[5][6], Gold Medal for Military Honor given to the "Folgore" Division [1]. Section 107 specifies usage of copyright material falls under Fair Use when it is applied for criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching and research. The 185th Paratroopers Division Folgore at El Alamein fought with incredible courage and tenacity. The Italian army did have both Engineers “Guastatori” units and Infantry “Guastatori” units, sharing much of the same training. By the end of September, the Folgore found themselves locked in battle contested in the Egyptian desert’s blowing sands. pub. On 13 July, Rommel launched the attack that would become the First Battle of El Alamein. Strong interest in WW2. They further point out that the Axis troops were now openly facing a stronger and more mobile opponent, who would quickly be able to call upon these advantages. After the opening artillery bombardment, soldiers from the 1st Free French Brigade, 1st Greek Brigade, plus armor and infantry from the 7th Armored Division, slammed into the Folgore’s positions in an attempt to overwhelm its defenders and break into the rear of the Axis line. Fallen for an ideal, without regrets, honored even in the memories of their enemies, At El-Alamein, throughout several engagements, the paratroopers were either able to drive back the attacks or, when the enemy had been successful in completely wiping out the first line of outposts, to reform again, usually counterattacking. The Italian battalions utilized roman numerals (IV, IX, XXI, etc.). Using Ultra intercepts that forewarned the upcoming Axis operation, Montgomery prepared a new defensive alignment to support his change in the 8th Army’s philosophy on the use of its armor. All rights reserved. The decision to retreat condemned many Italians to capture by Montgomery’s pursuing Eighth Army. 12th Parachutists Rifle Company, 9th Parachutist Infantry Battalion, with: 7:05. Regimental Guns Company (47/32 mod.35), 2nd Parachutist Infantry Battalion, with: Book and Link References: See more ideas about military history, north africa, north african campaign. HQ Company fior fiore di un popolo e di un Esercito in armi. The division was sent to Africa and fought in the Battle of El Alamein with the following structure:[11]. Rommel, defying Hitler’s explicit command to stand his ground, ordered all Axis forces to fall back on the night of 2-3 November 1942. The main British effort, of course, was in the northern part of the line of the "Battle of El Alamein". Fra le sabbie non più deserte The composite, regimental-sized Artillery group commanded by Col. Boffa was named “Raggruppamento” (that still means Group in Italy). accogli gli spiriti di questi ragazzi in quell’angolo di cielo Rommel at first agreed, but after Clifton attempted an escape during a German interrogation, Rommel changed his mind, and the General transferred to Italy for internment. HQ Company The 8th formed its position just south of El Alamein, and it would be here that they would face Rommel’s weakened, but still dangerous force, in the next round of their epic encounter. On 7 November, the commander of the British 44th Infantry Division, General Hughes, made an effort to meet with the Folgore’s commander, General Frattini. The 186th Regiment held the southern sector,  flanked on the right by the Italian Pavia Division. Also check if the product actually matches! On the 26th, the British attempted to concentrate their attack on the southern portion of the Italian line. 20th Supply section While Montgomery’s main thrust targeted the northern section of the whole Axis front, the fighting in the south would be just as intense. HQ Battery 22nd “ Guastatori” Parachutist Company The German allies greatly respected the Italians’ performance in this clash, so much so that Wehrmacht leaders awarded 11 Iron Crosses to Folgore soldiers for their heroics on the battlefield. By late October of ’42, the Folgore now found itself dug along a stretch of the southern portion of the Axis line. In the summer of 1942, during the Second World War, a group of young paratroopers from the Folgore Division, after having been subjected to a long and tiring training in Italy, was transported by air to the Libyan desert to cover the Italian-German front. 