anti-Aireraft (AA) company with six 200M cannon, and one incer company. Few of the 1347 L tanks required for these two aes were available in 1938, while the M tank was sila prototype i Taian authorities planned to produce 268 M tanks, 697 new L ta armed with turret-mounted 2098 cannon), and 48 1939. The Re only ordered 100 M11 requiring the Atmy (0 equip their armored brigades with obsolete Fiat 3000 (M 21 and 30) tanks, These were Italian versions af the French Renault FT-17 from World War One. A later order for $0 more nin Jate 1939 in favor of 41K improved M 13-40 io Eserc 9 tanks that year M 1139s was cance tanks, L335 light tanks assigned to the 133rd Littorio Armored Division land their crews are lined up for inspection in northern italy in June ‘of 1940. Each L 3-35 (formerly CV 35) was crowed by two men, who wear the standard black leather helmets and overcoats for Regio Esercito (Royal Italian Army) armored vehicle crews. The three The Regio Esercito transformed its Ist and 2ad Armore into the 1318 Centauro (Centaur) and 132nd Ariete (Ratn) Armored Table of Orgunication sd for each Armored rt of four battalions and a Bersaglien respectively in 1939, The provisiona and Equipment (TOE) issued that year cal Division to have a tank re et of three battalions: ene on motoreyeles, and the other two on trucks. This TOE also called for one antitank company with six 479 ns, one artillery regiment with 24 motorized 75M guns and twelve 20MM AA cannon, one engineer company Three of the four armored battalions were to and supporting service equipped with a total of 1144 M tanks, while the fourth battalion was to have P (Pesan: Heavy) tanks; however, P tank development did not begin until ly of 1940. Ansaldo delivered new M.11-39s to the Aviete Armored Division (AD) between the Summer of 1939 and the Spring of 1940, The Centauro AD aid. the-1331d Litorio asces) AD (formed in September ‘0 1939) did no receive their fll complement of M tanks until 1941-42, The Regio Exercio di not order the new M. [3-80 medium tank fi Ansaldo until 16 November 1939. The Ammy ordered L. 6-40 light tanks from Fiat and armored cats from Ansaldo in March of 1940. In early 1940, the Centauro AD was deployed to Albania, whic Ftalian forces had invaded on 7 April 1939 and soon annexed to lly On 10 June 1940, Kaly declared war on France and Britain and attacked across the Alps into southem France, Several L 3-335 light tanks saw brief combat daring tis brief campaign, The Centauro Division's L 3s were involved in the Halian invasion of Greece (from Albania) on October 1940, A battalion of 37 M.13-40s was deployed t0 the Greek Froat to reinforce the Centauro Division in November engagements between Italian and Greek tanks, This division participa in the Axis offensive against Greece in April of 1941 surrendered on 23 April the Centa the Littario Division's attacks on Y equipped with only 93 L. tanks, 24 lame thrower variants of L tanks, and 15 M 13-405, The Littorio was soon retumed to Ialy for reequip ment with sre powerful tanks After Greece was redeployed north to support The Ariete AD was deployed to Tripoli, Liby 2 in January of 1941 4 reinforce Maresciallo d'lalia (Marshal) Rodolfo Graeiani's troops, They had invaded Egypt in September of 1940, but the British drove halian armored divisions atthe beginning of World War Two (except the 132nd Ariete, which had only two Mf 11-39 battalions) were solely ‘equipped with L 35s. Each armored battalion was assigned 61 L 35e ‘and 16 CV 33 Lf flame-thrower vehicles. Several of the later are [parked in the background, hitched to thelr fuel trailers.‘Two M 19-40 medium tanks assigned to the 132nd Ariete Armored Division roll over a stone berm in North Africa. Both forward hull hatches are opened on the near vehicle. The Aviete ~ Italy's most then back into Liby the following January, Avite's «wo battalions of sk was to halt the British offensive in Libya, tank units, which were seattered among the ncentrated into a dedicated armored force In early Armored Division's a ed 93, 33735 (with 201 antitank if 33935 Lf fla thrower vehicle 1s The meelum tanks arive ‘Tripoli soon after the arival of ‘man Africa Corps) under ebruary 1941 st (Colonel General) Erwin Rommel on 14 The Ariete and the other Halian armored divisions were partially rer anized by the end of 1941, due to a new TOE the Regto ser ipproved in August of that year, This TOE called for a headquarters th three armored cars and a Reconnaissance Armored Group of fou squadrons. The later group bad 26 armored c nk dest 0 had ith total of the Armored Anillery Re 30 Semoventi dit 75/18 and 13 armored tank tanks, Four arm (light yers. The Divisi 92. M 13-40 medium ment of three battalions, equipped mimand vehi cles, Other aillery assets included 24 motorized 7Su field guns, 12 motorized 105M field guns, eight 90/53 motor carriage AA guns, Mt Breda AA cannon on cross country trucks, and an Anti-Tank Battalion of 19 Semoventi da 47/32. Ariewe had a battalion of 40 AB 41 armored cars, which replaced the Anti-Tank Battalion and Reconnaissance Anmored Group found in the other armored division Th as dep only Spring of 1942, einforeing the Art DAK to defeat 3yed to Novth Afri AD. They Gazala, Libya or ne British 8th Anwy 1 June famous armored division — was deployed to Arica in early 1941 ‘when i incorporated the M13-40-equipped Vl (7th) Batalion, othe fall of Tobruk, Lib bute of F October to 4 November 1942 nearly Alamein later, then the A divisions, while x these units ants 0 lowly retreated west rough Libya into Tunisia. Elements of the Centauro AD attived in Tunisia during this retreat and achieved some success engaging Allied ants until dhe Axis fon U1 May’ 1943, The Allied invasion of Si tank hatte sin North Africa were forced to surre y (Operation HUSKY The hand of Ia on 10 July 1943, da 905 ith Semoventi da 47/32 and 24 Sema Primarily equippe ‘were ineffectually deployed. British and America Sicily on 17 August then invaded mainland Italy on 3 September 1943 the same day Ialy signed an armistice with the Allies. Token armored units ~ equipped with L. 3-33/95 and 1. 