"Equipment" of Italian division

Discussions on all aspects of Italy under Fascism from the March on Rome to the end of the war.
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tom_deba
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"Equipment" of Italian division

#1

Post by tom_deba » 16 Aug 2004, 13:58

I have conducted interviews with old people who remember the time of WWII. They assured me that when the Italian Mountain Divisions where transported to Estearn Front through Poland these Italian troops where "equipped" among other thnings in monkeys that are helpful in mountains. Is it true or false?

/tom/

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DrG
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#2

Post by DrG » 16 Aug 2004, 17:36

False.


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Andy H
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#3

Post by Andy H » 16 Aug 2004, 18:07

Just how would Monkeys be useful in mountains?

The only thing I can imagine is to carry messages between posistions.

Andy H

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tom_deba
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#4

Post by tom_deba » 16 Aug 2004, 18:19

Sorry not monkey (stupid mistake!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) but donkeys.
I wrote it when I just woke up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I was a little bit tired.
/tom/

Patrice
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#5

Post by Patrice » 16 Aug 2004, 18:27

Hello.
The animals in equipment in the Italian troops of mountain (Alpini)was mules.
Patrice.

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Victor
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#6

Post by Victor » 16 Aug 2004, 21:00

tom_deba,
generally all the mountain troops (Italian, German, French, Romanian etc.) used mules as they were the perfect "truck" for the rugged terrain they were supposed to fight in.

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Lupo Solitario
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#7

Post by Lupo Solitario » 16 Aug 2004, 21:37

the 1940 TOE for an italian alpine division included 5327 animals, mainly mules for pack train and artillery

Mule drivers are one of the most typical figures in italian alpine troops

I add that the offroad capabilities given by mules was essential in the very good performance of italian alpini on russian front

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DrG
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#8

Post by DrG » 16 Aug 2004, 21:56

Mules were used by the Italian Alpine units from 1872 till 1993 (but, given their usefulness in mountain terrain, there were proposals to use them also in Afghanistan in 2003).

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SeppCaesar
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#9

Post by SeppCaesar » 17 Aug 2004, 02:56

I donno, Monkeys would be cool for entertainment in the off duty hours. :D

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Csaba Becze
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#10

Post by Csaba Becze » 18 Aug 2004, 09:55

Yes, the donkeys had a very important role most of the mountain units.

But maybe the Italians tried the yetis also (instead of monkeys)? :wink:

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tom_deba
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#11

Post by tom_deba » 19 Aug 2004, 11:10

I think my mistake with "monkeys" was one of the best jokes on this forum!!!

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Lupo Solitario
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#12

Post by Lupo Solitario » 20 Aug 2004, 00:49

Csaba Becze wrote:Yes, the donkeys had a very important role most of the mountain units.

But maybe the Italians tried the yetis also (instead of monkeys)? :wink:
only sasquatch :lol:

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johnny_bi
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#13

Post by johnny_bi » 20 Aug 2004, 16:36

Victor, I saw the picture of some Romanian soldiers using some camels in Caucasus zone to transport their stuff... Do you have some details about this?

Image
Source of the photo: http://www.worldwar2.ro

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Victor
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#14

Post by Victor » 20 Aug 2004, 22:43

Don't know too much about them but I think they were used in the Kalmuk Steppe (not exactly the Caucasus)

lo_guilhem
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#15

Post by lo_guilhem » 20 Aug 2004, 23:12

yes, and not only romanian, there are some photos of german officers of the army group south with camels (sorry but i don't have scanner)

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