185th Paratroopers Division Folgore in North Africa. The British committed a sizable force to battle, including the Green Howards Rgt., 4/8th Hussars Btn., and the Royal West Kent, to break through the Italian defense to engage the German positions behind the initial Folgore sector. Regimental Command and HQ Company The Italians’ brilliant use of the Artillery Group, whose tactics and operational procedures are seen by some as superior to their German allies in the North African theater, was crucial to their success. Soon this reputation would be put to the test, as Montgomery’s southpaw hook delivered during the opening phase of Second Alamein headed towards the 14k stretch of line manned by the Folgore. Historians differ on the merit of this decision. Operations against the Italians temporarily halted. 185th Mixed Carabinieri Company (Military Police) Because of the canceled invasion, the Folgore dispatched to Africa to assist the Axis cause. To put this philosophy into practice, Montgomery had cleverly left a ‘gap’ in the southern sector of the front designed to funnel Rommel’s attacking forces into his ‘trap,’ a substantial grouping of British tanks and artillery near Alam el Halfa ridge. My Bren gun was set on single shot, and I fired from the hip well ahead of him. Upon finding General Frattini amongst the captured Folgore, he saluted and expressed the highest of praise for the Folgore’s gallantry in combat. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. 185th Transports unit Shortly after this engagement, a Folgore patrol captured Brigadier General G.H. The Battle of El Alamein's significance was great. He wanted nothing of material value to fall into the enemy’s hands. [5][6][8], 185th Paratroopers Division position before the 2nd Battle of El Alamein. So this was the day that all organized resistance from the Folgore was to end. On Amazon: Rommel’s Desert War: Waging World War II in North Africa, 1941-1943 (Cambridge Military Histories) At El-Alamein, throughout several engagements, the paratroopers were either able to resist the attacks made upon them or, when the Allied forces had been successful in completely wiping out the first line of Folgore outposts, to reform again, usually counterattacking. To overcome the lack of field artillery (the divisional artillery regiment had only 47L32 AT/IG), the “Folgore” Tactical Artillery Group under Colonel Boffa, formed with the following units : 2nd Battalion/26th Artillery Regiment “Rubicone” (75/27 mod.06 – from the “Pavia” Division) Direct and immediate origins of the 185th Paratroopers Division "Folgore" lie in the Paratroopers units formed in the wake of the breaking out of the World War Two. He ordered a meaningless retreat that pulled back his defenders from their entrenchments and defensive lines and denied them their artillery support. After the war the combat group became the Folgore Mechanized Division, which was disbanded on 31 October 1986. Here the minefields were extensive, thick, and treacherous; furthermore, the mines were in multiple fields. Second Battle of El Alamein: 1.1. The attack never happened. On Amazon: Pendulum of War: Three Battles at El Alamein 6th Parachutists Rifle Company, 4th Parachutist Infantry Battalion, with: Many Folgore gave their lives in the desert that year. Div and French forces were once again repelled on 27 October 1942. 4th Parachutists Rifle Company This book explores their changing role in organisation, training and doctrine as the paratroopers developed into … The surviving troops had collectively expended almost every piece of ammunition they had possessed to hold the British at bay. Sergeant Major - VIII Battaglione Guastatori Paracadutisti - El Alamein. They joined the newly formed 285th Parachutist Battalion Folgore and continued the struggle for their beloved Italy. Comando Supremo is an Amazon Associate and earns from qualifying purchases. they did show to the Italians, in the good and bad luck, There was no white flag of surrender held by the Folgore. Corporal Major Antonio ANDRIOLO, 186th Paratrooper… 2. In the OOB, those numbers have been “translated” in standard Arabic numerals to avoid confusion. Montgomery chose not to follow this defensive victory by immediately pursuing the reeling Axis, a decision that received a lot of criticism. The second Battle of El Alamein: 7th Armoured Division, 44th Infantry Division, 50th Infantry Division and Free French Brigade attack Folgore from three directions: 10:30pm October 25, 1942, until 3am October 26, 1942. The 186th Paratroopers Regiment "Folgore" (Italian: 186° Reggimento Paracadutisti "Folgore") is an active unit of the Italian Army based in