6-40 anks ~ were sssigned to the Talian Sth Army on the Russian Front. This force was effectively destroyed by a Soviet offensive along the Don River northwest of Stalingrad (now Volgograd, Russia) in late 1942 and arly 1943. The small Armored Group in Sardinia did nots sction, but the mech French Island of Corsica '943 Armistice. The Alles spelled the Germans afte th tit shove their by disarming the Malian troops. Two reconstituted armored divisions were stationed near Rome b September of 1943. The 135th Aviete 11 Armored Division was at full strength, which included 45 M. 15-42 medium tanks, 124 Semovente da 8 assault guns, 42 Semoventi da 75/32, and 12 Semoventi da 10525, Other equipment included 12 Semoventi da 47/32, SO armored ars, and several modem motorized guns and howitzers. The te Centauro It Armored Division was also deployed near the Italian capi al. IL was equipped with 45 Halian made and 36 German-supplied ank, plus twelve German-built 88MM Flak 37 ant-aincrafVanti-tankThroe crewmen perch on the upper hull of their Semovente (Selt: Propelled) da 75/18 (RE! 4467) In Egypt's Western Desert in the ‘Summer of 1942. Semoventi (plural of Somovente) began replacing 7 hal SaKte sacks. Both uns towed by 8 ser (8.8 ton) Krauss Mal divisions had not completed their taining when It ame fate befell alian armored units deployed on occupation doty in Balkans he Italian armistice left the county divided, with the Al ment (AMG) southem Haly. The AMC the few surviving Regio Bsereto armored units to bee Italian Co-Belligerent Forces. The Allies were compelled «9 re-equip, ive Italian divisions to supplement their own forces during the dificult ed Military me pact oF the campaign in late 1944 This situation as dif rent in northern Italy, where the pro-Geeman wubblicano (ENR: National Republican Anny) hod only small armored units. The ENR’ was the grovad force forthe Repubblica Sociale Hraliana (RSI: Utaian Social Republic) that Mussolini established with Salo as is capital. The Germans seized 977 Armored Fighting Vehicles (APVs) from the Italians after the Armistice. The ENE was left with a few L and M tanks, Semovente di 47, 75, and 10S assaule guns, Esercito Nacion and armored ears. Italian firms were dered to continue producing AFVs for Getman requirements Much has been written about the shortcomings of Italian tanks in the North African campaign. Initially, thes erews displayed lack of train i while their equipment was generally equivalent to their British counterparts. Italian armored units displayed signs of mastery, which were demonstrated during the Battle of Bir el Gubi, Libya on 24 ovember 1941. The Ariete Armored Division broke up an attack by British 7th Armored Division, who lost nearly 80 tanks to th id-1942, the new semovente assault guns engaged approxi nately 40 new US-built Grant tanks at Bir Hakeim, Libya. The semoventi destroyed 20 of the British tanks an forced the remainder to 1M tanks in the armored battalions in 1942. The 75ua main gun was also supplied with hollow charge ammunition, which made this veh: cle a tank destroyer rather than a sel-propellod howitzer, ished as the North African campaign progres DAK’s theit German alles, but Rali rival in early 1941. Italian erews were no less aggressive than armored vehicles were increasingly underpowered and outgunned by their Allied counterparts, Successes like Bir el Gubi and Bir Hakeim were shor lived, since the Ariewe and Linorio divisions were mauled at the Battle of El Alamei Egypt in the Fall of 1942, All Italian armored units fought well wit the limitations of their equipment. By 1943, the 38 Kali light tank bat ium tank battalions ~ cach approximately 300 to 500 The 9542 total casualties . The Celere ong ~ suffered a high casualty rate included 4382 killed, 3875 wounde fast cavalry and Wersaglieri, re hattered in combat ajor (Major al officer found occasion but were Ten years alter World War Tw General) F. W. vou Mellenthin made fair and accurate assessment of Italian armored warfare abilities ull ended, German Gener a Panzeranmee Afrika have no sympathy with those who t hout pausing to consider the dis bored. The armament of the the tanks align army was below mode and the Halian wireless radio] sets were quite unsuited t ‘mobile warfare and could not function on the move. During mpaign laa from the cavalry regiments ‘Von Mellenthin was right, in that Halian industry took far too Jon y oftheir AFVs, On the occasions they improve the quali ceeded, the new AFVS appeared oo late and in too few numbers, 5Italian Armored Vehicle Production 1940-1945 Tulian Armored Fighting Vehicle (AFV) production was low through out World War Two, compared to Germany and the main Allies: Britain, the United States, and the Soviet Union, The Regio Esercito hid 1320 L tanks and 100 M tanks available in 1940, Fia-SPA completed at least 400 L 6-40 light tanks, over 300 Semoventi da 47/32, and 110 Fiat 6665 Armored Personnel Carriers (APCS) at Turin between 1940 and 1045, During this same period, Ansaldo's Genoa factory produce: 710 M 1340s plus 30 command tanks 695M [4-4 plus 34 command tanks. 220 M 15-42s plus 45 command tanks (plus 28 and 41 respectively afer the Anistice 943) 30 90/53 self propelled guns plus 15 command vehicles 6 M 13-40 Semaventi da 79/18 162M 14-41 Semoventé da 103 M 15-42 Semoventi da 75/18 190 M 15-42 Semoventt da 75/18 (plus $5 after the Armistice) (61 M 15-42 Semoventi da 79/34 (plus 49 aftr the Armistice) 0M 43 Se 23 (plus 91 produced after the Armistice) 11. M43 Semoventi da 75/46 (all produced after the Armistice) 1 M43 Semovente da 75/34 (plus 29 produced after the Armistice) 1 P 40 tank (plus 100 produced ater the Armistice) 624 AB 40-41 armored cars 204 modified L. 35s (known in the Malian Army as the L. 38 modified or 38) ptembe: venti da 10 AB 43 armoced car (plus 102, including some AB 41s produced afer the Armistice) 11 ater the Anistice) 150 $37 APCs B Litorine Blindare (armored tail cars) (plus 8 produced after the Armistice). - scout cat (plus from 129 10 250, according 10 sources, produced In the Summer of 1943, Ialy’s War Production Ministry envisaged ‘monthly production of only 150 tanks and 70 armored cas in 1944, Italian Armored Doctrine In 1938, Italy formulated a doctrine of high-speed mobile warfare based on which mechanized and airbome weapons would be considered important components. The explo Tow the use of the maximum mass available: in effet, the Blitckrieg (Lightning War) envisaged by the Germans tion by miatorized forces would fol