Piero Crociani / Pier Paolo Battistelli …
Übersicht
This volume assesses the formidable Special Forces fielded by Italy's navy and air force in World War II. Italian Navy Special Forces were particularly active and respected in the Mediterranean, where 10th Motor-Torpedo Boat Flotilla used frogmen, 'two-man torpedoes' and explosive ram-boats. The Italian Air Force formed a special commando unit, ADRA, before the 1943 surrender; it was tasked with attacking Allied airfields and communications in North Africa. Men from ADRA and Army paratroopers formed the new 'Folgore' Regiment, which also continued to fight alongside German forces until 1945. In both cases, the pro-Allied Italian forces also formed 'mirror' units to fight alongside US and British forces, including the Recce Squadron 'F'. Featuring rare photographs and specially commissioned artwork, this book tells the story of the little-known elite forces fielded by Italy's navy and air force in World War II, some of whose successors remain in service with today's Italian armed forces.
contents
Introduction
Navy units before September 1943 surrender: 10th MAS Flotilla – 'San Marco' Regiment – midget submarines
Air Force units before September 1943: ADRA – the 'Loretto' Battalion
Navy units after September 1943: 10th MAS – 'Decima Division' anti-partisan land force
Air Force units after September 1943: 'Folgore' Regiment
Navy and Air Force elite and special units under Allied control, 1943–45: 10th MAS Flotilla – Recce Squadron F
Bibliography
Index