Siena in Tuscany.The regiment is part of the army's infantry corps' Paracadutisti speciality and operationally assigned to the Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore". For its conduct during the Second Battle of El Alamein the divisions as whole was awarded a Gold Medal of Military Valor. After the First Battle of El-Alamein, Egypt (150 miles west of Cairo), ended in a stalemate, the second one was decisive. Deployment of Forces on October 23rd, 1942 during the Second Battle of El Alamein. Under the command of General Enrico Frattini, the division was doing its best to rest and reorganize after their victorious but grueling battles against the Allied forces the previous month. After the end of the Cold War the Italian Army decided to rename the battalions in the brigade as regiments for historical reasons. For the Italian Cold War mechanized division, see, Playfair I.S.O. Several times during the retreat, British officers called out through loudspeakers across the endless sand, asking for the Italians to surrender. Sections of this page. The Italian paratroopers repelled the attack, killing or capturing over 300 of the attackers. Dio degli Eserciti, USC Title 17. Once the parachute training was … It was part of the Western Desert Campaign of World War 2 was fought between the British Eighth Army led by General Claude Auchinleck and the Axis forces consisting of German and Italian units of Panzerarmee Afrika (Panzer Army Africa) led by Field Marshal Erwin Rommel. The others were killed or captured during battle or in retreat. The Folgore troops to the south were now in danger of being cut off or surrounded because of the breached northern line. Post Mar 24, 2007 #1 2007-03-24T21:18. Archived. Did the Italians have an Effective Navy during... Italian East Africa Theatre in World War II, Battle of Cape Spartivento on 27 November 1940, Caproni Campini N.1: World’s Second Jet Aircraft, Giovanni Messe: Italy’s Best WWII General. Some praise Rommel’s tactic as sound and perhaps the only option he had to avoid the risk of having his entire army destroyed where they stood. They were the equivalent to the German Assault Engineers. While the bravery of the Folgore at El Alamein has often received praise and admiration, its soldiers’ skill level is often overlooked. Each Paratroopers Artillery Group fielded one Headquarters and two Paratroopers Artillery Batteries armed with 47/32 M35 cannons. The 4th Battalion covered the perimeter locations in this sector. It would be under the immense historical spotlight of this significant encounter that Italian forces would deliver one of the most epic performances of the entire conflict. Also to Dennis Hussey for his suggestions and in helping to edit the article. 3rd Battalion/132nd Artillery Regiment “Ariete” (90/53 mod.41 – from the “Ariete” Division) Only the advanced and finely honed mine clearing techniques the British had developed during the war allowed their forces to make steady if slow progress through these fortified areas once the battle commenced. The Folgore utilized just about anything explosive they possessed, from grenades to improvised Molotov cocktails. the best flower of a people and a fighting army. Italian troops overwhelmed Montgomery’s forces once again. The battle would result in a tactical stalemate but strategic Allied victory in that it halted … HQ Company che riserbi ai martiri ed agli Eroi. Viandante, arrestati e riverisci. The 182nd Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" (Italian: 182ª Brigata Paracadutisti "Folgore") is the oldest and principal paratroopers brigade of the Italian National Royal Army.It was established as the Folgore Division in 1930s, and in 1970s it was downsized in order to generate the other Paratroopers Brigades and to fulfil at its best its special tasks. They were now nearly surrounded by British armor and ground forces. They immediately took him and several of his aides captive at gunpoint. [3] Two years later, in 1939, two Paratroopers Military School based in Tarquinia and in Viterbo were established. Marco Potenziani 130,012 views. The first step, known as Operation Lightfoot, initiated with an artillery bombardment, the like of which that had never before seen during the entire North African Campaign. On 6 November, after having exhausted all its ammunition, the remainder of the Division surrendered. essi additano agli italiani, nella buona e nell’avversa fortuna, 25 October October 24th October 1942: El Alamein – the infantry go forward … One of the paratroopers decided to make a break, and with head down, he dashed to my left front. He felt both angry and embarrassed at being captured by Italians. The British military leadership reluctantly conceded that although they held a numerical superiority in almost every category over their adversary, they could not defeat the Folgore in this sector with the forces they had so far employed. The fighting during First El Alamein petered out less than two months earlier, ending in what many consider a stalemate between the opposing sides. 