Nevertheless the new manual on the use of armored units, Jmptego delle unit carriste~ released by the end of 1938 — was incomplete. The tasks of the various tank units used to support infantry, Celere (ast and motorized units and those that were part of the future armored divi sion were clearly defined, but there was litle space devoted 10 recom naissance and to tank-versus-tank combat. Nothing was contained about self-propelled artillery. air coope nst enemy armored forces, The attack formations obviously depended on the eran: the hatalion generally operated in columas, with platoons in Hines. Each company formed 4 wave; distances were to be increased in difficult terrain Mopping up operations during deep penetration pauses were also con: dependent setions, the following tank toles were established ht) tanks contributed to security when moving and deploying near my and support in maintaining contact: M (Medina) tanks were ‘employed for long-range maneuver action and support in engag s;and P (Heavy) tanks reinforced the M enemy fr nks’ actions Althou concerning new armored cars and semovente {selfpropeled) artillery ven, The later ~ sill on the drawing board ~ were not considered the min features ofthe new tanks were provided, no dat Additionally, mechanization needed not only equipment and financing themselves not a high procty until Ialy entered World War Two on 1 June 1940 ~ it needed good commanders, raining, and planning These aspects were simply not available in quantity and could not be ‘The early defeats led wo the issue of better eq zation, Revised manuals were published both pment and a reorgani- ofthe armored division — provisional regulation Umpiego della divisione eoraszara Norme rie, 27 August 1941) and tank wnit training Addestramento dei carrst 22 October 1941), Talian atmor doctrine was now complete: the flaws in the previ go had been corrected and an entry for desert warfare added, Other publications dealt more in depth with the reconnaissance units’ employment already mentioned in the fmplego manual The new doctrine and equipment only pos poned the inevitable; i¢ was fo0 late to modify naiTow minds and outdated tank designs Various armored vehicles the final assembly area of An Genoa, tly factory in 1942. The include M 14-41 tanks, Semoventi da 75/18, ‘and AB 41 armored cars. Ansaldo began Mi tank mass production with the M 11-39 in ‘July of 1938. The firm completed the bulk of Italy's armored vehicle production between 1940 and 1945. These armored vehicles are believed to be finished in overall kaki sah Jano (Saharian Khaki, approximately FS. 20260) for assignment to North AriItalian Armored Fighting Vehicles On 13 June 1940, Italian tanks were grouped into three categories their weight, These categories were: L (Leggera: Light, up to eight metric tons (7) (8.8 tons); M (Ms and 15 wir (16.5 tons); and P (Pe ures ~ the weight and year of lio; Medium), between eight, Heavy), over 15 sr. The letter sas followed by tf iwoduetion, The designation was deleted entirely after 4 August 1942, L 3-33 and L 3-35 Light Tanks The 1.3 tank was developed from the British Vickers Carden Lloyd Mk VI, which Taly had purchased in 1929. After a few prototypes, the CV 3 (Carro Veloce, f ank, 3.1/3.3 ton) was aecepted in 1933 and issued to the mechanized cavalry in 1934 The small, tureless vehicle was designated Carro Veloce 33 (ater 3.33) and was armed with one 6.5MM Fiat-Revelli Model 14 ait cooled aircraft machine gun. Is suspeasion consisted of two sprung bogie assemblies. one unsprung wheel, an adjustable idler wheel at the rear, and the drive sprocket atthe fro. The racks had main and joining inks with double guide horns, The Regio Esercito soon ordered a second batch with a new standard i Model 14/35 machine ese Vehieles also incorporated minor changes to the hull: a new right front visor, roller4ype ports and an armored visor in the rear superstructure. The suspension was modified with «track tension idler arated from the rer idee A third, large order was placed for CV 335 when the Ethiopian cam: paign began in October of 1935, Simultaneously, early CV 33s were fetofited with the heavier weapons, Flame-thrower and radio variants were also introduced and were comb proven in East Aftca The flame-thrower variant, designated CV 33 Lf (Lanciafia Flame-Thrower), eplaced one of the two hull-mounted 8\st machine {guns with aflame projector. This projector threw a stream approxi: ly 40 at (131.2 feet) at a continuous rate for two minutes and 15 see fonds. The stream was cutoff and on a will and was generally operated for oly afew seconds at tim The CV 33 Lf often towed a 5001 (132 gallon) fel taler, which A Garro Veloce 32 pilot vehicle rolls down a rocky hill during its consisted of a two-wheeled chassis with a tow bar. An armer-plated 1993 acceptance trial. This tank fell more properly within the tan shell housed a rectangular light steel fuel tank. A semi-rotary hand Kette classification, with a weight of 3.4 ur (2.8 tons). Early CV 23s Pump mounted atthe trailers reat was used 10 refuel, de-uel, and mix (ater designated L 3-33s) were armed with one 6.5im Fiat-Revelli the fuel components for use. This pump was placed under a hinged Modal 18 ai-cooled airraft machine gun cover. A second, lager engine-driven pump was mounted in the rear of the tank, This pump drew fue from te trailer to the flame-throw er via one pipe, and returned unused fuel t0 the trail cond i The projector employed One of the four CV 33 pilot vehi- cles rolls past several Regio Esorcio officers in 1933. Ansaldo developed this vehicle from the Vickers Carden Lloyd Mk Vi, 0 British tankette. This tank had its 6.5um macnine gun removes from its left hull mount. Small pistol ports on production CV 33s replaced side grills along the upper hull sides. Both head- lights were later moved to the front superstructure. Stowago boxes were located behind the superstructure.La EE an engine powered electric ignition system to start and stop the flame thrower By 1935-36, each CV company had a single CV 33 Lf platoon, The flame-thrower tanks inst the Abyssinians Ethiopians) in East Africa, but it saw little use in North Africa during World War Two. The CV 33 Lf including « mode! del and mounting oved effective he tiles 101 (16 gallon fue tank over the engine ~ proved use ful against