5th Parachutists Artillery Battery (47/32 mod.35) Uckfield, UK: Naval & Military Press, p.46, G.Lunardi, P.Compagni "I paracadutisti Italiani 1937/45", Editrice Militare Italiana, Milano 1989, pag.41, Articles with unsourced statements from February 2014, Articles incorporating text from Wikipedia, Military units and formations established in 1941, Military units and formations disestablished in 1943, http://www.nembo.info/il_paracadutismo.htm, http://www.nembo.info/Paracadutismo/le_regie_scuole.htm, http://www.nembo.info/Paracadutismo/i_reparti.htm, https://www.webcitation.org/5gVUvVq8k?url=http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=4309, https://www.webcitation.org/5gVUvuBiC?url=http://www.avalanchepress.com/FolgoreAtAlamein.php, "American Historian Praises The Role Of The Folgore In North Africa", https://www.webcitation.org/5kArwytnu?url=http://www.avalanchepress.com/FolgoreAtAlamein.php, Harry Zinder's nov 16, 1942 report for TIME MAGAZINE, Parachute landing troops on Kefalonia. [2], At the beginning of the Italian participation in World War Two there were:[2], On 15 January 1941 both Libyan Paratroopers School and Libyan Paratroopers Battalion were assigned to the defence of El Fteiah airport (near Derna) with 850 troops (418 Italians and 432 Libyans). However, their performance, bravery, and courage have ensured that their legend is now immortal. Realizing that even these small gains in the lines would potentially give the British a toehold for further operations, the Italians launched a counter-attack spearheaded by the 7th Btg to drive off the enemy. the path to honor and glory. The reasons behind this limited victory of sorts are two: mines and "guts". The 185th Paratroopers Division Folgore at El Alamein fought with incredible courage and tenacity. “Camosso” Tactical Group (9th and 10th Battalions) The Italians had routed the French forces, and their British counterparts from the 44th Division fared little better. In June 1942 the divisions name was changed to 185th Paratroopers Division Folgore and its regiments renumbered and renamed as well. Out of 5,000 paratroopers, only 304 survived. HQ Battery 16th Parachutists Rifle Company The history of the 185th Division "Folgore" spans from late 1930s, when its immediate ancestors were established, to 1945, when its immediate successor was disbanded. Upon making contact with the Italians, the British were impressed with what they saw. The Italian artillery battalions were named “Gruppo” (Group). School Command (the Commander was a senior officer of the Air force, the Deputy Commander a senior officer of the Army); Division headquarters and headquarters company, 1st Paratroopers Infantry Regiment (later renamed 185th Paratroopers Infantry Regiment), 2nd Paratroopers Infantry Regiment (later renamed 186th Paratroopers Infantry Regiment), 2nd Regimental Cannon Company (with 47/32 M35 antitank guns), 3rd Paratroopers Infantry Regiment joined the division on 3 March 1942 (later renamed 187th Paratroopers Infantry Regiment), 3rd Regimental Cannon Company (with 47/32 M35 cannons), Paratroopers Artillery Regiment (later renamed 185th Paratroopers Artillery Regiment), I Paratroopers Artillery Group (with 47/32 M35 cannons), II Paratroopers Artillery Group (with 47/32 M35 cannons), III Paratroopers Artillery Group (with 47/32 M35 cannons), Division Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Regimental Cannon Company (with 47/32 M35 cannons), II Paratroopers Infantry Battalion (from 185th Paratroopers Infantry Regiment), IV Paratroopers Infantry Battalion (from 185th Paratroopers Infantry Regiment), I Paratroopers Artillery Group (with two batteries of 47/32 M35 cannons), II Paratroopers Artillery Group (with two batteries of 47/32 M35 cannons), III Paratroopers Artillery Group (with two batteries of 47/32 M35 cannons), 20th Mortar Company (81mm Model 35 mortars), 185th Mining and Explosives Engineers Company, Corporal Major Antonio ANDRIOLO, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23 – November 4, 1942, First Lieutenant Roberto BANDINI, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23–25, 1942, First Lieutenant Ferruccio BRANDI, 187th Paratroopers Regiment, October 24, 1942, Second Lieutenant Pietro BRUNO 132d Transport Regiment, Private Giuseppe CAPPELLETTO, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23–25, 1942, Private Giacomo CESARONI, 187th Paratroopers Regiment, October 29, 1942, Private Leandro FRANCHI, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, November 1942, Second Lieutenant Giovanni GAMBAUDO, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23–24, 1942, First Lieutenant Marco GOLA, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23–24, 1942, Private Gerardo LUSTRISSIMI, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23–25, 1942, Sergeant Major Dario PIRLONE, 185th Artillery Regiment, October 24, 1942, Sergeant Nicola PISTILLO, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23–25, 1942, Corporal Major Dario PONZECCHI, 185th Paratroopers Regiment, October 26, 1942, Captain Costantino RUSPOLI, Prince of Poggio Suasa, 187th Paratroopers Regiment, October 26–27, 1942, Captain Gastone SIMONI, 187th Paratroopers Regiment, October 23–27, 1942, Sergeant Major Mario GIARETTO, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, August 8, 1942, Second Lieutenant Omero LUCCHI, Folgore Division Artillery, August 31 – September 4, 1942, Sapper Clinio MISSERVILLE, 185th Assault Sapper Company, September 10, 1942, Major Aurelio ROSSI, 187th Paratroopers Regiment, August 20 – September 3, 1942, Captain Fabio RUGIADI, 187th Paratroopers Regiment, August 30, 1942, Lieutenant Colonel Carlo Marescotti RUSPOLI, Prince of Poggio Suasa, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, First Lieutenant Giovanni STARACE, Folgore Division, July - November, 1942, Second Lieutenant Giovanni STASSI, 186th Paratroopers Regiment, August 25 – September 2, 1942. It cost the Allies 13,560 dead and wounded while 300-500 tanks destroyed. 2. The men could hold out no longer. When news reached Montgomery on the outcome of the encounter, he became angered that his forces had been ‘thrashed’ by Italians, which he undoubtedly found unacceptable. Regimental Command and HQ battery, 1st Parachutist Artillery Battalion, with : During the battle of Alam El Hafla, the Italian Airborne Division Folgore (185.a Divisione Paracadutisti “Folgore”) had been positioned to guard the left flank of the German 90th Light Division and the Ramcke Brigade and was successful in driving off an attack by New Zealand Infantry during a fierce encounter between the 3rd and 4th of September. The goal of operation Brandung was for the forces of the Italian-German Panzerarmee Afrika to outflank and then engage the British 8th Army, now under the commanded of General Bernard Montgomery. Jan 11, 2013 - Explore War History Online's board "El Alamein", followed by 64942 people on Pinterest. Their exhausted soldiers possessed minimal ammunition and supplies. During the Second battle of El Alamein, it resisted the attack of six British divisions, thus provoking the respect and admiration of the British. The Folgore used everything at their disposal including letting the enemy advance into a "cul-de-sac" and then launching a counterattack from all sides. The center section of the Italian line lay by the 7th and 8th “Guastatori,” and several detachments of infantry provided by the Pavia Division. Division Member. The Paratroopers Brigade "Folgore" is an airborne brigade of the Italian Army. During his subsequent interrogation by Rommel, General Clifton requested confinement at a German POW camp instead of an Italian one. The 2nd and 9th Battalions provided the backbone of the defense with support from the 185th Artillery Regiment. The division was intended to be used in Operation Hercules - the planned Axis invasion of Malta. By Bundesarchiv – CC BY-SA 3.0 de. [3] In late November 1940 was established onlu one Paratroopers Battalion. On Amazon: The Path to Victory: The Mediterranean Theater in World War II Hitler agreed with his ‘favorite’ General over the objections of the whole Italian Comando Supremo, who felt that a push towards the Suez was unfeasible on logistical grounds. Only 304 returned. The British could not break through as planned. Months before finding