partisans in the Balkans, The tralerless model was also stud ied for use by athorne units, Enough vehicles to equip a company were built, bu they were then deployed to Y soslavia for ant- partisan opera The basic CV 33 platform was also employed as a ratio vehicle using the Marelli RF 3 CV radio, although its use in 1936 was limited to the ‘company and battalion commanders. The improved Marelli RE 1 CA, replaced the earlier RF 3 CV set during World War Two, RF 1 CA cxquipped vehicles were emplayed as platoon command vehicles, hut the diminutive CV 33 was considered too small to be fctively employed ell to the later and tal level command vehicle. This task slightly larger L 6-40 CR (Centro Radio; Radio Center), which was equipped with RF 1 CA and RF 2.CA radi. The new CV 35 variant introduced in 19: featured a simplified superstructure made of bolted armor plates instead of riveted plates used ‘on the earlier CV 33. A second batch had the side sling flaps replaced by rollertype ports, while the roof access hatches were equipped with ectangular instead of citcular vision ports, Ths wehicle was armed with {wo 800 Breda Model 38 machine guns in the front hull. Bridgelayers and recovery CVs were also produced, The bridg ‘of spanning & 6 s(20 foot gap. ers were capable The conguest of Ethiopia, follosed by the long, but victorious Spanish Civil War, made the small CV tanks famous around the world and beyond their actual merit, Several aries, including the Chinese ds. In the meantime, the Regio Eserito had realized the CV's shortcomings, but since over 1000 vehicles were purchased ther by the hund still avilable, the new tuereted light tank was not given prioity. Since a under active consideration, the Army Stall Vs. The oxiginal two-part track Hinks decided to improve the ex wore replaced with monolink tracks traveling over a mew torsion spring le 13.200 Bred suspension system. The prototype also received a sin Model 31 heavy machine gun, The madfcation’s design and testing took a long time. A 47/32 tank 3 hull was simultaneously 8 ACV 33 maneuvers through wood- {6 terrain during the 1930s. These iy tankettes were painted over all gray-groon, which was the Regio Esercito’s standard vehicle color, Production CV 33s received ‘2 mottled two-tone finish, whieh usually consisted of dark green over brown. These colors wore considered adequate for tanks Intended to operate in northern Htaly, where the Halians fought the bulk of their campaigns in World War One. od and produce soon dropped. The tankette had! not bbeen improved, nor was the new light tank in production by the Spring of 1940. 1 was not until mi 1942 that Ansaldo started modify 200 taakettes with the new suspen sion, an episcope, and 8s Breda Model 38 machine guns. The outbreak of hosilitis in June of 1940 sooner than the politicians had expected ~ forced Italy to fight in Libya with what the Army had on hand uatl July of 1940. The ti L3 was vulnerable to the .55 caliber (L4yn) Boys anti-tank rifles ‘mounted on British armored cars, In the Fall of 1940, a few of these tankettes were rearmed with ether the 2040 Solothurn S18-10KK) or $18-1100 1100 anti-tank rifle or the 12.7wat Breda-SAFAT heavy machine gun, Other tankettes received 445.1 Brixia infantry support mortars, while a number were also fitted ‘with an ani-areraft machine gun bracket n 1942 the romaining L 3s, initially designed for security econnais sance duties, were confined to basic training and counter insurgene lunits in Haly and the occupied countries, Afler the Armistice of 3 September 1943, some L 3 tankettes remained in use with the RSI ‘lian Social Republic), while the Germans seized other vehicles. A small number remained in both Ttalian Army and police service dur the post-war years unit 1952. Ieisificult 1 sa0ss the L 3 series tankettes, Their small size provid: and made them difficult to hit, but their dark and cod mobili a inter ramp: left litle room for communications equipment. Starting the engine from inside the vehicle was extremely hard. The low vision. The suspension system was considered delicate. The two smal r ally if height also offered p hatches mado escape difficult esp it overtumed, The small size also affected the size ofthe uel tank a rej the last tankettes in North A‘fiea (mid-1941) had to subsequent carzy external fuel in three 20 1 iat-Ansaldo L 3-33 (CV 33) Light Tank Length 3.2 (10 feet 6 inches) wath 1.4. (4 feet 7-1 Inches) Height 1.3m (feet 32 inches) Combat Weight: 3200 xc (7055 pounds) ‘Armor Thickness: Gi to 13.5 Powerplant......One 43 HP Fat SPA CVS four-cylinder, liquid ‘cooled, inline engine Armaments... OMgnaly, one 6 Suu Fit-Revelli Model 14 ‘machine gun with 3800 rounds in the hull Fator, two Buu Fiat Mode! 18/35 machine guns ‘with 2240 rounds in the hull ‘Maximum Spocd:.42 ca (26 won) ‘Maximum Range:.140 wa (67 miles) Crew: Two(Above) The second CV 33 production serios jum incorporated minor improvements and ‘changes, These included adding an indepen: dont rear track tension idler whee! immediate- ly ahead of the idler wheel. Two 6iu Fiat Mode! 14/35 machine guns replaced the single 6.5inu Fiat-Revelli Model 14 machine gun. ‘These weapons were The tripod for a heavy machine gun folded and stowed atop the engine deck was a standard iting for CV 338, (Right) Ansaido equipped this second CV 33 for manufacturer's tests in the mid-1930s, eal signs were painted on the super: sides, A now tactical markings sys tered service In 1938; however, some vohicles retained the older markings early in World War Two. 2 horizontal white bar painted on the super structure sides identified a CV 39 assigned to ‘cavalry unit. A name in capital letters was Usually painted above this bar, although this Is not the case with this vehicle. This CV 33 was stil armed with the single 6.5usl machine Gun. CV 338 were were retrofitted with two fis weapons in 1935.Ay neh A small ammunition trailer is hitehed to this CV 33. The trailer hauled additional ammunition for this vehicle's machine guns; however, the tankette's crew had to evacuate to a safe ares in order to unload ammunition from this taller. Units equipped with both CV 338 and lator CV 35s (L 3-388) were issued with these talles, ‘The CV 93 Carro Radio (Radio Tank) for battalion and compa- ny commanders was equipped with the Marelli RF 3 CV radio set. A large loop-type antenna extended from the superstruc: ture root to the engine deck Panniers for the radio batteries ‘wore located along the engine Compartment sides. The CV 33, Carro Radio retaines the two ‘nw machine guns of standard, non-radio equipped CV 33. 