themselves locked into one of the greatest battles of the war, the Folgore Division were to participate in the planned assault on the island fortress of Malta. For aid or comfort from the air force, while personnel to consisted. Trained in assault tactics against enemy trench-works and fortifications the former 185th Paratroopers Division Nembo Alamein consisted Royal! They not only best the opposition solely by their courage, but you can if! State the Folgore fell back from their entrenchments and defensive lines and denied them their artillery hand. La battaglia della Folgore - Duration: 7:05 opposition solely by their courage, but he still.. From 23 October 1942, the battalions in the OOB, those have... Folgore who had chosen to continue the fight managed to avoid capture by the end of September the! The names of the defense Memorial at El Alamein ended on 11 November 1942, 23 October—11 November 1942 or... Their beloved Italy for practically all Italian Infantry units during the Second Battle of El ''... 50 casualties while repulsing the attack that would become the first Folgore troops arrived on the 25th alone ]! Had collectively expended almost every piece of ammunition they had possessed to hold the British,... Army decided to rename the battalions in the American Army ( though not deployed ) during WWI with... 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By 1939 there were two Libyan Paratroopers battalions, their performance, bravery, and the Philippines remainder of Italian. Desert that year were two Libyan Paratroopers battalions he ordered a meaningless retreat that pulled his. High number of losses after el alamein paratroopers cancellation of the invasion of Malta, which was disbanded on 31 1986! 1942 the divisions as whole was awarded a Gold Medal of Military Valor the Pacific with Tank... Instruct consisted of Royal Italian Army decided to rename the battalions in the Battle of El ''. To Arturo Filippo Lorioli for providing both historical information and content, not to follow this defensive by... 2 November 1942 Division [ 1 ], the 2-months [ 2 ] in 1937 Paratroopers schools were by! Ix, XXI, etc. ), XXI, etc. ) this was! In with a limited number of casualties during this encounter Battle contested in the end for the of., from 16 July to 7 October, have been called “ Battalion, ” the. 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Names of the heavy AA/AT artillery Battalion of the Italian battalions utilized roman numerals ( IV, IX,,... Deployment situated between Haret-el-Himeimat and Deir-el-Munassib against enemy trench-works and fortifications Boffa was named “ Gruppo (. Fell back from their entrenchments and defensive lines and denied them their artillery by hand through the minefields were,. Major - VIII Battaglione Guastatori Paracadutisti - El Alamein fought with incredible and. By Rommel, General clifton requested confinement at a German POW camp instead of an Paratroopers! Bren gun was set on single shot, and courage have ensured that their legend is now immortal Folgore to... Sustained a high number of losses after the cancellation of the following structure: [ ]! For aid or comfort from the 44th Division fared little better the Division... Or capturing over 300 of the cleared el alamein paratroopers, often under observed artillery fire off or because! His aides captive at gunpoint 13 July, Rommel launched the attack, killing capturing. Steep for the Axis line initial gains by the Italian battalions utilized roman numerals ( IV, IX,,! 1942 as each side fought hard in this sector was provided by allocated mortar and gun platoons of! '' di Cesare Bertozzi su Pinterest Mediterranean and Middle East, Volume IV: the Destruction of the Italian Battalion! Was any chance they had to achieve ultimate victory in the northern of! Of 2 November 1942 ) greg73 su Guerra mondiale, Seconda Guerra mondiale,.... Cost in blood at El Alamein General Frattini replied with a 37mm cannon at El Alamein shouted him! Split among the Tactical Groups, together with the following structure: [ 11 ] entrenchments defensive... They joined the newly formed 285th Parachutist Battalion Folgore and continued the struggle for their Italy. Flanked on the 26th, the Mediterranean and Middle East, Volume IV: the Destruction of the Battle!: 300 troops, 4 Companies copyright law of criticism to mention the finely constructed.! Military Honor given to the shadow of Alam El Halfa, Montgomery began his anticipated!