6.5m Fiat-Revelli Model 14 Machine Gun Barro! Length:...654uu (25.7 Inches) Food: 50-round strip feed box Muzzle Velocity: 640 u (2100 feet) por second Rate of Fite:..».500 rounds er minute (maximum) 4950 rounds, perminute {practical Rounds: Ball This early CV 33 was used to test the CV 33 LI (Lanciatiamme: Flame-Thrower) vehicle. A long: barreled flame-thrower replaced the hull-mounted machine guns, The two-wheeled traller held 500 1 (132 gallons) of flame-thrower fuel, which was fed through 9 hose to the CV 29,‘ACV 33 LE spews flame during maneu ‘ers in Halian Somaliland (part of pre Sent-day Somalia) in the Spring of 1936. 60 L (16 gallon) fuel tank was ‘mounted on the engine deck. This sup plied flame thrower fuel when difticutt terrain inhibited use of the 500 « fuel trailer. Markings on the hull side ind cate this CV 83 LY was the 12th tank of the 2na Company, 3rd Platoon, 8m Fiat Model 14/35 Machine Gun Barrel Length 590m (25.7 inches) Feed nnnnmround belt Muzzle Velocity...750 u (2461 feet) per second Fate of Fire:......800 rounds per minute (maxi mum); 450 rounds per minute (practi- cal) Maximum Range:..5400 m (5908 ‘yards Effective Range:...1000 1 (1094 yards) Rounds: Ball and Armor- Piercing (AP) 8mm Breda Model 38 Machine Gun Barr Length:..600me (23.6 Inches) Feed: 24-round box ‘magazine Muzzle Volocty:...775 1 (2543 feet) er second Rate of Fite.o-.850 rounds per ‘minute Maximum Range:..5500 u (6015 yards) Effective Range:...500 m (547 yards) Funds: Ball and Armor- | A mixed formation of CV 33 gun-mounted tanks and flame-thrower vehicles prepare to attack Piercing (AP) ‘across the North Arica desert. The CV 33 Lfs were deployed in columns, which allowed the next Vehicle to continue in acton when the lead tank was out of fuel. The lalians employed flame- thrower tanks in North Africa early in World War Two, particularly during the siege of Tobruk, Libya in 1942, Both CV 39 crewman ride with the superstructure root hatches open in North Africa. This tankette and the later (GV 35 were crewed by @ commander/gunner in the lft hull find the driver to right. A towing eye is mounted on the lower front hull. Excoptional aglty was required for entering and exiting a CV 33/CV 35 tan kette, Turning upside down in combat was nearly always fatal to its crow, Since they could not get out of the vehicle without outside assistance. No cape hatches were fitted to the vehicle's undersurface, Wallan armored Vehicle crews usually wore dark blue overas with black leather helmets,(Lott) Army officers demonstrate the CV 33 Passerella (Footbridge) bridgolayer to the Duce (Leader), Benito Mussolini (hands on both ‘Summer of 1996. This was the third the standard machine gun and ved as a soldier on the Isonzo World War One. Front facing Austri-Hungary Regio Esercito Cap Badges (Gold wire for officers, warrant officers, and non-com- missioned officers; brass or black thread for other ranks) Tanks Light Tanks (Bottom) The few CV 33 Passoreila vehicles were assigned to units ft Armored Brigade levels, The 7 u (23 feet) long bridge was Stripped down into sections on a trailer towed by the CV 33 itselt ® for travel. On arriving at the combat zone, this bridge was assem- k's front. The crew laid the completed bridge over le from within the vehicle. & CV 33 Passerelia crew took utes to lay out this bridge.The CV 35 entered production in 1936 and was the final CV variant. This vehicle was redesignated the 3-35 in 1998. The newer tankette Simplified and bolted hull which replaced the earlier CV 33's riveted hull, This 1937 production model CV 35 had the same vision blocks that were Introduced with the second CV 33 model, A shovel and iron bar replaced the tripod stowed atop the engine deck, Aan L 3-36 Lf erew tests its flame-thrower at Langhirano, near Parma, tly in 1941 The vehicle was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 133rd_ Litforio Armored Division. The L 3-35 Ls flame-thrower had a maximum range of 100 u (109 yards) under favorable weather condi- tions. High winds, rain, and snow reduced this range. The Sottotenente {2nd Lieutenant) standing to the right of the L 3-35 Lf wore the Regio Esercito's M1940 gray-green field uniform, with a {gold wire loop and bar on the cuff indicat- ing his rank. (F. Cappeliano) ‘An L 3-35 climbs up a rocky slope Somewhere in the Balkans. The white vertical bar painted on the hull and Superstructure indicated a tank assigned to a pro-German unit ater the 1943 Armistice. The driver's hatch is ‘open for greater visibility. L-3s could climb over 0.7 w (2 foot 3.6 Inch) high vertical obstacles and cross a 1.45 m (4 foot 9.1 inch) wide trench. This tan- kette's faa machine gun had an eleva tion range of +15" to--12', and it could be slowed 12° to left of right. Another 3-35 and an L 6-40 light tank are parked on the road, (Bundesarchiv)hrower near Rome in 1940. signed for mounting on turret: fed L tanks, including the L 6-40 light tank, Fuel was supplied from a 601. (16 gallon internal tank. for airliting these tankettes to Italy's colonies in East Aiea. Instead, the tankettes were deployed to fight Yugosiavia, whi ‘supplied Walia forThree L335 Ls towing 500 \ fuel trailers mount a simulated attack in italy. Although such an attack was Impressive looking, it was not This L 3-35 was modified with an improved suspension system in 1997. The suspension employed four large road wheels per side, instead of the six smaller wheels used on CV 33s/35s. is armament was upgraded from two im Breda Model 38 machine guns to one 1.2m! Breda Model 31 machine gun. Although this armament was highly effective against well-defended positions. Additionally, the inarmored fuel trailers were vulnerable to enemy fr, ‘successfully tested in 1997, the Regio Esercito only approved its ft ting in 1941. Ansaldo modified 200 CV 338 and CV 35s with this now suspension in 1942-43; however, they retained the two Bnet Mode! 38 guns. This Breda weapon replaced the earlier Bi Fiat Model 35, machine gun on Htalian tanktes from 1998.Both crewman perch on the roof of their L 35 in the Western Desert in 1941. They are wearing black leather overcoats with the matching helmets. This vehicle was armed with two Bu Breda Model 38s, ‘This L 35 is painted overall Saharian Khaki (approximately FS20260), hich was standard for italian armored vehicles deployed to North Aioa, Two Regio Esorcto officers wearing cork sun helmets ~ and the arm ofa third officer at left lean against the tankette, ltalian armored crewmen stand near an L 3-25 In the Balkans. After Axis forces conquered Yugoslavia and Greece in the Spring of 1981, the tankettes were primarily used for ant-par tisan operations. This vehicle is armed with the standard two 81t Fiat Model 35 machine uns in the left forward hull. They wear the Standard dark blue cloth overalls worn in oF around their vehicles. The black leather hel mets have soft leather neck flaps, which could be folded up. The two nearest crewmen each woar a gray leather pouch bandolior over the left shoulder, The erewman at the right holds the engine starting crank in his lft hand, {A pair of aft opening hatches were mounted on the L 3-35 fighting compartment root. An af-sliding plate in the lett hatch root allowed the commanderigunner to peer upward, The driver's right hatch was Identical, This L 3-35 was painted overall Saharian Khaki for servico Intlonh Attica {An L.335's driver uses a sextant while scanning the North African Sky. L 3s generally lacked the roof-mounted anti-aircraft machine un found on the M tanks; thus, they were vulnerable to strafing attacks, The vehicles’ small size was their best defense agains ait attack. Each LS had large drive sprockets mounted a the front. Power from the aft-mounted engine was sent to the gearbox mount ed in the front hull. In turn, power was transmitted tothe sprockels, hich tured the tracks.An L335 wades through a shallow stream during exercises in italy. This vehicle could negotiate waters up to0.7 m (2 feet 3.6 inch- fs) deep driven by its tracks. L 3s were ever employed on amphibious assaults, but crossed streams in the Balkans Headlights for night travel are mounted on the forward superstructure corners. The narrow white bar on the hull side was part ofthe 1st Platoon insignia, Leather covers protect the two Bi machine guns on this 3.35 operating in the Western Desert in 1941. Desert sand, churned when this vehicle drove through terrain, has coated the hull The driver opened his hatch and poked his head out- side the vehicle, while his commander/qunner remained ‘but- toned up’ inside the fighting compartment. The commander was provided with a periscope that was shielded by an frmoted vision flap, Slitted fabric covers placed over the head- Tights reduced the light emitted during night traveling, The cir- cular device mounted under the machine gun barrels is the embossed metal Regio Esercito emblem that was common on Ralian military vehicles. Cast in either bronze or aluminum, this, badge featured the fascos, a five-point star, and R%EI> (Regio Esorcito. Italian troops often removed this military badge aftor Benito Mussolin' fall from power on 25 July 1943, Motor Vehicle Badge L 3-35 Twin Machine Gun Mount An L 3.86 drives up to an antitank obstacle ~ iron beams sunk into Moveabe Pate Covering Sighting Pont concrete ~ during exerelaes In aly. This simple obstacie proved fffective against L 3s. A 1 8 painted over the 2nd Platoon insignis, ‘on the hull sie, This new tactical sign type wae tested In the 1997 Roya allan Army Maneuvers in Sicily and approved In 1838 Two Sus Breda Mode! 238 Machine Guns Motor Vehicle Badge{A motorcycle-riding British soldier rides past two disabled L 3-335 at Bardia, Libya in January of 1941 This port city near the Egyptian bor er fell during the British offensive (Operation COMPASS) against taian forces in North Arica. The near vehi cle was a second production series 3-39 roteoftted with a 200M Fucile antlearro cannon. This was tho ‘Swiss-developed Solothurn 818-1100 anti-tank rifle, which the Regio Esercito began purchasing in large ‘numbers in 1940. It replaced one of the vehicle's two 64m machine guns. ‘The 20um weapon penetrated up to ‘18m of armor at 300 w (328 yards), which was effective against lightly ‘armored vehicles, One L 3-35 was modified into a proto: type tank destroyer vehicle ~ the Semovente da 47/32 ~ in 1939. The superstructure was removed and a 447 Breda Cannone da 47/32 M35 gun was mounted on the front hull. This Austrian-designed weapon was the Regio Esercito's standard anticlank gun throughout World War Two. The vehicle had a modified L 3-35 suspen Sion and tracks. Although trials were conducted, the Regio Esercito did not accept the Semovente da 47/32 for pro duction. 20mm Fucile anticarro da 20mm ‘S' Anti-Tank Rifle (Swiss Solothurn $18- 1000/1100) Barrel Longthnu1420ma (55.9 inches) Foot. TTen-round Box Muzzle Velocity:.-910 u (2086 feet) per second Rate of Freee to 20 rounds per minute Armor Penetration: 0s at 100 1 (109 yards) Rounds: AArmor-Piercing (AP) 1 fixed metal shield was mounted in front of the gun to protect the ‘Semovente da 47232’ etew trom enemy fire. I was dismounted for transport and placed along the engine compartment sides. A large slit n the center allowed the 47H gun to elevate up to 56 A small tin the shields left side allowed the crew to see targets. This Vehicle is painted in a two-tone scheme, which is believed to be ‘overall dark sand with streaks of red-brown and green, Flat-Ansaldo Usually painted their prototype and presentation vehicles in this scheme. A towing eye fs mounted on the frant plate, with the Regio Esercito motor vehicle insignia mounted on the left side‘Two early production L 3-358 are pre: pared for a mission in Noth Africa. These vehicles are equipped with a5uu Brixia ‘mortars for infantry support. Each mortar Was crewed by a gunner and a loader, which launched up to 18 rounds per ‘minute. The Brixia weapon had a range of 530 1 (580 yards). The near vehicle is ‘marked with the sign for a platoon's 3rd Company. ‘An 335 crewman walks away from a British Morris Model CSS/LAC armored car captured in the Western Desert in 1941, The near tankette Is armed with Bu machine guns, while a nearby L 3-35 has the 20am Solothurn-designed Fucile anticarre anti-tank rifle This weapon was effective against ‘soft-skinned! and lightly armored vehicles such as the Morris Light Armored Car (LAC); however, it was ineffective against such heavier armored vehicles as the Matilda Infantry tank Fiat-Ansaldo L 3-35 (CV 35) Light Tank Length: 3.2 10 feet 8 inches) | ‘wat 4.4% (4 feot 7.1 inches) Height 1.3 (4 feet 3.2 inches) ‘Combat Weight...3270 xa (7209 pounds) Armor Thickness: 640 to 13.5uu Poworplant:....One 43 Flat SPA CVS four- eylinder, liquid-cooled, inline engine vo 6 Broda Model 38, Armament Maximum Speed:.42 xu (26 un) | Maximum Fange:. 120 va (75 miles) | Crow: Two | Aan L 3 arives past the Napoleon Memortal at Ajaccto, Corsica in November of 1942. German forces occupied Viehy France and italian troops took over the French Island of Corsiea after the Allied invasion of French North Attica (Operation TORCH) on & November 1942. This pla- toon commander's L 3 is equipped with a RF 1 CA radio. A Whip antenna for this radio is mounted on the left upper hull This RF 1 CA and antenna was the last modification mage on Ls.‘An L3.with a new suspension climbs up toa dirt road in either Italy or Yugoslavia. The Aegio Esercito had several Ls remaining in service by 1 July 1943. They were employed on sec- ‘ondary duties, particularly in Malian-occupied Albania and Yugoslavia by that time. These duties included patrols against partisan forces that harried the occupation troops and pro-Axls residents, The thin armor and light armament prevented their employment against heavily ‘armed Allied forces. 3 Hs Sepeaber ob easvbae ‘Three Mf tank battalions consisting each of | sau tlm = = One Statf Company ~ HA platoon (Two HO tanks, two radio center tanks) £81039 L tank regiment consisted of ‘Transport platoon if platoon | | | ~ Recovery platoon Tank Unit Organization ‘Tho M tank battalion organization was similar except that ftame-thrower tanks were not assigned to this battalion. When Italy entered World War Two, there were two kinds of basic ‘A reorganization was ordeved in August of 1961. Each Land I ‘tank units: L and M tank battalions. While the L (light, ie. tankete) bat ae ee eee {aon consisted of thee companies, the M (ned) tank batons | _pegimental HO ‘were formed with two companies. Each regiment had three or four bat- | ~ pegimental Satf Company and reserve tanks taions, with eo batalions equipped with L tanks and one or two with fore stadctseeoe fru eae ve bein) M tans One radio platoon After July 1940, each ofthe tree armored divisions hata single Hight One transport piatoon tank regiment and no ater armored vehicles. An M tank regiment was Three reserve tank platoons (27 reserve tanks) | aud in 1941, while the L tank regiments began to be disbanded in | I Regimental Headquarters (HQ) = Staff Company Three platoons each of five tanks, ‘One staff platoon = One Anti-Aircraft (RA) company equipped with eight ‘One radio platoon 20m cannon One transport platoon, = One repair and recovery company, with heavy work shops. Roe in eee eee ey eee a pepo ently ec a ee yon fon Soe oe ee ee company), and ee eee HO (One P [heavy] tank, One command armored car) = Three tank companies (39 P tanks and 18 ammunition carriers | with trailers) “Three recovery units (6x 6 tractors with four ale trailers) = Three workshops. Lug, ‘Yugoslavia (now Croatia) in August of 1942, They escorted an talian convoy bound for Fiume, aly (now Rijeka, Croatia). This and other Axis convoys were targets for attacks. by Communist partisans led by Josip Broz Tito. Italy gave several L 3s to Croatia's pro- ‘Axis regime, which employed the tankettes, for intomal security duties‘A crewman poses by the L 6-40 light tank proto- type, giving an idea of the vehicle's size. Ansaldo originally intended this vehicle tor export; however, in 1940, the Regio Esercito (Royal Nalian Army) expressed interest in it There were few changes between this prototype and production L 6-408, which were delivered to ‘the Regio Esercito trom 1981 L 6-40 Light Tank In 1939, Fiat-Ansaldo 20M cannon aad co-axial machine gun in a revolving t greed to produce a reconnaissance tank ret. The vehicle was intended for export, but Italian military authorities, ‘examined it and were intrested in Royal alan Amy). The Army originally ordeted 583 L 6-40s from the SPA plant in Tusin its use by the Regio Esercito mn reduced to 283 tureted vehicles: the rem ted into Semovente da 47 light tank destroyers. Both were to he con fotders wore late increased, Fiat and Ansaldo also completed 30 turret snmunition earrers forthe Semovente da 90/53 by he end of 1943, The L 6-40 was powered by a 68 up SPA 18 VT four-cylinder, liquid cooled, inline engine mounted in the vehicle's rear: The power was ansmited via a drive shaft co single dise plate dry eluich, From there power went into a four speed (and reverse ransmission that incorpora fed a dual range reduction gear. An epicycical final drive and sterin :mcchanism with front driving sprockets was used. Both the gearbox and final deve had a common oil citculaion system, The two double whee! assemblies were torsion bar sprung cantilever mounted on supports fixed to the hull. ‘The cantilevers of the two to hydraulic shock absorbers and slid, om the inner All bogie wheels and return mounted on roller bearings, Each track consisted of 88 cast Track side, in a curved arm fixed to the tank hall rollers w link sion was adjusted by an idler wheel with fork The L 6-40 was armed with a 20. Breda Model 35 cannon and an Bunt Breda Model 38 machine gun in a revolving turret. Main gun elevation Fanged from +20" to -12'. Although Ansaldo designed the L 6-40, Fiat-SPA produced this Vehicle and its derivatives at its Turin aly fac- {ories between 1941 and 1944, 5 ——E——SE a ‘device and torsion bar spring. The idler wheel also served a a road whee! The L 6-40 hull was constructed entirely of flat plates that were but flat or angled metal strips. A joined and either bolted oF riveted ove bulkhead separated the hull into tw The driver's fighting compartment, and the rear engine compartment. river's seat and controls, the hatteries, and dhe radio equipment. The ater consisted of one RF 1 CA set, which was suppiemedted by @ RF CA in Conero Radlo (Radio Cental) command vehicles. & front lu ‘or cooling while two more ait The compartment root (ing) and the dkiver's episcope over the uted om the right itakes were provided in the rea superstructure accommodated the turret rae reetangular vision por, A erew access door was m hull side. The polygonal turret was offset to the left and incorporated two view slits in the and commander's The tur ides, a roof mounted hateh, rerscope, rear had a removable plate to remove aa service ‘he guns and sighting telescope The engine compartment housed the engine, radiator and fan, and the ful tanks, The engine deck had two access hatches with integral cool ing ir intake grills Two additional air oul grills were st further to the teat. The rear hull plate incorporated a circular plate for inspecting system, An L 6-40 Lf (Lanciaf Throover variant was also built but t didnot enter production The Semovente (Selt-propelled) da using a modified L 6-40 bull ts open top superstructure was equipped‘At least seven L 6440s go through an obstacle course during Regio Esercito acceptance trials In the Summer of 1941. This vehicle demonstrated @ good cross-country performance in these tals. It with a modified front plate mount ank gun. The right caly vehicles and deleted on later precuction Semove a limited traverse 4744 Breda 47/32 ce88 door, now deen id useless, was welded shut on 17232, The red with a tarpaulin sliding on topped fighting. compartment could by was able to clear a 0.7 w (2 foot 3.6 inch) vertical obstacle and a 1.7 (6 foot 6.9 inch) wide trench. The Italians deployed L 6-40s to replace the earlier 3-38/95 tankettes int side bars to protect the erew any Platoon equipment from the elements ymanders’ tank destroyers were ited with « Marelli RE TCA radio set. Company commanders’ vehicles were equipped With both the RF 1 CA and RF 2 CA radios, but deleted the main gun in favor of a dummy gun made of « metal tube that hid an 8M Breda Model 38 machine gun. The L 6-40°s tactical employment was the same as in the L 3.35/35-equipped units, These new L tanks and tank destroyers were issued in 1942-43 t0 cavalry and ersaglier’ reconnaissance roups and saw action in Russia, North Attica, and the Balkans The Semovente da 47/32 equipped anti-tank battalions fought in Sicily and Corsica; the latter after the 1943 Amistic A number of L. 6-40 light tanks were produced for German and RSI counter insurgency units in 1944, Some of these vehicles modified superstructures and were ited with «shielded a Be Model 38 machine gun for close defense Fiat-Ansaldo L 6-40 Light Tank Length: 3.8 u(12 feet 56 inches) width: “1.9 4 (6 feet 2.8 inches) Heighitsusnnon-2 (6 f08t 6.7 inches) Combat Weight:.6800 xa (14,991 pounds) ‘Armor Thicknoss:.6uu to 40m Powerplant......One 68 HP Fiat SPA 18 VT four-cylinder, liquis-cooted, inline engine | Armament: ‘One 200» Breda Model 35 cannon with 296 rounds in turret and one Sua Breda Mode! 38 machine gun with 1860 rounds ‘covaxial with main gun. Maximum Speed: 2 wun (26 se) Maximum Range:-200 xu (124 miles) | row Two An L 6-40 crosses a river while operating on the Russian Front {in the Summer of 1942. This vehicle is the frst tank assigned to the 3rd Platoon of an armored company. The tactical signs dis played on the front superstructure and turret side are larger than normal, while the individual number (1) Is painted on the turret side ahead of the tactical sign. Fity-sx L 6s equipped the LXVIt (67th) Bersagiler! Armored Battalion, which consisted of a headquarters unit and two companies of five platoons per com. pany.‘An L 6-40 is loaded in the bed ‘of @ Fiat G66NM truck, while a second L 6 is mounted on @ trailer behind the truck. The L'6-40's combat weight was 16800 xe (14,991 pounds), oF 6.8 ur (7.5 tons). This was over twice the 3200 xo (7055 pound) combat weight of an L 3-33, ‘The Flat 666NM (Natta Militar; Diesel Miltary) entered service in 1939. This truck was 7.1 a (23 feet 35 inches) long, with a {ully loaded weight of 6900 xe (13,228 pounds), and carried '5000 xo (11,023 pounds) of cargo or 20 men. The Flat {666NM was powered by a 123, vw engine, which gave ita max: Imum speed of 48 xu (30 wr) and a range of 470 xu (292 miles) This L 6-40 operated by the training schoo! at Pinerolo had its 200 main gun removed. A black 4 painted on tho hull side hateh is the tank's only marking. The Regio Esorcito approved the L 6-40 for sorvice in March of 1940; however, production delays meant that it first entered serview in mid-1941, 20mm Breda Model 35 Cannon Barrel Length:...1300us (51.2 inches) Feed: lght-round tray ‘Muzzle Velocity...630 u (2723 feet) per second Rate of Fre....-240 rounds per minute (max mum); 150 rounds per minute (practical Effective Range:..5500 u (6015 yards) Rounds: High Explosive (HE) and Armor Plercing (AP) Aan L 6-40 rolls over the Russian steppe in the Summer of 1942. Ns crew smeared mud over the Saharian Khaki paint scheme to offer a more appropriate camoutlage for the Russian Front The L 6-40 was the heavi oployed with the Htalian Bth Army to the Russian Front’s southern sector. Soviet forces routed the 8th Army between the ‘Don and Donets rivers in southwestern Russia in late 1942,Also Vidussoni, secretary of the Partito Nazionale Fascist (PAF; Faseist National Party) stands on an L 6-40 (Rie 3917) while addressing Italian troops in Russia in September of 1942 This vehicle was deployed to Russia in the original Saharian Khaki finish, which was later camouflaged with mud by its crews. The numeral 4 painted above the 3rd Platoon sign on the front superstructure is repeated on the turret side, Experience in Russia prompted evelopment of the Paghet! heating systom. This diesel-fueled generator heated compressed air that was blown through four corrugated pipos through the upper radiator grills of {our L 6-40 light tanks or semoventi (sett-propelied guns) under the harsh Russian winter conditions. The Paghetti device weighted 353 xo (778 pounds). {An L 6-40 is parked on a causomay in Greece. This vehicle is believed to be painted In overall ray, with Saharian Khaki and red-brown streaks, White vertical bars painted on the front hull and superstructure side were a tactical emblem for this ion. The towing eye split the white vehicle registration plate on the front hull. RE (Regio Esercito; Royal italian Army) I in red on the left half (viowed from the front), while 5484 I black This information was also displayed on a rear hull plate. A lion's head insignia is painted on the Superstructure fran, immediately below the turret